Chapter 25: Journey to the West

After a short, sharp scream, the Tianshu (Heavenly Book) fell silent, returning to its cold and indifferent stillness. Feixuan Zhenjun was inwardly overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions, yet his face betrayed nothing. 

He merely began to meticulously interrogate Li Jurong about the “scholar surnamed Wu” he had mentioned, appearing to take particular interest.

Li Jurong was somewhat surprised but also quite pleased. He had known Wu Chengen, the scholar from Sheyang, since childhood, and tson bond had remained unshaken despite changes in tson respective statuses. 

However, he felt deeply regretful about Wu Chengen’s lack of success in the imperial examinations—years of hard study, yet not even the rank of a scholar. 

If only he could gain some recognition in the emperor’s eyes, wouldn’t that be a great opportunity?

Feixuan Zhenjun listened intently, pondering over every detail. Yet no matter how much he deliberated, he couldn’t discern any connection between Wu Chengen and the Tianshu. All he could do was commit the title Journey to the West firmly to memory, resolving to investigate further at a later time.

The Tianshu had finally provided a snippet of useful information—how could he let it slip away so easily? Feixuan Zhenjun’s emotions surged wildly, momentarily forgetting even his anger.

The morning court session in the Forbidden Garden didn’t adjourn until midday. However, this impromptu assembly of ministers unleashed unimaginable ripples. 

That very noon, Feixuan Zhenjun ordered Li Zaifang to issue an edict: all of Liu Mengjing’s official posts and honors were to be stripped, his writings since birth to be rescinded, and he was to be sent to the Dongchang for interrogation. 

Simultaneously, he issued a stern rebuke to the Hanlin Academy, accusing them of “corruption and cowardice that endangered the nation” and “a lack of learning and incompetence.” The entire academy was ordered to shut its doors, reflect on tson shortcomings, and refrain from further involvement in state affairs.

It was clear to any discerning observer that such a grave oversight in the History of the Yuan Dynasty was not something a mere minor official could shoulder alone. 

The scholars of the Hanlin Academy, standing or falling together, were at the very least guilty of negligence and disrespect. However, due to tson high status, dismissing all of them at once would cause a political earthquake. 

The emperor had no choice but to exercise temporary restraint. Yet the ferocious tone of the imperial edict left little room for misinterpretation—once the current imperial examination produced fresh scholars, the Lao Tzu would be promptly exiled to desolate backwaters to watch turtles lay eggs!

“You’re insulting Emperor Gaozu as a thief monk, huh? Your ancestors for the past eighteen generations won’t be able to sleep soundly tonight!”

Feixuan Zhenjun, who usually kept to himself, didn’t let anyone slack when it came to real matters. 

The imperial court had just ended its morning meeting when the eunuchs of the Dongchang, receiving a strict imperial edict, stormed out in droves, searching the entire Beijing like vicious dogs hunting prey. 

They followed the list of traitors given by the little minister and the son of the Duke of Mu, capturing anyone on the list. 

The Emperor’s anger had reached its peak, and his subordinates had no choice but to carry out the orders ruthlessly, throwing all previous notions of rules and decorum aside. 

Not only were many officials captured, but even the Japanese envoys’ secret agents who had been sent to contact insiders were intercepted on the road and thrown straight into the prison.

The eunuchs of the Dongchang had seen it all and could even extract confessions from the dead. However, this time, they were perhaps too impatient, and tson methods were a bit crude.

 Despite torturing the Japanese spies, they couldn’t get any useful information. At first, they thought they had caught a big fish who had been well-trained, but after the chief eunuch personally investigated, they discovered the truth—this person’s Chinese was absolutely terrible. 

How could they possibly get any useful information from him?

No wonder, when tortured, the man kept shouting “Baga!” and “Great Annihilation!” non-stop. The eunuchs thought he was cursing the holy dynasty in anger!

To follow the trail further, the Dongchang arranged for a translator familiar with Japanese to accompany the interrogation. 

However, perhaps because they had tortured him first without questioning him, once the man started confessing, he sobbed uncontrollably and admitted to everything, but the contents of his confessions were…

“Stop hitting me! I’ll confess!” the Japanese spy cried, nearly breaking down. “You want to know about Jianwen—the Jianwen Emperor? Yes, it was me who set the fire in Nanjing back then!”

After the translator conveyed the words, the eunuchs in the room fell silent.

After a long pause, the chief eunuch, Huang Gonggong, finally slammed the table:

“At this point, you dare to speak so recklessly! You, get up and keep beating him!”

“Great Annihilation, Great Annihilation, please stop—ahh… what do you want me to confess? Alright, it was I who instigated the Jianwen Emperor’s decision to weaken the power of the nobility! It was all me—I did it all—oh my god, oh my god, ah, ye me dea!”

No matter what, after the experienced eunuchs had extracted all the damaging confessions about the nation’s past wrongdoings, they managed to extract some useful information from the prisoner’s ramblings. 

They quickly sent the details to the little minister and the son of the Duke of Mu—by order of Zhenjun, these two were to “handle the matter together,” so the Dongchang naturally coordinated tson efforts, always on standby.

 Even if things went wrong later, at least there would be someone else to share the blame.

Mu Qi, thrilled, carefully organized the received messages. Then, changing into a nondescript outfit, he quietly left through the side gate with a few trusted followers, using the excuse of seeking out scholars to visit Mr. Gui, who was still packing up to move. 

He ordered servants to help organize things, while he conveniently slipped away from the crowd and made his way quietly into Hai Gangfeng’s room.

The two had already established a tacit understanding. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they got straight to the point. Mu Qi told Hai Gangfeng about the recent changes in the court, and Hai Gangfeng was stunned for a moment before he exclaimed with joy:

“The court has decisively decided to eradicate the Japanese spies in the Beijing! The Emperor is truly wise, and this is a blessing for the people!”

Mu Qi was taken aback, but then he realized. Although he could immediately see through Hai Gangfeng’s thoughts—this old man was trying to maintain a righteous appearance despite his darker intentions—at least he still had some reputation among the lower ranks. 

Hai Gangfeng had grown up in a poor village, studying diligently, so it was understandable that he didn’t fully grasp the true nature of Zhenjun. However, Mu Qi couldn’t really explain everything to him. 

He certainly couldn’t tell Hai Gangfeng that the Japanese and tson spies were actually manipulated through his own use of literary inquisition methods.

Mu Qi, though shameless himself, still had to maintain some dignity.

So, he changed the subject, discussing the details of the Dongchang’s interrogation of the prisoners. 

He then took out a rolled-up piece of paper and slammed it heavily onto the table, pushing it forward.

Sighing, he said, “The Dongchang has some methods. The interrogation notes contain a lot of key information. If Mr. Hai Gangfeng takes a look, it would be much more useful than the documents from the Ministry of War.”

Hai Gangfeng stared at the paper. He couldn’t help but keep his eyes fixed on it, as if the son of the Duke of Mu was about to shove the thing right into his face.

“This is…”

“Of course, this is not the Dongchang’s interrogation record!” Mu Qi said firmly. “The Dongchang is the Emperor’s servant, and although it’s not officially stated, regular officials should avoid being associated with them as much as possible. 

How could I knowingly bring out interrogation records? What a scandal that would be!”

Hai Gangfeng was speechless.

“What is this, then?”

“This?” Mu Qi replied, “This is some fictional noble’s son who got some fictional information from a fictional spy agency, and then wrote a completely fictional novel based on that information.” He looked at Hai Gangfeng seriously and added, “Any resemblance to real events is purely coincidental. 

So this is just a worthless fabrication, do you understand, Mr. Hai Gangfeng?”

Hai Gangfeng’s lips twitched for a moment.

For a brief second, Hai Gangfeng almost doubted his own judgment. Perhaps the rumors in the Beijing were true, and the son of the Duke of Mu had really lost his mind?

Who would say such insane things?

But what could he say? He could only remain silent for a moment before weakly responding:

“I understand.”

Mu Qi was satisfied:

“Good. Don’t forget it. By the way, is there a tea stall around here? I need to get some hot tea to quench my thirst!”

Although there was a large pot of hot tea in the guest room, Mu Qi still leisurely got up, strolling outside for about a quarter of an hour. When he returned to the room, Hai Gangfeng was still sitting upright, silently staring at the tightly rolled-up paper on the table, which hadn’t been touched at all.

When the prince finally sat down slowly, Mr. Hai Gangfeng cupped his hands toward him and solemnly spoke:

“I originally thought that the Japanese pirates’ spies were only in the remote countryside of the southern regions, but now it seems I was greatly mistaken. 

These Japanese are doing everything they can in the Beijing to gather information on the sea defense arrangements, the movements within the inner court, and the strength of the coastal military forces. 

Their intentions are truly suspicious. The prince’s concerns are indeed well-founded, and I must admit, I am thoroughly impressed.”

Mu Qi blinked:

“The Japanese are gathering intelligence on the sea defense? Ah, I really don’t know where you got this information! I haven’t leaked a single word… Of course, if we assume the information is true, then this would indeed be a huge piece of news—given the current state of things in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, with peace and prosperity, the sea defense is practically nonexistent. If the Japanese really figure this out, the next invasion might be right on our doorstep.”

This was the first time in his life that Hai Gangfeng found himself somewhat speechless by someone else’s performance. After a moment of silence, he decided to change the topic:

“Three feet of ice is not formed in a single day, and the situation in Jiangsu and Zhejiang is not something I can casually discuss. 

But now we should restore the old systems of Emperor Gaozu, starting with the necessary preparations in critical areas. We must not give the Japanese pirates any opportunity.”

Although he was still inexperienced, Hai Gangfeng’s sharp and experienced political insight had already begun to show. 

No matter how worried he was about the Japanese pirates, he knew the current situation well. The coastal military and political landscape was so complicated that external forces had little chance of intervening. 

Even if he became a local official and used the power of the Duke of Mu’s mansion, it would be difficult to affect the situation—unless one truly intended to spend years of hard work meticulously shedding blood and creating rivers of it.

But not even Duke Mu, let alone Lao Deng, could have the determination for such a ruthless plan. It was very unlikely!

Hai Gangfeng was straightforward, not pedantic, and had already been considering alternative strategies. In the 20th year of the Xuánwǔ reign, the Japanese pirates had also attacked the coast. 

Emperor Gaozu had issued an imperial decree, instructing the people to “prepare knives, kill first and talk later,” and “I will reward anyone who beheads a pirate generously.” It was truly a people’s war, driving the pirates away in defeat. 

By using this decree, Hai Gangfeng could now train militias in Shangyu and strengthen the defenses of critical areas.

The Duke of Mu’s son listened attentively and nodded repeatedly, clearly very impressed. He took out a brush from the table, hurriedly wrote two names on some scrap paper, and handed it over:

“Your strategy is truly admirable, and of course, I fully agree with it. However, training soldiers requires specialized guidance. 

I am not talented enough to advise you, so let me help you with some arrangements: the two generals, Yu and Qi, listed on this paper, have some connections with the Duke’s mansion. If you take my letter to them, they will surely lend their assistance.”

Hai Gangfeng stood up solemnly, accepted the thin paper, and carefully folded it before tucking it into his chest. Both of them understood each other perfectly, and there was no need for further words. However, after a moment of silence, Hai Gangfeng sighed deeply:

“…But even if I exhaust all my efforts, I fear I can only protect one town or county in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. 

If the Japanese invade, the millions of people in the Jiangnan region will suffer greatly. The prince has such high expectations of me, and I truly feel ashamed and unworthy of them… As a mere scholar, how could I influence the larger situation? Given the current circumstances, it seems that only a thunderous effort, a determination as strong as Emperor Gaozu’s to stand alone against thousands, could possibly change things!”

His words were sincere, resolute, and full of heartfelt emotion. Mu Qi listened attentively, momentarily unable to say anything in reply. 

He had become accustomed to playing the fool, making sarcastic remarks, and handling situations with a sly persona—skills he could easily navigate (or so he thought). But this frank, wholehearted expression, more valuable than gold, pierced through all his defensive facades and exposed the harsh reality beneath his jokes and laziness.

Incompetent! Weak! Afraid of death! After all this time in the past life, he had accomplished nothing, hopping around like a monkey, giving his all but unable to even stop a pirate!

The rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every man, and especially for you, the heir of the Duke of Mu, enjoying the wealth of the people! Now that the world is in turmoil, do you not feel a sense of responsibility? Do you not have guilt?

What could Mu Qi argue? He couldn’t say a word. He could only shift his gaze, awkwardly remaining silent.

Of course, Hai Gangfeng’s words were not intended as an implicit criticism; they were spoken with sincerity. But it was precisely because they came from the heart that they were so powerful. 

Perhaps due to the earlier investigation of the Japanese pirates, Hai Gangfeng truly hoped for Lao Deng to rise with the resolve of Emperor Gaozu, to make a decisive move and turn the tide.

 Yet the greatest tragedy in the world is this: rather than relying on Lao Deng’s moral awakening and determination, it was more realistic to hope for Emperor Gaozu’s lightning return, still capable of making decisions after seeing the achievements of his descendants and not yet dead from anger, still able to wield a sword.

The trust of righteous men and heroes is the most precious thing in this world, but some people just squander it. When a worthless vessel produces thunder and the bell is destroyed, the sadness is unparalleled.

…No matter what, putting too much faith in Lao Deng would surely lead to disappointment. If the illusion was bound to break, it was better to have it shattered sooner rather than later. Mu Qi steeled himself, deciding to be the villain in this story.

“…You’re making it too easy,” he said, expressionless. “According to the Ministry of Revenue’s calculations, simply rebuilding the sea defenses and preparing a small fleet will cost over a million taels of silver per year. Do you think the court can afford this?”

Hai Gangfeng fell silent.

·
“Is this Journey to the West?”

The Feixuan Zhenjun shook the yellowed, rough pages of the book, his tone unreadable.

Li Zai Fang bowed and replied, “According to His Majesty’s orders, both the Imperial City Division and the Jinyiwei have carefully checked, and this should indeed be Journey to the West.”

After the court session yesterday, the emperor had urgently summoned his trusted eunuchs and ordered them to investigate what Wu Chengen’s Journey to the West was. 

The Imperial City Division’s spies had gone to great lengths to find out that Journey to the West was just something Wu Chengen had written in his spare time, and on his visit to the Beijing to see an old friend, he had brought along the manuscript to seek Li Jurong’s advice.

“It’s just a failed scholar, nothing more. Even if he managed to get close to Li Jurong, he’s nothing to speak of. We could easily snatch the manuscript from him. 

However, Feixuan Zhenjun ordered that everything be done in secret, so the Imperial City Department spent a lot of money bribing the servants of the Wu family to quietly steal the unfinished manuscript and urgently deliver it to the Western Garden.

Originally, it was thought that the Emperor was urgently requesting something important, but when Li Zaifang flipped through it after getting the manuscript, he was left utterly baffled. Even though it had been presented, he still carefully warned:

“To ensure His Majesty knows, this book is filled with tales of common folk, demons, monsters, magic, and even disrespectful slanders. I’m afraid it may offend His Majesty’s eyes…”

That alone would be enough, but the book’s depiction of a certain monkey named Sun causing a ruckus in the Heavenly Palace and saying, ‘The emperor takes turns. Next year, it will be my turn,’ such rebelliousness could certainly provoke the Emperor to anger, right?

However, unexpectedly, when Feixuan Zhenjun heard this, he was not angry at all. In fact, his eyes slightly brightened—demons and monsters? Magic and occult arts? This was exactly to his taste!

For months, he had been painstakingly reading the Heavenly Books, but all he encountered were curses, insults, and hysterical tantrums, with not a single thing related to celestial magic.

It had made him secretly doubt everything. But now, Journey to the West had appeared, which completely dispelled his doubts and reignited his boundless enthusiasm!

The exiled immortal specifically mentioned a strange book full of demons and monsters—what was he trying to say? What hidden connection could this strange book have with immortals and their magic?

This was it! This was clearly an opportunity for immortality!

In the face of such an opportunity, a few slanders were nothing to worry about. Feixuan Zhenjun had always been broad-minded and would never be bothered by such a small offense.

Of course, the law does not pass to the sixth ear, and the immortal would not want to expose such an important secret in front of his trusted aides. So he coughed, picked up the swaying manuscript, and said:

“Although this is a book of common tales, sometimes it reflects the people’s will! I occasionally flip through a few pages to get a sense of public sentiment.”

With that, he leaned back on the soft couch and casually turned a page.

After half a cup of tea, the Emperor, who had been casually flipping through the book, squinted his eyes and turned to the second page.

… Then the third page, and the fourth.

–
By the time he finished the last page, Feixuan Zhenjun finally looked up. He slowly turned his neck, feeling it crack, and surprisingly felt some rare soreness in his shoulders.

The immortal stared blankly ahead, seeing the sun setting to the west.

… He vaguely remembered that when he flipped the first page, the sun was still directly overhead.

Of course, that was no longer the point. The immortal paused, then waved away the little eunuch who had been massaging his shoulders and summoned Li Zaifang, who had been waiting outside the hall:

“Has this book not been finished yet?”

Li Zaifang quickly responded with a bow, “Your Majesty is wise! According to a servant from the Wu family, he had planned to finish a chapter in the past few days, but because he had been visiting friends after arriving in the Beijing, the work was delayed.”

Upon hearing this, Feixuan Zhenjun’s heart immediately ignited with anger!

– A man writing books and novels should be at home, updating daily, but instead, he’s out wandering, neglecting his work! Moreover, it would be forgivable if the Wu family had paused elsewhere, but why stop right at the critical part where Sun Monkey returns to Flower-Fruit Mountain? What am I supposed to read now?!

This is blasphemy!

The old Taoist was furious, unable to contain himself. However, perhaps out of respect for the Heavenly Books, he did not explode. Instead, he darkened his face and ordered:

“Think of a way to get that Wu person to finish writing the book as soon as possible. No further delays. Do you understand?”

Li Zaifang, bewildered, immediately promised. The immortal thought for a moment before coldly ordering:

“Send a message secretly—but don’t say it’s from me!—just tell Wu that if Sun Monkey doesn’t get his due revenge, he should watch his back!”