"The god of mountains and rivers, the order of the city god's society, the generals of the law... Oh, trouble!"
In the past, the luxurious and wealthy barge horse carriage was now filled with books and scriptures. On the low table in front of Zhao Shu were several handwritten ritual books. There was also a scroll spread out on his lap, but the pen in his hand could not be put down.
.
"Are you having trouble?" Jiang Ru on the opposite side gently brought a cup of fragrant tea and carefully stuffed it into the gap between the books.
"Let me tell you the truth." Zhao Shu put down his pen: "The rituals and rituals of the officials of praise are based on the sky and the earth, and the five qi are arranged in the five directions. The Huaxu Kingdom only has a corner of the east of Kunlun Island. There is not enough weather, so it is difficult to arrange it.
Complete layout, for this reason I must make drastic changes to the original rituals."
"If even you find it difficult, I'm afraid no one in the world can do it," Jiang Ru said.
Zhao Shu shook his head: "This is too much. There are also experts outside Huaxu Kingdom. For example, the four immortals of Shangjing Sect can set up iron barriers to the sky and suppress evil dragons with heaven and earth nets. It shows that they also have unique insights into rituals and rituals. Not to mention the emperor
The lower capital is the hub of Kunlun Continent’s ten thousand qi and the foundation for Hongjun’s movement. Many rituals and rituals performed by the officials of praise are based on the imperial capital. Only in this way can the power of the emperor, the queen, and the earth be used.”
"So, if the imperial capital is lost and you praise the ceremonial officers for their rituals, wouldn't it be like losing the main beam of a house?" Jiang Ru asked.
"Absolutely." Zhao Shu knocked on the table: "Actually, the rules and regulations set by the officials of praise are not just one pillar. The Five Directions and Five Virtues are the pillars. It's a pity that since Tianxia's overthrow, the Five Virtues have been
There are many interruptions in the sacrifices. This forces me to revise the rituals and rituals from the fundamentals. Other than that, it is about the genealogy of the ranks of the gods that makes my head big."
Jiang Ru knew Zhao Shu's temperament well, and any comfort at this time was useless. He could only resolve the difficulties by letting him talk about it himself.
"Do gods also need to divide the pedigree of grades?" Jiang Ru asked, holding her chin.
"Of course. In the "Nine Ranks of the Three Heavens", I set the ranks for the ritual monks. Correspondingly, I must clearly set the ranks for the gods." Zhao Shu rubbed his face: "Actually, in the Tianxia Dynasty
There is a rough division: the emperor, the emperor, and the empress have the highest status and can only be worshiped by the emperor himself. The ritual utensils used, such as tripods, gui, bells and drums, are also the most numerous and heavy.
Next is the Five Virtues Monarch. In addition to the Tianxia Emperor offering sacrifices to the five directions in the suburbs every year, he also sends the emperor's relatives and ceremonial officers to worship at the four principal temples. The number and specifications of the ritual vessels used must be reduced by one level. As for the emperor,
The following hundred gods also decrease in descending order. As for the so-called obscene worship of ghosts and gods, in addition to causing misfortunes and blessings, the main crimes are firstly not being in the national sacrificial ceremony, and secondly being using the sacrifices to violate their position."
"The rules are really strict." Jiang Ru pursed her lips.
"If you want to set up a mind for heaven and earth, set up principles, establish laws and regulations, and clarify the order, you must follow the rules." Zhao Shu said: "If Liang Guoshi wants to be a master of the immortal family, naturally there is no need to talk about these rules, but if he wants to create a pioneering
If there are no rules for a Taoist state in the human world, how can a Taoist state be established?"
Jiang Ru hesitated slightly and asked carefully: "Do you think this matter for the Dao Kingdom in the human world can really be accomplished?"
Zhao Miao asked expressionlessly: "You think it can't be done?"
"I'm not questioning the ability of you and the leader." Jiang Ru looked at the books and scriptures around him and said: "With a ritual, you can hold the creation of heaven and earth in your hand. No one dares to believe this easily.
, this is even more incredible than uprooting one’s home and ascending to heaven.”
Zhao Shu was silent for a moment, and then explained: "First of all, no one has tried to use rituals and rituals to control the creation of heaven and earth in the past. However, the predecessors either lacked comprehensive rituals or lacked cultivation. Now I and
Liang Guoshi joined forces, and to be honest, there are not many people in the past and present who can compare with him."
"What you said is a bit arrogant." Jiang Ru laughed.
"So what I said is a big lie." Zhao Shu sighed: "There are just some things. We cannot blindly follow the example of our ancestors. Kunlun is in chaos. We should think about ways to calm chaos and stop dissension. This worldly country may be what Liang Guoshi wanted to go further.
The ladder, to me, is an opportunity to bring peace to troubled times."
Jiang Ru actually wanted to ask what would happen to Zhao Shu if this matter failed. But considering that he focused all his attention on this matter, it was better not to talk too much.
The carriage stopped slowly, and someone outside the carriage came to report: "Marquis Zhenming, the governor of Xingluo County has sent someone to greet you. Do you want to come forward to meet me?"
Zhao Shu didn't speak for a while. Seeing him like this, Jiang Ru asked outside, "Is the Xingluo County Sheriff here?"
"I didn't see the county governor himself coming."
Jiang Ru snorted coldly: "How presumptuous! Marquis Zhenming opened an altar to patrol the territory on the order of the king. After leaving Dongsheng Capital, every place he passed was greeted by local officials in person. Xingluo County Governor is so dismissive of the envoy.
, What’s the reason? When Chongxuan Hall came to Yanze City, the local governor even led the government officials out to worship, could it be that Marquis Zhenming is not as good as Chongxuan Hall?”
"I'm going to tell them now, sir!" the official outside the car responded in fear.
"Wait a minute." Zhao Shu stopped the other party and sighed softly: "I'm here to decorate the mandala. It's not necessary for the local officials to welcome and send me off. Xingluo County Sheriff probably has urgent official business, so don't be harsh.
."
After saying this, Zhao Shu put away the scroll, took the initiative to get out of the carriage, looked up at Yanze City, and revisited his old place. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart, as if he had experienced a long time.
"I probably understand that Liang Tao's state of mind has changed." Zhao Shu said to Lingxiao: "Looking back on the journey back, the past is vivid in my mind, all the twists and turns, successes and failures, just like the filth in the water that cannot settle, it is naturally clear and clear.
"
"You just know it." Lingxiao said: "How to let go of the past, you still can't do it."
"Of course I understand." Zhao Shu didn't think much. He came outside the city gate, handed a book to the waiting officials, ordered the preparation of utensils, and then went straight into the city.
When they entered the city, they saw the local wealthy gentry waiting. The leader was Mr. Fang, who had secretly communicated with Chi Yundu in the past. There were many people watching on both sides of the street.
"Meet Marquis Zhenming." Mr. Fang led everyone to salute Zhao Shu.
Zhao Shu was a little surprised, but he still stepped forward to help Mr. Fang: "I originally planned to pay a visit, but I didn't expect Mr. Fang to take the initiative to come and greet you."
"How can a common man dare to work in a poor house for the noble Lord Zhenming?" Mr. Fang was very humble.
Zhao Shu just smiled: "Master Fang is strong and strong."
"All this is thanks to the Qingyunlong incense given by Marquis Zhenming." Mr. Fang said quickly: "Every time before burning incense, the common people must pray silently to thank Marquis Zhenming."
"That's too strong a statement." Zhao Shu waved his hand and said, "Back then, I made Qingyunlong smoke incense just to raise money and food. Thanks to your help, Xingluo County can enjoy peace."
Mr. Fang complimented him: "Marquis Zhenming is the great contributor to the Jingping riots. How can ordinary people like us compare? We have prepared a banquet, and we only ask for the honor of Marquis Zhenming."
Zhao Shu did not refuse, gave Jiang Ru a few instructions, and then followed Mr. Fang and others.
Jiang Ru, on the other hand, followed Zhao Shu's request and came to the vicinity of the City God's Temple, where the accommodation arrangements had been made.
"Miss Jiang, long time no see."
Jiang Ru ordered people to arrange things. While he was still counting the spiritual materials, he heard someone calling him from behind. It was Xin Shunying.
"You...by the way, should I call you Mrs. Luo now?" Jiang Ru was startled for a moment, then asked with a smile on her face.
"As Miss Jiang likes." Xin Shunying smiled back: "I never thought that if we meet again today, you would be by Zhao Shu's side. Back in Yanze City, you were regarded as a monster by Junior Brother Zhao."
A trace of anger arose in Jiang Ru's heart, but she did not explode. Her smile became a little more cunning, and her tone was sweet: "I can't help it, who told me that my demonic nature was not tamed at that time? I am not as good at calculating as Mrs. Luo, knowing that
Zhao Miao and your husband have broken up long ago, but he still wants to visit you and encourage your father-in-law to be appointed to Jianjia Pass."
"Junior Zhao is a person who values affection and righteousness. He doesn't care about these things." Xin Shunying looked at Jiang Ru: "But you, seeing the decline of Chongxuan Pavilion, did the Jiang family plan to find another way out? You chose Junior Zhao?"
Jiang Ru's face turned cold when she heard this: "What do you mean?"
Xin Shunying also stopped smiling: "I just think that Senior Brother Zhao has a noble nature and cannot tolerate evil people around him. Or are you smart enough to please Junior Brother Zhao?"
"Shut up!" Jiang Ru raised her eyebrows: "Do you think Zhao Mi is a beast like Luo Xixian?"
Xin Shunying's eyes twitched, and Jiang Ru said coldly: "Who am I following? It's not your turn to interrupt! Since you are so curious, I might as well tell you clearly that Zhao Shu has never touched me, not even once."
!But at least he treats me as a human being, not a toy used to vent his desires. Unlike some people who tease me casually like an animal!"
Xin Shunying did not get angry. She thought for a moment and said calmly: "I understand. It was Liang Guoshi who asked you to stay with Zhao Shu to monitor him?"
Jiang Ru wanted to refute, but she found that this was the case. But compared to Liang Shuo who thought he could seduce Zhao Shu with his beauty, Liang Tao might not care about the relationship between Zhao Shu and Jiang Ru at all, but just go with nature.
Jiang Ru really fell in love with Zhao Shu, but after getting along with her for a long time, she found that she was not worthy of Zhao Shu at all. This was not due to the difference in power, status or cultivation, but because Zhao Shu's ideals and pursuits were too ambitious.
It got to the point where I couldn't even understand it.
In Jiang Ru's eyes, Zhao Shu was almost on par with Liang Tao at this moment. He could no longer catch up and could only take care of some mundane affairs for him.
Zhao Shu's daily life is extremely boring. He has no interest in drinking, sex, and money, and he doesn't like dancing, entertainment, and games. Even if other cultivators would not deliberately avoid the enjoyment, Zhao Shu can turn a blind eye and concentrate on his skills.
on things.
And unlike those who simply pursue the power of magic, Zhao Shu's study of magic is almost pure, with no utilitarianism mixed in.
Jiang Ru also asked Zhao Shu privately how he could be so pure. But in the end Zhao Shu himself couldn't answer. He only said that he was beaten since childhood and was forced by his grandfather to study rituals and rituals. Later, he grew up and became accustomed to it.
Already.
However, Zhao Shu also said that only by restraining oneself can one return to the rituals. The ego that is restrained is a treasure, a greedy person, a lust for fame and position, which are paranoid, selfish, and accumulated bad habits. Only by restraining oneself and having an open mind can one
Get close to the road.
Jiang Ru vaguely understood something at this moment. When facing Xin Shunying, her anger disappeared and she said calmly: "Mrs. Luo, I would like to ask, why didn't Sheriff Luo come forward? Is it because he didn't dare to meet his old friends? Even if we parted ways, anyway,
He is also an official in the same dynasty. Even if Zhao Shui doesn't care, what will others think? I'm afraid that just in Xingluo County, the popularity of Governor Luo may not be comparable to that of Zhao Shui."
Xin Shunying was speechless. In fact, she persuaded Luo Xixian not to dwell on the past and take the initiative to go out of the city to meet Zhao Shu. Even if she didn't look at her fellow sect members in the past, as a local governor, she would not care about the people sent by the monarch.
You should do enough etiquette.
But Luo Xixian refused to do this. In the name of going on patrol, he simply did not stay in Yanze City. Xin Shunying had no choice but to let her come forward. Unfortunately, Zhao Shui was dragged away to the banquet in the middle of the trip.
Although Zhao Shui has left Xingluo County long ago, he is indeed quite popular here. Perhaps it was because of the suppression of the rebel party that the local people praised Zhao Shui so much that all the altars built by Zhao Shui were praised by the people.
It was regarded as a magical place and protected voluntarily.
There are even some market rumors claiming that it was because of Zhao Shu's arrangement of the mandala that Xingluo County had good weather and good harvests in recent years.
It is conceivable that as the successor of the county governor, Luo Xixian was very unhappy with these market rumors. It seems that he wrote to the court to reduce taxes for Xingluo County, and also encouraged farming, reclaimed wasteland, built roads and bridges, etc.
, all became the credit of Zhao Shu.
Xin Shunying could see clearly that Luo Xixian had made great progress during his training in Xingluo County compared with the past. However, he could not withstand Zhao Shu's rapid progress and dominated the scene, which made Luo Xixian feel frustrated.
Even ordinary people can see that it is extremely unusual for Zhao Shu's power and status to soar so suddenly. In addition to Zhao Shu's hard work and pragmatism, it is more due to the disputes in the court and various chances and coincidences that Zhao Shu was promoted to the throne.
to this status now.
However, in Luo Xixian's eyes, Zhao Mi could never get rid of the feeling of being a "lucky little man", and he always felt that he could have done the same thing.
Xin Shunying tried to persuade her several times, but Luo Xixian always refused to listen. She also figured out that Zhao Mi had become an inescapable knot in her husband's heart.
This kind of paranoia is extremely harmful whether it is working as an official or cultivating immortality and learning Taoism. However, outsiders cannot help Luo Xixian resolve the knot in his heart, and even Xin Shunying feels helpless.
Xin Shunying knew that Luo Xixian's practice of swordsmanship had made him competitive by nature, and it was impossible to expect him to surrender and bow his head. But if Zhao Shu could be shown goodwill and the two men could resolve their differences, it would be a good thing for both parties.
But as soon as Zhao Shu arrived in Yanze City, he was invited by the local wealthy gentry, which made Xin Shunying feel extremely difficult to deal with. Originally, she planned to start with people close to Zhao Shu, but when she met Jiang Ru, she immediately hit a snag.
He was also questioned by the other party.
Things have evolved to this point, and Xin Shunying feels that there is no way to recover. Because of her original thoughts, she will have to taste the bitter consequences one after another in the future.