Chapter 326: The Martial Emperor's Rewards Fully Maximized

Upon reaching Fengjing, Zhao Xing secretly entered the inner courts of the imperial palace.

At this time, Ji Che sat upon the throne in the Hall of Heavenly Heart, surrounded by numerous divine artifacts. These included the Heavenly Fate Golden Scroll, the Prophetic Divine Luo Creation Disc, the Human Emperor Sword, the Heavenly Emperor Battle Armor, and the Five Emperors Chariot, among others.

However, Ji Che remained immobile; he needed to sit on the throne for three months to regain preliminary movement.

When Zhao Xing arrived at the Hall of Heavenly Heart, only Princess Youruo, Ji Anlan, and the Mandate Official, Ji Si, were present. The others were nowhere to be seen.

"Your subject Zhao Xing pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"Elder Brother, please be seated," Ji Che's voice was low, as he remained motionless on the throne.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhao Xing took a seat beside Princess Youruo.

Silence then descended upon the hall, broken only by the constant mystical phenomena around Ji Che on the throne, as his destiny and primal qi continuously transformed. The transformation was both intense and inwardly contained; even without deliberately sensing it, Zhao Xing could feel Ji Che's aura rapidly ascending.

In just three days, Ji Che's aura had already reached the peak of the Mandate Palace realm.

Afterward, others arrived one by one. Liu Tianning, King Luohou, Duke Yang, Grand Master of Eight Rows of Dancers Ji Mengjun, Deputy Commander Qin Guang of the Luanyi Guard, Deputy Commander Zhong Ziheng of the Divine Star Guard, and Heaven-Connecting Priest Ji Bochang… All silently accompanied Ji Che for three months.

Three months later, the golden light around Ji Che gradually receded, and he rose from the throne.

"Thank you, my Lords, for guarding my path."

Everyone in the hall stood up and silently bowed to Ji Che. At such a time, it was inappropriate to offer congratulations, so a simple bow sufficed without speaking.

Ji Che looked at Acting Prime Minister Tong Wensheng and Grand Clan Master Ji Wenchang.

"The late emperor has passed away, his heavenly years unfulfilled. I ask Prime Minister Tong and Grand Clan Master Ji to determine the late emperor's posthumous title and announce it to the world. The Grand Heavenly Funeral Ceremony will be held one month from now."

"As Your Majesty commands."

Tong Wensheng and Ji Wenchang immediately exited. The term "Departed Emperor" referred to an emperor who had died but whose posthumous title had not yet been determined.

Ji Che had absorbed the preliminary power of the Human Emperor Dao. His first act upon regaining movement was to announce it to the world and arrange the funeral for Emperor Jing. The coronation ceremony would only take place after the Grand Heavenly Funeral Ceremony concluded. The entire process lasted about half a year; it was originally set for three years, but Emperor Wen, known for his frugality, voluntarily shortened it, and Emperor Jing followed suit during his ascension, thus establishing it as an ancestral custom.

A month later, Emperor Jing's posthumous title and achievements were finalized.

"Eliminating treacherous officials, abolishing depraved cults, sealing away various gods, promoting myriad laws, conquering the Southern Wilderness, opening the Eastern Sea, and stabilizing the Western Extremities." These were the eight major achievements of Emperor Xiaojing of the Great Zhou Dynasty during his lifetime. Xiaojing was Ji Mingjing's posthumous title.

"Eliminating treacherous officials" ranked first because Emperor Jing had indeed executed too many officials to count. Of course, all those executed were deemed treacherous and corrupt. "Conquering the Southern Wilderness" ranked second, as the Southern Barbarian territories conquered during the Two New Eras, now the Nine Heavens Responding Yuan Prefecture, though significantly reduced in size, still existed. This was thus counted as Emperor Jing's merit, something neither Emperor Taizu nor Emperor Wen had achieved.

"Opening the Eastern Sea" was due to Emperor Jing's widespread opening of Eastern Sea trade routes, which transformed Pinghai Province from a barren new province into the largest province in the world. He persuaded Princess Youruo's mother, increasing the high-grade Dragon Court quotas from one thousand to one thousand five hundred. During Emperor Jing's reign, Zhao Xing achieved significant gains in the Dragon Court, naturally counted as a major achievement of Emperor Jing.

"Stabilizing the Western Extremities" referred to the more than three hundred and eighty new states and tribes near the Great Zhou's borders in the Western Extremities Glacier region who pledged allegiance. During Ji Mingjing's reign, he ruled the vassal states of the Western Extremities Glacier for over nine hundred years. Although warfare broke out in his later years, reducing the number of defecting states, this did not diminish Emperor Jing's overall achievements.

As deceased emperors completely dissolved into the heavens and earth, leaving no physical body, Emperor Jing was buried only with a cenotaph. Three months later, Ji Mingjing's robes and hat were interred in Anling Mausoleum, which was considered his burial. Anling was located next to Emperor Wen's Western Imperial Mausoleum. Since empresses and concubines usually passed away before the emperor, the Great Zhou also had no concept of a Grand Empress Dowager. Emperor Wu, upon his ascension, immediately assumed sole power.

In the 112th year of the 4417th era of the Xuanhuang Calendar, Emperor Wu held his coronation ceremony and designated his reign title as "Yuanshou."

This reign title caused an uproar throughout the court and among the populace. Many ministers submitted memorials, arguing that this reign title was inappropriate, citing various classical texts. The most common argument was the saying, "A son does not change his father's policies for three years after his father's death." For instance, Emperor Jing initially continued his father's policies, refraining from warfare and maintaining peace for hundreds of years before implementing new policies. "How can you, upon your ascension, immediately adopt 'Yuanshou'?" they questioned. "This is clearly a prelude to war!" The conservative faction could not sit still, and memorials drifted from all directions towards Fengjing like snowflakes.

However, Emperor Wu stated: "My rules are the rules." The reign title was ultimately set as "Yuanshou."

In the imperial palace's rear garden, at Huaqing Pond.

"Elder Brother, look at this." Ji Che smiled as he summoned a stack of memorials. "I merely changed a reign title, and many people can't sit still."

Zhao Xing replied, "Your Majesty's displayed inclination is also a statement of attitude. Of course, they are anxious."

Ji Che reproached him, "Elder Brother, how many times have I told you, when we meet privately, use our usual address. I don't have many close relatives left. Do you also wish for me to become a lonely ruler?"

Zhao Xing paused slightly, then chuckled, "Fifth Brother."

"That's better," Ji Che smiled. "Elder Brother, tell me, why are they so opposed?"

Zhao Xing pondered, "Ultimately, it's because the late emperor waged wars for many years, and they gained no benefits, instead suffering a depletion of manpower. Naturally, they are unwilling to fight again."

Ji Che shook his head, "I cannot possibly satisfy everyone's interests. The current military merit system is already generous enough. Moreover, how can driving people by profit be the righteous path? Elder Brother, what other methods do you suggest to bind everyone to my war chariot?"

Zhao Xing replied, "More important than profit is survival. If we do not conquer other nations, the Great Zhou will inevitably decline in a few centuries. That realization should unite the vast majority of people."

Ji Che mused, gazing at Huaqing Pond for a moment before looking at Zhao Xing. "Elder Brother, have you ever heard of the legend of ascension?"

"I've heard a little," Zhao Xing replied. "It is said that the Fate Dynasties of ancient times possessed the power to seize the creation of heaven and earth, breaking the shackles of the Xuanhuang Realm, achieving the Dao and ascending. They were later known as the Divine Court. However, it is ultimately just a legend."

Ji Che said, "What if I told you the Divine Court is not a legend?"

Zhao Xing's expression remained unchanged. "I am eager to hear the details."

Ji Che chuckled, "That's what I like about you, Elder Brother. Even the greatest matters seem trivial to you; hearing such words, you show no surprise." After a pause, Ji Che continued, "Elder Brother, I tell you seriously, the Divine Court is no mere rumor! It truly exists, but only the emperors who unified the Central Plains receive this secret."

Zhao Xing asked, "Che, why do you tell me this?"

"Because I originally intended to make this secret public." Ji Che waved his sleeve, and a black stone tablet appeared in the air. "This is the Book of Destiny. For thirty-five thousand years during the Era of Ten Thousand Nations, it never appeared. But after Emperor Taizu unified the Central Plains, this object flew from beyond the heavens into his hands. It records the mysteries of dynasty ascension."

"Throughout history, after achieving ascension, successive Divine Dynasties would choose their civil and military officials to shatter the void and leave the Xuanhuang Realm," Ji Che explained. "It is precisely because generations of Divine Dynasties ascended that history became fragmented. The Great Zhou's historians can only trace history back five hundred and forty thousand years."

"Of course, there were more instances of failure, incurring heavenly punishment, turning to ash and smoke, and vanishing into the river of history."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

"After I obtained the Book of Destiny, I often wondered if those failed dynasties failed precisely at the point of choosing civil and military officials," Ji Che mused. "Could it be that the true meaning of Divine Dynasty ascension is to bring all subjects along?"

Zhao Xing's heart surged with emotion. Emperor Wu had truly grasped the essence of ascension. The previous life's version of ascension was never something one person could achieve alone!

Ji Che gazed at the Book of Destiny hovering above Huaqing Pond, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "This is the realization I gained from contemplating the Book of Destiny. Elder Brother, is the reason for everyone to ascend powerful enough? After ascension, eternal life, free from illness and disaster—can this goal unite everyone?"

Ascension does not grant eternal life, only the possibility… Zhao Xing thought to himself. But he did not correct Ji Che, merely nodding and saying, "Half of it can be achieved."

"Half?" Ji Che looked at Zhao Xing in surprise.

"Che, have you considered that this is, after all, an ethereal and intangible concept? Before truly seeing hope, low-ranking officials, whose lifespans are only one or two hundred years, cannot see any hope at all," Zhao Xing explained. "That is why I said, only half can be achieved."

Ji Che nodded. "Then what if, without ascension, the Great Zhou is destined to face an unprecedented great heavenly disaster in a few centuries?"

Zhao Xing recalled the disaster King Tianyan had spoken of before his death. "Perhaps that could add another twenty percent hope."

Ji Che nodded. "I have only gained three pieces of useful information so far. First, the true meaning of ascension: this is my own realization that the imperial family cannot strive alone; all subjects must work together to increase the hope of ascension. Second, the Primal Qi Tide: this is both a disaster and a once-in-ten-thousand-year opportunity. Legends say that Spirit Qi, which is more advanced than Primal Qi, will appear on a large scale, breaking the upper limit of heaven and earth. The lifespans of all living beings, their cultivation realms, and the number of powerful individuals will increase dramatically. Whoever seizes the initiative will control destiny. Third, the Southern Barbarian Sacred Mountain: this is one of the conditions for ascension. On this point, my father and I have the same understanding. Only by ascending this highest mountain in the Xuanhuang Realm can we know what to do next."

"I understand."

Ji Che looked at Zhao Xing with a hint of expectation. "Elder Brother, before his passing, my father once said that only you could understand me, understand my aspirations... Do you truly understand?"

"Did Emperor Jing really say that?" Zhao Xing thought. He nodded seriously. "Indeed! I observed some peculiar phenomena in the Dragon Court, which might be related to the 'Primal Qi Tide.' Furthermore, my earlier 'Treatise on the Three Yin, Three Yang, Six Qi, and Great Zhou Heaven,' specifically the calculations in its 'Cave Heaven Numerology' chapter, also revealed some anomalies regarding the Cave Heaven worlds. Perhaps this is why the late emperor thought so highly of me."

"However, this matter cannot be rushed. It requires careful long-term planning."

Ji Che said, "Of course, very few know these secrets. Elder Brother, you know the most."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing let out a sigh of relief. He also feared that Ji Che would immediately act boldly and rashly. If he merely repeated the mistakes of the past, Emperor Wu's fate would be no different from his in the previous life. In reality, even in the Spirit Qi Era, conquering the Southern Barbarians was the last step, not the first. However, it was the most crucial step, which led successive emperors, when interpreting the Book of Destiny, to first perceive the Southern Barbarian Sacred Mountain. During Emperor Wu's time, it was merely a Primal Qi Tide, not a true Spirit Qi Resurgence. Without his guidance, Emperor Wu could not achieve it. Of course, Zhao Xing could not say this directly. He also had to consider all aspects, just as he advised Emperor Wu; he too could not act too hastily. He might have a moment to reveal everything in the future, but that would require him to be absolutely invincible, with no possibility of being killed by the emperor. Otherwise, if he told Emperor Wu everything, what if Emperor Wu became desperate? Without absolute certainty, Zhao Xing could not reveal everything. The current Ji Che was ambitious and young, but when he approached the end of his lifespan, or realized he had no hope of ascension, who knew what the emperor might do? At this stage, it was best to follow the natural flow; it was not yet time to defy heaven.

For several months, Zhao Xing remained in the imperial palace, engaging in long, intimate conversations with Emperor Wu, not only about ascension but also about the world situation and current political views. Such close and special treatment gradually drew discontent from the ritual officials.

"The form of address between Your Majesty and Marquis Shenwei is highly inappropriate," one complained. "You are now His Majesty, no longer a youth. How can you still address Marquis Shenwei as 'Elder Brother'? It goes against ritual!"

"Your Majesty and Marquis Shenwei meet too frequently in private, even neglecting court affairs," another added. "The chief officials for various departments should be appointed now, otherwise, the selection of officials below cannot proceed."

Ji Che listened to Right Prime Minister Fan Ailin's nagging and Grand Clan Master Ji Wenchang's admonitions, and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Minister Fan is right, he is merely a Marquis. It is indeed not proper for me to continue addressing him as 'Elder Brother.'"

Fan Ailin, seeing that Ji Che was taking his advice, was about to praise His Majesty's wisdom, but Ji Che's tone immediately shifted.

"Since that is the case, then let him be promoted to Senior Second Rank Junior Minister of Agriculture, elevated to a princely title, entrusted with command over three of the ten forbidden Cave Heavens of the military realm, becoming the ninth governing prince of the military realm, and further, in accordance with the late emperor's dying wish, I shall choose a princess for him to marry."

"Thus, when I address him as Royal Brother, it will be perfectly legitimate."

"What?!" Fan Ailin was stunned.

A princely title? And a governing prince? This was too much of a joke!

"Your Majesty, you must not!" Fan Ailin immediately knelt with a thud. "A Senior Second Rank Junior Minister of Agriculture is acceptable, but a princely title cannot be conferred without military merit! Let alone a governing prince?"

Grand Clan Master Ji Wenchang also could not hold back and similarly knelt. "Your Majesty, when the late emperor was alive, he devised ways to curtail the power of feudal lords. You cannot, immediately upon ascending, overturn the late emperor's policies! Moreover, Marquis Shenwei is under your command; promoting him is already a great favor. Without having achieved any merit, how can he be granted a princely title? To take ten thousand steps back, if you now bestow Marquis Shenwei the title of governing prince, what more will there be to bestow in the future?"

How could Ji Che not understand this principle? He had said it on purpose. When Ji Che was eight, he had learned a simple truth from Zhao Xing: if you want someone to open a window, it's best to first propose tearing down the roof.

Seeing both of them so astonished, he calmly said, "Then, let it be only a Commandery Prince, Senior Second Rank Junior Minister of Agriculture, overseeing two Cave Heavens, and bestowed a princess for marriage. How about that?"

The Grand Clan Master shook his head. "No, a princely title cannot be conferred without military merit. This is a rule established by our ancestors."

Fan Ailin also said, "Two Cave Heavens? Should we not first see how Marquis Shenwei performs in other areas? The Eldest Princess is still unmarried, how can other princesses be married off first?"

Ji Che's voice deepened. "Then, Senior Second Rank Junior Minister of Agriculture, promoted to First-rank Duke."

Before Ji Che could finish, Fan Ailin interrupted with a bitter expression. "Your Majesty, even a First-rank Duke is unacceptable!"

Ji Che's voice held a hint of anger. "This is unacceptable, that is unacceptable. Why don't you become the emperor then?"

"This subject dares not. Your Majesty, please appease your anger." Hearing this, Fan Ailin could only heavily kowtow to the ground, remaining silent.

Grand Clan Master Ji Wenchang prostrated himself and said, "Your Majesty, this subject suggests that Marquis Shenwei could be conferred the title of Third-rank Junyi Duke, along with a commandery as a fief. This would both show Your Majesty's affection and prevent the world from criticizing Marquis Shenwei as a favored minister who climbed through connections. Choose another location, and once Marquis Shenwei achieves merit, then bestow further rewards."

Seeing that Ji Wenchang had finally hit the mark and the timing was right, Ji Che huffed, "Fine, I am not an unenlightened ruler who cannot listen to remonstrance. Let it be as the Grand Clan Master suggests."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Both men bowed again.

What was a Junyi Duke? This was Ji Wenchang's improvisation on the spot. He derived it from the 'Six Harmonious Principles' in the Rites Tradition: sovereign's righteousness, minister's conduct, father's benevolence, son's filial piety, elder brother's love, younger brother's respect. The so-called 'sovereign's righteousness' was the righteousness of the ruler. Since Ji Che insisted on calling Zhao Xing 'brother,' Ji Wenchang could only find a historical allusion to fulfill his wish. A Third-rank Commandery Duke, this award was not exaggerated. As for the title? Goodness, after this maneuver, Ji Che could not only call him 'brother' in private but also in public!

After Ji Che left, Fan and Ji exchanged glances, shaking their heads with bitter smiles. Not only had they failed to dissuade him, but they had also solidified the appellation.

"Prime Minister Fan, you..." The Grand Clan Master opened his mouth, then sighed. "Never mind." What else was there to say? They both knew the emperor wasn't truly angry.

"Your Majesty truly has the demeanor of the late emperor," Fan Ailin lamented.

In the late period of Emperor Jing's reign, many positions were left vacant, only filled by acting officials without formal appointments. Now, with Emperor Wu's ascension, formal appointments began. In the first year of Yuanshou, a large batch of official titles and noble ranks were bestowed. Without new political achievements or merits, Emperor Wu granted exceptional promotions, added official positions, advanced noble ranks, and raised ceremonial ranks to ministers. This was imperial favor, a matter of karma.

Yuanshou, Year 1, Autumn.

Liu Tianning was appointed Grand Minister of Agriculture. Wang Tianzhi was re-appointed Senior Second Rank Junior Minister of Agriculture. Ling Tianchen, already a Senior Second Rank Junior Minister of Agriculture, was honored with the title of Duke Ling. Qiu Yuanshan was promoted to Senior Second Rank Junior Minister of Agriculture, and Meng Kun and Ji Youtang became Junior Second Rank Junior Ministers of Agriculture. The Grand Priest position was taken over by Wei Hong, who was Wei Xuancheng's elder brother. Ji Bochang retained his Heaven-Connecting Priest position, while his noble rank was raised by one level, his ceremonial rank by one, and his merit rank by three. The Grand Minister of Works position was taken by Lu Ying, the former master of the Juzi Palace and Military Minister of Works, with Chen Ju becoming Junior Minister of Works. Tong Wensheng became Left Prime Minister, and Fan Ailin became Right Prime Minister. Ji Mengjun was promoted to Grand Master of Eight Rows of Dancers and moved from Deputy Head of the Battle Dance Hall to its Head. King Luohou's official and noble ranks had reached their peak, but there were still ceremonial ranks and merit ranks to confer. King Luohou also had family members; there was still a long way to go to fill all the nominal titles. If all else failed, Emperor Wu was quite fond of inventing new terms.

When it was Zhao Xing's turn for court recognition, it came as a surprise to everyone.

"Marquis Shenwei Zhao Xing, promoted two ranks, appointed Senior Second Rank Minister of Agriculture within the Department of Agriculture."

Minister of Agriculture? When did a Minister of Agriculture suddenly appear at Senior Second Rank? Everyone was puzzled. But then, an explanation for the Minister of Agriculture was seen within the Department of Agriculture's system. The Senior Second Rank Minister of Agriculture was ranked behind Grand Minister of Agriculture Liu Tianning, but before Wang Tianzhi. Furthermore, it explicitly stated that the Senior Second Rank Minister of Agriculture was the primary subordinate official under the Grand Minister of Agriculture. This essentially meant that Emperor Wu had created a de facto superior among what were originally equal Junior Ministers of Agriculture, raising the Minister of Agriculture position by half a rank for no apparent reason.

Although somewhat unexpected, it caused little commotion because Zhao Xing held high status and prestige within the agricultural administration. Even placing him above Ling Tianchen, Wang Tianzhi, and Qiu Yuanshan met with no objections.

Next was the conferment of the 'Junyi Duke' title.

"What on earth is a 'Junyi Duke'?" The ministers were bewildered again.

Right Prime Minister Fan Ailin, who was reading the decree, had to provide an expanded explanation, elaborating on the concept extended from the 'Six Harmonious Principles' in the Rites Tradition. After listening, the ministers' expressions were subtle, and their gazes towards Zhao Xing were peculiar. Even Zhao Xing himself was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Emperor Wu to actually create a 'Junyi Duke' for him.

And it wasn't over yet. Right Prime Minister Fan Ailin then read, "Promoted to 'Heaven's Blessing Grand Master,' granted a First-Rank lifespan."

Silence still filled the great hall. But Zhao Xing distinctly heard the uproar in everyone's hearts. Envious glances shone on his back like sunlight. Zhao Xing felt a surge of emotion in his heart—the good times had arrived. Compared to Emperor Jing's stinginess, Emperor Wu was completely different; for ministers he valued, he often directly granted them full lifespans. He was originally a Third-Rank Spirit Mountain Envoy, but now he had directly become a Senior Second Rank Minister of Agriculture. Emperor Wu even granted him a First-Rank lifespan, based on a First-Rank ceremonial rank. He was originally a First-Rank Marquis, and now he was a Commandery Duke. Old Master Zhao felt somewhat overwhelmed by the favor.

"Your subject bows in gratitude for Your Majesty's grace!"

"May our Emperor live forever without bound!" This time, Zhao Xing's shout was heartfelt. He genuinely wished Emperor Wu eternal life. Among the other treasures read by Fan Ailin, there were three precious items, including a warship, magic robes, and shoes.

After all the awards were announced, a golden pillar of light enveloped the hall from above.

"Boom~" The national fate baptism descended.

Zhao Xing's lifespan was directly extended to the theoretical limit of the First Rank. The remaining national fate continued its unfinished work, further solidifying his 'Yan Eight' Qi Fortune.

Having received his rewards, Zhao Xing returned to his place in the court ranks. The conferment of titles and awards to all officials lasted for seven days. Ji Che then hosted a banquet for all officials in the imperial palace, with feasting and drinking for half a month, bringing the entire award ceremony to a close.

Yuanshou, Year 1, Winter Solstice. Fengjing, Department of Agriculture.

Liu Tianning sat in the Grand Minister of Agriculture's main seat, while Zhao Xing sat in the first position to his left. The other nine Junior Ministers of Agriculture were arranged in order. According to the situation during Emperor Jing's reign, the Grand Minister of Agriculture had more direct subordinates, over thirty of them. But that was during wartime, with many affairs. Now, it was a period of peace, and including Zhao Xing, there were only ten. Of course, these ten were directly appointed by Emperor Wu. Liu Tianning, as Grand Minister of Agriculture, could discretionally recommend candidates and expand the scale of subordinates as needed.

"How many First and Second Rank Ministers of Agriculture there are, but only ten, including myself, are Junior Ministers of Agriculture." Zhao Xing looked around. "The most powerful agricultural officials are all sitting here." Without power, a Mandate Palace realm agricultural official could not do much. But as a Junior Minister of Agriculture, one could mobilize agricultural officials across nineteen provinces; a single order could affect the destinies of countless people! It could lead to the rise of many families, or the decline of many.

"Everyone," Liu Tianning began, "With the new monarch ascending, the Department of Agriculture must prioritize stability."

"The immediate priority is to discover outstanding talents and employ the capable." Liu Tianning's first order was to immediately begin the selection of officials within the agricultural system. This was because since the 90th year of Yongzhi, the Great Zhou's official selection had fallen into stagnation. While promotions for low-ranking officials were normal, those for mid- and high-ranking officials had been stagnant for a long time, an abnormal situation. Therefore, after Liu Tianning's ascension, he aimed to quickly restore it to normal. Once the agricultural system returned to normal, other departments could function effectively.

"I plan to recommend three to nine more Junior Ministers of Agriculture to His Majesty," Liu Tianning said. "Half civilian, half military. If any of you have suitable candidates, please report them to me."

Ling Tianchen was the first to speak. "May I ask, Grand Minister of Agriculture, are there any factional requirements for these candidates?"

*Swish, swish, swish…* The gazes of the others immediately converged on him.

Liu Tianning stated, "No factions, only talent." This set the tone: regardless of one's cultivation path—Heavenly Time, Geographical Advantage, or True Self—anyone with talent could be promoted. Ling Tianchen nodded and did not speak further, as he would not make random recommendations; he needed to consider carefully.

"Second, you may all select capable individuals and recommend them as Third-Rank agricultural officials." The second task was still about appointing people. Without personnel, no work could proceed. The first meeting revolved around selecting the capable.

After the meeting concluded, Zhao Xing quickly submitted his memorial. He recommended Mi Dai, Chen Shijie, Hu Yang, and Zhang Tianxing as Senior Third-Rank officials to serve as his deputies.

Liu Tianning reviewed the names. "I know Chen Shijie; he's qualified to be a Senior Third-Rank official. Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing are already Third-Rank officials, so their promotion from probationary to full status should not be a problem."

"Who is this Mi Dai? Why do you so strongly recommend him?" In Zhao Xing's official document, Mi Dai was ranked first! Yet Mi Dai was currently only a Fifth-Rank official.

It was somewhat amusing. Due to his meritorious service in military agricultural colonies in the Gui Xu Realm, Mi Dai had originally been promoted to Senior Fourth Rank, upper class, in the early years of Yongzhi. At that time, he encountered Ji Che, who was on an excursion. Ji Che then recommended Mi Dai to Emperor Jing, and Mi Dai was consequently granted a Third-Rank ceremonial rank. His own cultivation realm also broke through to Third Rank in the 20th year of Yongzhi. However, in the 60th year of Yongzhi, this old fellow acted up again and gave his superior a good beating. The matter escalated to the provincial government, and Mi Dai's ceremonial rank and official position were stripped, though he managed to retain his cultivation realm. He was demoted back to a Fifth-Rank official, specifically a Probationary Fifth Rank, and was sent back to the Gui Xu Realm to farm with convicted people.

"This person..." Zhao Xing held Mi Dai's resume, contemplating for a long time how to concisely introduce Mi Dai. Finally, he could only say, "He is an extraordinary talent."

Upon hearing this, Liu Tianning read through all of Mi Dai's past records, and his expression became strange. "He is indeed a peculiar talent." Mi Dai cultivated three paths concurrently! He was proficient in each one. Not only that, he had also served as a Dancer, Musician, and Talisman Master. But he had one major flaw: arrogance towards superiors and respect towards subordinates. This flaw was fatal in officialdom. Mi Dai, from a common background with no family influence or connections, would frequently beat his superiors. Who could tolerate that? No matter how outstanding his abilities, he was detested by all in official circles.

"Mi Dai is the type to achieve greatness later in life," Liu Tianning chuckled.

"Indeed," Zhao Xing smiled. Old Liu saw clearly; Mi Dai would only mellow out when he was old, understanding that he couldn't act solely on his preferences in officialdom. In a normal trajectory, Mi Dai would only begin to shine in the latter half of his life. He even rose to the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture, though briefly, which was enough to prove his astonishing talent and ability. For a commoner to reverse his fate and become Grand Minister of Agriculture was partly due to encountering an enlightened ruler like Emperor Wu, but more so because Mi Dai himself was exceptionally capable.

"I will be his superior; with my backing, even if he causes problems, they will be minor ones," Zhao Xing said. "This person has boundless potential and deep research in the Path of True Self."

Liu Tianning nodded. He had seen many people with such temperaments. He himself had been like that in his youth. Killing officials? Liu Tianning had done that too in his younger days. He had even challenged and "overturned" half of the Daoist academy's younger generation. The only difference was that Mi Dai had no background, no one to protect him or guard his path. The fact that Mi Dai did not die at the hands of aristocratic families and powerful nobles was purely due to Emperor Jing's excellent results in curbing such forces over the years. In other eras, Old Man Mi's Marquis Transformation wouldn't have been enough to save him from being beheaded multiple times over.

"Very well. Take him to Western Extremities Province," Liu Tianning said, shaking his head. "Let him vent some of his fiery temper there."

"Understood." Zhao Xing nodded. His title as Minister of Agriculture was actually "Minister of Agriculture for the Seven Cave Heavens and Two Blessed Lands of the Western Extremities." This was because the vassal states in Western Extremities Province were currently engaged in fierce warfare in the west. Emperor Wu sent Zhao Xing there purely for him to gain merits. Otherwise, it would be difficult to justify the rewards. Not to mention the rewards, as Minister of Agriculture and Junyi Duke, Zhao Xing naturally had to quickly achieve merits to live up to these honors. Looking across the Great Zhou's borders, only the Western Extremities region offered significant opportunities for merit. The major Cave Heavens in Pinghai Province were originally under Wang Tianzhi's jurisdiction, so it was not easy to transfer them to Zhao Xing. Other places offered no comparable merits, so Emperor Wu very thoughtfully arranged for his elder brother to go to Western Extremities Province.

"Do you want to bring more people?" Liu Tianning asked. "Are four enough?"

"Enough," Zhao Xing replied. "Western Extremities Province, with its seven Cave Heavens and two Blessed Lands, already has many capable individuals. Four agricultural deputies will suffice." Liu Tianning nodded; Zhao Xing had mastered the Ultimate Law, comprehended the Heavenly Time domain, and possessed Myriad Law Clones, so there was no need to worry about his safety.

"The envoy from the Moshi Kingdom will return in early spring next year. Once your deputies are in place, you can depart with them."

"Prince Jinke?"

"Yes," Liu Tianning confirmed.

After leaving the Department of Agriculture, Zhao Xing went to meet Prince Jinke to understand the situation. Unexpectedly, upon seeing Prince Jinke again, he had lost an arm. His original five strong subordinates were now reduced to only three: King Bingtu, King Kelu, and Suo Su. Among them, King Bingtu was already First Rank, while King Kelu and Suo Su were still at peak Second Rank.

"Prince Jinke, how did you end up like this?" Zhao Xing asked with a frown, somewhat suspecting that the young prince was deliberately exaggerating his misfortune. Losing an arm was not a major issue; the Bone-Regenerating Ginseng from Guangling Cave Heaven could easily reattach it.

"Marquis Shenwei. No, Duke Junyi, I am not pretending to be pitiful," Prince Jinke said with a bitter smile.

"Then why..."

"There is a reason," Prince Jinke began to recount the past. "Two years ago, our Moshi Kingdom fought a losing battle against the Xisi Kingdom. My younger brother, Jinle, was killed by an enemy expert while covering my retreat, and I lost an arm. To remember this humiliation, I have kept my arm severed. Unless this revenge is exacted, I will never recover it."

Hearing this, Zhao Xing looked at Prince Jinke with increased sympathy. To have one's own brother killed in front of them was indeed a humiliation. Prince Jinke coming to the Great Zhou with a severed arm could not be called feigning misery, because he was truly miserable.

"As far as I know, isn't the Xisi Kingdom's national strength comparable to yours?" Zhao Xing had reviewed the intelligence. These two countries were originally one but later split. Logically, their strengths should be similar, so how did they get so badly beaten?

"That was a long time ago," Prince Jinke said. "The Xisi Kingdom has developed very rapidly in the past eighty years. Many powerful individuals have emerged, and they have continuously annexed other tribes, gaining vast resources, and their national fate has grown increasingly strong."

Zhao Xing carefully reviewed the intelligence and found that Emperor Jing had provided very little support to the Moshi Kingdom during the Yongzhi period, at most some supplies and a few teams of envoys to issue warnings. Old Jing had indeed retracted his forces during Yongzhi, solely aiming for a stable transition of imperial power, for which everything else could take a backseat. Starting a major war would involve national upheaval, which would slow down Ji Che's progress. On another note, perhaps Emperor Jing also wanted to leave the merit of pacifying the vassal states in Western Extremities Province to the new monarch.

"Prince, rest assured, as a vassal state of the Great Zhou, our dynasty will never stand idly by while foreign powers infringe upon you. Prince, return and make preparations! I will set off with you back to your country in early spring next year."

Prince Jinke was moved. "Thank you, Duke Junyi!"

Yuanshou, Year 1, December.

Mi Dai, Chen Shijie, Zhang Tianxing, and Hu Yang successively arrived in Fengjing.

"Your subordinates pay respects to Lord Zhao." (All four bowed.)

Zhao Xing waved his hand, and a gentle breeze lifted the four of them. "There's no need for such formality, all of you are old acquaintances."

Chen Shijie, Hu Yang, and Zhang Tianxing still bowed and said, "Thank you, Lord." Only Mi Dai looked at Zhao Xing blankly. "Zhao Xing, I didn't expect you to be so formidable now, actually becoming a Duke and the Grand Minister of Agriculture's primary subordinate official." He had spent recent years in that God-forsaken place in Gui Xu Cave Heaven. Even when Emperor Jing died and the new emperor ascended, no one had notified Gui Xu Cave Heaven. It was only in the autumn of Yuanshou Year 1 that Mi Dai learned of the change outside. He couldn't even connect Zhao Xing with the Zhao Xing from back then.

"Brother Mi, you possess great talent," Zhao Xing said, not minding Mi Dai calling him by his given name, and smiled. "I summoned you here to work without your prior consent. I hope you don't take offense."

Mi Dai shook his head. "Not at all. You're certainly better than those old fogeys who merely occupy their positions without performing duties."

Hu Yang was somewhat displeased. Where did this brash fellow come from? Zhao Xing had been so polite, yet he still didn't know to politely acknowledge his superior. The Saint Son was being polite to you, and you took it seriously?

"This Lord Mi must possess extraordinary abilities to be so highly regarded by Lord Zhao," Zhang Tianxing chimed in. "It must be so. Now that Lord Mi is our colleague, we should get to know each other better. May I ask what kind of top-tier method Lord Mi cultivates, what true meaning he has mastered, and what true scripture he has comprehended?"

Mi Dai simply didn't want to bother thinking, but that didn't mean he couldn't discern sarcasm. How could he not hear the two men's thinly veiled mockery? He immediately retorted, "I am untalented. My Marquis Transformation method is at peak Fifth Turn, and my Cloud, Rain, Thunder, and Wind methods are each at Sixth Turn."

"My Geographical Advantage method is slightly weaker; Earth Palace, Earth Store, Profound Earth, and Splitting Earth have all been initiated. Only the Spirit Mountain method has eluded me."

"My Pure Essence Soil is merely Rank Six, cultivating only one Rank Seven troop and three thousand Rank Six troops; they are cheap goods, not worth mentioning."

Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing were stunned. Where did this master come from? This was practically the old version of Zhao Xing! They had originally intended to boast about themselves, but compared to this, their own techniques seemed unable to suppress Mi Dai. So, they could only say, "Lord Mi is indeed formidable, already comparable to Lord Zhao a hundred years ago."

A hundred years ago? Mi Dai was also taken aback. He was a straightforward person. "Zhao Xing, what is your current realm?"

Zhao Xing smiled. "To tell you the truth, Brother Mi, I was fortunate enough to reach Heavenly Fate Perfection." He didn't want to show off in front of Mi Dai, but Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing started boasting.

"Lord Zhao has two of the four Heavenly Time methods at peak perfection, one Cloud method has reached the ultimate level, and he himself created the Marquis Transformation method and cultivated it to peak Ninth Turn!"

"As for Geographical Advantage methods, all four are at peak Ninth Turn, and he even retrieved the 'Kunyuan Hoe,' a divine artifact of the Geographical Advantage faction, Brother Mi, how could you not know this?"

"As for the Path of True Self, there's no need to mention it; Lord Zhao is currently the Vice Dean of the Shangluo Academy!"

As Mi Dai listened, his mouth slowly fell open. He truly hadn't known about Zhao Xing's past. He was even slow to realize that a new emperor had ascended, so it was understandable he missed other news. Seeing that the two had sufficiently stunned Mi Dai, Zhao Xing immediately interrupted. "Alright, I didn't invite you all here for idle chatter."

"I am now to take up my post in Western Extremities Province. The four of you will be my deputies. Your specific duties will be confirmed once we arrive." The old rule was to first be a Third-Rank Provisional Official, and then make specific arrangements after assessing the situation in Western Extremities Province.

"As you command," all four, including Mi Dai, bowed in unison and accepted the order.

Yuanshou, Year 2, after the Spring Festival Sacrifice Day.

Zhao Xing bid farewell to his family and traveled from his old home in Pinghai Province to Fengjing.

"Once Yuanshou Year 2 passes, my Heaven-Burning Yuan-Locking Grand Array will also be completed," Zhao Xing mused on the warship, reviewing his cultivation. "My Sichen Yellow Ear Transformation has reached peak Ninth Turn, and the Thirty-six Geographical Advantage Paths are also at peak Ninth Turn."

"The Five New Divine Talismans are at peak Seventh Turn, and the Heaven-Burning Yuan-Locking Grand Array is also at peak Seventh Turn."

"The four great fundamental secret arts have all been learned. Once they all reach peak perfection, I can attempt to cast the 'Yuan Seal.'" The Yuan Seal was an ultimate technique, and the four secret arts were merely its foundation. There was still a distance to go to successfully cast it, but at least he had mastered the four foundations. The rest was a gradual progression and wouldn't be as frustratingly slow as starting from scratch.

"Now that I've mastered the foundations, I realize Old Man Li wasn't exaggerating," Zhao Xing thought. Even a preliminary attempt to combine the four methods to cast the Yuan Seal—though it was a crude imitation and nothing like the true Yuan Seal—revealed its terrifying potential to him. "Could there truly be some ancient inheritance beneath the Western Extremities Glacier? For the ultimate techniques to be merely a screening threshold… this is too terrifying. In my previous life, even after the Spirit Qi Resurgence and the Western Extremities Sea thawed, I never heard of such a place." Zhao Xing pondered.