Chapter 200: Your Majesty! The Drunkard Returns to the Capital!

Zhuge Zhengwo, who had been observing the whole time, finally knew Chu Yang's strength.

Hmm.

Very strong.

Strong to the point that he couldn't estimate Chu Yang's realm.

For decades, the Heaven-Human realm, also known as the Grandmaster, had been the recognized limit for human martial artists.

The only Grandmaster known to the world was Zhuge Zhengwo. As for whether there were other experts among the people, it was unclear.

In addition, there were quite a few people who hoped to break through to this realm, among whom the one Zhuge Zhengwo favored most was Guo Bujing. His foundation was solid, his blood and true essence were thick, and he only lacked a bit of polishing.

Other sword geniuses like Ximen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng were also candidates who hoped to break through to the Grandmaster realm.

Even so, the number of Grandmasters in the Ming Empire was weak compared to the Demon Kings of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation, not to mention that there were even more terrifying existences above the Demon Kings.

Since the establishment of the Divine Marquis Mansion, Zhuge Zhengwo had never given up on inquiring about the intelligence of the Ten Thousand Demon Nation.

With the sacrifice of a large number of Divine Marquis Mansion constables, Zhuge Zhengwo could almost confirm the existence of the Demon Emperor. The reason they hadn't appeared in the human world was that the Ten Thousand Demon Nation was suffering from severe demonic chaos.

Compared to the Human Race, demons were clearly a greater threat to the Demon Race, and their focus naturally wouldn't be on this side.

Thinking of the possible Demon Emperor, Zhuge Zhengwo couldn't sleep at night, worrying about the future of the Human Race every day.

After today, however, he didn't need to be anxious anymore. The person who could shoulder the safety of the world had finally appeared.

Zhuge Zhengwo wished Chu Yang were even stronger, strong enough that even if he looked up, he couldn't look up to his radiance, fiercely stepping all monsters under his feet, so that the people would no longer become blood food for the Demon Race and demons like livestock! "Divine Marquis, haven't you seen enough?"

Chu Yang, who had beheaded Zhu Wushi, walked slowly out of the ruins, and the visions on his body disappeared.

"Your Majesty's divine might—this old man is fascinated, so I couldn't extricate myself."

Zhuge Zhengwo laughed and stroked his beard.

"You are at this age, don't learn from that old dog Cao Zhengchun."

Chu Yang laughed.

"Your Majesty, why do you say that? What this old minister said is all from the heart."

Zhuge Zhengwo showed a sad expression, as if accusing Chu Yang of not understanding him at all.

The old guy was quite good at flattering.

His "Your Majesty" here and "Your Majesty" there was simply no different from Cao Zhengchun.

Chu Yang could only let him be. Anyway, he would have to be called that sooner or later, so why bother setting up a memorial archway?

"The Hall of Supreme Harmony is gone. It will be a bit troublesome to discuss matters in the future."

"Your Majesty need not worry. Morning court is always held outside the hall gate; there isn't enough room inside for so many officials."

"Divine Marquis, I mean that morning court should be canceled in the future. Having to climb up before dawn is not a joke with me, right?"

"Hmm... this old minister also feels the same. It's fine not to have morning court. Not to mention Your Majesty, I can't get up either."

"Hehehe, I didn't see it, the Divine Marquis is also an interesting person."

Having not been in contact with him before, Chu Yang thought Zhuge Zhengwo was the kind of old scholar who didn't laugh or speak, but he didn't expect the other party to be so humorous and talkative.

And Zhuge Zhengwo was also very adaptable to Chu Yang's "uniqueness." In his view, the Virtuous Prince should be different from the Emperors of the past; otherwise, how could he lead the Human Race out of the predicament?

The two chatted as they walked, coming to Zheng Dongliu and the others, whose gazes were dull, not yet having recovered from the shock just now.

Especially the two civil officials, Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui, who had never seen such a battle in their lives, feeling like they were dreaming.

"Zhu Wushi is dead, and the Dragon Protection Villa has become ownerless. Who do you think would be better to manage it?"

Hearing Chu Yang's inquiry, Zheng Dongliu and the others woke up like a dream.

Cao Zhengchun couldn't wait to be the first to speak: "The Dragon Protection Villa is mainly based on intelligence, and the Eastern Factory also has involvement in it. If Your Majesty is at ease, why not hand it over to this old slave to handle."

Chu Yang replied indifferently with one word, "Get out!"

"Your Majesty, please forgive my sins." Cao Zhengchun immediately knelt and kowtowed.

Yu Huatian sneered: "Fool."

Cao Zhengchun looked up and glared: "Yu Huatian, don't push your luck. I surrendered to the Prince before you."

Yu Huatian said: "And you still have the face to say that."

The two were about to quarrel, and Zheng Dongliu immediately interrupted: "In front of His Majesty, the two eunuchs should please respect yourselves."

Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian secretly looked at Chu Yang's expression and then honestly closed their mouths.

Guo Bujing heard Zheng Dongliu call Chu Yang "Your Majesty," and the corners of his mouth lifted involuntarily: "Commander Zheng, this is the first time in so many years I've seen you so compliant."

Zheng Dongliu nodded: "I learned it all from Commander Guo."

Afterward, the two smiled at each other.

Zheng Dongliu turned to Chu Yang and said: "The original mission of the Dragon Protection Villa was to cooperate with the Divine Marquis Mansion. Since Marquis Zhu is no longer here, why not hand the Dragon Protection Villa to the Divine Marquis."

Whether in cultivation or influence, Zhuge Zhengwo was the strongest among the six. If he were to take the Dragon Protection Villa under his command, there would be no one in the court who could compete with him.

So when Zheng Dongliu made this suggestion, let alone Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian, who were anxious, even Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui couldn't sit still.

"Absolutely not."

Zhang Juzheng said righteously: "The status of the Divine Marquis Mansion is already special. If the duties of the Dragon Protection Villa are incorporated into it, who in this world can control them?"

"This official does not distrust the Divine Marquis's character, but this matter will have endless troubles. I ask Your Majesty to think deeply."

Hai Rui said even more bluntly: "The Divine Marquis should plan for the world; he shouldn't have this idea."

Guo Bujing didn't speak, seemingly thinking about something.

"Brother Zheng, look at you, pushing me to the forefront with one sentence. Who did my Divine Marquis Mansion offend?"

Zhuge Zhengwo was very helpless. The Dragon Protection Villa was a hot potato, and he didn't have any ideas at all. The Divine Marquis Mansion's tasks were heavy

After hearing them out, Chu Yang realized that the core of the conflict was the mutual infighting for power. The six major factions were behemoths in the imperial court; the slightest change would ripple through the entire court, and no one could remain unscathed.

This was the situation his good imperial brother had created while he was Emperor; what he wanted was checks and balances, so that those beneath him would become obedient in their scramble for favor.

But this was not what Chu Yang pursued.

He hoped to see a more efficient Ming imperial court, not a meaningless waste of time and energy.

"If the imperial court is to become anyone's personal fiefdom, that person will only be me. As for the Divine Marquis... even if he swallows the Six Doors, this world will not be surnamed Zhuge."

"I have no interest in paying attention to the schemes and deceit in the court. Some old almanacs should stop being flipped today; don't make me say it a second time."

"Furthermore, not only must the Divine Marquis Mansion and the Dragon Protection Villa be merged into one, but the East and West Depots must also be the same. Moreover, your power to supervise the Embroidered Uniform Guard is to be revoked. From today on, you are responsible for guarding the palace gates."

Cao Zhengchun grew anxious and hurriedly asked, "If we guard the palace gates, then what about the Imperial Guards?"

Chu Yang uttered two words, causing everyone's spirits to jolt.

"Expedition!"

……………………

When Zhu Wushi transformed into a giant demon, all the commoners in the capital witnessed the scene.

In a capital that had not seen a demon for many years, this was undoubtedly like dropping a bombshell! Panic spread rapidly.

"A demon has descended from the heavens; the nation is about to fall into chaos!" Perhaps out of fear, or perhaps with ulterior motives, similar words spread wildly and rapidly among the crowd.

Until a streak of sword light suddenly appeared.

Only then did the world return to silence.

From the appearance of the demon to its destruction, not even a quarter of an hour had passed.

Those who were "spreading demonic rumors to confuse the public" were apprehended by the constables who arrived shortly after.

Lu Xiaofeng, who was drinking in a restaurant, saw the entire process. At the table were also his two good friends, Sikong Zhaixing and Ximen Chuixue.

The three of them were stunned.

Even the usually aloof Ximen Chuixue was equally dumbfounded.

"What on earth was that just now?"

"I don't know. The capital is indeed the imperial capital; one can always see things not found elsewhere."

"To think there is such sword art in this world? The capital is truly full of hidden talents."

"It feels somewhat familiar. I don't know if it's my imagination, but there's a bit of the 'Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens' artistic conception in it."

"Ximen Chuixue, I think you still haven't walked out of the influence of your previous duel, have you?"

"Perhaps... I even feel that my own sword intent was in there."

"Old friend, drink a few cups quickly. Your brain is somewhat obsessed."

While the three were talking, a large group of constables from the Divine Marquis Mansion flew past the street and headed straight for the palace. Not long after, they saw the disheveled appearance of the officials fleeing the palace gates in a panic.

The most conspicuous was Grand Secretary Yan; despite his advanced age, he was actually running ahead of all the civil officials.

Seeing this, Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but exclaim, "Grand Secretary Yan is truly vigorous in his old age."

Sikong Zhaixing, who had patronized the Yan Mansion's treasury, sneered, "It's a pity that the demon didn't stomp that Yan dog to death."

Lu Xiaofeng laughed, "Don't be impatient; he will be dead soon. The Emperor is dead, and this world will sooner or later fall into the Prince's hands. When the drunkard returns, we will settle the score with him properly."

Ximen Chuixue asked curiously, "You, Lu Xiaofeng, are the number one drunkard in the world; is there actually someone who can make you call them a drunkard?"

Lu Xiaofeng said, "My drinking is about light drinking for pleasure and heavy drinking for health, but those two are truly drinking themselves to death. Many times I just pretend to be drunk and slip away after they finish drinking."

Sikong Zhaixing said with disdain, "No wonder the Prince says you never pay for your drinks."

Lu Xiaofeng rolled his eyes and said speechlessly, "It's always aged wine from decades ago. Besides big spenders like the Prince, who can afford the bill?"

A faint, imperceptible smile appeared on Ximen Chuixue's cold, frost-like face. "I've always heard you mention that Prince. I wonder when I'll be able to meet him. Is his martial cultivation really that unfathomable?"

Lu Xiaofeng looked up at the palace and said meaningfully, "That sword strike you mentioned earlier was likely the Prince's handiwork."

Ximen Chuixue's eyes lit up, and he became increasingly curious about this "Virtuous Prince."

Not long after, another group of constables walked past them, divided into two rows, each led by four people—three men and one woman. One of them was sitting in a wheelchair, and their figure was quite eye-catching.

"The Four Great Constables and the Four Great Divine Constables have appeared at the same time. Something incredible must have happened in the palace. Shall we go over and take a look?"

Sikong Zhaixing said excitedly.

"Can't you, a thief, be a bit more low-key? Wasn't the warning Guo Juxia gave you last time enough?"

Lu Xiaofeng scolded him irritably.

The excitement in Sikong Zhaixing's eyes came to an abrupt end, and he dejectedly poked at the dishes in front of him with his chopsticks.

"Among the Four Great Constables, except for Wujing who has difficulty walking, the other three are often away and rarely return to the capital. The same goes for the Four Great Divine Constables. The Emperor just died; it's impossible for them to have received the news and rushed to the capital immediately. There simply wasn't enough time."

"Something must have happened outside."

Ximen Chuixue's words reminded Lu Xiaofeng of the previous Demon Race siege, and he was suddenly shocked. Could it be that after they left, the Demon Race had staged a comeback? It shouldn't be...

If the Demon Race had attacked, the 800-li urgent dispatch from the border would have reached the capital earlier.

Just as Lu Xiaofeng was deep in thought, a familiar voice suddenly rang in his ears.

"Little Chicken Lu, you actually left me behind and returned to the capital, causing me to miss a great show for no reason!"

As soon as Lu Xiaofeng turned his head, he saw the travel-worn Li Ge Xiao.

"Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives."

Lu Xiaofeng stood up happily and handed the wine pot at his side to Li Ge Xiao with great familiarity.

"At least you have some discernment, kid."

Li Ge Xiao took the wine pot and drank it down in one go. With a few "glug-glug" gulps, the pot was drained clean.

"Can someone tell me what's going on? As soon as I entered the city, I heard people mourning. The Emperor didn't die, did he?"

Li Ge Xiao asked with a face full of confusion.

Lu Xiaofeng clapped his hands and laughed, "Impressive, drunkard. You guessed it right on the first try."

Li Ge Xiao asked with a serious expression, "Where is the Prince?"

Lu Xiaofeng said, "He's probably sitting on the dragon throne right about now."

Li Ge Xiao was stunned for a moment, then burst into loud laughter, startling the surrounding drinkers.

"The drunkard is having another fit!"

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen this drunkard for a long time. Coming on so suddenly, I'm still a bit unaccustomed to it."

"It would be better if he died outside; out of sight, out of mind."

They did not know Li Ge Xiao's original identity and just assumed he was one of the countless beggars outside the city. Mocking him and the Virtuous Prince had become a habit over so many years.

Li Ge Xiao didn't care at all. He was happy now—happier than he had ever been in over a decade. Even if he were to die right now, he wouldn't have any regrets.

Because the person Li Ge Xiao hated most was never Yan Song, but that high and mighty Emperor.

All his misfortunes stemmed from the Emperor.

It was just that Zheng Dongliu, who was like a teacher and a father, had always taught Li Ge Xiao to be loyal to the monarch and love his country. Things carved into his bones made it very difficult for him to put his hatred into action.

When he was torn and conflicted, Chu Yang appeared, and he would help Li Ge Xiao achieve the goal buried deep in his heart.

So at this moment, Li Ge Xiao felt a sense of relief. Next, as long as he sent that old thief Yan Song away as well, he would have an answer for his deceased wife.

Watching the tears of joy in Li Ge Xiao's eyes, Lu Xiaofeng silently poured the wine onto the ground and said, "This cup is in memory of your wife. May her soul rest in peace."

"If you need anything, I can go with you at any time."

Li Ge Xiao slowly restrained his smile and shook his head. "Let's put the old dog Yan's life aside for now; I will take it sooner or later. There is a more important matter right now that I must inform the Prince about."

"What could be more urgent than your revenge?" Lu Xiaofeng recalled the hurried Four Great Constables and Four Great Divine Constables and felt that there might be a connection between the two.

Li Ge Xiao said, "Following the Prince's order, Guihai Yidao and I were responsible for meeting the Qi Family Army and returning to Jinling City. Although we met General Qi smoothly, we also heard some bad news."

"There weren't many Demon Kings besieging Wang Long City. More Demon Kings led the Demon Race to head north by water, bypassing the Ten Thousand Li Profound Ice City at the Liaodong border and going to places beyond the frontier."

"Beyond the frontier? What is there in that icy, snowy place?" Lu Xiaofeng frowned and suddenly blurted out, "Oh no, they want to annex the Jiannu tribes and repeat their old tricks from the East Island."

"Li Chengliang is still in the capital; Liaodong is in danger!" (End of chapter)