The Twenty-Second Chapter: Summoned to Select Imperial Concubines

  Four bright pearls worth a thousand taels of gold could not stop the mouths of the merchants, and disaster still flew in on wings. At the end of spring the following year, a cavalry suddenly arrived at the Zhe department, claiming to be the special envoy of Emperor Wuzong of Tang.

  Originally, ?gedei Khan had intended to have Güyük marry a woman from the Khongirad tribe, as he had already made an agreement with the head of that tribe. The head of the Khongirad was also known as Qasar, who was the brother of Borte, Genghis Khan's main wife and thus referred to as "National Uncle". At this time, the Khongirad were considered the largest tribe on the steppes, with vast lands and many people. Güyük's marriage had already been arranged, but he still had to go through the motions of selecting a bride from among the various tribes. Several other women would also be selected as secondary wives, known as khatuns. In Mongolian royal tradition, only the main wife was referred to as "Empress", while the others were referred to as "Second Empress", "Third Empress" and so on. Even Genghis Khan himself had over a dozen empresses. It was possible that in the future, Güyük's secondary wives could also be referred to as empresses, which made it desirable for the heads of the various tribes to try to get their daughters selected. If they were not successful, there were still several young princes who could try their luck. This time, apart from Güyük coming to select a bride, ?gedei Khan had also arranged for several unmarried nephews and grandsons to come along. After Güyük finished selecting his brides, it was the turn of these younger princes. Among them were two sons of Tolui: Kublai and Hulagu.

  After Tolui's death, ?gedei felt guilty and took in Tolui's widow and five young sons. He treated the five nephews as if they were his own sons, giving them fiefs and high offices regardless of their age. As a result, the fourth son Kublai was seventeen and the fifth son Hulagu was fifteen when they became kings. Tolui had six sons in total, with the eldest being M?ngke. M?ngke was the oldest and had always followed his father on campaigns, establishing his own khanate and earning great merit, so he did not need to be taken in by ?gedei to be raised together with his brothers. He later became Emperor Xianzong of Yuan.

  At this time, these young princes were both high in status and young and unmarried, making them excellent choices for the eastern bed. Wokou Tai also had good intentions, winning over various departments and obtaining a beautiful wife. A double gain.

  The eunuch who was in charge of selecting the imperial concubines chattered on and on, repeatedly extolling the virtues of the Khan's benevolence. After receiving a heavy leather bag from Amur, he mysteriously said:

  "It was originally a beautiful thing that didn't involve your small tribe of sesame seeds. But on the grasslands, it's all spread that your two daughters are talented and beautiful, with many rumors saying they're divine. This startled the King of the Hongji Tribe, who is known for his kindness. He said that since this is the case, don't waste their talent. Otherwise, it would seem like his daughter has a narrow heart and can't tolerate others, lacking the capacity of a crown princess. I must come to announce you. One month later, the Hongji Tribe will meet with you. Your Zhebu Tribe must definitely attend, or else you'll displease the King!"

  After finishing speaking, he set off and left. Ah Mu'er and Li Shi Qiu stared at each other with wide eyes, stunned. The two of them discussed for half a day but couldn't come up with a good solution, so they had to send someone to call Yu Xue sisters and Hei Ri.

  They are still cultivating in the valley. At this time, more than half of the people in "Nadoumen" have entered the middle period of foundation building. Yu Yan has already entered the initial stage of Qi induction with the help of Yu Xue. Even Yu Xue herself has stepped into the late stage of Golden Elixir.

  After hearing this, Yu Xue felt that the leader of the merchant group was untrustworthy and there was no way to think about it. He could only comfort his father and wait for an opportunity to act.

  After returning to her own tent, Yuxue discussed with everyone.

  At first, Sile and Yuxue sisters were very compatible. Yuxue also didn't hide from them, passing on the Taoist methods to the two of them. They were very diligent and now have reached the middle stage of foundation building. The four of them were inseparable. Later, they found it inconvenient to come and go, so they simply moved in with Yuxue sisters. In the daytime, the four of them taught Chinese to their junior brothers and sisters together, and practiced Taoist methods in the afternoon. At night, the four of them either read books or discussed music theory. Sile sisters also had some knowledge of music theory, and Yuxue found a kindred spirit, often playing and practicing together. After midnight, each of them occupied a corner of their tent to practice. The days passed like a carefree and happy life, the four of them were as close as real sisters, discussing everything together. At this time, Almu, Heiri, and Li Shiqiu took charge of major and minor matters in the clan, Yuxue gradually let go, only taking care of "that Taoist door" practice matters.

  After listening to Yuxue's words, Silian fell into deep thought for a moment and said:

  "Sister, you must be careful. If you marry, your cultivation will be ruined halfway. We cultivators are not greedy for wealth and glory, but if they covet beauty and use force, we can only fight to the end! At worst, the whole tribe will move away!"

  Jade Snow shook her head: "Moving away is unrealistic. There are too many people and horses, nowhere to go."

  The population of the tribe has doubled in just over a decade, with around 1,500 to 1,600 people, plus countless livestock. Where can they all fit? Moreover, this place is surrounded by snow-capped mountains on three sides and borders a desert on one side, making it a truly secluded paradise. The outside world is plagued by war, but this place remains unaffected, making it an ideal location for spiritual practice and residence. Giving it up is absolutely out of the question. If they must leave, they will have to find a way to do so without drawing attention to themselves. If all else fails, they can use gold and jewels to pave the way. Only those who are willing to bribe their way in will be allowed to enter, and this approach will definitely yield results. With that thought, she began to smile:

  "Don't worry, sisters. I've found a way and we'll definitely get through this ordeal. As cultivators, even with diligent practice, calamities are still numerous. Only by having a firm mind can one achieve great success."

  Si Jue asked:

  "Sister Nai said that we can't get married for the rest of our lives? I read in a book that many Taoist practitioners form partnerships with each other."

  As soon as he asked the question, his own face turned red.

  Jade Snow's face turned slightly red, but she still explained:

  "It's not that one can't get married for a lifetime. Only when cultivation reaches the Mahayana, can one give birth to children without damaging their cultivation, but the progress of the Tao will also be stagnant for a period of time, and there is no great harm. At other stages, it will cause the cultivation to retreat, and even never make progress again in this life; as time goes on, the power will disperse, and the deadline will arrive. Cultivating the Tao is like sailing against the current, if you don't move forward, you'll fall back, so it's better not to talk about personal relationships for now. Even if one forms a Daoist partnership without having children, it will still affect their state of mind, and when crossing the heart demon, they may find it difficult to pass."

  This was what she had figured out after cultivating and combining the true classics, but she didn't know if it was right or not. After saying this, she asked Huang Jin beside her. Huang Jin nodded and said that it was indeed so. Yu Xue's heart suddenly moved, then where was her own mother? Was she born to her when she reached the Mahayana period? At this time, she only said to let Huang Jin accompany her to go out for a walk, and the two of them came to a quiet place, asking Huang Jin about this matter.

  Huang Jin was in a dilemma, unsure whether to tell her the truth. She knew that Yu Xue's cultivation at the time was only at the Yuan Ying stage, and it was possible that giving birth to Yu Xue had caused severe internal injuries, but it was also possible that taking the sealed beast bell had triggered it, or maybe both reasons were true. Since she really didn't know what the situation was like back then, she couldn't just make a guess and say something casually, lest Yu Xue's Dao heart be damaged. Thinking of this, she decided to continue pretending to be ignorant:

  "Girl, at that time I really wasn't clear about the situation, I just came out for a while and was sent away with you together, and didn't have time to check your mother's cultivation. At first, I was worried about how to let this little thing become the master of the sealed bell, then I was worried about how to foolishly agree to your mother's consumption of her power to protect you, and also help you lift the seal! When I was regretting it, I was also scolded by Hei Ri, which made my head dizzy! Don't believe me? Go ask Hei Ri!"

  Phoenix Golden Great Exhibition eloquence. She had long been unified with Hei Ri on this point, and was not afraid to ask Yu Xue. Yu Xue believed it, smiled and said:

  "I just casually asked, and you gave me such a long lecture! My mother must have attained great enlightenment to give birth to me, maybe she's already ascended to the heavens by now! I also want to cultivate well and go to the immortal realm to find my mother."

  Feng Jin quietly let out a breath of relief and quickly changed the subject:

  "So this time you really have a way?"

  Jade Snow is Serious

  "I actually have no choice, it's just one sentence, act according to circumstances."

  In the following days, Yuxue was busy arranging the aftermath. She planned to take Hei Ri with her and leave Huang Jin behind to take care of the tribe. Normally, she would still be in Zhu Que form, and if there were any matters, they could be communicated through the Si Lian sisters. The Si Lian sisters led the disciples in their studies and cultivation. As for the daily affairs within the tribe, Li Shi Qiu and a few elders made the decisions.

  Eight of the oldest junior brothers were chosen, all around eighteen or nineteen years old. Eight dragon-fang curved knives were taken out from the Qiankun bag and given to them, thus forming two four-image curved knife arrays. Hei Ri took out a fine flying sword for Yu Yan's self-defense and, with Father's consent, had her wear the Western Regions curved knife. A plain but extremely sharp dragon-fang broad-backed great knife was also found for Father. She herself tied the Round Moon Autumn Water twin knives to her waistband. Hei Ri carried a one-zhang-long spear in his hand.

  Everyone was filled with murderous intent and fully armed, setting out towards the Khongirad tribe.