【The Rogue Landlord】 Episodes 16-20 Author: Laughter in the Coffin

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【The Rogue Landlord】

Author: Laughter in the Coffin
Publisher: Hetu Culture

【Episode 16】Chapter 1: Assassination Attack

The Khitan, known for their tribes gathering 200,000 warriors, riding tall horses, with their young and strong men skilled in archery and war, were historically renowned as the strongest on the grasslands. Ji Long's retreat could have allowed these ambitious steppe wolves to take advantage of the situation, but they did not point their swords at the Great Wall, nor did they send a single soldier to invade the Ming Dynasty, even facing a shortage of food for winter.

It wasn't that they didn't want to; it was simply that at this time, more than a dozen princes had gathered their troops near the royal court, not only as a show of force but also as preparation for the fratricidal conflict that would ensue. The entire Khitan royal court was in turmoil. On the surface, the brothers remained harmonious, but in reality, everyone understood the extent of the tension, a tension that could easily turn this most prestigious place on the grasslands into a blood-stained battlefield.

Although the Golden Knife Khan was physically weak and too frail to even get out of bed, he clung to life with the help of precious medicines. It wasn't that he clung to his supreme power and dignity, nor was he reluctant to part with the golden halberd that commanded his mighty army. Rather, in his final moments, he watched as his sons, each vying for the throne, sharpened their knives, showing signs of fratricide. The outward harmony was merely a facade for himself and his ministers; in reality, the atmosphere in the royal court was already tense.

He wept bitterly, unable to die!

He knew that if he died, the Khitan would descend into chaos, and his tribe and people would be plunged into misery. Even more heartbreaking was the thought that the princes, now adults, would one by one raise their halberds and raise armies. Whoever emerged victorious would have ascended the throne over countless corpses, cutting down his brothers.

His biggest regret was not establishing a successor while he held absolute power. Now, the princes had grown strong and each had their own valiant troops, and the fragmented state was beyond his control. He dared not rashly appoint any son as the next Khan; each son possessed a powerful army and considerable ambition. Appointing anyone now would be tantamount to harming him, turning his former favorite into an object of attack.

The Golden Knife Khan was now bedridden, frail and helpless in his declining years. Though unable to move, his mind remained clear, yet he could not devise any solutions; his cloudy eyes were filled with a desolate sorrow. He was no longer the mighty eagle of the steppe, but merely a pitiful old man lying there.

The dozen or so princes appeared exceptionally filial, almost all of them serving the old Khan tirelessly without a word of complaint. Even the usually boorish and reckless among them were unusually docile, presenting a unified image of harmony to the outside world. However, everyone could see that once the old Khan was gone, they would fight each other for the throne.

The princes knew that such filial piety would leave a good impression on the ministers and former generals of the royal court, garnering them more support. At this crucial moment, they couldn't afford to lose their composure; gaining the support of smaller tribes would increase their chances of ascending to the Khanate.

The atmosphere within the royal camp was harmonious, but utterly fake, so fake it was scornful. This was because the princes had stationed nearly 400,000 troops around the camp—almost all the Khitan boys over the age of thirteen. Besides protecting themselves, they also aspired to achieve hegemony and become the new king of the Baoxiao Grassland.

Among the many princes, the most unusual was Amutong. He didn't compete with the others for a chance to shine, didn't bring his armor to the camp, and behaved with the utmost humility, seemingly without any competition from his brothers! He was kind to everyone and never sought the limelight, which won him much praise.

However, those who knew the prince well dared not let their guard down, for this seemingly gentle and refined prince was no incompetent man.

Amtong made it clear that he had no intention of vying for the Khan's throne and moved his entire tribe to the border. He earnestly advised his brothers not to hurt their father's feelings at this time, and his tearful performance made the other princes grit their teeth in hatred, but they could only helplessly praise him. This seemingly cunning move won the ministers' approval, and some couldn't help but think about whether to support this truly filial prince.

Despite Amtong's actions, no one dared to underestimate his intelligence. From their respective sources, they knew that he had purchased a lot of ironware from the Ming Dynasty. Although he claimed it was agricultural tools, many people had already guessed that he had ingratiated himself with a powerful figure in the Ming Dynasty and acquired a batch of excellent weapons.

Many were filled with regret at this point. The nature of the steppe people led them to look down on the Ming Dynasty, viewing it as a symbol of weakness and incompetence. Although the sweeping victories of the four legions had taught them a profound lesson, this centuries-old mindset had deeply ingrained itself and influenced their thinking.

It wasn't until some spies stole several weapons that Amutong had purchased, their sharpness and sturdiness clearly exceeding anything the steppe people, unskilled in metalworking, could possess, that the princes cried out in regret. They secretly sent people to begin contacting the Ming Dynasty, hoping to obtain these weapons to greatly enhance their army's fighting strength.

Amutong sneered in the shadows. The merchants were naturally not so easily swayed. After all, they had suffered much humiliation when trade was first introduced, except for him and another prince, who had been treated with great courtesy. Now, they wouldn't give them any face.

Furthermore, these weapons were discarded after most of the veterans of the Fierce Tiger Battalion had been dismissed, and the Ministry of War had a prohibition against selling weapons to foreign tribes. Aside from Xu Ping using his privileges to exchange these weapons for horses, probably no one else in the Ming Dynasty would dare to do the same.

Amutong was secretly pleased, but then discovered that many weapons had flowed through various channels into the hands of other princes. Although the quantity wasn't large, it was still considerable.

He immediately panicked. When he contacted Liu Dong, Liu Dong helplessly explained that the weapons had been obtained by other officials in the court and hadn't passed through the hands of the Northeast merchant caravan. Amutong angrily cursed, but there was nothing he could do.

At this time, even minor officials in the Ministry of Commerce were treated like VIPs, not only behaving arrogantly but also openly attempting to rape other men's wives and daughters. With a major battle imminent, having good weapons naturally increased one's chances of victory, and no one wanted to be at a disadvantage at this crucial moment.

Therefore, at this time, the generals of various tribes, for the sake of their power and future status, swallowed their pride and offered their wives and daughters to the officials of the Ministry of Commerce for their amusement. Their beloved wives, concubines, and even their young daughters were forced to serve other men. The intense sense of shame was unbearable for them, but they could only choose to swallow their anger and even try to please these Han people they usually looked down upon.

Although Amutong did not suffer such humiliation, he was still so angry that he couldn't sleep. This trip by the Ming Dynasty had taken more than ten thousand warhorses from the grasslands, leaving behind so many weapons, significantly diminishing their advantage. Such a humiliating display—who wouldn't be furious?

The Ministry of War's oldest inventory, the weapons discarded by various armies, were thus consumed. Although it violated the court's prohibition, besides obtaining silver, it would also make the upcoming battles on the grasslands even more brutal. Even the most conservative officials in the court dared not utter a sound at this time.

In the blink of an eye, ten thousand warhorses were given to the Evil Ghost Camp, and the gold, silver, and jade worth tens of thousands were all handed over to the court. Far away in Hebei, Zhao Ling pulled off a grand scheme, not only outmaneuvering the Khitans but also delivering a slap in the face to the Ministry of Works.

With Zhu Yunwen's tacit approval, she confiscated and sold off the Ministry's assets, with both father and son profiting. Naturally, they strongly supported Zhao Ling's daring act, earning her the nickname "Goddess of Wealth." Her clever maneuvering, her sophisticated methods of accumulating wealth, and even her audacity to plunder the court's funds, impressed Ouyang Xun greatly.

Zhu Yunwen was overjoyed with the money, but he hadn't expected this bandit girl to be so vengeful. While making money, she didn't forget to teach the Ministry of Works a lesson, leaving them with no choice but to swallow their anger.
An imperial edict bestowed upon Zhao Ling a golden abacus. Zhao Ling was both ashamed and delighted; ashamed that it was a jest about her being as greedy as her lover, but delighted that the Emperor had such a playful interest, proving that she had been accepted by the royal family.

Everyone here was happy except for the Ministry of Works, who suffered a loss. However, Amutong was so angry that he couldn't sleep. Xu Ping smiled as he accepted the warhorse, saying helplessly that he was powerless to help, and gave him a batch of nearly unusable spears, which calmed him down a bit.

Judging from the situation, at least the aging Golden Knife Khan could hold out for a while! As long as he didn't die, there was no need to worry about a large-scale war on the grasslands for the time being, but the mutual vigilance between the various Khitan tribes was becoming increasingly tense. Although they were outwardly friendly but inwardly hostile, the increasing friction between them had almost reached the point of no return.

At this time, everyone wanted to win over more allies. It was no secret that the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty was secretly supporting Amutong. The other princes also expressed goodwill to the Ming Dynasty, and if they couldn't get support, they at least didn't want the Ming Dynasty to send troops to aid Amutong.

Before the Khitan tribes went to war, neither the Manchu Eight Banners nor the powerful Jurchen tribes dared to harass the Ming Dynasty's borders as they had in previous years. For the first time since the founding of the dynasty, the border was so peaceful—a peace that was somewhat unsettling!

After all, compared to the territorially conscious Ming Dynasty, the Khitan were a fearsome steppe wolf, a vicious wolf that liked to plunder and then burn everything, forcing other tribes to devote 200% of their energy to guarding against them. However, some, secretly courted, were tempted and began to consider whether this great war could be profitable.

For over twenty years since the founding of the dynasty, the northern border had never experienced such peace. While it was a relief, it also meant remaining vigilant against the potential chaos of a ten-dynasty struggle for succession among the Khitan.

Ji Zhengang, escorted by the Imperial Guards, safely returned to his post at the Po Jun Camp. His grand procession along the way sparked rumors and worried the Khitan. What were the intentions of these two powerful figures, whom they both respected and hated, returning to the northeast at this time?

Ji Zhongyun didn't linger. After parting, he rushed back to the Hungry Wolf Camp day and night. He was preoccupied and didn't speak much along the way. Even Ji Zhengang, a brother as close as if they had crawled out of the river of blood, had no idea what he was thinking.

That night, when they stopped at the Broken Army Camp, the two founding generals drank without restraint for the first time, filling the camp with empty wine jars. They laughed heartily from time to time, reminiscing about the past years, and sighing when they thought of their fallen brothers, but neither of them spoke of the current situation.

In the twenty years of guarding the frontier, Ji Zhongyun hadn't indulged himself like this in a long time. He drank wine sip by sip, seemingly happy, but halfway through, he couldn't help but burst into tears, his face showing grief.

The two made a ruckus all night. Ji Zhengang didn't ask about his plans, and talked most about his youthful days, the glory of leading the army to sweep across the world in his prime, and the ecstasy of being appointed to the court. Both veterans were immersed in the glory of their past lives. Ji Zhongyun, in particular, laughed and cried unrestrainedly, making it hard to believe that this haggard old man was once the mighty Prince of Zhenbei.

They parted at dawn, and despite a night of heavy drinking, neither of them was drunk. When Ji Zhengang silently escorted him for ten miles, looking at his brother with his full head of white hair, he sighed and said, "Zhongyun, after this parting, I don't know if we brothers will ever have the chance to meet again. I hope to drink and make merry with you again in my lifetime, but I don't want to bring the Broken Army to meet you!"

"I understand!" Upon hearing this, Ji Zhongyun burst into tears, trembling on his horse for a long time, naturally understanding the meaning of his old brother's warning.

Parting was bittersweet; although they cherished each other, they could only say so much. Ji Zhengang watched his old friend, with whom he had shared life and death, disappear into the twilight before sighing and returning to camp. After all, he was already over sixty years old, and he didn't want to lead his old subordinates, with whom he had shared life and death, to fight to the death with their old brothers. Such battles were the most brutal, wounding not only lives but also hearts that had grown old.

Ji Zhongyun remained silent and taciturn throughout the journey, and no one could see what he was thinking. Originally, there were five thousand Imperial Guard cavalry accompanying him, but due to the shortage of troops in the capital and the feeling that it would be safe once they reached the Northeast, he sent about four thousand troops back to the capital first, leaving only one thousand to accompany and protect him.

"Your Highness!" The commander of the Imperial Guard approached Ji Zhongyun at sunset, pointing to a small hillside by the water ahead, and respectfully asked, "There are no more villages around, but there is a grove of trees ahead. Let's camp there tonight! We'll arrive after one night."

"Hmm!" Ji Zhongyun's eyes were vacant, and he nodded in agreement without thinking much about it. He knew every blade of grass and every tree here better than anyone else. In about a day, they would reach the camp where he had been stationed for twenty years. There was no need to rush.

A thousand men rode into the woods and set up camp. By the time smoke rose from their cooking fires, the moon was already high in the sky. Ji Zhongyun, however, had little appetite, remained silent, and still looked preoccupied. He went to rest in the general's camp

. After the soldiers at the Imperial Gate finished eating, except for those who had to stand guard and keep watch, everyone else went to sleep early. After all, they had traveled for so long and protected two founding generals, keeping their nerves constantly on edge. Naturally, they were exhausted, and soon the sound of snoring filled the air as they leaned against the trees.

The camp immediately fell silent, with only the flickering light of the campfires in the night breeze. At this moment, a soldier from the Imperial Guard suddenly opened his eyes, glanced quietly at the sleeping crowd around him, and then silently slipped away, avoiding the watchful eyes of his men.

After midnight, everyone drifted off to sleep. With so many people around and the prospect of entering the Wolf Camp's territory, their nerves, which had been tense for so long, relaxed, and their vigilance lessened. Many slept soundly, snoring loudly.

But on this last night, hundreds of men in black gathered on the other side of the hillside. One by one, they silently began to gather outside the woods. Each one moved with incredible agility, using the trees as cover, making no sound whatsoever, blending seamlessly into the night.

Outside the camp, the sentries on guard duty succumbed to drowsiness and began to yawn. Being well-trained imperial guards, even exhausted, they forced themselves to stay alert, not daring to be careless.

"Who's there?" A sentry suddenly saw what appeared to be movement in the woods ahead and immediately shouted alertly. Just as he was about to call for help, a black dagger was silently pressed against his neck. Another person dressed in the Imperial Guard uniform appeared behind him like a ghost, and with a flick of his wrist, the sentry fell to the ground, eyes wide with shock.

This Imperial Guard soldier was highly skilled; taking advantage of the others' relaxed vigilance, he had silently eliminated many sentries, clearing a path for the group of men in black. It seemed he had been lying in wait for a long time, as the soldiers who were ambushed were completely unprepared for his attack.

"Quickly, kill the people in the camp!" The leader waved his hand, ordering all his men to rush into the camp. Despite their numbers, they made very little noise.

As the men and horses entered the camp, they accidentally snapped pieces of dry branches, creating a crisp "crackling" sound in the darkness. The Imperial Guards were indeed highly vigilant. Some soldiers sleeping under the trees immediately awoke and, seeing the men in black who had already circled the crossbeams and entered the camp, shouted alarmingly, "Enemy! Prepare for battle!"

His voice echoed throughout the quiet camp, but a sharp broadsword pierced his chest, stopping him from speaking further.

"Kill!" The attackers, realizing their presence had been discovered, immediately charged towards the Imperial Guards. Some of the closer Imperial Guards, alerted, rushed to intercept them.

"All troops, prepare for battle!" The general, though exhausted, dared not relax his vigilance. Upon hearing the battle cries, he immediately drew his sword and rushed out of the camp. He could already see hundreds of men in black scaling the fence, surging towards them like a tide.

The sentries had already been quietly eliminated! His own troops, caught off guard, suffered heavy casualties in the surprise attack.

"Kill them!" The men in black, who had been lying in wait, no longer concealed their tracks and charged toward the general's camp amidst a cacophony of shouts of battle. Their target was clear: Ji Zhongyun.

Many Imperial Guards soldiers awoke too late; they were instantly killed with a single blow the moment they opened their eyes. Under the cover of darkness and fire, the men in black spread like water, quickly breaching the defenses and entering the camp.

The entire camp descended into chaos. Even caught off guard and at a disadvantage after the sneak attack, the Imperial Guards' strength was not to be underestimated. Under the command of their commander, they quickly regained their composure, drew their weapons, and engaged the attackers in close combat.

The once quiet camp was now filled with the sounds of battle. Overturned braziers ignited the trees and tarpaulins, illuminating the surrounding area. In the flashing blades and clattering swords, men fell every moment. The Imperial Guards, relying on their overwhelming ferocity, fought the group of men in black to a standstill despite being at a disadvantage.

After felling a black-clad man wielding a hook with a single blow, the Imperial Guard Commander frowned, observing the chaotic array of weapons and varying skill levels

of the attackers. "These are bandits," he said, "they seem to have been following us for a long time!" By this time, after a round of fighting, the two sides were roughly evenly matched in numbers. The Imperial Guards were clearly at a disadvantage in this chaotic melee, which greatly benefited the attacking black-clad men.

"My lord, look!" Another soldier, covered in blood, broke through the encirclement and rushed forward, pointing frantically towards the camp.

The Imperial Guard Commander quickly turned around and saw that more than a dozen bandits, taking advantage of the chaos, were less than ten paces from the camp, preparing to storm in.

The Commander immediately grabbed his broadsword and charged, slaying any assassins who dared to obstruct him while shouting in alarm, "Don't scatter! Protect the Prince!"

The Imperial Guards scrambled to gather around, but it was too late. The already chaotic battle quickly escalated, and

the Imperial Guards were immediately bogged down, unable to provide assistance. They could only watch helplessly as the general's camp was surrounded by more and more men in black. Panicked and unable to deploy their most effective offensive tactics, the Imperial Guards quickly fell into a disadvantageous position. The cavalry, unable to maneuver effectively in the woods, were now being routed.

Dozens of men in black, their faces beaming with excitement, brandished their weapons and approached the general's camp, quickly dispatching nearby Imperial Guards one by one after a few exchanges. Seeing one of the men in black reach out to pull back the curtain of the general's camp, the Imperial Guard commander turned deathly pale. If

anything happened to the Prince of Zhenbei, his thousand men would be doomed. Ignoring the numerous obstacles, he led his men, his eyes bloodshot, to fight his way to the rescue. Even though he was severely wounded and numb, he swung his broadsword with incredible speed and ferocity, creating a gap in the enemy's ranks.

"Who dares disturb us!"

Just as the assassin was about to enter the camp, a roar like thunder and a howl of a hungry wolf suddenly rang out, filled with terrifying pressure, yet the words reeked of blood, instantly sending chills down the spines of those nearby.

As everyone trembled in fear, a flash of cold light appeared behind the curtain, and a heavy guandao (a type of halberd) swept across with lightning speed, decapitating the black-clad man outside the camp in an instant. In a flash, several plumes of blood mist filled the air; within three meters, no one survived!

The Imperial Guard Commander breathed a sigh of relief, wiping away cold sweat, realizing he had been too tense. Inside the camp was the mighty Prince of Zhenbei, whose power was renowned throughout the land; how could ordinary thieves be a match for him!

With a single stroke of his halberd, before even revealing himself, he decapitated over a dozen men with a terrifying horizontal slash. This display of power immediately invigorated the Imperial Guards, their morale instantly rallying. A deafening roar erupted: "His Highness's might shakes the world!"

The overwhelming shouts sent a shiver down the spines of the men in black, all eyes turning to the general's camp. The long curtain was also cleaved open, slowly drifting to the ground. At the same time, several headless corpses slumped to the ground, several bloodied heads rolling about.

Ji Zhongyun stood there, halberd drawn, his face grim. He frowned, surveying the crowd, exuding a fear that life and death hung in the balance. The imposing presence of a founding general was so overwhelming that no one dared to look him in the eye.

The Greedy Wolf chainmail, riddled with sword and knife wounds, exuded a chilling aura. Ji Zhongyun, his face grim, surveyed the chaotic scene. His two-meter-long Guan Dao (a type of halberd) held horizontally at his waist, radiating power and imposing presence. The intense pressure paralyzed everyone, rendering them frozen in place.

Even more terrifying was the Guan Dao in his hand; once gleaming silver, it was now a horrifying crimson, stained with countless drops of blood, a faint stench of blood filling the air.

Ji Zhongyun stood with his sword drawn, letting out a disdainful snort before stepping out of the tent. Though he was already in his twilight years, he possessed a terrifying presence, as if haunted by vengeful spirits. Every step he took seemed to tread upon corpses, the stench of blood making it hard to breathe, causing the men in black to freeze in fear.

A few of the closer men in black, realizing what was happening, found themselves drenched in cold sweat, their clothes completely soaked. Many people know fear when facing wolves and tigers, but only now do they understand what true, soul-crushing terror is. That terror spreads throughout the body, making one want to kneel and beg for mercy.

The Imperial Guards were also utterly shocked, as if they had suddenly seen an endless river of blood on the battlefield. Only now did they understand what it meant for one general's success to be built on the bones of ten thousand. Even the crimson Guan Dao seemed to be surrounded by the screams of countless vengeful spirits, sending chills

down their spines. "Kill!" Some assassins with strong mental fortitude, despite some fear, gritted their teeth and charged towards him.

Only then did the others recover from Ji Zhongyun's overwhelming pressure. Many were drenched in sweat, but quickly brandished their weapons and continued fighting. That brief moment had left them trembling as if in the deepest hell, and many dared not look directly at Ji Zhongyun's powerful figure.

"You petty thieves!" Ji Zhongyun roared in fury, brandishing his sword and charging towards them. He roared, "I, who have traversed countless corpses throughout my life, how dare you traitors act so presumptuously here!"

The deafening roar made many people's ears ache. Amidst Ji Zhongyun's roar, several black-clad men who dared to offend him were all cut down, their deaths all by decapitation.

Ji Zhongyun sneered disdainfully, standing with his sword held horizontally. A single glare was enough to frighten the other black-clad men into not daring to advance. What was frightening was not his martial prowess, but the oppressive aura of his authority.

"Your Highness is mighty!" Even the Imperial Guards, known for their strength, couldn't help but wave their flags and shout. To most, Ji Zhongyun was an old man nearing seventy. Although he commanded a powerful army, many forgot that he was once a founding general who swept across the land, having fought for twenty years to establish his dominance in the north. Naturally, he wouldn't fear such a small scene.

The chaotic battle seemed to have reversed with Ji Zhongyun's appearance. The morale of the Imperial Guards soared, while the men in black were clearly somewhat timid. Many of them were more skilled than Ji Zhongyun, but the overwhelming aura of a seasoned warrior, capable of slaughtering anyone who had survived countless battles, was something they couldn't resist. Panicked, they were immediately routed by the Imperial Guards' rising morale, and only then did Ji Zhongyun's brow relax slightly.

"The Prince of Zhenbei, so powerful!"

A chilling voice suddenly rang out from the sky, seemingly filled with admiration and respect, but above all, a bone-chilling coldness!

"Who are you, you coward!" Ji Zhongyun frowned, roared, and slashed upwards with his sword. As the crimson blade swept across, a trail of blood mist seemed to rise in the air.

A figure nimbly dodged the blow and crouched on a nearby tree branch. Although also dressed in black and masked, this figure possessed a calmer and more sinister aura than the others. He looked at Ji Zhongyun, his voice low and deep, like the chill of a prison: "What a pity, you should also go..."

Ji Zhongyun slashed horizontally, cleanly snapping the large tree in two; the power of this strike was terrifying. But the Imperial Guard Commander immediately cried out in alarm, realizing this man, clearly the leader, was undoubtedly highly skilled, certainly not some third-rate bandit.

"My head is here! Take it or leave it! No need for further words!" Ji Zhongyun's roar echoed through the forest. Despite his old age, his movements were still agile as he charged straight at the man in black.

"Come on!" The man in black's eyes showed admiration and excitement. With a long howl, a gleaming double-headed spear appeared in his hand, and he attacked Ji Zhongyun like a ghost.

The two charged at each other with shouts, their weapons clashing head-on, creating a burst of lightning. Ji Zhongyun was violently knocked back more than ten steps by the first blow. After finally regaining his footing, he endured the pain in his arms and said, "A double-headed spear. I didn't expect anyone in this era to still like such a deadly weapon!"

The leader of the men in black snorted and raised his gleaming silver weapon—a sharp double-headed spear, a deadly weapon on the battlefield, yet one that was gradually falling into decline.

"The might of a Heavenly Rank expert!" The Imperial Guard Commander was terrified, breaking out in a cold sweat. He hadn't expected this thin fellow to possess such formidable strength, enough to establish his own sect. He feared he wouldn't even be able to withstand a single blow from such a master.

"Your Highness, come!" The black-clad leader, his face showing respect, uttered a low murmur before immediately charging at Ji Zhongyun with his spear.

In the brief exchange, he seemed to have won, but Ji Zhongyun, a seasoned warrior, was no weakling. He had managed to inflict pain on the commander despite not yet being a Heavenly Rank expert. The vast difference in their cultivation levels made him no longer dare to underestimate him!

"Your Highness! I'm coming! You must run!" The Imperial Guard Commander cried out in alarm, frantically wielding his broadsword to rush to his aid. If the Prince of Zhenbei failed to protect him, not only would he face execution, but the Imperial Guard's reputation would likely be ruined.

"Ignorant fool!" The black-clad leader simply swung his spear, a few flourishes sending the Imperial Guard commander staggering backward. The casual thrusts left him battered and barely able to get close.

Ji Zhongyun grunted, brandishing his Guan Dao (a type of halberd), and engaged the black-clad leader, shouting angrily, "No need! There's a cliff to the south and a river to the north; escape is impossible now. Command your brothers to fight to the death! As long as we can hold this position, the Hungry Wolf Camp will come!"

The Hungry Wolf Camp's encampment was nearby; such a commotion would surely alert them. The nearest forces could arrive in three or four hours if they rushed at full speed!

What a Ji Zhongyun! The black-clad leader's eyes turned cold, but he couldn't help but admire his composure. He had quickly grasped the terrain and the current situation, and with just a few words, he had boosted his men's morale—truly living up to his reputation!

"Yes!" Upon hearing his words, the Imperial Guard Commander's hope was immediately rekindled. He quickly ordered his deputy to command the troops, and he himself immediately brandished his sword to help Ji Zhongyun resist the astonishingly strong leader in black.

"Kill them all before sunrise!" The leader in black also realized the gravity of the situation. They were too close to the Hungry Wolf Camp; if they waited for their reinforcements, he would be doomed. He quickly shouted to his men.

The melee lasted for nearly an hour, and the group of men in black gradually gained the upper hand with their superior skills. No matter how skilled the Imperial Guards were, they couldn't utilize their strengths in this chaotic forest warfare, and soon they were killed or wounded countless times!

"Protect the Prince!" The Imperial Guard Commander was already entangled by more than a dozen men in black who had split up, and with his body covered in wounds, he was powerless to help Ji Zhongyun fight off the enemy, even if he wanted to.

The leader in black was now panting heavily, gritting his teeth as he looked at the old man in disbelief. Despite the vast difference in cultivation level, killing Ji Zhongyun was incredibly difficult; his terrifying strength was astonishing.

"Your Highness is truly formidable!" the black-clad leader said with a wry smile, surprised that an elderly man nearing seventy was so difficult to subdue.

Ji Zhongyun was also in bad shape, his body already covered in wounds. After all, he was old and nearing the end of his strength. Although he felt slight twitching, he still laughed heartily, "You're no simpleton either! I haven't encountered anyone as troublesome as you!"

"Enough nonsense!" the black-clad leader roared, charging forward again with his spear. Although the man before him was a renowned founding general, the vast difference in their cultivation levels made it a disgrace to be unable to defeat him.

"Come on!" Ji Zhongyun, drawing strength from who-knows-where, roared and fearlessly charged forward again. The crimson Guan Dao swung again, its battle-hardened experience allowing it to hold its own against the vastly unequal odds.

The two fought with exhilarating ferocity, blood and sweat mingling, a testament to their heroic spirit. The black-clad leader, however, was secretly lamenting his predicament. He had never imagined that an old man of such low cultivation would be so formidable; even with his Heavenly Rank power, he was beginning to suffer wounds.

Seeing his forces increasingly disadvantaged, the Imperial Guard commander immediately ordered all his troops to assemble around the Prince of Zhenbei, forming a defensive circle. But they were already at a disadvantage, and even with a do-or-die mentality, they were powerless to rescue Ji Zhongyun, only able to desperately hold off the remaining black-clad figures.

The melee gradually dwindled, concentrating around the two combatants. The forest was littered with the remains of Imperial Guard soldiers and black-clad figures; those remaining were all highly skilled elites, their chilling battle cries terrifying.

Ji Zhongyun gritted his teeth until his gums bled, and his arms were numb with pain, but he persevered. The black-clad leader's eyes were also bloodshot, his every move becoming even more ferocious, each strike aimed directly at vital points, sending chills down the spines of onlookers.

The two figures were entangled, spear shadows dancing with streaks of silver light, blade flashes sending up clouds of blood mist! Their strength left others far behind, and many who wanted to help couldn't even get close enough to intervene in this horrific battle.

The sky was beginning to lighten, the pale dawn appearing at the horizon, gradually illuminating the burnt remains, the scattered corpses, and the flowing blood, but it couldn't stop the already weakening battle.

Both sides, already exhausted, continued to fight, the brutal slaughter leaving fewer than a hundred men on each side, covered in blood but fighting desperately, showing no sign of retreat.

The battle between Ji Zhongyun and the black-clad leader was earth-shattering. Both were exhausted, barely able to stand except by using their weapons for support, yet their fighting spirit remained undiminished. They were soaked in blood, their eyes still burning with the desire to be the final victor. As

dawn gradually illuminated the earth, just as Ji Zhongyun and the black-clad leader separated again, panting, their glares meeting, the ground suddenly seemed to shake. The sound of horses' hooves thundered from afar, startling everyone.

"Haha…" Ji Zhongyun, blood still dripping from his lips, laughed heartily, "Stop your futile resistance! My Hungry Wolf Camp has arrived!"

The booming sound and the violent shaking could only be produced by advancing cavalry. The black-clad leader instantly turned pale. He glared at the Imperial Guard, gritted his teeth, and roared. His depleted inner strength surged forth again as he charged towards him, brandishing his spear: "Even so, you will die!"

The other black-clad men were already filled with fear; some dropped their weapons and fled in the chaos. But the leader remained unmoved, seemingly determined to kill Ji Zhongyun, clearly prepared for a desperate fight.

"Then come on!" Ji Zhongyun, drawing strength from who-knows-where, straightened his weary back, brandishing his broken guandao, and roared as he charged towards him.

The two clashed, locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle. The black-clad leader's eyes were bloodshot; he was clearly fighting for his life, frantically channeling his already depleted inner strength. His double-headed spear swung faster and faster, disregarding his own injuries, his only goal being to kill Ji Zhongyun.

Exhausted, Ji Zhongyun was forced into retreat. The elderly man could not withstand such a frenzied attack, and cracks appeared all over his body. He could hardly resist the increasingly fierce spear thrusts of the black-clad leader.

Some of the Imperial Guards, now free, wanted to rush to the rescue, but the black-clad leader's double-headed spear was now thrusting relentlessly, like a vast net covering Ji Zhongyun. Anyone who got close was caught in the crossfire; more than ten who dared to approach saw only a flash of silver light, their brows turning red before they were instantly killed by a single spear thrust!

The thunderous hoofbeats grew closer, and more and more Imperial Guards fell. Even the general who had held out all night was on the verge of death; if not for his extraordinary willpower, he probably wouldn't even be able to stand. Ji Zhongyun was also at his limit, and it seemed he was about to be overwhelmed.

Dozens of Imperial Guards were unable to stop the black-clad leader's frenzied actions; even their determination to die couldn't hold him off. At this moment, Ji Zhongyun could only protect his vitals, but his Greedy Wolf Chainmail had been pierced by his spear thrusts and was now like wrecked remains, no longer serving its purpose of protection.

"The Hungry Wolf Camp is here! Who dares to be presumptuous!" Just when everyone was on the verge of despair, the sound of hooves finally arrived, accompanied by a loud shout. Suddenly, a stampede of ten thousand horses erupted from the northeastern hillside as the Hungry Wolf Camp soldiers charged towards them, billowing smoke trailing behind them.

Last night, some astute Imperial Guards had already escaped to the nearest Hungry Wolf Camp for help. Upon hearing that their general was surrounded, the Hungry Wolf Camp soldiers were terrified and hastily dispatched ten thousand cavalry, arriving just in time for dawn.

The camp was littered with corpses, but these battle-hardened veterans were not surprised. However, when they saw Ji Zhongyun, covered in blood, locked in combat with the men in black, their eyes turned red, and they charged desperately towards him.

The leader of the men in black, seeing this, fought even more fiercely, wielding his double-headed spear with almost no defense as he charged at Ji Zhongyun. Ji Zhongyun was forced to retreat, panting heavily, and after taking several more blows, he was powerless to retaliate.

"You scoundrel, how dare you be so insolent!" Wu Lie, the deputy commander of the Hungry Wolf Camp, personally led his troops to the rescue. Seeing Ji Zhongyun about to be killed, his eyes reddened as he drew his bow, and a sharp arrow immediately shot towards the black-clad leader.

"Ah!" The black-clad leader screamed in agony as the arrow pierced his shoulder, causing him to cough up blood. Taking advantage of this opening, Ji Zhongyun roared and slashed with his sword, the blade instantly piercing the leader's abdomen, blood and intestines spilling onto the ground.

"Win...win..." After cutting down one black-clad man, the Imperial Guard commander was struck several more times in the back, feeling his vision darkening and unable to stand any longer. In the instant he fell, watching the Hungry Wolf Camp's iron hooves draw closer, he smiled with satisfaction before dying under a hail of blades.

"Die!" The black-clad leader clutched his abdominal wound, his body convulsing, his vision growing increasingly dark. In his dying moments, despite his unsteady stance, he suddenly gripped his spear and thrust it forward!

"Ah!" Ji Zhongyun screamed in agony as the sharp spear pierced his heart and body. His aged frame staggered back a few steps, watching inconsolably as blood gushed from his chest.

Ji Zhongyun felt a sweet taste in his throat, blood uncontrollably flowing from his mouth. His eyes widened as he collapsed. The black-clad leader swayed a few times, his eyes still wide, spitting blood as he died.

By the time the Hungry Wolf Camp members rushed forward, it was too late; both sides had perished after a night of fierce fighting. The forest was littered with corpses and rivers of blood, a testament to the ferocity of the previous night's battle.

The black-clad leader died a gruesome death, while Ji Zhongyun, still clinging to life, leaned against someone. His body was almost entirely covered in wounds, the spear piercing his chest a testament to his impending demise. He had fought a bloody night, yet could not escape death. He was unwilling to accept it!

"General!" Wu Lie dismounted and ran over with a sorrowful expression. Tears streaming down his face, he half-embraced the dying Ji Zhongyun, staring at the spear piercing his chest, his lips bleeding from the effort.

Who says heroes don't shed tears? Wu Lie had rarely been seen to cry in his military career, but now he wept bitterly. The old general in his arms, covered in wounds, left him helpless. Years of battlefield experience told him that a heart-piercing wound was incurable. Now, besides choking back sobs, he didn't know what else to do.

He had joined the army at a young age, an orphan struggling to survive. Throughout his campaigns, he had always revered Ji Zhongyun as a father. Although he had repeatedly achieved great feats and was renowned throughout the land, at this moment he was like a grieving child, tears streaming down his face, utterly lost.

"Don't cry!" Ji Zhongyun gasped, his face filled with grief. "Give these Imperial Guards a proper burial. They are all loyal and brave men!" As soon as he finished speaking, a sharp pain shot through his chest, and he coughed up another mouthful of blood!

"General!" Wu Lie burst into tears. All the soldiers of the Hungry Wolf Camp knelt down, mourning their great general and thanking the Imperial Guards who had all perished.

Ji Zhongyun was already struggling to breathe. He knew he couldn't escape death. Lying in Wu Lie's arms, he gasped for breath and said intermittently, "Take off his mask...!"

"Yes!" The soldiers, filled with anger and hatred, pulled off the black-clad leader's mask. Even though it was stained with blood, a handsome face could still be seen.

"Ghost Yaksha..." Ji Zhongyun faced death calmly, but upon seeing this face, he coughed up blood in anger and pain, tears streaming down his face. "That unfilial son still wants... me dead!"

With intense grief, he coughed up several more mouthfuls of blood. His disheveled white hair swayed in the wind. His cloudy eyes showed no fear of death, but were filled with unspeakable sorrow.

The black-clad leader, already dead, was none other than the Ghost Yaksha who had escaped during the chaos in the capital. Unexpectedly, he had now brought his men to assassinate him. Ji Zhongyun's eyes were lifeless, tears streaming down his face, his expression one of utter anguish; Wu Lie's face was filled with resentment, but he dared not provoke him further.

"Wu Lie!" Ji Zhongyun coughed up blood again, his voice hoarse as he cried out. "Your subordinate is here!" Wu Lie bit his lip until it bled, but tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. Ji Zhongyun was on the verge of death, tears streaming from his lifeless eyes, and said in a low, hoarse voice, "Send the order: the commander of the Hungry Wolf Camp is to be returned to the capital and handed over to His Majesty."

"General!" Wu Lie cried out, the once towering figure in his arms trembling more and more violently!

"All troops, heed my command!" Ji Zhongyun's voice was low and weak as he spoke, but all the soldiers heard him, kneeling and weeping, silently listening to this final command.

"Cough..." Ji Zhongyun coughed up another mouthful of blood, and said weakly, "The entire Hungry Wolf Camp has been on the battlefield for twenty years... cough, it's time to retire and return home. Those who wish to return to their fields... the court will appease them. Those who have nowhere to go... they will be subject to the court's control and must not disobey."

"Yes, sir!" The generals burst into tears again. At this moment, Ji Zhongyun was already like a candle in the wind, and he was no longer the powerful and imposing figure he once was.

"Wu...Wu Lie!" Ji Zhongyun coughed up another mouthful of blood, panting as he instructed, "The Hungry Wolf Camp...I'm entrusting it to you, but...from now on, it will be the imperial army, understand...?"

"This subordinate understands!" Wu Lie sobbed uncontrollably, choking back tears, "General, the Hungry Wolf Camp will one day break through Tianjin. This subordinate will definitely avenge you and preserve your lifelong reputation!"

Ji Zhongyun's expression was complex and inexplicable, filled with resentment and helplessness. He frowned painfully, closed his eyes, and gasped, "Wu Lie, draw your spear!"

"No, General!" Wu Lie cried out in anguish, and the other soldiers also knelt down, begging desperately. This action was tantamount to personally sending the old general who had followed them for many years to his death.

"I...I deserve to die at the hands of the enemy." Ji Zhongyun's face was filled with grief as he choked back tears, "I've spent my whole life on the battlefield, I don't want to wait to die in your arms..."

After saying this, he seemed to find relief, quietly awaiting death. Everyone understood that Prince Zhenbei wanted to relieve his pain by dying, and dying at the hands of the enemy was the best way out for this founding general, and it would not disgrace his heroic name after a lifetime of fighting!

"General!" Wu Lie suddenly roared to the sky like a madman. After roaring for a while, he suddenly closed his eyes, grabbed the spear that was piercing Ji Zhongyun's chest with one hand, and pulled it out while crying.

"Cough..." Ji Zhongyun coughed violently, his eyes wide, convulsed a few times, and then stopped breathing. Wu Lie knelt down like a madman, wailing hysterically as he threw his spear aside, cradling Ji Zhongyun's body and weeping bitterly. His mournful cries were heart-wrenching!

"General!" All the soldiers knelt and wept, tears streaming down their faces, unable to speak, their tragic tears flowing uncontrollably.

Wu Lie knelt there for a full day, holding Ji Zhongyun's body, until the old general's body gradually cooled, still unable to believe the truth. He knelt there blankly, as if waiting for the old man in his arms to wake up and lead them to conquer the world again. "General Wu!" The other soldiers, unable to bear the sight, cried out in uncontrollable grief, "His Highness has passed away. Please allow him to rest in peace!"

Wu Lie's tears flowed silently once more. He turned to look at the corpses scattered on the ground and said weakly, "Pass on the order! These Imperial Guard brothers sacrificed themselves to protect their master. Transport their remains back to the capital. Do not leave even a single trace of their loyalty behind in a foreign land!"

"Yes, sir!" The soldiers who arrived one after another, tears streaming down their faces, began to collect the remains of the loyal thousand Imperial Guards, respectfully preparing to send them back to the capital.

Although Ji Zhongyun had perished, the heroic sacrifice of the Imperial Guards could not be ignored. To these loyal veterans, these young soldiers deserved their respect. Because of the Imperial Guards' desperate protection, they were able to see Ji Zhongyun one last time. This debt of gratitude was heavy, so heavy that it filled them with profound reverence!

Silently, Wu Lie carried Ji Zhongyun's blood-soaked body to his horse and mounted it. He murmured almost frantically, "General, you have served the Ming Dynasty with unparalleled merit throughout your life. This humble general will take you back to the capital, so that you may depart in glory, and so that the world will never forget your great achievements!"

"General?" The other soldiers, witnessing this scene, were somewhat terrified. Had Wu Lie gone mad with grief? He was actually muttering to himself!

"Do as the General commands!" Wu Lie said bitterly as he rode forward, "Send men back to the camp to announce the General's last words. Those who should return should not be detained. I will respectfully request His Majesty's permission for the Hungry Wolf Camp to march south and attack Tianjin, to kill this beastly, unfilial son for the General!"

Another general couldn't help but shed tears and sighed, "The General died on the battlefield, I believe he died without regret. But to be killed by his rebellious son, what a disgrace to his life!"

"Attack Tianjin!" The generals were also filled with anger and immediately shouted in unison, waving their weapons as they watched Wu Lie depart into the distance.

No one had expected that this valiant general who founded the dynasty would die in an unnamed grove. Everyone lamented that the Prince of Zhenbei died so pitifully; perhaps for him, dying on the battlefield was the greatest honor. Twenty years of fighting had ended in such a fate; no one could help but sigh at the mention of it.

Although deeply grieved, Wu Lie still managed to arrange military affairs, brought Ji Zhongyun's last words back to the camp, and then, with the bodies of 20,000 generals and 1,000 imperial guards, and the old general in mourning in his arms, carrying the commander's seal, he marched towards the capital.

The vast army marched along the desolate road as autumn approached, utterly silent, yet a palpable killing intent emanated from the silence. This already blood-soaked, ferocious army was now even more terrifying. The entire

Hungry Wolf Camp was filled with grief and indignation; even some generals who had been won over by Ji Long dared not utter a single word of dissent. All dissenting opinions were drowned out by the tide of vengeance. Many middle-aged soldiers were already sharpening their swords, gritting their teeth, awaiting the order to attack Tianjin. The funeral procession moved silently and somberly. Passing the Po Jun camp's encampment, they found it now draped in white banners, all the soldiers dressed in mourning for Ji Zhongyun. Wu

Lie was moved to tears once more, bowing deeply

. Although they were still at odds, the camaraderie forged in bloodshed remained. The Po Jun camp's respect was deeply touching, proving the old general's unparalleled reputation. "Wu Lie!" A hoarse, pained voice called out. Ji Zhengang

, dressed in mourning clothes, stood outside the camp, his face haggard and showing signs of weeping.

"Your subordinate is here!" Wu Lie, recognizing Ji Zhengang, quickly and respectfully dismounted, but still held Ji Zhongyun tightly in his arms.

Ji Zhengang couldn't help but burst into tears. Suddenly, he stepped forward and slapped Wu Lie hard, cursing, "Do you want the Prince of Zhenbei to come to the capital like this? A prince of a different surname, yet he doesn't even have a coffin to wrap his body in! You'll make him rest in peace even in the afterlife!"

"No, this humble general..." Wu Lie touched the swelling and pain on his face and was about to explain when Ji Zhengang had already turned and walked into the camp, giving him no chance.

"This humble general was confused!" Wu Lie cried out in anguish, "This humble general deserves to die! I forgot that the general is a prince! I deserve to die ten thousand times!"

"General Wu!" At this moment, dozens of people slowly walked out of the Po Jun camp, surrounding a heavy willow coffin!

The coffin was black and heavy, simple yet solemn, clearly made of at least thousand-year-old willow wood! The coffin was inlaid with precious jade and gemstones, and covered with auspicious beasts and clouds. Even the most ignorant person could tell at a glance that it was extremely valuable and definitely not an ordinary object!

"This...this is?" Wu Lie asked dumbfounded, surprised and somewhat bewildered. A deputy general he had met several times stepped forward from the crowd. After respectfully bowing to Ji Zhongyun's body, he said in a trembling voice, "This is the long coffin bestowed upon our general by the late emperor. He always carried it with him carefully on every campaign, always saying that he could lie in it after he died. The general said that Your Highness is a founding general, and your funeral should not be in any way shabby. Please, Your Highness, place me in the coffin!"

"This humble general...is General Jinwu!" Wu Lie wept uncontrollably, too grateful to speak.

Carefully placing Ji Zhongyun's body into the coffin, the soldiers of the Po Jun Camp helped wash away the bloodstains from Ji Zhongyun's body, and then respectfully placed all the imperial gifts into the coffin.

Looking at his master's peaceful remains, Wu Lie finally understood what Ji Zhengang was angry about. He was angry that Wu Lie had been so distraught in his grief that he had disrespected his master's unparalleled dignity, leaving the dignified Prince of Zhenbei exposed to the wind. Thinking of this, Wu Lie was filled with remorse.

Wu Lie ran to Ji Zhengang's camp and knelt three times and kowtowed nine times, remaining motionless for a long time. He naturally knew the value of this gift bestowed by the ancestral emperor; even close relatives would not easily give it up. This sentiment filled the entire Hungry Wolf Camp with gratitude beyond measure.

As he stepped outside the camp, he suddenly discovered that the funeral procession had grown by ten thousand soldiers from the Broken Army Camp, all dressed in mourning clothes.

Wu Lie looked at them in surprise: "This is…"

"We are sending off the former Great General of the Hungry Wolf Camp, the renowned Prince of Zhenbei!" the Broken Army Camp soldiers cried out in anguish. "No one dares forget the Prince's majesty. Even with his rebellious son, he was still a founding general, a prince of the Ming Dynasty!"

"Thank you, brothers!" Wu Lie's eyes welled with tears. At this point, words were futile; all they could do was kneel and bow in gratitude before rising again to support the coffin.

The funeral procession grew larger, with approximately 30,000 soldiers in mourning attire marching in a massive, menacing display that instilled fear in all who beheld it. The oppressive killing intent alone was enough to chill anyone to behold, let alone dare to offend them.

Upon learning of Ji Zhongyun's demise, many people along the route spontaneously came in mourning, kneeling by the roadside to bid farewell to this powerful figure. The paper money, which the two battalions hadn't had time to prepare, fluttered in their hands, its poignant image amplified by the bleak autumn wind.

Year after year, the people on the border had been plundered and slaughtered by the nomadic tribes of the grasslands, a fate they had grown accustomed to for generations. Since Ji Zhongyun had guarded the Northeast, they were astonished to find their lives surprisingly safe, no longer needing to retreat to the deep mountains and forests for the winter.

For the first time, the people here knew what true wealth was, and they were naturally deeply grateful to Ji Zhongyun for protecting them. More and more people spontaneously gathered, forming a long mourning procession of over 100,000 people. The overwhelming flow of paper money and the weeping of the people moved the two battalions of soldiers to tears!

[Episode 16] Chapter 2: New Forces in the Court

Ji Zhongyun's funeral procession returned to the capital in a grand procession. Both battalions were draped in white mourning clothes, the long white procession resembling a dragon winding through the clouds. The heavy coffin, surrounded by them, though luxurious and noble, exuded a deep resentment. Besides the sorrowful tears, the deep hatred of the Hungry Wolf Battalion soldiers was chilling.

Ji Zhongyun had left the capital full of energy, though somewhat listless, but who would have thought that in just a few days he would return as a cold corpse? White banners fluttered along the way, and paper money was scattered throughout the road, a truly tragic sight!

The death of Ji Zhongyun caused an uproar throughout the court. The passing of this founding general shocked the world. It had been so difficult to solidify the loyalty of this prince, who commanded a powerful army, to the Ming Dynasty, but before he could even return to the border, he met such a tragic end.

Even more infuriating was that he died at the hands of his treacherous son. After a failed assassination attempt during a city turmoil, Ji Long attempted to poison him on his return journey. In a Ming Dynasty that revered filial piety above all virtues, this naturally aroused immense public outrage. Ji Long instantly became synonymous with beast.

His reputation plummeted, and he was vilified as worse than a beast and a monster. Who would believe that someone who could poison even his own father would treat the people well after gaining power? Some who had initially pledged allegiance to him began to waver, weighing whether they could truly receive empty promises.

Under the scorn of the masses, Ji Long had no chance to defend himself. In fact, the leader of the assassination attempt was Ghost Yaksha. Based on this alone, any explanation is useless; the crime of patricide is undeniable.

A long white dragon slowly arrived in the capital, its somber appearance almost unbearable to behold. To show his respect for Ji Zhongyun, Zhu Yunwen led all the civil and military officials out of the city early in the morning to personally welcome him, setting up a grand procession thirty miles outside the capital, awaiting the return of this founding general.

All the officials wore mourning clothes to welcome him, receiving Ji Zhongyun's remains with the highest honors and rites befitting a prince. After all, no matter how much trouble he had caused the court, his founding achievements in the southern and northern campaigns were undeniable. Xu Ping, usually carefree, dared not be negligent at this moment. Although he didn't wear mourning clothes, he wore the highest honors befitting a crown prince, holding a jade tablet to express his condolences. Despite usually cursing him to die, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for Ji Zhongyun's passing.

It's heartbreaking to see a founding hero meet such an end. Even Ji Zhongyun himself couldn't remember how much blood he shed and how many wounds he suffered while sweeping across the land. Yet, after over a hundred fierce battles, he still stood proudly above the world. Now, dying so tragically, this ending is a disgrace to him.

The soldiers of the two battalions immediately stopped upon seeing the imperial procession. Wu Lie quickly dismounted and stepped forward. Looking at the grand funeral procession, he was so moved he didn't know what to say. The royal family's magnanimity in treating Ji Zhongyun with the respect due to a prince was truly admirable.

Wu Lie couldn't remember how many tears he had shed. His steps faltered as he approached Zhu Yunwen, kneeling and weeping uncontrollably, "This humble general Wu Lie pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Zhu Yunwen closed his eyes in anguish, walked around him to the long coffin, gently stroking it and sighing, "Your Highness dedicated your life to the Ming Dynasty, achieving unparalleled fame through military exploits and accumulating countless merits. As the only non-royal prince of the Ming Dynasty, your achievements are beyond measure, no reward can adequately express your gratitude. Yet, in your later years, you were betrayed by your rebellious son, dying far from home. I believe even the Holy Ancestor would weep in sorrow if he knew, feeling deeply aggrieved for Your Highness."

"Your Majesty!" The generals of the Hungry Wolf Camp knelt and wept, moved to tears. The court, disregarding Ji Zhongyun's self-importance and military power, still treated him with compassion. Zhu Yunwen's words moved them to tears, but also stirred a deeper hatred within them towards Ji Long.

Seeing this, the officials wisely knelt down in unison, half-heartedly weeping, racking their brains to recite phrases like "unparalleled national hero" and "a national tragedy," as if the one who died wasn't Ji Zhongyun, but their own tigress.

Xu Ping, with a stern face, followed protocol by covering Ji Zhongyun's coffin with a large yellow cloth symbolizing imperial power. Then, he read a long eulogy prepared by the Ministry of Rites, essentially the same old lament about losing a virtuous official—practically useless except for hypnotizing.

After a few elaborate rituals, the Ministry of Rites officials chattered for a while before the ceremony was considered complete. The men of the Po Jun camp dared not linger, bowed once, and immediately returned to their camp to report.

Wu Lie, quite astutely, stationed his troops thirty miles outside the capital and returned alone with the grand funeral procession, sobbing uncontrollably as he leaned against Ji Zhongyun's coffin. Seeing this scene, the officials couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

Xu Ping, walking ahead, couldn't help but glance back a few more times. This burly general, his slightly exposed skin covered in dense scars, was nearly fifty years old; his appearance clearly indicated he was a veteran of countless battles, a founding general of the dynasty.

Zhu Yunwen's expression also turned cold. No wonder the Hungry Wolf Camp disobeyed the Ministry of War's orders. Although Wu Lie before him was wailing loudly, his spirit was unmatched by ordinary soldiers. If the entire Hungry Wolf Camp were as loyal as him, they would be as solid as iron!

Zhu Yunwen had already ordered the entire nation to wear mourning clothes; white banners hung throughout the streets and alleys of the capital, a scene of desolation everywhere. No one dared to make a sound. Many people rushed to kneel and pay their respects to Ji Zhongyun, and some commoners spontaneously scattered paper money on the streets, giving the impression of a grand national funeral.

Even though Ji Zhongyun had wavered and caused the court great trouble, it also showed how high his standing was in the hearts of the people. After all, he had made invaluable contributions to the Ming Dynasty, and the court had to give him face. The Ministry

of Rites was busier than ever, handling Ji Zhongyun's funeral arrangements with great fanfare. At this time, they dared not be negligent in the slightest. In this atmosphere of national grief and indignation, if even the slightest mistake was made, not only would Xu Ping seize the opportunity to retaliate, but many would likely want to kill them.

The Mausoleum of the Holy Ancestor in the suburbs of Beijing was nestled against the mountains and by the water, grand in scale yet blending seamlessly with nature, appearing exceptionally beautiful. The nine pillars with coiled dragons and phoenixes added to its majesty. In this forbidden land of the Ming Dynasty, the founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was buried, resting peacefully, overlooking the vast land he had conquered.

The Mausoleum of the Holy Ancestor was always heavily guarded, with soldiers every five steps and sentries every ten steps, maintaining strict security. Anyone who dared to approach was executed without warning. The garrison's strength was no less than that of the Imperial Guard, and perhaps even slightly surpassed it.

To the east, west, south, and north of the imperial mausoleum, four royal tombs were built. Although smaller in scale than the imperial mausoleum, they were still imposing and commanded respect. Their exquisite architecture and commanding presence inspired awe and reverence.

Before the eastern tomb stood a gilded statue of a general with a ringed head and leopard-like eyes, his glaring gaze fixed on the ground. Clad in heavy black armor, he stood firmly, his armor exuding majesty, the bloodstains still visible. Holding a double-hooked spear, he radiated murderous intent, seemingly ready to tear apart any enemy before him. Five snakes coiled around his body, lifelike and emanating a chilling aura, making him appear like a demon, his killing power unstoppable.

This mausoleum is a shrine dedicated to Luo Yong, the founding general of the dynasty and the Grand General of the Python Camp. The statue depicts him in his early years, displaying his heroic bearing as he roamed the land. The five snakes coiled together form a python, symbolizing the prince's power and prestige. Although he was not given a title, his high achievements certainly warranted this image.

Luo Yong retired to his hometown at the founding of the dynasty, already over seventy years old, as years of injuries had rendered him unable to walk. Now, he enjoys family life in Jiangnan, and a century later, his remains will be buried in this royal mausoleum commemorating his founding contributions.

Luo Yong's lifelong exploits in numerous battles are unforgettable. The late emperor bestowed upon him the most prestigious Eastern Mausoleum, both as recognition of his military achievements and as a reward for his wisdom in relinquishing military power after the empire was at peace. After all, the ability to gracefully withdraw at the height of success is a rare quality.

The northern mausoleum naturally belongs to Ji Zhongyun. His statue is lifelike, holding a large sword and facing northeast, his eyes filled with unwavering strength! His piercing eyes show no fear, as if he is ready to charge into the wilderness at any moment

. The wolf-patterned chainmail he wears is also identical, recording his many merits. At his feet, a hungry wolf howls forward, its fierce eyes seemingly glowing green, representing both the strength of the Wolf Camp and his merit in guarding the northeast.

The western tomb belongs to Ji Zhengang. Unlike the others, he wasn't protected by ferocious beasts, nor did he carry armor or weapons. Instead, he held a command flag pointing forward, as if a thousand troops were about to gallop behind him.

The "military" in Po Jun Camp (破军营) originates from this; a single command could cause a thousand heads to fall, and military orders could crush even the strongest enemies. The Po Jun Camp's past glory in sweeping across the Northwest was evident. The Po Jun Camp's strength lay in its rapid, coordinated attacks and counterattacks, and its unwavering loyalty and strict discipline were its winning formula!

Of the four tombs, the only one still in use is the southern general's tomb. However, the statue before it is not the imposing general one one might imagine, but rather a handsome man holding a military treatise in his left hand and a commander's seal in his right.

Unlike the other three, who possessed an air of calm and ruthlessness reminiscent of a battlefield warrior, the man above had a gentle, warm complexion and a kind smile in his eyes. He exuded an air of composure and confidence, yet his every move was filled with the domineering

presence of someone who commanded the world. He was truly a peerless genius, a master of both literature and martial arts. Resting here is none other than Zhuang Lianying, the once-mighty General of the Fierce Tiger Camp, who roared across the land. He was also the first of the four royal tombs to accompany the Holy Ancestor. Although his name wasn't as resounding as Ji Zhongyun's reputation for pacifying the north, in terms of military strategy, the other three generals were far superior.

Construction of all the tombs began at the very beginning of the dynasty, and the chosen locations were auspicious sites surrounded by mountains and water. When Zhu Yuanzhang selected his own imperial tomb, he specifically ordered a royal tomb for each of the four men, partly to appease the heavy casualties suffered by the various camps at the time.

After years of campaigning in the north and south, when General Xiaoding finally established his capital in the capital, while others rode tall horses with great fanfare, he, seriously ill, was forced to enter the city. This ambitious warlord tragically passed away before witnessing the founding ceremony, a great loss to the Ming Dynasty.

In those turbulent years, most generals were strong warriors capable of fighting on the battlefield, but Zhuang Lianying was a rare scholar-general. Although he wasn't as fierce in battle as the other three generals, he was a first-rate strategist in troop deployment. His

tactics were astonishingly unpredictable, sometimes employing unconventional methods that were impossible to defend against. He often used terrain and troop formations unexpectedly to achieve victories against superior numbers, making him a ruthless figure feared by the Yuan army.

In his time, the Fierce Tiger Battalion was the most powerful of the four major military units, and under his command, its fighting strength was consistently

the strongest among all the Ming armies. Beneath Zhuang Lianying's gentle smile lay a wisdom unmatched by any army. Had he not died young, the Fierce Tiger Camp likely wouldn't have fallen to its current state.

This forbidden ground, besides the Emperor's passing, was once again bustling with activity. The Northern Mausoleum was a hive of activity, with lavish burial goods being moved into the tomb. Officials from the Ministry of Rites meticulously arranged the proceedings, each person cautious and unwavering.

As the ashen-faced eunuchs lowered the heavy coffin into the tomb, the massive stone door slowly closed, burying them all as well, so their spirits would continue to serve this founding general.

Faint cries seemed to emanate from the tomb, but everyone was used to it, continuing to prepare a grand funeral for Ji Zhongyun; the sacrificial activities seemed endless.

The entire funeral was of an awe-inspiring scale, and Xu Ping, without a single complaint, busied himself tirelessly, his honesty astonishing. Even the most madman Xu Ping knew the current situation; his feigned grief was nothing more than a few exaggerated cries.

Zhu Yunwen also acted with great sorrow, earning the gratitude of everyone in the Hungry Wolf Camp. The imperial court's attitude was partly to win over the Hungry Wolf Camp and other generals, and partly to put on a show for the world, hoping to gain favor with a wise and benevolent ruler. Ji Zhongyun's

funeral arrangements continued unabated. After the three-day mourning period, the court resumed its regular morning court sessions, and officials removed their mourning clothes to deal with the backlog of affairs.

Zhu Yunwen sat on the dragon throne, his face extremely gloomy. The supreme ruler seemed to harbor hidden anger, making everyone uneasy. Hai Zi continued to call for the morning court sessions, his face calm and composed; no one could glean any clues from his expression.

"Your Majesty!" Wu Lie, still dressed in mourning clothes, knelt on the golden throne, his face contorted with grief. "The death of the General has caused immense sorrow to the entire Hungry Wolf Camp. Ji Long, a beast, cruelly

murdered his own father. We beg Your Majesty to give us a chance to avenge the Prince, to point our swords at Tianjin and avenge him!" Zhu Yunwen glanced at the memorial presented, his brows furrowing immediately. He snorted coldly and said, "So many have retired to their hometowns, and many are no longer able to fight. The Hungry Wolf Camp is left with less than 50,000 soldiers! The death of the Prince of Zhenbei has shattered the morale of the troops. It seems some have even used the pretext of being discharged to defect to Tianjin. How can I trust you?"

Ji Zhongyun's dying wish had left many disheartened, and given their advanced age, they resolutely chose to return home. Some of Ji Long's followers, fearing that staying would be detrimental to them, also used the pretext of returning home to flee to Tianjin. The once mighty Hungry Wolf Camp was now utterly demoralized.

Wu Lie, his face filled with hatred, declared resolutely, "Wu Lie is willing to stake his life on the fact that the remaining men are all loyal and brave! If the Hungry Wolf Camp can march south, they will surely quell the rebellion. They will not rest until they have captured Tianjin. I beg Your Majesty's permission!"

The Hungry Wolf Camp's strength had suddenly dwindled to less than 50,000, causing many astute individuals to frown. This reduction in fighting power was more than half. Leaving aside the question of whether they could even attack Tianjin, facing the increasingly tense atmosphere on the grasslands, it was uncertain whether they could hold their ground as before.

Zhu Yunwen remained silent, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. After a long while, he slowly spoke, seemingly with sorrow, "Issue the order: Wu Lie, a third-rank general, will be promoted to first rank and given command of the Hungry Wolf Camp's Grand General seal. He will be transferred to the Po Jun Camp to take over the northeastern defenses. After the entire army has rested, they will march south and await further orders."

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" Wu Lie was moved to tears, not only because he now had a chance for revenge, but also because Zhu Yunwen had chosen to trust him at this sensitive time!

A murmur of discussion immediately arose in the court. The Hungry Wolf Camp was finally being mobilized; what would the situation be like after they marched south? What impact would Ji Long's absorption of so many former Hungry Wolf Camp generals have? Many felt uneasy at the thought. "Wu Lie!" Zhu Yunwen earnestly instructed, "Breaking through Tianjin is not a matter of a moment. You must not act rashly, much less force an attack. I order you to divide your forces into several routes to attack the surrounding garrisons first. Anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

"This subordinate obeys the decree!" Wu Lie dared not doubt; having the opportunity to avenge himself was already a great blessing. After receiving the imperial edict, he immediately withdrew with a solemn expression.

As soon as his figure disappeared, the officials began to whisper among themselves. Zhu Yunwen waited until they had finished speaking before coughing and saying, "My lords, please speak your minds."

"Your Majesty!" someone from the Ministry of War immediately stepped forward, his face full of worry, and said, "The Hungry Wolf Camp has always been a source of instability for the court. Although the Prince of Zhenbei has passed away, he may still harbor resentment. Sending Wu Lie to Tianjin with his troops would be like adding fuel to the fire."

These words immediately caused an uproar in the court. Everyone immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. If Wu Lie harbored ulterior motives and led 50,000 troops to join Ji Long, leaving the Po Jun Camp to guard the Northeast, then the court's attempt to capture Tianjin would become even more difficult.

Although no one said it outright, judging from the discussion, many felt the Emperor's actions were somewhat rash, that he shouldn't have let Wu Lie lead the troops. Even if the Hungry Wolf Camp wanted to attack Tianjin, at least a trusted general should have been in

charge. Seeing Zhu Yunwen's displeasure, Guo Jinghao immediately stepped forward, sneering, "Then what should we do? Continue to let the Hungry Wolf Camp run rampant? Send someone else? Who can control this pack of wolves? I think Wu Lie is a loyal and brave man; he would never collude with Ji Long!"

His cold snort silenced everyone. However, a discordant voice still arose. Liu Shangli, the Minister of Revenue, suddenly stepped forward, tentatively saying, "Your Majesty, with the frequent troop movements across the land, and the Hungry Wolf Camp's 50,000-strong force marching south at this time, I fear the Ministry of Revenue's funds will be insufficient for the distribution of provisions."

This man, with his large head and ears, was quite conspicuous, but his words carried considerable weight. While others were discussing military power, he immediately seized control of the supply lines. Without food and water, how could they attack Tianjin? How could the Hungry Wolf Camp launch a large-scale southward advance?

Zhu Yunwen stared at him expressionlessly, his eyes carrying a chilling glint. This unspoken pressure made Liu Shangli very uncomfortable.

"How much silver is needed for the mobilization?" Zhu Yunwen finally asked after a long pause, his tone devoid of any emotion.

Liu Shangli mentally calculated for a moment and respectfully replied, "The food, medicine, and supplies for 50,000 troops, including provisions and logistical expenses, would require at least 200,000 taels of silver per month. Currently, disaster relief efforts in various regions have just been completed, and the Ministry of Revenue is experiencing a shortage of funds. After deducting all expenses, the remaining silver is insufficient to support this mobilization." "

Is that so?" Zhu Yunwen sneered, then suddenly gave Guo Jinghao a meaningful look.

Guo Jinghao, understanding immediately, stood up and suddenly roared, "Bring them up!"

The officials turned in surprise, only to see imperial guards escorting over forty disheveled men into the Golden Hall. While everyone was puzzled, they were astonished to discover that these forty-odd men were all "Imperial Brothers-in-law" or "Imperial Fathers-in-law," each one disheveled and now a prisoner! As

soon as they were brought in, they immediately cried out their innocence, some even pleading for the Emperor's mercy, mentioning things like "My sister is so-and-so."

Hai Zi frowned and coldly shouted, "Insolence!

How dare you shout like this in the Golden Hall!" The men, terrified, knelt and dared not utter another word. At this moment, an official from the Ministry of Justice stepped forward and listed the numerous crimes these men had committed: embezzling funds from the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Household Department, using their imperial power to seize other people's property, and engaging in monopolistic practices.

The evidence was irrefutable; over forty people had amassed more than 600,000 taels of silver in just a few years. They had abused their imperial status, swaggering and oppressing the people, committing countless atrocities of murder!

Zhu Yunwen's face grew increasingly grim. Before the Ministry of Justice officials could finish reading, he slammed his hand on the table in a fit of rage: "Take them all out and execute them!"

"Your Majesty, spare us! Your Majesty!" they cried out pitifully. The imperial guards dragged them all away. These former imperial relatives fell silent quickly, beheaded within a few steps of the Golden Hall.

More than forty imperial relatives! Executions were usually carried out outside the Meridian Gate, but this time the executioner's blade was raised inside the palace. The officials felt a chill run down their spines; this wasn't just a show for the people, but a show for them.

"Damn it!" Zhu Yunwen roared, slamming his fist on the table in fury. "Using the favor of the women in the palace, they prey on the people and even embezzle the court's silver. Such black sheep must be killed to deter the world. Even those I favor, if they violate the laws of the Great Ming, will be executed without exception!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" The officials knelt and shouted. Each one secretly gasped. The emperor was not a gentle ruler; he could behead the relatives of his own wife so readily, and so many at once!

Guo Jinghao was unusually respectful, but secretly chuckled. The emperor was afraid people would forget that he too was ruthless, hence this cruel measure. But if it came to purging, the Crown Prince was the biggest negative example!

"Six hundred thousand taels of silver, is that enough?" Zhu Yunwen's tone was indifferent, his anger suddenly gone.

He sat on the dragon throne, sipping his tea, not even glancing at the headless corpse outside the hall! It was as if the person he had just killed in his rage wasn't a human being, nor someone related to him, but rather a pig he had fattened up.

"Enough, enough!" Liu Shangli kept wiping away cold sweat, somewhat regretting that he shouldn't have provoked this trouble, and for some reason, he had a bad feeling.

Zhu Yunwen sneered and said softly, "In a small alley south of the capital, there's a so-called quiet courtyard. It appears to be a scholarly family residence, but in reality, it's a place where some people hide their mistresses and bury their gold and silver. The main house alone has over 400,000 taels of gold and silver hidden underground—quite a grand scheme!"

"Indeed!" Guo Jinghao agreed. "The salaries of our officials are verifiable. If this is an official of our Great Ming Dynasty, then he's the biggest corrupt official of the dynasty!"

"Is that so?" Zhu Yunwen snorted and asked, "If an official embezzled such a huge sum, what should his punishment be?"

"He should be torn apart by chariots and all his property confiscated!" Minister of Justice Zhang Bojun immediately stepped forward, his face grim as he looked at Liu Shangli.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shangli's body went limp, and he fainted.

This quiet courtyard was precisely where he had hidden his embezzled silver. On the surface, it appeared to be an ordinary residence, but in reality, it housed countless amounts of gold and silver. He now understood he was finished, but he couldn't understand how he had managed to slip up and alert the Emperor, something he had done so flawlessly!

He had underestimated Liu Ziyi's ability to monitor the capital. Not only this quiet courtyard, but also his other assets and clandestine dealings had long been known to Zhu Yunwen. However, due to the recent unrest in the court, he hadn't been dealt with. Now, with such a good opportunity, he naturally didn't hesitate to eliminate this Minister of Revenue who had been siphoning off funds.

After all, eliminating him would still bring in money. Despite a slight secret delight, Zhu Yunwen outwardly feigned heartache: "Liu Shangli, a dignified Minister of Revenue, yet you possess so much ill-gotten wealth. You have utterly betrayed my trust in you."

At this moment, Hong Shun, who had already entered Shuntian Prefecture, cleverly stepped forward, coldly observing Liu Shangli trembling on the ground. He unfolded a memorial and slowly read aloud: "The three departments of Tiandu Prefecture, Shuntian Prefecture, and the Ministry of Justice have jointly investigated the case of the Minister of Revenue possessing a huge sum of money. It has now been determined that..." The crimes of Minister Liu Shangli are as follows: First, he embezzled over 800,000 taels of silver from the Ministry of Rites, the tribute of goods from various regions, and the Imperial Household Department, under the guise of disaster relief and various repairs. Second, he engaged in market manipulation, colluding with those just convicted, engaging in forced buying and selling, exploiting the people and merchants, and even profiteering from grain prices during major disasters, causing the court's disaster relief funds to fail to be delivered properly…”

He read line by line, taking almost half an incense stick's time to finish. Liu Shangli was now deathly pale. Having these crimes exposed, he didn't even have the courage to beg for mercy. Regardless of the charge, if the court had evidence, he would face certain death.

The fact that a mere Minister of Revenue could amass a fortune of millions filled Zhu Yunwen with rage. Remembering the countless sleepless nights he himself had spent worrying about money, Zhu Yunwen could no longer contain his anger. He asked in a deep voice, "Liu Shangli, what else do you have to say?" "

Your Majesty, I deserve to die!" Liu Shangli cried, his lips pale. "I know I cannot escape death, but I was momentarily blinded by greed and committed this heinous crime. I knew I could never spend all this money in my lifetime, but I couldn't resist. I deserve to die!"

"Zhang Bojun!" Zhu Yunwen said no more, his face ashen, and ordered, "Arrest him and interrogate him. His entire fortune is confiscated."

"Yes!" Zhang Bojun, always upright and incorruptible, couldn't help but feel puzzled upon hearing this decree. Were the other accomplices not thoroughly investigated?

Just as he was about to ask a question, Guo Jinghao immediately gave him a wink, and Hong Shun quickly tugged at his clothes. Although Zhang Bojun was straightforward, he wasn't pedantic. A quick thought revealed that the Emperor didn't want to escalate the situation and cause widespread unrest, so he tactfully replied "Yes" and withdrew.

After Liu Shangli was dragged away, Zhu Yunwen chuckled to himself. The recent rumors of the Emperor's brother-in-law embezzling silver had greatly displeased him, but due to the instability of the court, he hadn't dealt with them. However, looking at these fat, bloated men, he was filled with hatred, so much so that he couldn't sleep at night.

Coincidentally, at that time, the father and son had already begun secretly plotting to smuggle weapons to the Khitan. Zhu Yunwen already had considerable evidence, but due to the circumstances, he couldn't act. The Emperor, so frustrated, naturally couldn't help but complain. Xu Ping had just flirted with his beautiful aunt and was in a particularly good mood. After thinking for a moment, he casually comforted her, saying, "What's the big deal? Just think of them as pigs you raise. You fatten them up before you slaughter them. If you don't raise them first, the money won't end up in your pocket, right? Only when they're fattened up are they yours."

It was a vulgar idea, an extremely cunning thought, but it suddenly enlightened the usually brilliant Zhu Yunwen. From that moment on, he began to quietly collect evidence, waiting for the opportunity to slaughter these fat pigs and rightfully obtain this ill-gotten wealth.

"Your Majesty!" Guo Jinghao saw that everyone else was silent. After all, the execution of more than forty heads in such a short time had indeed frightened these officials. It wouldn't be right for him not to say something at this time, so he could only stand up and respectfully say, "Now

that Liu Shangli has been brought to justice, the Ministry of Revenue is concerned with the Ming Dynasty's finances and cannot be without a leader for even a day. The selection of a new Minister still needs to be decided. Please make a decision as soon as possible, Your Majesty!"

"My esteemed ministers!" Zhu Yunwen was in a good mood, as if he could already see nearly two million taels of silver flowing into his pocket. He asked with a pleased expression, "Minister Guo's words are quite correct. Does anyone have a preferred candidate to recommend?"

Hong Shun's eyes darted around slightly, and he immediately stepped forward, his face stern. "Your Majesty," he said, "this humble subject believes that the Minister of Revenue should be a talented individual, capable of managing the finances, of high moral character, and of incorruptible and frugal conduct to properly manage the money and grain of our Great Ming!"

Although Hong Shun held only an eighth-rank official position, a very low rank among the court officials, barely qualified to attend court, no one dared to underestimate him. After only a few brief appearances at court, these old foxes could see that this guy was practically the Crown Prince's representative, having already gathered the Crown Prince's protégés and become a new force in the court. Even when beating a dog, one must consider its owner!

The officials unanimously agreed, and Guo Jinghao stepped forward, concurring, "Indeed, this person must be honest and upright."

"Then, do any of you ministers have someone to recommend?" Zhu Yunwen's tone was casual, yet so casual it sent a chill down everyone's spine.

Everyone immediately fell silent, realizing that His Majesty already had someone in mind, leaving no room for their opinions.

Guo Jinghao smiled, his eyes narrowed, and suddenly stepped forward, praising him highly: "I recommend a man, Zhang Daonian, the current magistrate of Cangzhou. He has been promoted and demoted three times, losing his position as magistrate twice. He is honest and upright, with an excellent reputation among the people, making him the best candidate for Minister of Revenue!" "

Zhang Daonian? Really? That Zhang donkey, with his head like an iron lump." "That guy is still only an eighth-rank official, isn't he? He's always getting into trouble and being arrested. It's a bit inappropriate for him to suddenly become Minister of Revenue. He's still just a minor magistrate; can he handle it?"

Guo Jinghao's words immediately caused an uproar in the court, with everyone discussing in surprise. Zhang Daonian was indeed honest and loved the people, but his lack of understanding of official politics and ingratiation had offended many, which was why he was repeatedly demoted and sent to remote areas! Although his official reputation was excellent, his interpersonal relationships were not good.

In terms of seniority, Zhang Daonian had never reached the fourth rank. The question of whether Zhang Daonian could shoulder such a heavy responsibility as Minister of Revenue sparked endless debate, yet three groups maintained an unusual silence, coldly observing the others.

One group was Guo Jinghao and his protégés. Since he had recommended Zhang Daonian, everyone else unconditionally supported him.

Another group was led by Cheng Youzhu, the die-hard loyalists who absolutely supported imperial power. They, of course, understood the situation clearly. Guo Jinghao's nominee was so special; he would never have taken the lead without the Emperor's authorization, making his nomination uncontroversial.

The last group, of course, was Hong Shun and the Crown Prince's protégés. Most of them had come from the special imperial examinations presided over by Xu Ping, taking pride in being the Crown Prince's protégés, respecting their teacher as a father, and regarding Xu Ping as their elder father and lord. Everyone knew that the down-on-his-luck Zhang Daonian was promoted by his master. Their support was unwavering, a fanatical support that needed no justification.

The other factions in the court and the scattered rebels, seeing this, immediately broke out in a cold sweat. These three factions were now in unprecedented agreement, so what else was there to say? They could only quickly shut their mouths and utter a few more empty words of approval.

Zhang Daonian was currently working under the scorching sun in the fields of Cangzhou, planting seeds sent by the Ministry of Works—supposedly a new type of rice with extremely high yields—with the local people.

To persuade them to try this rice, he practically visited their homes every day to move these ordinary folks, making them nervously plant these seeds, unsure whether they would bring fortune or disaster, in the fields they depended on for survival.

Zhang Daonian wore simple shorts, a peddler's coat, and a straw hat, covered in mud. Even standing among the villagers, he looked the most wretched, yet he wore a satisfied smile as he worked alongside everyone, completely unaware that he had already risen to prominence, becoming one of the six ministers under Xu Ping's support.

"Who's that old geezer? He doesn't seem to be from this village!" A passing villager looked at Zhang Daonian with some suspicion; it was obvious he wasn't from the village, a complete stranger.

"Yeah! I don't think I've seen him before. Where did this old bachelor come from?" another person in the group chimed in. Their conversation started unintentionally, but it was overheard by other villagers resting under the tree. A group of people immediately smashed their water bowls in anger and surrounded them, cursing, "You have dog mouths! Who are you calling an old geezer?"

A middle-aged woman was even more furious, pointing her finger at the other person's face and yelling, "You damned child, who are you calling an old geezer? Did you eat shit? Your mouth stinks!" "

It's...it's just an old man!" The two were startled. Although they didn't know why these usually kind villagers were suddenly so angry, they still stubbornly replied.

"You scoundrel!" An old man with white hair and beard squeezed out from the crowd, angrily raising his hand to slap one of the young men on the head, cursing, "Are you blind?! Do you think you can just call me Magistrate Zhang like that? You blind brat, I'll beat you to death!"

"Grandpa, I didn't mean to..." The young man was frightened and tried to dodge, but the old man still chased him all over the field with a carrying pole.

"What's wrong?" Zhang Daonian saw the commotion at this time and quickly ran over to ask with concern, "What's wrong, folks? Why aren't you resting?"

"Nothing, Magistrate Zhang!" The people immediately put on humble smiles, saying with beaming smiles, "The two little brats are just being silly. You've been working so hard for so long, you should rest!"

Some people handed him towels, some offered him tea, and some even rushed to help him up. Zhang Daonian didn't ask any more questions, but sat under the roots of a tree, wiping his sweat and catching his breath. It was hard to find another magistrate in the world who was so approachable to the people.

After taking office, Zhang Daonian not only quickly resolved the famine in the area and allowed the people to resume their fishing and farming lives, but also swiftly punished a large number of corrupt officials and landlords who preyed on the people, sending all these people who had harmed the region to prison.

Even former clerks in the government office were not spared under severe punishment. This fair and honest attitude, coupled with his hands-on approach and easygoing manner, had long established his supreme prestige in the local area, making him a beloved and respected official. "I can't rest!" Zhang

Daonian looked at the sun and calculated the time, then said with a wry smile, "The Crown Prince's Ghost Camp's supplies will pass through our county soon, but we don't have enough manpower to transport the supplies. I'll have to find more people to help with the transport."

"Why didn't you say so sooner, Da Yao!" An old man who looked to be nearly a hundred years old immediately stamped his feet anxiously, saying with a hint of sarcasm, "This important matter is more important than our small fields! If you had said so earlier, we would have gathered the villagers to help."

"Absolutely not!" Zhang Daonian waved his hands in alarm, saying, "The Crown Prince has given strict orders that the Ghost Camp's presence must not cause trouble for the people of Hebei. Besides, Lady Zhao is still in Tongyang. She cares most about the people here. If she finds out that I sent you to be grain transport workers and delayed the farming season, she'll skin me alive!"

"Who said you asked us to!" A middle-aged woman protested, "Everyone knows the Crown Prince favors our place. Besides, Consort Zhao is already a concubine. It's our honor to lend a little effort. We're all family!"

"That's right!" The others chimed in, "Our land used to be barren. The Crown Prince provided seeds and grain, and even sent you, a great official. This kindness can't be repaid with just a little effort. Please don't refuse."

"Fellow villagers!" Zhang Daonian's eyes reddened as he bowed and clasped his hands, saying, "On behalf of His Highness the Crown Prince, I thank you all!"

"No, no, you're shortening our lives!"

"That's right, I'd give my life if the Crown Prince needed me, let alone just push a cart to deliver grain." A group of people were terrified and quickly pulled back Zhang Daonian, who was about to bow. While the crowd was being calmly reassured, nimble young men were already taking large gongs and banging them from village to village:

"Folks! The Crown Prince's grain convoy is about to pass through our county. Everyone who can help, come out! Anyone who's lazy will have a son without an anus!"

"The Evil Ghost Camp's grain needs to be transported! All the young men of Old Wang Village, get out here! Forget about farming seasons, all of you go help! Anyone who doesn't come out won't be allowed into the Old Wang family's ancestral graveyard!"

Amidst the banging of gongs and drums and the shouts, more than 20,000 people gathered from all over Cangzhou County. Besides the young men with their sleeves rolled up, there were even some women carrying cutting boards, and some even carrying large black pots and iron ladles. When asked, they said, "We can't do much physical labor, we'll just help the soldiers cook." They all looked so devout, as if they were going to their deaths.

Zhang Daonian saw that the time was right and quickly led his men to the border of Cangzhou to wait for the grain convoy to arrive.

Zhang Daonian deeply understood the importance of public sentiment. His actions were partly heartfelt and partly an effort to win over the hearts of the people for the Crown Prince's residence. Having experienced many ups and downs in life, he was no longer particularly concerned with the rank of his official position, but he was deeply grateful for Xu Ping's patronage. He could only do his utmost to appease the local populace to live up to his reputation and his master's trust.

The people, as if awaiting something sacred, watched the main road with excited expressions. Before the grain-delivering team even appeared, a troop of about five hundred armored cavalrymen suddenly charged out from a mountain path.

A commotion immediately arose among the crowd, but the cavalrymen silently galloped forward. The powerful clatter of hooves, kicking up dust, rushed up to Zhang Daonian. A leader rode forward, glaring and shouting, "You audacious commoners, how dare you block the road!"

"No!" Zhang Daonian quickly stepped out from the crowd, hurriedly explaining as he dressed in his official robes, "Your humble servant Zhang Daonian is waiting here for the grain transport convoy. Those here are all Cangzhou citizens who have come to help. I hope the general will investigate." "

It really is Zhang Daonian!" The leader glanced around and suddenly laughed, stepping forward with a smile and apologizing with clasped hands, "I didn't see Lord Zhang here earlier, please forgive me."

The newcomer was none other than the fourth brother, who had been in charge of escorting the grain. Zhang Daonian breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing him. At this moment, they saw a line of carriages approaching in the distance and quickly waved, saying, "Alright, everyone, go and help!"

"Go! Don't think it's too easy." The fourth brother gave a wry smile, his words carrying a meaning that was hard to tell whether it was relief or helplessness.

Following his gaze, Zhang Daonian was immediately stunned. The Evil Ghost Camp currently only had 20,000 men stationed in Hebei, and their need for provisions wasn't much, yet the escort team before him numbered a staggering 70,000. Moreover, judging from their attire, they were all civilians; not a single soldier could be seen.

"This...where did so many people come from?" Zhang Daonian was dumbfounded. 70,000 men could easily transport provisions for an army of 300,000.

The fourth brother gave a wry smile and said, "Once we entered Hebei, the soldiers transporting provisions had nothing to do. More and more civilians came to help along the way. When the 400 carts of provisions reached you, guess what happened?"

"What happened?" Zhang Daonian's heart skipped a beat; this was no joke. Now that the Prince of Zhenbei had passed away, the court was clearly about to attack Tianjin, and the provisions couldn't afford the slightest mishap.

"It became 600 carts!" The fourth brother didn't know whether to be happy or helpless as he spoke. Two hundred cartloads of grain had inexplicably appeared. He didn't know where to complain. Although much of it was coarse grain, it clearly demonstrated the influence of his master and Consort Zhao.

"Ah..." Zhang Daonian was stunned. Although Hebei was one of the fastest-recovering regions after the disaster, two hundred cartloads of grain represented the food supply for countless people! How could these people have squeezed so much food out of their own pockets?

Zhang Daonian's eyes welled up with tears. These people knew who was good to them; their love for the Crown Prince's residence was the will of the people. It seemed his master's tireless efforts to help them hadn't been in vain!

"What are you pushing for? We're pushing this cart! I'm from Tongyang County, and Zhao Niangniang is from our area. How dare you try to take my place!"

"Get lost! I used to be an outlaw in the Fierce Tiger Stronghold. I even cooked for General Zhao! You're a complete stranger, get out of my way!"

"What are you bunch of blind brats doing, fighting over this? Let me tell you, all four of my sons, three wives, and two daughters work at the distillery. This time, even my old bones have to put in some effort. Anyone who tries to take it from me, watch out, I'll hit them

with my cane!" Because of the large number of people, there was even pushing and shoving during the grain transport. The fourth brother seemed to be used to it, gently persuading everyone not to get agitated, and immediately directing the long grain transport team towards the water spring.

Zhang Daonian and the other disciples of the Crown Prince who had been sent to help instantly understood what the hearts of the people were. It wasn't the praise and glorification read in books, nor the glory of imperial achievements, but the support of these ordinary people.

The grain transported by only two thousand soldiers was being carried by tens of thousands of civilians. With the people's hearts aligned, what ignorant fools could a holy ruler possibly be an enemy of?

Many more people came to help along the way. The fourth prince had to persuade some to leave, but each carriage still had at least a hundred people pushing it in shifts, making their progress surprisingly fast.

[Episode 16] Chapter 3: The Ruthlessness of Imperial Power

The Qingyun River, flowing into the ocean, has always been a vital waterway for trade between various regions. It flows past the capital and extends towards Goryeo, passing through turbulent areas like Zhili, Hebei, and Tianjin. It is the most convenient river connecting the capital to other places and is known as the waterway trade route.

The turmoil turned this canal, which had nurtured trade in the north, into a deserted place. Many docks lost their former bustling activity, and the number of passenger boats that once crisscrossed the waters decreased significantly. Large cargo ships could be seen moored along the banks, their owners sighing over the dwindling business.

The long river surface rippled gently, the mountains and streams on both sides remaining peaceful and serene, and wisps of smoke rose from the small villages along the riverbanks. Aside from a decline in wealth, the lives of the people seemed largely unaffected.

Only the once lively shouts and calls at the docks were gone, and the idle ships appeared so lonely. After Ji Long seized control of Tianjin, this waterway lost its former vibrancy. Even though the imperial court did not blockade it, merchants, fearing the safety of their goods, had no choice but to reluctantly cease trade with Tianjin.

Three large ships sailed downstream on the river, heading north. Constructed entirely of sturdy timber, they appeared incredibly robust, tightly reinforced with iron bars for added strength. Their large sails billowed in the wind, creating a dynamic effect. Large flags, unmarked, flew from their bows, their imposing presence clearly indicating their significance.

One ship, protected in the center, was enormous, twice the size of a typical passenger vessel. At its bow was a lifelike wooden sculpture of a ghost, its eyes radiating an overwhelming killing intent that seemed to scare away the restless souls buried at the river's bottom. The large deck at the bow could comfortably

accommodate at least one or two hundred people, yet only a tall canopy provided shade from the blazing sun. Surrounding the ship were guards armed with swords and busy maids. While the decorations weren't extravagant, the sheer scale of the operation suggested its owner was no ordinary person.

The ship raised its sails and surged forward, the sound of it cutting through the waves drawing the attention of crowds on both banks. Although there were still many large boats on the Qinghe River, they were now hard to find, leading many to speculate that such a grand display was only possible for a high-ranking official or a wealthy young master's outing.

Xu Ping comfortably nestled under an umbrella, reclining in a grand chair. He swayed gently, enjoying the caress of the river breeze. He lazily remarked, "This is life! Why fight when there's nothing to do? Swimming and enjoying the scenery is much better!"

Xu Ping was indeed comfortable, with Xiao Mi and Qiao'er massaging his feet on either side, and his somewhat reluctant mother-in-law, Ying Qiaodie, standing beside him. The combination of a little girl, a young woman, and a beautiful woman was pleasing to the eye; who had time to appreciate the scenery?

Qiao'er was still dressed in her usual innocent and adorable style. As a young girl, she looked even more charming in her pure green dress. Her little hands gently massaged Xu Ping's legs, surprisingly obediently without a single complaint, mainly because her mouth was full of snacks, preventing her from using her sharp tongue.

Xiao Mi remained gentle and considerate, becoming even more alluring and beautiful after her loss of virginity. The deep affection in her eyes and her shy gaze were so sweet they were almost intoxicating.

After the Mi family's downfall, Xu Ping didn't blame her, nor did he use the incident to establish his authority. Instead, he continued to love her as always, even bringing her young brother into the household. She was deeply grateful for all this kindness, feeling as if she were in a dream.

The most uncomfortable was Ying Qiaodie. She should have been by her daughter's side, cherishing and caring for her little darling. Who would have thought that a letter of divorce would drive her to the brink of suicide? In this era, divorced women, whether virtuous or wicked, were despised and their reputations ruined. Most committed suicide out of hatred.

Ying Qiaodie, too, couldn't escape the common grief and tears. Only when Ji Xinyue rode in the phoenix carriage to take her into the palace did she understand her true status as a son-in-law. Her father-in-law was none other than the current Emperor, the supreme ruler, and the child in her daughter's womb was the only heir of the royal family. This intense shock nearly made her faint.

Ji Xinyue, displaying the majesty of an empress, sternly warned her not to tell Lan Xiaoxun, and to keep this a secret until the child was born. Ying Qiaodie knelt trembling, not daring to refuse, experiencing for the first time what it meant to be held in such a high position. Ji Xinyue's sudden change, her noble bearing alone, made her unable to look directly at her; how could she dare utter a single word of dissent! Although a letter of divorce had driven her to the brink of suicide to prove her innocence, Ji Xinyue's gentle yet firm persuasion had calmed her down, preventing a tragic end to her proving her innocence.

At this moment, Ying Qiaodie wore a soft silk dress, the purple hem fluttering in the wind, looking quite charming. Her beautiful face bore an indelible sorrow, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion and disbelief as she looked at her son-in-law, who was practically a spendthrift.

As the Crown Prince, the heir apparent, he was destined to ascend the throne, becoming the supreme ruler and establishing an unshakeable empire. Imperial authority was so supreme; a single word from him could bring bloodshed.

Legend had it that the Crown Prince had single-handedly built the now-powerful Ministry of Commerce, amassing immense wealth while remaining close to the people, providing disaster relief and aid. He valued skilled craftsmen, establishing the Ministry of Crafts, hailed as the most innovative ministry in the Ming Dynasty. He recruited talented individuals regardless of background, and secretly assembled a formidable army, using his intelligence to defeat Ji Long in Tianjin, crippling his power.

With so many legendary achievements, this Crown Prince, hailed as the future wise ruler, was actually this dissolute and uncouth person before her. Ying Qiaodie was dumbfounded for a long time. Although she was no longer a dreamy young girl, the sight of someone she had always admired as noble as him, so roguish, would make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Ying Qiaodie felt a pang of bitterness. Her daughter had risen to prominence overnight, while she herself had been ruined by a divorce decree. All these overwhelming changes were because of this absurd son-in-law.

Many had hinted that the Crown Prince had also taken a liking to her, a fact that filled Ying Qiaodie with shame. Her daughter was six months pregnant, and she herself had been thrown out of the house—a situation already pitiful enough. But all of this was orchestrated by the man before her. Despite her resentment, she dared not utter a single word of reproach, only hoping that this absurd man would not take liberties with her.

"Master, it's so naughty!"

Xiao Mi giggled, her slender fingers touching the already erect penis in his trousers, then gently kissing it through the fabric, playfully saying, "Why is it still so hard? Does it miss Master Ling?"

"Haha, I want you to lick it a few times," Xu Ping laughed wildly, his lewdness completely undisguised.

"Just a little while!"

Xiaomi said sweetly, blowing hot air onto the dragon's root, her eyes like silk, "When you're in the mood, I'll take it in my mouth properly, okay?"

"Sure!"

Xu Ping laughed wildly, his hand unable to resist reaching down to touch her full breasts, pinching them a few times, causing Xiaomi to pant and moan softly.

Ying Qiaodie's face turned even redder. She couldn't believe that such a legendary crown prince was actually the dissolute playboy before her. As she turned her head away, blushing, she wondered anxiously what was going on with that letter of divorce? Could it be that this absurd man really coveted her?

While eating heartily, Qiao'er mumbled, "But Master, I think the Prince of Zhenbei was so impressive! I went to see him buried, and there were so many people paying their respects, and officials escorted him all the way to the tomb. It was so grand!"

Xiao Mi, who had also watched the grand ceremony, which resembled a national mourning, agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "Yes! The Prince's funeral was truly astonishing. I noticed that all the officials from the Ministry of Rites were so well-behaved, their faces were so taut they looked like they were about to cramp up."

"Would they dare to be disobedient?"

Xu Ping snorted coldly, somewhat gleefully, "Those sycophants, how could they dare to make the slightest mistake now? If they do, not only will I not let them off, but if the Hungry Wolf Camp causes trouble, Father will probably use the opportunity to deal with a bunch of them too."

Ying Qiaodie knew that the Ministry of Rites and the Crown Prince's residence were at odds, but such a public discussion of court affairs made her uneasy. She quickly turned her head away, pretending not to hear. After all, no matter how beautiful she was, she was just a commoner and dared not discuss court matters! Beside her was an equally exquisite armchair, upon which lay a woman who would make any man's penis hard at first sight. Her languid demeanor possessed an indescribable charm; even the slightest movement of her fingers told others what true allure was. She too lay softly, attended by two maids, clearly indicating her high status.

The woman slowly opened her eyes, yawned lazily, and said disdainfully, "Of course! Ji Zhongyun was one of the founding generals of the dynasty, commanding a powerful army to guard a region. With less than 100,000 men, he managed to keep the various tribes of the grasslands from invading. How many people in the world could match that prestige?"

"Indeed!"

Xiao Mi nodded and smiled, saying, "Before I was even born, the Four Great Armies were already famous throughout the land. Who in the Ming Dynasty didn't know the renown of these founding generals?"

"I say, Auntie!"

Xu Ping shouted indignantly, "So what if the Four Great Armies swept across the world? That's all in the past! No matter how powerful Ji Zhongyun was, he's dead now. The Hungry Wolf Camp is full of old guys in their forties and fifties. Can their fighting strength still compare to what it used to be?"

"Yes, yes, you're the best!"

The charming woman beside her was Ji Jingyue. She yawned dismissively and said casually, "Ji Zhongyun is said to have achieved his kingly prestige by stepping over countless corpses, his hands stained with the blood of his enemies. Unlike you, Crown Prince Zhu Yuanping, whose hands are covered in the blood of virgins."

"Damn..."

Xu Ping couldn't take the provocation and spat out all his tea, unsure whether to laugh or curse.

Xiao Mi covered her mouth and chuckled. This Miss Ji was really troublesome; she always liked to argue with her master. Even now, when they were out together, she couldn't stay still. But what she said was truly insightful.

Qiao'er choked with laughter, coughing incessantly, her little face turning red, making her even more adorable! She had wanted to save face for her master, but soon she couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Despite her shyness, Ying Qiaodie was taken aback by the stunning beauty's blunt words. She was both amused and exasperated, her face flushed red as she suppressed her laughter. Her delicate body trembled slightly, making her already alluring face even more captivating.

"Why are you so happy?"

Ji Jingyue gave her a charmingly disdainful look, then turned and said with a hint of ambiguity, "You don't have the blood right now, but Xiao Xun has already paid for her mother's debts. Don't feel bad!" "This servant has something to attend to and must take her leave."

Ying Qiaodie blushed deeply, feeling uncomfortable being teased in front of so many people. Not daring to utter a word in reply, she quickly bowed and withdrew.

Watching her graceful figure and swaying hips as she walked, Ji Jingyue immediately smiled mischievously, turning to Xu Ping with a teasing expression, saying, "You little rascal! It seems your little mother-in-law knows your thoughts too. The next mother-daughter pleasure is about to be yours!"

"When did you become so vulgar!"

Xu Ping deliberately put on a stern face, staring at her high, firm breasts with a lewd grin, and said with a smile, "I haven't even gotten you yet, how could I have time to think about other women!"

"Get lost..."

Ji Jingyue gave him a charming glare. Such flirting had been common lately, and she was used to it.

Qiao'er was a little seasick. Although the scenery on both banks was captivating, she still felt somewhat uneasy and timidly asked, "Master, why did you choose to travel by water? Going directly by the official road would have gotten us to Hebei much faster!"

"Hehe, some things are just a matter of luck!" Xu Ping changed the subject, then closed his eyes.

As the three large ships set sail, the two new battalions of the Evil Ghost Camp immediately reorganized and mobilized their troops, heading entirely to Hebei. This was tantamount to telling the whole world that the imperial court was about to attack Tianjin. Some speculated whether the court still trusted the Hungry Wolf Camp, which was why they had gathered the 40,000-strong new army of the Evil Ghost Camp in Hebei.

Ji Jingyue chuckled a few times before falling silent. During this time, she no longer had to play the role of Empress. After regaining her freedom, she naturally moved into the Crown Prince's residence. After the last turmoil in the capital, although it was somewhat absurd, everyone tacitly accepted the existence of this relationship.

She was also no longer as mischievous and playful as before. The defeat at Nanpo and the death of Sun Tai had deeply affected her, and she understood that she shouldn't be so frivolous and reckless given her status. So now she was noticeably more obedient and no longer fought with Xu Ping at the drop of a hat.

During this time, she deliberately cultivated a relationship with Qiao'er. After all, no matter how carefree she was, she was still a kind woman at heart, and naturally felt extremely guilty about Sun Tai's death. Originally, Sun Tai and his group could have hidden in Tianjin and continued to serve after suppressing the rebels, but because of her momentary willfulness, the entire Tianjin Demonic Sect was wiped out, and Nanpo fell back into Ji Long's hands. No matter how carefree Ji Jingyue was, she couldn't ignore this fact; it was the price she had to pay for growing up!

On the calm water, it seemed that only these three large ships were moving forward, so peaceful that it made people sleepy. Even Xiao Mi couldn't help but yawn. When they passed a wide spot, suddenly more than twenty cargo ships sailed in from a tributary. Judging from their draft, they seemed to be carrying heavy loads.

Although the ships were simple and looked like ordinary cargo ships, they were filled with burly men carrying swords, and many small boats were filled with guards. Although they were all dressed in plain clothes, it was easy to tell that they were not some kind of江湖草寇 (jianghu bandits). "

Xiao Mi quickly whispered a reminder, "Master, look!"

Following her voice, they saw the convoy of cargo ships slowly following behind the large ship, and a small boat was rapidly

approaching Xu Ping's side. Faced with this sudden appearance of people, everyone immediately tensed up. Everyone was on alert, drawing their bows and arrows at the approaching group.

Xu Ping only glanced at them with half-closed eyes, then waved his hand and said, "Everyone, step back! They're our own people." The leader of the approaching small boat was none other than Sun Zhengnong. The women knew that Xu Ping had important business at heart, so they all bowed and went into the cabin. Even Ji Jingyue, who was usually very curious, was very obedient and went down without asking any questions.

"Leave the door open tonight?" Xu Ping called out with a lewd smile.

Ji Jingyue didn't even turn her head, instead swaying her hips seductively a few times, and said with a playful laugh, "Which door should I leave open? I'll leave your mother-in-law's door open for you!" "

What a devil!"

Xu Ping swallowed hard, shaking his head. He thought that he and his aunt had practically solidified their relationship during this time; all that was missing was to devour her. However, it seemed she had also become wicked, practically a female version of himself. "This humble servant pays respects to his master!" Sun Zhengnong still looked so thin and small. He led four or five unfamiliar faces onto the deck and immediately knelt down to pay his respects.

Xu Ping waved casually, smiling, and said, "Get up, all of you! There are no outsiders here, no need for formalities!" The group then stood trembling to the side, waiting. Sun Zhengnong quickly pulled out a nervous-looking scholar, smiling, and said, "Master, this is Xiao Luming, whom I mentioned to you!"

"Xiao Luming!"

Xu Ping smiled and looked him over. Seeing the dark-skinned scholar's nervous expression, even sweating profusely and trembling legs, he couldn't help but tease, "Am I that scary? Why are you so afraid?"

Xiao Luming was so frightened that he immediately knelt down, stammering, "This humble subject wouldn't dare, this humble subject is just... nervous... I... I..."

"Alright, get up!"

Xu Ping chuckled, now used to their obsequiousness. After helping him up, he asked with interest, "I heard from Sun Zhengnong that you're a prodigy, possessing a treasure that's unparalleled in the world, is that right?"

"This humble subject wouldn't dare!"

Xiao Luming was so nervous that his lips were pale, looking as if he might die of fright at any moment.

Sun Zhengnong quickly explained, "Master, Xiao Luming's treasure is indeed astonishing. His skill is also considerable to have created such a thing!"

"Well…"

Xu Ping stood up, smiling as he patted Xiao Luming's shoulder, teasingly saying, "I've never believed that anyone can possess any extraordinary skill, unless a man can give birth—that's the most impressive thing. I wonder if you have such a talent!"

The others smiled knowingly, understanding that their master was trying to ease the tension. Only Xiao Luming remained incredibly nervous, his stiff body seemingly afraid to move. With Xu Ping's approach, he barely dared to breathe.

Xu Ping comforted him for a few moments before saying with interest, "Alright! Let me see what your treasure is!"

"Bring it here!"

With a wave of Sun Zhengnong's hand, a dozen soldiers came over with a roll of silk over two zhang long, walking with difficulty; the silk seemed quite heavy.

"Master!" Sun Zhengnong said with great delight, "This is the treasure I was talking about; you'll definitely like it when you see it."

"I want to see what you're praising so highly!"

Xu Ping's appetite was whetted; it was just a roll of silk, what could be so amazing?

"It's not convenient to unfold it here, please move over!" Sun Zhengnong asked permission to enter the cabin while continuing to praise, "This old servant guarantees that this is absolutely a treasure of our Great Ming Dynasty, perhaps even unprecedented. Xiao Luming spent over ten years making it; if you don't like it, I'll cut off my head!" "Alright! Come along."

Xu Ping wasn't in a hurry; he nodded and led them into the main hall of the cabin.

The main hall, though not luxuriously decorated, was incredibly grand, with a ceiling three zhang high. Aside from some writing implements and a desk where Xu Ping reviewed intelligence reports and memorials, it was almost entirely empty, a surprising sight. He had heard of the Crown Prince's frugality, but he hadn't expected it to be this extreme; not only were there no luxurious wine tables or jade ornaments, but even the usual dragon and phoenix decorations on the pillars were absent.

Xu Ping sat down, sipping tea and waiting with great interest. Sun Zhengnong immediately ordered the silk to be hung on the side of the wall, waving his hand and shouting, "Unfold!"

After carefully untying the knots, several people worked together to straighten the canvas and slowly unfold it. Xu Ping hadn't paid much attention at first, assuming it would be some kind of eulogistic poem or painting, but when the long cloth was less than a meter long, Xu Ping was immediately stunned.

The long cloth was over ten meters long and more than four meters high. The map above was indeed an exquisite circular drawing, but it wasn't a bland, uninteresting landscape painting; it was an incredibly detailed map, so detailed that even the brushstrokes were meticulously differentiated.

"This…"

Xu Ping exclaimed in surprise, dropping his teacup as he excitedly rushed forward to examine it closely.

The current maps of the Ming Dynasty only depicted the provinces and major cities, lacking detailed records and surveys of the terrain. Even the court's data was only approximate, unable to clearly understand every inch of the territory and its rivers and mountains. Often, aside from official roads, other routes were completely unknown. This map, however, clearly showed not only small towns, mountain names, and river names, but even villages were marked with meticulous detail. It also included descriptions of local customs, the distribution of various ethnic groups, and even approximate population figures. Gray represented mountains, red represented rivers—a level of detail perhaps unparalleled in any previous dynasty.

"Excellent, excellent!"

Xu Ping exclaimed excitedly. With this map in hand, it was as if the whole world was at his fingertips.

Sun Zhengnong excitedly introduced, "Xiao Luming loved to travel the world since childhood, and even served as a monk to beg for alms. He was fond of these local customs and practices, and after consulting numerous books and local chronicles, he gathered some like-minded friends and created this most detailed map since the founding of the Ming Dynasty." "

A great achievement!"

Xu Ping looked at the map, which even had the names of small rivers clearly marked, and couldn't help but praise it highly...

"I... I dare not!"

Xiao Luming was being overly respectful, and now he was so frightened that he knelt down.

"Yes!" Sun Zhengnong also clicked his tongue in admiration, "This is probably the most detailed map in history!"

Map surveying in this era was difficult, even impossible. Because there were no convenient transportation conditions or easy methods of communication, local chronicles submitted from various places were often inaccurate. The imperial court had always neglected this matter because, aside from bandits robbing travelers in the mountains, even wild beasts and venomous snakes could cause surveyors to die mysteriously, or even be completely wiped out. Some deep, uninhabited forests were so remote that once someone entered, they might never return. It was costly, laborious, and yielded little result, so eventually, no one wanted to undertake such a task anymore.

Sometimes, the imperial court's control over various regions was limited to local reports, mostly memorials from local officials. Falsehoods and concealment were commonplace, and even officials in the capital were helpless against them, because many places were unknown to them, and some they had never even heard of.

"Xiao Luming!"

Xu Ping excitedly sat back in his chair, his face beaming with praise. "Sun Zhengnong was right. Your gift is truly a pleasant surprise, a great achievement indeed. Just name your reward." " This humble subject

dares not!"

Xiao Luming waved his hands in fear, hesitated for a moment, and then said in a trembling voice, "The drawing of this map was not the work of this humble subject alone. If it weren't for Lord Sun's guidance, this humble subject would not have been able to draw it."

"Tch!"

Xu Ping chuckled and said, "I know that you couldn't have drawn such a detailed map by yourself. How many years of travel must it have taken? The mountains and rivers of the Ming Dynasty are beyond the reach of ordinary people in a lifetime. There must have been some like-minded people who worked with you to complete it. Whoever they were, they will all be rewarded."

"However!"

Xu Ping paused, then said seriously, "After all, you compiled all of this, so your contribution is naturally immense. How about this! This map will be named the Luming Grand Album, and sent to the palace for His Majesty to reward you according to your merits!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xiao Luming kowtowed excitedly.

People in this era had a strong belief in officialdom; even a small official position was considered a stepping stone, bringing honor to one's ancestors! Even the most indifferent person wouldn't refuse an opportunity to become famous, let alone have their name bestowed upon them.

After staring at the map in silence for a while, Xu Ping waved his hand and said, "Alright, all of you, leave!"

"Yes!"

Xiao Luming and the others quickly withdrew. Seeing them leave, Sun Zhengnong stepped forward and lowered his voice, saying, "Your Majesty, I wonder if you've noticed the secret? This map has two copies; the other one is already being prepared to be sent to the palace."

"What a shrewd person!"

Xu Ping squinted, his eyes gleaming. With a wave of his hand, all the servants and maids withdrew, closing the door behind them. The map was fixed to the wall, and Xu Ping studied it for a long time with his hands behind his back. His gaze, however, fell on all the land north of the Yangtze River.

They were completely absorbed in looking at the little red dot! It took him a long time to recover, and he sighed, "What a brilliant strategy!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Sun Zhengnong stepped forward, pointing to the red dots, and said with a stern face, "Your Majesty is truly wise beyond measure! It seems like he's just casually moving local garrisons, but he has actually sealed off all the key roads and strongholds, completing this impenetrable blockade with the smallest possible force!"

Xu Ping said with deep agreement, "Indeed, I didn't understand before why he would frequently move these small local garrisons. Not only did it waste supplies, but it also disturbed the local areas. But now it seems like a series of sharp daggers, stabbing Ji Long mercilessly!"

"Hmm!"

Sun Zhengnong gestured at the red dots, explaining, "His Majesty has truly used a brilliant strategy. These moved garrisons may seem like small-scale operations, but when spread out, they immediately strangle Ji Long, making it impossible for other soldiers suspected of being recruited by him to assemble. Not to mention heading to Tianjin, even contacting each other is extremely difficult."

"Yes!"

Xu Ping exclaimed, "This move was truly ruthless. No wonder the rebellion in Tianjin lasted so long without any troops rising up in response. With such a dense network of troops, small groups simply couldn't muster any strength. Ji Long dispersed his forces for secrecy, but Father's calculations rendered them practically useless. Those two old foxes are truly cunning."

"Master!"

Sun Zhengnong chuckled, "His Majesty's brilliance lies precisely in this. On the surface, the Hungry Wolf Camp's dominance in the Northeast, the Prince of Zhenbei's solo entry into the capital shocking the world, and even the chaos in the Imperial City are all major events that attract attention. But His Majesty used these cover-ups to quietly plant spies throughout the entire North. This at least tied down nearly 100,000 of Ji Long's dispersed troops, effectively wiping out the entire Hungry Wolf Camp's forces in advance."

"Hmm..."

Xu Ping remained silent. It seemed he still had much to learn about the art of rulership; his father's methods were indeed quite sophisticated. The world is like a chessboard. The emperor can decide where to place the pieces, but the most important thing is to consider the overall situation. One wrong move can lead to total defeat. When Ji Zhongyun entered the capital, the court was in chaos. Who would have thought that my father had already extended his influence so far?

His uneasy panic and somewhat nervous worry were so realistic. He not only deceived Ji Long and Ji Zhongyun, but even he and his grandfather were fooled, diverting their attention to the capital and the northeast, completely unaware of his intentions. It was truly brilliant!

"This servant takes his leave!"

Sun Zhengnong saw Xu Ping deep in thought and dared not disturb him, so he quickly withdrew.

Xu Ping was still looking at the map. Although there were no markings for Ji Long's troops, Xu Ping already knew them by heart. The strangest place on the map was Hebei, which was almost entirely composed of Ba troops. It seemed to be an impenetrable fortress, but it was also the most puzzling place.

The grudge against Uncle Liu cannot be forgotten. His father's tacit approval of his garrisoning of troops in Hebei proves that he hopes to sever Ji Long's connection with this direction and prevent his escape.

Xu Ping's brows furrowed deeper as he looked towards Zhili. That was the main base of the Imperial Guards; though small, it was heavily guarded. If the Jinmen campaign failed, Ji Long would have no chance of breaking out from there.

Further up was the northeast, where his grandfather was already preparing defenses. Ji Long only had tens of thousands of men; he probably wouldn't dare to engage the Po Jun Camp in a direct confrontation. Besides, the grasslands were currently rife with tension, making it far from a safe place to escape. With their cautious,

step-by-step maneuvering, they had practically surrounded Jinmen. Since the rebels elsewhere couldn't provide support, attacking Jinmen shouldn't be difficult. Why hadn't the court made a significant move yet?

Xu Ping squinted, trying to guess his father's true intentions. Now, it seemed a clue had been found. It appeared the court was intentionally surrounding them without attacking, sending the Hungry Wolf Camp to Tianjin to force them into a corner.

"What a brilliant scheme!"

Xu Ping suddenly realized, shaking his head and sighing. His father's goal wasn't just Ji Long's head, but to make the Hungry Wolf Camp's name a thing of the past. The heavy siege wasn't just to starve Ji Long, but also to annihilate the Hungry Wolf Camp in the Battle of Tianjin.

Xu Ping pondered until the moon was high in the sky, admiring his father's foresight while also lamenting his own naiveté. His father wasn't deliberately trying to hide anything; he simply couldn't see through his intentions. What a failure!

The Ghost Night Demon incident had everyone pointing fingers at Ji Long, even making the Hungry Wolf Camp soldiers loyal to Ji Zhongyun grit their teeth. But Xu Ping later learned the truth: Ji Long wasn't the mastermind behind it all; even if he had the will, he lacked the ability!

Ghost Yaksha was already imprisoned during the chaos in the capital. No matter how skilled he was, he couldn't possibly escape from Zhang Congjia, Qiu Si, or even Lin Yuan's surveillance. Subsequent interrogation revealed that Ghost Yaksha betrayed and assassinated Ji Long because Ji Long threatened him with his family. Xu Ping felt he was guilty, but not wrong.

The problem lay there: afterward, Ghost Yaksha disappeared without a trace. Although many speculated he had been executed, he suddenly led nearly a thousand martial arts masters to ambush Ji Zhongyun. Such a large number of masters couldn't have been assembled so quickly.

Furthermore, the Imperial Guard's movements were suspicious. Having reached the Po Jun Camp, they were not far from the Hungry Wolf Camp's encampment. Why send four thousand men back to the capital first, and why encamp in that forest?

They only needed another four or five hours to reach their encampment safely. The timing and location of their rest seemed normal, but it was illogical. Faced with such a mission, anyone would complete it as quickly as possible, and the Imperial Guards were no exception!

After all, protecting Ji Zhongyun for even a moment longer meant taking on more responsibility, and no one would willingly delay any longer. Getting him to the Hungry Wolf Camp's territory as soon as possible was the only sensible choice; no one would waste another night. If something went wrong, those thousand Imperial Guards would be doomed. There

were definitely culprits within the Imperial Guards, and the Ghost Night Demon was particularly suspicious. So many clearly prepared experts already knew when to strike. If the Imperial Guards hadn't spent the night there but instead continued on their journey, they wouldn't have had a chance to act. Once they approached the Hungry Wolf Camp's encampment, all their preparations would be wasted.

Moreover, this group should have been following the farewell procession from the beginning. Knowing that five thousand Imperial Guards were accompanying them, why did they still follow? Clearly, they knew that at least a thousand would return to the capital, allowing them to wait patiently for their grandfather to return to the Broken Army Camp before making their move. Otherwise, those few hundred men were no match for five thousand Imperial Guards.

Xu Ping grew increasingly terrified as the situation became clearer in his mind. It seemed the Imperial Guards and Ghost Yaksha were working together, staging a charade for the world, orchestrated by the powerful Zhu Yunwen. He had meticulously planned everything, leaving no room for error. Just consider the sheer number of skilled

fighters Ghost Yaksha commanded. After the two major upheavals, Ji Long couldn't possibly have that many martial arts experts left. Even Xu Ping himself would need time to gather so many, indicating a premeditated assassination.

And to issue such a large-scale order in such a short time, even driving Ghost Yaksha to risk his life to assassinate Ji Zhongyun, could only be accomplished by Zhu Yunwen.

Perhaps Ji Long, enraged by the failed rebellion, executed Ghost Yaksha's family, leading Ghost Yaksha to frame Ji Long even in death – this was the most plausible explanation.

If Ji Zhongyun had died in the capital, even if it was during the chaos of the imperial city, people would have suspected that it was a sneak attack by the court to eliminate this potential threat. Therefore, Ji Zhongyun could not die at that time, as it would have caused great trouble for the court. That is why his father went to great lengths to protect him.

After the chaos subsided, Ji Zhongyun had declared his loyalty, whether genuine or not, which greatly damaged Ji Long's prestige. On one hand, it also made the court appear very magnanimous, trusting and releasing this general with a powerful army, thus enhancing the imperial family's reputation.

Everything seemed too natural; the rebellious son, in a fit of rage, attempted to assassinate this founding general. After a fierce battle, both sides perished. Although the Imperial Guards were completely wiped out, they fought to the death to uphold their principles, sacrificing themselves for the enemy and earning the praise of the people.

Before his death, Ji Zhongyun left a message for Wu Lie, explaining that he had seen the Ghost Yaksha, a highly skilled individual who had left a deep impression on him. The court was filled with grief, and the Hungry Wolf Camp was consumed by hatred.

After Ji Zhongyun declared his loyalty, probably no one in the Ming Dynasty suspected the court of assassinating the Prince of Zhenbei at this time, because he had no intention of rebellion, nor had he abandoned his troops to aid Ji Long. Without concrete evidence, the court dared not touch this founding general.

After the chaos in the capital, Ji Zhongyun expressed his loyalty to the world. Ji Long, enraged and fearing an attack from the Hungry Wolf Camp, preemptively sent men to kill his father. The leader of the assassination was the traitorous Ghost Night Demon. Everything seemed meticulously planned.

Xu Ping couldn't help but ponder. Judging from this, it seemed his father had already begun preparing to eliminate Ji Zhongyun during the chaos in the capital! He had no patience to wait for Ji Zhongyun's wavering, nor did he want to give him any further chance to hesitate.

Ji Zhongyun's death at the hands of his rebellious son seemed like the perfect ending, instantly branding Ji Long with universal condemnation, further fueling the hatred of the loyalists in the Hungry Wolf Camp. The court appeared so upright, and Zhu Yunwen was filled with regret and sorrow, lamenting Ji Zhongyun's fate.

Suddenly, the court held all the advantages, making the world believe Ji Long was a beast. The imperial court, with its magnanimity, forgave Ji Zhongyun and even granted permission for the Hungry Wolf Camp to avenge their leader—a truly brilliant move!

Xu Ping, understanding the underlying reasons, didn't press further, for Zhu Yunwen had already calculated everything. He could only sigh in admiration, "Father! You are so cunning that even a fox would be ashamed."

Zhu Yunwen didn't say anything at the time, only smilingly replying, "How am I cunning? Am I as cunning as you, you greedy miser?"

Everything was understood without words; the terrifying nature of imperial power struggles! The unpredictable machinations of the emperor left Xu Ping deeply moved. In short, his father hoped to capture Tianjin as quickly as possible, freeing up resources to govern the Ming Dynasty and guard against future threats from the grasslands.

A perfect opportunity, a brilliant play that left no survivors, deceiving the world and leaving Ji Long unable to defend himself, unavoidably bearing the infamy of patricide.

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