Chapter 116: Settlement of the Crown Prince

As Chu Danqing had anticipated, it was indeed the victor’s settlement.

The Crown Prince ascended the throne as the new Emperor, becoming the new Tai Chang Emperor.

He then publicly performed a scene of fraternal affection, ordering Prince Fu to guard the late Emperor’s tomb for three years before departing for his fief.

This nearly broke Prince Fu’s outward composure.

Yet for the sake of his wife and children’s lives, Prince Fu endured it.

Next came the distribution of rewards.

Chu Danqing received his share.

He was appointed General of the Feathered Forest, rank Zheng Sanpin, and concurrently Commander of the Imperial Guard, taking control of the Imperial Feathered Forest Army.

His duties were an upgraded version of the former Left Commander of the Guarded Wings, shifting from protecting the Donggong to protecting the Imperial Palace.

Still just the head of the security team.

Da Bao was also promoted, becoming Deputy General of the Feathered Forest—essentially the deputy security chief, one rank below Chu Danqing.

After the appointments, Chu Danqing’s trial mission was complete.

【Mission Complete. You have received: Paradise Points ×1000, Attribute Points +1】

A new mission was immediately released, and this one was no small challenge.

【Trial Mission: Eliminate all Su Shen spies within the capital’s high-ranking officials and destroy their hideouts within three months】

【Trial Difficulty: B-Rank (Brave）】

【Trial Reward: Return Eligibility, Paradise Points ×5000, Attribute Points +3】

【Trial Failure: Paradise Points -10000, Forced Return】

But this was already the final stage—the Return Eligibility had appeared.

He hadn’t expected Su Shen spies to warrant a B-Rank difficulty.

This meant the spy network in the capital was already severe.

“How do I even investigate? Get the Jishi Factory to help… wait, why doesn’t the Jishi Factory know?” Chu Danqing suddenly spotted the blind spot.

The Jishi Factory was a surveillance agency, monitoring everyone from high officials to commoners.

“Could Li Wanwu really be a Su Shen spy?” Chu Danqing thought again and corrected himself: “No—he’s probably colluding with them.”

“This is troublesome,” Chu Danqing felt the weight.

Unless he could seize partial authority over the Jishi Factory from Li Wanwu.

But that was clearly unrealistic—after ascending the throne as Tai Chang Emperor, the Crown Prince had distributed power among his former faction to maintain balance.

Yet opportunity still existed—if he could create a major incident, the suspicious Tai Chang Emperor might grant him authority to investigate.

He suppressed his thoughts for now and prepared to consult Xiong Mou about possible strategies.

Xiong Mou, who should have departed today, had his departure postponed due to the enthronement proceedings.

“General Chu, I was just about to seek you out,” Xiong Mou greeted him with a smile.

Beside Xiong Mou stood a man with a long face, clearly reluctant.

“Let me introduce you—this is Xu Yi, whom I mentioned before, skilled in beast taming,” Xiong Mou said, then introduced Chu Danqing in return.

Now Chu Danqing understood why the man looked so displeased.

“Master Xiong, I already told you I didn’t want it—why force someone like this? It’s immoral,” Chu Danqing said, exasperated.

He had clearly refused, yet they still pushed this.

“You’re right, Brother Xiong is utterly immoral,” Xu Yi agreed: “But since he brought it up, I’ll give it to you.”

“But you must swear not to pass it on to anyone—not even your descendants.”

Chu Danqing didn’t know what to say—he’d already offered a way out, why not just take it?

“Let me see it first. If it suits me, I won’t take it for free—you’ve taught me your art, I must repay you,” Chu Danqing said, refusing to accept without compensation.

This improved Xu Yi’s expression considerably; he retrieved his family’s secret technique.

Chu Danqing saw it was a skill book.

He’d expected a knowledge item.

【Skill Book: Ling Hui Tong Ming】

【Type: Passive Skill】

【Quality: Excellent】

【Effect: After use, acquire the skill Ling Hui Tong Ming, enhancing the sentience of summoned creatures】

Seeing the effect, Chu Danqing knew he couldn’t refuse.

“Well then… I’ll boldly accept it,” Chu Danqing said shamelessly.

Xu Yi didn’t hesitate—he shoved the book into Chu Danqing’s arms: “It’s yours.”

“Where do you live? I’ll send someone there immediately!” Chu Danqing asked for the address.

His residence held much gold, silver, and jewels—useless to him.

They’d make a perfect gift in return.

“Ask Brother Xiong. I have other matters—I’ll take my leave. You two talk,” Xu Yi said, then departed.

Clearly aware Chu Danqing had business with Xiong Mou, he left politely.

After he left, Xiong Mou asked: “What’s so urgent you came so soon?”

They’d just finished the enthronement—it was barely noon—and Chu Danqing had already come to him.

Normally, he’d rest first.

Chu Danqing carefully phrased his words, revealing that Su Shen spies infested the capital—not just in number, but among the high ranks.

“This matter must be handled by you,” Xiong Mou said, weary: “I leave at dawn tomorrow.”

“The border cannot wait.”

He had no choice—five hundred thousand Su Shen troops had been confirmed preparing to march south.

Xiong Mou was powerless against this internal threat, mainly because Chu Danqing had no evidence—and it implicated the Jishi Factory.

“Proceed with caution,” Xiong Mou warned: “Don’t repeat your reckless actions at the Ghost Market.”

Last time, Chu Danqing succeeded thanks to outside aid—this time, it might not happen again.

Chu Danqing nodded outwardly, but inwardly planned to escalate the matter.

If he didn’t escalate, he’d fight alone.

Only by escalating could he drag most others onto his side.

Especially Tai Chang Emperor—this was his empire. He could compromise on other matters, but not on threats to his power and position.

Add to that the Su Shen gathering five hundred thousand troops to invade—if he compromised now, it would be tantamount to national collapse.

Even as Crown Prince, Tai Chang Emperor had valued power deeply—he wasn’t like the previous Tai Chang Emperor, who cared only for immortality and ignored the realm.

“Li Wanwu is almost certainly in contact with Su Shen,” Xiong Mou said: “If you investigate, he’ll notice.”

“Now he’s occupied using the Emperor’s blade to purge the Qiutan Faction—he’s too busy to watch you. This is your chance.”

“If you uncover proof of his ties to Su Shen, you’ll not only eliminate this spy threat but also finish him off.”

Xiong Mou could see the court clearly—but he couldn’t outmaneuver them. After all, he wasn’t the only one who could see.

“That’s true—but I don’t know politics. Not completely ignorant, but barely familiar.”

“From arriving in the capital to becoming General of the Feathered Forest, less than half a month has passed,” Chu Danqing spread his hands.

His rapid promotion came from saving the Emperor’s life and his loyalty during the succession.

Without those, no network or charm could have achieved such speed.

So dealing with court intrigue? Chu Danqing truly couldn’t.

It’d be easier to just have Guo Ming stab Li Wanwu through the heart.

Hearing this, Xiong Mou also felt the difficulty.

“Find Wang Qi—he might have a solution,” Xiong Mou suddenly had an idea.

Wang Qi, the newly appointed Imperial Tutor and veteran minister, was perfect for this.

“I’ll write a letter and send it—no need for you to go yourself,” Xiong Mou understood: Chu Danqing, as General of the Feathered Forest and Commander of the Imperial Guard, shouldn’t be seen associating too closely with court ministers.

Chu Danqing hadn’t considered this—he assumed Xiong Mou’s influence outweighed his own, and readily agreed to let him handle it.

“It’s getting late. General Chu should hurry to take command of the Imperial Feathered Forest and familiarize yourself with the palace,” Xiong Mou explained the handover process.

In his view, Chu Danqing’s position was now permanently fixed.

Further promotion was unrealistic.

Though only a third-rank official, he was Tai Chang Emperor’s trusted confidant.

Even a seventh-rank official at the Chancellor’s gate commands respect—how much more so one who guards the Emperor’s door?

After hearing this, Chu Danqing took Da Bao and went to assume command, then sent someone to deliver the gold and jewels to Xu Yi.

This time, Xiong Mou couldn’t assist him—he was on his own.

Fortunately, Chu Danqing wasn’t the only one promoted—every member of the Guarded Wings received promotions, forming the new command structure of the Imperial Feathered Forest Army.

Mid- and upper-level officers were reshuffled, and Chu Danqing’s reputation and prestige were high—many had seen him personally escort Prince Fu into the palace.

Thus, the handover passed without incident.

The former Commander of the Imperial Guard had retired home.

The new Tai Chang Emperor would not purge the Imperial Feathered Forest Army—he’d grant them an honorable retirement.

Otherwise, if retiring officers faced persecution, who would serve?

This was partly because the former Commander hadn’t committed any offenses—if he’d been corrupt, he wouldn’t have been allowed to step down so easily.

After taking over, a high-ranking officer of the Feathered Forest Imperial Guard led Chu Danqing around the palace.

He mainly walked while explaining, so Chu Danqing could roughly learn the palace’s layout, building names, and their functions.

By the time he had finished touring, it was already dark.

Chu Danqing hadn’t even had time to rest when a eunuch came to say the Emperor Taichang wished to see him.

He could only replace the offerings and light incense for the Snake Soul along the way, heading toward Yangqi Hall.

“Your Majesty once wandered as a itinerant sorcerer—do you recognize this monster?” Emperor Taichang asked after Chu Danqing arrived, pointing to the monster’s corpse.

Chu Danqing shook his head: “This subject is unlearned, but the late emperor’s death must be tied to this monster.”

“Then, Your Majesty, have you ever heard of the Heavenly Book?” Emperor Taichang changed the subject.

“No.” Chu Danqing knew Emperor Taichang must have acquired something like a diary or experimental records.

He had rushed off without cleaning up.

Fortunately, the Blood Scholar’s spellbook had been taken by him; without this item, Emperor Taichang could do nothing.

Thus, there was no need to worry that Emperor Taichang would repeat the same mistake.

But judging from Emperor Taichang’s demeanor, he likely had developed some new ideas.

“What a pity,” Emperor Taichang sighed, then suddenly changed tone: “Have you heard—”

(End of Chapter)