Legend of Zhan Zhao

Chapter 24 Grand Eunuch Guo Huai
'here we go again?'

When Guo Huaiji appeared in the backyard of the Great Xiangguo Temple for the third time, Zhan Zhao put down his broom again and decided to have a good talk with him.

Guo Huaiji was mild-mannered and not annoying, but it was inappropriate for a lowly palace eunuch to keep running here!
'Um? '

But the next moment, he sensed something was wrong.

A chilling aura, as if even the air itself had frozen, appeared directly within the Six Hearts Reflection.

Zhan Zhao's expression turned slightly serious.

"what happened?"

Chen Xiuhan was standing nearby.

Ever since Jiechi was dismissed from his position as the guest monk, he had been plotting something.

Given his age and seniority, even if he were to become a monk and obtain a certificate of ordination, he would normally be absolutely not qualified to receive distinguished guests.

But Chen Xiuhan could see that the temple valued this brother highly, and the closer he was to him, the more advantageous it would be in the eyes of the senior monks in the temple, and he might really have a chance to fill the vacancy.

Therefore, whenever Chen Xiuhan had free time, he would run here and vividly describe the reception in the front yard, the identities and origins of the worshippers, and the gossip among them.

Zhan Zhao listened.

He knew very little about the various factions in the capital, and there was no harm in knowing them.

You can avoid getting involved in conflicts between the powerful and wealthy, but you can't be completely oblivious to the truth.

At this moment, as Chen Xiuhan was speaking, he first noticed that Zhan Zhao's expression was strange, and then he turned his head to look at him and immediately froze.

Two figures appeared quietly.

Guo Huaiji was an acquaintance, but walking ahead of Guo Huaiji was a high-ranking official whom no one knew.

This person was around forty years old, thin but not old-looking, with a plain face, slightly yellow skin, light eyebrows and narrow eyes, a nose that was neither high nor low, and thin, tightly pursed lips. At first glance, his face had no distinguishing features.

Upon closer inspection, those eyes were half-closed, seemingly asleep yet not quite, but their gaze was like a dull knife scraping bone, slow and ruthless, as if it could grind over a person's flesh inch by inch, sending chills down one's spine.

His lips habitually droop downwards, and his nasolabial folds are as deep as if they were carved by a knife, as if he was born unable to smile, or as if he had long forgotten what joy and anger were.

What's most striking is his gait. While seemingly inheriting the same style as Guo Huaiji, he walks with a grand and imposing air, arriving in front of you in just a few steps, as if shrinking the distance to an inch.

"what?"

Chen Xiuhan stared intently, then froze, blinking in disbelief and trembling.

The newcomer spoke slowly, his voice not shrill but rather deep and pleasant: "You recognize our family?"

Chen Xiuhan quickly bowed and said, "When the Empress Dowager and the Emperor came to the temple to offer incense, this humble monk greeted Steward Guo."

"Our master, Guo Huai, is in charge of the inner palace."

After introducing himself, the chief eunuch nodded to Chen Xiuhan and said in a gentle tone, "I hope you will excuse yourself for the time being, young master."

Chen Xiuhan actually looked down on eunuchs deep down, but he felt flattered and overwhelmed by the fact that this number one eunuch treated him so politely.

Although he was a disabled man, he was the Empress Dowager's most trusted confidant, and his influence in the court was terrifying. Even the prime minister had to treat Guo Huai with utmost respect, and high-ranking officials and nobles fawned over him.

Chen Xiuhan was just an ordinary citizen with aspirations for an official career, so of course he dared not offend anyone.

But when the other party told him to step back, Chen Xiuhan looked at Zhan Zhao with a worried expression.

"Don't worry! You go first!"

Zhan Zhao gave him a wink, and then he slowly walked outside.

"It's rare to make such friends with fellow disciples after only one month in the temple."

Guo Huai said, "No wonder our godson was full of admiration after meeting the master twice."

"I don't deserve the title of master."

Zhan Zhao raised one palm and gave a calm salute: "Steward Guo, what brings you here?" "I am honored, I am honored."

Guo Huai said in a calm tone: "The Buddha's teachings are not limited by age. Many monks spend their whole lives studying scriptures, only to end up with a bloated mind and a full belly, while those with clear minds often see enlightenment as soon as a single leaf touches their body."

Zhan Zhao's eyes flickered slightly. The fact that this Grand Eunuch could say such things showed his competence. He wasn't the pure villain he had in mind. But he still asked again, "Grand Eunuch Guo, what brings you here?"

"It is indeed an important matter."

Guo Huai got to the point: "Master, you should know that there is a saying that is widely circulated in the world nowadays—'What ghosts are there in this world? Demons and monsters all arise from the heart! They have vanished into the Nine Netherworlds and are hard to find, and fortune and longevity are never both possible. Zhong Kui draws his sword to frighten away the demons and monsters, and the five ghosts are subdued and the clear sky appears!'"

"These words originated from 'Baiyulou' and were initially ignored by everyone. However, with the disappearances at birthday banquets and celebrations, and the appearance of Zhong Kui paintings, the rumors are becoming reality!"

Zhan Zhao naturally knew.

His visit to Daxiangguo Temple is also related to this case.

If it weren't for his first stop in the martial arts world, Yunqi Manor, where he encountered the disappearance of "Jiangnan Hero" Yun Heming and the appearance of the "Zhong Kui Picture," he would have left immediately after watching the birthday banquet.

Therefore, we would not have seen Yun Heming's eldest disciple, "Qiyun" Gu Lin, beheaded and killed in the room, nor would we have accused the Six Doors of being the prime suspects and clashed with them.

“'Zhong Kui Picture'… 'Zhong Kui Picture'…”

But what does this widely rumored case have to do with the Grand Eunuch, who has long resided deep within the palace?
Facing Zhan Zhao's questioning gaze, Guo Huai said in a deep voice, "In four months, the Empress Dowager will also be celebrating her birthday!"

Zhan Zhao raised an eyebrow: "Is Steward Guo worried that this matter will affect the Empress Dowager in the palace?"

"We must be on guard!"

Guo Huai said earnestly, "The case of the poisoning murder during the morning prayers at Daxiangguo Temple was solved by the Master. The Master was also a witness to the disappearance of the owner of Yunqi Manor. Isn't this a sign from heaven that he is the best person to solve the case?"

'If someone has a history of disappearances and has experience solving crimes, then it's a sign from heaven; the Six Doors would have solved it long ago.'

Zhan Zhao really didn't expect that the other party's purpose was like this.

The Empress Dowager, the most honored woman in the world, residing in the imperial palace, actually had such worries.

So much so that Guo Huai, the Grand Eunuch, personally went to the Great Xiangguo Temple to entrust this lowly novice sweeper with solving the case.

Unlike Chen Xiuhan, who was flattered, Zhan Zhao was not happy.

He investigates cases out of interest; he is interested in the "Zhong Kui Picture" and will seek out the truth and find the real culprit.

Instead of rushing to investigate some inexplicable trouble for the Empress Dowager in the palace, just so that she can sleep peacefully and hold a grand birthday banquet.

'Well! '

This method won't work...

Guo Huai, observing the expressions and demeanor, already knew that the answer he would receive next would inevitably be a rejection, and he keenly noticed two things.

Firstly, Zhan Zhao was not interested in being called a master. Despite his young age, he really didn't care much about such empty titles, and he wouldn't get carried away by a few respectful words.

It seems that Guo Huaiji, the adopted son, was right. This boy is indeed a rare monk. He can see the Buddha without wearing a kasaya.

Secondly, if you want the other party to do something, you need to find something they are interested in.

The Empress Dowager is not of interest to him, nor is a career path; it is unlikely that gold and silver jewelry will sway him.

What else is there?
"I'm being presumptuous, so I'll just call you 'young friend'."

Guo Huai's attitude changed, his tone became warmer, and he didn't care that his godson behind him was stunned. He spread his five fingers and said, "Young friend, do you know that the cultivation method practiced by the eunuchs of our dynasty originated from the 'Invincible Divine Mirror,' which ranks ninth on the list of cultivation methods?"

"Oh?"

Zhan Zhao, with his clear mind, sensed the peculiar true energy emanating from the other party, and his gaze shifted.

Guo Huai knew what to offer to please them, so he put on a show: "Shall we lend a hand?"

(End of this chapter)