Chapter 545: Entering the Game

A female general, huh?

“Of course, that’s not the main point. Beijia has never lacked talented generals; there are plenty of female generals even more skilled than her,” Fu Shanyue said. “She holds such an extraordinary position because she saved the Prince’s life and has been his childhood companion.”

“Does the Emperor only have one Prince?” He Lingchuan asked, surprised. “Then that’s indeed a monumental achievement.”

“The higher one’s cultivation, the longer their lifespan, but the weaker their reproductive capacity – this is the way of the Dao. For example, the previous ruler of Yuan Kingdom abdicated the throne to humans because he had no heirs. Fortunately, each successive Emperor is blessed with the fortune of a great nation, managing to produce at least one or two offspring, thus preventing the bloodline from dying out. This truly is divine protection,” Fu Shanyue explained with a laugh. “The current Emperor has only one Prince. When he was born over twenty years ago, his vital energy was too weak to survive. Luckily, with divine guidance, it was discovered that Yao Xingning had a unique constitution and practiced a special cultivation method; her balanced yin and yang energies were perfect for nourishing the Prince. Yao Xingning was only a few years old then, yet she carried him with her, eating and sleeping together.”

True to predictions, the Prince’s condition gradually improved, and three years later, he successfully emerged from his shell.

“Perhaps due to familiarity with Yao Xingning’s aura, the young Prince, after his birth, was not close to anyone—not even the Emperor...” Fu Shanyue cleared his throat. “It’s said that several palace servants were bitten and eaten by him, but only Yao Xingning was allowed to accompany and approach him.”

“So Yao Xingning continued to care for him for many years. To this day, she still visits the palace twice a month to be with the Prince; otherwise, this sole royal heir throws a huge tantrum,” Fu Shanyue said with a wry smile. “With such an honor bestowed upon her, who would dare offend her before the Prince comes of age?”

“Uh...” He Lingchuan didn’t know what to say.

With the future Crown Prince’s deep affection for her, Lady Cen can truly act with impunity in Lingxu City. Furthermore, her words and actions influence the young Crown Prince, which is a significant political advantage. No wonder even the Du Yun Envoy is unwilling to provoke her.

“When will the Prince come of age?”

“If he only gained rudimentary intelligence at thirty, then he’d reach adulthood at sixty at least,” Fu Shanyue coughed. “The Prince is still young, and the Emperor has already made efforts to reduce her visits to the palace.”

He Lingchuan understood: “Lady Cen is indeed special. No wonder the mastermind behind this case used Cen Boqing as a front. Cen Boqing himself isn’t powerful or shrewd, making him easy to control. With the double protection of the Grand Minister of Agriculture and Yao Xingning, the case becomes very difficult to investigate.”

With the Grand Minister of Agriculture’s authority, combined with Yao Xingning’s influence as a ‘royal relative,’ what can the various vassal demon kingdoms do, even if they discover their demon citizens are being hunted?

Now he finally understood why Xiang Yan, a retired official, immediately wanted nothing to do with the case upon hearing the Cen family might be involved.

But the old man was incredibly sly and refused to reveal anything directly to him.

Fu Shanyue said bitterly, “Cen Boqing, that fool, why couldn’t he just be a docile husband and be done with it? He doesn’t have the capability, yet he insists on inheriting such a massive illicit enterprise!”

“You don’t think Yao Xingning is involved?”

“Although she’s overbearing, she detests evil and is a straightforward person,” Fu Shanyue shook his head. “Hunting demons for their pearls is something she likely wouldn’t do.”

“Besides, these prominent families in Lingxu City have countless businesses under them. Yao Xingning might not even know her husband has such an illicit enterprise.”

“I originally thought the Grand Minister of Agriculture might cut off his own tail to protect himself, abandoning Cen Boqing, which would reduce the pressure on the investigation.” He paused, then added, “Now that Yao Xingning has personally appeared, it indicates that the Grand Minister of Agriculture must find a way to save him. If it weren’t for their deep marital affection, Cen Boqing would surely be dead this time.”

He Lingchuan chuckled, “If that’s the case, the Zhongsun family will also cause them trouble.” “The Zhongsun family’s resentment is naturally immense after Zhongsun Mou’s death; they are one of the aquatic clan leaders in Lingxu City,” Fu Shanyue laughed even more heartily than him. “But his false testimony for Cen Boqing and the Zhongsun family’s private purchase of the elixir of immortality — both these matters were revealed by Wu Kai and will soon reach the Emperor and the Celestials. That will be enough trouble for them.”

“In any case, this messy affair of the elixir of immortality will involve who knows how many powerful and influential families!”

He Lingchuan pondered for a moment, then shook his head. “If indeed too many influential families privately purchased the elixir of immortality, it’s highly likely the matter will ultimately be downplayed.”

“Oh?” Fu Shanyue wasn’t a fool either; he quickly understood his meaning. “You mean, the law doesn’t punish the masses?”

“That ‘masses’ part is debatable,” He Lingchuan scoffed. “If they’re all common folk, killing them en masse wouldn’t be an issue. After Yuan Kingdom’s collapse, the Lingxu army massacred for thirty days, turning millions of commoners into victims of the sword. Twilight Plain remains barren to this day, showing the Emperor’s unyielding resolve.”

Fu Shanyue pursed his lips.

Facts spoke louder than words; he had nothing to say.

“But if they are prominent families of Lingxu City, pillars of the nation—” He Lingchuan said slowly, “—then it’s a momentary lapse of judgment. Arrest those who privately refined the elixir, and those who extensively purchased and resold it, and punish them severely to rectify the moral climate. As for the others, the law won’t punish the masses; a minor punishment and a stern warning will suffice. Otherwise, it would shake the very foundations of the nation.”

Fu Shanyue gave a bitter laugh. “You say that so nonchalantly...”

“Just wait and see?” He Lingchuan glanced at him. “Want to bet?”

“No need to bet,” Fu Shanyue said with a sigh. “I think you’re right.”

“Tch.” He knew he’d definitely lose, didn’t he? “Is it the same in Fu Kingdom?”

“Aren’t official circles everywhere the same?” He Lingchuan said lazily. “They say ‘when the water is too clear, there are no fish.’”

Back at the inn, Fu Shanyue asked him, “Are you sure you don’t want some late-night snack? I heard this inn’s braised soup has been simmering for fifteen years without interruption; even the braised table legs taste delicious. I’ve sent someone to buy some.”

“At this hour?”

“No,” He Lingchuan yawned. “I’m tired. I need to go back, shower, and sleep. Tomorrow, I’ll still have to deal with you and Du Envoy Bai.”

Fu Shanyue eyed him suspiciously. “You weren’t so easily tired when you used to oppose me. Be honest, did you wear down half of Cheng Yu’s life?”

He still hadn’t figured out how many true abilities He Lingchuan possessed. He Lingchuan knew Fu Shanyue would definitely become suspicious.

This fellow was always difficult to deceive.

He looked left and right; there was no one around.

Seeing his actions, Fu Shanyue knew he was about to reveal something. He instinctively perked up his ears and leaned closer. “What?”

“What I told Bai Ziqin just now was largely true, except I didn’t mention that Cheng Yu sent a nightmare beast to ambush me!” He Lingchuan whispered, his voice like a mosquito’s buzz. “That fellow Cheng Yu did indeed burn and damage the nightmare’s physical form. Isn’t it only logical that it would go back and seek trouble with him?”

“That’s it?”

“Of course, that’s it,” He Lingchuan said with a smile. “Do I need to swear to the heavens?” The monarch and prince of Chiyan Kingdom were now his support and aid; he couldn’t keep them completely in the dark, which could easily create estrangement.

Swearing to the heavens would certainly be good! Fu Shanyue shook his head. “No need, I believe you.” He then asked He Lingchuan, “What other moves do you think Bai Ziqin will make next?” He Lingchuan thought for a moment: “Setting aside his other motives, Bai Ziqin’s objectives in coming to Baisha Qu were simply two: first, to investigate the elixir of immortality case, and second, to track down Zhongsun Mou’s whereabouts. The elixir case is essentially resolved; the crucial raw material, ‘pulp pearls,’ was obtained by Cen Boqing’s men through killing and hunting demons. That’s ironclad and undeniable. As for Zhongsun Mou, who was abducted...” He shrugged. “I think that fellow is already dead.”

As soon as this was mentioned, Fu Shanyue was greatly pleased. “I think so too.” “Mai Xuewen didn’t leave many clues. He’s been planning deeply for years, so I imagine he succeeded with one strike and then vanished thousands of miles away. He likely won’t reappear anytime soon,” He Lingchuan explained patiently. “That means Bai Ziqin probably has no chance of catching Mai Xuewen, so he’ll have to focus all his efforts on handling Cen Boqing’s case.”

Fu Shanyue nodded. “Zhongsun Mou helped Cen Boqing with false testimony, yet he was killed by Cen Boqing’s henchmen. How could the Zhongsun family accept this investigation result if they heard it?”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “The best part is that Bai Ziqin himself is investigating this case. If they want justice, they can only go to the Du Yun Envoy... Everyone in Lingxu City knows that daring to question the Du Yun Envoy is just asking for death!”

He didn’t even need to bear the burden of this case; Bai Ziqin directly took over the responsibility. Otherwise, even the Chiyan Demon King would have felt pressured.

“This time, the Demon Emperor’s choice of investigator is quite astute.”

“The deities won’t be satisfied either, because Cen Boqing isn’t the true mastermind,” He Lingchuan said slowly. “The elixir of immortality case is worth digging deeper into, but it seems its roots are all in Lingxu City. There’s nothing more for us to do after this.”

“How can it end here?” Fu Shanyue sneered. “I’m just starting to enjoy myself.”

“Just two days after your father’s complaint reached the Emperor, Qingfu Temple caught fire, and all material and human evidence were completely incinerated,” He Lingchuan said, smiling at him. “Have you ever been to Qingfu Temple?”

“Yes, it’s very large, and the incense offerings are plentiful,” Fu Shanyue thought for a moment. “You’re right, considering Lingxu City’s standards, Qingfu Temple also has fire prevention measures. How could an ordinary fire completely burn it down so quickly?”

“The true mastermind has connections and means, which means they are someone of status,” He Lingchuan said unhurriedly. “Daring to kill demons for their pearls in a demon kingdom, defying universal condemnation—their cruelty and ruthlessness are evident. I see this as a very deep water; does Chiyan Kingdom truly want to get involved in this whirlpool?”

This case was indeed getting deeper and deeper; Cen Boqing, the Grand Minister of Agriculture’s eldest son-in-law, was merely a front.

So, who could the true mastermind be?

When the monarch and prince of Chiyan Kingdom first began investigating this case, they certainly didn’t expect it to involve such deep and widespread connections.

“If we’re going to pull out, now’s the chance.”

These words were spoken by Fu Shanyue. He Lingchuan had already considered them internally but had not voiced them. He couldn’t say such things.

“Even if Bai Ziqin is investigating the case, if my father doesn’t insist, and Lingxu City wants to settle the matter peacefully, then the true culprit will simply be Cen Boqing,” Fu Shanyue sighed deeply. “But my father is determined to investigate thoroughly, because this is no longer just an affair of Chiyan Kingdom.”

He Lingchuan pondered the words, slightly moved. “Are you saying other forces are also involved?”

“From what I know, King Baoshu just petitioned Lingxu City, stating that demon citizens in his territory have also been poached for pearls. This matter has enraged both humans and deities and must be thoroughly investigated.”