NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 221-227
Chapter 221: Divine Order
“Even though the sword was obtained by Fang Zhengzhi, he obtained it from the World of the Sage. The World of the Sage belongs to the Imperial Government. Hence, the owner of the sword would definitely be the government!” An official instantly stood out after receiving a visual prompt.
“Mr Wan is right, I agree!”
“I agree too!”
“Even though Fang Zhengzhi does have some talent, he is ultimately still of the Heavenly Reflection State. It is indeed a fearful possibility that the demon race would attempt to steal such a powerful sword. When that time comes, not only would both the sword and a life be lost, the consequences are also dire. I hope Your Majesty can give the order for Fang Zhengzhi to return the sword to the government for protection as soon as possible!”
“Mr Li’s analysis is very wise. It is said that the ordinary man is innocent; however, a man with great treasures and ambitions would be in great danger. News of Fang Zhengzhi obtaining the sword from the World of the Sage had already spread to public. If he doesn’t surrender it, his life might be in danger!”
“I agree! In order to protect the great treasure of the dynasty and spare Fang Zhengzhi from this danger, I hope Your Majesty can pass the order!”
Very quickly, officials began to stand out one by one. Each of them wore an expression of absolute selflessness, righteousness and empathy for others.
However, in their hearts, Fang Zhengzhi was just an ordinary citizen who hadn’t entered the government. Combined with his low birth status, how could they allow Fang Zhengzhi to obtain that sword?
Furthermore, even if Fang Zhengzhi had passed the Imperial Examination, his official rank would only start from Rank Seven. And even if the Emperor was being very generous and kind, the highest rank obtained in history after passing the Imperial Examination was only Rank Five.
On the other hand…
These officials who were able to discuss in this Throne Room, even those standing at the furthest corners, were at least Rank Four Officials. In a government filled with Rank One, Two, Three and Four Officials, who would care about one Fang Zhengzhi?
“Father Emperor, may I express my opinion!” At this moment, King Duan Lin Xinjue finally stood out from the crowd. The officials had begun discussing the matter at hand and the time had come. Naturally, he had to speak before Crown Prince Lin Tianrong did.
This was the first-move advantage.
When Crown Prince Lin Tianrong saw King Duan Lin Xinjue stand out, he retracted his feet that was in the middle of stepping out. However, there wasn’t much change in his expression.
“Yes.” Emperor Lin Mubai nodded his head with a calm expression.
He naturally knew what conflicts were going on in the Imperial Government and had already made a decision in his heart about this matter. However, as the Emperor, there were some things that had to be said by the high ranked officials.
“Sagely Battle God Meng Tian is the military hero of our Great Xia Dynasty and represents the heart and soul of our dynasty’s army. Now, Sagely Battle God Meng Tian’s sword had been found again. This is the perfect time to boost our military power. I request for the sword to be handed to me temporarily for protection and boost the morale and power of our army!” When King Duan Lin Xinjue saw Emperor Lin Mubai nod his head, he instantly bowed and spoke.
“His Highness King Duan is right. The sword represents the heart and soul of our army. With this sword, the army of the Great Xia Dynasty would definitely feel blessed by the Emperor and protected by the Sagely Battle God Meng Tian. When they face the demon race, they would definitely be able to do so with determination and spirit!”
“I also agree that the sword be handed to the military for protection!”
After King Duan Lin Xinjue finished his speech, two middle-aged men wearing armours stood out. Both of them were military generals leading their respective armies with respectable positions in the Imperial Government.
“Sixth Brother’s words are logical, however… his views are a little superficial. Sagely Battle God Meng Tian indeed came from the military. However, he represents the entire Great Xia Dynasty. He is the hero of our Great Xia Dynasty. Riding alone for a thousand miles to kill Demon Lord Si Kong in the Blood Shadow City, how impressive is that! The determination within his bones is something everybody in the dynasty respects. I request for Father Emperor to hand the sword to me, using it as a means for the government to impart values. During the Law of Dao Examination, it could be displayed prominently at the door to send a message to the people!”
After Crown Prince Lin Tianrong heard this, he stood out and spoke loudly, looking towards King Duan Lin Xinjue’s direction.
“His Highness Crown Prince is indeed wise and able to look at the situation as a whole. Using the sword to send a message to the people would be just like spreading the spirit of Sagely Battle God Meng Tian to the people. As the Crown Prince, if he is able to employ this spirit to constantly improve himself, it would be a blessing to the dynasty and a blessing to the entire world!”
“I agree that this sword should be guarded by the Crown Prince as well to send a message to the people!”
“Me too!”
“Me too!”
“Me t…”
“…”
Once Crown Prince Lin Tianrong’s words landed, a huge group of officials rushed out and bowed down on the ground.
In the Imperial Government, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong controlled the political matters. Hence, his power naturally exceeded that of King Duan Lin Tianrong. This was clearly reflected in the current situation.
“Ever since I have been following the Emperor and received Emperor’s kindness, assisting in running the government, prioritising the stability of the society, I believe that the Crown Prince guarding the sword is a blessing for the people!” After everybody had expressed their opinions, Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping stood out, slowly walked in front of the officials and knelt down with both his arms raised.
“Left Prime Minister is right, I hope that Your Majesty can value His Highness Crown Prince’s sincerity!” The Law Official also stood out at this moment.
King Duan Lin Xinjue looked around at the officials that knelt down all over the floor and tightened his fists and bit his lips. Just as he prepared to speak again, he saw Emperor Lin Mubai lightly shaking his head on the dragon throne.
This caused King Duan Lin Xinjue to instantly swallow back the words that reached his mouth.
“Crown Prince and King Duan both have good points. Let’s put aside this matter for now, tomorrow, order Fang Zhengzhi into the palace to continue the discussion. We will end for today!” Emperor Lin Mubai waved his hands, stood up and left.
“Long live the Emperor!”
…
In the Ping Yang Residence, Ping Yang wore a red robe and sat in her chair and played mindlessly with a jade toy. Then, she heard the knocking coming from outside the door.
“Princess Your Highness, Young Master Fang wishes to meet you.”
“Young Master Fang? Which Young Master Fang? It can’t be Fang Zhengzhi, right?” Ping Yang was filled with doubt. She didn’t believe that Fang Zhengzhi would come to the Ping Yang Residence to visit her.
“It is.”
“Huh? That shameless guy really came? I bet he wants something from me. That’s right… that guy had obtained the sword of Sagely Battle God Meng Tian, I bet he wants to request for me to help him plea in front of my Emperor father.”
Ping Yang’s clear eyes glinted with light, instantly guessing Fang Zhengzhi’s intentions. Then, a smile formed on the edges of her mouth.
“Let him in!”
“Roger!”
…
Not too long later, Fang Zhengzhi was brought to an apartment by the Ping Yang Residence’s housekeeper. A gust of wind blew, causing his blue robe to dance lightly in the wind.
“Young Master Fang, please enter!”
“Oh, thank you. This is for you!” Fang Zhengzhi casually tossed a bronze coin into the housekeeper’s hands, then entered the room with a smile on his face.
Leaving the housekeeper standing rooted to the ground in the wind.
“One cent?!”
…
Fang Zhengzhi initially thought that Ping Yang would have more or less recovered from her injury. However, when he entered the room, he realised that Ping Yang was lying on the bed with a thick blanket over her.
Most importantly, there was still a slight trembling within the blanket. The injury seemed very serious.
“Do… do you have… have… something for me?” Ping Yang lay in her bed. Her voice seemed extremely pained. Beads of sweat even formed on her forehead.
When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, a suspicious expression filled his face.
Ping Yang had indeed blocked an attack for him. However, she wore the Red Flame Flower Armor on her body. He didn’t believe that she would be injured so severely.
Furthermore, with Ping Yang’s status, if she was really injured as badly, why would there not be any servants or housekeepers caring for her in the room?
Fang Zhengzhi took one glance around the bed and immediately realised that there weren’t any articles of clothing, and the pair of golden threaded shoes on the floor seemed somewhat messy.
You want to trick me with such an obvious acting?
Fang Zhengzhi smiled faintly to himself. However, the expression on his face was filled with care and concern, hastily walking towards Ping Yang’s bed.
“Which part of your body is injured? Is it still very bad? Let me see!”
As Fang Zhengzhi spoke, he quickly tore off the blanket covering Ping Yang’s body. He decided to use his own actions to tell Ping Yang, your acting is really bad.
In an instant, the blanket was pulled off and danced in mid-air.
Ping Yang’s eyes instantly turned round. Her face turned deathly pale and looked at Fang Zhengzhi, as well as the blanket dancing in the air, with absolute disbelief.
On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi was completely taken aback.
He had correctly guessed the beginning of the story. Ping Yang was acting. However, he hadn’t correctly guessed the ending of the story. Ping Yang was indeed acting, however, at this moment, Ping Yang wasn’t wearing clothes.
Or, it could be said that Ping Yang only wore one layer. That was a bright red bellyband with a golden peony sewn onto it.
Of course, on her small white leg, there was a skirt that she didn’t have time to remove completely. Beside it, there was a red robe.
“Ah!” Ping Yang screamed.
Her voice instantly reverberated around the entire Ping Yang Residence. Even the air of the palace beside the Ping Yang Residence echoed with this piercing scream.
…
Fang Zhengzhi knew very clearly how many archers stood guard around the Ping Yang Residence, and knew even more clearly what a huge crime he had committed on this day.
Disrespecting the princess!
If it was said that the previous time was unintentional, then what was this?
If it was also claimed to be unintentional…
Even Fang Zhengzhi himself couldn’t completely believe this explanation. Hence, he ran. He charged out of the room with the fastest possible speed and ran outside without even turning back his head.
Ping Yang’s eyes burned with a raging flame. Grabbing the red robe beside her and wearing it over her body, she instantly gave chase. She had already decided that no matter what kind of betrayal of friendship this represented.
Today, she must kill this shameless guy.
However, once she reached the door, she suddenly stopped. Because, a jade-green coloured gold hairpin lay on the ground at the entrance of her room.
Ping Yang was sure that this jade-green gold hairpin didn’t belong to her. Because, she simply had never worn goods of such trash quality.
“Could it be?” Ping Yang was in somewhat of a disbelief.
However, she still continued to advance forward. Because, Fang Zhengzhi had already stopped. He was completely surrounded by a group of soldiers armed with bows and arrows.
Wishing to escape from the Ping Yang Residence?
This was simply a huge joke. The importance of Ping Yang to the Great Xia Dynasty meant that Emperor Lin Mubai would naturally place the best soldiers here.
Not mentioning Fang Zhengzhi, even someone as powerful as Ying Shan, or even Xing Hou Xing Yuanguo of the Stabilisation Constabulary wouldn’t dare claim that they would be able to walk out of the main gate of the Ping Yang Residence.
“Arrival of the Divine Order!” Just as Ping Yang prepared to order for Fang Zhengzhi to be captured, a voice suddenly sounded out. Then, a small eunuch in official clothes quickly walked towards Ping Yang and Fang Zhengzhi.
Chapter 222: Challenge of Authority
When they heard about the arrival of the Divine Order, all of the soldiers armed with bows instantly knelt down. This didn’t mean that they didn’t know about the severity of the situation. Instead, it meant that they knew about the severity of the situation too well…
Because, the person running out of the room was Fang Zhengzhi.
Ping Yang’s scream was bloodcurdling. That evidently came from receiving a huge shock. If it was any other person running out of the room, they didn’t mind treating him as an assassin and killing him on the spot.
However, if it was Fang Zhengzhi…
Then that would be somewhat normal.
Which soldier in the Ping Yang Residence didn’t know that Fang Zhengzhi and Princess Ping Yang were definitely sworn, jealous enemies? However, no matter how much animosity there was between them, it wasn’t something that they could interfere with.
Hence, they decided to kneel down and hastily stay out of the situation.
Fang Zhengzhi’s initially despondent eyes instantly felt as if they had seen a ray of light. The soldiers that blocked his way actually knelt down? Without further ado, and without caring about the thing called a Divine Order which he felt wasn’t very much relevant to him, he decided that running for his life was the priority.
In a flash, he manoeuvred around the kneeling soldiers and the small eunuch, wind billowing around his feet.
“Young… Young Master Fang, Divine… Divine Order!” Just as he prepared to announce the Divine Order, the small eunuch noticed that Fang Zhengzhi was actually running away. He was evidently unable to react to this.
The Divine Order had arrived, why did this guy suddenly run away?
He couldn’t understand. However, to be able to locate Fang Zhengzhi in this Ping Yang Residence required quite a lot of effort. If he really allowed Fang Zhengzhi to run away, where was he supposed to find him again?
“Quick, catch him, don’t let him run!” When Ping Yang saw that Fang Zhengzhi intended to run away, she similarly didn’t bother about the Divine Order anymore. Instead, she barked orders to the soldiers.
“Woosh!”
The soldiers who were initially kneeling on the ground instantly stood up. However, all of them understood. She said catch, not kill. Hence, the problem would be simple.
A few leaders leapt up and blocked off Fang Zhengzhi’s path of escape. The soldiers behind flanked from the left and right.
The pitiful Fang Zhengzhi didn’t even manage to run fifty metres before being surrounded once again. This dealt quite a heavy blow to his pride. No matter what, am I not someone who had passed the Imperial Examination?
The Heavenly Reflection State! I have actually been blocked off by these generals in the Ping Yang Residence? Shouldn’t I be the kind of person that blatantly dances among thousands of soldiers?
What is wrong here?
“Young Master Fang, Young Master Fang, don’t run! Divine Order!” The small eunuch didn’t notice Fang Zhengzhi’s expression. When he saw Fang Zhengzhi being blocked off, he instantly ran over.
“For me?” Fang Zhengzhi was somewhat doubtful.
He always thought that this Divine Order was for Ping Yang. He had never imagined that it would actually be for him. Divine Order? What Divine Order? Don’t tell me I’m about to be promoted to an official?
That’s too fast.
I had just passed the Imperial Examination. The rankings aren’t even out yet, how can I receive the Divine Order now? But, I haven’t prepared myself completely for this yet!
At this moment, Ping Yang also came to Fang Zhengzhi’s side. After she heard the small eunuch’s words, she seemed to have understood. She could guess the gist of this Divine Order’s content. However, this caused her to raise a new suspicion.
She believed that Fang Zhengzhi came to seek her help today.
Hence, she malingered and pretended to be sick. However, it seems that Fang Zhengzhi hadn’t received the Divine Order? Then, why is he here?
“The Emperor invites Fang Zhengzhi to bring the sword tomorrow to the Throne Room during morning assembly!” The small eunuch didn’t care about what happened between Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang. Instead, he hurriedly announced the contents of the order.
Then, he threw down the Divine Order and swiftly ran away, disappearing from sight.
This was the Ping Yang Residence…
If there was one place in the Yan Capital that eunuchs were most unwilling to go to, it would definitely be the Ping Yang Residence without a doubt. If it wasn’t for the Divine Order, he would never be willing to even take half a step into the Ping Yang Residence.
Furthermore, the current situation seemed like there was a fight going on.
If I don’t run now, when else?
The small eunuch ran, leaving Fang Zhengzhi standing alone in the middle of the army holding the Divine Order written on a golden cloth and looking at the archers in front of him that carried arrows yet didn’t draw their bows.
Bring the sword into the Throne Room?
Fang Zhengzhi naturally didn’t think that it would be as simple as bringing in the sword. Very evidently, this was a daylight robbery. Don’t tell me I really have to give the sword to the country?
In reality, Fang Zhengzhi had also thought that the sword in his hand would be an object of jealousy for some people. However, it was just jealousy.
His reasoning was that since the sword was obtained by him, it naturally belonged to himself.
This was reasoning from his past world.
As the saying went, kill monsters, level up and win treasures…
He had killed the monster, and passed the level. Hence, the treasure obtained naturally belonged to himself. This was something very logical and reasonable. However, in reality, this world didn’t seem to be like that.
Under the rule of the Emperor, all of the treasures in the world belonged to the Royal Family.
“Looks like my thinking was too naïve!” A faint smile formed on Fang Zhengzhi’s lips. All along, he was someone who preferred to go with the flow, without much interest in things like power.
Of course, he still wasn’t interested in these. This was his personality, one that didn’t like being bounded or restricted. The paths of entering the Imperial Government as an official or entering the army comprised too many restrictions of freedom. This wasn’t something he strove for.
However, not striving for these didn’t mean that he could be bullied.
“Hey, Fang Zhengzhi, does this thing belong to you?” Ping Yang’s voice interrupted Fang Zhengzhi’s thoughts.
“Huh? Why would my jade-coloured golden hairpin be with you? Never mind, I initially already intended to give it to you. You can have it, I have something on and will have to leave first!” Once he finished speaking, Fang Zhengzhi prepared to leave.
“You are going to leave just like that?” Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi in somewhat of a disbelief.
The previous time in the room, after Fang Zhengzhi had held her hostage, Chi Guyan used a jade-coloured golden hairpin as an excuse to dissolve the tense situation between Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang.
At that time, even though Fang Zhengzhi had made the promise, Ping Yang didn’t believe that Fang Zhengzhi would really carry it out.
Why would a shameless person keep his words?
This was the first thing Ping Yang thought. The second thing she thought was that even if Fang Zhengzhi really gave it to her, he would definitely do so with an intention.
But now…
She felt that she had thought wrongly. The previous scene demonstrated to her that before he came, Fang Zhengzhi didn’t know that the Emperor would ask him to enter the palace. More importantly, now that Fang Zhengzhi had evidently knew of this, why did he choose to leave?
Doesn’t he know that I am the great princess? Or, he had simply never seen me as the princess?
“Don’t tell me you still wish to extort from me? This jade-coloured golden hairpin cost me two hundred silver taels, it is very expensive!” Fang Zhengzhi naturally didn’t know what Ping Yang was thinking. He wondered if Ping Yang wasn’t very satisfied.
But, he had already spent two hundred silver taels on this. It was indeed extremely painful.
However, compared to the blow that Ping Yang had blocked for him in the World of the Sage, it was naturally too little. If Ping Yang wasn’t satisfied, he could actually consider adding another fifty taels to buy a pearl flower, or something similar.
“Hmph! Only two hundred silver taels…” When Ping Yang heard Fang Zhengzhi’s explanation, she knew that Fang Zhengzhi had misunderstood her intentions. However, this also made even clearer the fact that Fang Zhengzhi wasn’t here to seek her help, causing her to unconsciously pout her lips. Then, she looked at Fang Zhengzhi. “Shouldn’t you help me put this on after giving it to me?”
“I still have to put it on for you? How troublesome…” Fang Zhengzhi twitched his mouth very helplessly. However, in order to escape as fast as possible, he decided to bear with it.
Hence, he quickly walked in front of Ping Yang, held the jade-coloured golden hairpin, chose a modern and pretty angle and inserted the golden hairpin diagonally.
“Hmm, not bad!” Fang Zhengzhi felt that his taste in choosing things was rather impressive.
“Hmph… only not bad? It is clearly very beautiful, alright?” Ping Yang pouted her lips highly, an arrogant expression filling her face.
This scene undoubtedly didn’t quite match the previous tense atmosphere. Most importantly, around the two of them, there were a few hundred armoured soldiers wielding bows.
What happened to catching him?
Each of the soldiers stared blankly at Ping Yang and Fang Zhengzhi, heaving a sigh inwardly. Indeed, if the other party was Fang Zhengzhi, no matter how loudly the princess cried out, there was actually nothing wrong…
But, what happened between the two of them in the room?
…
The second day, in the early morning, the sky of the Yan Capital seemed constantly somewhat dark under the billowing wind. It was slightly cold. On the other hand, in the Throne Room within the Imperial Palace, this coldness was intensified.
As the meeting room of the Great Xia Dynasty, the glory of the Throne Room couldn’t be described in words. Bright red paint caused the entrance to glow with unparalleled brightness. Within the room, a huge golden pillar held up the entire structure of the room. On top of the golden pillar, eight lifelike golden dragons twisted their bodies around it from the bottom of the pillar to the top. The forms of the eight golden dragons were all different, arranged in the formation of The Golden Dragon and Pearl.
One golden pillar with the golden dragon carved on it. This was the one and only symbol of the imperial power.
Among those there were able to stand within the Throne Room, who among them didn’t represent the greatest authorities in the Great Xia Dynasty? They held meetings in the room, but controlled the countless number of lives in the world.
This, was the highest level of authority in the world.
But today…
This authority seemed to be facing a challenge, a challenge that had never been faced before. They were waiting for a person. A person who wasn’t an official, didn’t hold any appointment, and didn’t come from any prestigious family background.
All the officials stood silently within the Throne Room. However, there was an air of coldness on everybody’s faces. They really didn’t understand how could an ordinary citizen dare to make them wait?
Don’t tell me he didn’t know what a great glory it was for an ordinary citizen to receive the Divine Order?
Who among those who were invited to the room didn’t kneel for a few hours before the time they were expected outside the room, awaiting the start of the morning assembly and waiting to meet the Emperor?
But today…
The time for the morning assembly had already exceeded by half an hour. What could be discussed and what couldn’t be discussed were all not negotiable.
Yet, this guy who should be kneeling outside waiting to enter the room actually hadn’t arrived?
Most importantly, the eunuch in charge of reporting actually claimed that that guy had overslept. Furthermore, he was currently taking his time in a restaurant within the Yan Capital eating bread and drinking chicken soup…
Chapter 223: Killing two birds following another two birds with one stone
The present Emperor, the numerous officials, Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, were all standing in this Throne Room, waiting for an ordinary citizen who was still eating his bread.
How unbelievable was this.
The officials were enraged, each of them filled with righteous indignation. There were even people who entertained the thought that it wouldn’t be reasonable to pin a criminal offence of withholding truth from the Emperor. However, not a single official voiced this out.
The reason was very simple. Even though Fang Zhengzhi was an ordinary citizen, he was the theory examination roll champion of this Imperial Examination, a stunning talent that scored full marks in all six examination papers. Furthermore, he had even defeated and killed the Vice Domain Chief of the Demon Race, Ying Shan.
Most importantly, nobody knew who leaked the news, but in one night, the entire Yan Capital knew of the news that Fang Zhengzhi was going to enter the palace to meet the Emperor. Hence, numerous rumours were raised. Some claimed that the Emperor was about to reward Fang Zhengzhi’s valiant achievement in killing the demon.
There were also some who claimed that Fang Zhengzhi’s performance in this Imperial Examination was extraordinary, hence was about to be promoted against convention.
Of course, the centre of attention was always at the incident of the sword. Hence, naturally there were people who suggested that the Emperor might be eyeing the sword…
In that case.
The officials knew very clearly that no matter what, it was impossible to kill Fang Zhengzhi on the spot just because he was late in entering the palace.
That was tyranny, and also a move that would bring chill to the hearts of the people.
Naturally, nobody dared to mention it.
However, this wasn’t an acceptable reason for Fang Zhengzhi to undermine the Imperial Government. Such a blasphemous act deserved harsh punishments and serve as a warning to others.
“At least fifty strokes on the spot!”
“Fifty? I believe that if it isn’t at least a hundred, it would simply be useless!”
“In the end, it is still because he is too young and lack experience. He doesn’t know how to judge the importance of things. The first time I entered the palace to meet the Emperor, I had knelt in front of the room for exactly three hours.”
A few high ranking officials discussed softly among themselves about how best to punish Fang Zhengzhi when he arrived.
Right at this moment, a loud announcement suddenly rang out from outside the door.
“Fang Zhengzhi, enter the room and meet the Emperor!”
“He’s here?!”
“This guy ate his bread for a total of half an hour, why hasn’t he choked to death?”
“Don’t you know that he paired it with chicken soup? The hope of him choking to death isn’t very high. However, there is indeed some hope in seeing him beaten to death.”
When they heard the voice outside the door, anticipating looks appeared on each of the officials’ faces. Even they were angered. Then, as for His Highness the Royal Crown Prince, His Highness King Duan and the Emperor, how could they not be angered?
“Huh? The morning assembly hasn’t started yet?”
A leisurely voice sounded out from outside the door. Right after which, a figure wearing a blue robe stepped across the door of the Throne Room and walked over in a very natural and poised manner.
“Citizen Fang Zhengzhi greets the Emperor!”
“Fang Zhengzhi, you are really daring. What time is it already?” When one official heard Fang Zhengzhi’s words, he instantly stood out.
The Emperor was supposed to be kind and forgiving, hence he naturally couldn’t tell off an ordinary citizen personally. Thus, it was the jobs of these high ranking officials to do so in advance. This was knowing the Emperor’s intent, a good role model of an official who understood the Emperor’s intent.
“Time? I am indeed early! I had already told them that it was still early, but the eunuch in charge of leading the way didn’t want to believe me at all. When I heard that I am invited by the Emperor yesterday, I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep the entire night. Only in the early morning was I finally able to close my eyes. Who knew that I would still interrupt everybody’s morning assembly? Should I go outside the room to kneel for a while?”
As Fang Zhengzhi spoke, he turned his body around and really prepared to step across the door once again and kneel for a while outside the room.
“Stop right there, you… you better come back…” How could the official ever imagine that Fang Zhengzhi’s skin would be as thick? He was clearly almost an hour late, yet, he claimed to be early?
All the officials in the dynasty had already been standing for such a long time in this Throne Room. Who among them wasn’t aching all over and would allow Fang Zhengzhi to continue to drag the time?
“Never mind, one who doesn’t know isn’t guilty. Fang Zhengzhi was born in a village, and this is the first time he is invited to enter the palace. Not knowing the timing of the morning assembly can be forgiven. Please enter!” At this moment, Emperor Lin Mubai spoke.
“Emperor is kind and forgiving!” When the officials heard Emperor Lin Mubai’s words, they all praised in unison.
After Fang Zhengzhi heard what Emperor Lin Mubai said, he turned around swiftly and smoothly, looking at the numerous enraged officials with an innocent expression on his face.
“Fang Zhengzhi, I heard that you killed Vice Domain Chief Ying Shan of the demon race in the World of the Sage. I am very happy. What reward would you like?” Emperor Lin Mubai asked.
Naturally, he couldn’t direct inquire about the sword. This was the heart of the Emperor. The Emperor’s role in the dynasty was to gain the support of the people. Hence, the things he had to do were naturally righteous.
As for the sword…
He believed that the officials below him would definitely bring it up. What he had to do was to make a decision, a decision made very helplessly under very pressurised and forced circumstances.
“Contributing to the building up of the dynasty, risking my life and shedding blood is my lifelong desire. I don’t crave for great riches, nor do I want a high ranking position and a handsome salary. If Your Majesty insists on rewarding, I feel that an Anti-Death Medallion or something similar would be sufficient.” Fang Zhengzhi replied in a righteous manner.
“Anti-Death Medallion?!”
“This guy is indeed thick-skinned!”
“How can man be shameless to such an extent? Ever since the establishment of the Great Xia Dynasty, not even five Anti-Death Medallions have been given out. Who among them didn’t make great, everlasting contributions and accomplish great things for the country? This guy on the other hand only killed a Vice Domain Chief of the demon race, yet he still dares to ask for an Anti-Death Medallion?”
When a group of officials heard Fang Zhengzhi’s words, their eyes turned round with rage. They had absolutely never seen such a blasphemous and shameless person.
“Pff…” Emperor Lin Mubai coughed softly. Even he would never imagine that Fang Zhengzhi would give such a reply. The Anti-Death Medallion definitely couldn’t be given to him.
However, he asked, and Fang Zhengzhi replied. This wasn’t exactly inappropriate, and probably could be considered as the innocent heart of a child.
“The Anti-Death Medallion cannot be obtained so easily, it requires a great accomplishment. However, you are only fifteen years of age, there would still be many opportunities to do so in the future.” Emperor Lin Mubai shook his head lightly with a faint smile on his face.
“I see…” Fang Zhengzhi seemed somewhat disappointed.
On the other hand, the two high-ranking officials standing by the side knew what they should be saying. Just as they were preparing to start, Law Official Wan Chong took the first step and instantly stood out from the crowd.
He was the chief investigator of the Imperial Examination’s case, hence, was naturally the one with the biggest say.
In the situation today, the favour of the Emperor and the Crown Prince, as well as the entire room of officials were already all in the bag. All he had to do was to reach in and grab in order to win it. Hence, why would he end up behind others?
Fighting for achievements, understanding the Emperor’s intent…
All these tested an official’s ability to see the situation. To be able to become one of the Six Council Officials, Wan Chong naturally had his own unique insights
“Fang Zhengzhi, I am the Law Official Wan Chong, in charge of the case of Han Changfeng during the Imperial Examination. There is one thing I wish to understand from you. I heard that you used the sword that Sagely Battle God Meng Tian left in the World of the Sage when killing Ying Shan, is that true?” Law Official Wan Chong brought out the main topic with one sentence, using investigation of the case as an excuse.
As for why he asked this even though he knew the answer clearly.
It was his scheming. He had definitely considered that Fang Zhengzhi would claim that this was false. However, he had material proof and eye-witnesses to justify this. How could he allow Fang Zhengzhi to lie openly in the Imperial Hall?
If Fang Zhengzhi lied, he really didn’t mind charging Fang Zhengzhi with withholding truth from the Emperor. This was killing two birds with one stone, doubling his contributions.
“That’s right!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded with a sincere expression on his face.
“This sword is left by Sagely Battle God Meng Tian when he died and is of great importance to the Great Xia Dynasty. Even though Fang Zhengzhi was lucky and fortunate to be able to obtain this sword in the Imperial Examination, it is still a contribution. I plea for Your Majesty to grant Fang Zhengzhi a thousand fine silver to commend him for his service in retrieving the sword!” Law Official Wan Chong was slightly disappointed when he saw Fang Zhengzhi nod.
However, this didn’t affect his plans. It only meant that his contributions would be downplayed a little.
When the other officials heard this, they suddenly understood. Using Fang Zhengzhi’s accomplishments to force him to surrender the sword. This was what the Emperor wanted. To be able to become the Law Official, Wan Chong indeed had his own fortes.
“I agree with Mr Wan. Fang Zhengzhi, having obtained Sagely Battle God Meng Tian’s sword in the Imperial Examination, is indeed the pride of our dynasty, and a blessing to the people. A thousand fine silver isn’t enough to reward such a contribution, I hope Your Majesty can increase the reward!”
“I also agree to this. Such a great contribution deserves more reward!”
“I agree!”
“I agree!”
“…”
Fang Zhengzhi hadn’t even had the time to speak before a group of officials stood out one following another, simply not giving him a chance to object.
Each of their faces were filled with righteousness, wanting to reward Fang Zhengzhi for his contribution.
The sensation, the excitement, the virtues, permeated the air of the Throne Room and hung overhead for a long time.
When Emperor Lin Mubai saw this, his expression turned somewhat awkward, as if he was pondering something. He didn’t seem to have any intention of speaking.
“I wish to speak. Fang Zhengzhi had done a huge service during this Imperial Examination, from killing the Vice Domain Chief of the demon race to retrieving the prized sword for the dynasty. All of these are great contributions. Now, even though the Imperial Examination had been delayed, but with Fang Zhengzhi’s accomplishments of attaining Roll Champion in the theory examination and passing the three stages of the Broken Bridge, Twin Stone Tablets and the stone house and hence could be considered as passing four stages, I wish that Your Majesty can grant kindness to Fang Zhengzhi and allow him early entry into the government. I believe this doesn’t go against the rules of our ancestors!” At this moment, Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping stood out from the front of the crowd of officials. He also pled for Fang Zhengzhi to be rewarded.
However, he pled an even greater reward.
It should be known that under usual circumstances, one who passed the Imperial Examination was qualified to enter the government as an official. However, this required waiting. A short time to wait would be half a year, while a longer time would be three to five years. Even waiting more than ten years and still not receiving the appointment wasn’t unheard of.
Fang Zhengzhi was fifteen years old. Entering the government as an official at fifteen years of age was an extremely rare occurrence in the history of the entire Great Xia Dynasty.
But now…
Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping directly requested for Fang Zhengzhi to be appointed as an official. This seemed to go against the laws of ancestors. However, in reality, this was a brilliant move. Granting great kindness to Fang Zhengzhi could not only spread the name of the Emperor, but also cause Fang Zhengzhi to become a person envied by everybody in the world.
This was killing another two birds with one stone, on top of the Law Official’s scheme. This was the brilliant move of killing two birds following another two birds with one stone.
Chapter 224: Cannot bear to part with
What was the slyness of the old? What was understanding the Emperor’s intent? Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping used his actions to tell all of the officials present that he was the person who knew the Emperor’s heart best.
At this moment, Emperor Lin Mubai’s expression finally seemed somewhat at ease.
This was the exact outcome he wanted. Even though Fang Zhengzhi was an ordinary citizen, his performance in the Imperial Examination, regardless of whether it was the theory examination or the combat examination, all proved that he was indeed a talent who could be nurtured.
Since that was the case.
He naturally couldn’t recruit him forcefully.
The same knife cuts bread and fingers. Emperor Lin Mubai knew this very clearly. But, he needed this sword, the sword that could rebuild an awe-inspiring Great Xia Dynasty. But, he didn’t wish to turn Fang Zhengzhi’s heart cold because of this.
Hence, he had to grant great kindness. And, it had to be true great kindness.
Donating a sword.
And receiving unparalleled rewards in return, and also the opportunity to enter the Imperial Government. To an ordinary citizen, this was enough. Of course, he could grant Fang Zhengzhi even more benefits. However, Fang Zhengzhi was still too young.
The young had to face obstacles and difficulties. One couldn’t reach the sky in a single bound.
Emperor Lin Mubai respected Fang Zhengzhi’s abilities. However, Fang Zhengzhi was ultimately still an ordinary citizen. He had to strike a balance and not lose the support of the noble families.
“Council Official Qiao, are there currently any formal appointments available?” Emperor Lin Mubai finally spoke.
When they heard Emperor Lin Mubai’s words, the officials present were slightly taken aback. Even though his words were very simple, the two words formal appointments expressed the Emperor’s intent.
He was about to gain an appointment directly?
Entering the government at fifteen years old, and holding a formal appointment once he entered. Such kindness of the Emperor was exceedingly rare in history. It was clearly evident that Emperor Lin Mubai held Fang Zhengzhi in high regard.
As the officials were taken aback, nobody bothered to consider whether Fang Zhengzhi would be willing to surrender the sword. From their viewpoint, since the Emperor intended to obtain the sword, could the opinion and views of an ordinary citizen still be considered an opinion?
The Minister of Manpower Official ‘Qiao Dean’ stood out at this moment and lightly rubbed his greying beard. This expression was calm, but inside, he was rapidly considering how to reply this question.
He understood the intention of the Emperor, but Emperor Lin Mubai didn’t make clear what rank he was considering. This caused him some difficulty. If he announced an appointment that was too high ranking, the officials might be against it. If he announced one that was too low, he feared that the Emperor would blame him.
“The Wen Tian County in the Wu An Capital of the Southern Nation seems to be lacking a county head…” Minister of Manpower Official Qiao Dean asked probingly. A county head was a rank seven official appointment. This was already very hard to achieve.
Furthermore, to be in charge of a county was an extremely important appointment.
“Fang Zhengzhi is still young, a county head is in charge of the lives of many citizens and require some experience. It is too chaotic and the location is a little too far. I can’t bear for this to happen.” When Emperor Lin Mubai heard Minister of Manpower Official Qiao Dean’s words, he shook his head lightly.
When the officials heard this, they were taken aback once again. This meaning of this last sentence was very clear. Don’t tell me he wishes for Fang Zhengzhi to remain in the Yan Capital?
Then, he would become a real Imperial Official.
Among the Imperial Officials, the smallest appointment was already almost rank five.
Rank five?!
An ordinary fifteen-year-old citizen who had just passed the Imperial Examination was about to be appointed as a Rank Five Official. This Emperor’s kindness was something almost nobody in history could match up to.
Minister of Manpower Official Qiao Dean also wiped off the beads of sweat that formed on his forehead at this moment. He had never thought that Emperor Lin Mubai would hold Fang Zhengzhi in such high regard.
The Emperor’s intent was already obvious, hence, he naturally knew how to reply.
Just as he prepared to speak.
A voice sounded out from outside the door.
“Your Majesty, outside the room, Xing Qingsui of the Stabilisation Constabulary, Yan Xiu of the Yan family and Nangong Mu of the Nangong Nobles wishes to meet Your Majesty.
“Qingsui? Isn’t he heavily injured? Why would he meet me? Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu… Isn’t Nangong Mu injured as well? Quick, welcome them in!” When Emperor Lin Mubai heard the voices from outside, he nodded his head.
A look of doubt and suspicion formed on the faces of the officials when they heard the voices outside. Yan Xiu requesting to meet the Emperor wasn’t something that they hadn’t expected.
However, what was the reason Xing Qingsui and Nangong Mu requested to meet the Emperor?
Both of them were injured in the combat examination. Why did they come all the way to the palace instead of resting their injuries?
Could it be that something happened to the Stabilisation Constabulary? Or, there was an important matter from the Nangong Nobles?
That’s not probable…
If something really happened, it was sufficient to send somebody to report it.
Fang Zhengzhi stood quietly within the room. He was also somewhat confused. He didn’t tell Yan Xiu that he was going to meet the Emperor. Furthermore, he had only met with Xing Qingsui and Nangong Mu once in the combat examination. Xing Qingsui and Nangong Mu had specially requested to meet the Emperor just because of him?
He had truly never imagined this.
Very quickly, Xing Qingsui, Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu walked in. Xing Qingsui was carried on a stretcher by four guards. Even though he was wearing a black official robe, there were still bloodstains visible on his chest.
“Subject Xing Qingsui hails Your Majesty.” Once he entered the Throne Room, Xing Qingsui crawled up from the stretch and kowtowed onto the floor. His body trembled as he bit his lips tightly. He was evidently in extreme pain.
“Subject Yan Xiu hails Your Majesty.”
“Subject Nangong Mu hails Your Majesty.”
Today, Yan Xiu didn’t wear a brocade robe. Instead, he wore a black official robe with a Mountain River illustration sewn onto it. It seemed somewhat solemn. Nangong Mu also wore an official robe similar to that of Yan Xiu.
However, a sword was sewn onto it instead.
This was the first time Fang Zhengzhi had seen Yan Xiu in such an attire.
Then, recalling Yan Xiu addressing himself as subject when he greeted the Emperor, a thought suddenly flashed across his mind. Could Yan Xiu have had an official position or title of nobility all along?
How could he never have mentioned it before…
However, after a brief moment of consideration, he realised that it was normal. Yan Xiu was the descendent of the Yan family. Furthermore, he was a direct descendent. Hence, it was normal for him to have inherited a title of nobility.
“Rise!”
“Thank you Your Majesty!”
“Somebody come, Qingsui is injured, give him a seat!”
“Thank you Your Majesty, but, I can stand.”
“The Stabilisation Constabulary is indeed the land of heroes. I never thought that Qingsui’s attitude would be similar to that of Xing Hou. However, Qingsui, what important matter do you have to talk to me about instead of resting your injuries at home?” Emperor Lin Mubai looked at Xing Qingsui in a rather confused manner. The relationship between Xing Hou and himself were as close as brothers, hence, he would naturally treat Xing Qingsui like his own son.
“I am here because of the sword.”
“Sword?”
“I heard that there were some high-ranking officials in the government who wished to snatch Fang Zhengzhi’s sword. However, I had personally witnessed Fang Zhengzhi killing the demon with the sword. If it wasn’t for Fang Zhengzhi, the sword would never be revealed and remain buried deep within the World of the Sage. Even though I know that I have no say in the Imperial Government, but I don’t agree with this move.” Xing Qingsui’s tone was very determined, staring at the officials like a tiger eyeing its prey.
When the officials heard Xing Qingsui’s words, they were taken aback.
Xing Qingsui was actually here to help Fang Zhengzhi keep the sword?
If these words came from Yan Xiu, they would definitely not be as stunned. However, they seemed to never have heard that Xing Qingsui was now on Fang Zhengzhi’s side.
What actually happened in the World of the Sage that spurred the direct descendent of the Stabilisation Constabulary to plea for Fang Zhengzhi? This indeed exceeded their imaginations.
“Ha ha… don’t tell me you are all here because of the sword?” A glimmer of shock flashed across Emperor Lin Mubai’s eyes. The reason he asked Xing Qingsui instead of Yan Xiu was actually very simple.
Because he didn’t want anybody to mention the sword.
Xing Qingsui had followed Xing Hou for many years in the Stabilisation Constabulary, hence he could naturally infer this intention. However, this didn’t deter him from voicing it out. This represented the determination in his heart.
“I am here for the sword!”
“Me too!”
After Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu heard Emperor Lin Mubai’s words, they replied respectfully.
This scene instantly caused the officials to be somewhat taken aback. Fang Zhengzhi was just an ordinary citizen. The fact that he was close to Yan Xiu was already something unthinkable.
However, even more unexpected was that after this combat examination.
He had actually spurred Xing Qingsui of the Stabilisation Constabulary and Nangong Mu of the Nangong Nobles, a family which isolated themselves from the people thousands of miles away, to plea for him in front of the Emperor?!
The three of them seemed to have no power to speak regardless of whether it was in the Yan Capital or the Imperial Government. However, the three of them represented three powerful forces in the Great Xia Dynasty.
The Stabilisation Constabulary, leader of the Thirteen Constabularies.
The Yan family of the Western Liang.
The Nangong Nobles hidden away in the world!
Furthermore, other than Nangong Mu, the other two were almost undisputed successors. This also meant that these two people would become forces of immeasurable power in the future of the Great Xia Dynasty.
Emperor Lin Mubai wanted for Fang Zhengzhi to surrender the sword.
The officials could understand this. Hence, the officials knew very clearly that the three people in front of them understood this as well. However, this didn’t deter them from entering the palace to plea in front of the Emperor.
Fang Zhengzhi…
What traits did he have that caused the three of them to enter the palace for him?!
A glimmer of light flashed across Emperor Lin Mubai’s eyes. It was naturally impossible for him to instantly change his mind because of Xing Qingsui, Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu’s words.
However, he was still rather shocked by the behaviour of these three people.
Emperor Lin Mubai respected talents. He admired and valued Fang Zhengzhi’s talent. However, he had also heard of Fang Zhengzhi’s behaviour outside and hence wasn’t very satisfied with his way of dealing with things.
He had always felt that Fang Zhengzhi’s personality required some tuning. Furthermore, his mentality was too leisurely, lacking pressure and motivation.
He didn’t really understand how the cold Yan Xiu could walk together with Fang Zhengzhi.
But, he never expected someone with a frank and straightforward personality like Xing Qingsui to have any form of relation with Fang Zhengzhi. Furthermore, Nangong Mu had a lonely personality ever since young. How could such a person click with someone with a personality like Fang Zhengzhi’s?
Could it be that my views of Fang Zhengzhi had been… wrong?
This thought rose in Emperor Lin Mubai’s mind. As the Emperor of the Dynasty, he had unparalleled self-confidence. It was simply impossible for him to admit his mistakes easily. Even if any doubts arose in his heart, it would quickly be suppressed and rejected.
“The Imperial Officials had already made a decision on this matter. Fang Zhengzhi’s contribution of the sword would be rewarded by gold, and taking a post in the Yan Capital! Qingsui, you are injured. You should go back and rest. Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu, please stay. After the morning assembly, accompany me to walk the Imperial Garden and chat with me. Ha ha… It is very rare for the two of you to visit me, I have been thinking of you!” Emperor Lin Mubai smiled softly and waved his hands lightly at the three of them.
Chapter 225: Hole in the Throne Room
Xing Qingsui, Nangong Mu, and Yan Xiu were all here because of Fang Zhengzhi and the sword.
However, they all knew what the Emperor, Lin Mubai, meant when he refused to say anything explicitly, calling it the decision of the courts.
Going against the Emperor’s wishes was extremely dangerous.
However, after looking at each other, they could feel the determination in each other’s eyes.
Xing Qingsui was pale from standing so long. He had been stabbed in the chest during the combat examinations. Even though he was carried here, the strain of standing was taking its toll on him.
However, as someone who had fought on the battlefield, and as the heir of the Stabilisation Constabulary, he would stand for what he believed in, even if it meant a possibility of going against the Emperor’s wishes.
Xing Qingsui stepped forward, but did not answer.
Yan Xiu had already stepped forward before this. Nangong Mu virtually stepped forward in synchronisation with Xing Qingsui.
“Your highness!”
Before the three of them could say anything, Fang Zhengzhi stepped forward and blocked them. Then, he turned to smile at them.
Fang Zhengzhi had no idea why Xing Qingsui and Nangong Mu came. However, since they were here, he could not possibly let them go up against the Emperor.
He had been listening in from start to finish. In actual fact, he had expected everything that the officials had said. What had surprised him was that the Emperor wanted him to stay in the capital.
Does he really want to make me an official?
If Fang Zhengzhi was merely an ordinary citizen, any wronged feeling of his would have been eliminated. The Emperor was incredibly generous to reward him with gold and an official position in exchange for the sword.
It was a pity that Fang Zhengzhi’s ambitions were never political.
As such, the position of an official was not particularly attractive to Fang Zhengzhi. In fact, it was almost negligible.
Just as he was preparing to voice his opinion, a red figure rushed in from outside the door. Then, it ran up to the Emperor.
“Father, you’ve been so biased. How can you ask them both to go to the Imperial Gardens? Who will accompany me then…” A crisp voice rang out.
There were only a few people in the Great Xia Dynasty who could rush into the Throne Room unobstructed. Those were all the dictators of a particular region, people who were on par with Lin Mubai.
Other than those people, there was one other…
That was Ping Yang.
Ping Yang was the Emperor’s favorite princess. As such, she could go find the Emperor at all times of the day unobstructed. Even the officials did not dare to breathe a word about the regulations when speaking about her.
She was the most pampered princess of the Great Xia Dynasty.
“Haha… Ping Yang is here, then I must definitely accompany my Ping Yang first!” Emperor Lin Mubai smiled as he looked at Ping Yang in the red cloak. He then motioned for her to sit by his side.
“Father is the best! You promised to accompany me first ya? Then let’s go to the Imperial Gardens!” Ping Yang grabbed the Emperor’s hand and shook it lightly.
“Hang on for abit, my morning court session has not ended. When this is over, I will accompany you in the Imperial Gardens.” Emperor Lin Mubai said in a pampering manner.
“Isn’t it just a broken sword? Can it be better than the Blazing Qilin Spear you gave to me?”
“Ping Yang, you can’t say that. Sagely Battle God Meng Tian is a hero. How can you say his sword is a broken sword?”
“Is that so? Then let’s say it’s a treasure, but why should there be an argument about it? I say that the sword belongs to who has it. Don’t… you all agree?” Ping Yang looked at the Emperor innocently before turning to the other officials, smirking as she did so.
“About this…” All of the officials looked at each other. They could tell that Ping Yang was here about the sword as well.
However, Ping Yang was different from Yan Xiu and the others.
Yan Xiu and Xing Qingsui represented the future powers of the Great Xia Dynasty. However, Ping Yang represented the current power of the Great Xia Dynasty, a power which no one dared to antagonize.
At the very least…
No official wanted to go against Ping Yang in public.
If they went against Ping Yang, it was very possible that their backyard may catch fire, their house may be sacked, and their official robes may be torn of their body as they walked on the street…
That kind of mental torture was possibly worse than death.
Emperor Lin Mubai was still smiling. He knew from the moment Ping Yang entered what she was here for. However, he was unwilling to call her out.
As such, he looked to his Left Prime Minister, Yu Yiping.
Yu Yiping knew that he was probably the only person who could say something. Ping Yang would probably diss anyone else.
“Princess is logical. However, that can only apply for items without owners. If the item is already owned by someone, then the rule cannot apply. I have a jade bracelet here that was given to me by an ancient Emperor. Everyone here knows that this is mine. Even if I drop it now, anyone who picks it up cannot claim it. It is still mine. I wonder if Princess agrees with this?”
Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping smiled and took out his jade bracelet as he looked at Ping Yang calmly.
In fact, his statement may have seemed ordinary, but it was incredibly loaded. He had made it known that this jade was given to him by an ancient emperor. No matter how rebellious Ping Yang could be, she would not be so willful when she was talking about the ancestors.
“You…” Ping Yang’s face was flushed. She swallowed her words just before she said it out loud. She may be rebellious, but she still knew her limits.
If an ancient emperor had presented this to Yu Yiping, who was she to say that it did not belong to him? That fact itself was a deal breaker.
All of the officials knew exactly what Yu Yiping was doing. He managed to stump Ping Yang with a single sentence.
As an official and a minister, Yu Yiping was able to understand what the Emperor wanted and felt, was able to resolve the Emperor’s problems and put the Emperor’s mind at ease. His skills were indeed admirable.
The Emperor nodded and smiled. He did not want to see Ping Yang argue with his officials.
The best way was to use the ancient emperors to shut Ping Yang up. This way, the issue could be easily resolved.
“Minister Yu is wise! I am extremely convinced!”
Just as everyone was awed by Yu Yiping’s intellect and wit, a voice rang out.
All of the officials looked in the direction of the voice. They quickly realized that the voice had come from Fang Zhengzhi.
“Fang Zhengzhi?! He’s praising Minister Yu?”
“He has given up I guess?”
“Give up? Official Li is rather deep. Did you think that a hillbilly like him could possibly go up against all of us? Won’t we all be put to shame?”
All of the officials looked at Fang Zhengzhi mockingly. That being said, everyone thought that Fang Zhengzhi was doing the right thing.
Fang Zhengzhi was able to react to the situation and find some support in a huge pillar who was Yu Yiping. At the same time, he did so whilst following the wishes of the Emperor. This was quite the feat.
Heir Lin Tianrong looked to Fang Zhengzhi.
He had always thought of Fang Zhengzhi as a hillbilly. He never thought much of his ‘extraordinary’ abilities. However, seeing Yan Xiu, Xing Qingsui and Nangong Mu all step up for him was quite the sight.
Fang Zhengzhi was also about to be given the post of an official.
If that was the case…
It would not be a bad thing for him to absorb Fang Zhengzhi into his camp. If Fang Zhengzhi really decided to side with Yu Yiping, then he would have a stake in the claims to the sword as well.
After the Heir, Lin Tianrong, glanced at Fang Zhengzhi, he turned quickly to Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping and nodded his approval.
Yu Yiping knew what Lin Tianrong was thinking. However, he did not think that Fang Zhengzhi would be easy to absorb. That being said, since Fang Zhengzhi was willing to show such sincerity, he would not be too petty.
“Young master Fang, thank you for your compliment. In this Imperial Examinations, you have proven yourself to be the undisputed best. You finished the entire Theory Examination flawlessly, stunning the empire in the process. Then, in the Combat Examinations, you defeated one of the demon’s Vice Domain Chief, saving Princess Ping Yang and countless candidates in the process. These are all great achievements. I believe that you will serve well as an official in the capital!” Yu Yiping’s attitude changed as he smiled warmly at Fang Zhengzhi. His last statement showed his approval to make Fang Zhengzhi an official in the capital.
King Duan clenched his fists tightly when he heard it.
He could tell that Yu Yiping was trying to recruit Fang Zhengzhi. However, thinking about the possibility of Fang Zhengzhi siding with the heir sent chills down his spine.
He was extremely unsettled. He did not understand why he felt this way. Fang Zhengzhi was just a hillbilly. Even if he was made an official, he would just be a Rank Five Official.
With countless officials in the capital, a Rank Five Official was really not particularly powerful.
But…
Why did he feel so unsettled?
King Duan was furious.
However, Ping Yang was even more furious.
She was here to help Fang Zhengzhi claim the sword. Instead of appreciating her held, Fang Zhengzhi spoke up for Yu Yiping. This enraged her immensely.
“Fang Zhengzhi, I came here to help you!” Ping Yang exploded with rage.
“Thank you your highness. However, I do think that Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping makes sense. Any item with an owner should not be taken away even if it’s lying on the floor. For example… this sword!” Fang Zhengzhi smiled.
As he spoke, a ray of light shone from his chest, shooting high up in the throne room, before…
“Boom!”
A loud sound echoed out and a two meter wide hole appeared in the throne room.
Chapter 226: A slight tug
There was a blade stuck right in the middle of the cavity.
It looked like an incredibly ordinary sword. There were no patterns or intricate engravings on the hilt. The entire sword, from hilt to blade, began to glow.
A faint purple light began to shine from the ground. This was a strange purple glow, and it represented Si Kong’s last drop of blood.
This blade was not exquisite, however, no one in the entire court would call this an ordinary blade.
This was Meng Tian’s sword, the sword which had killed the Demon Lord Si Kong.
Everyone in the throne room was staring at the sword.
“This is the Sagely Battle God Meng Tian’s sword?!”
“This is an extremely good sword!”
“With this sword, the glory of the Great Xia Dynasty would be reinforced!”
All of the officials looked at the sword, their eyes filled with greed and lust. However, none of them dared to make a move on it.
This blade meant too much.
This was the sword of Meng Tian, one of the greatest heroes of the Great Xia Dynasty. He was the pride of humanity, and his sword represented his legacy.
King Duan and Lin Tianrong were both looking at the sword. Both their eyes glimmered and King Duan felt his hand shaking unconsciously.
If he could get hold of this sword, then it would solidify his place in the courts.
This blade represented greatness. Being Sagely Battle God Meng Tian’s sword, it represented his legacy and will.
Combining that with his current position, who would dare go up against him in the three armies?!
The heir also felt his palms begin to sweat. He knew what King Duan wanted. You want to use the power of the sword to bring the three armies to their knees?
He could not let King Duan have his way. No matter what, he had to get the sword, because the sword represented Meng Tian’s will.
The Emperor himself was slightly taken aback, nothing more. Even though the blade was stuck in the ground, it was almost as if it was in his hand.
As the Emperor, he could have the sword at any time he wanted.
This was the first time Yan Xiu, Ping Yang, Xing Qingsui and Nangong Mu seen the sword.
They knew that Fang Zhengzhi had gotten this sword from the World of the Sage, but, Why did he stab it into the ground?
Also, what did Fang Zhengzhi mean…
“An item with an owner?!”
Yu Yiping’s expression was much darker than everyone else. Even though he was also looking at the sword, he was thinking about what Fang Zhengzhi had said just now.
“Any item with an owner should not be taken away even if it’s lying on the floor!”
What did Fang Zhengzhi mean by that?
Could it be…
Yu Yiping had a bad feeling. The feeling was strong, but he refused to believe that this was going to happen.
Fang Zhengzhi was slightly nervous. He was not nervous about the sword, but about the gaping cavity he had caused in the throne room.
Uh oh, I might have thrown it a little too heavily…
Where is this place?
The Throne Room!
Uh oh… am I going to have to pay for the gaping hole I made in the throne room? How much is it going to cause…
Will anyone believe me if I said it was an accident?
Fang Zhengzhi’s gaze swept over all the officials in attendance, then he snuck a peek at King Duan and the Heir before finally looking at the Emperor’s expression.
Then he heaved a sigh of relief.
No one seemed to notice the hole in the ground. All of them were looking at the sword. Well that was easy. He could simply push the blame to the sword. No one would have the sword killed or fine the sword right?
When he thought about that, Fang Zhengzhi’s courage grew as he looked at the officials innocently.
“Fang Zhengzhi, you just said that this was an item with an owner, even if it’s thrown on the ground, no one should take it away. What did you mean by that?” One of the officials stood out after Yu Yiping glanced in his direction.
“What do I mean? Don’t you understand the meaning of that statement? Then how did you pass your examinations…” Fang Zhengzhi looked at that official condescendingly.
“How did I pass my examinations?!”
All of the officials looked at Fang Zhengzhi. It was extremely humiliating for a Rank Four Official to be humiliated this way.
It was nothing but blatant humiliation…
This humiliation was equivalent to a well read sage picking up the simple ‘Three Character Classic’ and having it snatched away by a child saying, “Return it to me, it’s not like you can understand it!”
What audacity.
“You…” The official’s face turned red and white. He wanted to rebut Fang Zhengzhi, but it would really be a joke if a Rank Four Official took offence with what a commoner said. As such, he had no other choice but to rephrase his question, “What I am asking you is, what is your purpose in saying this?”
“Oh, so you are asking me for purpose? But, didn’t Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping make it very clear? Any item with an owner should not be affiliated with who picked it up, but with who owned it initially. Do you have any issue with what he said?” Fang Zhengzhi asked.
“Hahaha… Prime Minister Yu is clearly right. But you seem to imply that this sword is yours? Fang Zhengzhi, I do agree that you are talented, but this is the legacy of Meng Tian, how can it be yours?” The official laughed. He did not see the link between what Yu Yiping said and what Fang Zhengzhi was saying.
“That’s simple. All we have to do is call and see if the sword responds. Whoever makes the sword respond is clearly the owner?” Fang Zhengzhi said in a matter-of-fact fashion.
He had called out the sword in the World of the Sage. He had the confidence to do it again here. All he needed was someone to question him.
Then, he could prove it to everyone.
“Is it possible that you can…”
“Official Wang!”
A voice interrupted the official. Then, one of the observers rushed out and shook his head at the official.
As one of the invigilators of the Imperial Examination, he knew exactly what had happened inside the World of the Sage. He also knew that Fang Zhengzhi had called out the sword then.
Fang Zhengzhi was clearly setting up a trap.
The moment the official said anything to challenge him, Fang Zhengzhi could call the sword and the entire court would be silenced.
Using Yu Yiping’s words to silence the courts?
The man who stood out smiled icily. He had to admire Fang Zhengzhi’s plan. However, this was the throne room, how could a brash youth be allowed to have his way?
“Fang Zhengzhi, you found this sword in the World of the Sage and used it to kill a demon. It is only natural for this blade to listen to you temporarily. However, this does not prove that the blade is yours!”
“Furthermore, this sword is the embodiment of Meng Tian’s will. It was made to kill demons. Whilst I am sure you can use this sword, there are many talents in the Great Xia Dynasty. I believe that this sword should be given to someone more powerful. That is the only way its full power can be brought to bear!”
“Of course, I also believe that you will have outstanding power in the coming years. When that day comes and you have served the dynasty, who is to say the blade won’t be given to you?”
After finishing his little speech, that man looked at Fang Zhengzhi contentedly. He thought that he outmaneuvered Fang Zhengzhi once again.
So….
What is Fang Zhengzhi going to do now?
The official who had asked the question felt a chill down his back. He finally understood the danger just now. He had nearly played right into the hands of a court novice.
If he had done so, his future would have been over.
He nodded appreciatively at the law official. Then, he retreated back into the crowd.
The other officials also knew what Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do. They were slightly surprised. Even so, they mocked, You’re trying to play us even before you enter court?
Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew. You may have the heart, but you don’t have the abilities.
Yu Yiping was slightly solemn. He had thought that Fang Zhengzhi had already given up, but Fang Zhengzhi was trying to turn it in his favor?
Sadly, Fang Zhengzhi was still quite immature.
The law official saw that Fang Zhengzhi did not speak anymore. He also saw all of the officials looking at him. He knew that this was the time to close the case.
“I will help young master Fang present the sword!” The law official smiled at Fang Zhengzhi and at the seated Emperor.
After getting the Emperor’s approval, he walked to the sword.
After a faint cough, he held the hilt in his hand.
He tensed his arm and pulled…
The sword did not move.
“Oh? It is a good sword. It is stabbed quite deep into the ground, hahaha… I have to use some strength!” The law official flushed in embarrassment when he failed to extract the sword.
However, being a seasoned politician, he knew how to adapt.
He laughed.
But his laugh was slightly forced. His expression became solemn and his posture changed. He placed two hands on the hilt and tugged…
Chapter 227: Sword Spirit Recognizing an Owner
This made his posture quite ugly.
The sword was deep in the ground. In order to exert one’s full force, it was impossible to maintain a straight posture.
The law official also didn’t bother about his appearance anymore. He grabbed the hilt tightly and took up a more stable stance.
He was putting in quite a bit of effort.
However, in doing so, he looked quite comical and the other officials began to snicker amongst themselves.
Before long…
Those snickering officials realized that something was amiss.
The law official had been working the sword for sometime now. He was putting in so much effort the veins were popping out of his arms. His face was completely flushed and he was sweating profusely.
His smile had all but disappeared, sweat dripping from his forehead.
He was using every last ounce of his energy.
However, the blade still remained stuck in the ground…
It did not move a single inch.
All of the officials were stunned by what they saw. Law Official Wan Chong cannot even extract a sword?
How is that possible?!
Wan Chong was quite capable, which explained why he managed to rise through the ranks so quickly. He rose through the ranking boards very quickly as well. Even though his cultivation was slightly delayed as a result of his political ambitions, he already entered the Supernatural State a few years ago.
How can someone in that state fail to extract a sword from the ground?
No one could believe their eyes.
Could it be…
A thought flashed in the minds of all the officials on scene. That was the only plausible explanation, but it was slightly ridiculous.
Perhaps… just perhaps… the blade that Meng Tian left behind…
Had a spirit!
Everyone believed this. After all, it had caused the World of the Sage to go out of control. However, no one believed that the sword would really choose Fang Zhengzhi as its owner.
He was just a commoner who had just broken through to the Heavenly Reflection State. He did not even rank in the top 10 of the Rising Dragon Roll. Furthermore, there was still the Golden Dragon Roll above that.
And this sword?
This sword once belonged to the mighty Meng Tian. Such a sword should be immensely arrogant. Why would it choose Fang Zhengzhi as its owner?
All of them had thought that the blade’s spirit had used Fang Zhengzhi to kill the invading demon.
But now…
It looked like they were all wrong.
“Could it be that this blade has really taken Fang Zhengzhi to be its owner?!”
All of the officials looked at each other. Their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief. No one had expected something like this to happen.
King Duan frowned deeply. He wanted to give it a go, but he was weaker than Wan Chong. What would he do if he failed to extract the sword?
The heir’s, Lin Tianrong, eyes also glowed icily. He no longer looked at Wan Chong, who was still trying hard to extract the sword. Instead, he turned to look at Yu Yiping.
Yu Yiping’s expression darkened.
If the blade cannot be extracted, then he would be the ‘main culprit’. After all, he had suggested finding an owner…
Yan Xiu, Xing Qingsui, and Nangong Mu were all stunned by what they saw. After the initial shock, they looked at Fang Zhengzhi with conflicted expressions.
They had heard Fang Zhengzhi’s ‘confession’ in the World of the Sage.
“Is there really such a thing?” The three people looked at each other in disbelief. Deep down, they rejoiced.
Ping Yang’s crystal clear eyes looked at the flushed Wan Chong. She too was surprised, but her expression quickly changed to one of anger.
She glanced furtively at Fang Zhengzhi, pouting, “Hmph, shameless person! Did he really manage to lie his way into getting the sword?”
Fang Zhengzhi looked at Wan Chong, who was sweating profusely. He knew what Yan Xiu, Ping Yang and the others were thinking.
In actual fact, he had put in quite a lot of effort to achieve the current situation.
Last night, he spent the whole night awake. After leaving Ping Yang’s residence, he locked himself in his room, telling stories to the sword.
He started with some children’s stories, then progressed on to various martial art novels. In the end, he even narrated the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The whole point was to feel the strong happiness in the blade.
As for the confession?
It had helped a bit. However, to let an arrogant blade like the Traceless Sword want to belong to him, it was far from enough. Stories were the finisher.
Fang Zhengzhi felt happier and more confident as time went by. He began to hum a little tune, “Tug and tug, tug at a carrot…”
However, he did not watch his volume.
The entire court began to fill up with Fang Zhengzhi’s humming. It was quite a comical scene when coupled with Wan Chong’s flushed expression.
The Emperor’s expression began to change slightly as he nodded towards a middle aged man in armor.
“Official Wan, you have labored enough. Why not you leave such a small matter to a general like me?” The middle aged man stepped out from the crowd after getting the nod from the Emperor.
All of the officials heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing the middle aged man step out.
“Thank you General Jin. You should not have to engage yourself in a small matter like this. However, I sprained my waist whilst walking in the park yesterday. My strength is simply not up to standard today!” The Law Official immediately let go of the hilt and wiped off the sweat on his face.
He had already been embarrassed. However, he could not possibly continue being stubborn about it. He had already used up all his energy.
“We might be in trouble!” Xing Qingsui was slightly worried when he saw General Jin step out.
Yan Xiu did not speak, but he too was nervous. Even though he was not in the courts, he knew the abilities of General Jin very well.
Even though General Jin was not the most powerful person in the courts, his congenital characteristics made him one of the strongest.
Nangong Mu looked at Fang Zhengzhi, wanting to say something.
However, Fang Zhengzhi was still humming his tune, almost as if he did not see General Jin coming out. He looked rather aloof.
In actual fact, Fang Zhengzhi was slightly worried.
However, the more flustered he was, the worse it would get. He simply could not go up against the officials here. He could only let things take its course.
He decided to concentrate on the sword.
In actual fact, he did not want Nangong Mu, Yan Xiu, and the others to be involved. That way, they could just be spectators.
By this time, General Jin had already walked to the sword. He glared at it then took a large step. He did not care about posture. His only intention was to extract the sword.
He did not bother with anything fancy. His hulking arms were extended as he grabbed the sword. His body glowed red, almost like a sun in the throne room.
“Get up!”
All of the officials, including King Duan, the Heir, Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping, and the Emperor himself stared wide eyed as General Jin bellowed.
“Kacha!” A loud sound echoed out.
“Is it out?!”
“Did he manage to extract it?”
“General Jin is powerful!”
All of the officials were ecstatic when they heard the loud sound. Any sound represented hope. At the very least, the sword was moving.
“Kacha!” Another sound echoed out.
All of the officials were getting increasingly excited. It was almost as if they saw the light at the end of a dark tunnel. They were all focused on the sword.
Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping’s darkened face also began to regain some color.
If General Jin could extract the sword.
Then, he would be left off the hook.
“Fang Zhengzhi, you say that the sword has recognized you as its owner. Now that it has been extracted, what do you have to say?” One of the officials stepped out contentedly. This was the official who had been humiliated previously.
After being humiliated, this official decided to take this opportunity to get back at Fang Zhengzhi.
“Is that right?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at him condescendingly. His lips twitched, “Official, not only are you a frog in the well, you’re also… blind?”
“You, how dare you say that I’m blind?!” The official was stunned. His anger built, but he still did not understand what Fang Zhengzhi was saying.
Blind?
Before he could rebut, one of the officials tugged hard at his clothes.
This made the official doubt himself.
His gaze turned to look at General Jin, who was still trying to extract the sword.
Then…
He saw that General Jin’s expression was slightly awkward. More importantly, his hands and legs were trembling vigorously.
It was clear that General Jin had used all of his energy.
Under his feet were two additional craters. These were clearly the result of General Jin digging in his feet in an attempt to extract the blade.
Even so, the sword was still deeply embedded in the ground.
It was almost as if it had melded together with the throne room.
General Jin did not manage to extract it?
The official’s rage disappeared in an instant. He was extremely ashamed. He felt as if he had just swallowed a fly. He decided to retreat without a second word.
“What… what is going on?!”
“Even General Jin cannot extract the sword?”
“The sword really…”