The Demon Lords

Chapter 555 59: The Return of Soldier Cloud_1

"That old man was being rather cagey," the blind man said, peeling an orange.

Zheng Fan took a wet towel from Yuexin, wiped his hands, and said, "Don't they all like to keep things concealed?"

You're all wily old foxes; what's the point in telling me stories?

"However, My lord, it's not completely devoid of insights. For example, what the old man said about the arrangements for the crown prince—I think there's some truth to it."

"That depends on fate. Though I still find it somewhat unbelievable. The Sixth Prince's resources have been mostly cut off. Perhaps we now make up the thickest and blackest strand of hope for Ji Chengjue. If such a scenario did occur in the future and he ascended to the throne, would he be able to command respect?"

The blind man popped a segment of orange into his mouth, chewed, and said, "My lord, it's just like the case of Gao Yi. In Yan, anyone with clear eyes can see that it's divided among three giants: the Earl of North Border, Lord Jingnan, and the ruler in Yanjing. In reality, in terms of actual power, the ruler in Yanjing is the strongest, especially after winning a major war and subjugating the great clans. The people's hearts are naturally inclined towards the legitimate ruler; this is a matter of course.

"Take Hui Wenzu, for example. Back then, Hui Wenzu was willing to offer up Hutou City and risk its destruction for the Earl of North Border's cause. And now? He's doing quite well in Nanwang City. He even personally went to the front lines to supervise battles, ordering his commanders and the cavalry of the West Army Division's West Mountain Battalion to fight without retreating.

"Perhaps, in Hui Wenzu's heart, he still considers himself loyal to the Earl of North Border's household. But if you asked Hui Wenzu to raise a rebellion for the Earl's cause now, as he might have before, it would likely be very difficult.

"Hui Wenzu is just one example. This includes Li Bao, the general of Quhe City, which isn't far from us. Though he originated from the North Border Army and is one of the seven great generals, he now guards the New Jin territory. His authority increasingly resembles that of a minor feudal lord.

"Even if Li Bao were willing to continue being the loyal foster son of the Earl of North Border, would his troops be willing to follow him? Would they return to the sandy expanses of Beifeng Prefecture or march on Yanjing?

"Legitimacy, at many times, can be worthless, but at other times, it's incredibly important.

"To put it bluntly, the winner takes all. If the Ji family were to be played to collapse, suffering death and annihilation, the legitimacy of the throne would be worthless. However, if they succeed, the Mandate of Heaven will be with the Ji family, and the benefits will continue for generations.

"Moreover, the central administration is an institution, a vast collective encompassing civil and military officials, bureaucratic systems, and its influence permeates the entire nation.

"Even if Ji Chengjue, before his ascension, is like a chicken that's been plucked and scalded, once he dons the dragon robe and sits on that throne, he will instantly gain immense power.

"Throughout history, there have been numerous such examples. Weren't the origins of Emperor Xuan of Han and Emperor Hongzhi even more tragic than Ji Chengjue's? As long as he sits on that throne, he will automatically gain the allegiance of a great many people."

"I see."

"My lord, to put it simply, the Ji family, though formerly the imperial family of Yan State, was in reality merely the leader of an alliance of powerful families. Now, however, they truly possess the aura of dynastic sovereigns. What Yao Zizhan said might be accurate: if the Yan Emperor's health truly falters, he would likely restart the war against Qian State.

"Our current Yan Emperor is, without exaggeration, a man of great talent and grand ambition. But an emperor is still human. In fact, even an immortal would find it difficult to face their imminent demise calmly. How many could do so? This is a game he has painstakingly arranged; how could he tolerate dying before the final moves are played?"

Zheng Fan crossed his arms, listening silently to the blind man's analysis.

"So, when the time comes, even though he'll clearly know that continued recuperation and strengthening national power is the correct course of action, Ji Runhao probably won't be able to resist. Many wise rulers have tarnished their life's legacy due to folly in their later years; such cases are truly not uncommon."

"These are all matters for the future. Besides, although Tian Wujing hinted at it to me, he never explicitly admitted it. I even wonder, if the Yan Emperor's health is indeed failing—something even that old man Yao Zizhan could deduce—could it be another smokescreen? After all, the Yan Emperor is known for fishing, and he's good at baiting his hook."

"Hmm, your words are wise, My lord."

"So, let's just take it one step at a time."

"By the way, My lord, I heard from a merchant caravan from Li Tian City that Lord Jingnan's wife seems to be pregnant."

"Really, Dujuan?"

"It's likely her."

"Tell Siniang to prepare a gift and send it to Li Tian City. The gift shouldn't be extravagant; no need for gold or silver. Just send some genuinely useful and thoughtful items."

"This subordinate understands."

At this moment, Xiao Yibo walked over and reported, "Master, a messenger from Li Tian City has delivered a military order."

"Bring it here."

Zheng Fan extended his hand to take it.

A military order wasn't an imperial edict, so there was no need for formalities like kowtowing three times and bowing nine times or setting up an altar to burn incense. Besides, even for imperial edicts, the Yan people weren't accustomed to cumbersome ceremonies in the army.

However, it was said that after Wen Sutong declined the post at the Imperial Academy, the Yan Emperor ordered him to join the Ministry of Rites. Unprecedentedly, he was granted a concurrent title as Minister of Rites and tasked with revising the ceremonial laws of Yan State. Essentially, the aim was to establish these regulations, create a formalized system, and curb the excessively lax atmosphere prevalent throughout Yan State. After all, when it came to intricate rules, the people of Qian State were the most proficient.

Zheng Fan opened the military order, scanned it, then placed it on the table.

The blind man also "scanned" it and asked with some confusion, "My lord, Lord Jingnan wants us to clear a route through the Skybreak Mountains, from Shengle City to the snowy plains?"

"Yes."

The northern border of Jin State is largely defined by the Skybreak Mountains; to the north of these mountains lies a vast, snowy plain.

"My lord, what is the meaning of this?"

"You ask me? Who should I ask?" Zheng Fan laughed and said, "It means he wants me to clear a path. It couldn't possibly be for trade."

"If not for trade, then it's for... military purposes?"

By process of elimination, that's the only option left.

"Help me write a reply to Li Tian City. Just say I will obey the order."

"This subordinate obeys."

"We'll still have to wait for A Cheng to return for this matter. However, it's best to be prepared. The treasury should have accumulated a fair amount of wealth. For now, let's prioritize purchasing horses and armor."

Zheng Fan's original core troops were extremely well-equipped. However, the Jin State deserters and the tribal soldiers from nearby clans, primarily the Tufa tribe, that they had subsequently gathered were far worse off in terms of equipment.

"This subordinate understands, My lord. If we truly go to war, who will we be fighting? Cheng State?"

"The main forces of Cheng State are in the northeast. Moreover, Yan State is already stronger than Cheng State; attacking them wouldn't require any tactical maneuvering."

"Then it's..."

Zheng Fan nodded, speculating, "I'm suspecting the same thing. We're not really going to help Cheng State fight the wild people, are we?"

...

「Yanjing,」

「The Imperial Palace,」

「The Imperial Study.」

In the morning, after the court assembly concluded, some important ministers were kept behind in the Imperial Study to discuss matters. After the discussions ended, the Yan Emperor invited Zhao Jiulang to join him for lunch.

Throughout all of Yan, the person closest to this emperor was not any of his sons, but this Prime Minister of Yan State—a fact known to everyone in the court and among the populace.

The lunch was simple: three dishes and one soup, with only Wei Zhonghe serving at the side.

The Yan Emperor ate half a bowl of rice, barely touched the dishes, then pushed the bowl forward and said, "My dear minister, help me finish it."

"Your subject thanks His Majesty for his profound grace."

Wei Zhonghe moved the remaining food from the Yan Emperor's side to Zhao Jiulang's table, and Zhao Jiulang continued to wolf it down.

"This has been hard on you, my dear minister."

Zhao Jiulang smiled, but fearing he might spray rice, he could only cover his mouth, nod, and continue eating.

The Emperor's appetite was not what it used to be.

But His Majesty's meal portions could not be reduced. Moreover, due to the good habits cultivated during his time in the Earl of North Border's residence, the Yan Emperor had always been against extravagance and wastefulness when it came to food. Therefore, just as there were no leftovers before, there could be no leftovers now. Because, no matter how careful one was, it was impossible to avoid the many eyes watching.

So, Zhao Jiulang, the incumbent Prime Minister and the Emperor's closest subject, went without dinner and breakfast each day, deliberately keeping his stomach empty to feast at noon.

Perhaps no one would believe it if told, but the Prime Minister had to overeat like this every day.

Finally, having consumed all the food, Zhao Jiulang leaned back, clutching his stomach and panting.

"How are the preparations for the investiture ceremony progressing?" the Yan Emperor asked.

"Replying to Your Majesty, everything has been arranged properly," Zhao Jiulang responded.

The Yan Emperor then looked at Wei Zhonghe and asked, "And the East Palace?"

"Your Majesty, this slave has had it prepared. It looks just as it did when Your Lordship resided in the residence before ascending the throne. The ceremonial robes for Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness the Second Prince have also been completed."

"Mm."

The Yan Emperor closed his eyes and nodded.

At this point, Zhao Jiulang, having finally recovered, rose, straightened his posture slightly, and said, "Your Majesty, the envoys from Cheng State are still waiting for an audience."

"Everything has been discussed. Why meet again?"

"He says he wishes to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's grace."

"Dismissed."

"Your subject obeys the decree."

"This military deployment—has there been any dissent about it at court or among the officials?"

Zhao Jiulang smiled and said, "The dissent is not insignificant."

"They are all a flock of sparrows with limited vision."

Zhao Jiulang smiled but said nothing.

"Situ Lei dares to withdraw troops from the western border and personally lead an expedition to the northeast. Regardless of whether he's feigning boldness and candor before me, or if he truly harbors a sense of obligation from the legacy of Xia, let him be. Since he has made the first move, then I shall help him push it to the fifteenth. I will make Situ Lei a king in name for his entire life, but in reality, a vassal of my Yan! I will make it so that for ten, twenty, even thirty years, he will have no face to invade Yan territory with his troops.

"Sending sixty thousand iron cavalry to charge directly into the imperial capital of Qian State, and twenty thousand iron cavalry to trample and exterminate the Helian and Wenren families—that is ruling by force.

"I intend to establish the Kingly Way."

Zhao Jiulang prostrated himself and said, "As for the court officials' discussions, your subject can single-handedly suppress them and alleviate Your Majesty's concerns."

"Jiulang, being the Prime Minister of Yan has truly been arduous for you."

Zhao Jiulang lifted his head, smiled, and said, "To be able to accompany Your Majesty and have my name recorded in the historical annals—Jiulang is the one who has profited."

The Yan Emperor pointed to a yellow scroll on the imperial desk.

Wei Zhonghe, understanding, picked it up, placed it in a box, and presented it to Zhao Jiulang below.

"The envoy from the Situ family need not come for an audience to express gratitude. Take this piece of my calligraphy, give it to him, and have him pass it on to Situ Lei."

"Your subject obeys the decree."

...

In a courtyard within Yanjing administered by the Honglu Temple, Dong Bian, the chief envoy of the Cheng State mission, who had just seen off the Junior Minister of the Honglu Temple, gazed at the box before him.

After a long moment, he gestured for his accompanying colleagues to open the box.

It was an imperial decree on a yellow scroll, but it bore no seal. Therefore, it was presented as a gift to an envoy, not proclaimed as an edict.

Dong Bian took a few steps forward, and his subordinates silently retreated to make way.

He bowed his head, looked at the yellow scroll, and saw eight vigorous and powerful characters written on it:

"Mountains and rivers differ, yet wind and moon share the same sky."