Chapter 111: Ascending Shaolin

Over a month later, Zhu Yu was nearing Shaolin.

On this journey, Cao Zhengchun had truly taken great care, partly to contrast with the Western Depot. The escort consisted of over thirty individuals, all at least second-tier elites, with only a dozen or so present. Though they were merely second-tier elites, each was a formidable killer, having drawn the blood of first-tier martial artists.

Before escorting the emperor out of the palace, Cao Zhengchun had even taken the time to visit the Western Depot, exchanging a few courteous words with Yu Huatian, subtly emphasizing how few people the Western Depot had. Both had spoken calmly then, but it was later heard that more than ten death row inmates in the Western Depot’s prison suddenly died—without reaching their execution dates, allegedly from sudden death.

However, Cao Zhengchun was unaware of this at the time. In high spirits, he led the escort as they set out, unaware whether this was a missed opportunity. The journey was calm and uneventful, offering no chance to display his talents.

Because Zhu Yu requested a delayed arrival at Shaolin, Cao Zhengchun deliberately chose a longer route, passing through scenic spots. Unknown to Zhu Yu, at each stop, the Eastern Depot’s elite accompanying them—except those needed for the emperor’s protection—were dispatched by Cao Zhengchun to gather intelligence.

The intelligence sought was simple: anything relating to the Western Depot.

Cao Zhengchun ordered that any unfavorable information about the Western Depot be collected, with heavy rewards if any cases could be uncovered. He was resolute—after the Western Depot’s two stabs at them, the Eastern Depot must retaliate.

Unfortunately, though many unfavorable tidings about the Western Depot surfaced during the journey, none was fit to be presented openly to the emperor. More importantly, no Western Depot cases were uncovered, but two minor cases involving the Eastern Depot’s own agents came to light.

Though minor, these cases concerned the Eastern Depot and were sufficient to report to the emperor.

During this period, the Eastern Depot faced one scandal after another. Upon hearing the reports, Cao Zhengchun was furious enough to wish to devour those responsible. This would not do—the Eastern Depot had recently suffered too many mishaps, possibly undermining its standing in the emperor’s eyes. No more mistakes could be tolerated.

Resolute, Cao Zhengchun decided not to report these cases to Zhu Yu, intercepting them himself. Of course, intercepting the reports did not mean the matter was forgotten.

The two cases fell under Cao Zhengchun’s direct jurisdiction, and his orders were blunt and brutal: anyone involved was to be killed.

In truth, these were minor infractions, with combined charges insufficient to justify even a single execution, demonstrating just how desperate Cao Zhengchun had become.

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As for Zhu Yu, there was little to say. The scenery along the way was beautiful, but his enjoyment was marred by the constant excitement of one companion.

This person was Jiang Yuyan. Having grown up traveling with her impoverished mother, performing wherever they went, Jiang Yuyan had experienced many places but had always been preoccupied with survival, leaving no leisure to appreciate flowers or scenery—and she was too young then to understand such things.

As she grew older, her mother fell ill, and the daily cost of medicine weighed heavily on her still-maturing body, leaving even less time for enjoyment.

Later, after her mother’s death, Jiang Yuyan obeyed her last wish and sought out her biological father, Jiang Biehe.

Thus, at every stop, Jiang Yuyan would exclaim in wonder, enchanted by scenes only slightly more beautiful than ordinary views.

Of course, ever since Zhu Yu had spoken to her in the palace, Jiang Yuyan had become mindful of the noble consort’s dignity, so her outbursts were directed solely at Zhu Yu.

Fortunately, after much anticipation, Zhu Yu had finally reached the territory of Mount Shaoshi.

This referred to the domain of Mount Shaoshi; to actually enter Shaolin, Cao Zhengchun would still need to communicate with the temple in advance.

At present, Zhu Yu and his party had settled in a town not far from Mount Shaoshi.

Inside an inn, Zhu Yu sat in a chair, eating fruit fed to him by Jiang Yuyan, while listening intently to Cao Zhengchun’s report.

“Your Majesty, according to scouts from the Eastern Depot who arrived ahead of us, Qiao Feng left the Mount Shaoshi area ten days ago. When he departed, he took with him a heavily injured young monk.

“Careful investigation by the scouts suggests there is an eighty percent chance that the young monk is actually a woman.

“Furthermore, the matter you wished to be tracked has been resolved: Qiao Feng’s foster parents, Qiao Sankui and his wife, along with his revered Shaolin master, the venerable monk Xuan Ku, have all been murdered.

“Rumors in the martial world say that Qiao Feng himself committed the murders, and this news has spread rapidly throughout the jianghu. Our investigation indicates the Beggar’s Sect may be involved.”

Upon hearing Cao Zhengchun’s report, Zhu Yu murmured to himself, “So it really follows the script? That means one old sly fox has already left? Interesting, the plan wasn’t in vain.”

Pausing, he then addressed Cao Zhengchun solemnly, “Contact Shaolin Temple at once. Tomorrow, I shall ascend to Shaolin!”

“Yes, your servant will obey,” Cao Zhengchun replied, bowing and departing.

After Cao Zhengchun left, Zhu Yu closed his eyes to rest, but soon faint noises reached his ears.

Opening his eyes, he saw Jiang Yuyan had slipped away from his side and was sitting on the bed, which had been made up unbeknownst to him, smiling sweetly.

“Let me say first, this isn’t the palace, cough, cough, young lord~ You have important matters tomorrow, so why not rest early, hmm~”

Jiang Yuyan remembered clearly that last time Zhu Yu hadn’t said he disliked it, only that it couldn’t be done in the palace, so...

Her clumsy attempts at seduction were laughable, yet undeniably, such a beauty smiling on the bed was a powerful temptation.

Everything naturally fell into place—too much to recount here...

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The next day, under the high sun, Cao Zhengchun led the Eastern Depot’s elite to escort Zhu Yu to Mount Shaoshi, to ascend to Shaolin!

Though the journey was conducted with stealth and safety as priorities, this official visit, presenting credentials, could not be treated as a mere incognito outing.

Cao Zhengchun and his many elite agents donned official robes. Their protection was no longer covert; they formed ranks, fiercely guarding the oversized carriage in the center of the procession.

Their imposing presence warned all: none may approach. Even accomplished martial artists bowed out respectfully.

This was not because anyone in the procession was recognized, but because the Eastern Depot’s reputation had been forged over centuries in blood and carnage.

In the martial world, the Eastern Depot was universally despised—court hounds, lackeys of the regime.

Yet face to face, before those who wore the Eastern Depot’s uniform, only grandmasters dared meet their gaze; even in the jianghu, such men were called true heroes.

As the crowd watched this sudden arrival of the Eastern Depot’s procession, Zhu Yu and Jiang Yuyan hurriedly changed clothes inside the guarded carriage.

Do not misunderstand—they were changing into the dragon robe and the noble consort’s ruqun, garments no ordinary citizen was allowed to see.

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