NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Suppression
[Douluo Calendar, January 23, 2024. Zhou Sheng'an traveled within the borders of the Zhu Kingdom, observing the people's livelihood and geographical features.]
[He compiled the Commentary on the Waterways, meticulously recording over 300 rivers within the kingdom, along with historical relics, stories of notable figures, and mythical legends. However, its greatest value lay in its detailed documentation of geographical landforms. He presented it to "Second Madam Zhu."]
[You received the Commentary on the Waterways, deeply impressed by Zhou Sheng'an's talent. You recommended him to your father for important use, but were rejected.]
[Even now, the Spirit Hall has not forgotten Zhou Sheng'an and continues to exert pressure.]
[Douluo Calendar, February 26, 2024. Zhou Sheng'an, using his identity as a retainer of the Zhu Clan, joined the army to study the art of military command. Three months later, he compiled a military text titled Thirty-Six Stratagems and presented it to "Second Madam Zhu."]
[You received the Thirty-Six Stratagems and immediately presented it to your father in hopes of gaining his support, but were once again refused.]
…
The scene shifted to a room in the Zhu Residence.
Zhu Father looked helplessly at his indignant daughter and said, "Zhuqing, don't you understand how sensitive our Zhu Clan's position is? The Commentary on the Waterways and the Thirty-Six Stratagems are both peerless works. Do you think I don't know that man is talented?"
"But you have to think realistically too. Why would we recruit such talent? To start a rebellion?"
"Our Zhu Clan has already received the highest favor from the Star Luo Empire. We can't go any further."
Zhu Father spoke earnestly.
Zhu Zhuqing's face was cold as frost. "Father, do you really think the Zhu Clan is doing well right now? My sister and I were designated as royal women before we were even born."
"For generations, the Zhu Clan has consolidated power by trading away daughters!"
"Does the Star Luo royal family really trust us? If so, then why can't we even control our own fiefdom? And don't try to lie to me, Father—surely Eldest Aunt isn't content with silence either?"
Zhu Zhuqing sneered. In the previous simulation, Empress Zhu had directly ruled from behind the curtain, with the demeanor of a female sovereign. To say she had no ambition—who would believe that?
Zhu Father's face turned red as he erupted in fury. "Zhuqing!!! Do you have a death wish?! Do you want to drag the whole family down with you?!"
"Confine yourself to your room and reflect! You're not to leave until you've come to your senses!"
Zhu Father roared at Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing stared stubbornly at her father and said, "Father, it's time you woke up!"
…
Leaping through the forest, Zhu Zhuqing's consciousness returned to her body. Only a moment had passed. She landed steadily on a tree branch and balanced herself.
She sighed. "Getting Father to prepare for the future will be very difficult. Even Aunt finds it hard to leverage the Zhu Clan's power from within the palace."
"Since this is a simulation, I should consider whether there's a new path I can take. If we can seize control of the Zhu Kingdom, then with the Grand Sage Master's abilities, we might be able to sweep across the continent!"
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Zhou Sheng'an's stats on the attribute panel. Compared to before, they had improved significantly—especially in leadership and political capabilities.
Zhou Sheng'an's overall stats now made him worthy of being called a renowned general.
Though targeted and left without achievements in the simulation, Zhou Sheng'an had never stopped improving himself. He blended Into the military, visited cities far and wide, and laid a deep foundation.
These were the seeds for his future rise.
…
[Douluo Calendar, May 12, 2024. Zhou Sheng'an began studying the continent's political landscape and started drafting training plans for soldiers.]
[On the surface, you obeyed your father and stopped talking about rebellion. The next day, you traveled to the Zhu Clan's fiefdom and met Zhou Sheng'an again. As before, you sat behind a screen, disguising your voice.]
"Mr. Zhou, I know you possess great talent. But with petty people targeting you, all I can do is protect you for now—I can't yet provide you a platform to demonstrate your abilities," Zhu Zhuqing said with a sigh.
"Second Madam's willingness to shelter me already fills me with gratitude," Zhou Sheng'an replied with a smile.
"But still…"
"Second Madam, could you tell me about the various nations across the continent?" Zhou Sheng'an asked.
Zhu Zhuqing fell silent for a while, then cleared her throat and began explaining:
"On the surface, the Douluo Continent is split evenly between the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires. But in reality, there are several kingdoms and duchies scattered across the land. On the Star Luo side, imperial power is centralized. The only kingdom here is our Zhu Kingdom, which is managed by the royal family. In truth, its territory is only the size of a duchy."
"As for Heaven Dou, it previously used a feudal system. To resist our Star Luo invasion, they established several buffer states between us."
"Among them, the Balak Kingdom, Haagen-Dazs Kingdom, Moore Duchy, Jinx Duchy, and Nanyue Duchy are the stronger smaller nations. The most famous general of the Heaven Dou Empire is Marshal Ge Long the Nine-Lived Dragon—ranked first among all the continent's generals! Below him are other famous generals like Victor, Zhang Han, Long Qi…"
"Across from our Zhu Kingdom lies the Moore Duchy. They have a rising star ranked ninth among famous generals—Zhao Kuo!"
Zhu Zhuqing patiently explained.
Zhou Sheng'an listened intently and took notes. From time to time, he asked about the deeds and personalities of these famous generals.
Through this, he could simulate and deduce their styles of warfare.
Zhou Sheng'an was ambitious. Since he had chosen to train troops and command armies, he would settle for nothing less than excellence.
Seeing how serious Zhou Sheng'an was, Zhu Zhuqing felt even more uncomfortable.
Such a brilliant gem, yet buried in a place like this—it was truly heartbreaking!
…
[Douluo Calendar, July 15, 2024. Zhou Sheng'an left behind a letter, disguised himself, and under an alias joined the Zhu Kingdom's border forces.]
[Douluo Calendar, August 24, 2024. Zhou Sheng'an earned his first merit, was promoted to squad leader, and improved the standard flag command system—rising another level!]
[Douluo Calendar, September 15, 2024. Zhou Sheng'an's squad eliminated a bandit group—another promotion!]
[…]
On the other side, although Qian Renxue couldn't see Zhou Sheng'an's achievements directly, she never stopped paying attention to him. If she hadn't valued him this much, Bibi Dong would've probably made her move long ago!
In this simulation, Qian Renxue's focus wasn't just on protecting Zhou Sheng'an—she was also experimenting with the outcomes from the previous simulation.
She began secretly drawing in high-level soul masters from Spirit Hall!
Once she succeeded in the simulation, she'd act in reality… Hmph, by then, all Bibi Dong would have left would be an empty shell of the Spirit Hall! How could she possibly compete?
"Just based on how Bibi Dong suppresses Sheng'an, I definitely won't let her off easily!" Qian Renxue said coldly.
Dark Qian Renxue walked out from behind her and sneered. "You talk a big game, but you're always too soft-hearted! If you'd just harden your resolve and insisted on killing Bibi Dong, do you think Grandfather wouldn't help you?"
"I… I'm just afraid she'd lash out like a cornered dog!" Qian Renxue argued stubbornly.
"Heh, just wait. Bibi Dong's malice toward Sheng'an is far greater than we ever imagined!" said Dark Qian Renxue with a pout.