Chapter 521: Rebellious Minister and Traitorous Son Wang Cheng Ji

Jinyang.

The night was as black as ink, and sparse cold stars were dotted across the heavens.

A biting evening wind swept up fragments of the remaining snow, brushing past the crimson gate of the Palace Attendant's residence, emitting a low whine.

Ku Di Gan, clad in obsidian iron armor, stood at the center; dew had settled on the armor plates, glinting with a chilling light, and the scabbard of his side sword was inlaid with a gilt beast head.

Behind him, hundreds of soldiers wore the same armor, standing upright like pines; their Long Spears angled toward the ground, the Spear Tips reflecting the cold stars, their murderous intent heavy.

"Ah Yong!" Ku Di Gan turned his head, his gaze landing on his armored nephew beside him.

Ku Di Yong, young and valiant, heard the command and stepped forward, bowing his head to listen.

Ku Di Gan instructed, "You lead men to encircle the royal residence completely; not a single gap may be left!"

Ku Di Yong bowed and clasped his fists, the armor plates clinking crisply, his tone respectful yet firm: "Understood!"

"Remember," Ku Di Gan stepped forward, patting his nephew's Shoulder Armor, his gaze suddenly sharp, "If even a single fly or a lone ant flies out tonight, this Duke will hold you accountable!"

"Yes!" Ku Di Yong replied resolutely.

He straightened, turned to the squad beside him, and shouted, "You all follow me!"

Before the words finished, he already stepped forward, leading fifty soldiers along the mansion's wall to set up defenses swiftly.

Their movements were crisp; shields struck the ground with sound, Long Spears interlaced, instantly forming an airtight iron wall around the Palace Attendant's residence.

Even the shadowy ditches at the corners were manned; truly, a bird could not cross.

Ku Di Gan withdrew his gaze, strode like a meteor toward the Fumen.

Two red lanterns before the Fumen swayed in the wind, their dim light casting the four gate guards' faces in shifting shades.

Seeing a mass of armored soldiers surge forward, the guards immediately stepped to block.

"General!" the leading guard forced down his fear, standing before the gate, his voice trembling slightly yet holding composure, "What is your purpose? This is Palace Attendant Wang's residence; you may not trespass!"

Ku Di Gan heard this, a cold sneer curling his lips, his eyes full of amusement, his tone laced with sarcasm: "This Duke certainly knows this is Wang Cheng Ji's residence; otherwise I would not have come!"

Before the words ended, murderous intent flashed in his eyes; his right hand drew his side sword like lightning, a cold gleam flashing, slashing the night.

The guard hadn't reacted when the blade's light rushed toward his face; he shouted, trying to dodge, but it was too late.

Pfft— the Blade's thud as it entered flesh rang sharply in the silent night.

The side sword cleaved the neck outright, spurting blood that splattered the Stone Steps before the gate.

"Ah—!"

The guard let out a short, mournful scream and collapsed heavily to the ground.

He twitched twice then fell silent, his wide eyes still holding an incredulous terror.

The remaining three guards, seeing this, turned ashen as paper, their limbs cold.

Although they were all handpicked guards of Wang Cheng Ji, generally brave and martial.

But at this moment, facing the wolf‑like soldiers under Ku Di Gan, they were already terrified to the core.

Only a few clatters of Weapons and cries interwove; the soldiers moved swiftly, blades flashing, and the three guards had no chance to resist before they fell into the pools of blood.

Fresh blood gushed, soaking the armor and the ground.

A heavy, thick scent of blood permeated the air, intertwining with the cold night wind.

Ku Di Gan sheathed his sword, "Clack—" a crisp sound shattering the brief silence before the Fumen.

He raised his hand to wipe the blood droplet from his cheek, the bloodstain on his obsidian iron armor mingling with the night dew.

It slid slowly along the armor plate's grain, dripping onto the reddened Stone Steps, spreading faint dark red spots.

"Follow this Duke inside!" he turned, his gaze sweeping over the stern soldiers behind him, his voice booming like a bell, piercing the night and the scent of blood, carrying thunderous force, "All within the royal residence, master or servant, are to be captured!"

He paused, his eyes suddenly fierce, adding word by word, "If any resist stubbornly, kill them without hesitation!"

"Understood!" the soldiers chorused.

They followed Ku Di Gan's figure closely, surging toward the Fumen with fierce momentum.

The already‑prepared soldiers stepped forward, jointly pushing the heavy crimson Fumen.

"Creeeak—" the wooden door groaned under the strain, slowly opening.

Inside, lanterns flickered, the long corridor winding, and the sounds of patrolling servants could be seen hurrying over.

Yet upon seeing the incoming armored men, they were terrified, either collapsing to the ground or turning to flee.

Ku Di Gan strode into the mansion, heading straight toward the main hall.

The soldiers dispersed, searching each courtyard as ordered.

From time to time came the sound of shattered objects, cries of women and children, and brief clashes of Weapons.

The once‑peaceful Palace Attendant's residence instantly fell into chaos.

At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from the end of the corridor.

Wang Cheng Ji, dressed in a Brothel, his beard and hair tinged with frost, his normally gentle face now burned with anxiety.

He had rushed from the inner courtyard, his jade sash askew.

Clearly he had hastily risen upon hearing the disturbance.

A glance at the leading Ku Di Gan made Wang Cheng Ji's pupils contract, his heart sinking sharply.

The city's rebellion had just erupted; this Duke should have led troops to quell it—why then did he storm his own residence with heavy forces?

A strong wave of unease rose like a tide, chilling his spine.

"Ku Di Gan!" Wang Cheng Ji hurried forward, shouting loudly, his voice trembling slightly with anger and doubt, "Why do you bring troops to the Old Husband's Residence instead of quelling the city's rebellion!"

Ku Di Gan heard this, his steps faltering slightly, slowly turning, casting a sideways glance at Wang Cheng Ji, a knowing cold smile curling his lips, his eyes holding unabashed sarcasm and murderous intent: "Palace Attendant Wang, why ask knowingly?"

Then, stepping two paces forward, the pressure bearing down, he said, "This Duke has come tonight, naturally to capture the bandit leader!"

"Bandit leader?" Wang Cheng Ji was startled, murmuring in confusion, but saw Ku Di Gan raise his hand and command loudly, "Seize them!"

Before the words ended, two hulking soldiers lunged forward, attacking Wang Cheng Ji like wolves and tigers.

Wang Cheng Ji was caught off guard; just as he tried to retreat, a soldier pressed his shoulder down hard.

He has spent years at court, lacking even the strength to bind a chicken; how could he stand against battle‑hardened soldiers?

After only a moment of struggle, he was forced to kneel, his forehead slammed into the ground, and the Brothel was covered in dust.

Bang— a muffled thud, and Wang Cheng Ji was completely stunned.

He lifted his head in disbelief, blood seeping from his temples, his eyes full of shock and anger, and roared loudly, "Ku Di Gan, what are you doing!"

Ku Di Gan heard this, a mocking smile appearing on his face, he leaned forward slightly and declared with righteous confidence, "Of course I'm after you, the thief leader!"

Having said that, he straightened up, raised his hand and swung it heavily, pointing at the chaotic mansion around them.

Servants fleeing in all directions, scattered belongings, soldiers searching, and the air filled with the scent of blood and panicked cries.

He paused, then continued, "Otherwise, why would this Duke mobilize troops in the middle of the night to surround your servant's residence?"

Wang Cheng Ji was pressed to the ground, the veins on his neck bulging, his face full of incredulous surprise.

He stared with wide eyes, fixed on Ku Di Gan as if seeing him for the first time, his hoarse voice demanding, "Thief leader? Me? Ku Di Gan, what nonsense are you spouting!"

He has held high office for decades, always careful in speech and conduct, never once overstepped any bounds.

Now to be labeled a "thief leader"—this is the gravest slander!

Ku Di Gan slowly stepped forward, standing before Wang Cheng Ji, looking down from a height.

"Nonsense?" he sneered, his voice suddenly sharp, each word striking Wang Cheng Ji's ears like thunder, "This Duke, obeying Your Majesty's Secret Order, has already uncovered the truth..."

"It is you, Wang Cheng Ji, secretly colluding with traitors, mass‑producing counterfeit Changping coins!"

"Those shoddily forged counterfeit coins flooding the market disrupt the monetary system, causing prices to soar—rice, pearls, firewood, and timber become unaffordable, the people have no means to live, becoming displaced!" He grew angrier, "What is even more hateful is that today you dare incite uninformed citizens to rise in rebellion, attempting to use the chaos to overturn the imperial order and disrupt our Great Qi realm!"

"Nonsense!" Wang Cheng Ji could no longer hold back, shouting furiously, his voice sharp from extreme anger, "You are pure nonsense!"

His neck flushed red, the blood stains on his temples sliding down his cheek, yet he paid no mind, continuing to argue loudly, "I am a loyal minister of Great Qi!"

"Since entering officialdom, I have assisted the former emperor and Your Majesty, rising early and staying up late, dedicating myself fully, exhausting my heart for the realm!"

"How could I commit such treason, endangering the people!"

Ku Di Gan's mouth curved into a half‑smile, his gaze sweeping over Wang Cheng Ji's anger‑twisted face, he said slowly, "This Duke might as well tell you, the counterfeit money workshop you hide thirty li Outside City has just been completely destroyed by my troops!"

"All the craftsmen, counterfeit coins, and molds in the workshop were seized, not a single one escaped!"

Before the words finished, he reached into his chest, pulling out a neatly folded stack of hemp paper.

Then, with a relaxed fingertip, the hemp paper fluttered down like snow onto the Shiban before Wang Cheng Ji.

"This is the confession signed by your overseer and the workshop craftsmen," Ku Di Gan said from above, looking at the scattered papers, "It clearly states that the counterfeit Changping coin affair was ordered by you, Wang Cheng Ji, with the profit division listed in detail—irrefutable evidence!"

"The evidence is as solid as a mountain; could you still hope to deny it!"

Wang Cheng Ji stared hard at the so‑called "confession" on the ground, his chest heaving violently, anger and humiliation intertwined, he thrust his head up, eyes blazing red, and roared, "You are framing me!"

"It is a naked slander!"

At that scorching moment, a thought flashed through his mind like lightning.

Wang Cheng Ji's eyes widened sharply, the anger on his face fading, replaced by a bone‑deep chill and sudden clarity.

"I understand!" his voice trembled, yet carried great clarity, "You intend to use these baseless accusations to settle a personal vendetta!"

At that moment, this servant‑minister Wang understood everything...

He and the military nobles of Jinyang held opposing political views, repeatedly petitioned Your Majesty to restrain them and punish their illegal acts.

But he never expected them to dare such open retaliation...

Ku Di Gan, hearing this, his smile deepening, bent down, leaned close to Wang Cheng Ji's ear, his voice a low hiss like a venomous snake, chillingly cold, "So what if it is?"

A warm breath brushed his ear, yet made Wang Cheng Ji feel as if he had fallen into an ice pit.

Ku Di Gan's voice dropped even lower, as dark as if from hell, "Anyway, the people of Jinyang are starving, and today's riot— all the blame will fall on you, Wang Cheng Ji!"

"You!" Wang Cheng Ji felt a surge of blood rush to his crown, clenching his teeth so hard his gums bled, shouting with all his strength, "Ku Di Gan, you scoundrel!"

Ku Di Gan listened to Wang Cheng Ji's hoarse, exhausted rage, a contemptuous snort escaping his throat, "Heh!"

Then, with both hands behind his back, a smile spread from his eyes to his brows, brimming with the exhilaration of revenge.

Wang Cheng Ji, pressed to the ground, his chest heaving violently, eyes full of resentment and venom, suddenly twisted his body, roaring as he struggled, "I will enter the palace!"

"I will meet Your Majesty!"

"I will expose your crimes to Your Majesty!"

"Enter the palace?" Ku Di Gan seemed to hear a huge joke, spun around sharply, his face full of unmasked mockery, "That is not up to you!"

He paused, then his tone turned harsh, "Better go on the road!"

Before the words finished, he reached into his chest and took out a thumb‑sized ink‑colored Pill.

The Pill's surface was smooth, emitting a faint bitter Poison scent.

His left hand suddenly clamped Wang Cheng Ji's jaw, knuckles pressing hard, forcing his mouth open.

His right hand, holding the Pill, mercilessly shoved it deep into his throat.

"Ugh!" Wang Cheng Ji was caught off guard, his throat raw from the Pill, struggling desperately to spit it out.

But Ku Di Gan held his neck tightly, forcing him to swallow.

"What... what have you given me to eat!" Wang Cheng Ji gasped, his eyes full of terror and anger.

He could feel a strange cramping pain rising in his abdomen, spreading along his meridians.

Ku Di Gan slowly released his grip, calmly saying two words, "Poison."

"You..."

Wang Cheng Ji's eyes widened, pointing at Ku Di Gan, trying to scold, but the words were cut off by a surge of intense pain.

A sweet‑foul taste rose in his throat, dark red blood droplets seeping from his mouth corner.

Soon, blood also oozed from his nostrils and eyes, the seven orifices bleeding in a horrifying sight.

Then his body convulsed violently, both hands clawing the ground, nails breaking, fresh blood staining the floor.

The light in his eyes gradually faded, leaving only endless resentment and Poison, and he fell heavily to the ground, with no sound thereafter.

Ku Di Gan stared coldly at the corpse on the ground, unmoved, and loudly commanded: "Send the order! Traitor Wang Cheng Ji, seeing the matter exposed, take Poison and kill himself, die of fear of his crimes!"

"Wang Cheng Ji, a descendant of the Taiyuan Wang clan, held the office of Palace Attendant and was a loyal minister of Great Qi. He was upright and just, habitually at odds in policy with the treacherous Ku Di Gan and his ilk; seeing Ku's men embezzle, pervert the law, and brutalize the people, he repeatedly submitted memorials to impeach them."

When the Jinyang rebellion broke out, Ku then framed Cheng Ji, accusing him of privately minting regular coinage and selling it in the market, causing prices to soar and the common folk to wander. He also wove false charges, claiming that Cheng Ji incited the people to revolt, seeking to overthrow the Great Qi state.

The Court, unaware, executed Cheng Ji for this crime, placing all blame for the disaster on the loyal minister. Ku further falsified that Cheng Ji took Poison to end his own life, to cover up the injustice.

Alas! The loyal are wronged, the treacherous have their way; their crimes are too many to be recorded on bamboo!

—《History of Qi》· Wang Cheng Ji Biography】