First-Class Daoist Gate.

Summary

Yang Su avoids trouble while Chu Mo follows him. At the Zhang Family Estate, Zhang Bai Ren reflects on his mother's aging and her refusal to practice Daoist arts, which prevents her from harnessing Phoenix Blood. As the New Year approaches, Zhang Bai Ren shares a poem at court, subtly criticizing Yang Guang's military campaigns that threaten the Sui Dynasty. Afterward, he witnesses the suffering of laborers, leading to a fainting spell. Upon waking, he learns of the death toll from the harsh conditions. Despite his concerns for the people, he remains resolute, acknowledging the potential for rebellion as a last resort for change.

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