Dugong

Chapter 49: Xuan Yin Transforms into Blood
Time passes in the cold palace, but the new year has passed in the world.

In the blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve.

Li Ping'an leaned against the cold stone steps, letting the cold wind lift the corners of his clothes, looking at the fireworks that rose into the sky from time to time, making the dark blue night sky flicker.

Every time fireworks exploded, he would pick up the wine jug and take a sip.

When he worked in the Imperial Kitchen and the Tribute Department, he had power and money, but he lived cautiously and fearfully, and would not drink unless necessary.

Now that she has fallen into the cold palace, she is not worthy of others' jealousy or frame-up, but she dares to buy wine and drink with peace of mind.

After two or three pots of wine, Li Ping'an was already a little drunk.

"Another year has passed. Tomorrow will be my third year in the palace!"

People miss their families more during the holidays, and Li Ping'an is no exception. He hasn't seen his parents for a long time, and even his voice and smile have begun to blur.

A few days ago, I went to pay New Year's greetings to Eunuch Niu and sent some money home.

"Who is this old fellow? The Imperial Household Department has had eight new admirals, but Eunuch Niu's position remains as secure as a rock."

Although Li Ping'an worked in the cold palace and his days passed quickly and peacefully, he was not oblivious to what was happening in the palace.

Xiao Wuzi was delivering meals everywhere, which was a good opportunity for him to gather information.

In July, Concubine Yuan had a miscarriage, in August, the thirteenth prince was adopted, and in September, His Majesty appointed Zhao Yu as the King of Qin, which was considered to be the fulfillment of His Majesty's promise.

In October, Zhao Zhe was named King of Chen. The remaining two months were peaceful, except for the beheading of a few admirals.

The eunuch’s tomb is particularly lively this year!

During the period, Xiao Wuzi also mentioned a small incident. Before His Majesty conferred the title of King of Qin, Zhao Yu's biological mother, Liang Cairen, accidentally fell into a well and drowned.

According to the rules, Liang Cairen should be buried in Gongrenxie, which is the area where palace maids are buried.

Concubine Yuan claimed that she and Concubine Liang were like sisters, and requested Emperor Wude to posthumously confer the title of concubine on her so that she would be eligible to be buried in the concubine's mausoleum.

"Hehehe, they raised someone else's child, but they also want to kill his mother. The nobles in this palace are even more evil-hearted than us..."

Although Li Ping'an had no concrete evidence, he was certain that Liang Cairen died at the hands of Concubine Yuan.

Everyone with a brain inside and outside the palace knew about this, but no one stood up for Liang Cairen, and no one cared about Zhao Yu, who had just learned to walk, and they thought he had taken advantage of them.

Your mother died, but it was for your own good!
child time.

The melodious and long bell sounds of Jingyang Palace echoed throughout the imperial city, announcing the arrival of the 44th year of Wude.

……

Early March.

While the eunuch on duty was sweeping the unused palace, he accidentally caught the fifth prince having an affair with a palace maid.

Emperor Wude was furious and stripped him of his title as King of Wei and expelled him from the capital.

August.

The Pacification Office investigated the missing civilians and unearthed more than ten skeletons in the back garden of Prince Qi's mansion.

The following month.

The King of Qi led his people in a rebellion but failed. He preferred death to surrender and died in battle outside Tianyi Gate.

……

Cold palace.

The autumn wind is bleak.

Li Ping'an lay in the rocking chair, swaying back and forth with the wind.

After more than a year of day and night contemplation and hard practice, he was finally able to practice the "Lotus Sutra" while walking, sitting or lying down, and his skills were several times stronger than last year.

The true energy that was originally as crystal clear as water has shown signs of condensing into ice crystals.

Strands of ice float in the dantian. When the true energy is completely solidified, the strength will surely increase by leaps and bounds.

June this year.

After Li Ping'an completed two years on duty, he obtained the scroll "Xuan Yin Blood Transformation Technique", which was the Xuan Yin Sect's unique skill. After Taizu destroyed the sect, it was included in the Cangwu Pavilion.

The name sounds like an evil trick, but it is actually the best way to detoxify.

The Zhiyin true Qi penetrates the meridians, condenses all poisons and turns them into waste blood that is spit out. No matter it is poison, poison powder, poison liquid, or cold poison or fire poison in the true Qi, they can all be easily dissolved.

The disadvantage is that it requires opening up the meridians throughout the body, and detoxification requires consuming a large amount of true energy.

Li Pingan happened to be suitable for both. After hesitating for a long time between body protection, acupressure, and hidden weapon techniques, he finally cultivated Xuanyin Huaxue. There were two reasons for this choice.

First of all, "Hundred Poisons" is the strongest means of defeating the strong with the weak. Even if one has reached the pinnacle of martial arts practice, he may still die from being secretly poisoned by small minions.

Secondly, Princess Yuan had a cold poison in her body, and Li Pingan thought he could take this opportunity to advance.

"The Third and Fifth Princes have been defeated one after another, the Queen has no legitimate children, and seeing that Concubine Yuan is sure to win, our family must prepare early!"

Li Ping'an was thinking about finding an opportunity to show his face in front of Concubine Yuan when he heard chaotic footsteps outside the cold palace, followed by a familiar voice.

"Xiao Anzi, our family is here to visit you."

Li Ping'an's figure flashed and he instantly landed at the gate of the cold palace. He saw Eunuch Yuan surrounded by a dozen eunuchs, looking aggressive and majestic.

"Tsk tsk, Eunuch Yuan got promoted again. We have to kowtow to you when we see you!"

Last year, Eunuch Yuan was promoted to the sixth rank eunuch in the hall for his meritorious service in investigating corruption. He was responsible for clearing the way and guiding the way for Your Majesty, and could be regarded as a close minister to the Emperor.

The official robe in front of him had changed again. It was a fourth-rank dark crimson robe, embroidered with a picture of flying clouds and geese. It was unclear what his specific official position was.

"You've been in the cold palace for so long that you've forgotten all the rules and have only learned to be a chatterbox."

Eunuch Yuan said something in a veiled manner, then stepped aside and said, "The old ancestor is already very old and should be returned to his native place. Your Majesty, in appreciation of his contributions, has granted him the right to spend his remaining years in the cold palace!"

Only then did Li Ping'an notice that Eunuch Chu was being supported by four eunuchs.

Compared to the chubby and fat boy in my memory, he has lost a lot of weight now, but he is still fat and can't stand steadily.

Li Pingan bowed slightly to Eunuch Chu and asked in a low voice, "Eunuch Yuan, what does this mean?"

Eunuch Yuan said sternly, "Literally."

"Is it really just for retirement?"

“It’s about retirement!”

"Then please come in, ancestor."

Li Ping'an opened the palace gate in a circle to prevent Eunuch Chu from being unable to carry the things in. However, he did not expect that the left door panel had been in disrepair for so long that it broke.

Eunuch Yuan said coldly, "Go call the eunuchs who are in charge of things. What do they do on weekdays? They can't even repair the palace gates."

The accompanying eunuch agreed and hurried to call for help.

Not long after.

Eunuch Cui from the Internal Affairs Bureau rushed over, sweating profusely. "Please forgive me, Eunuch Yuan. We have already punished the eunuch in charge. We will repair the palace gate tomorrow."

"Remember to repair the inside properly, so that our ancestors won't feel uncomfortable."

After giving his instructions, Eunuch Yuan smiled and asked Eunuch Chu, "Grandfather, if you need anything else, just let us know. We will definitely get it done."

After Eunuch Chu lost weight, his skin became loose and drooped, and it trembled when he spoke.

"Thank you for your care, Eunuch Yuan. My family has no position or power now, so I cannot be called the ancestor. Just call me Little Chuzi."

"The old ancestor has embarrassed the younger generation."

Although Eunuch Yuan and Eunuch Chu belong to different factions and fought each other to the death not long ago, one must be respectful in person.

Eunuch Chu has been in charge of the Internal Affairs Department for decades and was also Your Majesty's close companion when he was in the palace. It is possible that he will make a comeback one day.

Li Ping'an chatted with Eunuch Yuan for a few words, but he actually knew the seriousness of the matter and would not and could not interrupt the conversation between the two. He had no right to do so now.

In the past, rules were very strict to follow, but now they come naturally.

He bowed and led the way, inviting Eunuch Yuan and others to enter the cold palace.

When Eunuch Chu entered the room, he saw the rocking chair swaying in the wind and said with a smile, "This is a nice thing. Help me lie down on it."

Eunuch Yuan nodded slightly, and four eunuchs helped Eunuch Chu onto the recliner.

"Standing is tiring, sitting is also tiring, so lying down is comfortable. I'm going to die on this!"

Eunuch Chu tried the rocking chair and was quite satisfied. He glanced at Li Ping'an and said, "You look familiar to me. Are you the little Anzi who tested my palm power two years ago?"

Li Pingan was flattered: "I am honored to be remembered by our ancestors."

Eunuch Chu waved his hand and asked Li Ping'an to come over and talk.

"I have lived in the palace for most of my life. I have not been able to cultivate martial arts, nor have I been good at studying. The only thing I have learned is a pair of eyes that can recognize people.

No matter who passes by, I will never forget it, no matter how many years pass by!"

(End of this chapter)