As she spoke, Dugu Heng came charging in, laughing heartily from a distance, "Brother Li ran straight into the small pavilion in one breath, but upon seeing Dugu Jinghua, his laughter abruptly ceased. He awkwardly scratched the back of his head, 'Aunt...'" "What is it?" Dugu Jinghua’s snow-white, melon-seed face darkened, and she let out a stern snort.

Dugu Heng rubbed the back of his head, his face flushing red, stammering, "N-nothing at all." "You’re happy because you heard Zhu Shiping is dead, aren't you?" Dugu Jinghua said calmly. Dugu Heng quickly nodded, "Yes, that Zhu Shiping was nothing but a menace.

Good riddance, a splendid death—!" "Now there’s no one left to compete with you for Tang Tang, is there?" Dugu Jinghua huffed. Dugu Heng scratched the back of his head and chuckled, "That is true." He seemed to have suddenly realized something, but Dugu Jinghua saw through his little trick at a glance and stated mildly, "You asked Mr.

Li to do the deed, didn't you?" "Aunt," Dugu Heng offered an awkward smile and looked toward Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan gave him a meaningful look, and Dugu Heng instantly understood, yet he still admitted honestly, "Yes, Aunt, I found Zhu Shiping annoying, he was always pestering Tang Tang." "You, honestly, this is all the ambition you have!" Dugu Jinghua shook her head.

"You are the Heir Apparent, yet you aren't focused on learning how to manage affairs; you are consumed by matters of the heart day in and day out!" Dugu Heng smiled, "Don't I have you, Aunt!" Dugu Jinghua frowned in displeasure. "How can I, a woman, shoulder such a great responsibility?

The Dugu family will ultimately fall upon your shoulders. If you continue to be so unambitious, how can I be at ease!" Dugu Heng chuckled, "Aunt, you are a woman of great talent, surpassing many men.

The capable should bear more of the load, why don’t you just manage our family!" Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "A woman is ultimately an outsider.

If Big Brother knew you thought this way, he would be furious! ...

Starting today, you may see Tang Tang only once every three days. No more daily visits!" The Four Great Families had rules: the family's supreme martial arts were passed to sons, not daughters, and to the legitimate heir, not concubine-born issue.

This was not without reason; a woman would eventually marry into another family, and since women tend to favor their husband's kin, they might pass the secret arts on to outsiders once married. Dugu Jinghua was also a woman.

Because of her illness, she had never considered marriage, so the affairs of the Dugu Manor were entrusted to her capable management. Under Li Muzhan’s treatment, her health had not only recovered but surpassed that of a normal person.

To everyone’s surprise, this meant she would eventually marry, and the heavy burden of the Dugu Manor would fall upon Dugu Heng’s shoulders. Seeing Dugu Heng still oblivious to his weighty responsibility and utterly engrossed in romantic pursuits made her teeth itch; she desperately wanted to confine him to his quarters and forbid him from seeing Tang Tang forever.

However, she also understood a bit of what feelings entailed and knew such a harsh measure was unwise. She could only patiently wait, letting things cool down gradually, trusting that time would eventually fade their intensity.

Dugu Heng grunted, "Father is no different from me!" "Xiao Heng!" Dugu Jinghua frowned. Dugu Heng retorted, "Father is also solely devoted to martial arts, pushing a mountain of responsibilities onto Aunt, while he happily enjoys his freedom in seclusion for practice!" Dugu Jinghua frowned, "Big Brother trains hard not just because he loves martial arts, but because he wants greater power so the Dugu family can be more secure!" "I don't see anything insecure about us!" Dugu Heng shook his head and smiled dismissively.

Dugu Jinghua gently shook her head and sighed, "Silly boy, what do you know!" Dugu Heng replied, "Aunt, I am not a child anymore. Whatever I don't understand is simply the Emperor's wariness toward us.

The Emperor has been wary of us for many years, and the Dugu family still stands firm, doesn't it!?" Dugu Jinghua scoffed, "Do you think that by indulging in pleasure like you, refusing to advance or retreat, the Dugu family will remain stable? How many generations of family heads have racked their brains to ensure the family's survival!" Dugu Heng argued, "Aunt, I think if we do nothing, it might actually show weakness, making the Emperor more at ease!" Dugu Jinghua shook her head and smiled wryly, "Truly a foolish, naive boy." Li Muzhan interjected, speaking a single sentence, "Brother Dugu, you are thinking too simply.

The Emperor's concern isn't about your strength or weakness; it's about the Danxin Iron Edict." "The Danxin Iron Edict?" Dugu Heng sounded surprised. "It's because of that worthless thing?" Li Muzhan chuckled, "Brother Dugu, don't underestimate it.

How could someone who holds the power to decide the succession of the throne not be concerned? If you cannot protect the Danxin Iron Edict, he will jump for joy!" "The Danxin Iron Edict is safe in our manor, guarded by the Four Saint Monks.

Who could possibly steal it?" Dugu Heng laughed without a care. "Brother Li, you underestimate the Four Saint Monks too much." Li Muzhan shook his head.

"There is no sun that doesn't set, and no city that cannot be breached. No matter how strong the Four Saint Monks are, what if someone truly manages to surpass them?

That is why you must rely on yourself; your esteemed father's diligent practice is the correct path." "Brother Li, you should help Aunt too!" Dugu Heng pleaded helplessly. Li Muzhan smiled, "I help justice, not relatives.

You, as the Heir Apparent, can no longer afford to play around. You must collect yourself and start diligently taking on your responsibilities.

It shouldn't all be pressed onto your aunt's slight shoulders, should it?" "Sigh, since you say so too, what choice do I have?!" Dugu Heng shook his head in resignation. "Fine, I will see Tang Tang once every three days!" Dugu Jinghua pursed her lips and smiled faintly.

"Finally, you show a bit of manly spirit! With Zhu Shiping dead, the Tang family might not marry Tang Tang to you anyway.

However, if you prove yourself capable, the Tang family might look upon you differently. The key lies in your own effort; no one else can truly help you!" As she spoke, she glanced at Li Muzhan, who smiled back.

Dugu Heng drooped his head. "Yes, Aunt!" Dugu Jinghua declared, "Starting today, every morning, you will stay by my side and learn affairs management from me." "Yes." Dugu Heng nodded resignedly, his spirit low.

He knew his good days were over, like a horse finally being fitted with a bridle and saddle, destined to be driven by mundane duties, unable to roam freely. Li Muzhan smiled.

"Brother Dugu, you are finally growing up. Are you feeling melancholy?" Dugu Heng rolled his eyes.

Li Muzhan smiled. "This day was bound to come sooner or later.

Sooner is better than later." "Sigh, forget it. Brother Li, you are well-fed and don't understand the hunger of others!" Dugu Heng shook his head.

Li Muzhan smiled conspiratorially. "Brother Dugu enjoys wealth and comfort that others can only dream of, so naturally, he must also give more in return.

This is an eternal and unchanging law of the world; you must accept your fate!" He continued, "Being in the Dugu Manor, you cannot be willful. Stop thinking about eloping with Tang Tang and start figuring out how to win the Tang family's favor—that is the proper way!" "Fine, I understand!" Dugu Heng sighed.

Dugu Jinghua frowned. "Why the sighing!

You are a man, chin up, chest out! What is this drooping appearance?" Dugu Heng straightened his waist and raised his head, shouting, "Yes, Aunt!" In the morning, after Li Muzhan finished practicing saber techniques with Feng Mingxue, she settled down to study them intently, immersing herself in the techniques without any distraction.

She discovered that practicing the saber was immensely beneficial to her swordsmanship as well; the two were interconnected. By studying the saber techniques, her mastery of the sword had also greatly increased.

She studied martial arts not for the sake of gaining power, but purely because she loved the profound mystery and endless pleasure found within the arts, delighting in the process. Li Muzhan invited her out for a stroll, but she refused without hesitation.

Compared to shopping, she preferred to stay in the manor to quietly delve into the saber techniques. Li Muzhan then invited Dugu Jinghua.

She couldn't go out that morning as she had already neglected quite a bit of work by going out the day before yesterday, and she needed to set an example for Dugu Heng. She politely declined Li Muzhan’s kind offer.

Li Muzhan sighed, feeling helpless, but having been confined to the manor for so long, he yearned for the outside world and a breath of fresh air. He decided to go out alone.

Clad in a loose-fitting azure robe, holding a folding fan lightly swaying, he appeared like a middle-aged scholar meandering his way out of the Dugu Manor and onto the main street. He wandered along the thoroughfare.

The capital city, Tianjing, was incredibly prosperous. His eyes met a dazzling array of stalls.

He paused intermittently to look around, not buying anything, purely observing the hustle and bustle. Simultaneously, he activated his Eye of the Void, meticulously examining the detailed conditions of every shop, comparing them against the intelligence held by the Dugu Manor.

He had received intelligence on the Zhu family from the Dugu Manor, with detailed records of every establishment. He methodically noted everything, considering methods for revenge.

He had no intention of damaging these superficial shops; even if he did, it wouldn't harm the Zhu family’s roots. He aimed to find the main arteries of the Zhu family and sever them.

After completing his circuit, he found himself near an antique shop and, feeling a sudden urge, stepped inside. This antique shop primarily dealt in calligraphy and paintings.

Scrolls were hung high, easily visible at a glance, but they were packed so densely that an unskilled eye would easily be overwhelmed. However, the shop was large.

As soon as he entered, he saw a white-haired elder with a long, flowing beard standing behind the counter, accompanied by a trustworthy and honest young servant boy. The long-bearded elder possessed a lean face and clear, bright eyes, clearly a man of learning.

He quietly watched Li Muzhan, offering only a slight smile without saying much. There were few customers inside, mostly middle-aged or elderly men, each staring intently at the paintings and calligraphy, completely engrossed and showing signs of deep appreciation.

Li Muzhan swept his gaze around before focusing on the scrolls displayed. He moved and observed quickly, passing by anything that didn't immediately stir his interest.

Although the shop was large, he moved swiftly. Many of the pieces were exquisite, yet in his eyes, they seemed ordinary.

He sought an artifact capable of truly resonating with his spirit. He stopped abruptly before a piece of cursive calligraphy.

No one else was lingering near this script; most people glanced at it, shook their heads, and moved on. At first glance, the writing was mediocre, a tangle of messy strokes that seemed like a pile of weeds, revealing no discernible structure, making it almost impossible to read what was written.

Li Muzhan, however, gently focused his spirit and observed closely, discerning a subtle profoundness within. He turned and stretched his arms.

The shopkeeper slowly approached, while the honest young attendant remained still, surveying the surroundings, clearly keeping watch over the others. "Has the esteemed customer found something he admires?" the elder inquired, stroking his beard and smiling.

Li Muzhan nodded. "Who is the artist of this piece?" The elder didn't even glance at the inscription, shaking his head.

"This is quite old. It has been in the shop for several years, and no one has taken a liking to it.

I did not expect the gentleman to possess such discerning eyes." "When is this from?" Li Muzhan asked. The elder pondered.

"About ten years ago, perhaps. Based on its age, it must be at least a century old—truly an ancient script." Li Muzhan nodded, about to order it wrapped, when a young man nearby suddenly spoke, pointing to the cursive script before Li Muzhan, "Shopkeeper, I will buy this piece." The elder was startled.

He looked at the youth, then at Li Muzhan, showing a troubled expression. "This young master..." The youth waved a hand.

"No need for nonsense. I will pay double the price!" Li Muzhan turned to examine the youth.

He was dressed in a purple robe, his face as flawless as jade, with the sharp features of a handsome man—truly a rare beauty. From his appearance, it was hard to tell he was a woman.

The makeup was flawless, indicating mastery of the art of disguise. Li Muzhan inwardly marveled; it seemed disguise arts did exist in this world, just rarely practiced.

She could not hide from Li Muzhan, however. He could sense a faint danger emanating from this woman of profound cultivation.

Few could make him feel threatened with his current level of attainment. "Esteemed young sir," Li Muzhan cupped his fists and offered a friendly smile.

"Did you also take a liking to this piece of calligraphy?" "Indeed." The young woman snapped her folding fan shut, returned the salute with a smile. "This calligraphy is excellent; I like it very much.

Perhaps the gentleman would be willing to part with it?" Li Muzhan shook his head. "I also like this piece very much, and I was here first.

There is a principle of first come, first served, wouldn't you agree?" The young woman smiled faintly, boldly and composedly, "Then let the highest bidder win!" Li Muzhan frowned, deliberated for a moment, and then said, "How about this: after I purchase it, if the young sir still likes it, feel free to make a tracing." The young woman shook her head, smiling sweetly. "A tracing seldom captures the true essence; I still prefer the original." Li Muzhan frowned at her, then suddenly smiled.

"Young sir, you actually came here to see me, didn't you?" "Oh?" The young woman showed a look of surprise and laughed. "Sir, your words are strange.

I don't know you, so why would I seek you out?" Li Muzhan sighed. "Since that is the case, how about this: I will give you the original painting, and I will take a tracing.

How about that?" "That is an excellent idea." The young woman flicked her fan open with a 'swish,' fanned herself a few times, and laughed, "It's rare for the gentleman to be so understanding. Wonderful, wonderful!" Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly.

It seemed this young woman truly hadn't been seeking him out after all; perhaps he had been overly cautious. With his current transformed appearance, even old friends wouldn't recognize him.

The elder watched the two resolve their dispute, sighing in relief, fearing they might come to blows. This young man clearly wasn't ordinary and might resort to bullying.

"Pack it up!" The young woman waved her hand, then turned to Li Muzhan, cupping her fists and smiling. "Let's go to a tavern; I'll treat you to a drink!" Her demeanor was forthright, possessing the bearing of a man.

A servant in gray acknowledged the order, pointed to the painting, then tossed a bag of money to the elder. The elder quickly instructed the honest attendant to carefully wrap the script, place it in a box, and hand it to the gray-robed servant.

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, accepting the invitation. The crucial thing was obtaining a tracing of the cursive script.

He sensed that this calligraphy contained a set of sword techniques—certainly not ordinary ones—and he could not let such an opportunity pass. (To be continued)