Chapter 196: Pacifying the Nan Yue Prefecture disaster, the Ning Prince's rebellion, a key piece, Lu Yun of the Great Dao Prefecture

Zhongzhou Dynasty.

Four Seas Hall.

The Zhongzhou Emperor sat upon the Dragon Throne, his black dragon robe adding a touch of heaviness; the hall was empty save for the hall beams, nothing else.

He did not need all civil and military officials to come and kowtow at court; instead, he met them individually, ordering each matter personally, and subordinates merely needed to comply.

This may seem inconceivable, but in the Zhongzhou Dynasty there is nothing inconceivable about it.

This emperor, his first half of life was legendary, and the second half likewise.

By his own power he led the Zhongzhou Dynasty, suppressed the hundred schools, followed the way of the sage king: those who obey lived, those who opposed died.

His aura was unmatched.

As the eunuch's voice sounded.

The Zhongzhou Emperor's voice responded in turn.

"See."

Soon, a figure slowly appeared outside the hall.

He was eight chi tall, walked like a dragon and tiger, bore an imposing presence, had a handsome visage, wore a kirin crown and a white jade kirin robe; in the Zhongzhou Dynasty only the emperor may wear dragon robes, not even princes are allowed.

He was dazzling; the moment he appeared he caught every eye, like a heavenly prodigy, as if an unobscured star upon the firmament.

"Your subject Ying Ning pays his respects to Father Emperor."

Ying Ning walked over, standing outside the Four Seas Hall, he bowed deeply to his father emperor, reverent and without the slightest overstep.

Yet, seeing his son return, the Zhongzhou Emperor's eyes held no joy; he remained seated high upon the Dragon Throne.

"Has the Great Dao Prefecture been opened?"

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke, asking calmly.

"Reply to Father Emperor."

"Not yet."

"It is the prefect who ordered this subject to go down the mountain."

He spoke, giving the answer.

"What matter?"

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke, asking directly.

"Reply to Father Emperor."

"The prefect ordered this subject to go to the Da Xia Dynasty to seek someone."

Ying Ning spoke in reply.

"Is it Gu Jin Nian?"

The Zhongzhou Emperor asked.

Because the most famous person in the Da Xia Dynasty is none other than Gu Jin Nian himself.

"Reply to Father Emperor."

"No."

He shook his head.

"Then speak clearly: after going to the Great Dao Prefecture, will you even be unable to speak?"

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke, though he held no anger, yet these words filled the other with fear; he swallowed, dared not act rashly, and immediately spoke.

"Reply to Father Emperor."

"The prefect ordered this subject to seek the Indra Reincarnation."

"Great Dao Prefecture, the elder of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion has calculated that the Indra Reincarnation likely lies within the Da Xia Dynasty."

"This subject hastened back to the palace at once, informed Father Emperor: if Father Emperor has need, should this subject find the Indra Reincarnation, I will bring him immediately to see what use he may be to our Zhongzhou Dynasty."

He reported truthfully, daring not to conceal anything.

"Indra Reincarnation?"

The Zhongzhou Emperor was silent for a moment, then shook his head and said.

"I do not believe in reincarnation; even if it were true, that would be better, no need to bring him—for I, having unified the realm, require a strong opponent; the stronger the foe, the stronger our Zhongzhou Dynasty becomes."

"An immortal dynasty forever needs enemies; a dynasty without enemies will only rot and decay."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke.

Having said that, he again spoke lightly.

"You have rushed here, you have laboured; I grant you ten steps into the hall to dine with me."

The voice fell, and he immediately stepped forward ten paces.

This is the supreme honor: from outside the hall to inside, there are one hundred and eight steps in total; all officials may only report state affairs outside the hall, yet to enter ten steps is itself an honor.

Soon some black-clad eunuchs came forward, carrying black jade tables, placing them before Ying Ning and before the Zhongzhou Emperor.

However, the food upon those jade tables was not mountain delicacies and sea flavors, but gruel made of rice husks; beside it a cup of tea, moreover brewed from tree roots and weeds, whose scent alone bears a rotting-wood odor, unpleasant.

Ying Ning remained silent, not daring to speak; he lifted the tea and drank a mouthful—the tea was bitter and astringent, the water quality abysmal; as for the gruel, once it entered his mouth he could only force it down, feeling no enjoyment whatsoever.

Yet the Zhongzhou Emperor sipped his tea slowly, showing no displeasure, chewing a mouthful of the gruel slowly; the contrast between them was strikingly odd.

One seemed to be eating arsenic, the other as if feasting on mountain delicacies.

This is the Zhongzhou Emperor's daily fare: tree-root-and-weed tea, husk gruel; since his accession, every meal has been thus, and should famine or drought strike somewhere, the Zhongzhou Emperor will abstain from food and drink.

He wishes to eat as the common folk do; what the lowest people eat, he eats; he is exacting upon himself, often going three to five days without sleep or rest, and it is precisely this terrifying willpower that commands admiration.

Because everyone in Zhongzhou knows that this emperor has sealed his own cultivation; his strength is unknown, yet he has locked away all his power, refusing to unseal it except in a matter of life and death.

With a mortal body he governs mountains and rivers; thus going three to five days without sleep seems trivial to outsiders, but once understood, one realizes how terrifying he is.

After the meal.

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke slowly.

"Step down."

The three simple words surprised Ying Ning; having returned from the Great Dao Mansion, he expected his father, the Emperor, to ask him about the Great Dao Mansion.

But he did not expect that his father would merely share a meal with him and then tell him to step down? That was not what he imagined.

To be honest, he had already prepared for a Q&A.

However, after a momentary lapse, Ying Ning stood up, said, "Your servant takes his leave," and left the Hall of the Four Seas.

When Ying Ning departed, within less than a minute another voice sounded.

"Your Majesty."

"Mr. Guigu requests an audience."

Hearing the voice, the Zhongzhou Emperor immediately nodded.

"Enter."

"Proceed twenty steps into the hall."

At once, an elderly man in black appeared outside the great hall; he moved slowly, walked twenty steps inward, then stopped.

"Your servant bows to the Emperor."

Mr. Guigu spoke, kneeling before the Zhongzhou Emperor.

"You are too kind."

"I have said before that when you see me you may forgo the bowing ceremony; please do not do so again, lest I feel uneasy."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke; facing Mr. Guigu, he stood up, not remaining seated on the dragon throne.

It is the highest honor and the greatest respect.

"Your Majesty."

"The Heavenly Mechanism Platform has calculated the dynasty's Heaven's Mandate."

"After the suppression of the Eastern Wilderness demon cave this time, the Heaven's Mandate will arrive a year early; if no major incident occurs, in two years the Heaven's Mandate will descend upon the world."

"During these two years, one must obtain Heaven's Will seals; when the Heaven's Mandate arrives, there will be heavenly rewards, and the more Heaven's Will seals one holds, the greater the rewards."

"Among them are plenty of elixirs of immortality."

Mr. Guigu spoke, revealing the secret of the Heaven's Mandate.

When he mentioned the elixir of immortality, the Zhongzhou Emperor could not help but show a hint of emotion.

"Very well."

"This is Heaven's will."

"If I possess the elixir of immortality, I can usher in a brilliance for ten thousand generations."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke, very satisfied with this outcome.

"Your Majesty."

"There are three more matters."

"First, the Zhongzhou Dynasty sells spirit crystals to the Da Xia Dynasty, yet unexpectedly the Da Xia Dynasty has no intention to purchase them; this is strange."

"Second, the Heavenly Mechanism Platform calculated that Gu Jin Nian holds the greatest number of Heaven's Will seals and is favored by Heaven's Mandate; barring any mishap, in two years Gu Jin Nian will reap the greatest benefit. Please, Your Majesty, issue an edict to either persuade him to surrender or execute him."

"Third, the Minister of Justice is implementing a new law; the son of Marquis Wei Wu and the Seventh Young Master have broken the law. Minister Shang Xin comes to ask Your Majesty how to deal with them."

Mr. Guigu spoke; his tone was very calm, but after finishing, he appeared especially indifferent.

Listening to Mr. Guigu's words, the Zhongzhou Emperor did not hesitate and spoke directly.

"The Da Xia Dynasty has suffered a natural disaster and urgently needs spirit crystals. I will covertly sell spirit crystals to the Da Xia Dynasty at regular price, but they refuse, which is unreasonable."

"The spirit crystal may merely be a pretext; the Da Xia Dynasty might discover new spirit crystal mines."

"Nevertheless, the matter of the Da Xia Dynasty's spirit crystals must be thoroughly investigated, with caution."

The Zhongzhou Emperor said this regarding the first matter.

In fact, after the Da Xia Dynasty's disaster, the Great Jin Dynasty, Fuyu Dynasty, and many Eastern Wilderness states all took advantage of its misfortune, and the Zhongzhou Dynasty would normally also do so.

But this Emperor refused; not only did he refuse, he covertly aided the Da Xia Dynasty, and the reason is simple.

He does not wish the Da Xia Dynasty to fall; he hopes it can grow step by step, for only then can his own dynasty's rule be solidified and retain a sense of urgency.

If one is too invincible, people become contemptuous; a worthy opponent often refines oneself.

This is the Emperor's grandeur.

Immediately after, regarding the second matter, the Zhongzhou Emperor continued.

"Gu Jin Nian should be persuaded to surrender, but not killed."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke, giving this answer.

"Obey the edict."

Even Mr. Guigu cannot persuade the Zhongzhou Emperor; he can only agree.

"As for the new law, disregard everything and execute the son of Marquis Wei Wu and the Seventh Young Master together by lingchi, in front of the populace, without leniency."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke, extremely ruthless.

Whether it is the son of a meritorious official or his own son, as long as they defy his will, they are to be beheaded.

Mr. Guigu showed no surprise at this, for the Emperor is indeed such.

The implementation of the new law is crucial; he concurs with the Emperor's words.

However, after the Zhongzhou Emperor finished speaking, he could not help but ask about another matter.

"Your Majesty."

"Why do you intend not to kill Gu Jin Nian?"

He was curious and could not help but ask, not to persuade nor to defy.

Hearing this, the Zhongzhou Emperor swayed his long robe and said.

"I have never feared an enemy; I only fear an enemy who is not strong enough."

That simple sentence silenced Mr. Guigu; after a moment, he did not bring up those two matters again.

Instead, he raised another matter.

"Emperor."

"Second Young Master has returned from the Great Dao Hall; what are your thoughts, Emperor?"

Mr. Guigu opened his mouth and asked thus.

"What do you mean, sir?"

The Zhongzhou Emperor did not answer; instead, he asked how the latter felt.

"Emperor."

"The Great Dao Hall has existed since antiquity, its origins mysterious; within are endless scriptures, the strong gather like clouds, cultivating all major systems and the heavenly‑proud elites of each great dynasty."

"However, the Great Dao Hall is as if imbued with divine power; anyone who emerges from it, regardless of where they came from, undergoes a tremendous transformation, recognized only as a disciple of the Great Dao Hall and not any other identity."

"Although Second Young Master is your own child, Emperor, after leaving the Great Dao Hall, he may already have changed."

Mr. Guigu spoke; his words were not especially courteous, yet they were not bluntly direct either.

Indeed.

The Great Dao Hall is a highly mysterious organization; no one knows who its head is, nor where it is located, and information about it is scarce.

People only know that the Great Dao Hall does not accept anyone who is not a heavenly‑proud talent, and one must join before the age of twelve.

At most, one cannot be older than fourteen.

Regardless of any faction, take the Buddhist sect for example; its mastery over ideological control is superb, yet even a Buddhist disciple who goes to study at the Great Dao Hall returns as if a different person.

He disavows even his six relatives, recognizing only his own reasoning, acknowledging himself as a graduate of the Great Dao Hall and not recognizing the Buddhist sect.

Thus Mr. Guigu's meaning is simple: this Second Young Master has already changed his heart.

The Zhongzhou Emperor could discern the other's meaning, yet he showed no reaction.

"Great Dao Hall."

"It is merely to establish their invincible confidence."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke lightly.

"I just shared a meal with him; it is clear he is far more confident than before. Though he still shows some fear before me, it is already commendable."

"This is a good thing; I do not wish my son to fear me, to dread me. One day this realm will be handed to them; if they fear others, they cannot be an emperor."

The Zhongzhou Emperor was supremely proud and cared little for these matters.

"Your imperial spirit, minister, I admire immensely."

Mr. Guigu opened his mouth and praised the Zhongzhou Emperor, saying such spirit was truly rare in the world.

"Sir."

"When can the Mo Family Spirit Array Dragon Boat be produced?"

The Zhongzhou Emperor did not discuss the matter of Gu Jin Nian, but inquired about this instead.

"Reply, Emperor."

"If nothing goes awry, in a year the Ministry of Works can mass‑produce Spirit Array Dragon Boats; the Immortal Sect's spirit array, the Mo Family's ingenious craftsmanship, combined with the Ministry, will take only a year."

"These dragon boats can gather heaven‑and‑earth spirit energy, travel a thousand li a day without consuming any spirit crystals; when Heaven's Mandate descends, perhaps new reforms will arise, and traveling ten thousand li a day will be no problem."

"When that time comes, after these dragon boats are fully produced, they will be used for military purposes, conquering the Southern Barbarians with ease, transporting grain and troops faster than anyone."

"And part of them will be used for trade and production within Zhongzhou, making the Zhongzhou dynasties' trade prosperous."

Mr. Guigu spoke, brimming with confidence.

"Very well."

"All thanks to you, Sir; once the great matter is settled, I will establish a new dynasty, and you, Mr. Guigu, shall be the Grand Preceptor of my new dynasty, and be granted a kingdom!"

The Zhongzhou Emperor declared dominantly, directly promising a throne.

"Thank you, Emperor."

The latter immediately expressed gratitude.

Soon, he gradually withdrew from the scene.

In the Four Seas Hall, only the Zhongzhou Emperor remained.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

Three days passed.

The Merit‑Gold Rain fell over East Forest County for a full three days.

First, it restored vitality; second, it pacified resentful souls; third, it treated the injuries of some common folk.

Moreover, many fertile fields in East Forest County had been destroyed; now, under the Merit‑Gold Rain, life returns, the soil becomes fertile, and Gu Jin Nian did not bring out Da Xia Dragon Spike.

After all, troops are short of manpower; one Jiangzhong County is temporarily sufficient, and blind grain planting is unwise.

Basically the major problems are solved; next is to head to South Yue County.

Within East Forest County.

In the prefectural city.

Upon learning that Gu Jin Nian would go to South Yue County, the Qin King personally escorted him.

"Brother Jin Nian."

"This Da Xia heavenly disaster, you have performed a great feat."

"To be honest, if I were the old master, I could not refuse to grant you a kingdom this time; it would be hard to explain otherwise."

The Qin King escorted Gu Jin Nian out of the city, and there was still a Nanyue Commandery left unresolved.

If the matter of the Nanyue Commandery is dealt with.

Then the Da Xia calamity would be completely settled, and as for this heavenly meteor, to be honest, Gu Jin Nian's ability to summon meteors is considered nothing by many.

"No."

"Just give me some title, I don't want to be made a king."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, stating his intention.

Regardless, he would not touch the throne; that thing is not a good thing, and as long as his prestige is sufficient, even as a marquis he is no worse than a prince.

"Brother Jin Nian, how should I put it? With your current strength, status, and prestige, what would granting you a kingship even achieve?"

"What are you still afraid of? You can't possibly be worried that the old master is scheming against you, right?"

The Qin King was a bit irritated; he saw through it at a glance—Gu Jin Nian was simply being cautious.

"Brother Qin King, your words are a bit off; I have great respect for His Majesty."

"Mainly because things have been too high‑profile lately; I want to keep a low profile."

Gu Jin Nian opened, his words half‑true, half‑false; of course, guarding against that is not the main reason—he is already at the Fifth Realm, and the next step would be…?

What is he afraid of? Not even the kingship—if he truly sat as a side‑by‑side king, what would that change?

However, Gu Jin Nian can control himself, but may not be able to control his descendants.

He does not wish to become a great clan; as the old saying goes, descendants have their own blessings, and without descendants he can enjoy his own.

One cannot be sure the next generation won't produce a dud; ruining a reputation is minor, harming the people is grave.

So, being a marquis is fine; just continue like this, give what's due, and the rest rely on his own effort.

"Low profile?"

"Jin Nian, you claim to be low profile?"

The Qin King spoke, but before he could continue, Gu Jin Nian quickened his pace.

"Brother, I'm leaving first; focus on disaster relief, and you handle the aftermath here."

"When it's over, we'll go to the capital and have a good drink."

Gu Jin Nian said, and after that headed straight for the Nanyue Commandery.

"Alas."

"Alright, travel safely."

"When we return to the capital, you must come to my residence for a proper meal."

The Qin King called out loudly from behind.

Gu Jin Nian simply raised his hand, gave a shake, and left.

The Donglin Commandery is only fifteen hundred li from the Nanyue Commandery.

Not very far.

Setting out at noon, he arrived at Nanyue Commandery before evening.

Inside the jade carriage, Fang Jingcheng was still reviewing disaster reports, while Li Ji was soundly asleep; during this time Li Ji had endured much hardship.

Carrying supplies and changing medicines are dirty, tiring jobs; the Qin King does not indulge Li Ji—if he refuses, he gets beaten.

Li Ji was not foolish; he knew his second uncle was helping him modestly build royal prestige, and whatever the motive, Li Ji felt grateful and thus worked diligently.

Now that he finally got a chance to rest, he naturally flopped onto his back and slept deeply.

Within the jade carriage, a night‑bright pearl was set into the canopy, emitting a soft glow.

Fang Jingcheng placed the last document aside, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Lord."

"Because of the great fire in Donglin Commandery, the ice and snow in Nanyue Commandery have begun to melt; the ash drifting into Nanyue has caused many commoners to contract lung disease."

"Lord, could you send another rain of meritful gold?"

Fang Jingcheng spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian.

"Yes, I am already prepared."

"As for the ice and snow issue in Nanyue Commandery, I also have a solution."

Gu Jin Nian opened.

In comparison, the disaster in Nanyue Commandery is actually the simplest; with the Primordial Five‑Elements Banner, the trouble here can be effectively resolved.

"Since that's the case, the matter of Nanyue Commandery can be put somewhat at ease."

"At present, only two matters remain to be dealt with."

Fang Jingcheng said.

"Please speak, sir."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, waiting for the other to speak.

"First, the Heavenly Fire Stone."

"Second, the calamity of King Ning."

Fang Jingcheng spoke, pointing out the two biggest current problems.

The Heavenly Fire Stone is the most urgent; so far, none of the seventeen Heavenly Fire Stones have appeared, and unless something unexpected occurs, they should only descend after the Nanyue Commandery disaster ends.

As for the calamity of King Ning, that is indeed a rather complicated matter.

"Mr. Wenjing is confident he can resolve the Heavenly Fire Stone; once the Nanyue Commandery disaster ends, the problem should not be great."

Gu Jin Nian pondered briefly and gave this reply.

"Regarding King Ning, what are your thoughts, sir?"

Gu Jin Nian opened, continuing to ask.

Marquis, your subordinate believes that Prince Ning has been enduring without action; evidently he is still bewildered by Jiangzhong Commandery, and he has been waiting, hoping to wait until Jiangzhong Commandery erupts, then rise in revolt and send troops.

This is a good thing; at least while Prince Ning is waiting, we can effectively stabilize and resolve the disaster situation in Nanyue Commandery and elsewhere.

However, Marquis, you suppressed the demon lair in the Eastern Wilderness a few days ago; this cannot be hidden from the world, so Prince Ning surely knows about it.

In that case, Prince Ning is very likely to act; I have a plan, please Marquis, decide.

Fang Jingcheng sorted out the situation and then continued speaking.

Taking stability as the priority, continue to spread false news; now Longxi Commandery and Donglin Commandery have suffered great disasters and have been subdued, which also settles the hearts of the people of Da Xia. Prince Ning may also be hesitating, and if at this time Your Majesty were to dispatch an additional 200,000 troops to the Western Border, merely showing up would suffice—no action needed.

Prince Ning will think that the imperial court has begun to act, knowing that Jiangzhong Commandery is about to erupt, so they have sent troops over; thus Prince Ning will continue to wait and will definitely not take the initiative.

To take the initiative is to rebel.

If Da Xia sends troops, in his eyes it could become an opportunity, a chance to rebel; given these two possibilities, Prince Ning will surely wait calmly.

I don't know what Marquis thinks.

Fang Jingcheng spoke up, offering his plan.

It must be said, Fang Jingcheng is very clever; by having the Da Xia Dynasty dispatch an additional 200,000 troops to the Western Border, he creates the impression of preparing for war, thereby deceiving the enemy.

Not bad.

However, Gu Jin Nian also raised a question.

If that is the case, Prince Ning will surely prepare to meet the enemy, even joining forces with other feudal princes, including Prince Qilin. One misstep, and if Prince Ning takes the initiative to attack, it would not be a good thing for our Da Xia.

Gu Jin Nian expressed his concern.

Although the disasters everywhere have now been stabilized by himself, Gu Jin Nian still does not want to keep inviting trouble; it would be best if Prince Ning remained orderly, for if Prince Ning fell into chaos, that is not the outcome he wishes to see.

Having endured such a great calamity, if internal strife were to arise again, it would certainly not be a good thing for the people.

However, upon hearing this, Fang Jingcheng shook his head.

Marquis.

Prince Ning will certainly join forces with Prince Qilin, and also with other feudal princes; Prince Qilin will definitely be among them.

But this is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch them all in one net.

Fang Jingcheng said as such.

Catch them all in one net? Gu Jin Nian fell slightly silent.

After all, the great disaster has not yet been fully stabilized; if such a thing really happened, I would still feel uneasy.

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

It is not that he is timid, but rather that he is being thorough; fighting Prince Ning is nothing, yet after all there have been so many heavenly disasters beforehand.

These heavenly disasters have just ended, and now civil war would begin; if we could instantly crush the enemy, that would be fine to discuss, but the problem is that settling the matter with Prince Ning requires a certain amount of time.

He fears that people's hearts will be filled with panic.

However, Fang Jingcheng gave a slight smile, appearing incomparably self-through way.

Marquis.

You have forgotten that you have buried a crucially important pawn.

With this pawn in place, Prince Ning cannot cause trouble.

Fang Jingcheng spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian was somewhat surprised; a crucially important pawn?

Looking at Gu Jin Nian's doubt, he involuntarily gave a slight smile.

Marquis.

The Duke leads 500,000 troops and also 100,000 cavalry, stationed right in Jiangzhong Commandery.

Within three months, if Prince Ning dares to move, the Duke only needs to contain him; after three months, the grain in Jiangzhong Commandery will have matured.

With so much grain available, what can Prince Ning use to fight the imperial court?

Fang Jingcheng gave a slight smile.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian suddenly realized.

He really hadn't thought of this point.

Originally, letting the old man come over was intended to create a false impression, making Prince Ning mistakenly believe that Jiangzhong Commandery was about to riot.

But I never expected that, unintentionally, I would have set up such a pawn.

Just as Fang Jingcheng said.

This pawn is extremely important.

As long as Prince Ning dares to rebel, the old man will raise his arm and call, drawing 300,000 troops to engage Prince Ning in a war of attrition.

After three months pass, the first batch of grain will also have ripened, roughly ready for harvest; if we can drag it out for four months, that would be best.

Then we can have a great harvest.

Once we reach that point, who could stop us? Even if Prince Ning and Prince Qilin join forces, they cannot withstand the Protector Duke.

We need not even open battle; simply surrounding them and wearing them down will do.

It simply comes down to who has more grain; whoever's forage supply is insufficient will lose.

Victory without battle.

Good.

This plan will work.

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, directly approving Fang Jingcheng's plan.

Sir, you truly are a great talent.

In the future, the Ministry of War will have a place for you, Sir.

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, feeling very pleased, and at the same time acknowledging Fang Jingcheng's scheming tactics.

This person truly is extraordinary.

"Thank you, Lord."

Fang Jingcheng expressed his gratitude.

Gu Jin Nian, without any fuss, wrote a letter straightaway, asking his uncle to raise troops.

Of course, once this letter reached the court and the realm, it would inevitably spark controversy, taking away a hundred thousand iron cavalry, demanding five hundred thousand, and now another two hundred thousand. Frankly, it would be strange if the court remained silent.

Nevertheless, Gu Jin Nian didn't care about any of that; he didn't believe his uncle would refuse to help him.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, two hours passed.

"Is the one ahead the Heaven's Mandate Marquis?"

At that moment, a voice rang out from outside.

The jade carriage halted.

Someone outside responded, giving an answer.

Soon, an elite iron cavalry unit hurried forward.

"May I have an audience, Lord."

With the iron cavalry outside, Gu Jin Nian pulled back the curtain, and in an instant the biting cold wind poured into the jade carriage.

The cold made Li Ji shiver outright.

The sky was dim; at a glance, the ground was littered with broken ice, looking terribly frightening.

"Lord, His Highness Prince Wei has sent me to greet you."

"Please, Lord, follow me; the ground is iced, proceed with caution."

The officer spoke, dismounting from his warhorse, and said thus.

"Very well."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, and then the iron cavalry cleared the way ahead.

In the distance, some soldiers carried hot water, pouring it onto the ground to melt the broken ice, preventing the horses' hooves from slipping.

That was obviously unnecessary, since the horse pulling Gu Jin Nian's carriage was no ordinary beast and would not slip on the ice.

They proceeded onward.

Not long after.

They arrived at the main camp within the mansion city.

As Gu Jin Nian stepped down from the jade carriage, Prince Wei's figure appeared.

"Jin Nian."

"You finally came."

Prince Wei approached warmly, but unlike Prince Qin—who has a good relationship with the Duke and thus naturally close ties with Gu Jin Nian—Prince Wei's relations with the Gu Family are merely average.

One can only call it a normal relationship.

His enthusiasm was mainly due to the natural disaster.

"I have met His Highness Prince Wei."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, bowing his hands.

"Enough with the titles, Jin Nian, hurry and find a way to resolve the Nanyue Commandery's issue; many places have seen ice and snow melt, forming localized flood disasters."

"If we don't resolve it soon, there will be…"

Prince Wei grew increasingly urgent.

"How is the civilian evacuation?"

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he understood Prince Wei's haste, but civilian evacuation was a matter of great importance.

"It's almost fully evacuated."

The latter nodded.

"Alright, please, His Highness Prince Wei, mark the snow‑melting areas, and I will directly control the water."

Gu Jin Nian said.

He possessed a Primordial Five Elements Banner, so controlling water was not difficult; however, this is an entire commandery, and even with Six Realms of cultivation power, directly regulating all its water at once was still hard, so he could only address it piece by piece.

He still needed the soldiers' cooperation.

"Very well."

"I'll go prepare it for you right now."

Prince Wei spoke, then immediately left the camp; about half a moment later, he retrieved the Nanyue Commandery map.

All flood‑prone areas were marked.

Having obtained the map, Gu Jin Nian confirmed it carefully and then left the camp directly.

The Immortal King's jade carriage appeared.

Gu Jin Nian hurried toward the flood‑prone area.

It was less a flood disaster than a place about to become one.

From the sky, many places indeed began melting snow and ice, and the water flow grew increasingly rapid.

According to the map, Gu Jin Nian arrived at the most severe districts and summoned the Sunflower Water Banner.

The Primordial Sunflower Water Banner was summoned.

A cyan aura enveloped the surroundings, and soon a Black Tortoise illusion appeared behind Gu Jin Nian.

"Set!"

As cultivation power surged into the Primordial Sunflower Water Banner.

In an instant, the raging river fell silent, and then the water, following Gu Jin Nian's will, gradually merged, or perhaps directly poured onto the land.

Divert, clear, reroute.

This is what Gu Jin Nian intends to do.

To solve the disaster in Nan Yue Commandery, only these methods can work.

With the Innate Sunflower Water Banner present, the problem won't be severe.

If the Innate Sunflower Water Banner is absent, Nan Yue Commandery will become the biggest trouble.

Within Nan Yue Commandery.

Many onlookers saw Gu Jin Nian alter the river course with divine power, and in an instant the common folk were moved to tears of joy.

In the military camp.

Prince Wei also let out a long sigh, relieved that Gu Jin Nian's divine abilities are vast; otherwise, Nan Yue Commandery would be in total trouble.

However.

At that very moment.

Five thousand li away.

In a certain place.

A monk in black robes sat cross‑legged within a formation, with sixteen jade stones placed around it.

As the black‑robed monk clasped his hands, in an instant a black vapor entered those sixteen jade stones.

Sweat beads also seeped onto the monk's face.

"Your Highness, the formation has been set up."

"In six hours, the sixteen ice‑sealed sites in Nan Yue Commandery will melt directly into river water; even though Gu Jin Nian has the Innate Sunflower Water Banner, it will be hard to control."

"His realm is still too low to unleash the full power of the Innate Sunflower Water Banner."

The black‑robed monk rose and slowly began to speak.

"Very well."

From the shadows, a voice responded.

And the black‑robed monk continued speaking.

"Your Highness, the matters arranged by the Prefect have been completed; the Prefect hopes you will also keep your promise."

He kept speaking, emphasizing a certain matter.

"Tell the Prefect."

"I, the King, will keep my promise, but I also hope the Prefect can give me more assistance."

"Li Shan has been fully exposed; after the Da Xia calamity, his death is certain, and no one in the court supports the King."

"If no one is sent, many affairs I cannot overstep, especially if Gu Jin Nian is present."

The hidden voice continued to sound.

It spoke of the predicament.

Hearing this, the black‑robed monk fell silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.

"Your Highness, rest assured, the Prefect will certainly consider this point."

"Only the timing is not ripe; many Celestials cannot leave the Prefecture, but if pressed, there may soon be a person heading to the Da Xia Dynasty to assist Your Highness."

The black‑robed monk mentioned this matter.

"Who?"

The latter asked directly.

"Your Highness need not hurry; when the Jixia Academy opens, he will naturally appear. This person ranks among the top ten Celestial Talents of the Great Dao Office, and is a Confucian‑Daoist Celestial; ten years ago he entered the Great Scholar realm, and after Jixia Academy, he is very likely to become a Half Saint."

"He will go to the Da Xia Dynasty to aid Your Highness."

"With him present, Your Highness will not be constrained."

The other side spoke, not naming who it was, yet sounding very confident.

"Half Saint?"

"If such a person truly exists, it would indeed be good for the King."

"Thank the Prefect on my behalf."

The latter replied, also a bit surprised.

"Your Highness, you are too kind."

"I will depart first; if Your Highness needs anything, simply burn incense."

The black‑robed monk did not linger; after saying this, he vanished into the night.

After he left.

In the dark.

A figure also slowly stepped out.

A man in his early thirties, dressed in brocade, handsome, gentle in temperament, like jade.

He is Prince Jin.

The fourth son of Emperor Yongsheng the Great.

Gazing at the formation, Prince Jin remained silent, then lifted his head and stared into the distance.

Thus.

Four hours later.

Heaven and earth shone brightly.

Within Prince Ning's Mansion.

In the study.

The atmosphere was extremely oppressive.

Lord Hou stood before Prince Ning, silent.

Prince Ning stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm.

Because just half an hour earlier, he had intercepted intelligence that Gu Jin Nian was sending an additional two hundred thousand troops to the court, but those two hundred thousand were not being sent to Jiangzhong Commandery.

They were being dispatched to the Western Frontier.

That news implied far too many things.

"Longxi Commandery has been secured, and Donglin Commandery is also settled. I hear Gu Jin Nian, with his divine artifact, has stabilized control over the disaster in Nanyue Commandery."

"At present Jiangzhong Commandery's situation is still unknown; under the pressure of five hundred thousand troops, even if a rebellion truly erupts, it won't have much impact."

"The court is adding two hundred thousand troops to the Western Frontier. Should we act or stay idle?"

Prince Ning spoke, genuinely feeling uneasy.

Now the various situations are evident: Jiangzhong Commandery has indeed begun to rebel, otherwise why the sudden addition of two hundred thousand troops?

Moreover, the target is the Western Frontier; these two northwestern borders are precisely Prince Ning's domain, aren't they? Gu Jin Nian has already begun to prepare against him.

If he simply sat and awaited death, wouldn't that be merely waiting for death?

"Your Highness."

"The court's reinforcement isn't a bad thing; it means the trouble in Jiangzhong Commandery is growing."

"At present, we only need to wait three more months; Jiangzhong Commandery will inevitably rebel. At that moment, it will be the time to dispatch troops—heaven, earth, and people all aligned. For Your Highness, it would be as if aided by the gods."

Lord Hou spoke; although he had misjudged a few days earlier, he was still Prince Ning's chief aide.

Thus, at the critical moment, he still urged Prince Ning to settle his mind.

"If we keep waiting, I worry—the longer the night, the more dreams."

Prince Ning sighed.

What Lord Hou said was the truth.

But he still couldn't wait.

"Your Highness, whether to move or not, you can draft several letters; the vassal princes can begin preparations."

"These two or three months will also give the princes some time to prepare."

Lord Hou voiced his thoughts.

Prince Ning was somewhat silent.

But he also approved the words.

"Go draft the letters."

Prince Ning spoke and nodded.

However, shortly after his words fell, a voice sounded from outside.

"Your Highness."

"A guest has arrived outside the residence, claiming to be a close friend of Young Master Leng Xin, wishing to visit Your Highness."

As that voice rang out.

In the study, Prince Ning and Lord Hou both felt a bit curious.

A close friend of Young Master Leng Xin? He knew his son—he was a complete rogue, so anyone close to his son would basically be the same sort of person.

But such people would never dare to visit him.

"Let him come."

Prince Ning said.

In a calm tone.

Not long after.

A figure followed Prince Ning's servant out of the study, and then a voice sounded.

"Student Lu Yun, pleased to meet Your Highness."

The voice was gentle, neither servile nor arrogant.

"Enter."

Prince Ning spoke, also curious inside.

Thus, a man dressed in a Confucian robe entered the study.

He stood seven chi tall, like a jade tree in the wind; his face wore a rather odd mask, yet even with the mask he still exuded an indescribable aura.

At a glance, he seemed extraordinary.

"You are not a close friend of Leng Xin."

Prince Ning spoke directly.

He knew what his son was like; such a person could not be his son's friend.

"Your Highness is wise."

The other party showed no sign of panic, merely offering a compliment.

"Who are you?"

Prince Ning's gaze was calm.

"I am Student Lu Yun, coming from the Great Dao Office."

He bowed slightly toward Prince Ning.

"Great Dao Office?"

Upon hearing that name, Lord Hou's complexion changed, and surprise flashed in Prince Ning's eyes.

"You came to see this king, what's the matter?"

Prince Ning spoke, but his tone was much gentler than before.

"Point out the only way to survive for Your Highness."

Lu Yun said softly.

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning and Hou Jun both frowned; these words were somewhat arrogant.

Point out the only way to survive?

"What a big mouth!"

Hou Jun spoke, unable to refrain, and stared at the other party.

However, the latter remained silent, paying no attention to Hou Jun.

"Go ahead and say it."

"What do you mean by pointing out the only way to survive for this king?"

"What danger have I encountered?"

Prince Ning looked at him with great interest and asked.

"Your Highness."

"Do you really think the people of Jiangzhong Commandery will rebel?"

Lu Yun spoke.

Just a single sentence instantly silenced the two in the study, especially Prince Ning.

He is extremely sensitive to Jiangzhong Commandery.

Although all signs indicate that Jiangzhong Commandery will rebel, whether from various reports or the court's measures, they all create the impression that Jiangzhong Commandery will rebel.

But people are like that: for a matter, they inwardly hope it will succeed, yet occasionally worry it will fail, feeling anxious.

Why is Prince Ning so impatient?

Actually, it's just because of this reason; he feels that not sending troops would be dangerous.

If he does not ascend the dragon throne, everything will change.

Right now, this person from the Grand Dao Prefecture has struck at what he least wants to see in his heart.

Naturally, this made him somewhat nervous.

It also forced him to pay attention to the person before him.

(End of chapter)