Chapter 107: The Ministry of Rites is shaken, Prince Qilin's great army arrives, Gu Jin Nian orders to kill the enemy

Jiangling Commandery.

Inside the Prefect's residence.

Zhou He sat quietly inside the residence.

Some officials, both high and low, also gathered here.

Their faces were all dark and angry.

The reason was simple.

As regional high officials, they now find themselves confined here—this is truly a great disgrace.

With the military taking over, they cannot even send letters, and the imperial court may still be unaware.

"Lord Prefect, what on earth is going on?"

"Gu Jin Nian acts so arbitrarily; must we just sit and wait for death?"

"Yes, the military has sealed the prefectural city—something unheard of; Gu Jin Nian's audacity is truly enormous."

"Once this is over, I will certainly go to the capital to impeach Gu Jin Nian; does he really think that being the grandson of a Duke who guards the nation lets him act lawlessly?"

Angry voices rose one after another.

In everyone's eyes was hatred, also a resentful anger.

"Enough."

At that moment, Zhou He spoke, seated in the study, looking at these officials.

"Whether the imperial court knows about this, I am not sure."

"However, mobilizing a hundred‑thousand‑strong army, someone must certainly know."

"If he is alarmed, not only Gu Jin Nian but even his father would have to yield three parts."

Zhou He appeared very confident.

Jiangling Commandery was blockaded; Zhou He was also furious inside, but he could do nothing—since ancient times military authority outweighs all.

Even if he wanted to cause a scene or curse, it would have no effect.

Military force is the fundamental power to overturn the table.

Don't think that a Prefect's position is great.

If we really compare, even a Deputy General could crush him—commanding two thousand elite troops, marching straight into the city to slaughter, the Prefect would end up dead in the streets.

The Emperor may be formidable, but if someone really raises a rebellion, under the prevailing trend they'd still die or flee; however, Zhou He isn't overly worried, as he seems to have a trump card.

"There is one person?"

"Prefect Sir, you couldn't be referring to the Prince, could you?"

The officials all grew curious; someone spoke up, but did not say who.

"It is Prince Qilin."

Zhou He spoke quite naturally, without any reservation, naming the truly important figure.

"Will Prince Qilin come?"

"Yes, how could we have forgotten Prince Qilin?"

"Prince Qilin guards the western border; it is only fifteen hundred li from here, so any movement of the camps will surely reach his ears."

"Once he knows, he will certainly send troops to come to our aid."

"Exactly, exactly, exactly."

The officials of Jiangling Commandery all nodded, fully approving this.

"The Mountain Chief Army Camp has three hundred thousand elite troops; Prince Qilin also has three hundred thousand elite troops at his disposal, and his army includes ten thousand iron cavalry."

"Under his command, fierce generals are as numerous as clouds."

"If he really comes, what is Gu Jin Nian worth?"

"Yes, if Prince Qilin is willing to come, this matter can be stabilized, and then we can punish each offender one by one."

Hearing this, the officials completely relaxed, though they still worried that Gu Jin Nian might act recklessly.

But now it is different.

With Prince Qilin, they have no worries at all.

And just then.

A unit of elite troops strode straight toward the residence.

Without a word, they pushed open the door, their eyes cold, and swept a glance over everyone.

Then, without waiting for them to ask, his voice sounded slowly.

"By order of the Heir Apparent, all officials of Jiangling Commandery of rank seventh grade and above are to be detained at White Egret Prefecture."

The leading Deputy General spoke, looking fierce and demonic.

The voice fell.

Inside the study, many officials immediately frowned.

What they heard were the words "detain," not "please come over."

"Bold."

"Detain us? What crime have we committed?"

"The Heir Apparent is truly lawless; we are officials appointed by the imperial court, loyal subjects of Da Xia—why detain us?"

"This Gu Jin Nian is simply outrageous; do you know who we are? If anything happens to us, Jiangling Commandery will surely fall into chaos."

For a moment, they were filled with indignation.

Gu Jin Nian is too arrogant.

The White Egret Prefecture affair, even if it involves Jiangling Prefecture, would be bad enough; moreover, they want to round us all up and detain us all at White Egret Prefecture?

Is there not any respect left? Even the Emperor wouldn't act like this, right?

Arrogant.

Arrogant.

Too arrogant.

"Stop the chatter."

"Arrest them."

Even the deputy commander, when he spoke, was too lazy to deal with those people; he wouldn't dare disobey Gu Jin Nian's military order.

In an instant, elite troops entered, said nothing, and directly detained them, using very brutal methods—the harsher the shouts, the tighter the pressure.

Being straightforward is a bit better.

It's not that these soldiers bear a grudge against them; it's mainly that the two belong to different systems, they don't fear offending each other, and they aren't worried about you putting a shoe in their way.

If you offend them, you're offended.

This is actually the advantage of system differentiation: the barracks and the court officials are completely separate concepts; the barracks are their own world, almost cut off from the rest of society.

As long as you don't offend your superiors, no one else can trouble you.

Therefore, as long as you handle the tasks above, there will be no problem.

Unlike the Suspended Lantern Office or the Town Prefecture Office, which still have to operate within the system, truly arresting officials—if they later regain their positions—could still cause trouble for you.

"With this behavior, are you really not afraid that Prince Qi Lin will bring troops here?"

Zhou He was also detained; he did not get angry, but stared at the latter with a grim expression.

Hearing this, the latter's expression also changed a bit.

Prince Qi Lin.

These three characters are different; he is a king of a different surname, of extremely high status, stationed in Da Xia's western border, commanding three hundred thousand troops.

Moreover, while publicly it's three hundred thousand troops, who knows how many soldiers and horses he secretly maintains? Another point is that Prince Qi Lin has an excellent relationship with another prince; the two occupy the two northwestern regions, and if they were to rebel, the court would truly be troubled.

For the past twelve years, the court has been embroiled in endless disputes over their affairs.

However, over these twelve years, the two princes have been fairly proper, doing nothing out of line.

Yet their notorious reputation is known to everyone.

If Prince Qi Lin were to arrive, this matter would truly not be so easy to handle; in an instant, the latter's tone softened considerably.

Looking at Zhou He, he said.

"Sir."

"Please don't trouble me; everything is done according to the military order. If Prince Qi Lin also intervenes, it has nothing to do with me."

"But some matters can be told to you."

"The Crown Prince has uncovered many incidents at White Heron Residence: nearly fifteen hundred children have mysteriously disappeared, and the local authorities are covering it up."

"Moreover, a woman lodged a grievance with the Crown Prince a few days ago; two days later, she saw the remains of her daughter."

"The Crown Prince has gone mad; we cannot restrain him. We hope that after you see the Crown Prince, you will calm him a bit. The chief magistrate of White Heron Residence has already been beheaded by the Crown Prince, and the lord Xu Ping is barely alive."

"Sir, please do not stand beneath a dangerous wall."

The latter spoke; this was the only thing he could do. The military order is like a mountain; he cannot let Zhou He go, but he can inform Zhou He of some matters in advance.

Hearing this, Zhou He's expression changed.

Then, without another word, he followed the others away.

Soon.

Within Jiangling Commandery, Iron Cavalry rode through every street, beating drums and gongs, delivering Gu Jin Nian's military orders.

"All villagers and elders, the grandson of the Duke of Zhen Guo, Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian, is seeking justice at White Heron Residence for the bizarre child disappearance cases—already up to fifteen hundred incidents. If Jiangling Prefecture has similar cases, report them immediately."

"The Crown Prince will punish severely and restore justice for the people."

The Iron Cavalry rode through, informing Jiangling Prefecture's citizens of the White Heron Residence incident.

At that moment, Jiangling Prefecture was shocked; the news spread like one to ten, ten to a hundred.

"Fifteen hundred missing children?"

"This is no small matter."

But soon, indeed many people came forward to report.

Compared with White Heron Residence's numbers, Jiangling Prefecture's are fewer, yet there are still over two hundred cases in total.

The soldiers handling the cases were even more nervous.

Jiangling Prefecture is no ordinary city; after all, it is the capital of a commandery, supposedly well‑equipped in every aspect, so child deaths are not something you can simply accept.

But disappearance cases occurring in a capital city, over two hundred, is quite absurd.

As for the other prefectural lords, it's even worse.

"Something big is about to happen."

These soldiers looked at each other, each saying "look at me, look at you," they roughly sensed something.

Soon, a large number of officials were detained and sent to White Heron Residence; moreover, many scholars from Jiangling Prefecture were invited to go there. These scholars received special treatment—they were invited, not detained.

Transporting people to White Heron Residence takes a day.

And since Gu Jin Nian mobilized troops, nearly a day and a half has passed.

Even Gu Jin Nian blocked information at the first moment.

The capital cannot have zero information.

Da Xia Ministry of Rites.

Yang Kai is processing official documents.

Now Da Xia is at war with the Xiongnu, and this has become a certainty; the Ministry of Revenue handles grain transport, the Ministry of Works handles equipment forging, the Ministry of War is busy deploying troops, and plans are being drafted, among other things.

One could say every department is busy, but the Ministry of Rites is the busiest.

Emperor Yongsheng declared a declaration of war, so the Ministry of Rites must draft the war proclamation and also conduct negotiations with the Xiongnu Nation.

This war is not something you can just start at will; there must be official documents exchanged between the two nations.

It may look absurd, but in fact it is inevitable—to prevent chaos. "All warfare is based on deception" is true, yet the world is not only the Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu Nation.

If it were only those two states, it would be manageable; they could raid you daily. The problem is that many other countries are watching.

You must be formal; otherwise, if you raid, they will raid you, and the unlucky ones are the common people.

Moreover, during this period, the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty have also sent envoys to negotiate, hoping to reconcile through talks.

The Ministry of Rites also has to address this issue.

At that moment, a voice sounded from outside.

"Minister Yang, there is a secret report."

As the voice rang out,

Yang Kai, who was handling official documents, could not help but set down his brush and then speak slowly.

"Enter."

Soon, a figure entered—it was an Assistant Officer.

The Ministry of Rites is now much quieter than before; because of the Xiongnu Nation's marriage alliance, everyone in the ministry has been sent to the Suspended Lantern Office for investigation.

The lower‑rank officials fared better, escaping a disaster, but officials above the chief clerk generally faced harsh fates.

Some were beaten, not to mention a few who are still lying at home.

What kind of place is the Suspended Lantern Office, and why isn't that official afraid? If it weren't for the urgent need for manpower due to the war, at least half of the Ministry would still be in the Suspended Lantern Office.

Yet the Left and Right Vice Ministers of the Ministry have not yet emerged.

I also went to the Suspended Lantern Office, but perhaps for certain reasons I escaped punishment, leaving only a file; if it involves me, I still have to go there.

After the person entered, his expression turned heavy.

"Sir, something has happened in Jiangling Commandery."

He spoke, closed the door, and said directly.

"Jiangling Commandery—what happened?"

"What exactly occurred?"

Yang Kai was somewhat curious, looking at the other person.

"It is said that someone mobilized one hundred thousand troops and sealed off Jiangling Commandery."

The other person spoke, but could not state it with certainty.

"Mobilize one hundred thousand troops?"

"Seal off Jiangling Commandery?"

"Where did that information come from?"

Hearing this, Yang Kai immediately frowned, instinctively disbelieving.

No, it's not disbelief; he simply found it absurd.

The Shan Kui Military Camp, which guards the essential northwest trade route, falls directly under the Emperor's command; unless ordered by the Emperor, it cannot be mobilized.

If the Shan Kui Military Camp were to be dispatched, a Ministry of War document would be required, making a silent move impossible; after all, I am a Minister of the Six Ministries.

Such a matter cannot be hidden from me—mobilizing one hundred thousand troops without any rumor?

"Sir, the news comes from someone in Jiangling Prefecture, and it seems related to the Gu Family heir."

The latter also could not be certain, because there was no official document, or perhaps a great figure had arrived.

And it sounds quite far‑fetched.

Mobilize one hundred thousand troops.

"The Gu Family heir?"

For some reason, upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's name, Yang Kai instantly became solemn.

If it were any other person, Yang Kai would dismiss it, but involving the heir makes it different.

He pondered for a moment.

Then Yang Kai spoke.

"Send someone to the Ministry of War to inquire about the situation."

"Then find my granddaughter and ask where the heir is."

Yang Kai still didn't believe it, but to verify, he sent someone to the Ministry of War and also to his granddaughter.

"Understood."

The latter didn't dawdle and proceeded immediately.

About half an hour later,

the news arrived.

The Ministry of War had not authorized the Shan Kui Military Camp's troop deployment, nor received any notice; the tiger tally remained in the Ministry's possession.

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai slightly relaxed.

The Ministry had not authorized it, and even the Shan Kui Camp's general didn't dare to casually grant such authority.

But soon, new information came, causing Yang Kai to frown.

It is true that Gu Jin Nian went to Jiangling Commandery.

The news arrived, and in an instant, the heart that had just settled rose again.

Gu Jin Nian often does things ordinary people wouldn't dare to do.

"It should be impossible."

"Without Ministry of War authorization, even if Gu Jin Nian were to say it again, Wu Wang Zhi would not dare to mobilize troops on his own; that is a capital offense."

"Even if His Majesty were to grant authorization alone, it must still go through the Ministry of War."

"No, I still have to go to the Ministry of War in person."

Yang Kai felt a bit uneasy, and he rose and headed straight for the Ministry of War.

This matter involved Gu Jin Nian, so he sensed trouble was coming.

After arriving at the Ministry of War.

Yang Kai went straight to the Minister of War, and without any fuss, he directly inquired about the Shan Kui army camp.

The Minister of War Zhao Yiyang seemed somewhat helpless.

"Minister Zhao, mobilizing a hundred thousand troops—such a thing cannot be done without Ministry of War authorization, how could it possibly succeed?"

"Moreover, if such a thing were truly happening, it could not be hidden from you, and you wouldn't be kept in the dark."

"If this really occurred, within three days the news would be everywhere."

Zhao Yiyang also felt somewhat helpless.

Because Yang Kai suspected him, believing that His Majesty and the Ministry of War had privately authorized a troop token for Gu Jin Nian.

But the problem is, this could be concealed from anyone, yet the Six Ministries' ministers could not be kept in the dark.

For a matter of this magnitude, if it is not discussed and one acts on a whim, it will surely cause a serious problem.

He received Zhao Yiyang's firm reply.

Yang Kai then completely breathed a sigh of relief.

"Minister Zhao, I am merely curious; after all, mobilizing a hundred thousand troops is no small matter."

"His Highness the Crown Prince is, after all, the grandson of the Lord of the State; he may be ennobled as a marquis next year, and if this were to happen, it would be troublesome."

"I, too, do not wish to see this scene."

Yang Kai opened his mouth with a slight apology.

"No problem, I also understand Lord Yang's good intentions."

Zhao Yiyang nodded; he understood Yang Kai's concerns.

Gu Jin Nian is now at the height of his fame, but the biggest issue for the Da Xia Dynasty now is the war with the Xiongnu State.

If such a thing truly occurs at this critical moment, it will be problematic.

Unauthorized troop mobilization is a capital offense.

The Ministry of Rites will inevitably impeach, the Imperial Messenger Office will also impeach, and even the Ministry of War cannot favor Gu Jin Nian.

This is the nation's rule.

No one may trample it, and no precedent shall be set; the country has its laws, the family its rules, and one cannot disrupt the order because of Gu Jin Nian's status.

Having received the answer, Yang Kai said nothing more.

He turned and left.

Only after Yang Kai departed did Zhao Yiyang speak immediately.

"Men!"

"Go to the Shan Kui army camp and ask whether anything has happened recently."

"Make it urgent, do not delay."

At first Zhao Yiyang hadn't taken it seriously, but seeing Yang Kai come in person made him realize he himself was uncertain, so he sent someone to inquire about the situation.

Thus.

Three to four hours passed.

Rumors began to circulate within the capital.

Someone returned from Jiangling Prefecture, saying a large army had surrounded Jiangling County, though the specifics were unclear.

At first the rumors were few, but as more people arrived, the speed of spread increased.

It continued until the next day, the hour of the Ox.

Within the Zhao residence.

A warhorse galloped in quickly and stopped inside the Zhao residence.

Then, clutching a letter, a voice said urgently.

"Three thousand li of urgent military intelligence."

He shouted and rushed straight toward the interior of the residence.

Zhao Yiyang was startled awake.

He quickly rose, went to the main hall, and took the urgent military document.

But when he unfolded the document,

In an instant, Zhao Yiyang's complexion turned extremely grim.

The letter was simple: Gu Jin Nian, by imperial decree, mobilized a hundred thousand troops, involving Emperor Jiande, and then used the lives of all officials in Jiangling County as leverage to demand another hundred thousand troops.

A total of two hundred thousand troops were dispatched.

Hiss.

A gasp of cold air sounded.

In the main hall, Zhao Yiyang's face was extremely grim.

Two hundred thousand soldiers and horses.

Gu Jin Nian truly has an enormous nerve.

He actually dispatched two hundred thousand troops? Does he truly wish to die? Unauthorized mobilization is a capital offense.

Dispatching a two‑hundred‑thousand‑strong army, having his whole family executed wouldn't be excessive, right? "Immediately deliver this letter to the Lord of the State, quickly."

Zhao Yiyang opened his mouth; he almost shouted it out.

But the next moment, he immediately stopped.

"No, this old man must go to the duke's manor himself."

He is the Minister of War, belonging to the Prince Who Guards the State's lineage, though one could also say he does not belong to that lineage; one can only say everyone is a military clique, and without the Prince Who Guards the State's support, his influence in the Ministry of War is not great.

He could become Minister of War, but he could absolutely not be of the duke's lineage; he would essentially be forming his own faction.

But then, quickly, Zhao Yiyang shook his head; he did not go to the Prince Who Guards the State's manor.

Instead, he took a deep breath, picked up the letter, and went to Yang Manor.

He could not speak of this matter, could not inform the Prince Who Guards the State; the matter was too great, telling the Prince Who Guards the State would be useless and would only involve him.

It would be better to handle it normally; the Prince Who Guards the State would be unaware, and when he steps in to help Gu Jin Nian, there would be justification.

If he himself spoke of it, it would not only involve him but also backfire.

The next moment.

In Yang Manor.

Yang Kai, who was still processing documents, heard that Zhao Yiyang was visiting late at night; for a moment, Yang Kai was stunned.

He guessed what it was.

In the dead of night, if there were no major affair, why would Zhao Yiyang come to see him?

Not long after.

Zhao Yiyang approached, his face grim, placed the letter before Yang Kai, then sat to the side, gulped down a mouthful of tea, and remained silent.

Yang Kai took the letter, glanced at it, and his eyes filled with shock.

It was deep shock.

"Two hundred thousand troops."

"Has Prince Wu Zhi gone mad?"

When Zhao Yiyang arrived, he had already guessed something was up, but he did not expect the matter to be far more serious than he imagined.

You say mobilizing thirty or fifty thousand would still be acceptable.

Two hundred thousand troops? What is this for? Two hundred thousand troops could launch a rebellion; although the odds of winning are slim, it could still plunge the Da Xia Dynasty into civil war for half a year or even about a year.

"Gu Jin Nian uses the Emperor Jian De as a pretext, accusing Prince Wu Zhi of dereliction of duty, but that is not the biggest problem."

"Another hundred thousand, using the names of Jiangling Commandery's officials as leverage, he cannot but release them."

"This time a major incident will occur; I fear even the Prince Who Guards the State cannot protect him."

"Sir Yang, what should we do next?"

Zhao Yiyang spoke up; he too felt bitter beyond measure, given such a major incident, the Ministry of War likely would also be punished, but punishment is not the big issue; rather, once this matter comes out, the court and populace would probably be shocked.

And those targeting the Prince Who Guards the State will fully erupt, crazily impeaching Gu Jin Nian.

The current situation, the civil-military opposition is already severe; if it worsens further, it will also cause trouble.

Balance is the best outcome.

Civil officials also need balance; constant suppression would be counterproductive, but more importantly, now the Da Xia Dynasty is entering a state of war, and at this critical juncture seeking trouble with military officers is truly unwise.

Yet not seeking them is also impossible.

You privately mobilizing troops—this is a mortal sin among mortal sins.

If this is not spoken of, then does the court still have any rules? "Cannot suppress."

"You and I will now enter the palace and immediately report this to His Majesty."

"This matter cannot be hidden or concealed; as for the specific outcome, we should not interfere, but follow procedure—say what should be said, do what should be done."

"Privately mobilizing two hundred thousand troops throws the state's foundation into chaos; we must absolutely avoid getting involved, lest we easily bring fire upon ourselves."

Yang Kai spoke up.

He knew the matter was very serious and absolutely must not be involved.

"Good." Zhao Yiyang also did not waste words, directly agreeing.

Afterwards, the two accompanied each other and headed straight for the palace interior.

But after going to the palace, the information they received was simply a refusal to grant an audience.

As this news came.

The two fell silent directly.

They deliberately said it was military intelligence, that Jiangling Commandery had suffered a major incident.

Logically, His Majesty would certainly allow them to enter the palace.

But the reply they received now was simply a refusal to grant an audience.

"It seems Jiangling Commandery truly has a major incident."

At this moment, Yang Kai could not help but take a deep breath.

When such a thing occurs and the emperor refuses an audience, it means His Majesty very likely knows what has happened in this matter.

Even why Gu Jin Nian went to Jiangling Commandery?

There is a certain possibility that this is His Majesty's intention.

A major incident is about to happen.

"Minister Yang, what should we do?"

Zhao Yiyang spoke up, unable to refrain from asking.

"This matter, let no one speak of it; tomorrow at court assembly, we will speak of it in the court hall."

"For now, do not concern yourself with it, nor participate."

"Just wait for the news."

Yang Kai spoke, this was the only method he could think of.

"Good."

Zhao Yiyang pondered for a moment, then nodded his head.

And at this moment.

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Yongsheng Great Emperor sat before the jade case, looking at the documents before him, his eyes also emanating killing intent.

Among the official documents, the main piece of information was just one.

"Temporarily recorded: over 1,200 cases of missing children."

The candlelight flickered, killing intent filled the entire hall, Yongsheng Great Emperor's gaze seemed to want to devour people.

Thus.

The sky also brightened.

At this moment.

Da Xia White Egret Prefecture.

Zhou He and others were escorted overnight.

These officials complained bitterly along the way; if they had been invited, it would still be fine, after all they had a carriage to sit in.

But being escorted was different; they were put directly onto a prisoner cart, jostling all the way, extremely uncomfortable.

As for those scholar-officials, they were fine, sitting in the carriage, although there was some travel, at least they were much better off than these people.

Everyone didn't know what had happened, but they understood that something major had occurred.

After everyone arrived at the White Egret Prefecture,

In a moment, these scholar-officials immediately exclaimed in surprise.

"Isn't this Mr. Kong Zhen?"

"Yes? Isn't this Mr. Kong Zhen?"

"How was Mr. Kong Zhen tied to the wooden post?"

A voice sounded.

These scholars immediately exclaimed in shock, after all Kong Zhen is a Great Scholar, and moreover a Great Scholar of the Kong family; how could this not be startling.

"This is too humiliating."

"Kong Zhen is after all a Great Scholar; why go to such lengths?"

"No matter what Mr. Kong did, such conduct is truly a disgrace to scholarship."

The crowd was angry; they revered sages and scholarship, and toward the Kong family they were especially respectful.

Seeing this, many scholar-officials jumped down from the carriages, wanting to rescue Kong Zhen, but the surrounding soldiers directly seized them and dragged them back onto the carriages.

"Gentlemen, this is the Crown Prince's military order; for any matter, you may inquire of the Crown Prince yourself."

"Don't make things difficult for us."

The soldiers spoke, their faces calm.

Upon hearing this, the crowd didn't say much more, but they continued to discuss incessantly inside the carriages.

About half an hour later.

Inside the prefectural office.

Gu Jin Nian had not slept all night.

He had been waiting for news, and also waiting for people to arrive.

After a while, a clamor arose; it was the officials of River Mound Commandery arriving.

Officials were detained one by one and brought in; the area around the prefectural office was filled with crowds, many of whom hadn't slept, waiting here for justice, waiting for an outcome.

Seeing the River Mound Commandery officials being brought in under detention, the crowd immediately burst into applause and cheers, although they didn't know what crimes these officials had committed.

But Gu Jin Nian's thunderous methods made them extremely excited.

However, when these officials entered one after another,

Voices immediately rang out.

"Gu Jin Nian, what exactly are you trying to do?"

"We are all court-appointed officials; you have detained us without cause, this is a grave crime."

"Gu Jin Nian, relying on your status as Crown Prince, you have privately mobilized troops, a capital offense; now you even treat us as criminals, detaining us here."

"What do you want to do?"

Upon entering the prefectural office, these officials showed no fear; they immediately shouted angrily.

They accused Gu Jin Nian of overstepping the rules with his actions.

However, the only silent person was Zhou He, the Governor of River Mound Commandery.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, what crime did Mr. Kong Zhen outside the city commit? Why bind him at the city gate? This is utterly a disgrace to scholarship; we hope Your Highness can give an explanation."

"Mr. Kong Zhen, a Great Scholar who has written books for scholars worldwide, has rendered immense merit; yet Your Highness the Crown Prince has actually bound him to the city gate—this is excessive."

"Yes, that's right, it's excessive."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, no matter what happens, please release Mr. Kong Zhen; otherwise we scholars will not accept it."

Immediately afterward, the scholars of River Mound Commandery also spoke up, though their main remarks were still about Kong Zhen.

The voices were chaotic.

Gu Jin Nian paid no heed, but was waiting for something.

Sure enough, a moment later, a figure walked in, wearing armor, and spoke loudly.

"Your Highness."

"As of now, there have been a total of 1,645 cases of missing children."

"In Jiangling Prefecture, within seven shichen, 480 cases have been filed."

"In Pingle Prefecture, Zhangle Prefecture, Hanqing Prefecture, and the other twelve prefectures, over 3,000 cases have been filed."

"Currently, there are a total of 5,000 cases, the longest lasting two and a half years, the shortest as recent as seven days ago."

"The general approached, his voice booming."

"He directly suppressed all the noise."

"In an instant, the hall fell silent."

"The officials of Jiangling Prefecture were stunned one after another."

"These scholars and teachers also showed looks of astonishment."

"The longest lasting two and a half years."

"The shortest, seven days ago?"

"In about two years, the entire Jiangling Prefecture has seen five thousand children disappear?"

"How have I never heard of this? Upon hearing these words."

"In the hall."

"Gu Jin Nian directed his gaze straight onto these officials."

"Like a knife, like a blade."

"Where is the prefect of Jiangling Prefecture?"

"Gu Jin Nian spoke up and directly asked."

"I am here."

"Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's voice, Zhou He stepped forward, his gaze unafraid."

"Did you hear what was just said?"

"Gu Jin Nian's voice was calm."

"I have heard."

"Zhou He replied lightly."

"Bang."

"In an instant, Gu Jin Nian slammed the table, looking at Zhou He."

"In just two years."

"Five thousand children have gone missing under your jurisdiction; today, as the Crown Prince, I must ask you, how have you been serving as prefect?"

"Gu Jin Nian directly rebuked."

"Yet facing Gu Jin Nian's rebuke, Zhou He showed no panic, merely speaking slowly."

"Your Highness."

"This is an affair of Jiangling Prefecture; the missing children grieve me deeply, but the officials are also preparing manpower to investigate."

"Furthermore, I wish to ask Your Highness, what does this matter have to do with Your Highness?"

"When has the affair of Jiangling Prefecture ever been placed under Your Highness's charge? I have never received an imperial order."

"You have privately mobilized troops, which is overly bold and oversteps court regulations."

"Zhou He did not give a full explanation, nor show any panic; instead, his eyes were filled with cold intent."

"He feared not Gu Jin Nian."

"It seemed as if he had some great confidence."

"Facing Zhou He's questioning."

"Gu Jin Nian nodded."

"Indeed, worthy of being a prefect."

"This confidence is sufficient."

"Carrying out the case by imperial decree."

"Gu Jin Nian replied lightly."

"By imperial decree?"

"Then please, Your Highness, produce the imperial edict."

"Let this old man take a look."

"Zhou He raised his head, gazing at Gu Jin Nian, arrogantly."

"Good."

"Gu Jin Nian rose to his feet, walked straight up to Zhou He, raised his hand, and slapped him across the face."

"Smack."

"Zhou He stumbled back a few steps, fell directly to the ground, his left cheek instantly swelling and reddening."

"You!"

"Zhou He widened his eyes, staring at Gu Jin Nian, but he did not flare up; he merely fixed his gaze on Gu Jin Nian."

"A prefect of such stature, slapped by someone, and moreover by a junior, enough to drive one mad, yet Zhou He actually endured it."

"This is the imperial edict."

"Do you still need to see it?"

"With that slap from Gu Jin Nian, the officials of Jiangling Prefecture furrowed their brows one by one, yet the outside populace repeatedly cheered."

"If Your Highness has only this much ability, I can only say that Your Highness is brave."

Mobilizing 100,000 troops, the Qi Lin King already knows; it won't be long before the Qi Lin King will surely send troops to come and suppress the rebellion.

This slap, old man I have endured; old man I want to see how Your Highness the Crown Prince will handle the situation ahead.

Zhou He took a deep breath.

Although he had endured it, being slapped in public still left him with some resentment.

He spoke up directly, revealing his greatest trump card and confidence.

The Qi Lin King is coming.

"No wonder you have such confidence; it turns out you have backing."

"However, since I summoned you, this Crown Prince also has confidence."

"As long as the case is investigated clearly, regardless of whether it is related to you, the crime of dereliction of duty, this Crown Prince will also have your heads roll."

Gu Jin Nian spoke coldly.

Zhou He has such confidence, it is the Qi Lin King.

Then since that's the case, Gu Jin Nian will wait, wait for the Qi Lin King to appear.

However, he needs evidence.

Need to get this matter investigated clearly.

Based solely on the missing persons case, at most we can only punish one count of deceiving superiors and concealing from subordinates; someone will be unlucky, but it will absolutely not implicate these officials.

What Gu Jin Nian wants to do is to reorganize Jiangling Prefecture.

He wants to kill.

Kill until the whole world is terrified; otherwise, this kind of thing will still happen in the future.

Zhou He stopped speaking.

Gu Jin Nian also ignored him.

Just at this moment.

The Yaochi Immortal's figure appeared.

She investigated for two days, but Wang Fugui and others did not appear behind her; it is obvious she obtained no results.

"After a careful investigation, we have not found the whereabouts of Brother Wang and others; according to inquiries, Brother Wang and others suddenly disappeared half a month ago, leaving no clues at all."

The Yaochi Immortal sent a mental message.

In two days, this is the only thing she managed to find out.

The specific time of Wang Fugui's disappearance.

That's all there is.

"Thank you for your trouble, Immortal."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; the only hope now is to place it in Qingyuan Temple.

Immediately after, the figure of Su Huaiyu appeared.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"All persons involved in the Zhang Ming case have been brought, and they are waiting in the side hall."

"This is the file of the relevant personnel; please, Your Highness the Crown Prince, review it."

Su Huaiyu spoke, saying as follows.

Received the file.

Gu Jin Nian finished reading it carefully.

After roughly understanding, he placed the file aside.

Zhang Ming Case.

It is merely one part of it.

Now, finding Wang Fugui and Jiang Ye Zhou and others is the main task.

After an hour.

The person Gu Jin Nian has been waiting for has arrived.

It is the Yunrou Immortal.

She walked in, attracting many gazes.

But the Yunrou Immortal also understands what is happening now, so she did not act rashly.

"I went to Qingyuan Temple."

"There is no problem."

This is the Yunrou Immortal's answer.

Qingyuan Temple has no problem.

Upon receiving this answer, Gu Jin Nian's brows furrowed even tighter instantly.

The clues seemed to have all been cut off at once.

"Qingyuan Temple cannot possibly have no problem."

"Yunrou Immortal, Yaochi Immortal, Brother Su, you three lead three thousand troops, go again to Qingyuan Temple and conduct a thorough investigation."

"This Qingyuan Temple definitely has a problem."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He trusts the Yunrou Immortal, but he trusts the ancient tree more.

The ancient tree mentioned Qingyuan Temple.

This means that Qingyuan Temple must be hiding something, except that the Yunrou Immortal simply didn't notice it.

"Good."

The three also didn't waste words, leaving again.

Meanwhile, the government office became even quieter.

But half an hour later.

A figure came running swiftly.

"Heir Apparent."

"A hundred li outside White Egret Prefecture, a large army has appeared."

"They are the people of King Qilin, saying they want to suppress the rebellion; please, Heir Apparent, make a decision."

An assistant general came over.

His tone was urgent.

King Qilin? Gu Jin Nian rose, glanced at the officials below, and all the officials' eyes showed a look of joy.

As if a savior had arrived.

"Form ranks."

"Block the army outside, and let them send people in."

"See how many people there are."

Gu Jin Nian hesitated not, directly issuing the military order.

"As ordered."

The latter also didn't waste words, immediately passing the order down.

In a moment, the situation in White Egret Prefecture became even more tense.

Soon.

A piece of bad news arrived.

King Qilin's army is not small in number.

At least a hundred thousand troops.

From inside to outside, they surrounded White Egret Prefecture, and they are all cavalry.

Yes.

A hundred thousand cavalry.

In terms of combat strength, it is much stronger than the Mountain Kui Army Camp led by Gu Jin Nian.

Unless another hundred thousand troops can arrive immediately.

"Report."

"Heir Apparent."

"The chief general of King Qilin has sent back a reply."

"They request that Your Highness open the city gate and let them in."

Military news arrived again.

This is the reply from King Qilin's army.

They demand that Gu Jin Nian open the city gate.

Very overbearing.

Also very direct.

"Has King Qilin arrived?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Replying to Your Highness, King Qilin has not appeared; we do not know the specifics."

The latter replied.

After receiving this reply, Gu Jin Nian said very calmly.

"Tell them."

"Allow two thousand cavalry to enter the city, but seize their weapons."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"Yes."

The latter left.

He hurriedly went to inform.

Just less than a quarter of an hour later, that assistant general appeared again.

"Your Highness."

"They are unwilling."

"They say that if Your Highness does not open the city gate within the time of an incense stick, otherwise they will charge you with rebellion and"

He said up to this point, paused slightly, then lowered his head and gritted his teeth.

"Kill Your Highness."

The latter spoke, conveying the reply from King Qilin's army.

In an instant, many officials inside could not help but chuckle, their hearts extremely excited.

In their view, finally someone capable of suppressing Gu Jin Nian has arrived.

King Qilin is no ordinary person.

Not something Gu Jin Nian can compare to.

More ferocious?

They really dare to fight you; do you dare? Upon hearing these words.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath.

This Prince Qilin is really impatient.

Just as he hadn't yet had time to answer.

Another figure appeared.

"Report."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, General Wang Peng has already led a hundred thousand troops here, but they are about one hundred fifty li away."

"They have noticed the Prince Qilin's army and are temporarily holding their position; please give orders, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

The voice rang out.

Gu Jin Nian let out a long breath.

Then, with a cold expression, he said.

"Convey my military order."

"Let General Wang Peng maintain balance in the rear."

"The remaining troops, form ranks and kill the enemy."

"Tell them, if they dare to step within ten li of White Egret Prefecture, we will engage immediately."

"No survivors."

"Fight to the death."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His words caused everyone in the hall to change expression dramatically.

"Go to war? Is this meant to be a civil war?"

"Several hundred thousand troops fighting each other?"

"Are they crazy? (End of chapter)"