Chapter 144

“Your subject pays respects to the Empress Dowager.”

Inside the Ciren Palace, “Kangxi” stood in front of Mao Dongzhu.

If you only listen to his voice and look at his face, there is almost no difference between him and that young emperor.

However, if you see his Han Chinese attire and thick black hair, you will know that this person is definitely not Emperor Kangxi.

Looking at the flawless face before him, Mao Dongzhu said with heartfelt admiration:

“Young master is indeed exceptionally talented. I spent a long time learning this art of disguise and voice change before I even achieved a little success. I never expected that you would master it so easily in just three days.”

“Kangxi” turned to look at Tana, who was looking on in surprise, “How about it? Don’t you feel lucky to have been favored by such an outstanding man as me!”

Tana was taken aback at first, then spat and said, “Pah! You’re praising yourself, aren’t you ashamed!”

You Han people are treacherous; you love to play these kinds of schemes and tricks!

At this time, she also changed her appearance and became an ordinary palace maid.

This “Kangxi” was none other than Nie Yun in disguise, and this was his third day staying at Ciren Palace.

During these three days, he learned about the situation of the Qing court, both inside and outside, through Mao Dongzhu, while also learning the techniques of disguise and voice changing from her.

Although he had learned disguise before, it could only fool people who were unfamiliar with him or those who did not know martial arts.

For example, a member of the Sun Moon Cult who has never met the Wang brothers, or Ling Shuanghua who has no martial arts skills, or an arrogant Shaolin monk. Moreover, he can only change his appearance, but not his voice.

However, Mao Dongzhu’s disguise skills were so good that they could not only deceive the Qing Palace, but also make it impossible for Emperor Shunzhi, who had slept with her several times, to recognize her. It could almost be called a divine skill.

The key to her being able to impersonate Tana for over a decade without being discovered, besides her disguise skills, was a secret technique she learned from Snake Island—the Illusory Cloud Demon Sound.

As the name suggests, the Illusory Cloud Demonic Sound is a sound that can be changed at will by controlling the vocal cords with internal force, just like the ever-changing white clouds.

After mastering the art, one can imitate the sounds of men, women, young and old, high and low tones, and even the sounds of various animals, objects, and nature.

It’s somewhat similar to ventriloquism, but far more powerful.

Moreover, changing one’s voice is just a small test. As one’s skill deepens, the person making the sound can even control the mind of others with their voice. It would not be difficult to make that person commit suicide immediately, which is why it is called “demon voice”.

However, if this martial art is used to control others, it will consume nearly two-thirds of the body’s internal energy each time, and the user will be unable to use internal energy martial arts for the next ten days. It can be said that the user will instantly go from being a peerless master to a weakling with no strength to even kill a chicken.

Such a huge cost, yet there’s no guarantee of 100% success.

If the opponent has a very strong will, or if their inner strength far surpasses that of the person making the sound, then it is possible to fail to control the situation, but the negative effects will not be diminished in the slightest.

Even with the Xuanling Jade Disc, this flaw cannot be removed, just as the self-castration characteristic of the Sunflower Manual cannot be removed.

“Although this Illusory Cloud Demonic Sound is powerful, using it to kill people is simply not worth the effort!”

Nie Yun secretly made up his mind—unless it was a matter of life and death, he would never use this skill lightly.

Anyway, he can use drugs to briefly put people into a hypnotic state and apply psychological suggestions, just like Ling Shuanghua back then, who was taken down by him in this way.

“Does the young master intend to substitute one thing for another and seize the Qing dynasty’s throne?”

Mao Dongzhu suddenly asked.

Tana also stared intently at Nie Yun, clearly very interested in his answer.

Ever since that day she couldn’t help but kiss Nie Yun, their relationship has become somewhat strange.

Tana married into the Manchu Qing imperial harem in order to consolidate the Manchu-Mongol alliance, and was even made the harem mistress. Her identity meant that she could not easily make the decision to follow Nie Yun.

She originally thought she would be filled with hatred for Nie Yun, because he had not only raped her, but was also a rebel who wanted to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.

However, Nie Yun ruthlessly shattered her facade of strength, and made her recall that painful past once again.

No woman willingly endures her husband’s coldness and humiliation, and no woman wants her marriage to become a transaction.

If Emperor Shunzhi had shown her even the slightest tenderness after she entered the palace.

Even if it wasn’t as affectionate as his relationship with Consort Dong’e, it could still be a source of support for Tana.

However, the young emperor, who was eager to break free from his mother’s influence, was too emotional and was very critical of both empresses from Khorchin, treating them with disdain and even considering deposing a second one after deposing the first.

Faced with such a ruthless and cold-hearted husband, Tana, though she didn’t admit it, secretly agreed with Nie Yun’s words: sacrificing for him would be foolish.

Nie Yun had been tormenting her a lot these past few days, and her attitude gradually changed from resistance to silence, and finally she even seemed to be looking forward to it and enjoying it.

The same applies to the mind as to the body.

So much so that when Nie Yun asked her to temporarily disguise herself and hide in Ciren Palace, she did not refuse.

The Hidden Dragon Hunting Heart Technique has once again proven a truth through its actions: over time, feelings can indeed develop.

Upon hearing Mao Dongzhu’s words, Nie Yun sneered, “Who does he think he is, that I would bother to impersonate him?”

Wasn’t he determined to become a great emperor who would carry on the legacy of the past and usher in a new era?

Since that’s the case, I will use this beautiful land as my battlefield and defeat him decisively and honorably.

Nie Yun never intended to use the impersonation of Emperor Kangxi to oppose the Manchus and restore the Han, let alone to deal with a group of Manchu Tartars while wearing a rat’s tail.

Didn’t the Manchu Eight Banners boast that “the Jurchens are invincible if they number less than ten thousand, but if they number ten thousand”?

Nie Yun was determined to completely shatter their pride in martial prowess and reclaim this lost world step by step.

As a great writer of later generations said: “Trickery is skillful and effective, but it has its limitations, so no one in history has ever achieved great things through it.”

Of course, Nie Yun would never admit that the reason he didn’t consider this method was because after impersonating Kangxi, it would be difficult to get away and travel the world in a short period of time, thus missing many opportunities to pick up girls.

Upon hearing Nie Yun’s answer, Tana subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

“Besides, since I’ve already promised to take you back to Horqin, I naturally have to keep my promise. After all, you’re my woman!”

Nie Yun added another sentence with a sly grin.

Tana’s heart skipped a beat. For the first time, she realized how wonderful it was to be cherished by a man, a feeling that Emperor Shunzhi had never given her before.

However, she still raised an eyebrow and said haughtily, “I never said I wanted to leave the palace with you!”

Nie Yun licked his lips and said, “Don’t worry, even just for your beautiful body, I will definitely take you away!”

Tana blushed, but said without backing down, “I haven’t recovered from my illness these past few days, which is why you’ve been bullying me. But don’t think that just because you’ve taken my body you can do whatever you want.”

We, the girls of the grasslands, admire heroes who soar like eagles and despise men who are weak and incompetent like sheep.

If my father knew what you did to me, he would kill you!

In Horqin, everyone can ride a horse and bend a bow; there are hundreds or even thousands of archers alone.

The vast grasslands are not like this palace. No matter how skilled you are in martial arts, you cannot escape the pursuit of our Mongol cavalry.

So, do you still dare to offer to take me home?

After she finished speaking, a defiant expression appeared on her face, but her suddenly accelerated heartbeat revealed a hint of anticipation and trepidation.

Nie Yun laughed and said, “There is no place in this world that I, Nie Yun, dare not go.”

Let’s make a bet: if I send you back to Horqin and gain your father’s approval, you’ll be my woman without worry.

If your father doesn’t approve of me, I’ll leave it to you to do as you please, without saying a word.

He then extended his right palm.

“It’s a deal!”

Tana’s eyes lit up, and she also reached out her palm to clap three times with Nie Yun.

Just as she was about to take the photo back, Nie Yun grabbed her hand, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her without saying a word.

“Mmm…mmm…”

Tana struggled for a few moments, then resignedly embraced Nie Yun and obediently offered her tongue.

Mao Dongzhu, however, had already wisely left the room to keep watch for the two of them.

“Second Young Master, please, please let me go!”

In Chen Shixin’s mansion in the capital, the pleading voice of a young girl could be heard continuously coming from a bedroom.

Seemingly out of apprehension, the girl kept her voice very low, but the despair and sorrow in her voice were still palpable.

It was late at night, and Chen Shixin and his wife had already gone to bed. The servants in the mansion had also all settled down for the night.

This place is located in the inner quarters, and in theory there should be servants on night duty, but for some reason there is no one at the door of the room.

“Yu Shi, don’t be afraid. From now on, you’ll be living the high life with the young master. You’ll be enjoying all the good things!”

A man said smugly, his voice filled with undisguised lust.

“Bang!”

The tightly closed door suddenly opened, startling the man inside so much that he fell to the ground.

The girl who had just been held in his arms and subjected to his wanton advances quickly grabbed her torn collar and ran far away to the side.

A handsome young man walked into the house. He looked at the man’s pigtail-like braid and then at the girl next to him with red and swollen eyes from crying. A murderous intent rose in his heart.

The man was quite bold. He stood up, straightened his clothes, bowed to the young man, and said, “My name is Chen Jiaji. May I ask your esteemed name, sir?”

The young man sneered, flashed in front of him, grabbed his neck with his right hand, and lifted him into the air like a chicken, duck, cat, or dog. He then turned to the girl and asked, “What’s your name?”

Although the girl was pale, she still said tremblingly, “This…this servant is Yu Shi, a servant of the Chen family.”

She glanced at Chen Jiaji, who was being held in the young man’s hand. He saw that Chen Jiaji’s eyes were wide open and he was desperately trying to hit the young man’s arm, but it was like a dragonfly trying to shake a stone pillar, with no effect whatsoever.

The young man sighed and asked again, “Is your sweetheart named Jinzhong?”

The maid named Yu Shi blushed and hesitated for a long time before finally speaking.

The young man understood and smiled, “Just pretend you don’t know anything about what happened today. No matter what happens in the future, don’t pay any attention to it, understand?”

Although Yu Shi was puzzled, she thought that the young man had just saved her and should not have any ill intentions, so she nodded in agreement.

The young man pulled a stack of papers from his pocket with his left hand, tossed them to Yu Shi, and said, “Catch it.”

Yu Shi took a look and found that they were all silver notes worth one hundred taels each, and there were five of them.

“This… my benefactor, I dare not accept it.”

The girl was startled and quickly tried to return it to the young man.

The young man waved his hand and said, “In a few days, I’ll have Jinzhong help you two redeem yourselves so you can go out and do some small business on your own.”

After what has happened today, I suppose you no longer wish to stay in the Chen residence.

This young man was none other than Nie Yun, who had left the palace to investigate. Ever since he had guessed the true identity of Prince Bao, Hongli, he had wanted to come to the Chen residence to confirm it in person.

Although Chen Shixin in this world also retired from his official post, he still remained in the capital.

Nie Yun obtained a map of the entire capital and the imperial palace from Mao Dongzhu, and came to the Chen residence tonight to investigate. Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered, he heard some noise.

He followed the sound to the door and, upon hearing that the girl’s name was Yu Shi, intervened to prevent the tragedy.

In the original novel, Yu Shi was raped by Chen Jiaji and then committed suicide by jumping into the sea. Her lover, Jin Zhong, also held her body and died by crashing into the stone lion in front of the Chen family’s gate.

It can be said that Chen Jiaji’s lustful nature drove a couple who could have lived happily ever after to their deaths.

When the protagonist of the book, Chen Jialuo, learned of this, he simply flew into a rage and said:

“I never imagined my brother was this kind of person. I wanted to see him to ease our sibling bond, but now I don’t need to see him anymore.”

After that, no further action was taken, and the two lives were simply swept under the rug.

Nie Yun felt so disgusted every time he read this part that he couldn’t continue reading.

He said to Yu Shi, “This Chen Jiaji usually appears dignified, but he knows this matter is dishonorable, so he sent all his servants away.”

Go back and rest well; don’t worry about your reputation being damaged.

Yu Shi nodded, then hesitated and said, “Then…then Second Young Master…”

“Don’t worry, I won’t kill him!”

Nie Yun sneered.

Seeing that Yu Shi was still hesitant, he said, “If I hadn’t happened to save you, guess what would have happened next?”

Yu Shi recalled the despair she felt just now, when she cried out to heaven and earth in vain, and her heart hardened instantly.

“I will never forget your life-saving grace, young master.”

She bowed gracefully to Nie Yunying, then turned and walked out of the room.

Nie Yun turned to look at Chen Jiaji, who was almost sticking out his tongue, and sneered. He reached out and tapped Chen Jiaji several times, then pinched the back of his neck a few times before putting him on the bed.

Chen Jiaji was feeling strange when he suddenly felt a wetness in his lower body and realized that he had urinated without realizing it.

He was shocked. He tried to get up, but found that he couldn’t move a single finger, nor could he make a sound.

Nie Yun picked up the wine jug on the table, pried open his mouth, and poured most of the jug down his throat. Then he splashed the rest of the wine on him, turned around, and strode away.

A few days later, the news that the second young master of the Chen family had suffered a stroke from drinking, resulting in complete paralysis, became the talk of the town among many spoiled young men.

The Chen family was plunged into gloom by this sudden bad news, and Chen Shixin fell ill and became bedridden.

His wife, Xu, was also greatly affected, spending her days in tears and increasingly missing her youngest son, Chen Jialuo, who was studying martial arts in the Tianshan Mountains.

Amidst the chaos of war, no one noticed that Yu Shi and Jin Zhong, two servants, had both redeemed themselves.

“Young Master, the people monitoring the Chen residence have been dispatched. They are all top-notch experts. I have also instructed the people monitoring Hongli to report back every ten days.”

They will report any unusual activity they make as soon as possible.

Mao Dongzhu said respectfully.

“Um.”

Nie Yun didn’t even look up, his pen moving swiftly across the desk.

After a moment, he put down his brush, picked up the yellow satin with both Manchu and Chinese characters written on it, and gently blew the ink off it.

What did you write?

Tana had tried to peek but was stopped by Nie Yun, and she was incredibly curious.

“It cannot be spoken, it cannot be spoken.”

Nie Yun shook his head, a mysterious smile on his face.

“Hmph! It must be something shady. You Han people are the most cunning!”

Tana pouted, “You look so innocent, but you’re actually full of bad intentions. You’re definitely going to harm people!”

“That’s right, he’s exactly the kind of guy who’s used to harm people, and he’s a shameless and incompetent pretty boy.”

Nie Yun took the seal from Mao Dongzhu and pressed it forcefully onto the yellow satin.

“Young master, the late emperor has been dead for many years. Even if you affix his seal, I’m afraid not many people will be willing to pledge their loyalty.”

Mao Dongzhu looked at Nie Yun and said cautiously.

“This will is not for court intrigue; I have my own uses for it.”

Nie Yun returned the seal to Mao Dongzhu, flipped his right hand, and put the yellow satin into the Hunyuan World. His face once again showed the sly smile he always wore before plotting against people.

“Little Gui, you…cough cough…lost today…cough cough…how much…cough cough…how much silver?”

In an inconspicuous little room in the palace, an old eunuch with a sallow complexion covered his mouth, coughing violently after every few words, taking half a day to finish a short sentence.

“I lost twenty taels today, all of it to the Wen brothers.”

The boy next to him was only fourteen or fifteen years old. He was thin and small, with a pair of bright, darting eyes that showed a shrewdness far beyond that of ordinary people.

“Okay, let’s continue losing tomorrow… cough cough… but it has to be a competition… cough cough…”

“Let’s lose even more today.”

Although the old eunuch was coughing and gasping for breath, he had a satisfied look on his face, as if hearing that the boy had lost money made him very happy.

“It would be such a waste to lose so much silver. Why not give it to me?”

The tightly closed door was suddenly pushed open, and Nie Yun walked in with a smile.

The old eunuch’s expression changed.

He was always meticulous and would carefully observe the surrounding sounds before speaking.

Although he was recently blinded by poison, he was confident that with just his ears, no one could sneak up on him without him noticing.

But just before Nie Yun walked in, he didn’t hear a single sound.

This immediately heightened his vigilance towards Nie Yun to its highest level.

Nie Yun looked at the boy beside him. Although the boy looked afraid, he did not shout. Instead, he quietly observed him, his eyes darting around as if he was considering Nie Yun’s intentions.

“He truly is a chosen one, extraordinary indeed.”

Although Nie Yun was blind, the Xuanling Jade Disc within his body kept jumping and dancing, as if something was strongly attracting him.

The boy also sensed an indescribable threat, as if something was eyeing him menacingly.

The old eunuch coughed lightly and said, “Who are you?”

Before Nie Yun could speak, the young man shouted, “Eunuch Hai, this man hasn’t shaved his head! He must be a rebel! Kill him!”

Although he doesn’t know martial arts, he has a very keen sense of danger.

Even though Nie Yun maintained a smile, he could still discern a chilling killing intent within it.

The old eunuch frowned. He was extremely loyal to the Qing court and always believed in killing the wrong people rather than letting them go when they encountered rebels.

But Nie Yun’s appearance just now was too strange, so he didn’t make a move rashly, but instead smiled insincerely:

“So you’re a hero who harbors lingering feelings for the previous dynasty… cough cough… my apologies!”

May I ask where you come from, and what brings you here?

Nie Yun smiled slightly and said nothing, but suddenly a long sword that gleamed with silver light appeared in his hand.

“Eunuch Hai, he’s carrying a sword, he must be a bad person, kill him quickly!”

The boy was so frightened by the overwhelming sword intent that his teeth chattered and he felt his calves cramp.

“Hai Dafu, if it weren’t for your loyalty to the Qing Dynasty, I really wouldn’t want to kill you.”

Nie Yun flicked his wrist, making the longsword hum. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you die a quick and painless death!”

“snort!”

Knowing that things were unlikely to end well, Hai Dafu took the initiative and lunged at Nie Yun with powerful palm strikes aimed straight at his center.

“Trying to force me to counter with my palm strike so I can use the Yin-Yang Grinding Technique on me, not a bad idea, but what a pity!”

Nie Yun chuckled lightly, neither dodging nor avoiding, and stepped forward.

“ah!”

A flash of sword light, a glint of blood, and Hai Dafu screamed as he was thrown backward, his hands severed at the wrists.

“Oh my god!”

The boy was so frightened that he ran outside immediately.

Without turning his head, Nie Yun swung his right hand backward, then clenched his palm into a tiger claw shape and grabbed hard.

With a “click,” the door closed, locking all three of them inside, and the room fell silent.

After a while, the door reopened, and Nie Yun walked out leisurely, with two puddles of foul-smelling yellow water behind him.

“I’m so full!”

Nie Yun stretched and said, “Since we have nothing to do right now, why don’t we go find some fun?”

He lightly touched the ground with his feet and ran towards the Ning Shou Palace.