Chapter 235: Three Kings' Comments, Disposition and Transfer Order (Final Chapter of This Volume)

"Jia Pu, are Zhao Xing and the others still impeaching Liang Wang?" In Xi'er Commandery, Yang An sat in his chair and asked indifferently.

"Yes, Zhao Xing, Xia Jing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong continue to impeach Liang Wang, submitting a petition daily to the officials of the Four Prefectures," Jia Pu replied.

"What was the result?"

Jia Pu hesitated and said, "Except for Tai Mingzhen who submitted the official document to Your Majesty, no one else paid any attention. Among Liang Wang's faction, several military generals were extremely dissatisfied and have already sent letters to our Godly Might Army to reprimand us, urging my lord to deal with Zhao Xing."

"But that was merely showing an attitude; there was no follow-up. I heard that a few days ago, Liang Wang's strategist Zhang Wensong stepped forward, found an intermediary to negotiate with Liu Tianning, and also sent someone to contact Zhao Xing, seemingly wanting to turn enemies into friends."

"Heh." Yang An couldn't help but laugh. "Truly, the times have changed."

Jia Pu's expression was also complex.

Back then, he and Yang An had merely cast an opposing vote when Liang Wang came to power, and they were subjected to a frenzied attack by Liang Wang's faction.

In the end, it even led to the disbandment of the Godly Might Army and Yang An's removal from office.

Yang An was originally to be enfeoffed as the Marquis of Shenwei, but in the end, he only received the title of Marquis of Boping County.

Now, Zhao Xing's actions go even further.

The impeachment memorials have been submitted to Liang Wang's son, and the words are becoming increasingly harsh.

And the result?

Liang Wang's faction made no move at all; only some military generals showed an attitude, which was hardly painful or itchy.

There are even people mediating in between, trying to resolve Zhao Xing's hatred toward Liang Wang's faction.

Comparing this, Yang An almost wanted to cry and faint in the toilet.

That is why he sighed that today is different from the past.

Where is the difference?

Liang Wang is not as powerful as before.

A hundred years ago, when Yingyuan Prefecture was more than half developed and Liang Wang came to power, it was precisely the peak of Emperor Jing's trust in Liang Wang. Moreover, during the previous hundred years of reform, Liang Wang had played an important role; in the military, political, and legal spheres, Liang Wang held overwhelming authority.

When Yang An encountered Ji Mingxian, it was exactly the other party's peak period.

Yang An had no support, having only gained the appreciation of Han Wang, and Han Wang was already in a semi-retired state; it was roughly equivalent to Zhao Xing encountering Tian Shan.

Now, however, it is different.

As the saying goes, extreme prosperity leads to decline; setting aside Emperor Jing's trust for a moment, at least he does not need Ji Mingxian to do things as much anymore.

Liang Wang's faction has also been quiet for a long time, and new nobles enfeoffed as kings have emerged, such as Luo Hou Wang.

Zhao Xing, although seemingly weak and merely a sixth-rank official, has a much harder backing than Yang An!

The kings standing behind Liu Tianning are all kings with actual power, and they are at their peak. Liu Tianning himself comes from a great aristocratic family, which is incomparable to Yang An's background.

…………

"The times have changed." In Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture, the fourth-rank censor Fan Yanlin held Zhao Xing's impeachment document, sighed, and then threw it into the fire to burn.

Fan was a member of Liang Wang's faction, but the connection was not obvious. He still held a private letter in his hand from Liang Wang's residence, the content of which could be summarized in four characters: ignore it.

"My lord, should we really not do anything? This Zhao Xing seems to be getting addicted to impeaching; if this continues, those with ulterior motives will increase." A Li Xiu disciple beside him said. "Recently, the number of memorials impeaching the prince has increased."

"It is hard to manage." Fan Yanlin said indifferently. "This Zhao Xing is not Yang An; he cannot be handled arbitrarily."

"His teacher Liu Tianning is very protective of his own; for the sake of his disciple, he almost killed Young Master Ji Ye. Qin Chongwen and Brother Huangfu Song didn't even have a chance to defend themselves."

"He gained a large number of favors from the nobility within the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven."

"More importantly, he has the support of the Benwo Sect led by the Minister of Agriculture from Shangluo Academy."

"Those who cultivate Xiubenwo Sect must be at least fifth rank!"

"This group can be said to be the backbone of the imperial court and cannot be ignored."

"The Minister of Agriculture controls logistics, finance, and military supply mobilization; their role is incomparable to a brute like Yang An," Fan Yanlin explained.

At this time, Liu Tianning had just taken office; moving against Zhao Xing now would be equivalent to moving against Liu Tianning.

Moving against Liu Tianning and moving against Yang An are not struggles on the same level.

Yang An was suppressed with a mere wave of the hand.

Liu Tianning is not easy to deal with.

Setting aside the military kings behind Liu Tianning, let us just talk about the Ministers of Agriculture.

After so much effort, there is finally hope for a Benwo Sect Grand Minister of Agriculture; how can we allow you to suppress him?

Fan Yanlin could imagine that those old fellows would absolutely be jumping with anxiety.

Bullying honest farming Ministers of Agriculture; do you still want to fight wars? Huh?

If this group throws down their tools and refuses to work, it will truly affect Liang Wang's appointment as the Commander-in-Chief of Pacifying the Barbarians.

Emperor Jing, seeing this, would probably reconsider: Little brother, if you cannot even appease the Ministers of Agriculture, how can I assign you tasks?

Therefore, Yang An can be bullied arbitrarily, but Liu Tianning behind Zhao Xing cannot.

Liang Wang's faction knows clearly which is light and which is heavy.

"Burn as many memorials as are submitted here," Fan Yanlin said. "Our people in the Censorate must not act rashly."

"Yes." The strategist nodded. Liang Wang's faction occupied many seats in the Censorates of the various prefectures; if they ignored it, the matter would be much smaller.

…………

In the Xia residence, Yingwu Hou Xia Hongyi was chatting with his son.

"Linyun, I heard that you have been idle recently and have started to submit memorials like a civil official; is this true?"

Xia Jing smiled and said, "Father, even you have heard of it?"

"The Censorate truly treats my opinions with contempt!"

"I submit one memorial a day, and I have already sent fifteen impeachment documents."

"You know about it, yet they show no sign of movement at all."

"The imperial court bestowed upon me the title of Prefecture Discussion Physician; do they think it is just for decoration? This is too outrageous!"

Liang Wang's son, Xia Hongyi, the Marquis of Yinghou, said indifferently, "You have your own thoughts; that is good."

"Father is wise," Xia Jing said with a grin.

However, the Marquis of Yinghou shifted his tone: "Then why does Zhang Qing, the official of the Yingyuan Prefecture, say that the content of your official document is exactly the same as that of Yuanrang Hou Zhaoxing?"

"Ah? This..." Xia Jing said somewhat guiltily, "Brotherhood was formed between Yuanrang Hou and me; this matter was also discussed beforehand."

Xia Hongyi calmly took out an official document from his robe, opened it, and showed it to Xia Jing: "You even copied it incorrectly. The heading reads 'Your humble servant Xia Jing bows his head, respectfully presenting to Lord Zhang,' yet by the end, it has become 'Your humble servant Zhao Xing bows his head again, presenting to Lord Zhang.'"

Xia Jing: "..."

At this moment, the heir apparent only wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Xia Hongyi did not say much more; in his approach to raising children, he had always favored encouragement: "If you have your own thoughts on governance, opposing Liang Wang is not a problem."

"However, I have told you many times, a general must possess the ability to think independently, neither listening to one side nor believing one side blindly. Only thus can one grasp the opportunity for war amidst numerous complex pieces of intelligence."

Xia Jing put away his grin, his face showing contemplation. After a moment, Xia Jing said, "Father's reprimand is correct. I shall rewrite the memorial, ensuring it contains substance, and I will never again copy the words of Yuanrang Hou."

Xia Hongyi nodded: "It is good that you understand this in your heart."

"Zhao Xing, do you impeach Liang Wang out of personal grievance or for the sake of justice?" At the same time, Liu Tianning was also speaking with Zhao Xing.

"Master, it is both personal grievance and justice," Zhao Xing said truthfully.

Liu Tianning thought for a moment and said, "Personal grievances can be ended; justice must be made clear."

"If there is no concrete evidence, there is no need to waste further energy."

Zhao Xing nodded: "Yes."

Liu Tianning's words were not stopping Zhao Xing from doing this.

Rather, he was unwilling to see Zhao Xing continue doing something useless.

If it is for personal grievance, more than half a month has passed; the Liang Wang faction has been so accommodating. You should have let go of your anger by now.

Continuing to scold like this without any substantive effect will only make one appear foolish, and Old Liu hates fools the most.

If you are going to do it, then go find some evidence of the Liang Wang faction's crimes.

Liu Tianning will not help Zhao Xing find it.

If he were to find it, the nature of the matter would be different.

Nor would he merely expose a little; he would aim to bring down Liang Wang.

Liu Tianning is a man who, if he does not strike, does nothing, but if he strikes, it must be fatal.

In his past life, when he killed people, it was like this; before, he would either not go to someone's door.

If he went to someone's door, it was basically to chop off their head.

In late December, Zhao Xing and others ceased their impeachment.

Ji Chen, who had been closely following this matter, could not help but let out a long sigh of relief.

"This madman, Yuanrang Hou, has finally calmed down."

"Mr., you were right. My previous approach was indeed a bad strategy; Mr. is truly wise."

Zhang Wensong, however, pondered, "Yuanrang Hou did not accept the benefits we sent; there seems to be something suspicious here."

"What could be suspicious?" Ji Chen said. "My father's appointment is already an imperial decree, unchangeable. Liu Tianning's Inspection Department has not targeted us. It must be that Yuanrang Hou received a warning and retreated, knowing the difficulty."

"He is young and impetuous. Now that we have shown sincerity, he should have cooled down."

"As for not accepting gifts," Ji Chen said with a smile, "perhaps he is still too shy. How could one accept gifts immediately after impeaching someone?"

"He is still young; his skin is likely not that thick."

Zhang Wensong nodded: "Young Master speaks correctly."

He truly could not think of what motivation Zhao Xing had for blindly opposing the Liang Wang Fu.

Currently, Zhao Xing is quite smoothly gaining military merit on the front lines. Previously, the Liang Wang faction, in order to win over Liu Tianning, had specially issued some advanced missions suitable for Zhao Xing's strengths.

Blindly opposing the Liang Wang faction brings no benefit to Zhao Xing either.

However, Zhang Wensong was still somewhat puzzled: Since this Yuanrang Hou does not want profit, could it be that he truly only seeks a hollow reputation?

Selling integrity to gain fame is plausible; impeaching Liang Wang, what a fine reputation that would be.

However, this timing seems a bit off.

If you are going to impeach, you should at least wait until Liang Wang has truly taken office, done some things, and then pick faults.

"If it is for fame, Yuanrang Hou has achieved his goal," Zhang Wensong said. "I hope he stops here."

Ji Chen said indifferently, "Mm. If Yuanrang Hou is still not willing to give up, he will surely pay the price for his youthful impetuosity."

The Liang Wang Fu tolerates Liu Tianning's sake, but they cannot tolerate forever; otherwise, if everyone comes to step on them, how can they get anything done?

"Young Master should also advise the Prince, warning the officials who associate with the residence to restrain themselves and not cause trouble for the Prince."

"Mr. is right. I will persuade my father, and I will also persuade my other brothers, hoping that the nineteenth and others will cause less trouble."

Zhao Xing had already confirmed that the previous military merit training missions were the Liang Wang faction trying to curry favor.

Such matters do not count as breaking the law or violating discipline, because everything complies with the procedures.

It also requires Zhao Xing himself to succeed and meet the mission requirements.

Of course, this was not just currying favor with Zhao Xing.

Later, when fighting in the Qinggang War Zone, there were not only the twenty-plus thousand of the Long Xiao Division, Liao Ru Long Division, and Xia Jing Division.

There were also the Tiger and Crocodile Army, the Black Armor Army, and other strong armies joining forces to attack.

Their targets for currying favor were not only Zhao Xing, but also other objectives, to facilitate the Liang Wang faction's work after taking power.

However, this slight difference in timing allowed Zhao Xing to gain some additional military merit.

Liang Wang needs to take office as the Commander-in-Chief of Pacifying the Barbarians; relying solely on his own Black Dragon Army will not work. He must also win over other armies and offer some benefits. This matter involves no conspiracy; it is merely a normal tactic in officialdom.

Having confirmed this, Zhao Xing knew that his desire to extricate himself was not absurdly unrealistic.

"The Liang Wang faction does not necessarily need to keep me here. After all, I am only a sixth-rank official; if you don't appreciate my goodwill, that's one thing, but to keep impeaching me, why would they indulge me like this forever?"

"However, I truly should drop some heavy evidence. It is already the end of the nineteenth year; next year will be the twentieth year of the Jingxin Era," Zhao Xing thought silently.

The Jingxin Era lasts only thirty-seven years; only seventeen years remain. In between, there were several truces, and then one must subtract the more than two years of Liang Wang's rebellion.

High-to-mid-level warfare is no longer far away.

Fighting over the Qinggang Mining District took more than a year; time passes very quickly indeed.

"Evidence against Liang Wang is hard to find, and I shouldn't be looking for it, but evidence against the Liang Wang faction is easy to find."

"The scope is huge, a mess of feathers; just look around and you can find a pile of it." Zhao Xing took out the Earth Mirror, and the list before his eyes flowed rapidly.

"Selecting people requires care; pick those with not very high official ranks but important positions, preferably with considerable fame, to achieve a one-shot kill."

"The Transport Bureau is actually a good institution, but this falls within Liu Tianning's jurisdiction; I cannot hinder his work." Zhao Xing pondered. "I cannot kill a small fish and let the big fish go."

Zhao Xing's gaze simply detached from the Southern War Zone and also from Liu Tianning's jurisdiction over the two prefectures' transport to search for people.

The Earth Mirror kept sliding; before long, he locked onto several names.

Old Master Zhao, in his past life, specialized in dealing with corrupt officials and wicked clerks!

Because of this, he was beheaded by Liu Tianning more than once.

Finding good officials remembered by Old Master Zhao was not easy.

Finding corrupt officials and wicked clerks, however, was too simple.

"It's you, Commander Ji Yuanqiu of the Leiyang Army."

Zhao Xing locked onto a key figure, then grinned.

"Old brother, I wish to be a good man in this life; I can only trouble you."

Ji Yuanqiu is the Commander of the Leiyang Army, an official position of Fifth Rank, Lower Grade.

South of the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture lies the Southern War Zone.

Southwest of the Anping Prefecture, across the river, lies the Southwest War Zone.

The Leiyang Army is located in the Southwest War Zone.

If it were before, they would be worlds apart.

But after Zhao Xing and his forces conquered the Fire Demon Tribe War Zone, they became relatively close; crossing the tributary of the Lan River, one could reach the Leiyang Army's defensive area.

At this time, the Leiyang Army was merely a secondary legion of average strength, lacking even a Cave Heaven garrison.

But in the early stage of the Great Campaign against the Barbarians, it gradually grew stronger.

Ji Yuanqiu, the Commander of the Leiyang Army, is a member of the Liang Wang faction.

What has he done? Smuggling war spoils, trading with the Southern Barbarians, forcing government-assigned warships to be scrapped, then selling them at low prices to take kickbacks...

Here, the prohibition of the Military Realm must be reiterated: war spoils cannot be sold elsewhere; they can only be exchanged from the Military Arsenal.

The business of buying low and selling high can only be conducted by the Military Arsenal. Merchants are forbidden from participating.

Why does Zhao Xing know this? Because in his past life, he worked under Ji Yuanqiu.

He also knows who this person's upstream and downstream contacts are.

"The Leiyang Merchant Association is Ji Yuanqiu's downstream contact, but at this time, the association's president is Yi Yi Zhiwen; he has not yet handed over to his son, Yi Zhijie," Zhao Xing pondered.

When he did this in his past life, the person he dealt with was Yi Zhijie, and at that time, Ji Yuanqiu was already Fourth Rank, Upper Grade, becoming increasingly reckless.

At this time, the Leiyang Merchant Association must also be doing this kind of thing; it is merely a matter of scale.

"Ji Yuanqiu's rank is not high, but if caught, he can serve as a typical example; the Military Realm has not yet caught many people for smuggling and resale."

"This entire army is mostly breaking the law, and the Leiyang Merchant Association is also making a fortune from the war."

"Using this matter to attack the Liang Wang faction carries enough weight."

"To gather evidence is also simple; arrest the president of the Leiyang Merchant Association, and everything will be revealed."

"Thinking this way, in my past life, was I not a corrupt official, but clearly a spy? Only that I went undercover for a long time, and in this life, I have finally gone official." Old Master Zhao thought thus.

? ￠O

Southwest War Zone, Yangjiang City.

This place was originally a city of the Fire Demon Tribe; its original name was long and awkward. After the Great Zhou occupied it, it was renamed Yangjiang City.

Currently stationed in Yangjiang City is the Leiyang Army.

Inside Yangjiang City, within the Governor's Mansion.

"After more than a year of continuous great battles, we have finally achieved results. Brothers, you have worked hard; drink!"

A burly man wearing Fifth-Grade Yuan Guang Armor held a large bowl and shouted to those around him.

His name is Huang Chaoyang, a Sixth-Rank Commandant of the Leiyang Army, and also Ji Yuanqiu's capable general.

Huang Chaoyang is completely a puppet of Ji Yuanqiu; how to fight and where to fight, Huang Chaoyang listens entirely to Ji Yuanqiu's commands from the rear.

Why? Of course, there are benefits.

Ji Yuanqiu has deep ties with the Black Dragon Army; the Leiyang Army follows in the Black Dragon Army's wake, ensuring a smooth victory.

For armies like theirs, which are somewhat weaker, even just getting some soup from behind the Black Dragon Army is enough to eat their fill.

After drinking three opening toasts, Huang Chaoyang left the banquet, no longer staying with the other officers, but went to a flower hall behind the Governor's Mansion.

After Huang Chaoyang entered the flower hall, the surrounding curtains were drawn, with some talismans hidden within to block eavesdropping.

Inside, a more lavish banquet had already been set up, but there were only three seats.

Besides Huang Chaoyang, there were Yi Yi Zhiwen, the president of the Leiyang Merchant Association, and his son, Yi Zhijie.

"General Huang, congratulations on your victory and a full return!" Yi Yi Zhiwen and his son were also wearing armor.

However, their attire was quite flashy, bearing the tribal style of the Southern Barbarian armies.

"Thank you, President Yi." Huang Chaoyang dared not be negligent; he bowed and lowered his cup.

For he was Ji Yuanqiu's dog, but this man was Ji Yuanqiu's partner.

He drained his cup in one gulp, saw Yi Zhiwen had also finished, nodded, and only then sat down.

"Was your journey here smooth, President Yi?" Huang Chaoyang asked cautiously.

"Rest assured," Yi Zhiwen nodded and said, "I borrowed a quota from a Nu'er Army unit; the next time war breaks out, this Nu'er Army unit will be sacrificed."

The Nu'er Army is the general term for assimilated barbarian armies.

During the Great Zhou's offensives, they also took captives; initially, Zhao Xing, in Xia Jing's name at Huolong Pass, had accepted Pang Guangyao's surrender.

Pang Guangyao later became a formal military general, but his treatment was merely an exception.

In reality, the Great Zhou looked down quite heavily on barbarian generals and barbarian armies; the mainstream thought was: "Not of our kin, their hearts must be different."

The assimilation policy explicitly stipulated that surrendered captives were enrolled in secondary registers and did not count as formal Zhou citizens.

Afterwards, those who meritoriously served could, at discretion, be transferred to the primary register.

But for barbarian soldiers and barbarian generals, the conditions for meritorious service were quite harsh; for a normal Great Zhou soldier, cutting off one head counted as 100 war merits, but for barbarian soldiers and barbarian generals, it was only 50 war merits, or even lower.

If they achieved no merit and only surrendered?

They would have to wait two hundred years, nurturing several generations, fully accepting the Great Zhou and viewing themselves as Great Zhou people, before obtaining primary register status.

That is to say, they would qualify to take civil service exams, become officials, and be incorporated as part of the Fortune Dynasty.

The actual situation was that the Nu'er Army suffered greatly; in battles that were easy to win, they were not the ones to fight, for the Great Zhou's own armies did not have enough merit to distribute, so how could they give it to surrendered foreigners?

In difficult battles, they were the cannon fodder sent first, with a very high mortality rate.

Why did Yi Zhiwen say to let Huang Chaoyang rest assured?

Because he had impersonated a quota from a Nu'er Army unit; he came, and he returned.

Then next month, or soon after, the soldiers of this impersonated Nu'er Army unit would inevitably die.

Low-rank Nu'er Army soldiers could not possibly be transformed into Yin Spirits, making them extremely difficult to investigate.

Additionally, after Huang Chaoyang captured Yangjiang City, he delayed establishing a temple for a long time, intentionally dragging out the temple construction schedule.

Furthermore, the transit routes were all within Liang Wang's faction's territory; from every aspect, Yi Zhiwen moved unimpeded on the battlefield, yet he never had any record of actually going to the battlefield.

Currently, he is still somewhat restrained, after all, Liang Wang has not yet ascended; afterwards, he will become even more arrogant.

After Liang Wang's downfall, Yi Zhiwen hunkered down for a period and spent a great deal of money to extricate himself.

During the Two Reigns period, Emperor Jing had no heart for court affairs and focused entirely on bearing children.

In the early Wu Di period, his son Yi Zhijie became even more ruthless; not only did he sell goods, but he even sold the foreigners within the Nu'er Army.

Why did he dare to be so arrogant? Because according to custom, when a new emperor ascends the throne, to stabilize the people's hearts, he will always continue his father's policies.

For example, the first era name of the Wen Emperor was Cheng'en, meaning "Inheriting the Grace of the Taizu."

The first era name of Emperor Jing was Cheng'an, meaning "Inheriting the Wen Emperor's governance, bringing peace to the world"; there was great significance within the era name itself.

Dingxin and Jingxin, this intermediate period, is when the new emperor actually does things.

Originally, it was thought that Wu Di would continue his father's policies without change.

But the result was that Wu Di's first era name upon ascending was 【Yuan Shou】, completely breaking the established pattern.

Thus, in the previous life, Yi Zhijie and Old Master Zhao, who had been arrogant for not long, were both beheaded by Old Liu.

"That is good, that is good; President Yi has thought deeply, so why would I need to ask more? I deserve punishment." Huang Chaoyang, daring to sit only half on his seat, constantly tried to please Yi Zhiwen.

He had risen to office quickly and knew how he had risen; he dared not offend this man.

After praising him for a while and seeing Yi Zhiwen grow impatient, he immediately spoke of the main matter.

"President Yi, the goods are all loaded onto the ships and are currently stopped in the valley outside Yangjiang City."

"General Huang is highly valued by Lord Ji, but I must still ask one question: is there anything abnormal in between, have any errors occurred?" Yi Wenjie asked.

"Rest assured, the ships are scrapped vessels, and the people used are from the Nu'er Army," Huang Chaoyang said in a low voice. "Every time, I have personally handled everything, daring not to be negligent in any way."

"That is good." Yi Zhiwen showed a smiling face and raised his cup again. "General Huang has worked hard; I toast you."

"I dare not; I should be the one to toast you." Huang Chaoyang hurriedly stood up and raised his cup with both hands.

…………

The dilapidated Red Rainbow warship flew over the wilderness.

Yi Zhiwen stood at the bow, constantly on guard.

His son, Yi Zhijie, was following his father out for the first time and appeared somewhat excited; he would look into the war loot cabin one moment and inspect the Nu'er Army on the deck the next.

Finally, he walked over to Yi Zhiwen's side: "Father, you are too amazing; this is a Red Rainbow warship, still eight or nine-tenths new, yet you managed to bring it back."

Flying warships are rare among the common people; mostly they are flying boat level; only great merchant associations and noble families can afford warships.

The Great Zhou's territory is vast; only warships can achieve inter-provincial flight, as flying boats cannot fly that far.

Those doing business across provinces are mostly oligarchic clans; ordinary commoners simply cannot afford to ride them; in fact, warships do not carry people, they only carry cargo.

Yi Zhiwen smiled at his son, not blaming him for showing such excitement for the first time. "There is nothing in this world that money cannot solve; if there is, it is certainly that there is not enough money, or the connections have not been properly greased."

"Money can make a ghost push a millstone; as long as you have enough money, even a Yin Spirit can do things for you."

Yi Zhijie was stunned: "Father, can it really be done? The Yin Spirit System is the foundation of our dynasty."

"Why not?" Yi Zhiwen laughed. "The imperial court previously wanted to change the Yin Spirit System; how many old temples collapsed, and how many new temples were built? During this period of transition between old and new, can't one buy convenience?"

"Moreover, some Yin Spirits are originally the ancestors of certain families; if you have money, they will even sell their own ancestors."

"So anything can be bought..." Yi Zhijie murmured to himself.

"Brother Xia, could you speak with General Xiang Kui of the Black Armor Army and request a transfer of a defense sector over here?"

Xia Jing looked puzzled at the map Zhao Xing pointed to: "What do you want with this corner of Luoyang Mountain, so far from any village, front or back?"

This area of Luoyang Mountain is adjacent neither to the Southern Barbarian forces nor to the rear supply lines.

Let alone strategic value, it has no value at all; cities are not even built there.

A little further west, it borders the Laiyang Army, but in Xia Jing's eyes, the Laiyang Army is nothing but a novice.

They don't even have a Cave Heaven garrison; how could they catch the Heir's eye?

"Farming? My hands are itching; I want to switch to a different plot of land to farm. Is that okay?" Zhao Xing said.

"Okay, of course it is," Xia Jing said. "I'll just give the word; no need to transfer anything. Just designate it directly to your Godly Might Army."

While speaking with Xia Jing, Zhao Xing's Ten Thousand Dharma Avatar was also contacting another person.

"Brother Wu, do you have any acquaintances in the Market Regulation Office of Anping Prefecture?"

"Yes. What level do you need to contact?" Heir Wu Zhengting asked.

"Higher is best."

"My uncle, Wu Qinghua, is exactly the Left Director of the Market Regulation Office in Anping Prefecture, rank Fourth Grade Lower. Is that enough?"

"Enough, enough," Zhao Xing said.

"How do you want my uncle to act?"

"I have discovered merchants causing chaos in the war zone. If an order comes, please have your uncle mobilize trustworthy personnel and act immediately."

"No problem," Wu Zhengting said with a smile. "This is my uncle's duty."

"Brother Ji, if merchants collude with military officers to buy and sell spoils of war for soldiers in the war zone, and forcibly scrap warships assigned by the imperial court, does this fall under the jurisdiction of the local Judicial Officer or the Military Sector?"

"Local merchant associations fall under the Market Regulation Office, but since this is illegal and disruptive, the Market Regulation Office can only seize the assets of money houses and ticket shops," Ji Ziyun said. "The local Judicial Officer is only responsible for the trial. To actually seize physical assets, the Patrol Office must mobilize personnel, but it requires a search warrant issued by the government."

"If it is a county, the County Magistrate issues it; if it is a commandery, the Commandery Governor issues it."

"What if it is in the Fucheng?" Zhao Xing asked.

"In the Fucheng, at most, a document issued by the Commandery Governor is sufficient. Investigating a merchant hardly warrants the Prefect's labor," Ji Ziyun laughed. "Unless it is an Imperial Merchant; then that does not fall under the Prefect's jurisdiction, but under the Wang Fu of the Deshi Sect."

"Local matters belong to the locals; naturally, merchants are handled by the local government."

"For the army, it depends on the scale of the matter. If the army has no Cave Heaven garrison, it is managed by the local military departments; if there is a Cave Heaven garrison, it must be handled by the Military Sector."

"The specific situation depends on how big a matter you want to handle. Usually, they do not arrest across jurisdictions or investigate across jurisdictions; if the matter is big, that's another story. The situation you described involves a military officer of what rank?"

"Fifth Rank," Zhao Xing said.

"A Fifth Rank main commander with no Cave Heaven garrison should be reported to the Military Department of the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture. If the involvement is widespread and the nature is heinous, the Military Sector's Inspection Department might also pay attention, and there could even be a Prince handling it."

"Thank you, Brother Ji."

Zhao Xing had many avatars, so calling for help was almost simultaneous.

The current Marquis Yuanrang also had many connections; these battles were not fought in vain, and he did not only know Xia Jing.

After calling for help, Zhao Xing immediately led his people to the new defense zone.

He exchanged seven new defense zones with the Tiger Crocodile Army, the Black Armor Army, and the Blazing Sun Army.

All of them bordered the Laiyang Army.

To catch Yi Zhiwen, it was best to catch him red-handed, to avoid it turning into a drawn-out legal dispute in the end.

Zhao Xing did not know which route the Laiyang Merchant Association was using at this time.

So he sent an avatar to all seven defense zones; the rest depended on luck.

If he encountered them, it would save trouble; if not, he would have to catch Yi Zhiwen in Anping Prefecture and then conduct a surprise interrogation.

From the early tenth day of the twelfth month to the late tenth day of the twelfth month, Zhao Xing focused specifically on the movements of the Laiyang Army and the Laiyang Merchant Association.

On the thirteenth day of the first month of the twentieth year of the Jingxin Era, he finally found an opportunity.

On this day, at the border of his defense zone, Zhao Xing ambushed seven dilapidated-looking flying ships.

Then he quickly returned to his own defense zone.

He boarded the ship and looked, and immediately smiled.

"Slave Army, scrapped ships. Damn it, it's still the same old trick; not a bit of change even passed down to his son."

"My lord, we are the Seventh War Zone of the Pingman Legion, the Investigation Department Army, under Lord Sean, not aliens," Yi Zhiwen said calmly.

He was wearing a Thousand Mechanism Transformation suit; at this moment, he looked like a barbarian.

Yi Zhiwen also had very complete identity documents.

However, before he could take them out, Zhao Xing laughed and said, "Yi Zhiwen, if you want to join the army and serve the country, why pretend to be the Slave Army to go to the battlefield?"

"You have plenty of money and have attached yourself to a big shot; there are many channels to join the army."

Zhao Xing's Heaven Eye Technique had now reached the High-Grade Nine Turns; for Yi Zhiwen to try to deceive him was simply a fool's dream.

Having his identity exposed in one sentence, Yi Zhiwen was not panicked; he simply said calmly, "Please, my lord, dismiss your attendants; I have urgent matters to discuss."

"Oh? Do tell." Zhao Xing waved his hand, ordering people to withdraw, but actually secretly activated the Mirage Pearl and had someone hide a statue of a Judicial Yin Deity on their back.

"I do not know where my lord comes from? What is your official rank?" Yi Zhiwen asked. He wanted to inquire about Zhao Xing's situation first before deciding what price to offer.

"This official is the Marquis Yuanrang, merely a humble Sixth Rank. What price can you offer?" Zhao Xing asked.

Sixth Rank? Yi Zhiwen felt a sense of relief in his heart.

"If my lord puts down his official seal and returns, you can immediately receive five hundred thousand points. Moreover, I guarantee these five hundred thousand points are clean."

"Afterwards, if my lord wishes to cooperate, you can profit at least two million points a year!"

Actually, Yi Zhiwen could not give Zhao Xing this much, but now he was naturally opening his mouth wide to bite, first to stabilize Zhao Xing, then return to notify Ji Yuanqiu and investigate the situation slowly.

"Only five hundred thousand." Zhao Xing sneered. "You use this to test this official?"

"It can still be negotiated," Yi Zhiwen said.

Just at this moment, the Earth Mirror on Zhao Xing's body trembled. He took it out, looked, and smiled.

【Laiyang Merchant assets have been seized. The Patrol Office has arrested three hundred and seventy-six main members of the Merchant Association. Surprise interrogation has traced it to Ji Yuanqiu.】

【Heading to Ji Yuanqiu's residence.】

【Ji Yuanqiu has been arrested.】

【Interrogating Ji Yuanqiu.】

Messages arrived from all sides.

The allies were so efficient; Zhao Xing hadn't expected it, but then he thought again.

He wasn't the only one who wanted to make the Liang Wang faction uncomfortable.

"No need. You should think about how to confess honestly to reduce your punishment," Zhao Xing said calmly. "Ji Yuanqiu has been arrested."

"What?!" Yi Yi Zhiwen's face finally changed.

Zhao Xing waved his hand. The invisible priest appeared, and the Judicial Yin Deity statue above it emitted a faint glow.

Someone nearby held a Mirage Pearl.

"Yi Yi Zhiwen, if you confess now, though there is no path to life, you can at least leave behind a seed."

"If you resist stubbornly and expect someone to save you, your entire clan might be exterminated."

Yi Yi Zhiwen's face turned pale, but he still refused to give up: "My lord is a military officer and has no right to interrogate me. You should release me to Anping Prefecture for trial."

"You don't believe me?" Zhao Xing squatted down and whispered in his ear. "Under the ancestral hall on Dongzheng Street in Nan Commandery, you have a treasure vault. Inside, there are not only stolen goods but also account books recording the sale of stolen goods to various generals and lords. Am I right?"

"You... how do you know..." Yi Yi Zhiwen's face changed drastically, his heart pounding wildly.

"You wanted to secretly raise your father into a Yin Deity to evade investigation. In a few years, it would have succeeded. Fortunately, you failed; otherwise, even if you confessed, you would still face clan extermination. Now, do you want to confess?"

"I... I will confess." Yi Yi Zhiwen's eyes dimmed.

January 17th, the 20th year of the Jingxin Era.

Ji Yuanqiu and the Leiyang Merchant Guild's embezzlement, smuggling, and the killing of the Nu'er Army were exposed.

Anping Prefecture remained relatively calm; after all, it was just a matter of dealing with a batch of corrupt merchants.

But this matter quickly caused a sensation on the Southwest Battlefield.

Mainly, the barbarian generals of the Nu'er Army were extremely furious upon hearing of Ji Yuanqiu's actions.

Because Ji Yuanqiu, colluding with Yi Yi Zhiwen, had always used the Nu'er Army's identity to shuttle through the battlefield, sending them to die after use, or simply killing them outright.

It instantly triggered their empathy.

A mere merchant guild, colluding with a fifth-rank military officer, could trample the lower-level barbarian troops at will.

If one day, would they face such an end?

On January 20th, numerous barbarian generals submitted petitions demanding the Military Department severely punish Ji Yuanqiu.

Because they heard Ji Yuanqiu might not be executed: first, Ji Yuanqiu had considerable military merit; second, Ji Yuanqiu was once a Scholar Feng Chen of Liang Wang and might be saved by the Liangwangyi Sect.

There was even a possibility of receiving a special pardon under Wang Hou privileges.

January 23rd.

The petitioning barbarian generals numbered over 120,000. Middle-rank barbarian generals were countless, even including fourth-rank barbarian generals who had defected during the Dingxin Era.

January 24th.

Yang Zhengwu, the only barbarian king in the Military Department, spoke out, condemning Liang Wang for failing to control his subordinates, causing the Nu'er Army massacre, and pointing the spearhead directly at the Liangwangyi Sect.

January 25th.

Seven kings in the Military Department stepped forward and quickly finalized the Ji Yuanqiu case.

All major shareholders of the Leiyang Merchant Guild were executed along with their five clans.

Ji Yuanqiu was executed, and his three clans were exterminated.

Xie Kuiguang, a deputy fourth-rank military officer, and Liu Junliang, a deputy fourth-rank civil official, who had interests with him, were executed!

Of the seven fourth-rank officials who had recommended Ji Yuanqiu back then, three were demoted and four were transferred.

The middle-level core generals of the Leiyang Army, including Huang Chaoyang, totaling over 13,000 people, were beheaded. The Leiyang Army was thus erased from existence.

This case became a typical example in the early stage of the Pacifying Barbarians Battlefield. The severity of the punishment completely exceeded everyone's expectations.

Even officials who had recommended Ji Yuanqiu and Liu Junliang long ago were punished.

The Liangwangyi Sect's reputation among the barbarian generals became extremely poor, casting a shadow over Liang Wang's appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Pacifying Barbarians and Governor of the Four Prefectures in March.

"Damn it, damn it!" Inside the Liang Wang's Wang Fu, Ji Chen angrily overturned the table.

He drew the precious sword from his waist and split the fallen table in half.

Cold light flashed on the sword, and Ji Chen's nose was twisted with rage.

This Young Master, known for his courtesy to scholars and entrusted by Liang Wang with important duties regarding external liaison, now resembled a mad beast.

"Insufferable! Insufferable!" Ji Chen swung the precious sword wildly. "Aaaaaah——"

A violent aura raged, shattering all decorations and furniture in the room.

"Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing!!!" Ji Chen growled. "I have been so accommodating, yet you slap my face again and again, repaying kindness with resentment!"

Ji Chen was indeed furious. The Liangwangyi Sect had truly given Liu Tianning enough face.

A mere sixth-rank Hu Jun Commandant, a disciple of a Third-Rank Hou Jue, yet Ji Chen had extended goodwill again and again.

Back at the Extreme Night Sea, when Liu Tianning was hunting the Dragon Whale, he had even stepped in to help.

But what about Liu Tianning? Is this how he repaid him?

After Ji Chen's fury subsided a bit, Zhang Wensong entered.

"Young Master, this matter cannot be entirely blamed on Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning. Ji Yuanqiu's actions provoked the barbarian generals' fury. You previously instructed all parties to keep a low profile, yet he still failed to restrain himself. He truly went too far."

This time, Ji Chen did not listen to Zhang Wensong. He snapped, "Mr., shut up!"

Zhang Wensong was stunned.

"What lawbreaking and chaos? To put it plainly, this is merely internal strife!" Ji Chen's eyes flashed with a trace of ferocity, his suppressed nature for many years now fully revealed. "Killing a few barbarian surrendering soldiers, how does that warrant executing so many Fourth and Fifth Rank officials of the Great Zhou? Even my teacher, who has already retired with honor, has had his merit reduced."

"It was you who made me retreat again and again, constantly advising my father to appease Liu Tianning, causing his disciples to become bold and reckless, bringing about today's disaster!"

Ji Chen held the precious sword, his face gloomy and terrifying: "Mr., are you truly offering strategies for me, or for others?!"

Zhang Wensong's eyes flashed with a trace of disappointment; Ji Chen's words were already striking at his heart.

He explained nothing, merely kneeling on the ground with his head bowed to the floor.

"Since Young Master no longer trusts me, please cut off my head to relieve Young Master's anger."

"But at this moment, Young Master must under no circumstances incite factional strife or retaliate against Liu Tianning. The Prince is already at the peak of a subject's status, already envied by all sides, constantly being scrutinized for faults."

"At this critical moment, Young Master should..."

Zhang Wensong could not finish speaking, for Ji Chen had left the room the moment he uttered the first sentence.

Many footsteps came from outside the door, walking in a square gait past the screen.

Faintly, the sound of Ji Chen summoning strategists to discuss matters reached his ears.

He had been completely abandoned.

Although the verdict was not issued by Zhao Xing, the person was arrested within Zhao Xing's defense zone.

In fact, whether this defense zone even counted as Zhao Xing's was another matter, for Yi Yi Zhiwen had originally passed through the defense zone of the Five Pan Army.

It was Zhao Xing who extended a tentacle from the side, forcibly binding this fellow to his own defense zone, publicly claiming that Yi Yi Zhiwen had passed through his zone and that he had discovered the anomaly.

But any clear-eyed person could see this was outright targeting!

The defense zones had been swapped, government offices in every prefecture arrested people and seized evidence with such speed; if this wasn't targeting, what was it?

"Even several Fourth Rank officials were executed. Factional strife is truly more dangerous than war."

Zhao Xing looked at the report and could not help but shake his head.

He had prepared only one table of dishes, yet several groups of people arrived.

He had only caught this pig, Ji Yuanqiu, yet many others followed the tracks to hunt for wild boar herds.

The subsequent results were truly something Zhao Xing had not anticipated.

However, since it was done, Old Master Zhao was not afraid.

It merely involved a Mid-Rank figure, so the impact was ultimately limited.

The Liang Wang faction reacted quickly, rapidly producing several old men to take the blame.

It seemed several Fourth Rank and many Fifth Rank officials were killed, but in reality, they were merely peripheral figures.

A single case of Ji Yuanqiu could not topple Liang Wang; otherwise, he would have fallen a hundred years ago.

The Liang Wang faction did not even suffer a serious injury.

"Now I should finally be able to leave," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "Seize the opportunity, curse Liang Wang again, and rake in a wave of reputation."

He expected to pay some price, so that price could not be paid in vain.

The reputation must be fully raked in.

When Liang Wang rebels in the future, this reputation of mine will come in handy.

The turmoil brought by the Ji Yuanqiu case passed quickly.

Because the war continued.

During the peaceful second month, Zhao Xing's daily routine was eating, sleeping, and cursing Liang Wang.

He did not accuse Liang Wang of any actual crimes; he simply cursed.

He cursed in public and cursed in private letters.

In short, Old Master Zhao was now determined to shape himself into a staunch 'Anti-Liang Faction'.

It appeared as though Liang Wang would rebel tomorrow.

And before that, Zhao Xing had a private conversation with Liu Tianning.

"Teacher, I am wrong," Zhao Xing said.

"What wrong have you done?" Liu Tianning asked.

"This matter has escalated; the Liang Wang faction will inevitably attack Teacher afterwards," Zhao Xing said.

"How do you know I did not act in this matter?" Liu Tianning said calmly. "You could find evidence of the Liang Wang faction's crimes; is the Supervision Department just eating dry rice?"

"Teacher is investigating?"

Liu Tianning did not answer directly: "You spoke a true word. Liang Wang's power is too great; he has already reached the peak of a subject's status. With such authority, how can no one watch him?"

"I very much wish to know your true thoughts; you are not an impulsive person."

Zhao Xing pondered for a moment and said: "To not hide it from Teacher, I observe that Liang Wang held power twice. Although he had merits, the resentment among the lower-ranking soldiers and officers was even greater. For instance, someone like Yang An, who should have been granted the title of Wu Hou, was suppressed by him."

"With such a commander, how can the war be won? I fear it will end in defeat."

"What if they win?"

"Liang Wang has already reached the peak of a subject's status; there is no reward left to give, no title left to grant. If he wins, he might..."

Zhao Xing paused and said: "In short, remaining in the army, I feel unjustly treated, and I do not wish to pave the way for this person's unparalleled fame."

"With me here, you need not worry about receiving unfair treatment."

"I do not wish to hinder Teacher," Zhao Xing shook his head. "Please also do not do anything for my sake. Even if the Liang Wang faction seeks to dismiss me from office, Teacher should not intervene."

This sounded like angry words, yet it carried some truth.

Zhao Xing was also reminding Old Liu.

Liu Tianning pondered for a while and ceased further persuasion: "So be it."

In early March, Liang Wang was appointed Supreme Commander of the Pacification of the Barbarians, concurrently serving as the Governor of the Province.

In peacetime, the nineteen provinces do not establish provincial-level government agencies, but now one has been set up.

As Zhao Xing had anticipated, Liang Wang was not affected in the slightest.

In fact, in this life, his power was even greater.

"It has begun; my brother has started fishing for his little brothers." Seeing this appointment, Zhao Xing could not help but smile. "The bait is even more plentiful than in the previous life."

He cursed until April.

Zhao Xing finally suffered retaliation.

April 5th.

A law-enforcement tower ship arrived at the main camp of the Divine Might Army.

Two fifth-rank military officers, carrying an arrest warrant issued by the Yingyuan Prefecture Military Headquarters, read out Zhao Xing's crimes:

"Marquis Yuanrang, Zhao Xing, you incited military generals, insulted a princely king, overturned right and wrong, and have refused to mend your ways despite repeated admonitions."

"Marquis Yuanzhen, Chen Shijie; Marquis Yunxiao, Long Xiao; and Marquis Guiying, Liao Rulong, are deemed accomplices."

"Effective immediately, you are suspended from duty pending investigation!"

Listening to this man read the warrant, Zhao Xing's heart bloomed with joy.

Thank you, Liang Wang, for bolstering my reputation!

But on the surface, his face turned gloomy: "I do not accept this; I will appeal to the Military Realm!"

"If you do not accept it, you may return to Yang City and await the Military Realm's final judgment," shouted the general clad in silver armor. "Take them away!"

"Yes!"

Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, Zhao Xing, and Liao Rulong were immediately shackled by the law-enforcement team, their primal energy sealed, and taken aboard the tower ship.

As for Xia Jing?

Xia Jing was with the Black Armor Army and was not here.

Jingxin Calendar, Year 20, April 10th.

Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong were all placed under house arrest in Yang City, awaiting further disposition.

At this moment, inside the Hundred Weapons Tower.

The new three kings had become King Xin, King Anning, and Luo Hou Wang.

King Xin, Liu Yong, was the third princely king to come asking Zhao Xing for a quota of Senior Investigator positions.

At this time, although nominally the principal official, his nature was the same as Ling De Wang's; he was merely a figurehead.

The ones actually doing the work were still King Anning and Luo Hou Wang.

He had approximately fifty years of lifespan remaining, yet he had been placed in this position; whether this was a blessing or a curse remained unknown.

"Luo Hou Wang, King Anning, how should this matter be handled?" King Xin looked at Luo Hou Wang and King Anning.

He was referring to the incident where Zhao Xing insulted a princely king.

Ordinarily, a matter like this would not require a princely king of his stature to handle, but Zhao Xing was Liu Tianning's disciple, and Liu Tianning was Luo Hou Wang's capable right-hand man.

Years ago, it was Luo Hou Wang who protected Liu Tianning, so their relationship was profound.

King Anning, Huang Jian, stated clearly: "The handling result from Yingyuan Prefecture is the forfeiture of all war merits, a demotion of one rank, and the stripping of his scattered official title, while his noble title and merit rank remain unchanged."

A scattered official refers to the title of Commandant of the Provincial Council.

The Liang Wang Sect absolutely hated Zhao Xing's mouth.

Stripping him of the Commandant of the Provincial Council title was equivalent to forcing Zhao Xing to shut up.

King Xin glanced at Luo Hou Wang's expression; seeing that he did not speak, he picked up where Huang Jian had left off: "I feel this punishment is too severe; what does King Anning think?"

King Anning said: "It is indeed a bit excessive; one should not touch his merit rank or official grade; confiscating his merits alone would suffice."

"Young people have fiery tempers; what harm is there in speaking a few extra words?"

"Bestowing the title of Commandant was precisely to allow people to speak."

King Xin pondered: "If we let him remain in the military, I fear Yingyuan Prefecture will not agree."

Though he spoke of Yingyuan Prefecture, he actually meant Liang Wang.

King Xin, Liu Yong, wanted to first determine whether Zhao Xing should continue to remain in the military.

However, since Luo Hou Wang had not expressed his stance, he felt somewhat helpless.

In the end, this matter depended mainly on Luo Hou's opinion; he himself was merely there to fill out the roster.

If Luo Hou Wang staunchly protected him, Zhao Xing would definitely be able to stay.

To put it plainly, this was no major issue; insulting a princely king could result in a punishment ranging from minor to severe.

The Liang Wang Sect did not dare to trap Zhao Xing with specific charges.

For instance, deliberately issuing a mission to make Zhao Xing commit an error.

His background was the Inspection Department; did they dare to play dirty tricks under the eyes of Luo Hou Wang and Liu Tianning? They were still too green.

The only charge they could find was this one with a relatively broad scope: insulting a princely king.

Viewed broadly, there were precedents of execution.

Viewed narrowly, there were plenty of people who insulted a princely king and ended up fine.

"Zhao Xing has won too many battles and has become somewhat impetuous," Huang Jian said. "For him to jump onto Liang Wang's nose again and again is indeed a bit excessive."

"Punishment is certainly necessary, but we can also give him a chance to remain in the military."

Huang Jian's words were quite fair and reasonable.

He felt that such a talent should not be suppressed by the Liang Wang Sect.

If Zhao Xing were here, he would probably have to kneel before Huang Jian.

I've done so much, finally finding the best way to extricate myself, and you tell me to stay?

King Xin, Liu Yong, said: "I also feel the punishment is too heavy; his war merits should not be entirely confiscated."

"However, he is not suited to remain in the Divine Might Army; perhaps another army would be better."

Seeing that Luo Hou Wang still said nothing, Xin Wang could no longer hold back. "Luo Hou, what is your opinion?"

Luo Hou Wang lifted his eyelids slightly: "Zhao Xing cannot remain in the army."

Upon hearing this, both Xin Wang and Anning Wang were somewhat surprised.

Luo Hou Wang actually took the initiative to suggest Zhao Xing leave?

"He is young and impetuous, far too arrogant," Luo Hou Wang said. "If he continues to remain in the army, he may cause a great disaster."

This was the conclusion Luo Hou Wang had reached after much deliberation.

He was not afraid of Liang Wang's pressure, but rather felt that keeping Zhao Xing in the army would only lead to more major incidents.

Whether it was killing Qian Shougang or this time capturing Yi Yi Zhiwen, the methods were still reasonable and legal.

But if nothing happens this time, who knows what wrong thing he might do next?

What if this fellow, on some day when he is in a bad mood, chops off Liang Wang's son?

A fine talent would simply be ruined.

Luo Hou Wang had somewhat developed psychological shadows from this master and disciple pair.

Back then, Liu Tianning had challenged thirty-two Dao Academies in succession and killed many people during duels; he could also be called extremely bold.

Now this disciple is the same; truly, if they are not one family, they would not enter the same household.

"Then let him transfer to a civil official?" Xin Wang asked.

"Mm." Luo Hou Wang nodded.

"Will the rank be lowered?"

"Lower what rank?" Luo Hou Wang sneered. "He is merely Liang Wang, not Your Majesty. What, can't subordinates be scolded when they do wrong?"

Xin Wang and Anning Wang fell silent; this Luo Hou Wang also had a fiery temper, yet he was criticizing others.

"Then shall it remain as Senior Sixth Rank?"

"Xin Wang, have you gone senile?" Luo Hou Wang asked in surprise. "Zhao Xing's current war merits are nearly four million; according to regulations, he should be promoted to Fifth Rank. Do you not remember clearly?"

"..." Xin Wang was speechless; was this even about promoting an official?

We are discussing punishment right now, big brother.

If you proceed this way, how could Liang Wang agree?

Anning Wang said, "Luo Hou, do not speak of Fifth Rank. If you wish to temper his character, promoting him now and then sending him down to a local post will only make him more arrogant. Would that not go against your original intention?"

Huang Jian's persuasion actually had some effect.

Luo Hou Wang pondered, "If not Fifth Rank, then he should be promoted to official Sixth Rank, Senior Sixth Rank."

"Zhao Xing has repeatedly established extraordinary merits and possesses extraordinary talent," Huang Jian commented. "Senior Sixth Rank is not excessive."

"Good." Xin Wang breathed a sigh of relief; confirming the official rank had finally solved one problem.

"Then how shall we handle the honorary title and merit rank?" This time Xin Wang had learned his lesson; he recited as if reading from memory: "According to regulations, Zhao Xing must be promoted to Physician, with four merit ranks added."

Luo Hou Wang said, "Whether the honorary title is kept or not does not matter, but the merit rank cannot be deducted from him."

"Hahaha." Huang Jian laughed. "Luo Hou, you are leaving Liang Wang no face at all."

Deducting nothing but the honorary title; this clearly serves to disgust Liang Wang.

Luo Hou Wang sneered, "Does he not wish for Zhao Xing to be punished for his words? Then let his wish be granted, and let the world see the prestige and magnanimity of the Supreme Commander of the Pacification of the Barbarians."

Anyone daring to do this to him truly thought Luo Hou Wang had no temper!

Yingyuan Prefecture submitted this handling result, intending to disgust Luo Hou Wang.

Luo Hou Wang immediately returned the disgust.

"Very well, proceed as Luo Hou Wang said," Xin Wang said. "Does Anning Wang agree?"

Luo Hou Wang looked at Anning Wang.

The latter smiled, "Do not look at me. I am now the King of Ten Yang Void Heaven; both publicly and privately, I stand on your side. If he commits other offenses, I will certainly show no mercy."

Huang Jian was not merely Luo Hou Wang's echo chamber; for other matters, he would certainly have his own opinions, but for this kind of matter, he did not care.

"Good," Xin Wang said. "I will draft the order here and send it back to Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture."

"Honorary title and merit rank are not removed but added, only the honorary title is removed?" Inside Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, Fan Fan Yanlin was rendered speechless.

Was this punishment for nothing?

"Luo Hou Wang truly leaves no face at all."

This handling result clearly showed Luo Hou Wang was exerting his power.

Xin Wang Liuyong was merely a figurehead; Anning Wang would certainly not protect him this way.

"Let us submit this to the Prefect for final decision," Fan Fan Yanlin shook his head and reported the handling result.

At the same time, Prefect Wang Wang Shiyong also received the handling result.

Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture is a military prefecture; he, as the Prefect, is the highest military commander.

But now there is an additional Governor, and above him stands Liang Wang.

Wang Wang Shiyong was not of the Liang Wang Sect; he was neutral.

"This kind of punishment?" Wang Wang Shiyong was also torn between laughter and tears.

"Send the punishment result to the Wang Fu."

He did not intend to get involved.

Inside Liang Wang's Wang Fu, Huang Chen looked at this handling result and nearly exploded with anger again.

"Unbelievable! Luo Hou Wang's conduct is nothing less than blatant protection!"

Ji Chen was, at this moment, a thoroughgoing double-standard dog. When he punished, he did not consider whether such punishment was excessive given the Wang Fu's power.

"Hand it to the Prefect, submit it to the Military Realm, and then report!"

Ji Chen shouted.

…………

The Jiuyuan Prefecture soon submitted a new disposal result upward.

In less than an hour, it was sent back.

The result remained the same.

A back-and-forth tug of war.

A few days later, Ji Chen also felt somewhat exhausted.

"Young Master, this matter should be settled as quickly as possible," an advisor advised.

If the Three Kings do not approve this, it will remain in stalemate.

The longer the matter drags on, the more embarrassing it becomes for Liang Wang's face.

If he cannot even handle a mere sixth-rank official, what else is there to say? Who would come to serve Liang Wang?

"Enough, I will go ask Father King's opinion." Ji Chen, wavering, took the disposal result and went to find Ji Mingxian.

At this moment, Liang Wang was sitting in the 【Military Affairs Hall】.

"Whoosh-whoosh~"

Around him, countless official documents floated out from the flames, piling up on Ji Mingxian's desk.

He processed them with incredible speed, his body moving so fast it left afterimages; inside the room, it seemed as if there were more than a dozen Ji Mingxians.

"Father King, your son has news to report." Ji Chen stood at the entrance of the Military Affairs Hall and said respectfully.

"Speak." Liang Wang's voice came from inside, though his actions did not stop.

"Luo Hou Wang has rejected my punishment of the four men of the Divine Might Army three or four times. Advisors urge me to resolve this matter quickly, but I believe the punishment is too light and damages Father King's prestige."

"Your son has come specifically to seek Father King's instruction."

Whoosh~

The processed documents flew into Liang Wang Ji Mingxian's hand.

After reading them, he merely smiled lightly.

"I did not know you possessed such foolish filial piety."

Hearing this, Ji Chen felt a chill in his heart.

He knelt with a thud: "Your son knows his error."

"From today on, you need not manage these matters; go to the battlefield with your eldest brother."

"Yes." Ji Chen, trembling, crawled backward out.

Ji Mingxian looked at the document in his hand, casually tossed it into the furnace, and sent it to the Hundred Weapons Tower where the Three Kings of the Military Realm were located.

He directly approved this disposal result.

Because at this moment, Liang Wang did not care about such small matters.

His heart was on the world!

…………

On the seventeenth day of the third month, the result of the Three Kings was announced by the Military Department of the Jiuyuan Prefecture.

The Liang Wang faction raised the butcher's knife high, only to gently set it down, causing many to discuss it fervently.

Meanwhile, within the Military Realm, the Three Kings were discussing Zhao Xing's destination.

Of course, it mainly depended on Luo Hou Wang's opinion.

"He is proud and arrogant; even if he serves as a civil official, a small locality might not be able to contain him."

"Then let him go to the sea," Luo Hou Wang said indifferently.

"Which sea?" Xin Wang asked.

"The Eastern Sea."

"What post in the Eastern Sea?" King Anning asked: "The aquatic creatures of the Eastern Sea are not peaceful either."

"How about letting him raise sea beasts?" Xin Wang said. "Raising beasts is a job requiring patience; results cannot be seen in one or two years. Nor does it give him room to cause trouble."

"Good idea," King Anning said.

"I think it is feasible."

Luo Hou Wang nodded.

After a pause, Luo Hou Wang added: "Raising beasts on an island is not a one-day task. He has been away from home too long; let him return home in glory first."

"You really think of everything," King Anning teased. "Those who don't know might think Zhao Xing is your, Luo Hou's, grandson."

"Hahahaha."

…………

In the summer of the twentieth year of the Jingxin Era, on the twenty-fourth day of the fifth month.

Zhao Xing, who had been staying in the Yangcheng Prison, was finally released.

Released along with him were Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, and Liao Rulong.

As soon as they were released, they received the disposal result from the Jiuyuan Prefecture and the transfer order from the Military Realm.

Zhao Xing took it and looked, immediately breaking into a smile.

"Directly assigned to the Eastern Sea? That's good, saves me the trouble of transferring officials. Oh, they even gave me half a year of leave?"

"Phew, it's time to go home; it's been four years."

Fifteen thousand three hundred words. Tomorrow Zhao Xing will go to the sea to raise beasts and return to farming; this book will also begin to write about magical plants and magical beasts.

Zhao Xing will complete the opening of the Pure Yuan Soil in the next volume.

The content of the Jing Di period will mainly conclude in the next one or two volumes, and the protagonist will also meet the young Wu Di... specifics will not be spoiled.

Finally, in light of the powerful updates, everyone must not forget to cast your monthly votes~