Chapter 1446: 荒诞世界

Chapter 1431: An Absurd World

"I am not a Beijia native, yet I can still become Beijia's Imperial Advisor." She spoke deliberately, "Chongwu is steady, wise, and his combat strategies are versatile. His many past victories prove him capable of great responsibility. If he were a native of Jiao, he could certainly serve as the Guard of the North, couldn't he?"

The King did not deny that among Jiao's young generals, Chongwu was indeed one of the most outstanding. If he were a native, it would not be impossible for him to succeed Xue Zongwu in the northern military post.

"At least thirty percent of Lingxu City's officials and generals are foreign-born," Qingyang said softly. "The Emperor employs people regardless of their background. As the ruler of the Blazing Gold Plain, the nation naturally seeks to attract talented individuals from all regions. As for his origin," she continued, taking a sip of tea, "once he is dispatched to the north, he will be fixed there like a nail. Does Your Majesty truly fear he would secretly lead troops back to Bixia?"

Everyone knew this was impossible. Even a powerful and domineering figure like Xue Zongwu dared not return to Jiao without a summons. What status or position did General Chongwu have that would allow him to lead troops back to aid Bixia without authorization? Even if he wished to go, would Jiao's soldiers follow him? Therefore, his origin was not the issue; it was the Jiao people's arrogant perception that was.

Annoyed, the King of Jiao could only offer a hollow laugh. "The Imperial Advisor seems very invested in General Chongwu's future."

"I am considering Jiao's northern border," Qingyang said, her expression serious. "Identifying capable individuals and assisting with border defense are part of my responsibilities." The King of Jiao's eyebrow twitched. To speak of interfering in another country's internal affairs so matter-of-factly, she was indeed a product of Beijia.

"From the perspective of reputation, age, and experience, Yuwen Yong and Chongwu are both excellent candidates," Qingyang added. "And by the way, both generals have clean backgrounds and untainted records, free from any taint of corruption or bribery. They have great potential for the future. Your Majesty's chosen candidate must have fully considered this point, correct?"

What could the King of Jiao say? That he disagreed, that he didn't think that way? Moreover, this old hag was circling back to the series of corruption reports, reminding him that the matter was far from over. If he wanted to protect his loyal and useful subordinates, then he would have to make a deal.

Suppressing his anxiety, the King of Jiao let out a soft sigh. "Imperial Advisor Qingyang has indeed considered everything thoroughly. I will reflect on it carefully."

Qingyang smiled. "Good, then let's proceed to the next agenda item." *More?* Didn't this old hag know when to quit while she was ahead?! The King of Jiao felt a surge of irritation, but unable to show it, his gaze merely darkened.

Qingyang's smile remained, though inwardly she felt disdain. She had meticulously prepared these bargaining chips for over half a year; her efforts demanded a return. How could she possibly stop after merely securing General Chongwu's official promotion? They negotiated for another half an hour, during which the King's complexion worsened, his pressed lips turning white, before Qingyang finally rose.

"Alright, I shouldn't overstay my welcome," she advised solicitously. "This ice spring is quite cold. Your Majesty is occupied with countless affairs; please take care of your health. I shall take my leave."

Though she announced her departure, she left with her head held high, her back radiating the arrogance of a victor. "Oh, right," she paused just as she was about to cross the threshold, adding, "That old pear tree seems quite spiritual. I sense it dislikes that cold spring, and it doesn't look like it can last much longer."

The King remained seated, unmoving, until Qingyang disappeared at the end of the garden. A gust of wind blew, carrying two pear blossoms and a touch of coldness to his desk. Qingyang had not been wrong; the chill from the ice spring was indeed growing stronger. But what did she mean by the old pear tree not lasting much longer? Was she cursing him to die soon? As for Qingyang's comment that the old pear tree "disliked" the cold spring, the King didn't give it much thought. A tree's seed takes root and sprouts wherever it falls; what right does it have to talk about liking or disliking? After a while, a palace servant came to report, "The Imperial Advisor has departed the palace."

The King suddenly slammed his fist heavily on the table and roared, "Get out!" His eyes were bloodshot, and he resembled a fierce tiger, ready to devour someone. The terrified palace servant scrambled away and disappeared in an instant.

Damnable! Hateful! The King of Jiao's fist clenched and unclenched. He wanted to pound the table again but his hand still hurt. Yet, remembering the multitude of terms he had just exchanged with Qingyang, he felt a bitter taste in his mouth and a burning rage. To make such a grand sacrifice, all to protect his corrupt officials! Were these people truly loyal? How could genuinely loyal individuals be susceptible to corruption and bribery, allowing Qingyang to gain such leverage? It was laughable, truly laughable.

Qingyang appeared to be performing her supervisory duties and acting for the benefit of the people, but in reality, it was all to undermine his rule. He, in turn, ceded his power to protect these individuals who were not entirely loyal, yet were currently indispensable parasites of the nation! How could this world be so absurd! "Damnable...!" The King couldn't help but pound the table again, wincing in pain. He desperately did not want to admit that Qingyang had won this round.

Sitting in his secluded palace in June, he felt utterly alone and chilled to the bone.

The next afternoon, He Lingchuan heard that the King of Jiao had issued a decree, and Yuwen Yong had received a new appointment. He brought gifts to offer his congratulations, finding Yuwen Manor bustling with carriages as officials, having heard the news, rushed to celebrate. Anyone with discernment could see that Yuwen Yong was poised to succeed Xue Zongwu, becoming the new guardian of the northern border.

This was a truly significant appointment by the royal court; Yuwen Yong was about to ascend quickly. As long as he avoided any major errors, his future prospects would be limitless. Consequently, Yuwen Manor was filled with joy, and the congratulatory guests offered only effusive praise, ensuring both hosts and guests were delighted.

He Lingchuan also learned that the King of Jiao's court had dispatched two generals to jointly guard the northern front. Besides Yuwen Yong, the other was, surprisingly, General Chongwu! Yuwen Yong's appointment was understandable to most; however, while at Yuwen Manor, He Lingchuan overheard several officials gathered in a corner, discussing in hushed tones, "How could it be General Chongwu? He's not even a native! And he recently made a grave error, leading to the death of Young Master Tong Er."

"By seniority, it should never have been General Chongwu's turn!" Two other officials indignantly stated they would submit a memorial, hoping to persuade the King to withdraw his decree. A royal decree, however, was the word of the King, not so easily rescinded. He Lingchuan believed they were merely talking. No matter how much General Chongwu dedicated himself to Jiao, in the eyes of the Jiao people, he would always remain an outsider.

At that moment, a commotion arose outside Yuwen Manor. A servant announced, "Qing Guard Left Commander, Lord Heyang, has arrived!" Hearing this, everyone inside, regardless of their activity, simultaneously paused and turned towards the main entrance. The jovial atmosphere instantly solidified.

He Lingchuan soon heard footsteps, and several individuals strode directly in, all clad in blue armor, their expressions solemn. They seemed naturally cut off from the surrounding guests, completely out of place in the festive environment.

He Lingchuan knew that Qingyang had brought nearly two hundred subordinates from Beijia, organized into the "Qing Guard." This force comprised disciples of the Azure Palace and, more importantly, powerful individuals likely dispatched by the Demon Emperor, making them a formidable and undeniable power. They were Qingyang's ultimate support; over the past half-year, their presence in Jiao and Tianshui City had struck terror into the hearts of officials. Even Xue Zongwu and Qi Yunsheng, during their lifetimes, felt apprehension upon the Qing Guard's arrival, let alone ordinary officials. Now that Heyang had suddenly appeared, everyone's first thought was: had the Yuwen family committed an offense? Who had Commander He come to arrest this time?

Upon seeing them, Yuwen Xu's heart lurched, but he still stepped forward, a warm smile plastered on his face. "Lord He, what brings you here?"

He Lingchuan looked over at the sound. This "Lord He" was tall and slender, only about thirty years old, his eyes sharp and his expression stern. His demeanor reflected his character: he was clearly an unyielding and resolute individual, like a fresh green bamboo shoot.

Heyang stood with his hands clasped behind his back. He Lingchuan couldn't shake the feeling that he always looked at people with his head tilted up at a forty-five-degree angle.

"Our Imperial Advisor is very pleased with Yuwen Yong's promotion and specifically instructed me to present a gift," Heyang said, tilting his head slightly. The Qing Guard behind him immediately stepped forward, holding out a precious sword. "We hope General Yuwen will achieve great deeds on the battlefield and enhance the nation's prestige."

The scabbard was simple and ancient, and the sword hilt even bore a trace of verdigris, clearly indicating it was an antique. Yuwen Yong quickly stepped out of the crowd, accepting the sword with both hands, and declared solemnly, "Yong will certainly not fail the Imperial Advisor's expectations!"

Heyang pointed to the sword. "This sword is named 'Xian Guang,' originally an antique from the Azure Palace collection. It was the personal sword of General You Shanming of the Kingdom of Pu during the medieval period. The Imperial Advisor believes that a treasured sword should be given to a hero, and General Yuwen is worthy of this treasure."

Yuwen Yong immediately expressed his gratitude and gently drew the sword from its scabbard. A gleam of cold light, like spilled mercury, shone with overwhelming sharpness, hurting the eyes. Yuwen Yong quickly resheathed the sword, fearing its murderous aura might leak out, and then thanked him again. The collections of Lingxu Azure Palace were indeed as renowned as rumored. Even though he was not part of Qingyang's faction, he was overjoyed to receive this gift.

He Lingchuan also caught that flash of sword light. "What a fine sword," he thought. But such overt sharpness was entirely different from Fusheng's.

At that moment, the father of the Yuwen brothers and head of the Yuwen family also rushed over. Heyang simply nodded to him, then turned and left. From beginning to end, his face remained expressionless, and he did not spare anyone else a glance. The hall was packed with people, but he greeted none of them.

The Soul-Capturing Mirror exclaimed, "This fellow is incredibly arrogant! If Qingyang keeps him by her side, won't he constantly offend people?"

"Perhaps she doesn't care," He Lingchuan said, unconcerned. "Talented people often have eccentric temperaments. Furthermore, it's not surprising for Beijia people to adopt this attitude when they come to the Blazing Gold Plain." The Jiao people looked down on the natives of the Blazing Gold Plain, and the Beijia people looked down on the Jiao people, thus forming a complete chain of contempt.

With Heyang gone, the gathered dignitaries all breathed a sigh of relief, and the atmosphere slowly returned to its previous warmth.

The Mirror then asked, "Why would Qingyang send someone to congratulate Yuwen Yong on his promotion?"

"As Imperial Advisor, her congratulating Yuwen Yong demonstrates her concern and involvement in national affairs. Furthermore, Yuwen Yong will soon wield significant military power." "A player of Qingyang's caliber plans for the long term and doesn't fret over immediate gains or losses. She aims to suppress the King, so she needs to win over his subordinates. Even if she cannot fully win over the Yuwen family, there's no need to be the first to provoke hostility."

He Lingchuan had intended to quietly depart after delivering his gift, but Yuwen Xu had already caught him. "We're going to Xiaonanxuan for drinks later. Don't run off, Lord He! Come with us!" Faced with such genuine hospitality, He Lingchuan could only agree.