Chapter 36: Prince Qi

Time returned to the days when Jiang Mingyu and his group were at the temple.

At this moment, inside the Shangmu County jail, dim lantern light cast shadows, and the cells reeked of dampness.

Liu Ershou’s expression was complex; he hesitated, then nodded to the jailer. Moments later, Xia Duo had his handcuffs and leg irons removed and was brought before Liu Ershou.

Xia Duo knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face as he clutched Liu Ershou’s leg, pleading: “Uncle Er, you must save me! You can’t let me die!”

Liu Ershou looked at Xia Duo with a complicated expression—sympathy warring with helplessness. His injuries had long healed. Though he was now a commoner stripped of office, he had once been Shangmu County’s Assistant County Magistrate. Even after dismissal, he had deep roots in the county. A dead camel still outweighs a horse. A simple word to the jailer was enough to secure an audience with Xia Duo.

Xia Duo looked vigorous and unweary, as if he had suffered not at all since being thrown into jail.

Clearly, he had been pampered inside and lived in relative comfort.

Liu Ershou let out a bitter laugh. “It’s not that I won’t save you, nephew—I’ve been dismissed. I have no power to get you out.”

Xia Duo’s face hardened with resolve. “Uncle, even if he’s an Imperial Envoy, the Emperor is far away. Can he really control everything here?”

Liu Ershou shook his head bitterly. He knew, even so, he was powerless against the current situation.

“Nephew, you don’t understand. He’s now acting as County Magistrate. I’m like a clay Buddha crossing a river—unable to save myself!” Liu Ershou explained helplessly.

Xia Duo gripped Liu Ershou’s leg tighter, his eyes firm. “Uncle, don’t panic. After he finishes the Emperor’s orders, he’ll return to the capital to resume his post!”

Liu Ershou sighed. He knew political struggles were never this simple.

“Even if he returns to the capital, someone else will be sent down to be County Magistrate. I have no official rank, no subordinates!” Liu Ershou’s voice carried helplessness and bitterness.

“Uncle, we’ve suffered such a great humiliation! Are we just going to let it slide?” Xia Duo’s eyes burned with fury and resentment.

Liu Ershou frowned deeply. After a moment’s thought, he asked: “What can we do?”

After a pause, Xia Duo’s eyes suddenly lit up. He smiled mysteriously at Liu Ershou. “Uncle, I know who can help us—seek out Prince Qi. In Yasimo, he’s the local emperor. Ask him for help, and that dog of an Imperial Envoy will regret it!”

“Oh? This is indeed Prince Qi’s fiefdom, but I have no access to him. How can he get you out?” Liu Ershou said helplessly.

“Uncle, you’ve forgotten—we’re close with Commandant Ma Defake of the city! He’s Prince Qi’s favorite general. He’s taken plenty of our bribes. Our downfall cuts off his income. Go to him, get him to broker a deal—he’ll help us. Will that little Envoy dare defy Prince Qi?” Xia Duo proposed.

“This plan is brilliant! I’ll go see Ma Defake right away—he’ll get you out and repay this insult!”

Several days later, after bidding farewell to Qi Hai Li Zhen, Jiang Mingyu departed the mountain with Tukesiluo and Cloud of the Murong, returning to Shangmu County.

Inside the Shangmu County yamen.

“Commandant Murong, tell me the current state of the county,” Jiang Mingyu asked, his expression concerned.

Cloud of the Murong sighed, frowning. “The county’s administration has been neglected for days. Rumors say foreign tribes are watching hungrily. The situation is far from optimistic…” He worried for the county’s plight but knew he must stabilize it before the tribes exploited the weakness.

Just as the two prepared to discuss strategy, the two broken gates of the yamen suddenly crashed open. A heavily armored man, flanked by two soldiers, strode in.

Cloud of the Murong frowned, surprised by the intrusion. Before Jiang Mingyu could ask who he was, the burly man stood before them.

The man had a face full of coarse flesh, broad shoulders, and a thick waist. His small eyes, paired with a bristling beard like steel needles, made him look even more ferocious. He pointed a thick finger at Jiang Mingyu, furious. “You’re the new Imperial Envoy?” His tone dripped with disdain.

Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly but bowed politely. “I am Jiang Mingyu. Who are you, and what do you want?” He tried to remain calm, avoiding conflict.

The word “Your Excellency” brought a smile to the man’s face. He announced himself: “Listen well—I am Ma Defake, personal envoy of Prince Qi, Commandant responsible for city defense.” Ma Defake expected shock and submission from his status.

Commandant, Jiang Mingyu thought with quiet amusement. He knew the rank—respectable, but far below an Imperial Envoy. This fellow’s swagger made him seem like the Commander of the Imperial Guard himself.

Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s polite reception, Ma Defake grew bolder. He dragged over a chair and sat down with legs spread wide.

Jiang Mingyu felt irritation but kept his composure. He didn’t want conflict—he was the new Envoy, the county’s authority. He couldn’t afford to quarrel with subordinates.

“Your Excellency, what do you seek?” Jiang Mingyu asked calmly, trying to avoid further provoking Prince Qi’s man.

Ma Defake stroked his beard, eyes sharp as he fixed Jiang Mingyu. “Commander Jiang, I hear you imprisoned one of my men. What’s the meaning of this?” His tone brooked no argument.

Jiang Mingyu replied coolly: “Xia Duo insulted me. His detention was justified.” He wouldn’t hide his decision—Xia Duo’s behavior had been outrageous. He must uphold the Envoy’s dignity.

Ma Defake snorted. “That man serves under Prince Qi. Even if he offended you, military law governs him.” His loyalty to Prince Qi was clear—he clearly disapproved of Jiang Mingyu’s actions.

“By overstepping like this, where does that leave me? Where does it leave Prince Qi’s honor?” Ma Defake’s tone grew harsher, trying to impress upon Jiang Mingyu the importance of Prince Qi.

Jiang Mingyu understood: Ma Defake had come to defend Prince Qi’s face. If he didn’t compromise, greater trouble would follow. He took a deep breath, staying calm.

“Commander, Prince Qi holds great trust in this man. Please, show him some face—release him,” Ma Defake pleaded.

Jiang Mingyu stood firm: “I have already imprisoned him.” He declared his position clearly—he wouldn’t excuse wrongdoing because of someone’s status.

Ma Defake’s smile faded. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. “You may not have understood—I said Prince Qi holds great trust in this man.” His threat grew clearer.

“Commandant Yasimo, offending Prince Qi is not wise.”

Ma Defake’s threat grew more explicit.

“When the foreign tribes return, even you’ll need his protection.”

“You became an Envoy because you’re smart, Commander Jiang. Think carefully.”

Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened. He knew this matter was grave. Angering Prince Qi would destabilize Shangmu County—and bring him endless trouble.

“Did Prince Qi order you to say this?”

“Whose orders? None of your concern. Offend Prince Qi, and when the tribes come, he might not save you…”

“For a petty grudge, are you willing to die far from home, Commander Jiang? Is it worth it?”

Jiang Mingyu seemed to weigh his options. “Very well. Commandant Murong, go to the jail and bring Xia Duo here.”

As Murong Yunhai stepped out, his eyes filled with deep disappointment—he had misjudged Jiang Mingyu, thinking him a man of principle, but now he saw only a coward terrified of power.

He had hoped Jiang Mingyu’s arrival would bring hope to Shangmu County. Now he realized he was wrong.

The moment he heard his life was in danger, he caved. If the tribes returned, could he really expect this man to defend the city?

Ridiculous!

He’d be lucky if he didn’t soil his pants.

Ma Defake finally smiled. “Thank you. When the foreign troops come, I’ll ask Prince Qi to protect you.”

As he spoke, Cloud of the Murong entered, his face filled with contempt, dragging Xia Duo in.

Seeing Ma Defake, Xia Duo grinned. “Big brother, took you long enough!”

He turned brazenly to Jiang Mingyu. “Envoy, you promised to punish me—why back down now?”

“Without us brothers, when the tribes come, you’ll be like a pig on the butcher’s block—only waiting to die!”

Jiang Mingyu realized: Ma Defake had come to free Xia Duo because they were brothers.

Seeing Jiang Mingyu silent, Xia Duo glared with his slanted eyes. “Arresting me? You think you’ve got some honor? Apologize to me, now!”

Jiang Mingyu’s gaze was calm—as if watching a clown.

Xia Duo flew into a rage. “You deaf?!”

“Stare all you want—bite me? Remember, how long you live in Shangmu depends on us brothers. Got it?”

Watching Jiang Mingyu endure Xia Duo’s abuse, Cloud of the Murong’s contempt rose another notch.

Coward. Pfft!

Jiang Mingyu suddenly smiled. “You dare insult me?”

Xia Duo grew even more arrogant. “So what?”

Jiang Mingyu’s lips curled. “I am the Emperor’s personally appointed Envoy. I carry the Emperor’s token and the Diamond Mace. The token is as good as the Son of Heaven himself!”

He pointed to the Diamond Mace on the table. “Insulting me is insulting the Emperor. What crime is that?”

Cloud of the Murong instinctively replied: “Death penalty.”

Jiang Mingyu shook his head. “Wrong. It’s extermination of the nine clans.”

Though remote, Ma Defake and his brother lacked the courage to rebel. Xia Duo’s mouth twisted. “Y-you… what do you want?”

What did he want? Jiang Mingyu sneered. “I sentence you to death on the spot—to honor the Emperor.”

Ma Defake gasped. “Commander Jiang, you’re digging your own grave! We’re needed when the tribes come!”

Jiang Mingyu’s voice turned icy. “He brought it on himself. I advise you to keep quiet—if heavenly wrath falls, all nine clans will perish. Too late to regret.”

“Save your talk about relying on you. If you were truly capable, why did every previous County Magistrate die?”

“You think I won’t expose your secrets? You’ve started believing your own lies?”

His eyes flashed. “Tukesiluo, take this scoundrel out and execute him publicly.”

“Hang his head on the city gate. This is the fate of those who insult the Envoy and disrespect the Emperor.”

Tukesiluo perked up at Jiang Mingyu’s call. He grabbed the waist saber from the corner and hauled Xia Duo out.

Tukesiluo had always been immensely strong. Now, with three-tenths of Qi Hai Li Zhen’s power, Xia Duo was as helpless as a chick in his grip—no chance to struggle.

Seeing Xia Duo about to die, Ma Defake screamed: “Commander Jiang, Prince Qi will never forgive you!”

Jiang Mingyu sneered. “Think about whether I’ll forgive you before you make things worse.”

“Do you want to carry his corpse home—or openly rebel against me? Choose.”

“And that so-called Prince Qi—do you really think I fear him? If he dares challenge me, I’m ready.”

Looking at Jiang Mingyu’s Diamond Mace, Ma Defake clenched his teeth and swallowed the rest of his words.

Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s resolve, Xia Duo panicked. “Great Lord, I won’t dare again! Spare me! Brother, save me!”

Tukesiluo ignored his screams. He dragged Xia Duo outside the yamen and swung the blade without hesitation.

No one knew how Ma Defake left the yamen, but inside his mind, he cursed endlessly: “Jiang Mingyu, I’ll see you die a miserable death!”

Inside the dilapidated yamen.

Cloud of the Murong, back to his usual soft demeanor, stared intently at Jiang Mingyu, his eyes complex.

Jiang Mingyu waved his hand. “Commandant Murong, don’t look at me like that—it makes my ass tighten.”

Cloud of the Murong rolled his eyes. “You killed him on the spot—you’re truly ruthless.”

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly. “Didn’t you think I was a coward?”

“Don’t deny it—I saw your eyes. Let me tell you: this was all planned.”

Seeing Cloud of the Murong confused, Jiang Mingyu spoke slowly: “Xia Duo was arrogant, backed by Ma Defake—he’d become even more insolent.”

“I knew he’d provoke me. Perfect. It gave me the chance to kill him—and warn Prince Qi at the same time.”

“A mere Commandant dares to defy me? If I don’t make an example of him, we’ll never hold our heads high again.”

Cloud of the Murong sighed: “But now Xia Duo is dead—how can Prince Qi bear it?”

Jiang Mingyu sat down on the chair: “So what? I hold the Diamond Hammer, represent the imperial authority, and I’m in the right—what can he do?”

“You mean we’ll still need to rely on him in the future, especially when foreign tribes invade.”

“Still the same words: if he truly had such ability, Shangmu County would never have fallen into such a state under foreign hands.”

“To treat someone like Xia Duo as a trusted aide—this man is no good either.”

“Such a scoundrel is better off dead. To crush the foreign tribes, we must rely on ourselves—relying on others is never a lasting strategy.”

Cloud of the Murong’s eyes lit up: “Brother Jiang, what’s your brilliant plan?”

But Jiang Mingyu shook his head: “I’ve just arrived—I’m blind to everything here.”

“But Shangmu County is cold and barren, and the foreign tribes even more so—before spring, they’ll have no strength left for a major attack.”

“We must use this chance to repair civilian homes, reorganize our military, and stockpile grain.”

“When spring comes and food runs low, the foreign tribes will return. If we hesitate, I won’t have the face to return to His Majesty.”

“Enough. Cloud of the Murong, tell me about the city’s situation…”

In Prince Qi’s palace compound, north of Shangmu County.

“He really said that?”

A sharp crack of shattering porcelain—crystal shards scattered across the floor. Prince Qi’s face was dark, his brows deeply furrowed, his eyes glinting with cold malice.

Ma Duiwei nodded with venomous spite: “Jiang Mingyu has just arrived and already dares to disregard Prince Qi’s authority—this is utterly intolerable!”

“But he holds the Diamond Hammer, representing His Majesty—what can we do?”

Prince Qi clenched his teeth, staring at the broken teacup shards, his thick brows knotted in thought.

Commandant Ma glimpsed the deep fury within Prince Qi. After a long pause, he suddenly brightened and said cautiously: “Your Highness, I have a plan.”

Prince Qi fixed Commandant Ma with a chilling gaze—as if his eyes could burn a man to ash. He growled low: “Speak!”

Commandant Ma leaned close and whispered urgently into Prince Qi’s ear.

“Good. Tomorrow will be Jiang Mingyu’s last day.”