Chapter 841: Scandal
To some extent, Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu were not only life partners but also political allies. In a partnership, one could be strong while the other was weak, but in an alliance, both sides must be evenly matched. Otherwise, it would not be considered an alliance but a vassalage.
Zhang Yuelu agreed with Qi Xuansu’s speculation. “That possibility can’t be ruled out. If the Li family’s adopted-son faction and son-in-law faction reach a consensus and form an alliance, they’d indeed become a force to be reckoned with. The Heavenly Preceptor is restrained by the main branch of the Zhang family, and though the Imperial Preceptor’s situation might be slightly better, he’s still quite restricted.”
Qi Xuansu added, “Some things can be done but not spoken; others can be spoken but not done. In the Li family’s case, the main branch holding long-term power is something that can be done, but must never be openly promoted. The Zhang and Li families exist in different environments. The Zhangs are conservative and resistant to outsiders, which has led to a shortage of new blood. But it also allows them to rightfully insist on keeping power within the main line.
“By contrast, the Li family is open and welcoming to outsiders. That’s why they’ve been flourishing for 200 years. Their family is full of talent, but the downside is that they cannot publicly stress the supremacy of the main bloodline. Instead, they must promote the idea of a three-way balance between the main branch, adopted sons, and sons-in-law. If they acted like the Zhang family, there would certainly be fierce internal backlash.”
Zhang Yuelu sighed. “At least you can see things clearly. The Commentary of Zuo states that what raises a ruler will eventually destroy him. If the Zhang family falls, it will be from their conservatism. If the Li family falls, it will be from their openness. The Holy Xuan once advocated that the more friends one has, the better off one is. This left the Daoist Order with today’s factional complexities. The Li family preached inclusiveness and equal treatment, but that created the danger of adopted sons and sons-in-law overstepping their roles. The Taiping Sect may look united, but only relative to the Zhengyi Sect and Quanzhen Sect. Objectively, it’s far from a monolithic entity.”
Zhang Yuelu paused, then asked, “When you met with Sage Qingwei, what was his attitude?”
Qi Xuansu gave a wry smile. “People at that level have deep self-control and stay composed in major events. They wouldn’t wear their thoughts on their sleeves. Of course, he seemed calm and relaxed, chatting as if everything were fine. At first, I thought he was the one behind all this. But after thinking it through, I realized that didn’t add up.”
Zhang Yuelu nodded. “In that case, I’ll have to go sound out the old master. He’s the one really steering the ship, after all.”
Qi Xuansu had no objections. “Alright. Let’s discuss the rest in detail when we meet.”
Zhang Yuelu ended the conversation.
While the two were talking, both flying ships had drawn near the port. Qi Xuansu stepped onto the deck and looked down. He saw the other Yellow Hornless Dragon anchored at sea. It appeared the stationed Spirit Guards had already taken control of it.
As the two flying ships slowly descended, Qi Xuansu issued his orders. “Interrogate them on the spot overnight. No torture, no coercion. Record whatever they’re willing to say. Those who stay silent, leave them be for now. Give me a summary before dawn. I’ll be meeting the Sage Commander before 7:00 AM.”