[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming":3,"chapter-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-965":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Unorthodox Sword of Ming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2338170,4570,"Chapter 965: Wanting to Do Something","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-965",965,"\u003Cp>But Pan Yun had always been wary of Japan; multiple reports from the Embroidered Uniform Guard mentioned that the State Preceptor was deeply concerned about it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also suggested that, before Japan captured Ezo, they send emissaries there to spread teachings and expand the scope of the tributary states.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Heng had repeatedly scoffed at this, and privately discussed it with his officers, believing Pan Yun understood nothing of military affairs yet insisted on meddling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, looking back, perhaps this was merely one of her frontier strategies—a minor side issue, yet one that revealed her stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Heng thought to himself: She specifically reminded me—does she want me to submit to her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I refuse, will she investigate to the very end?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Shi Heng pondered, Pan Yun had already spotted Pan Yue and several others among the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them was a young boy she found oddly familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Xiaohei leapt down from somewhere and plopped onto her shoulder, glancing over before saying: “Aren’t you that little beggar you picked up in Kaifeng years ago?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun narrowed her eyes: “Zhu Tongqie?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Tongqie spotted Pan Yun too, his eyes lighting up as he rushed over: “Sister Pan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Tongqie was ecstatic—he had long wished to meet Pan Yun, but his father feared their closeness might mislead the Emperor, so he forbade him from visiting her at the Ministry of Public Works’ experimental grounds outside the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected to encounter her today at the National Academy, and he was overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun was also delighted—she never imagined the child destined to die in infancy had grown so large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another’s fate had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun smiled and ruffled his hair: “Where is your father?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Tongqie immediately forgot his father’s warning: “Father is at home dealing with Prince Qin and others. Would the State Preceptor like to see him? I’ll take you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun raised a hand with a smile: “No rush—we’re both in the capital; there’ll be plenty of chances.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Tongqie: “Sister Pan, are you looking for Father because you need his help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun raised an eyebrow: “You’re sharp.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Tongqie grinned: “Sister Pan, you can tell me too—I’m now the Crown Prince of Zhou, and I can help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun said: “Go tell your father not to worry—we’re mutually beneficial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Tongqie nodded vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the Prince of Zhou grew even more anxious—he wasn’t afraid of simply helping Pan Yun, but mutual benefit terrified him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that was for later; right now, the Prince of Zhou didn’t know his son had met Pan Yun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun turned to glance at the viewing stands, tapping Pan Xiaohei’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Xiaohei leapt down and vanished in a flash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many foreign envoys came to watch the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s initial trials, largely due to the excellent organization by the Bureau of Tribal Affairs; with the Emperor’s birthday still two days away, they had nothing else to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were invited to observe the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s selection to witness Great Ming’s martial prowess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun naturally wanted to hear their private comments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Xiaohei could eavesdrop on them without arousing suspicion and understand any language they spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Bureau of Tribal Affairs officials couldn’t do that, given the number of foreign envoys on the viewing stands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun and the others found seats to watch the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s competition, but her attention remained fixed on Pan Xiaohei, using it to gather intelligence from all sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue and Pan Yu, unaware her mind had wandered, flanked her on either side, chatting away. Pan Yun could multitask—responding to them while listening through Pan Xiaohei, without raising suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the three siblings hadn’t spent much time together, they had continuously exchanged letters, so when reunited, they had endless things to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They quickly regained the feeling of childhood, yet something felt different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue looked at Pan Yun with a complex expression: “Yun’er, you’ve grown up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “Big brother, I’ve been grown up for a long time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue fell silent; Pan Yu glanced between her elder brother and her carefree younger sister, then snapped: “He means you’re too independent, too capable—there’s no room left for us anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “You should be happy for me. Relying on others is fine, but I want to be stronger myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue sighed softly: “But we sometimes want you to lean on us, so you won’t be so exhausted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s silence, Pan Yun said: “Big brother, what I’m doing now—I don’t even know what the future holds, or whether it will help or harm history. I’m acting only on instinct and my original intent. I don’t want to drag you into it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu gasped: “What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue, having observed court politics over the past half-year, murmured: “I understand. Reformers never meet good ends—that’s why you’ve kept your distance from us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu’s eyes widened, mouth opening to speak, but Tao Yanbai swiftly clamped a hand over it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu glared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai said: “Brother Pan, you’re too loud—this isn’t something to shout about.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu: “Mmmph…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai released his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu stayed silent, as expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun and Pan Yue locked eyes for a long while; all was understood without words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the initial trials ended, the three siblings rose to leave without waiting for the final results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they exited the National Academy’s main gate, Pan Yun led Miao Zhen and the others north, while Pan Yue and Pan Yu stood where they were, watching until the figures vanished, then turned south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu had held his tongue until they returned home, then finally blurted: “Big brother, what reform are you talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue: “First, the Fengyang princely clan is being tested with reforms; then, the Empress oversees the Neiwu Prefecture’s finances, opening workshops and women’s academies; meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works has established branches nationwide, recruiting craftsmen from all corners—now they’re investigating corruption in the military…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It encompasses the princely clan, local governance, and military affairs. More policies targeting livelihood and regional reform will surely follow—what else is this if not reform?” Pan Yue said. “But unlike past reforms, which began with memorials outlining grand plans, this time, your sister influences only the Emperor and key Grand Secretaries, slowly advancing reforms in response to current events.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu sat stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue continued: “There’s been no public announcement of reform, no sweeping new decrees—because the Emperor’s authority isn’t yet firm, his reputation still weak, and court factions are deeply entrenched.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A chronic illness can’t be cured by a single dose of medicine. Your sister chose the hardest path—but the one most beneficial to the realm.” Pan Yue exhaled, his forehead throbbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu fell silent for a long while, then asked in a hoarse voice: “How long can this be hidden? Even you’ve figured it out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue shot him a look: “It won’t stay hidden long—but I’m not as powerless as you think. I see it because I’m sharp. There aren’t many like me in this world, and even those who are sharp can’t get answers directly from your sister. So they won’t realize it for some time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu rubbed his nose, ignoring his brother’s last words: “Big brother, how can we help your sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yue spread his hands: “I’m a Provincial Graduate, not even taking the Metropolitan Examination until next spring. Even if I become Top Graduate, I’ll only be a sixth-rank Hanlin. You? A fifth-rank Assistant Regional Commander. All you can do is avoid causing her trouble and cheer loudly when she needs you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yu muttered: “We’re really useless, aren’t we?”\u003C\u002Fp>",1288,"2026-06-20T22:04:01.137Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f59201ee77114a5356bdcc5e687cc2dda010c45ba2b2f01a886f6c7a80129d14","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-966","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-964",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-cover.jpg"]