I come to see Bai Yujing today

Chapter 253 Next Step: Purge Suspended Capital

Behind Chen Zhian, a celestial gate still emitted faint rays of light.

The swords at his waist appeared even more aloof under the gleam.

The dazed look in his eyes had disappeared, and his breathing was no longer disordered.

The oppressive aura emanating from such powerful figures as the patriarchs of the six clans of the Great Yu Dynasty was as if it were nothing.

Gao Zunwang fiddled with the jade ring on his finger, a smile on his face, glancing occasionally at the blurry figure in the void.

They seemed to be gloating.

Chen Zhian's words were blunt, revealing the bloodshed and crimes committed by the powerful forces of the six clans of Dayu.

At this moment, he wanted to take control of Luwujian, hold military power, and truly oversee the entire Great Yu realm!

The young man's ambition is evident.

But more importantly, it is the courage and inner strength hidden within this ambition.

"When he reached the peak of the Innate Realm, he was already able to defeat seven other geniuses in the Fourth Prince's Manor and ranked fifth on the Young Tiger Stele!"

Today he broke through the Jade Palace Heavenly Gate and manifested the divine form of Lu Wu. I wonder how much his strength has grown.

Gao Zunwang appears to be around forty years old, but his true age is unknown.

He was very interested in Chen Zhian, and there was a hint of admiration in his eyes.

The officials and generals in the palace each had their own thoughts.

The anger in the eyes of the dozen or so heads of powerful families could not be concealed.

Xie Maoxing and Lu Qinghe, their long robes fluttering, had faces as calm as still water.

Even Wang Du, who always exuded an imposing aura and remained expressionless, couldn't help but frown.

Of all the families that suffered the most during Chen Zhian's trip to the southern Nine Provinces, the Wang family was the one that suffered the most.

Emperor Zhaofu had already sat up, and the weariness in his eyes had lessened considerably.

His yellow robe emitted a soft, shimmering light that shone on his crown.

"Chen Zhi'an, if you were to obtain the position of Seal Officer, what would you want to do?"

Emperor Zhaofu suddenly leaned forward and asked.

Chen Zhian looked down at the sword at his waist, then looked up and said, "Just like Lu Wu, who travels by day and observes by night, surveying all the demons and monsters, to share the burdens of the sage."

A slight smile appeared on Zhao Fuhuang's round face. He glanced at the two divine energies that were faintly visible in the sky outside the palace and said, "Two clan leaders, this Chen Zhian is indeed a promising talent. Do you think... he is qualified to take up the seal now?"

The two clan leaders remained silent for a few moments.

A voice came: "The sage will make his own decision. If Chen Zhi'an can support Lu Wujian and command the army, it would be fine to give him the title of General Lu Wu."

Many court officials' expressions changed instantly.

Xie Maoxing and Wang Du looked puzzled.

Pei Zhang even hurriedly stood up, as if he wanted to say something.

Just then, the sage's usually gentle gaze seemed to glance over unintentionally, colliding with Pei Zhang's eyes.

Pei Zhang trembled immediately, said nothing more, and sat back down at the table.

A silence.

The many important figures present finally understood...

The sage has already made his decision!

A young man like Chen Zhian, in terms of talent and cultivation, is already far superior to others, almost on a completely different level.

He is undoubtedly the most talented young person in the Great Yu Dynasty.

The sage should give him the position of General Lu Wu, and the authority to command troops. Regardless of how great this authority is, it is enough to intimidate the powerful families and clans!

"Is the sage truly not afraid of causing trouble?" This was a thought in the minds of countless ministers.

Like Wang Du and his ilk, their eyes held depths like a fog-shrouded deep sea, making it impossible to discern their thoughts.

Undoubtedly, this edict greatly displeased them.

“What the Sect Master of Jietian said is true. Emperor Zhaofu is far inferior to the Great Qian Emperor.” Wang Du lowered his head, his face expressionless.

People have all sorts of thoughts.

Emperor Zhaofu seemed not to have seen through their thoughts and slowly stood up.

He waved his hand gently.

The man in purple sable robes stepped forward and took out a sandalwood box that was both dark purple and black.

He lowered his head and handed the box to Emperor Zhaofu.

Emperor Zhaofu opened the box himself.

But inside the box... was a seal.

This seal is about half the size of a palm. It is made of beautiful, translucent jade, with a flawless, emerald green color. It is also carved with a mythical beast, Lu Wu, standing on auspicious clouds, looking majestic and extraordinary!

A glint of light flashed in Song Xiang's eyes.

Emperor Zhaofu glanced down at Lu Wujian, then looked up.

The purple-robed eunuch, who was not far away, seemed to have heard something. He suddenly straightened up, took a step forward, and shouted loudly.

"Chen Zhian, obey my command."

Chen Zhian took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed.

"Today, Chen Zhian is appointed as the fourth-rank Shangye Ling... He is bestowed with a nine-linked jade pendant, a jade-adorned carriage, a fourth-rank jade tablet, and a crown adorned with pearls!"

"Chen Zhian is hereby appointed as a fourth-rank senior official, and is granted a jade sword and a Lianshan writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone."

"Chen Zhian is hereby appointed as a fourth-rank Luwu General, commanding 24,000 prison-slaying soldiers, and is granted the Nine Prisons Mystic Token."

"The remaining supernatural powers, elixirs, residences, gold and silver rewards shall be determined by the Imperial Household Department."

A series of imperial edicts of investiture, rewards, and summons.

Chen Zhian was the envy of many officials in the imperial court.

Many more remained silent...

Because after that, the young eunuch in purple took a step back.

Emperor Zhaofu slowly picked up the Luwu Mirror and said softly, "From this day forward, Chen Zhian will hold the seal of my Great Yu, be in charge of the Luwu Mirror, investigate the faults of aristocratic families, and eliminate the rotten flesh and withered bones of the great clans."

Just a few words.

The Taiyuan Hall immediately became even quieter.

Until Chen Zhian loudly returned the greeting: "Chen Zhian...Yes, sir."

Many people took a deep breath.

Chen Zhian has completely gained momentum.

Now it all depends on how much influence the sage will give him.
-
Inside the Jade Hibiscus Palace.

Princess Linglong was not lying on the chair today.

She stood barefoot under an osmanthus tree, letting the cold winter wind blow through her.

She glanced from time to time toward the way she had come from the Jade Hibiscus Palace Garden, as if she were waiting for something.

Half an hour later, Princess Shangqiu arrived in a hurry, bringing news.

Princess Shangqiu tilted her head, her blue eyes still filled with surprise.

"Sister, back then, among so many paintings, we chose Chen Zhian's painting the only one that came to mind."

Did you ever imagine back then that this painter would one day enter the capital and make such a name for himself?

"Bestowed by the sage himself, holding the seal of the Great Yu! What a prestigious title!"

Princess Shangqiu had bright, clear eyes.

Princess Linglong lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought, a smile playing on her lips.

She remembered Chen Zhian painting a picture for her and writing the line, "I have struggled with myself for a long time, and I would rather be myself."

I recall the lines Chen Zhian wrote exclusively for her: "When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup to ask the blue sky."

She recalled Chen Zhian and her strolling through the lantern festival together, the two of them so close. And then she thought of…

Just then, a female official bowed and walked in: "Your Highness... General Wei is waiting in front of the palace."

Princess Shangqiu's smile vanished.

Princess Linglong frowned suddenly.

The garden fell silent, with only the whistling of the wind remaining.

A dozen or so breaths passed...

"not see."

Princess Linglong turned away, unwilling to look at the osmanthus blossoms in winter any longer, and went back to the main hall.

Princess Shangqiu turned her head to the side and sighed inwardly.

She also knew that the Duke of Anguo had personally invited her.

Sister Linglong is going to the Youlong Mansion with Wei Liyang.

That's just how royal women are...

They may seem precious, but they often have no say in their own destiny.

Princess Shangqiu's mother was of a different ethnicity and was herself a spoil of war of the Great Yu.

Therefore, she is quite different from other princesses.

This is also why Princess Shangqiu was so gentle and kind.

After this year, she will turn eighteen and will probably be getting married soon.

Princess Shangqiu looked at Princess Linglong's somewhat forlorn figure and thought of Wei Liyang, and couldn't help but shiver.

She quickly clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and silently prayed in her heart: "It would be better if Shang Qiu's future husband was just an ordinary person, but please don't let him be someone like Wei Liyang."

"But... what should I do, sister...? Do I really have to go to the Dragon Palace with Wei Liyang?"
-
The fifth line on the Young Tiger Stele!
Chen Zhian, a master of both poetry and painting in Dayu, was awarded the titles of Xun, San, and General, becoming the Seal Keeper of Dayu!

In just two or three days, his fame had spread throughout the entire Dayu!

There were also talented individuals who compiled Chen Zhian's journey through the southern nine provinces into a storybook, which was passed down by storytellers and ordinary people and has spread beyond the capital and the river region.

Unfortunately, these storytellers tacitly modified the many aristocratic families of the six surnames of the Great Yu in the original story, only changing the evil demons and ghosts into wealthy gentry, corrupt officials and bureaucrats.

The six surnames of Dayu and many aristocratic families once again hid themselves in various evil deeds and sins.

It's as if no one in the world dares to associate the powerful families of the Six Clans of the Great Yu with sin and slaughter.

"This house is really big..."

It is located in a large mansion in Qinglian County, which is under the jurisdiction of Xuantianjing.

Lu Zhujun exclaimed in surprise, "This house is probably even bigger than Prince Duanque's mansion."

Zheng Xuanze, standing to the side, shook his head and said, "How can a house in Qinglian County compare to a house on Jiugong Street in Xuantianjing?"

In terms of silver, Prince Duanque's mansion alone could probably buy a thousand such houses.

"The area at the foot of Qinglian County is where the army is stationed. The warehouse has bestowed this house upon you, which should be for your convenience in commanding the army."

Lu Zhujun and Zheng Xuanze subtly began to address Chen Zhian as "Master".

The position of the Great Yu official in charge of the seal was quite unique, as it did not have a clear official rank or grade.

When the Ministry of Personnel revised the official positions and powers, it submitted a proposal to the Zhongji Hall and Taihua Hall for discussion and research. In the end, it was decided that the position of seal-bearer could appoint eight staff officers and recruit thirty-six retainers. The regulations were very detailed and did not need to be described one by one.

On the day Chen Zhian returned, he submitted the names of Bai Jian, Lu Zhujun, Zheng Xuanze, Yun Ting, and even Yu Li Ke to the Ministry of Personnel.

From then on, these people were officially guests of Chen Zhian's household.

As for why they never served as staff officers under Chen Zhian, it was because in Chen Zhian's mind, Bai Jian, Lu Zhujun, and Zheng Xuanze were all military figures, and if they looked at their future prospects, they should also be in the military!

"So... the Duanyu Army has not come to Qinglian County from the northern suburbs until now."

Chen Zhian sat cross-legged and asked casually.

Not far away, a captain, clad in gleaming armor and with a long sword at his waist, stood with his head bowed.

Military personnel should be brave and tough, but the man in front of me has delicate skin and his breathing is not smooth. He doesn't seem like a captain, but rather like a young nobleman.

"Reporting to the general, military operations are inherently complicated, and although the northern suburbs are only 170 li from Qinglian County, west of Xuantianjing, the journey is quite arduous..."

"I didn't ask you that many questions." Chen Zhian interrupted the lieutenant, waving his hand lightly: "You may leave."

The captain bowed, took his leave, and departed.

"Is this a show of force from the Duanyu Army?" Chen Zhian smiled.

"The troops led by the Buddha-Slaying Marquis and General Rongtian should be disciplined and obey orders without question, not so unruly and sluggish." Bai Jian laughed. "But thinking about it carefully, General Rongtian has completely disappeared since that incident, without any news."

Everyone says that Uncle Chen killed General Rongtian; perhaps this is the reason?

"Knowing this, why did the court still arrange for General Rongtian's troops to be under your command?" Zheng Xuanze asked, frowning.

Chen Zhian suddenly recalled that in the palace, Emperor Zhaofu's seemingly casual glance had caused the head of the Pei family, one of the six major families of Dayu, to slump down...

"What exactly is this seemingly mediocre emperor plotting?"

Chen Zhian shook his head slightly and stopped thinking about it.

He stood up and walked out of the inner courtyard.

But in the spacious outer courtyard, more than four hundred strong men were neatly lined up.

Yun Ting stood at the very front, followed by seven figures dressed in coarse cloth, yet exuding an imposing aura.

"General."

Yun Ting was originally a bold and unrestrained person, but he became taciturn and unsmiling because of many things such as Lu Cikuan, the Black Prison, and the Divine Needle.

But today, Yun Ting had a clear smile on his face and his eyes were full of ease.

Ever since Chen Zhian obtained the position of General of Luwu, Yun Ting has been in this state.

He has found so many brothers, and now he will finally have a place to belong.

Chen Zhian smiled at him and looked up.

"Are these men soldiers under General Yun's command?" Chen Zhian asked.

Yun Ting said, "Seventy percent of them are, and the remaining thirty percent are people who helped my brothers when they were in trouble. They are all righteous people and trustworthy."

Chen Zhian nodded and then asked, "So... 70% of these men have practiced battle formation techniques."

Yun Ting raised his head and said proudly, "The men under my command are all veterans. The battle formation they practice is called the Golden Spear Formation. They cultivate the [Primordial Gold True Scripture], which is a third-grade Xuan weapon level formation."

"A third-grade Xuan weapon..."

Chen Zhian shook his head slightly: "With over four hundred people cultivating third-grade Xuan weapons, given our current situation, I'm afraid it won't be of much use."

Yun Ting lowered her head and thought about it, and it seemed to be true...

Even if the more than four hundred Xuanbing soldiers were practicing the most precious first-grade Xuanbing formation, they could only defeat a person at the peak of the Innate Realm.

His men were all veterans, and several captains who had fled with him were also at the Jade Unearth Realm. With their help, the Golden Spear Formation was more than enough to trap several Innate Realm cultivators... But against the Innate Realm's Xuanbing, it probably wouldn't be of much help to Chen Zhian.

"Since you're going to practice battle formations, you need to be more ambitious."

Chen Zhian spoke softly: "Four hundred or so Xuan soldiers are nothing, but what if it were four hundred or so Tian soldiers, or even Dao soldiers..."

"Heavenly soldiers?"

"Daoist soldiers?"

The men behind Yun Ting looked at each other, some of them already frowning.

They were veterans, so they knew their own limitations, their own talents and aptitudes, and whether they could decipher the profound battle formations and divine skills of those sects.

So... is this general humiliating them? Does he think they're not talented enough?

Their expressions changed instantly, and some even glared angrily at Chen Zhian.

Even Yun Ting has his doubts.

Chen Zhian smiled and said, "Now that I have taken office, I must do something."

Next, I plan to purge Xuantianjing and see how the six powerful families, and even... Emperor Zhaofu, react!

"Therefore, I urge everyone to... cultivate the Heavenly Soldiers' Method."

(End of this chapter)