"The Annals of Hua Yang, Records of Shu" record: "Du Yu proclaimed himself emperor, calling himself Wang Di... his minister Kai Ming, diverted the Jade Lei Mountain to eliminate water disasters. The Emperor then entrusted him with state affairs, following the tradition of Yao and Shun's abdication. He then abdicated in favor of Kai Ming. The Emperor ascended West Mountain and lived in seclusion. It was the second month, and the cuckoo bird sang, hence the people of Shu grieve at the cuckoo's cry."
Legend has it that Du Yu, who descended from the heavens, established the Shu Kingdom and diligently governed. However, due to frequent floods, his efforts were merely superficial. His people rescued a man named Bie Ling from the river. This man was extremely capable and helped to manage the water disasters. Wang Di then abdicated in his favor and retreated to West Mountain.
Later, the place where he lived in seclusion produced many wise and capable individuals, each possessing extraordinary skills and abilities, talents that could prop up a collapsing edifice.
In memory of Wang Di, they renamed the place Wangdi Township.
There is a saying among the populace that the appearance of people from Wangdi Township signifies a change in the world's dominion.
But now, though the emperor is not exactly wise, he is more than capable of maintaining the status quo. Is this truly a time for the world to change hands?
This is how outsiders perceive it.
For Baili Chongyan and Zhu Ji, their actions will inevitably put them at odds with the emperor. It will be a matter of life and death, so widespread chaos is unavoidable.
Yet, many within this royal manor are unaware of these matters. Could Wangdi Township, thousands of miles away, truly harbor such talented individuals?
The guard asked, "Your Highness, shall we see them?"
Baili Chongyan's expression was quite solemn. "Yes, go and invite them in."
"Yes."
As the guard was about to leave, he heard Baili Chongyan say, "Treat them with courtesy."
The guard understood. "Yes, I understand."
After the guard left, Baili Chongyan, facing Zhu Ji who looked puzzled, explained, "It is rumored that some people in Wangdi Township are adept at divination and can calculate the world's situation. They say, 'A scholar need not leave his home to know all that happens under heaven.' If this is true, they should have already perceived something."
"And what if they have perceived it?" Zhu Ji chuckled. "If they dare to stand in our way, we shall kill them."
They intended to oppose the emperor, and the outcome was likely to be irreconcilable. If the people of Wangdi Township considered the current emperor a wise ruler and stood against them, then they would have no choice but to kill them.
"They will not appear easily. This visit may not be to obstruct us."
Known for their ability to prop up a collapsing edifice, they would naturally not emerge during a time of peace.
Zhu Ji waved her hand. "Whatever their reason for coming, why worry so much? We can simply ask them. If they are sensible, we can coexist peacefully. If not, we kill them. She has accumulated abundant merit; killing a few people is inconsequential. Baili Chongyan is burdened with heavy sins; he has nothing to fear from more debt."
"Yes." Baili Chongyan pushed out the wheelchair that had been unused for many days. "It seems I will have to trouble the Princess to push me again."
Zhu Ji also found enjoyment in playing with the wheelchair. Upon hearing this, she bargained, "Then you push me on the way back."
"As you command, Princess."
...
At the entrance of the royal manor.
The two who had been waiting for a long time were dusted with more snow. The man with the long sword strapped to his back grumbled, "What does this mean? The people of Prince Yan's manor, if they don't want to see us, they could have at least sent us a reply. Instead, they've left us waiting out here?"
"We arrived too early," the frail scholar said. "For the message to reach Prince Yan, it naturally requires some time. Let us wait patiently."
The man's tone was anxious and displeased. "But we've been waiting for nearly thirty minutes! Clearly, they don't take us seriously! If it were anyone else, upon hearing we are from Wangdi Township, they would have rushed out to greet us. But the people of Prince Yan's manor are different. Not only have they not invited us in, but they've left us out here. They truly have no sense of propriety!"
As he spoke, before the frail scholar could reply, the main gate opened again.
Accompanying its opening was a sneering voice: "I heard that everyone in Wangdi Township is an extraordinary talent. Surely, they know what propriety and shame are. Arriving at someone's door without submitting a formal request is the act of an uninvited guest. It is our Prince's gracious hospitality that he is willing to send someone to announce your arrival. I wonder who it is that truly lacks propriety?"
"You!" The man was immediately enraged and raised his hand as if to strike.
The frail scholar sternly admonished, "Du Shan, do not be rude."
Only then did the man lower his hand.
The chief guard, who also emerged, stated, "Do not be rude to our esteemed guests. If it happens again, you will be punished."
The servant acknowledged with a "Yes."
"The people in the manor do not understand etiquette and have caused you inconvenience. My Prince has been ill for a long time and woke up a bit late. I beg your forgiveness. Please come inside."
The two, whose bodies were nearly frozen stiff, finally followed them into the royal manor.
Upon reaching the main hall, they waited for a while longer before Zhu Ji pushed someone towards them.
He wore a mask, his hair was slightly disheveled, and his clothing, though understated, carried no ostentatious air. He was dressed warmly, making it impossible to discern if he was thin or stout.
However, Du Ruo thought to himself, "The Ziwei star is dim, and the Tanlang star shows signs of devouring its master. Of all the generals in the Great Sheng, he is the one who can devour his master, and within ten years, he is the only one I can foresee: the Prince Yan whose face is disfigured and legs are crippled. Why is this so? Could my divination be mistaken?"