Chapter 48: Scolding Until the Duke of Zhao Vomits Blood

Duke of Zhao, having been captured together with the Retired Emperor by the Qing Army, constantly promoted within the court how formidable the Qing Army was, claiming it was invincible.

He was the pacifist faction among the war merit holders, or rather, the surrender faction.

There has never been a shortage of surrender factions since ancient times; it is said that Duke of Zhao privately even had some dealings with the False Qing.

He found Jia Jing's successive victories hard to watch; this was practically a slap to his face.

Therefore, he constantly doubted Jia Jing's victory reports and obstructed his rewards in every possible way.

Moreover, the Founding War Merit and the Jingnan War Merit naturally stood on opposite sides.

It goes without saying that his attitude toward Jia Jing was certainly not friendly.

Niu Jizong beside him introduced Jia Jing, saying:

"This is Duke of Zhao! He is quite dissatisfied with your killing of prisoners and your unauthorized beheading of Yin Bi; at today's deliberation on merits, he opposes granting you a reward!"

"It is only because His Majesty is wise, deeming your actions correct, that you were finally made a marquis!"

Niu Jizong directly told Jia Jing about today's deliberation on merits.

Those present also saw nothing wrong with it; firstly, the Jingnan War Merit and the Founding War Merit have always been at odds, which is a situation they are pleased to see.

Secondly, Jia Jing would eventually learn of this anyway; it is not a secret.

Jia Jing's expression remained calm; he first paid his respects to Emperor Jing Sheng,

then spoke solemnly:

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your support! My killing of prisoners was also a moment of fervor; the False Qing barbarians have committed countless atrocities, and their massacre at Obey-and-Transform City exterminated humanity!"

"At the time I led troops to the scene and witnessed the horrific sight—shocking to behold! Filled with grief and indignation! I only regretted arriving one step late!"

"I then swore to the soldiers that I would surely make this band of barbarians who stained our people's blood pay their blood debt!"

"Leave their heads beneath Obey-and-Transform City to wipe clean the shame of our Da Han Empire, to offer sacrifices to the wronged souls of our Da Han people, so that any alien tribe daring to invade us will see what befalls those who provoke our Da Han Empire."

"Our Da Han Empire is indeed a land of rites! Yet whoever offends the majesty of our Han Dynasty, no matter how far, shall be punished!"

Jia Jing's impassioned, iron‑blooded words rang out, causing the faces of those present to shift.

Some praised, some frowned, some remained silent.

Duke of Zhao furrowed his brows, looked at Jia Jing, and again spoke contemptuously:

"Youthful vigor—more harmful than beneficial to state and family!"

Hearing this, Jia Jing's face darkened; this old fool Duke of Zhao, repeatedly speaking disrespectfully, really treats himself as a soft persimmon to be kneaded?

Although Jia Jing planned to keep a low profile for a while after returning to the capital, waiting to assess the situation before making further plans,

but his notion of keeping a low profile was directed mainly at Emperor Jing Sheng, not at any random cat or dog daring to tug his tiger whiskers.

To put it bluntly, with his current strength capable of resisting a nation, he can refuse to give face to anyone.

The reason he treats Emperor Jing Sheng with respect is that, firstly, he still needs to continually obtain promotions and rewards, which is currently his most important matter.

Secondly, Emperor Jing Sheng has shown him favor by promoting and entrusting him; he always distinguishes gratitude from grudge, so he naturally repays the kindness.

But as for this Duke of Zhao, Jia Jing also knows where his title comes from—a broken‑spirited dog who fled back to the country after being captured by the Manchu Qing; how dare he bark wildly!

Jia Jing gave Duke of Zhao a cold stare and snorted coldly:

"Old fool! I have always regarded your conduct as shameful! Must it be that all Han people must, like you, after being captured by the barbarians, wag their tails and beg for pity, know no shame, and merely scrape by in the world, before being considered wise? Before being considered beneficial to state and family?"

Jia Jing's words were exceedingly sharp! They pierced straight into Duke of Zhao's lungs!

Who among those present does not know that being captured by the Qing Army is a taboo in Duke of Zhao's heart, something no one dares to mention!

It is said that Duke of Zhao's experience as a prisoner in the Qing camp was most unpleasant, and he was even forced by the Qing people to perform humiliating rites such as the sheep‑leading ceremony.

Indeed,

Only see Duke of Zhao's old face darken as he angrily shouted: "Impudent! Youngster, dare you insult me?"

Jia Jing snorted coldly: "He who humiliates others will himself be humiliated! Moreover, since you have done it, am I not allowed to speak?"

"Let me ask you: is it not because you fared poorly in the front‑line engagements against the Qing Army, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries among our Han troops and civilians?"

"Is it not because you were defeated, captured, and in the Qing camp wagged your tail and begged for pity, merely scraping by?"

"Is it not because you cried your way back to the country, losing sovereignty and humiliating the nation, thus throwing away the face of our Da Han Empire?"

Jia Jing's words caused Duke of Zhao's old face to flush red, then turn white, then red again, then black.

For how many years has it been that no one dares to bring up this past in his presence!

This past concerns not only him, but also the dignity of the Retired Emperor.

Who would dare, in the court before so many people, to speak frankly!

But Jia Jing's three questions he cannot answer, for among the high officials of the court who safely returned from that battle, only he and the Retired Emperor did.

If he does not shoulder this blame, must the Retired Emperor bear it instead?

It is precisely because he bore the blame for the Retired Emperor that the latter came to regard him as a confidant and continually promoted him.

And among those present, Zhang Tingyu, Li Guangdi, and others hearing Jia Jing's words were likewise greatly startled.

Although Jia Jing's words openly cursed Duke of Zhao, they were in fact also an indictment of the Retired Emperor.

After all, everyone knows that in that battle the Retired Emperor bore the greatest responsibility.

Everyone sat up a little straighter in silent contemplation, their impression of Jia Jing shifting once more.

Originally thought to be a cautious, ritual‑observant scholar‑general, he turned out to be a blunt‑spoken sort—still too young, unaware of taboos.

The hall fell into a momentary silence, so quiet that a falling pin could be heard.

Duke of Zhao could no longer remain seated; he rose to his feet, glaring at Jia Jing with eyes seeming to spit fire,

and shouted angrily: "Youngster, having achieved only a trifling merit, how dare you act so recklessly…"

Jia Jing replied in a deep voice:

"White‑haired fool! Grey‑bearded old scoundrel! You are nothing but a fawning servant, a wolf‑hearted dog‑like wretch—how dare you here yelp and bark wildly!"

"As a flattering minister, you ought only to hide and shrink, scrambling for a livelihood; how dare you, before His Majesty and before the assembled ministers, lean on your age, boast of seniority, and falsely claim to speak for the state's interests!"

"These few words 'minor achievement' are not yet for you to say!"

"You will today return to the Nine Springs below; what face have you to meet the Grand Ancestor and Accomplished Ancestor, to meet your Zhao family's ancestors? It is truly shameful to serve in the same court as someone like you!"

Jia Jing's few words, though brief, were like knives, extremely sharp!

Not to mention the Duke of Zhao, who was being scolded and had his eyes go dark from facing the sharpness; even Zhang Tingyu and Chen Tingjing, who were calmly observing nearby, all broke out in a cold sweat,

In their hearts they secretly decided that from now on they must never lightly engage in a war of words with Jia Jing.

"Pfft—" The Duke of Zhao's five viscera burned; shock and anger intertwined, he had never endured such a great shock.

His vision went black, his throat felt sweet, and a mouthful of blood foam spurted out unexpectedly, and he slowly collapsed onto the chair beside him.

Meanwhile, his finger remained stiffly pointing toward Jia Jing, as if expressing his endless anger and resentment.

By rights,

At this moment, the Hall of Heavenly Purity should be in chaos, either calling for an imperial physician or loudly shouting the Duke of Zhao's name.

However, strangely, everyone present remained silent.

Xia Shouzhong, who had intended to summon the imperial physician, also silently withdrew the step he had taken.

Everyone gazed at the calm-faced Jing Sheng Di, unsure how he would handle the situation.