NO_NAME
patreon
Chapter 233: The Three Kings’ Critique, Disposition, and Orders
🕑 Added 2024-11-16 11:17:09 +0000 UTC“Jia Pu, is Zhao Xing and his group still impeaching King Liang?” Yang An asked indifferently, seated in his chair in the Xi'er Prefecture.
“Yes, Zhao Xing, Xia Jing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong are continuing their impeachment of King Liang, submitting a post daily to each of the four officials,” Jia Pu responded.
“And what’s the result?”
Jia Pu hesitated. “Aside from Dantai Ming reporting the official documents to His Majesty, no one else has taken any action. Some military generals from King Liang’s faction expressed dissatisfaction, even sending a letter to our Shenwei Army, demanding the Lord deal with Zhao Xing.”
“But it was just a show of attitude, with no further follow-up. I heard that a few days ago, Zhang Wensong, a strategist from the Liang Palace, sent intermediaries to negotiate with Liu Tianning and even tried to contact Zhao Xing to turn hostility into friendship.”
“Heh.” Yang An couldn’t help but chuckle. “Times truly have changed.”
Jia Pu's expression was complicated as well.
Back then, Yang An and he had merely cast a dissenting vote when King Liang took power. As a result, they suffered the Liang faction’s relentless attacks, which led to the disbanding of the Shenwei Army and Yang An’s dismissal from office.
Yang An was originally to be titled Shenwei Marquis, but ultimately, he was left with the mere title of Marquis of Boxian.
Now, what Zhao Xing is doing goes even further.
His petitions for impeachment were sent directly to King Liang’s son, with increasingly bitter language.
And what’s the result?
The Liang faction remains silent, with only a few generals making weak gestures of support, neither firm nor gentle.
There are even efforts to mediate and reduce Zhao Xing’s resentment toward King Liang’s faction.
In comparison, Yang An could almost cry from frustration.
Indeed, times have changed.
What’s different?
The power and influence of King Liang have dwindled.
A century ago, when the Yingyuan Prefecture was mostly developed and King Liang ascended, he was at the peak of Emperor Jing’s trust. Additionally, the reforms of the previous century saw King Liang as a key player in military, political, and legal domains, wielding immense power.
Yang An confronted Ji Mingxian at his zenith.
Yang An had no backing, merely enjoying King Han’s favor, though King Han was half-retired—comparable to the position Zhao Xing finds himself in with Lord Tian now.
But things are different now.
As they say, prosperity breeds decline. Whether Emperor Jing still trusts him is irrelevant; at the very least, he no longer needs Ji Mingxian’s involvement as he once did.
The Liang faction has also been dormant for a long time, while new, promising kings like Lord Luohou have emerged.
Although Zhao Xing appears weak with his Sixth-Rank status, his backing is far stronger than Yang An’s!
Behind Liu Tianning are powerful kings at the peak of their influence. Liu Tianning himself is from a prominent family, an advantage Yang An could never match.
"Times have truly changed," Fan Yanlin, a Fourth-Rank Censor of the Yingyuan Prefecture, remarked as he held Zhao Xing’s impeachment documents before tossing them into the fire.
Fan was affiliated with King Liang’s faction, though his connection was not particularly conspicuous. He also held a private letter from the Liang Palace, with a succinct message: “Disregard.”
“Sir, should we not intervene? Zhao Xing seems to be gaining momentum in his impeachments. If this continues, more people with ulterior motives might join in,” a nearby official suggested. “Recently, there have been more memorials impeaching the Lord.”
“Intervention is difficult,” Fan Yanlin replied flatly. “Zhao Xing isn’t someone we can control as easily as Yang An.”
“His mentor, Liu Tianning, is notoriously protective. For his disciple’s sake, he nearly killed even Lord Ji Ye, and Qin Chongwen and Huangfu Song didn’t even get a chance to defend themselves.”
“He also gained considerable favor from many nobles in the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven.”
“More importantly, he has the support of the Shennong division within the Self School, led by the Shennong Monitor from the Shangluo Academy.”
“To practice the Self School’s techniques, one must at least be Fifth-Rank to begin!”
“This group forms a solid middle ground within the court and cannot be underestimated.”
“The Shennong Monitor, controlling the logistics and finances, wields influence in military supplies, which is beyond what a mere martial officer like Yang An could compare to,” Fan Yanlin explained.
Right now, with Liu Tianning’s recent promotion, targeting Zhao Xing would be akin to targeting Liu Tianning himself.
Challenging Liu Tianning was not on the same level as challenging Yang An.
Yang An could be subdued effortlessly.
But Liu Tianning was not so easily dealt with.
Setting aside the powerful military nobles backing Liu Tianning, there’s also the matter of the Shennong official.
A Shennong Monitor with the potential to rise is not someone to be suppressed lightly.
Fan Yanlin could already imagine the fury among those old veterans if anyone dared to attack the Shennong official.
Who would want to antagonize the honest, farming-focused Shennong officials? What, are they trying to halt military campaigns? If this group walked away, it could genuinely impact King Liang’s role as Commander of the Southern Pacification Campaign.
Emperor Jing would undoubtedly notice, and he might reconsider if King Liang cannot even appease the Shennong officials—how could he then be tasked with broader responsibilities?
Hence, while Yang An could be bullied, Zhao Xing, with Liu Tianning behind him, was untouchable.
The Liang faction understood the difference in weight between the two.
“However many impeachment memorials come in, burn every single one,” Fan Yanlin ordered. “Our people in the Censorate must refrain from any rash actions.”
“Yes.” The strategist nodded, aware that the Liang faction held numerous seats in the Censorate. Their indifference would significantly reduce the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, in the Xia residence, Marquis of Shenwei, Xia Hongyi, was speaking with his son.
“Linyun, I heard that recently, you’ve been mimicking the actions of civil officials and submitting memorials. Is there any truth to this?”
Xia Jing laughed. “Father, even you have heard about it?”
“The Censorate has dismissed my opinions!”
“I submit a memorial every day. I've sent fifteen impeachment documents already.”
“You’ve heard of it, yet they haven’t responded at all.”
“The court bestowed upon me the title of Deputy Senior Grand Consultant—are they treating it as a mere formality? How utterly disgraceful!”
Marquis Xia Hongyi replied indifferently, “It’s good that you have your own perspective.”
“Father, you’re wise.” Xia Jing grinned cheekily.
However, the Marquis’s tone shifted. “But why did Lord Zhang Qing from Yingyuan Prefecture mention that your memorials are identical to those of Marquis Yuanrang, Zhao Xing?”
“Ah, that…” Xia Jing felt guilty. “I am brothers with Marquis Yuanrang, so we did discuss it.”
Xia Hongyi, unfazed, took out a document and opened it, showing it to Xia Jing. “You even copied it incorrectly. The header reads, ‘Humble servant Xia Jing bows before you, Lord Zhang,’ but at the end, it says, ‘Humble servant Zhao Xing again bows, awaiting your response.’”
Xia Jing: “…”
The young lord wished he could find a hole to bury himself in.
Xia Hongyi, however, did not lecture him harshly. He had always preferred encouragement in his parenting style. “If you have your own ideas and wish to discuss political matters or criticize King Liang, it’s not wrong.”
“But as I’ve told you countless times, a general must have independent thinking, avoiding biased or unreliable information. Only then can you seize opportunities amid complex information.”
Xia Jing’s expression became serious, and after a moment of reflection, he responded, “Father’s guidance is wise. I will rewrite my memorial, ensuring that it has substance. I certainly won’t copy Marquis Yuanrang’s words again.”
Xia Hongyi nodded approvingly. “As long as you understand.”
“Zhao Xing, are you impeaching King Liang out of personal vendetta or in pursuit of justice?” At the same time, Liu Tianning was speaking with Zhao Xing.
“Teacher, it’s both—a personal grievance and for justice,” Zhao Xing answered honestly.
Liu Tianning pondered for a moment. “If it’s a personal grievance, you can let it go. If it’s for justice, you must clarify.”
“If you lack concrete evidence, don’t waste your energy.”
Zhao Xing nodded. “Understood.”
Liu Tianning was not stopping Zhao Xing from continuing his efforts but rather did not want to see him engage in a futile pursuit.
If it was solely for a personal grievance, the Liang faction had already bent over backward for over half a month. It should have been enough to vent his frustration.
Continuing to criticize without concrete evidence would merely make him appear foolish, and Liu Tianning despised fools above all.
If he was going to act, he needed evidence of the Liang faction’s crimes.
Liu Tianning would not gather the evidence for him.
If he did, the entire matter would take on a different nature.
And it would not be merely an exposure—it would be a direct attempt to overthrow King Liang.
Liu Tianning never made a move unless it was lethal.
In his past life, he was known for eliminating his targets swiftly; when he sought someone out, it was to take their head.
By the end of December, Zhao Xing and his group ceased their impeachment efforts.
Ji Chen, who had been following the developments, heaved a sigh of relief.
“Finally, that madman Marquis Yuanrang has quieted down.”
“Sir, you were right; my previous approach was indeed unwise. You, however, possess true wisdom.”
Zhang Wensong, though thoughtful, remarked, “Marquis Yuanrang did not accept any of the gifts we sent him. There seems to be something unusual about this.”
“What could be unusual?” Ji Chen retorted. “Father’s appointment is already decreed and cannot be changed. Liu Tianning’s supervisory office has not targeted us either. It’s likely that Marquis Yuanrang received a warning and chose to back down.”
“He’s young and impetuous. Now that we’ve shown goodwill, he should have calmed down.”
“As for refusing the gifts,” Ji Chen smiled, “perhaps he’s just a bit embarrassed. Who would accept gifts immediately after criticizing someone?”
“He’s still young; I doubt he’s thick-skinned enough for that.”
Zhang Wensong nodded. “Young master has a point.”
He could not fathom why Zhao Xing would continuously clash with the Liang Palace without seeking any benefits.
At present, Zhao Xing was earning commendations at the front line, while the Liang faction, hoping to win over Liu Tianning, had even provided him with several challenging advancement missions.
Persistently opposing the Liang faction did not seem to benefit Zhao Xing either.
Yet Zhang Wensong still harbored doubts: if Marquis Yuanrang wasn’t in it for personal gain, could he truly just be aiming to build a reputation?
Promoting one’s integrity was plausible. Impeaching King Liang? That would certainly earn one a good name.
However, the timing felt off.
If he truly wanted fame, wouldn’t it be better to wait until King Liang fully assumed his post, giving reason to critique his policies?
“If he’s seeking fame, Marquis Yuanrang may have achieved his goal,” Zhang Wensong concluded. “I hope he stops here.”
Ji Chen commented indifferently, “If he remains stubborn, he will pay the price for his youthful impulsiveness.”
The Liang faction may tolerate Zhao Xing due to Liu Tianning’s influence, but they would not endure it indefinitely. If they allowed him to trample over them, how would they command respect?
“Additionally, the young master should advise King Liang and caution officials visiting the palace to restrain themselves and avoid adding unnecessary trouble.”
“You’re right, Sir. I will counsel my father and advise my brothers, hoping the younger ones won’t cause further issues.”
Zhao Xing soon realized that the previous combat missions and training exercises he received were efforts from the Liang faction to curry favor.
Such behavior didn’t technically violate any rules, as everything adhered to official procedures. However, Zhao Xing still had to accomplish the tasks and meet the required standards on his own.
This wasn’t an exclusive attempt to win over Zhao Xing.
Later, when they launched an offensive on the Green Gang Crystal War Zone, it wasn’t just Long Xiao’s unit, Liao Rulong’s unit, and Xia Jing’s twenty-thousand-strong forces involved; elite troops like the Hujiao Army and the Xuanjia Army were also scheduled to join the offensive.
Thus, it wasn’t solely about Zhao Xing; they sought various targets to pave the way for their work once King Liang took office.
Yet, this subtle timing difference gave Zhao Xing the chance to accumulate a bit more merit.
King Liang, when assuming the role of Commander of the Southern Pacification Campaign, couldn’t rely solely on his Heilong Army. He still needed to win over other troops and offer certain benefits. There was no conspiracy here; it was merely typical political maneuvering.
With this in mind, Zhao Xing understood that his desire to extricate himself from the situation wasn’t overly ambitious.
"The Liang faction doesn’t necessarily want to keep me here. After all, I’m only a mere Sixth Rank. It’s one thing if I accept their goodwill, but if I persist in impeaching them, they won’t keep indulging me."
“But it’s time I throw in something impactful. Now that it’s the end of the nineteenth year, next year will mark the twentieth year of the Jingxin Era,” Zhao Xing thought to himself.
The Jingxin Era spans only thirty-seven years, with just seventeen remaining. With occasional ceasefires and over two years of internal conflict caused by King Liang’s rebellion, significant warfare at the mid to high levels is not far off.
It took over a year to secure the Green Gang Crystal mining region—time passes quickly.
“It’s challenging to find solid evidence of King Liang’s crimes. I shouldn’t be focused on him directly. However, finding evidence against the Liang faction is much easier.”
“With such a large organization, there’s bound to be disorder. A quick search can reveal quite a few issues.” Zhao Xing took out his Earth Mirror, and names rapidly scrolled before him.
“Choosing the right target requires precision—someone with a low-ranking position but a strategically important post, ideally someone with a bit of notoriety, for a clean and decisive strike.”
“The Transport Division is a tempting target, but it falls within Liu Tianning’s jurisdiction. I mustn’t hinder his work,” Zhao Xing reasoned. “I can’t waste a decisive opportunity on minor targets.”
Zhao Xing’s gaze shifted away from the Southern War Zone and beyond the two transfer departments under Liu Tianning’s jurisdiction.
As the Earth Mirror continued to scroll, he quickly locked onto a few names.
In his past life, Zhao Xing frequently dealt with corrupt officials!
Because of this, he had been cut down by Liu Tianning on numerous occasions.
Finding a decent official known to Zhao Xing would be challenging.
But finding a corrupt one? That was easy.
“Alright, Yi Yuanqiu, commander of the Leyang Army, you’re the one,” Zhao Xing decided, a grin spreading across his face.
“Brother, I wanted to be a good person in this life. I’m afraid you’ll have to be sacrificed.”
Yi Yuanqiu was the commander of the Leyang Army, a low-ranking official at the Fifth Rank.
South of the Yingyuan Prefecture lies the Southern War Zone.
Crossing the river from Anping Prefecture to the southwest leads to the Southwestern War Zone.
Leyang Army is stationed in the Southwestern War Zone.
Previously, they were entirely unrelated.
However, with Zhao Xing’s unit pushing into the territory of the Fire Demon Tribe, they were now neighbors. Crossing the tributaries of the Lanjiang River would bring them into the Leyang Army’s territory.
At this point, the Leyang Army was still a relatively modest force without any Heavenly Cave-Heaven base.
However, it gradually grew in strength during the early stages of the pacification campaign against the barbarians.
Commander Yi Yuanqiu of the Leyang Army was a key figure in the Liang faction.
What crimes had he committed? Trafficking war spoils, trading with the southern barbarians, forcibly decommissioning official court warships, and reselling them at a discounted rate for personal gain…
It’s worth mentioning the military’s strict regulations against selling war spoils externally; they must be exchanged at the military arsenal.
The practice of buying low and selling high could only be conducted by the military arsenal. Private merchants were strictly prohibited from participating.
How did Zhao Xing know this? Because he had worked under Yi Yuanqiu in his previous life.
He even knew Yi Yuanqiu’s suppliers and clients.
“The Leyang Merchant Guild is Yi Yuanqiu’s client. Right now, the guild master is Yi Zhiwen, who hasn’t yet passed the position to his son, Yi Zhijie,” Zhao Xing thought.
In his past life, he had interacted with Yi Zhijie during these transactions, and by then, Yi Yuanqiu had already risen to Fourth Rank, growing more brazen with his dealings.
It was highly likely that the Leyang Merchant Guild was still involved in similar activities, albeit on a smaller scale.
“Yi Yuanqiu’s position may be low, but if he’s caught, he can serve as an example. The military realm has yet to apprehend many involved in smuggling.”
“This entire military unit, with most members engaged in illegal activities, and the Leyang Merchant Guild profiteering from war—all of this would be enough to hit the Liang faction hard.”
“Gathering evidence is simple enough—capturing the guild master of the Leyang Merchant Guild would provide everything needed.”
“Thinking about it now, was I truly a corrupt official in my past life? I was practically undercover! Only this time, I’m turning my career around in this life,” Zhao Xing mused to himself.
In the Southwestern War Zone, Yangjiang City.
Originally, this city belonged to the Fire Demon Tribe, bearing a cumbersome name that was quickly changed to Yangjiang City after it was conquered by the Great Zhou.
Currently, the Leyang Army is stationed here.
In the city lord’s mansion within Yangjiang City:
“After over a year of continuous fighting, we have finally made progress. To the brothers who have fought hard—cheers!”
A brawny man clad in Fifth-Rank Yuanlight Armor raised a large bowl and shouted to those around him.
His name was Huang Chaoyang, a Sixth-Rank Captain of the Leyang Army and a close associate of Yi Yuanqiu.
Huang Chaoyang was essentially Yi Yuanqiu’s puppet, taking orders from him on how and where to fight.
Why? Naturally, there were benefits involved.
Yi Yuanqiu had close ties with the Heilong Army, allowing the Leyang Army to follow them closely and gain advantages in battle.
For smaller units like theirs, even just following behind the Heilong Army and picking up scraps was more than enough to keep them content.
After a few rounds of drinks, Huang Chaoyang excused himself from the banquet, choosing to step away from the crowd to enter a floral pavilion at the back of the city lord’s mansion.
Upon entering, the pavilion’s curtains were drawn, covered in symbols and spells to prevent eavesdropping.
Inside, a more lavish feast had been prepared, though there were only three seats.
Besides Huang Chaoyang, the Leyang Merchant Guild’s chairman, Yi Zhiwen, and his son, Yi Zhijie, were also present.
“Congratulations to General Huang for a triumphant return!” Yi Zhiwen and his son, also armored, saluted.
However, their outfits were more flamboyant, with a tribal style reflecting the aesthetics of southern barbarians.
“Thank you, Chairman Yi.” Huang Chaoyang bowed humbly.
He drank in one gulp, and after seeing Yi Zhiwen had finished as well, he took a seat.
“Was your journey smooth, Chairman Yi?” Huang Chaoyang asked carefully.
“Smooth, as always.” Yi Zhiwen nodded. “I borrowed a unit of slaves. Next time there’s a battle, this unit will be sacrificed.”
The term “slave army” referred to the forces composed of surrendered barbarians, who had been incorporated as auxiliary troops.
When the Great Zhou launched invasions, they captured prisoners of war. Zhao Xing himself, at Fire Dragon Pass, had once accepted Pang Guangyao’s surrender on behalf of Xia Jing.
Pang Guangyao later became a formal officer, though such cases were rare.
In reality, the Great Zhou Empire looked down upon barbarian generals and troops, with a common sentiment: “They are not of our kind; their loyalty cannot be trusted.”
Their policy of assimilating surrendering forces explicitly stipulated that prisoners of war would be placed in auxiliary ranks and would not be regarded as full Zhou citizens.
In the future, those who made significant contributions could be considered for full citizenship.
However, barbarian troops and generals had stricter standards. For instance, a regular Zhou soldier might earn 100 merit points for taking an enemy head, but barbarian troops would only earn 50 or even less.
And those without merit? They would need at least two centuries, spanning several generations, fully integrating into Zhou society before they could gain formal citizenship.
Only then would they qualify for government service, becoming part of the Fortune Dynasty’s empire.
The slave army, thus, lived a miserable life. In easy battles, Zhou troops claimed all the credit, leaving none for the barbarians. In difficult battles, the slave army was sent in as cannon fodder, suffering extremely high mortality rates.
Yi Zhiwen’s assurance to Huang Chaoyang rested on this: he had borrowed the identity of a slave unit for himself. He would come and go under this alias.
Then, within a month or so, the actual slave unit would be sacrificed.
Low-ranking slave soldiers could not transition to Yin God status after death, so identifying them was nearly impossible.
Furthermore, Huang Chaoyang had captured Yangjiang City and purposely delayed building the shrine, further stalling the placement of a deity to monitor the area.
With all the Liang faction’s territory in control along the passageway, Yi Zhiwen could roam freely across the battlefield without any formal record of setting foot on it.
And this was while he was still somewhat restrained since King Liang hadn’t taken the throne yet. Once the king ascended, his actions would become even more unrestrained.
Following King Liang’s fall, Yi Zhiwen withdrew for a period, spending a significant sum to escape repercussions.
In the time of Emperor Jing, with the Emperor’s focus on family rather than governance, Yi Zhiwen’s son, Yi Zhijie, took over and engaged in even more daring ventures, dealing not only in goods but in selling even some of the slave army’s men.
Why were they so bold? Because traditionally, when a new emperor ascended, he would uphold his father’s policies to consolidate stability.
For instance, Emperor Wen’s first era name was Cheng’en (Endowed Grace), in honor of his predecessor’s legacy.
Emperor Jing’s first era name was Cheng’an (Endowed Peace), symbolizing inherited peace and stability. Even the era names carried significant meaning.
The transition between the Dingxin and Jingxin Eras marked the period when new emperors could introduce their own policies.
Most people anticipated that Emperor Wu would maintain his father’s practices.
But Emperor Wu’s first era name was Yuan Shou (Original Hunt), breaking from tradition entirely.
This caught many, including the then-arrogant Yi Zhijie and Zhao Xing, by surprise. Soon after, both were executed by Liu Tianning.
“Chairman Yi, it’s reassuring to see that you’ve taken every precaution.” Huang Chaoyang, knowing his swift promotion was due to connections, flattered Yi Zhiwen continuously.
After a round of flattery, noting Yi Zhiwen’s waning patience, Huang Chaoyang transitioned to business.
“Chairman Yi, the goods are loaded onto ships, waiting in a mountain valley outside Yangjiang City.”
“General Huang, you are highly valued by Master Yi, but I must ask: were there any anomalies or mishaps in this transaction?” Yi Zhijie inquired.
“Rest assured, we used decommissioned ships, manned by the slave army,” Huang Chaoyang replied softly. “I oversee every step personally, taking utmost care.”
“Good.” Yi Zhiwen smiled, raising his cup once more. “General Huang, you’ve worked hard. Allow me to toast to your success.”
“I dare not; it’s only fitting that I toast to you.” Huang Chaoyang quickly stood and raised his cup with both hands.
Meanwhile, a battered-looking Crimson Rainbow warship soared across the wilderness.
Standing at the bow, Yi Zhiwen remained vigilant.
His son, Yi Zhijie, experiencing the journey with his father for the first time, was filled with excitement, inspecting the cargo hold and observing the slave soldiers on deck.
Eventually, he returned to stand by Yi Zhiwen’s side. “Father, you’re incredible! This is a Crimson Rainbow warship, almost as good as new, and you managed to bring it back.”
Large flying warships were rarely seen outside of the aristocracy or influential merchant guilds.
In Great Zhou, with its vast lands, only such warships could travel across provinces, as smaller flying boats could not cover the distance.
Transprovincial commerce was a monopoly controlled by aristocratic clans, and ordinary citizens had no access to such transport. Moreover, warships were used to transport goods, not people.
Yi Zhiwen glanced at his son, smiling instead of chiding him for his first display of excitement. “In this world, there is nothing money can’t solve. If there is, it’s because there isn’t enough money or influence.”
“With enough wealth, even spirits can be hired to do your bidding.”
“Father, can that really be done? The Yin God System is the foundation of our dynasty!” Yi Zhijie was taken aback.
“Why not?” Yi Zhiwen chuckled. “Not long ago, the court even considered reforming the Yin God System, demolishing old shrines and building new ones. These transitions are the perfect time to buy conveniences.”
“Some of the spirits even stem from noble family ancestors. With enough money, they’ll sell even their forefathers.”
“So, anything can be bought…” Yi Zhijie murmured, coming to a new understanding.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xing was discussing a strategy with Xia Jing.
“Brother Xia, could you speak with General Xiang Kui of the Xuanjia Army to reassign a piece of territory?”
Xia Jing looked puzzled as he examined the map Zhao Xing indicated. “Why do you want the remote area of Luoyang Mountain? It’s desolate and far from supply routes.”
The Luoyang Mountain region was isolated from both southern barbarian forces and rear supply lines.
It lacked any real strategic value, not even suitable for settlement.
Further west, there was the Leyang Army, which Xia Jing considered insignificant.
They were so weak that they hadn’t even established a Heavenly Cave-Heaven base and thus didn’t warrant his attention.
“To farm, of course. My hands are itching to till some land. Is that all right?” Zhao Xing replied.
“Sure, no problem.” Xia Jing agreed. “I’ll speak to them. There’s no need to reassign anything; I’ll have it directly allocated to your Shenwei Army.”
While speaking with Xia Jing, Zhao Xing was also coordinating with another person through one of his avatars.
“Brother Wu, do you have any acquaintances in the Municipal Division of Anping Prefecture?” Zhao Xing asked.
“I do. What level of contact do you need?” Prince Wu Zhengting responded.
“Someone at a higher level would be best.”
“My uncle, Wu Qinghua, is the Left Director of Anping Prefecture’s Municipal Division, a Fourth-Rank official. Would that suffice?”
“More than enough,” Zhao Xing replied.
“What do you need my uncle to do?” Wu Zhengting asked.
“I’ve discovered that certain merchants are disrupting the war zone. If an order arrives, I need your uncle to mobilize trusted personnel immediately.”
“Not a problem.” Wu Zhengting smiled. “It’s within my uncle’s jurisdiction.”
Zhao Xing continued his networking efforts through various channels, drawing upon his connections and resources. By now, Marquis Yuanrang had established an extensive network through his battles and associations, far beyond Xia Jing alone.
Once he was finished, Zhao Xing quickly mobilized his troops to his newly assigned territory.
He had exchanged land with the Hujiao Army, the Xuanjia Army, and the Lieyang Army, securing seven new territories.
All of them bordered the Leyang Army.
Capturing Yi Zhiwen and his associates in the act would provide undeniable evidence, preventing any counterarguments or delays.
Zhao Xing wasn’t sure which route the Leyang Merchant Guild would take.
Thus, he positioned one of his avatars in each of the seven territories, leaving the matter to chance.
If they happened to cross paths, it would save him a great deal of effort. If not, he would capture Yi Zhiwen in Anping Prefecture and interrogate him there.
From early December to late December, Zhao Xing closely monitored the movements of the Leyang Army and the Leyang Merchant Guild.
On January 13 of the Jingxin Era’s twentieth year, his patience paid off.
On that day, Zhao Xing intercepted seven dilapidated ships at the boundary of his territory.
He quickly returned to his base with them.
Upon boarding, he couldn’t help but laugh.
“Slave soldiers, decommissioned ships—still using the same old tactics. Not a thing has changed from father to son.”
“My lord, we are soldiers from the Seventh War Zone, reporting to Lord Xiao En of the Investigation Unit. We are not foreigners,” Yi Zhiwen calmly asserted, wearing the guise of a southern barbarian thanks to his Thousand Changes Armor.
Yi Zhiwen’s identification appeared flawless.
However, before he could present his credentials, Zhao Xing chuckled and said, “Yi Zhiwen, if you’re so eager to serve the country, why resort to disguising yourself as a slave soldier?”
“With your wealth and connections, there are plenty of legitimate avenues.”
Zhao Xing’s Heavenly Eye Technique had reached a high level, making Yi Zhiwen’s disguise laughably ineffective.
Upon having his identity revealed, Yi Zhiwen maintained his composure, responding calmly, “May I speak with you privately? I have an important matter to discuss.”
“Oh? Go ahead.” Zhao Xing waved, ordering his men to withdraw, though he secretly activated the Mirage Pearl, positioning an invisible judicial statue close by.
“What is your rank, my lord?” Yi Zhiwen inquired, hoping to gauge Zhao Xing’s position before negotiating.
“I am the Marquis Yuanrang, only Sixth Rank. What can you offer?”
Sixth Rank? Yi Zhiwen relaxed slightly.
“If you release me, I can immediately offer five hundred thousand clean merit points.”
“Furthermore, if you wish to collaborate, you’ll earn at least two million annually!”
In reality, Yi Zhiwen couldn’t possibly afford such amounts, but he wanted to placate Zhao Xing first, planning to investigate him through Yi Yuanqiu later.
“Only five hundred thousand?” Zhao Xing scoffed. “Is that all you’re offering?”
“It can be negotiated,” Yi Zhiwen replied.
At that moment, Zhao Xing’s Earth Mirror buzzed. He glanced at it and smiled.
The Earth Mirror displayed a series of updates:
“The assets of the Leyang Merchant Guild have been seized. The Inspectorate has apprehended 376 key members of the guild, and initial interrogations have already implicated Yi Yuanqiu.”
“En route to arrest Yi Yuanqiu at his residence.”
“Yi Yuanqiu has been captured.”
“Yi Yuanqiu is now under interrogation.”
Information flowed in from every direction, and Zhao Xing couldn’t help but marvel at his allies' efficiency. Then again, he reminded himself that he wasn’t the only one who had an interest in causing the Liang faction some trouble.
“No need for further negotiation, Yi Zhiwen,” Zhao Xing said coldly, “You should think more about cooperating to lessen your sentence.”
“Yi Yuanqiu has already been apprehended.”
“What?!” Yi Zhiwen’s face finally showed a trace of panic.
With a wave of Zhao Xing’s hand, the hidden judicial statue emerged, radiating a soft, intimidating light.
“You have two options, Yi Zhiwen: cooperate now and perhaps preserve your family line, or resist and face complete extermination.”
Pale and shaken, Yi Zhiwen clung to his defiance, “You are a military officer. You have no authority to prosecute me. I should be taken back to Anping Prefecture to face trial.”
“Still in denial?” Zhao Xing leaned in close, whispering, “In the East Zheng Street ancestral hall beneath the southern shrine, you’ve hidden a vault filled with illicit items and records of your dealings with various officials. Am I correct?”
“How... how could you possibly know that…” Yi Zhiwen stammered, his face drained of color.
“You intended to cultivate your father’s spirit into a Yin God in secret to evade scrutiny. Fortunately, you failed, or your entire family would have faced obliteration. Now, are you ready to confess?”
“I... I’ll confess.” Yi Zhiwen’s eyes darkened with resignation.
On January 17 of the Jingxin Era’s twentieth year, the scandal of Yi Yuanqiu and the Leyang Merchant Guild—covering embezzlement, smuggling, and the murder of slave soldiers—broke into the public eye.
While things remained calm in Anping Prefecture, with the affair merely being regarded as a case of corrupt merchants, the Southwestern Frontlines erupted in outrage.
Southern barbarian generals within the slave army were especially furious.
Yi Yuanqiu’s collusion with Yi Zhiwen meant that the slave army had been used as cover for clandestine operations and was regularly sacrificed afterward to eliminate evidence.
The generals felt a strong sense of solidarity. If a mere guild and a Fifth-Rank general could exploit them so brazenly, what lay in store for them?
On January 20, numerous barbarian generals jointly submitted a formal appeal, demanding that Yi Yuanqiu face the harshest punishment.
They feared that Yi Yuanqiu might escape with leniency due to his military contributions and close ties to King Liang, or that the Liang faction might intervene on his behalf.
Some even worried that he might receive a royal pardon.
By January 23, the number of petitioning barbarian soldiers exceeded 120,000, including several mid-ranking barbarian generals and even a few Fourth-Rank generals who had defected to Zhou during the Dingxin Era.
On January 24, Yang Zhengwu, the only barbarian noble in the military realm, openly rebuked King Liang for failing to control his subordinates, leading to the slave army scandal. His condemnation pointed directly at the Liang faction.
On January 25, seven high-ranking noblemen from the military sphere collectively ruled on Yi Yuanqiu’s case.
All major shareholders of the Leyang Merchant Guild were executed, along with five generations of their families.
Yi Yuanqiu was sentenced to death, with his family executed down to three generations.
Fourth-Rank officers Xie Kuiguang and Liu Junliang, who had ties to Yi Yuanqiu, were also executed.
Seven Fourth-Rank officials who had supported Yi Yuanqiu’s appointment were demoted or reassigned.
All mid-level officers in the Leyang Army, including Huang Chaoyang and over 13,000 others, were executed, and the Leyang Army was officially disbanded.
This case became a landmark example of strict punishment on the pacification battlefield, surprising everyone with its severity.
Even officials who had only remotely supported Yi Yuanqiu’s career in the past were punished.
The Liang faction’s standing with barbarian generals took a severe hit, casting a shadow over King Liang’s upcoming March appointment as Commander of the Southern Pacification Campaign and Governor of the Four Prefectures.
“Outrageous! Utterly outrageous!” Ji Chen raged, sweeping everything off the table at the Liang Palace.
In his fury, he drew his sword and sliced the fallen table into two halves.
The sword glinted coldly, and Ji Chen’s nostrils flared with anger.
The noble, usually known for his magnanimity and courtesy as King Liang’s trusted envoy and representative, now resembled a wild beast in his rage.
“Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing! I’ve shown such generosity, and yet you repay me by slapping my face over and over again!” he roared, cursing as he swung his sword violently, splintering the room’s decorations and furniture into fragments.
“Do you dare to act against me? Do you dare?!”
As Ji Chen’s rage ebbed slightly, Zhang Wensong entered the room.
“My lord, not all of the blame falls on Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning. Yi Yuanqiu’s actions roused the anger of the barbarian generals. Despite your warnings to keep a low profile, he showed no restraint and truly went too far.”
This time, however, Ji Chen ignored Zhang Wensong’s advice. He scolded him, saying, “Silence, sir!”
Zhang Wensong froze in surprise.
“What nonsense about violations and improprieties! This is merely internal strife!” Ji Chen’s face twisted with cruelty, his years of restrained ambitions surfacing. “Killing a few barbarian soldiers—how does that justify sentencing so many Zhou officials to death? Even my teacher, already retired, has had his honors revoked.”
“Your constant advice to retreat, to appease Liu Tianning, has only emboldened his disciple’s audacity, leading to today’s disaster!”
Ji Chen’s voice dropped dangerously low, his expression sinister. “Sir, whose interests do you truly serve—mine or another’s?”
A flash of disappointment crossed Zhang Wensong’s face. Ji Chen’s words had struck a fatal blow, questioning his loyalty.
Saying nothing in his defense, Zhang Wensong simply knelt and prostrated himself.
“If the young lord no longer trusts me, please sever my head and relieve your anger.”
“However, at this critical juncture, my lord must avoid stirring further strife and provoking retaliation against Liu Tianning. The King already holds the highest position of a minister and is envied by many.”
“At this crucial moment, you should…”
But Zhang Wensong couldn’t finish, as Ji Chen had already stormed out.
Outside, the sound of footsteps grew louder as Ji Chen summoned his advisors for counsel.
He was left behind, completely abandoned.
Though Zhao Xing hadn’t directly handed down Yi Yuanqiu’s sentence, the arrests had occurred within his jurisdiction.
In reality, the boundary wasn’t even technically Zhao Xing’s territory, as Yi Zhiwen’s journey had taken him through the Five Plates Army’s jurisdiction.
It was Zhao Xing who extended his reach, capturing the criminal and bringing him to his territory. To outsiders, it appeared as if Yi Zhiwen had crossed Zhao Xing’s boundary and was immediately detected.
But anyone with insight could see the blatant targeting at play.
The territory had been transferred, the arrest conducted with such efficiency by various government offices—if that wasn’t deliberate, what was it?
“Even a few Fourth-Rank officials have been executed. Party struggles are far more perilous than battles,” Zhao Xing remarked, shaking his head as he read the official report.
He had set the table, and multiple players had joined the feast.
He had captured Yi Yuanqiu, and now others had traced his tracks to take down an entire “herd of wild boars.”
The ultimate outcome exceeded even Zhao Xing’s expectations.
However, Zhao Xing wasn’t fazed. “Well, what’s done is done,” he thought to himself.
Though the case implicated several high-ranking officials, it didn’t disrupt the Liang faction significantly.
They responded quickly, offering up some of the faction’s older members as scapegoats.
Despite the loss of a few Fourth-Rank and several Fifth-Rank officials, the victims were merely peripheral members.
The downfall of Yi Yuanqiu was far from sufficient to topple King Liang—if that were possible, he would have fallen a century ago.
The Liang faction’s damage was minimal, not even a scratch.
“Now I should be free to leave,” Zhao Xing mused. “But I’ll make sure to curse King Liang one last time to secure my reputation.”
He anticipated that there would be a price to pay, and he intended to make that price worthwhile by solidifying his public stance.
Reputation was crucial.
In the future, when King Liang rebelled, Zhao Xing’s reputation would serve its purpose.
The storm stirred by Yi Yuanqiu’s case soon subsided, as the war raged on.
During a relatively peaceful February, Zhao Xing’s daily routine was simple: eat, sleep, and hurl insults at King Liang.
He didn’t accuse him of any specific crimes; he simply hurled insults.
He cursed in public, cursed in private correspondence, and cursed in every way he could.
In short, Zhao Xing was now cultivating an image as a staunch “anti-Liang faction” advocate.
He presented himself as though King Liang might initiate a rebellion any day.
In early March, before Zhao Xing’s eventual departure, he had a private conversation with Liu Tianning.
“Teacher, I overstepped,” Zhao Xing admitted.
“What do you have to apologize for?” Liu Tianning asked.
“This matter has escalated, and the Liang faction will surely retaliate against you because of me.”
“How do you know I didn’t intervene in this case?” Liu Tianning replied calmly. “Do you think the Inspection Department is entirely idle?”
“Is Teacher investigating them?” Zhao Xing asked.
Liu Tianning didn’t directly answer. “You’re not wrong in saying King Liang wields immense power; he is now a person of great authority. Do you think no one is watching him?”
“I want to hear your true thoughts. You’re not a reckless person.”
After a pause, Zhao Xing answered, “Honestly, Teacher, from what I’ve observed, though King Liang has achievements, his leadership has bred resentment among the lower ranks. People like Yang An, who deserved the title of Marquis of Shenwei, have been suppressed under his influence.”
“With a leader like him, how can a war be won? I fear defeat.”
“And if he wins?”
“King Liang is already at the pinnacle of power. With no higher titles or rewards to grant, if he were to achieve victory…”
Zhao Xing hesitated briefly before continuing, “In short, if I remain in the army, I won’t be able to maintain my composure, nor do I want to build a legacy of glory for this man.”
“With me here, you won’t suffer any unjust treatment,” Liu Tianning assured him.
“I don’t want to hinder Teacher.” Zhao Xing shook his head. “Nor should Teacher intervene on my behalf. Even if the Liang faction seeks to strip me of my rank, I ask that you refrain from taking action.”
His words might have sounded like mere defiance, but there was sincerity beneath them.
Zhao Xing was subtly reminding Liu Tianning of the risks involved.
After contemplating for a moment, Liu Tianning relented. “Very well, so be it.”
At the beginning of March, King Liang assumed the roles of Commander of the Southern Pacification Campaign and Governor of the provinces.
In peacetime, the nineteen provinces would not establish provincial-level government institutions, but now, one had been established specifically for him.
As Zhao Xing had predicted, King Liang was unaffected in any significant way. In fact, his authority in this life seemed even more extensive than before.
“It’s started. My dear older brother has started fishing for small fish again,” Zhao Xing chuckled upon seeing the appointment. “And the bait this time is even more enticing than in the previous life.”
Zhao Xing continued his public critiques until April.
Finally, on April 5, retaliation arrived.
A law enforcement ship docked at the Shenwei Army's main camp, carrying two Fifth-Rank officers who bore a formal edict issued by the military headquarters in Yingyuan Prefecture, declaring Zhao Xing’s crimes.
“Marquis Yuanrang Zhao Xing, you have incited military commanders, insulted a prince, distorted facts, and persistently defied orders.”
“Marquis Yuanzhen Chen Shijie, Marquis Yunxiao Long Xiao, and Marquis Guiying Liao Rulong are considered accomplices in these offenses.”
“As of today, you are all suspended and placed under investigation!”
As Zhao Xing listened to the charges read aloud, his heart swelled with satisfaction.
“Thank you, King Liang, for helping establish my reputation!” he thought, though outwardly he maintained a stern, defiant expression. “I do not accept these charges! I will appeal to the Military Realm!”
“If you disagree, you may return to Yang City and await the Military Realm’s final judgment,” the silver-armored officer barked. “Take them away!”
“Yes, sir!”
Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, Zhao Xing, and Liao Rulong were all immediately restrained by the enforcement team, their Qi sealed, and escorted to the law enforcement ship.
As for Xia Jing?
Xia Jing was serving in the Xuanjia Army and was not present.
On April 10, in the twentieth year of the Jingxin Era, Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong were placed under house arrest in Yang City, awaiting further decisions regarding their punishment.
Meanwhile, at the Hundred Weapon Tower, a meeting among the three ruling kings took place.
The new triad of leaders now consisted of King Xin, King Anning, and King Luohou.
King Xin, Liu Yong, was the third royal who had come to Zhao Xing asking for a position as an Advanced Exploration Officer. In reality, though he held an official title, he was more of a figurehead, similar to King Lingde. The actual authority lay with King Anning and King Luohou.
Although King Xin had about fifty years left to live, his appointment to this role left him uncertain whether it was a blessing or a curse.
“King Luohou, King Anning, what do you propose we do about Zhao Xing’s insults toward a prince?” King Xin asked, turning to the two others.
While this matter did not necessarily require the involvement of royals, Zhao Xing was Liu Tianning’s disciple, and Liu Tianning was a valuable subordinate of King Luohou. Years ago, King Luohou had even protected Liu Tianning, a relationship that ran deep.
King Anning, Ji Anming, replied, “Yingyuan Prefecture’s proposed judgment is to revoke all his battle merits, demote him by one rank, strip him of his honorary title, and leave his marquis and merit titles unchanged.”
The honorary title was his "Consultant of the Commandery" rank, one that essentially allowed him the freedom to speak his mind.
The Liang faction harbored intense hatred for Zhao Xing’s outspoken nature. Stripping him of his Consultant title would, in effect, silence him.
King Xin glanced at King Luohou, noticing his silence, and so he continued, “I believe this punishment is excessive. King Anning, what do you think?”
King Anning nodded. “It does seem a bit harsh. We shouldn’t revoke his honor and title, only penalize his battle merits.”
“He’s young and hot-tempered. What harm is there in speaking his mind?”
“The title of Consultant exists precisely to allow people to speak freely.”
King Xin pondered aloud, “But if we allow him to stay in the army, Yingyuan Prefecture may not agree.” His mention of Yingyuan Prefecture was a veiled reference to King Liang.
King Xin wanted to clarify whether Zhao Xing should remain in the army.
However, King Luohou’s continued silence left him in a dilemma. In the end, it was King Luohou’s opinion that would matter most. King Xin himself was merely a figurehead here.
If King Luohou chose to defend Zhao Xing, he would certainly remain in the army.
After all, this offense of insulting a prince could be punished in various ways, ranging from severe to lenient. The Liang faction wouldn’t dare to use any other charges against Zhao Xing.
Assigning him tasks designed to provoke failure, for instance, would be too risky to attempt under the watchful eyes of King Luohou and Liu Tianning.
Thus, they had no choice but to resort to a broadly applicable charge: insulting a prince.
In the most severe cases, such an offense could lead to execution, while in the mildest cases, many who had insulted princes before had walked away unscathed.
“Zhao Xing has fought many victorious battles, but he has indeed grown somewhat arrogant,” Ji Anming said thoughtfully. “To repeatedly provoke King Liang like this is excessive.”
“He deserves punishment, but I also believe he should be given the opportunity to remain in the army.”
Ji Anming’s words were impartial, as he did not believe such a talented individual should be crushed by the Liang faction’s influence.
If Zhao Xing could have heard Ji Anming, he might have knelt in gratitude.
After all the efforts he had made, he had finally found the perfect excuse to extricate himself, and here was Ji Anming suggesting he stay.
King Xin, Liu Yong, nodded. “I also believe that stripping all his battle merits is too harsh. Perhaps he could simply be reassigned to another unit?”
Finally, no longer able to contain himself, King Xin turned to King Luohou, “Luohou, what is your stance on this?”
King Luohou lifted his gaze slightly. “Zhao Xing cannot remain in the army.”
Both King Xin and King Anning looked at him in surprise.
King Luohou had actively voiced his desire for Zhao Xing’s departure?
“He is young and impetuous, overly headstrong,” King Luohou said. “If he continues in the army, I fear he may make grave mistakes.”
This decision had come after significant deliberation on King Luohou’s part. It wasn’t fear of pressure from King Liang but a genuine concern that allowing Zhao Xing to remain would result in further trouble.
After all, from the incident with Qian Shougang to the capture of Yi Zhiwen, Zhao Xing’s methods were sharp and lawful. But if no action were taken this time, who knew what he might do next?
What if one day, in a fit of anger, he went so far as to kill King Liang’s son?
A valuable talent would be lost, squandered due to his own recklessness.
King Luohou couldn’t help but feel a lingering unease over the duo of master and disciple. Years ago, Liu Tianning had boldly challenged thirty-two Dao academies, and during these “exchanges,” he had slain quite a few individuals. He was considered audacious beyond measure.
And now his disciple was following in his footsteps, demonstrating the truth of the saying, “Like master, like disciple.”
“Then should we reassign him to a civilian post?” King Xin asked.
“Yes,” King Luohou replied, nodding.
“And shall his rank be demoted?” King Xin followed up.
“Why demote him?” King Luohou sneered. “King Liang is merely a prince, not the Emperor. If a subordinate makes a mistake, can he not even be chastised?”
King Xin and King Anning fell silent. King Luohou’s own fiery disposition was well-known; here he was criticizing someone else for it.
“Then he shall remain at his current Sixth Rank?”
“Are you senile, King Xin?” King Luohou said, his surprise evident. “Zhao Xing’s battle merits now total nearly four million. He should, by rule, be promoted to Fifth Rank. Do you not remember?”
King Xin fell speechless. They were discussing Zhao Xing’s punishment, not his promotion.
If things proceeded as King Luohou suggested, there was no way the Liang faction would accept it.
“Luohou, stop talking about Fifth Rank,” King Anning interjected. “If we elevate his rank, wouldn’t that feed his arrogance, contradicting your intention of humbling him?”
King Anning’s advice seemed to have an effect. King Luohou thought for a moment and said, “Very well, if not Fifth Rank, let him advance to Upper Sixth Rank.”
“Zhao Xing has accomplished many feats; his talent is extraordinary,” Ji Anming remarked approvingly. “Upper Sixth Rank is hardly an overreach.”
“Agreed.” King Xin exhaled in relief, glad to have settled on Zhao Xing’s official rank.
“And what about his honorary title and merit rank?” King Xin asked, careful this time to avoid deviating from procedure. “By rule, Zhao Xing should be granted the title of Consultant of the Prefecture and elevated by four merit levels.”
King Luohou replied, “The honorary title matters little, but his merit rank cannot be denied.”
“Haha!” Ji Anming laughed. “Luohou, you really give no consideration to King Liang’s face.”
Stripping only the honorary title, while retaining Zhao Xing’s merit rank, was a clear affront to the Liang faction.
King Luohou smirked. “He wants Zhao Xing to be punished for speaking his mind? Then let’s grant him his wish. Let everyone witness the tolerance and grandeur of the Commander of the Southern Pacification Campaign.”
If they dared to act against him, did they think King Luohou would take it lying down?
Yingyuan Prefecture had proposed this arrangement to irritate King Luohou, but he had skillfully turned it back on them.
“Very well, let’s proceed as King Luohou suggests,” King Xin agreed. “King Anning, do you consent?”
King Luohou turned to Ji Anming.
Ji Anming grinned. “Don’t look at me. I am the ruler of Ten Sun Cave-Heaven, and in both public and private matters, I stand with you. If he were guilty of any other crime, I wouldn’t be so lenient.”
While Ji Anming was no mere puppet, in a case like this, he had no qualms about yielding.
“Good,” King Xin declared. “I will draft the order and send it to Yingyuan Prefecture.”
At Yingyuan Prefecture, upon receiving the news of Zhao Xing’s punishment, Fan Yanlin felt a wave of speechlessness.
“So they’ve stripped only his honorary title and left his merit rank intact?”
“King Luohou truly has no mercy,” Fan Yanlin murmured.
It was obvious from this outcome that King Luohou had taken a firm stand.
King Xin was merely a figurehead, and it was unlikely that King Anning would have defended Zhao Xing so staunchly.
“Let’s leave it to the Governor to decide,” Fan Yanlin sighed, forwarding the judgment to his superior.
At that moment, Governor Wang Shiyong also received the ruling.
Yingyuan Prefecture was a military administration, and as Governor, Wang Shiyong was its highest-ranking officer.
Yet, with the newly appointed Provincial Governor, he was now answerable to King Liang as well.
Wang Shiyong was not affiliated with the Liang faction; he maintained a neutral stance.
“This punishment?” Wang Shiyong chuckled to himself, torn between amusement and helplessness.
“Send the ruling to the royal palace,” he ordered, not wanting to become embroiled in the matter.
At King Liang’s palace, Ji Chen was seething with rage as he read the ruling.
“This is intolerable! King Luohou’s conduct is nothing less than blatant favoritism!”
Ji Chen, in a display of double standards, conveniently overlooked the fact that the Liang faction’s own proposed punishment was also extreme.
“Report this to the Governor, escalate it to the Military Realm, and petition the court again!” he shouted.
The case was swiftly resubmitted, and within an hour, the same result returned.
This tug-of-war continued back and forth.
Days later, Ji Chen was physically and mentally exhausted.
An advisor approached Ji Chen with a cautious suggestion.
“Your Highness, it would be best to resolve this issue quickly. The longer it drags on, the worse it will reflect on King Liang’s reputation.”
“If we cannot handle even a small Sixth-Rank official, it will damage our standing,” the advisor reasoned. “Who will rally behind King Liang if he cannot exert authority over a mere Marquis Yuanrang?”
Reluctantly, Ji Chen relented. “Fine. I will consult my father.”
He gathered the documentation and headed to meet with King Liang, Ji Mingxian, in the Royal Military Hall.
As he entered the hall, he saw Ji Mingxian working at a dizzying pace. Numerous documents floated around him, processed almost instantly as if there were multiple Ji Mingxians moving within the room.
“Father, I have a matter to report,” Ji Chen said, bowing respectfully at the doorway.
“Speak,” came Ji Mingxian’s voice, firm yet calm. His hands never paused as he managed document after document, his concentration unwavering.
“King Luohou has repeatedly overturned my punishment of the four officers in the Shenwei Army,” Ji Chen reported. “My advisors urge swift resolution, but I feel that the punishment is too lenient, and failing to enforce it would harm your honor, Father.”
Ji Mingxian raised an eyebrow, a slight smile on his face as he processed Ji Chen’s words.
“It seems I was unaware of your… unexpected filial piety,” he replied, his tone laced with subtle sarcasm.
A chill ran through Ji Chen, and he fell to his knees, realizing his miscalculation. “Father, I see my error.”
“Starting today, you need not concern yourself with these matters. Join your elder brother on the battlefield instead.”
“Yes, Father.” Ji Chen’s voice shook as he backed out of the room, bowing deeply.
Ji Mingxian watched him leave, his expression indifferent. Without another glance, he tossed the documents into the fire, sending them directly to the Hundred Weapon Tower, where the three kings of the Military Realm resided.
He had accepted King Luohou’s ruling, showing that he considered this a trivial matter.
After all, King Liang’s ambitions reached far beyond these minor squabbles. His heart was set on the entire realm.
On March 17, Yingyuan Prefecture’s military headquarters publicly announced the ruling from the three kings.
The Liang faction had raised its axe high, only to bring it down gently. The final outcome left many whispering.
Within the Military Realm, the three kings gathered once again to discuss Zhao Xing’s future posting.
Of course, King Luohou’s opinion was key in these discussions.
King Luohou voiced his thoughts decisively.
“He is prideful and ambitious. Even as a civilian official, he may find a small jurisdiction limiting.”
“Then let’s assign him somewhere offshore,” King Luohou concluded.
“Which sea?” King Xin inquired.
“The Eastern Sea.”
“What position in the Eastern Sea?” King Anning asked, adding, “The aquatic tribes there have been quite unruly.”
“Let him manage sea beasts,” King Xin suggested. “Raising beasts is a task requiring patience, and it won’t yield results in a year or two. It will keep him out of trouble.”
“An excellent idea,” King Anning agreed.
King Luohou nodded. “That should suffice.”
After a pause, King Luohou added, “Raising beasts on an island takes time, and he’ll be far from home. Allow him to return in glory before his assignment.”
“You’re considerate indeed,” King Anning teased. “One might think Zhao Xing is your own grandson.”
They all laughed heartily.
Jingxin Era, Year 20, Summer, May 24
Finally, Zhao Xing and his fellow officers—Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, and Liao Rulong—were released from their detention in Yang City.
As soon as they stepped out, they were given their official ruling from Yingyuan Prefecture and the transfer orders from the Military Realm.
Zhao Xing read the orders, a smile spreading across his face.
“Assigned directly to the Eastern Sea? Perfect, I won’t need to petition for a change. And they even gave me half a year’s leave?”
“Ah, it’s about time I visit home. It’s been four years since I’ve been back.”
Previous Chapter | | Next Chapter
