Chapter 72: Forced to Stay
"Since the wedding last night, no one in the mansion has found any trace of Old Marquis Zhao!
Now no one knows where Lord Zhao is!"

Xia Yu continued to answer Zhu Chengwu's questions.

After receiving the news that Huang Jun was kidnapped, the first person the people in the Marquis' Mansion contacted was actually Zhao Yuguang. It was not until they failed to find Zhao Yuguang that they notified Zhao Jinniu.

As for Zhu Chengwu, after Zhao Yugang arrived, his dominance made Zhu Chengwu, the injured Marquis of Fu'an, semi-invisible in the Marquis of Fu'an's Mansion.

The Zhao element in Fu'an Marquis Mansion is really too high!
Also, last night was Zhu Chengwu’s wedding night. The loyal ones were afraid of disturbing Zhu Chengwu’s “good thing”, while the less loyal ones were afraid of being scolded after interrupting Zhu Chengwu’s interest.

Therefore, due to various coincidences and circumstances, Zhu Chengwu only learned about Huang Jun's kidnapping now.

"is it?"

Zhu Chengwu looked at Xia Yu, but his eyes were not focused on Xia Yu.

But thinking about other things.

“No wonder I didn’t notice my grandfather’s spying last night.

I also said that my grandfather was embarrassed to spy on the wedding room of my grandson and his new bride.

It turns out that my grandfather is not in the mansion at all!"

Zhu Chengwu thought to himself.

After sealing the "Earth Core Fire Lotus" into his body, Zhu Chengwu was able to sense the Grandmaster's aura with the help of the power of the "Earth Core Fire Lotus".

It was precisely because he did not notice Zhao Yuguang's spying that Zhu Chengwu dared to directly talk about the "Golden Crow Spirit Refining Method" in the bridal chamber last night, and discussed the investment transaction with Cui Shuyun without any hesitation.

“But where did Grandfather go?
Could it be that Huang Jun’s prison escape was orchestrated by his grandfather?
Is this part of Grandfather's plan?"

Zhu Chengwu couldn't help but think.

Zhao Yuguang understands Zhu Chengwu, and Zhu Chengwu also has a deep understanding of Zhao Yuguang.

Judging from Zhao Yuguang's style of doing things, since he has already made his move, he is very likely to have other follow-up actions.

Moreover, with Zhao Yuguang's master ability, Zhu Chengwu didn't believe that Zhao Yuguang didn't sense anything when Huang Jun was kidnapped and didn't make any preparations.

You know, Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yuguang both knew that Huang Jun was not the real assassin. There was at least another first-rate archer and a Yin Shen master in secret.

As he had anticipated this, Zhu Chengwu didn't believe that Zhao Yuguang would let Huang Jun be kidnapped without any reaction.

Xia Yu just reported that after the wedding last night, no trace of Zhao Yuguang was found in the Marquis' Mansion, which made Zhu Chengwu confirm his guess.

What is Zhao Yugang’s next plan?
Zhu Chengwu couldn't help but think.

In the end, Zhu Chengwu, who couldn't figure it out after thinking about it over and over again, decided to give up and stop thinking about it.

The calculations of these wise men are really beyond the understanding of the "ordinary" Zhu Chengwu.

Zhu Chengwu finally decided to do what he was good at.

"Xia Yu, notify everyone in the Marquis' Mansion to retreat and defend.

Patrols were conducted around the mansion for twelve hours without interruption.

Doctor Fan thought of a way to treat cousin Xinghan, chief steward Gao, and cousin Jinniu as soon as possible without worrying about the consumption of medicinal materials, so that they could recover their fighting strength as soon as possible.

Also, I will start my retreat to heal my wounds from today.

It’s nothing important, don’t disturb me!
The affairs of the Marquis' Mansion shall be handled by you, Chunhua, and...my wife."

In the end, Zhu Chengwu still added Cui Shuyun.

After all, according to the correct logic, after the wife enters the palace, she should be the one to manage the inner courtyard.

Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun have a special relationship and are not a formal couple.

Zhu Chengwu could not entrust the entire inner courtyard of the Marquis' Mansion to Cui Shuyun, whom he was not very familiar with and whom Zhu Chengwu did not trust.

But on the surface, Zhu Chengwu still has to give Cui Shuyun a certain amount of respect.

Giving Cui Shuyun the authority now and allowing Cui Shuyun to enjoy the same authority as Chunhua and Xiayu is a manifestation of Zhu Chengwu's respect.

Although this kind of respect may not be what Cui Shuyun wants.

Moreover, in Zhu Chengwu's opinion, there is not much danger in giving Cui Shuyun such authority.

Even if Cui Shuyun had any ideas, Chunhua Xiayu's two-to-one vote was enough to stop Cui Shuyun.

"Yes! Mr. Hou!"

Chunhua and Xiayu bowed and answered in unison.

"I?"

Cui Shuyun looked at Zhu Chengwu with a little surprise.

"After all, you are the nominal wife of the Marquis's Mansion!

There are some things where you are more suitable than spring flowers and summer rain!"

Zhu Chengwu gave a brief explanation.

"All right!"

Cui Shuyun responded reluctantly.

Cui Shuyun did not want to get involved in the affairs of Fu'an Marquis Mansion. She just wanted to be an invisible person in Fu'an Marquis Mansion quietly.

Until she leaves.

But thinking of her previous promise to Zhu Chengwu that she would play the role of the marquis's wife in front of outsiders, she finally agreed reluctantly.

"If that's the case, then it's settled!

Also, my lady, I can only give you the secrets of what I promised to teach you!

For the things you don’t understand, I may have to wait until my injury recovers before I can explain them to you!

Three days later, come to my retreat to get the secret book!"

Retreating from wounds doesn't mean Zhu Chengwu can't do anything!
Retreating from the wounds only meant that Zhu Chengwu would no longer care about worldly affairs and would devote most or even all of his energy to healing.

Cui Shuyun was stunned, and then thought of what Zhu Chengwu said.

"Golden Crow Divine Refining Method"!
"can!"

Cui Shuyun agreed to this.

Cui Shuyun, who had just started practicing, did not understand the difference between having someone to teach her step by step and having only the secret book in hand.

Just like Zhu Chengwu’s previous life, without a teacher, self-study with textbooks will always be exclusive to geniuses!

Without a teacher’s guidance, ordinary students simply cannot understand those “hieroglyphic” formulas.

What’s more, this is a form of spiritual practice.

If something goes wrong, the consequences will be serious!

"If you encounter something you don't understand, or feel an obstacle, don't force yourself to practice. Everything will be discussed after I come out of seclusion!"

After saying that, Zhu Chengwu left the dining room and returned to the courtyard where he usually practiced martial arts in seclusion.

Start retreat to heal.

Zhu Chengwu is not good at conspiracy and calculation.

In his two lives combined, the only thing Zhu Chengwu was truly good at was martial arts.

Faced with danger and the unknown, Zhu Chengwu felt that the best way to deal with it was to retreat and defend until his injury recovered.

Defense, attack, and body movement/dodge, Zhu Chengwu has always been on par with them.

After achieving the great breakthrough in "A World Away", "Innate Qi" and "The Fiery Palm" are actually not far from achieving the great breakthrough.

After a battle with Gu Santong outside the city of Xuzhou, Zhu Chengwu was seriously injured and encountered many dangers.

But in countless head-on clashes between "Xiantian Gangqi" and "Vajra Indestructible Divine Art", Zhu Chengwu's goal was actually achieved.

Zhu Chengwu has found the opportunity to achieve a breakthrough in "Xiantian Gangqi".

As long as Zhu Chengwu recovers from his injuries, his "Innate Gangqi" will be able to naturally break through to perfection.

There is also "Fire Palm"!
Zhu Chengwu created the "Fire Palm" because after digesting the rare treasure "Fire Lotus" of heaven and earth, Zhu Chengwu was most familiar with the fire attribute among all the attributes.

Otherwise, why didn't Zhu Chengwu create martial arts such as "Ice Palm" and "Genjin Palm".

It's just that when Zhu Chengwu created the "Fire Palm", the "Fire Lotus" had already been digested by Zhu Chengwu for a long time, and his understanding was insufficient, which led to Zhu Chengwu's inability to practice the "Fire Palm" to perfection.

But now Zhu Chengwu has obtained the "Earth Core Fire Lotus", a high-level fire-attribute treasure that is more precious than the "Fire Lotus".

As long as Zhu Chengwu is given some time, he can completely rely on the insights brought by the "Earth Core Fire Lotus" to break through the "Fire Palm" to the great success level.

By then, his three unique martial arts skills, "A World Away", "Innate Qi" and "Fire Palm", attack, defense and body movement/avoidance, will all be perfected, even if Zhu Chengwu's internal strength has not yet reached the level of a master.

Zhu Chengwu now has the combat power of half a grandmaster.

In fact, cases similar to Zhu Chengwu's are not uncommon in several major dynasties.

Due to various factors, one's basic internal strength can never become a master.

On the contrary, the unique martial arts skills were mastered through daily hard practice.

In the martial arts world, such first-class masters who have exceeded the limits of first-class masters and have combat power equivalent to half of a grandmaster are respectfully called "Little Grandmasters".

Some people also call such first-class masters "pseudo-grandmasters".

Of course, Zhu Chengwu doesn’t agree with these two statements.

It’s done, it’s done.

If it doesn't work, it doesn't work.

What is the meaning of "Little Grandmaster" and "Pseudo Grandmaster"? Although he is not interested in the title, it does not hinder the strength of this first-class master.

In fact, as long as one has mastered one unique martial art, one can be honored as a "small grandmaster". Zhu Chengwu has already mastered one unique martial art, and the other two are about to be mastered.

Once Zhu Chengwu recovers from his injuries and makes further breakthroughs in those two unique skills, his combat power will not just be that of a half-grandmaster.

Even if he is a true master, Zhu Chengwu is not incapable of competing with him.

This is the reason why Zhu Chengwu is now withdrawing his forces and recuperating from his injuries.

As long as his injuries recover, Zhu Chengwu will be able to turn passive situations into active ones in many things.

Instead of being seriously injured and passive like now.

Just when Zhu Chengwu entered a state of seclusion to recuperate and was preparing to turn the passive situation into active one, Zhao Yugang intercepted Zhu Zhiying and his group who were about to leave outside Xuzhou City.

"Master Zhao, why are you here?
What do you mean by blocking our way now?"

Zhu Zhiying looked at Zhao Yuguang who suddenly appeared in the middle of the road, his eyes full of vigilance, confusion and anger.

Because of Zhao Yuguang's appearance, Zhu Chengwu temporarily replaced the master of ceremonies, which made Zhu Zhiying lose face.

It is also foreseeable that after returning to the Da Zong Zheng Yuan, Zhu Zhiying will inevitably be held accountable for this matter.

"Lord Zhiying, early this morning, Huang Jun, who assassinated Marquis Fu'an, was kidnapped!"

Zhao Yuguang looked at Zhu Zhiying with inexplicable suspicion in his eyes.

"what?"

Zhu Zhiying was stunned.

"In that case, Lord Zhao, why don't you go chase after Huang Jun and his accomplices? Why are you stopping us..."

Zhu Zhiying looked at Zhao Yuguang in confusion.

But as he was speaking, looking at Zhao Yuguang blocking the way, Zhu Zhiying reacted instantly, his voice gradually became lower and finally disappeared.

"Master Zhao, are you doubting me?"

Zhu Zhiying looked at Zhao Yuguang and asked again in a low voice.

There was realization and anger in his eyes.

"Count Zhiying, as the master of ceremonies at the wedding arranged by the Zhu family, you were late for Marquis Fu'an's wedding on purpose!

Now, as soon as you appeared in Xuzhou City, Huang Jun was kidnapped!

Huang Jun was just robbed in the early morning, and you couldn't wait to leave early this morning.

Lord Zhiying, I'm afraid I can't let you leave Xuzhou City like this today!"

Zhao Yuguang stated the reasons why he suspected Zhu Zhiying.

Needless to say, as Zhao Yuguang spoke, many people cast suspicious eyes towards Zhu Zhiying.

Including Zhu Wusi and Gu Santong who were following Zhu Zhiying, they all felt that Zhao Yuguang's suspicion was reasonable.

Although it may not be true, there is at least reason to doubt it.

"Old Marquis Zhao, is the Zhao family planning a rebellion?
You actually want to imprison the Earl of Zhu, Zuo Zongren of the Grand Zongzhengyuan!"

Zhu Zhiying ignored the suspicious looks from others.

Zhu Zhiying just stared at Zhao Yuguang and shouted harshly.

Zhu Zhiying knew that his reaction would make others misunderstand that he was guilty.

But Zhu Zhiying didn't care.

Because in Zhu Zhiying's view, the Zhu family has established the country and provided for the people for more than 300 years. The onlookers' anger at the suspected rebellion of the old Marquis Zhao will suppress their suspicion that he is guilty of something.

At the same time, Zhu Zhiying was really angry and dissatisfied with Zhao Yuguang's attitude.

When did the Zhao family dare to restrict the freedom of Zhu clan members and ask Zhu clan members to cooperate with the investigation?
Moreover, Zhu Zhiying is not an ordinary member of the Zhu clan. He is the fourth in command of the Dazongzhengyuan, a second-rank Zuozongren, and an earl of the imperial court.

Even if the King of Ming wants to question him about his crimes, he must produce solid evidence.

Just the Zhao family.

Just a suspicion.

Zhao Yuguang wanted to restrict the freedom of this Earl Zhu.

Why?
Zhu Zhiying felt that Zhao had been sitting in a position below the clan for too long, so long that Zhao dared to show his teeth to Zhu, and so long that he forgot that he, Zhao, was just a dog raised by Zhu!

Of course, Zhu Zhiying was so excited because Zhu Chengwu rejected his offer to officiate at the wedding and instead chose Zhao Yuguang to officiate.

Zhu Zhiying had always disliked Zhao Yuguang and was angry at him, and now Zhao Yuguang wanted to trap him in Xuzhou City.

Zhu Zhiying naturally had to seize the high ground of public opinion first and teach Zhao Yuguang a lesson.

But Zhu Zhiying forgot that he was not in the Zhu family now, and there were few people from the Zhu family among the onlookers around him.

If those watching around were descendants of the Zhu family.

Under the educational philosophy of "Zhu family supremacy", they would naturally be angry about Zhao Yugang's attempt to imprison Zhu clan members privately, and would even denounce Zhao Yugang in unison.

But most of the people watching around now are not from the Zhu family.

Even Zhu Wusi, the only descendant of the Zhu family present, had almost lost the concept of "Zhu family supremacy" in his heart after his unhappy upbringing and the life in the underworld in recent years.

Now, listening to Zhu Zhiying's harsh shouting, they felt that Zhu Zhiying was guilty and was making trouble unreasonably.

There was no sense at all that Zhao Yuguang shouldn't have asked Zhu Zhiying to cooperate with the investigation in order to clear himself of suspicion.

Zhu Zhiying's "mistake" was ultimately caused by habit.

The living environment over the years made Zhu Zhiying feel that "Zhu's supremacy" was natural.

This is the horror of habit.

It can turn a wise man into a clown.

"Earl Zhiying is guilty!

Don't worry, I won't kill you!
Your crimes will be judged by the Ming Wang and the Da Zong Zheng Yuan!

As for the people behind you, they can't escape either!"

Zhao Yuguang didn't expect that things would go even more smoothly than expected.

Zhu Zhiying, a stalwart of the Zhu family, would actually say such nonsense.

It seems that the high-ranking life of the Zhu family over the past few hundred years has really made their descendants a little out of touch with worldly affairs.

"What's the guilty conscience?
Who is behind this?
Why is this Earl guilty?

Where does this earl get the person behind the scenes?"

Zhu Zhiying is not a fool, and even a fool cannot be the left ancestor of the Dazongzhengyuan.

When he saw that his loud shouting did not attract a response from the people around him.

Zhu Zhiying immediately realized what went wrong.

At the same time, he also understood that he was at a disadvantage in the verbal confrontation with Zhao Yuguang.

Now, Zhao Yuguang suddenly said, "You, the people behind the scenes, can't escape either."

The vigilant Zhu Zhiying reacted immediately.

Immediately questioned back.

"Lord Zhiying, you know whether you feel guilty or not!
As for who is the person behind you, you know it well.

Now, please move to the Xuzhou government office and cooperate with the investigation!"

Zhao Yuguang didn't say anything more, and was not scared by Zhu Zhiying's previous shout. He directly asked Zhu Zhiying to stay temporarily in the Xuzhou government office.

"Lord Zhao, do you know what it means to put Earl Zhu under house arrest?
Can you, the Zhao family, afford the consequences?"

Zhu Zhiying stared at Zhao Yuguang with his eyes fixed.

"how?

Lord Zhiying wants me to come and invite him personally?"

Zhao Yuguang frowned, but in the end he did not hesitate or waver at all.

Open the bow without turning back the arrow!

Before taking action, Zhao Yuguang had already made the decision and was determined to do so.

"Okay! Okay!
Lord Zhao!
This can be considered as fulfilling one of my wishes!
It just so happens that I have long wanted to test the strength of you, the Zhao family legend!"

Although he was facing the master Zhao Yuguang, the legendary figure of the Zhao family.

But Zhu Zhiying did not intend to surrender.

Being defeated and captured is completely different from not fighting at all and just giving up!

The Zhu family of the Ming Dynasty has never had any descendants who are afraid of fighting!
Moreover, Zhu Zhiying didn't believe that Zhao Yuguang really dared to kill him, the Earl of Zhu and Zuo Zong of the Da Zongzhengyuan, in broad daylight and in front of everyone.

If Zhao Yuguang dared to kill him, the Earl of Zhu and Zuo Zong of the Grand Zongzhengyuan, without any evidence.

Even if the Zhao family is inferior to the Ming Dynasty, the Zhu family will not show mercy and will definitely let the Zhao family understand what is the true first family of the Ming Dynasty above all other families.

This is a serious consequence that even Zhao Yuguang, the legend of the Zhao family, cannot afford.

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(End of this chapter)