Chapter 36: The Prince of Qi

Time returns to the days when Jiang Jiang Mingyu and his companions were at the Daoist temple.

Inside the Shangmu County prison at this moment, dim light cast shadows, and a damp atmosphere permeated the cells.

Liu Liu Ershou's expression was complex; after hesitating and nodding to the jailer, within moments Xia Duo had his handcuffs and shackles removed and was brought before Liu Liu Ershou.

Xia Duo knelt on the ground, tears flowing incessantly as he tightly hugged Liu Liu Ershou's thigh, begging: "Second Uncle, you must save me! You cannot watch me die without offering aid."

Liu Liu Ershou's expression remained complex as he looked at Xia Duo, his heart filled with both sympathy and helplessness; although his injuries had long since healed and he was now merely a commoner stripped of official rank, having once served as the County Vice-Magistrate of Shangmu County and taken root there for many years, even a starved camel is larger than a horse, so after simply exchanging greetings with the jailer, he was able to see Xia Duo.

Xia Duo appeared vigorous and lively, showing no signs of fatigue; since being thrown into prison, this fellow seemed to have suffered not a bit.

Clearly, he had received extra care inside the prison and was living rather comfortably.

Liu Liu Ershou said with a bitter smile, "Alas, it is not that your Second Uncle refuses to save you, but I have been stripped of my post and cannot rescue you!"

A trace of determination flashed across Xia Duo's face as he said confidently: "Second Uncle, even if he is an Imperial Envoy, the sky is high and the Emperor far away; can he really cover the sky with one hand here?"

Liu Liu Ershou shook his head bitterly, knowing in his heart that even so, he was powerless to confront the current situation.

"Worthy nephew, you do not understand; he is now acting as and controlling the position of County Magistrate, while I am like a clay bodhisattva crossing a river, unable to save even myself!" Liu Liu Ershou explained helplessly.

Xia Duo tightly hugged Liu Liu Ershou's leg, his gaze firm: "Second Uncle, do not panic; once he finishes handling the matters the Emperor entrusted to him, he will surely return to Jingcheng to resume his post!"

Liu Liu Ershou sighed, feeling quite helpless in his heart, knowing that in political struggles, matters were rarely so simple.

"Even if he returns to Jingcheng, those above will send someone down to serve as County Magistrate; I no longer hold office and have no subordinates!" Liu Liu Ershou's voice carried helplessness and bitterness.

"Second Uncle, we have suffered such a humiliating disgrace! Are we to just let it go?" Xia Duo's eyes were filled with anger and unwillingness to accept defeat.

Liu Liu Ershou's brows knitted tightly; after pondering for a moment, he said, "But what can be done?"

After a moment of silence, Xia Duo's eyes suddenly lit up, and he smiled mysteriously at Liu Liu Ershou, saying: "Second Uncle, I know who can help us; seek out His Highness the Prince of Qi, my lord; in the Yasmo Regional Military Commissioner's jurisdiction, he is the local emperor, and seeking his aid will surely make that dog of an Imperial Envoy unable to handle the consequences!"

"Oh? Indeed, this is the fiefdom of His Highness the Prince of Qi, but I have no access to His Highness; how can we get him to save you?" Liu Liu Ershou said helplessly.

"Second Uncle, have you forgotten that we share a deep connection with Ma Ma Defake, the Commandant of the city? He is a favored general of His Highness the Prince of Qi, my lord! He has frequently accepted benefits from us; if we fall into disaster, it cuts off his source of wealth; if you seek him to build a bridge, he will surely help us; would a mere Imperial Envoy dare not give face to His Highness the Prince of Qi?" Xia Duo offered his strategy!

"This plan is excellent! I will go find Ma Ma Defake shortly to have him rescue you and, in the process, vent this pent-up rage!"

Several days later, after bidding farewell to the True Person of Seven Seas, Jiang Jiang Mingyu took Tu Tu Kesiluo and descended the mountain together with Lord Murong Murong Yunhai, returning to Shangmu County.

Inside the Shangmu County Yamen.

"Lord Lord Murong, tell me about the current situation in the county?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked, his face showing concern.

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai sighed, answering with furrowed brows: "The administration of Shangmu County has been neglected for many days now; I hear foreign tribes are eyeing us greedily; the current situation is not optimistic..." He felt worried about the county's predicament but also knew deeply that the situation must be handled properly to prevent foreign tribes from taking advantage of the weakness.

However, just as the two prepared to discuss countermeasures, the two broken doors at the yamen entrance were suddenly kicked open with a loud bang. Immediately, a man clad in helmet and armor, accompanied by two soldiers, strode in with great strides.

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai's brows furrowed, clearly surprised by the visitor's arrival; before Jiang Jiang Mingyu could even ask who the newcomer was, the burly man had already reached them.

This person's face was covered in bulging flesh, his shoulders broad and waist thick; though his eyes were not large, paired with a beard of steel-needle-like whiskers, he appeared even more fierce; the furious man pointed a thick finger at Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Are you the newly arrived Imperial Envoy, my lord?" His tone reeked of dissatisfaction and disdain.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu showed confusion, but out of politeness, he cupped his hands and said: "I am Jiang Jiang Mingyu; may I ask who you are and what brings you here?" He wished to remain as calm as possible and avoid conflict with the other party.

The words "may I ask" caused a smile to bloom on the man's face, and then he announced his identity: "Listen well; I am Ma Ma Defake, a trusted confidant of His Highness the Prince of Qi, my lord, and the Commandant specifically responsible for the city's defense." Ma Ma Defake assumed an air of dignity in stating his identity, expecting shock and submission from the other party.

Commandant, Jiang Jiang Mingyu chuckled inwardly; he knew this official rank, which, while not low, was far beneath that of an Imperial Envoy, my lord; judging by this pomp, one might mistake him for the Grand Marshal of the Imperial Guards from Jingcheng.

Seeing him welcome with a smile, Ma Ma Defake became even more arrogant, directly dragging over a chair and sitting down with legs spread wide.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but feel somewhat annoyed, yet he maintained his composure; he did not wish to clash with this Ma Ma Defake, after all, as the newly arrived Imperial Envoy, my lord, and the ruler of Shangmu County, he could not easily quarrel with a subordinate.

"Sir, what instructions do you have?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu tried to ask peacefully, attempting to avoid further provoking this confidant of His Highness the Prince of Qi.

Ma Ma Defake stroked his large beard, his sharp eyes fixed on Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Lord Jiang, I hear you imprisoned one of my men a few days ago; what is the meaning of this?" His tone carried an unquestionable authority.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu said indifferently: "Xia Duo insulted and showed arrogance toward this Imperial Envoy; his imprisonment was appropriate." He was unwilling to conceal his decision, after all, Xia Duo's behavior was indeed excessive, and he had to uphold the dignity of the Imperial Envoy, my lord.

Ma Ma Defake snorted coldly: "This man belongs to the retinue of His Highness the Prince of Qi; even if he offended you, my lord, military law governs him." His loyalty to His Highness the Prince of Qi was obvious, and he seemed deeply dissatisfied with Jiang Jiang Mingyu's actions.

"To overstep your authority in such a manner, where does this leave me, and where does it leave the face of His Highness the Prince of Qi?" Ma Ma Defake's tone grew increasingly severe, attempting to make Jiang Jiang Mingyu understand the importance of their Prince of Qi.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood clearly in his heart that Ma Ma Defake had come to protect the face of His Highness the Prince of Qi; if he did not compromise, it might provoke even greater trouble; he took a deep breath, trying to remain calm.

"To be honest with you, my lord, His Highness the Prince of Qi relies heavily on this man; please grant some face and release him," Ma Ma Defake attempted to persuade Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, would not yield an inch: "This Imperial Envoy has already imprisoned him." He firmly expressed his stance; he could not condone their faults simply because of someone's status.

Ma Ma Defake gradually withdrew his smile, a trace of fierceness flashing in his eyes: "You may not have understood clearly; I stated that His Highness the Prince of Qi relies heavily on this man." His intent to threaten was becoming increasingly obvious.

"In the Yasmo Regional Military Commissioner's jurisdiction, offending His Highness the Prince of Qi is not a wise move."

The threat in Ma Ma Defake's words became increasingly obvious.

"Once the foreigners come again, even you will have to rely on His Excellency's protection."

"Since you were able to become an Imperial Envoy, Lord Jiang, you must be a smart person; think it over carefully."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face turned gloomy; he knew deeply that this matter involved grave consequences, and forming such a grudge with His Highness the Prince of Qi would not only affect the stability of Shangmu County but might also bring endless trouble upon himself.

"Are the words you just spoke authorized by His Highness the Prince of Qi?"

"Whose orders they are is none of your concern; if you offend His Highness the Prince of Qi and the foreigners arrive, what if he cannot attend to you..."

"For such a trivial grievance as a sesame seed, to end up dying as a guest in a foreign land, Lord Jiang, is it worth it?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu seemed to weigh the matter for a moment: "Very well; Brother Lord Murong, quickly go to the prison and bring that Xia Duo here."

As Lord Murong Murong Yunhai went out the door, deep disappointment also surfaced in his eyes; he felt he had misjudged Jiang Jiang Mingyu, never expecting him to be a coward fearing power and clinging to life.

He had thought that inviting him down the mountain to act as and control the county administration would bring some hope to Shangmu County, but now it seemed he was wrong.

Hearing his life was in danger, he immediately cowered; if the foreigners come again, can we still expect him to lead people in defending the city?

Ridiculous!

By then, if he doesn't wet his pants, we should already be thanking heaven and earth.

Ma Ma Defake finally showed a smiling face: "Thank you; on another day when the foreign troops arrive, I will surely ask His Highness the Prince of Qi, my lord, to protect your safety, my lord."

As he spoke, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai, wearing an expression of utter contempt, brought Xia Duo in.

Upon seeing Ma Ma Defake, Xia Duo immediately grinned: "Big Brother, why did you take so long to arrive?"

He then shouted arrogantly at Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Imperial Envoy, my lord, you said you would punish me; why have you cowered?"

"Without us brothers, once the foreigners arrive, won't you be like a pig under a butcher's knife, with no choice but to wait for death?"

No wonder Ma Ma Defake insisted on bringing Xia Duo out; it turns out they are brothers, Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought silently.

Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu say nothing, Xia Duo glared with his triangular eyes: "Arresting me, you really think you have the face? Apologize to this master immediately!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's gaze remained flat, as if looking at a clown.

Xia Duo flew into a rage and cursed again: "You damn fool, are you deaf?"

"What are you glaring at, going to bite me? Remember, how long you can survive in Shangmu County depends on us brothers protecting you. Do you understand?"

Watching Jiang Jiang Mingyu be scolded by Xia Duo, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai's contempt for Jiang Jiang Mingyu rose another notch.

Coward, pfft!

Jiang Jiang Mingyu actually smiled: "You dare curse me?"

Xia Duo became even more arrogant: "So what?"

The corner of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mouth curled: "I am the Imperial Envoy personally appointed by the Emperor, holding the Imperial Token and the Diamond Mace given by the Emperor; seeing the token is like seeing the Son of Heaven!"

He pointed toward the Diamond Mace on the table: "Cursing me is cursing the Emperor. Tell me, what crime should this warrant?"

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai instinctively interjected at that moment: "The crime warrants execution."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head: "Wrong. It warrants the extermination of nine generations."

Although this place is remote, the Ma Ma Defake brothers do not yet have the courage to rebel, and Xia Duo's mouth twisted even more: "You... what do you want to do?"

"How about this?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu sneered: "This Imperial Envoy will sentence you to death on the spot to comfort Your Majesty."

Ma Ma Defake was shocked: "Imperial Envoy, you are digging your own grave. With the foreign tribes arriving, we are still needed."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke grimly: "He brought this upon himself. This Imperial Envoy advises you to speak less. Once the Imperial Wrath descends and the nine generations are wiped out, it will be too late to regret."

"Save your nonsense about 'needing us.' If you truly had those capabilities, why did the previous county magistrates all die?"

"I didn't want to expose your shortcomings, but you really think you are someone important?"

He shot a sideways glance: "Brother Tu Tu Kesiluo, take this thief out of the yamen and behead him for public display."

"Hang his head on the city gate. This is the consequence of insulting this Imperial Envoy and showing disrespect to Your Majesty."

Hearing Jiang Jiang Mingyu call his name, Tu Tu Kesiluo instantly perked up, grabbed the waist sword from the corner, and dragged Xia Duo out.

Tu Tu Kesiluo was already immensely strong; now having obtained thirty percent of the True Immortal of the Seven Seas' power, Xia Duo in his hands was like catching a small chick, with no chance to struggle.

Seeing Xia Duo about to die, Ma Ma Defake shouted with a strained neck: "My Lord Jiang, Prince Qi will not spare you."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sneered: "You should think about whether this county will spare you if you continue to cause trouble."

"Whether you take the corpse home or openly rebel against this Imperial Envoy, you decide."

"And that so-called Prince Qi, do you really think this Imperial Envoy fears him? If he is dissatisfied, this Imperial Envoy is ready to teach him at any time."

Looking at the Diamond Mace in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hand, Ma Ma Defake finally gritted his teeth and swallowed the rest of his words in one gulp.

Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu as stubborn as a stone, Xia Duo became terrified: "My Lord, this humble one dares not do it again. Spare my life, save me, big brother..."

Tu Tu Kesiluo paid no attention to his howling, pushed Xia Duo out of the yamen, and struck him straight on the head without the slightest hesitation.

Ma Ma Defake did not know how he left the county yamen, but in his heart he cursed again and again: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, I hope you die a miserable death!"

Inside the dilapidated county yamen.

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai, having returned to his soft and delicate state, stared intently at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, the expression in his eyes somewhat complex.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand at him: "Brother Lord Murong, don't look at me like that; it makes my backside feel tight."

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai rolled his eyes and said: "Killing on a whim, you really are a ruthless character."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: "Does Brother Lord Murong not think I was a coward?"

"Don't deny it; I can see clearly in your eyes. Let me tell you, this was all within my calculations."

Seeing Lord Murong Murong Yunhai confused, Jiang Jiang Mingyu said slowly: "Xia Duo is arrogant, backed by Ma Ma Defake, and will surely become even more insufferable."

"This Imperial Envoy predicted he would seek a pretext for revenge, which also gives this Imperial Envoy the opportunity to kill him and, incidentally, warn that Prince Qi."

"A mere Commandant dares to be presumptuous before this Imperial Envoy. If I do not kill one to warn a hundred, there will be no days left for us to hold our heads high."

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai sighed: "It is just that now Xia Duo is dead, how can Prince Qi tolerate it?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sat down in the chair: "So what? This Imperial Envoy holds the Diamond Mace and has the moral high ground. What can he do?"

"You want to say that in the future, we will still need to rely on this person, especially when foreign tribes invade."

"It is still the same saying: if he truly had such ability, Shangmu County would not have fallen into the hands of foreign tribes and reached such a state."

"Using a person like Xia Duo as a confidant, this person is not good either."

"Such a rascal is better off not existing. To crush the foreign tribes, we must rely on ourselves; relying on others is never a long-term strategy."

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai's eyes lit up: "Does Brother Jiang have a brilliant plan?"

Unexpectedly, Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head: "This Imperial Envoy has just arrived and is completely in the dark."

"But Shangmu County is cold and barren, and the foreign tribes are even worse. Before spring arrives, they should have no power to launch a major invasion."

"We must take this opportunity to repair civilian houses, organize military affairs, and stock up on grain and fodder."

"When the spring breeze blows and food is scarce, the foreign tribes will surely return. If we hesitate and do not advance, this Imperial Envoy will have no face to return and see the Emperor."

"Enough. Lord Murong Murong Yunhai, tell me about the situation in the city..."

North of Shangmu County, inside Prince Qi's palace garden.

"Did he really say that?"

A crisp sound of a teacup shattering rang out, and crystal fragments scattered all over the floor. Prince Qi's face was gloomy, his brows deeply furrowed, and his gaze carried a cold, ferocious light.

Ma Ma Defake nodded sinisterly: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu has just arrived and yet completely disregards the dignity of Prince Qi; this is truly detestable!"

"But he holds the Diamond Mace, representing the Sovereign. What should be done?"

Prince Qi gritted his teeth, stared at the teacup fragments, and twisted his coarse and heavy brows as if in deep thought.

Commandant Ma suddenly saw the anger deep within Prince Qi's heart. After a long moment, Commandant Ma felt a sudden clarity and said cautiously: "Prince Qi, I have a plan."

Prince Qi stared coldly at Commandant Ma, his gaze as if capable of burning a person to ashes. He roared in a low voice: "Speak!"

Commandant Ma leaned close to the Prince of Qi and whispered a few words.

"Good! Tomorrow is Jiang Jiang Mingyu's day of death."