Chapter 878: Chapter 43: Disaster Prevention Herbs and the Self Theory of Heaven and Earth, Pang Yuanzhen’s Shock!
Sima Yunhai and Pang Yuanzhen appearing simultaneously truly makes things difficult.
But difficult as it may be, it must be dealt with.
Zhao Xing quickly ran out to greet them.
"Mr. Sima." Zhao Xing first cupped his hands towards Sima Yunhai, and then saluted Pang Xianyun: "Dr. Pang."
The way he addressed them was intentional.
Sima Yunhai had taught him the Cloud Skill at the Tianyuan Prefecture Branch, calling him teacher was appropriate, as long as he hadn’t officially acknowledged him as his master or arranged a ceremony, there was no major issue.
If it’s a formal apprenticeship ceremony with kneeling and bowing, invited observers, that would be deep-seated commitments within the old circles of the Daoist Academy.
As for Pang Yuanzhen, although he claimed Liu Tianning as his master, Liu Tianning hadn’t consented.
Zhao Xing would not address him as junior brother; even if Lao Liu did accept disciples, he should call himself senior brother in relation to others, not junior brother.
Calling him Dr. Pang was apt, as it wouldn’t further anger Sima Yunhai.
As soon as he appeared.
Pang Yuanzhen’s eyes sparkled, immediately stopping the argument with Sima Yunhai.
He brushed off his clothes, seemingly wanting to make a good impression on Zhao Xing.
Upon hearing "teacher," Sima Yunhai’s expression was complex.
Originally, he intended to retaliate against Liu Tianning, for him Zhao Xing was merely a pawn.
But teaching Zhao Xing the Cloud Skill at Xuantian Academy with dedication led to an emotional bond unintentionally.
Even though later he realized Zhao Xing never intended to become his disciple, thwarting his plans, he couldn’t bring himself to dislike him.
For Zhao Xing was indeed the smartest and most talented student he had ever encountered.
What could he possibly have done wrong?
He detested Liu Tianning, hated Pang Xianyun, but he couldn’t dislike Zhao Xing; on the contrary, he held some admiration.
Because Zhao Xing could write the "Three Yin and Three Yang Six Qi Great Cycle Theory," which contributed to the Heavenly Time Sect’s theoretical ideology.
Yet Pang Xianyun’s words once again ignited Sima Yunhai’s anger: "Junior Brother Zhao is indeed extraordinarily gifted and of exceptional temperament. Could you spare some time for a chat? I’d like to discuss Dao with you."
Zhao Xing slightly frowned and preemptively replied before Sima Yunhai could react: "Dr. Pang, please do not call me junior brother. I come to Bright Moon Prefecture for official duties, personal matters are wholly disregarded. If Dr. Pang is here for governance, please share your insights at the Bright Moon Prefecture Master’s military-political symposium to avoid ineffective communication."
Seeing Zhao Xing’s demeanor of keeping strangers at a distance, Pang Yuanzhen was not angered, merely smiled and cupped his hands: "Marquis Yuan Rang speaks wisely, discussing Dao can be talked about another day, I’ll take my leave for now."
Without even glancing at Sima Yunhai, he flew away with a swish.
"Mr. Sima, I wasn’t aware of your arrival. Please come into the mansion so that I may prepare a humble feast to welcome you."
Sima Yunhai was not as angry now and had wanted to ask Zhao Xing about the Great Circulation Theory, but with Ye Yuxong still present, he couldn’t readily change his attitude and accept Zhao Xing’s invitation.
Sima Yunhai flicked his sleeve and snorted: "I’ve had my fill of anger, what need is there to eat?"
He glanced at Ye Yuxong, indicating: "Since you are here for official duties, do your job well, don’t make a mess that disgusts others!"
Ye Yuxong: "..."
He felt that Sima Yunhai’s reprimand was directed at him.
But what did I do wrong?
Ye Yuxong was utterly baffled at this moment.
"Lord Ye, I have a request."
A voice pulled Ye Yuxong back to reality.
"Oh, speak." He looked at Zhao Xing, inevitably curious.
What ability does Zhao Xing possess to actually stop these two third-rank Ministers of Agriculture from arguing?
"Please, when convening the council, do not put these two together."
Ye Yuxong nodded in understanding, realizing at this moment that these two wouldn’t complement each other and might even cause trouble.
Yet he hesitated: "In disaster prevention and governance of a region, someone must issue orders; who should be in charge?"
Zhao Xing was internally speechless; the situation was already so clear, yet you still can’t discern whom to choose?
To save time, he could only volunteer:
"If not displeased, I am willing to mediate from the center."
Having Zhang Ping lead Sima Yunhai and Pang Xianyun was impossible; the third-rank has its differences, and Zhang Ping in law and logic couldn’t match these two.
"That’s the only option then." Ye Yuxong sighed.
"..."
Zhao Xing was stunned too.
What do you mean by ’only option’? Even if I am a junior official, shouldn’t you encourage me a little at this time?
He suspected Ye Yuxong’s mind was full of swords beneath his scalp, with no brain at all.
"Please issue an order to silence discussions about the matters involving the two gentlemen to avoid additional complications."
"Okay, I understand." Ye Yuxong nodded, although still unaware of the issue, sealing his lips was enough!
He was too lazy to investigate these trivial things, only eager to complete his task and wait for the court to send someone to take over this role of Prefecture Lord.
Court politics was never suited for him; fighting and killing was what he enjoyed.
When everyone left, Zhao Xing also let out a sigh of relief.
Yet there was some frustration.
If Ye Yuxong only invited one of Sima Yunhai or Pang Yuanzhen, regardless of which, the upcoming tasks would be easier.
But he invited both!
"Sometimes more people don’t necessarily make things easier." Zhao Xing walked back inside, lamenting.
Heavenly Yang True Monarch revived again, sitting on the platform, legs crossed, tossing a fruit up and down.
"Hehe, disciple’s disciple, now you understand, being the Grand Minister of Agriculture isn’t such an easy task after all."
"What you’re encountering now is merely the conflict between two people; the Grand Minister has to oversee three sects within the Nineteen States, numerous Grotto Heavens and Blessed Lands. Just think how many conflicts would arise with so many people? Harmonizing them is no easy feat indeed."