Chapter 322 - Fulfiling Filial Duty

Yan Xianzhi stood on the second-floor balcony of Wen Yuan Pavilion, watching as two people and a dog approached ever closer, his face pale with dread. At this moment, he knew that he, along with the twelve esteemed officials behind him and the entire court of civil and military officials, had become hostages of Chen Shi. As long as they didn't oppose Chen Tang or harm Chen Shi's people, they would remain unharmed, continuing to reign over the Western Capital as high-ranking cabinet ministers. But if the Thirteen Families plotted against Chen Tang, seeking to harm Chen Shi’s allies, then he and the ministers behind him, along with the entire court, would be swept away in a catastrophic calamity, utterly obliterated! "Audacious beyond belief!" Yan Xianzhi saw Chen Shi, with a white-clad celestial maiden, traversing through the ruins of the Noon Gate and ascending the shattered stone steps of Taihe Hall. He clenched his fists, feeling an overwhelming sense of powerlessness. What good was it if Chen Shi was outrageously bold? They were still at the enemy's mercy, reliant entirely on Chen Shi's whims for their survival. Chen Shi, accompanied by the white-clad celestial maiden, moved through the under-repair Taihe Hall, reaching the domain under the influence of the Nine Palaces of the True King. "Perhaps I shouldn't have wrested the position of first assistant from Zhang Fuzheng!" Yan Xianzhi lamented silently, thinking, "If I were to resign and leave for my old age now…" Xia Canghai behind him commented, "Grand Chancellor, could perhaps the power of the Nine Palaces be invoked to obliterate them while they're within the palace?" Yan Xianzhi hesitated for a moment before shaking his head, "If the Nine Palaces unleash their strength enough to clear away this calamity, it would flatten the Western Capital, and we wouldn't survive either!" Xia Canghai, discontented, retorted, "So we must simply watch him flaunt his might?" With a wooden expression, Yan Xianzhi replied, "Then just watch." Chen Shi was similarly perturbed at heart, fearing that the Thirteen Families might definitively turn against Chen Tang. He thought, "By now, the power of the Thirteen Families in the Western Capital must have recognized my position clearly, right? Under the threat of the Nine Palaces, where they could take my life at any moment, they will refrain from acting against Chen Tang and my mother." With a self-consoling belief, he thought, "I've fulfilled my filial duty!" He led the white-clad celestial maiden to tour the Nine Celestial Palaces, each heavily guarded, and as he approached, some guards attempted to act. But a eunuch rushed over immediately, sharply reprimanding the soldiers to treat Chen Shi courteously. "Scholar Chen?" Chen Shi was bewildered. A scholar was a rank-six official position, primarily responsible for accompanying the True King or the Crown Prince in their studies and reviewing memorials. Of course, there were currently no True King or Crown Prince, as Young Master was publicly slain by Chen Shi, so the scholar role had secretly diminished in significance with no actual power or chance to whisper in influential ears. However, he had barely taken up the role of a historical officer compiling records a short while ago; how had he been promoted within days? The eunuch, smiling, explained, "Minister Chen is dedicated to scholarly pursuits, with voluminous works admired throughout the capital—recognized by all. Today, the cabinet has temporarily appointed you to the scholar position, with an official appointment to follow at tomorrow's morning court." Upon hearing this, Chen Shi finally relaxed, thinking, "The cabinet promoted me to appease me. They won't openly admit I'm a hostage, so they express it through a promotion. It seems Chen Tang and mother are safe now." A long sigh escaped him; his previously stern expression softened significantly. Engaging in pleasant conversation with the white-clad celestial maiden, although the conversation was one-sided with laughter and talking on his part. She could only listen, sometimes uttering an "Ah-ba" to express confusion. The cabinet's thirteen ministers noted the newfound smile on his face and also sighed in relief. Chen Shi, along with the white-clad celestial maiden, toured the Nine Palaces, two of which were pavilions: the East Pavilion and Wen Yuan Pavilion. When passing Wen Yuan Pavilion, he casually glanced up and saw Yan Xianzhi at the window, offering him a friendly smile. Seeing this smile, Yan Xianzhi's heart momentarily stopped, and he forced a weak smile in return. Chen Shi left with the white-clad celestial maiden. "Ah-ba, Ah-ba!" the white-clad celestial maiden solemnly said to Chen Shi. Heiguo informed Chen Shi that the maiden felt a strange familiarity with the Nine Palaces, discomforted and uneasy at heart upon seeing them. Chen Shi summoned a small temple, seeing the white-clad celestial maiden hurriedly enter it to sit at the altar, still somewhat restless; she then curled onto the altar, finding some comfort. "The poor girl's mind was indeed damaged when I struck her," Chen Shi worried, wondering, "If she never regains her memory, must I care for her for life... and how much will that cost me?" Returning to the Chen Estate, he found craftsmen still repairing the house, and maids tidying Chen Tang's room. With Chen Tang gone, the main bedroom now belonged to Chen Shi. Having never been there, Chen Shi saw the bedroom had an inner and outer chamber: the inner for the master to sleep privately, the outer where maids slept to serve the master's needs. That night, Chen Shi occupied the inner chamber, while two maids used the outer chamber. Unaccustomed, Chen Shi found the outer chamber’s maids always trying to sneak into his inner chamber, unwilling to leave, which vexed him. He scolded, "Are you going to sleep or not? If not, let Heiguo have your bed!" The two beautiful maids, baffled, reluctantly returned to the outer chamber. Finally able to close his eyes, Chen Shi thought, "Perhaps I should just send the maids away tomorrow and let Heiguo sleep inside. Having two women in the room is bothersome." He drifted off into a muddled sleep. The next morning, Chen Shi awoke, dressed, and upon walking out, found three maids in the outer chamber—somehow, the white-clad maiden had snuck out, squeezing onto the bed between the two maids, nestled in their arms. Chen Shi shook his head and opened the door to begin his morning cultivation. The sound of the opening door woke the three girls; the two maids, seeing an extra woman in bed, cried out in surprise. Noticing her delicate skin and supple figure, more beautiful than themselves, and her sweet voice, they thought, "No wonder Young Master Chen is indifferent to us; he's hidden a beauty." The startled white-clad maiden swiftly flew back into Chen Shi's small temple. After morning practice, Heiguo had already prepared breakfast, and Chen Shi called the white-clad maiden to join him. The maiden shook her head, indicating she wouldn't eat. "How can you survive without eating?" Chen Shi was puzzled. Heiguo barked twice, a fragrant aroma wafting; the maiden then sat by the table, awkwardly trying the human food with chopsticks. "Heiguo's words are truly effective." Chen Shi thought, "Today, I must visit the Hanlin Academy, as the cabinet plans to promote my rank." After breakfast, he headed to the Hanlin Academy for roll call, anticipating his promotion. The girl emerged again, intrigued by the books within the academy, eagerly flipping through them. Lady Shiji gradually grew bolder, striding out of Chen Shi's small temple, a massive head atop a one-zhang body—a truly imposing sight. "Chen the Scholar has gained a formidable demon-god companion!" Spies quickly reported to Wen Yuan Pavilion's thirteen cabinet officials, saying, "According to the Department of History’s records, this demon is Shiji, a calamity-level demon-god from the True King era, long suppressed by the True King’s followers!" A profound silence enveloped the cabinet. Yan Xianzhi waved weakly, saying, "Investigate further." The spy retreated. Xia Canghai's anger surged, slamming the table, "Is he discontent after being promoted? Now he's brought forth a calamity-level demon-god to threaten us!" Fei Zhong tentatively suggested, "Could it be the rank we granted was too low?" Gao Quan chuckled coldly, "A mere rank-six Scholar is too low? Historically, the top graduate never exceeds this rank. To promote him further defies ancestral precedent!" Gu Yanshan retorted, "Ancestral precedents are meant to be challenged! I propose we satisfy his appetite. Otherwise, tomorrow he might unleash all one hundred-plus demons from his mind! Let's elevate him to Assistant Minister of Revenue, like his father, before things become uncontrollable!" "You flatter him excessively! His father in that role even outplayed Master Cui into foolishness! If he becomes Assistant Minister, he’ll deplete the Empire, and we’ll all end up his fools!" Xia Canghai’s rage was palpable, slamming his hand down, "Today you concede five cities, tomorrow ten, seeking a night's peace. But in all directions, bandits approach!" Gu Yanshan, equally unwilling to relent, faced Xia, "What high strategy does Brother Xia offer? Will you lead against disasters, nobly sacrificing yourself?" With tempers rising, Yan Xianzhi coughed, silencing both men as they turned their attention to him. Yan Xianzhi inquired, "Has Chen Shi’s scholar rank been elevated?" "The eunuch has already issued the decree at the Hanlin Academy," responded Cui Baihe. In a slow murmur, Yan Xianzhi concluded, "Then issue another decree for his promotion to an Associate Scholar of rank five. A mere title, nothing more, and even promoting him further to a rank five Hanlin Scholar won’t matter." With that, Xia and Gu ceased their bickering, each taking their seats. In the Hanlin Academy, Chen Shi collected the decree, prepared to depart when another eunuch hurried over, calling, "Minister Chen, hold a moment! The cabinet has issued another decree; you’ve been promoted again!" Chen Shi accepted the second decree, asking why the two promotions couldn't have been combined, but humored nonetheless. He gathered Lady Shiji, the white-clad maiden, and Heiguo, leaving the academy. Returning to Wen Yuan Pavilion, the eunuch relayed Chen Shi’s remark to the thirteen dignitaries. Xia Canghai and the others exchanged glances. "Is he dissatisfied with the post or our pace?" "It's slower, but he seems to reluctantly accept." Yan Xianzhi swept his gaze around, declaring, "Having promoted him three times, further promotions are impossible. To do so would shame the cabinet and undermine the court's authority." All nodded in agreement. "Unless he unveils over a hundred demons tomorrow," was Yan Xianzhi’s private thought, "further promotion is unthinkable." In the following days, Chen Shi behaved more conservatively yet roamed freely around the Western Capital. Previously, with Chen Tang present, he exercised restraint. Now, with Chen Tang gone, he ventured out with the black dog, the big-headed Lady Shiji, and the ancient celestial maiden, wandering across the city. The entire cabinet remained on edge, especially Yan Xianzhi, even losing the desire to enjoy the company of his thirteenth concubine, much to her discontent. "Chen Shi has left the city, headed for Gaoxian County!" Receiving this news, the cabinet was overjoyed, casting their glances to Yan Xianzhi. "Being the Chen family's hostage, it seems he intends to flee. Shall we stop him?" inquired Gao Quan. "Why stop him?" Yan Xianzhi laughed bitterly, "We’re the hostages here! If he wishes to flee, so be it! Why intervene? Would you, Lord Gao, stop him?" Humbled, Gao Quan repeatedly demurred, while the others sighed in relief, awaiting the outcome. Chen Shi stopped by the Red Mountain Hall, consulting Aunt Sha on methods to enter Yuancheng Palace, and studied the Netherworld’s geography under her guidance. The Netherworld being supremely perilous, he chose to go with only Heiguo, sparing Aunt Sha, Qingyang, and Hu Xiaoliang the risk. Understanding his motives, Aunt Sha was touched, "I shall teach you another, called 'Provisional Abode' for your peace. I’ve not even taught your father this!" Staying in Gaoxian County for two days, Chen Shi mastered the Provisional Abode technique, bidding Aunt Sha farewell, "Tomorrow, I'll descend into the Netherworld to search for my mother. You all must leave the Western Capital; we'll reunite at Qianyang Mountain in Xinxian." Aunt Sha nodded solemnly. Passing his Fox Grapevine Mirror to Aunt Sha, Chen Shi instructed, "Aunt Sha, take this mirror and travel a thousand miles east, awaiting me in the mountains." He returned to the Western Capital. As news of Chen Shi's return reached the cabinet, all thirteen ministers were struck with dread, their concerns mounting. Come the next day, Chen Shi discreetly sought out Boat Grandmother's rented lodging, telling her, "Depart for Xiandu today; prepare yourself." With resolve, Boat Grandmother replied, "Will the Western Capital let you leave?" "I’ve a secret method to travel a thousand miles through Little Heaven. Today, I’ll teach you the spell!" Chen Shi handed her a Heaven Order Badge, instructing her on using it to open Little Heaven, advising, "Half an hour after I leave, use the spell to activate the Jade Medallion and open Little Heaven. I'll wait for you inside, and when you arrive, I'll take us to an exit far away! Do not delay!" Frightened yet determined, Boat Grandmother practiced the Little Heaven unlocking technique to ensure she had it right. Exiting, Chen Shi returned to the Chen Estate, acting naturally, hiding any sign of anxiety. Even Heiguo seemed unnerved, its hind legs trembling, its tail unsure of its position. Despite being a bundle of nerves, it admired young master Chen Shi for his remarkable composure. Back in the mansion, Chen Shi entered his bedroom and instructed the maids, "I didn’t sleep well yesterday, so I'll rest; don’t disturb me." The maids acquiesced and left the room. Shutting the door, Chen Shi couldn't suppress his shaking hands. Seeing this, Heiguo realized Chen Shi was equally tense. Alone, they held the room; Chen Shi steadied himself, feigning snores that gradually quieted. Edging towards silence, they waited in patience, until Heiguo perked up, signaling the moment had arrived! Immediately, Chen Shi took the Heaven Order Badge, activating Little Heaven and stepping through with Heiguo. He shut the gateway, waiting as time passed, soon seeing Boat Grandmother enter Little Heaven too. In haste, Chen Shi brought Heiguo and Boat Grandmother through Little Heaven’s exit, emerging from the Fox Grapevine Mirror. Surveying the surroundings, Boat Grandmother realized they had ventured far from the Western Capital, amidst verdant mountains, a torrent of a river rushing by—they had reached the Huangyan Mountains! Aunt Sha had erected an altar, prepared to perform Transmutation Techniques, surrounded by the Five Ghost Kings, with Xiang Tianyu standing adjacent. Nerves ran high among them all, even Xiang Tianyu was sternly serious. Spotting the trio emerge from the mirror, Aunt Sha exhaled in relief and hurriedly enacted the Transmutation Techniques, transforming Chen Shi and Boat Grandmother into imposing green-faced, tusked demon-gods, instructing, "Xiao Shi, go to the Netherworld now!" Bowing, Chen Shi requested, "Aunt Qiutong, please return home and await my news! Heiguo!" With a resounding howl, Heiguo summoned an eerie wind, spiriting away Chen Shi into the Netherworld! Aunt Sha descended from the altar, ordering the Ghost Kings to dismantle it, taking little Tianyu and hurriedly departing. Back in the Western Capital. Far off, from Wen Yuan Pavilion, the thirteen cabinet officials witnessed the scene, and suddenly the pavilion burst into jubilant cheers. Amidst celebration, people embraced, lifted hats, and shed tears of joy, overcome with emotion. "Gone! He's finally gone!" Yan Xianzhi, seemingly depleted of strength, slumped into his chair, his face breaking into a long-missed smile. "Gone at last, gone at last! We've finally bid farewell to this scourge! We are safe!" ------