Chapter 681: Prince Is Incapacitated

The clamor in the courtyard was completely suppressed in that instant.

The martial artists who had been gathered at the edge of the arena discussing their recent insights all turned their heads in unison, their gazes converging toward the courtyard entrance.

Qiao Zhenyu, however, kept a calm expression, buttoned his coat unhurriedly, and then stepped toward the courtyard entrance.

The Lin family's gatehouse had already hurriedly opened the courtyard gate, and a eunuch dressed in a deep‑purple python robe briskly entered from outside.

That eunuch was a bit older than Mao Dequan, roughly in his early fifties, with a fair complexion, steady steps, holding a bright‑yellow scroll in both hands, walking very steadily.

Two junior eunuchs carrying trays followed behind him, heads down, matching his pace.

When the purple‑clad eunuch entered the courtyard, his eyes first swept quickly, seeing the weapon‑wielding, sweat‑soaked martial artists standing there, seeing Qiao Zhenyu walking toward him, and then his gaze fell on the lounge chair beneath the phoenix tree deep in the courtyard.

The purple‑clad eunuch's pupils flickered slightly, then he hurried to Jiang Feng, bowed properly, a modest gesture but with a respectful bearing, more cautious than when he had entered earlier holding the Imperial Edict.

He said nothing more, merely bowed, stepped back half a pace, then turned to stand at the very center of the courtyard, cleared his throat, unfolded the bright‑yellow scroll, and his voice, sharp and clear, carried far across the quiet courtyard.

"By the Heaven's mandate, the Emperor decrees…"

Qiao Zhenyu stepped forward, knelt on one knee, raised both hands above his head, and bowed his head in waiting.

"I, bearing the Heavenly Fate, govern the four directions, command myriad nations, extend benevolence near and far. Those loyal and brave, whose meritorious deeds shine, shall be promoted and honored, to set an example for the court's encouragement."

The eunuch's voice echoed through the courtyard, afternoon sunlight filtering through the phoenix leaves, casting delicate specks of light upon the bright‑yellow Imperial Edict.

"Listen, you, Commander of the Tianzhou Military Office, Qiao Zhenyu, whose capacity and insight are profound, talent and acumen bright and swift, long seasoned in warfare, with diligent achievements. Recently, the Ying Kingdom's ruffians have been spying on the border, repeatedly violating Tianzhou, disturbing our common folk, insulting our nation's prestige. With loyal and heroic resolve, you have rallied the martial spirit, led the soldiers, personally braving the spear and blade. On the arena you have shattered the enemy's vigor, under the sword's edge you have defended our mountains and rivers, causing Tianzhou Martial Arts to regain its heroic vigor, making the petty villains of the four seas tremble in fear. With the nation's prestige now raised and the borders at peace, all this is due to your merit."

The martial artists standing in the courtyard widened their eyes even further.

Although the words were couched in official prose, each character struck their chests like a heavy hammer.

They have fought for so many years, lost countless years, been suppressed for countless years, and at last someone inscribed their achievements into the Imperial Edict, letting the whole world know that the backbone of Tianzhou Martial Arts has not broken.

"In recognition of your service to the nation, your loyalty and diligence are commendable, and I am greatly pleased. Henceforth I hereby promote you to Governor of Tianzhou, overseeing military and civilian affairs, handling both civil and martial matters, granting you the Four-star General Rank, a Qilin Robe, Gold Hundred Liang, and Fine Horses Ten. So be it!"

When the eunuch finished the last word, the courtyard fell silent for a moment, then Wu Tong could no longer hold back and slapped his palm hard, the crisp sound echoing loudly in the hush.

Qiao Zhenyu took the Imperial Edict with both hands, his movements steady and firm. He cradled the bright‑yellow scroll, then rose, gave the eunuch a slight bow, said nothing of courtesy, and earnestly uttered a single phrase.

"Thank you, Angel."

The eunuch smiled, hurried forward, and lowered his voice.

"Governor Qiao, we have cause to congratulate you now. The Emperor heard that that scummy fellow Mao Dequan dared to offend you, and has already ordered his removal from office, sending him to the Inner Palace Office for trial. Henceforth, all Tianzhou military affairs will depend on you, Governor Qiao."

Qiao Zhenyu remained neither servile nor arrogant, and nodded.

"Thank you, Emperor, for your grace. I shall exert my utmost effort."

The eunuch did not linger, smiled and said a few formal words, then, with the two junior eunuchs carrying trays, turned and walked toward the courtyard gate.

Passing the phoenix tree deep in the courtyard, he stopped again, bowed respectfully toward the lounge chair, bending lower than when he first entered, moving more cautiously, then straightened and hurried out the gate, disappearing onto the Qing Shi Chang Jie beyond.

Jiang Feng still leaned on the lounge chair, the book placed on his lap, his gaze fixed on the gathered crowd, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, saying nothing, merely watching quietly.

For the next three days, the training in the courtyard became tighter than before.

On the fourth morning, Jiang Feng no longer appeared in the courtyard.

Ten Li Pavilion outside Tianzhou City.

Qiao Zhenyu stood outside the pavilion, dressed in a dark‑red official robe, his posture upright. Behind him stood Lu Zhanlian and Wu Tong, along with several senior masters of the martial hall. The wind fluttered their garments and hair, but no one spoke.

Soon, a black Maybach appeared at Ten Li Pavilion, and Qiao Zhenyu and the others immediately stepped forward to block the car.

Jiang Feng stepped down from the car, Lin Yanqian followed behind, wearing a sleek, sturdy outfit, carrying a modest bundle, appearing much calmer in the dusk.

Qiao Zhenyu took a few steps forward, looked at Jiang Feng, his lips moved as if to speak, but the words were swallowed back. His eyes were slightly reddened.

"Master... leaving already?"

Jiang Feng looked at him and replied offhand.

"There's nothing much left here in Tianzhou. Besides, didn't I say we'd meet again soon?"

He paused, glanced at Qiao Zhenyu, then at Lu Zhanlian and Wu Tong behind him, a slight curl at the corner of his mouth.

"I hope when the Martial Arts Association convenes, you won't embarrass me."

Qiao Zhenyu nodded forcefully, suppressing the surge of emotion.

"Master, rest assured."

Lu Zhanlian stepped forward, clasped his fists in salute.

"Jiang Wuzun, take care on the road!"

Jiang Feng waved his hand, said nothing further, and turned back onto the Maybach.

Soon, the Maybach started, kicking up a cloud of dust, and vanished swiftly.

Qiao Zhenyu stood outside the pavilion, watching for a long time, until the Maybach was completely out of sight, then let out a long sigh.

When the car stopped outside the Su Family courtyard gate, night had fully enveloped the entire city.

Jiang Feng stepped down from the car, stretched lazily, about to push the gate into the courtyard, when his pocket phone suddenly vibrated.

He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, which displayed a number he hadn't saved.

He pressed the answer button, held it to his ear. On the other end came a voice trembling with suppressed panic, as if the caller were using all their strength to stay calm.

"Mr. Jiang..."

The voice was shaking.

"Prince is incapacitated!"

Jiang Feng's pupils narrowed slightly.

Jiangnan Wang, something happened?