Chapter 67 Conquest of the Royal Court

Chapter 67: Capturing the Royal Court

Chu Jiubian suddenly remembered he had forgotten to tell Lu Yao something. Worried that Qin Chuan might knock Lu Yao out again, he didn't summon him into the Divine Realm but instead sent the golden dragon to deliver the message.

Just as Lu Yao sat up from bed, he saw the golden dragon glide in through the window, bringing with it mist and a cool breeze. It let out a low hum before departing.

He also heard the High Priest's telepathic message, just a few brief words: "Make sure to get at least four *shichen* of sleep nightly."

Qin Chuan naturally heard it too. Crossing his arms, he looked at the person before him and said, "Did you hear that? The High Priest wants you to sleep at least four *shichen* every night."

Otherwise, if Lu Yao didn't sleep, Qin Chuan wouldn't sleep well either.

Lu Yao nodded and said, "I already sleep at least four *shichen* every day."

"Enough sleep?" Qin Chuan raised an eyebrow.

For almost a month, he hadn't seen this person sleep.

Lu Yao explained, "I rest for a short while every half *shichen*, on and off. It's pretty neat."

Qin Chuan had noticed that every now and then, Lu Yao would close his eyes for a brief moment.

He had originally thought it was because his eyes were tired and he needed a break, but was that actually sleeping?

How was that interesting in any way?

Qin Chuan said, "The High Priest said you need to sleep at least four *shichen* every night."

He emphasized the words "every night."

Lu Yao nodded. "I know. I didn’t plan to keep doing this forever. I only discovered this method about half a year ago and found it interesting, so I’ve been doing it. I’ll sleep properly every night from now on."

He got out of bed and looked up at Qin Chuan, who was nearly a head taller than him. "The medical books say that lack of sleep stunts your growth. I haven’t grown much in the past six months. But if I rest well and eat properly from now on, I should be able to catch up to your height."

Qin Chuan, who stood nearly 1.9 meters tall, could easily look down at the top of Lu Yao’s head.

He chuckled. "I think you’ll grow to about this height at most." He tapped his own lip.

Lu Yao calculated carefully and said, "Probably. But they say all brawn and no brains. If a person grows too tall, their brain might not get enough blood."

So he didn’t need to grow too tall; just enough is fine.

Qin Chuan: "...Is there any basis for that?"

"I read it in some random book. Not sure if it’s true."

"Then you shouldn’t say that anymore," Qin Chuan said.

"Why?"

"People skills," Qin Chuan enunciated each word. "Didn’t you ask me to teach you?"

Lu Yao suddenly understood. "Thank you. I won’t say it again."

Chu Jiubian, watching through the screen, burst out laughing.

This Lu Yao was a riot.

But the kid was a quick study. He’d probably figure out how to interact with people before arriving in the capital. Qin Chuan, though, was going through it. He’d have to hook him up with something nice later.

Chu Jiubian closed the screen and checked on his other followers.

In the middle of the night, apart from Vice Minister of Works Liu Junqi, who was overseeing construction of canal offices in various regions and about to sleep, the others were all full of energy, each living it up more than the next.

Situ Zhaoling was in her younger brother Situ Zhaoyao’s courtyard.

In the center of the courtyard was a three-meter-long model of a wooden ship, unfinished, with only the cabin section completed.

Situ Zhaoyao was sawing wood planks with two servants, while Situ Zhaoling and her maids were wiping the already cut wooden planks down with rags and sorting them by size and length.

With just one glance, Chu Jiubian could tell this ship model was nothing like the existing warships of Great Ning.

The existing warships of Great Ning had narrower and longer hulls. Since they were man-powered, the hulls were lightweight to reduce resistance. Such ships could only operate in shallow waters, were no good for long hauls, and were relatively fragile.

But the one Situ Zhaoyao was building had a sleeker, wider hull, clearly designed for "being tough."

Such a ship would have a deeper draft, allowing it to sail farther, but that also meant it could no longer rely solely on human power—it would need to use nature's power.

Chu Jiubian wondered if Situ Zhaoyao had thought of using "sails" to catch the wind.

His eyes lit up.

In the late previous dynasty, times were rough for the people. After the founding emperor of Great Ning ascended the throne, he focused on external defense and internal stability, as well as cleaning up the government, leaving little time for building up the economy.

It wasn’t until the next emperor, Gaozong, took the throne that livelihoods began to gradually recover, using the manpower, financial resources, and knowledge of powerful families.

To ensure the people of Great Ning could focus on their own and boost the nation’s strength, Gaozong implemented policies promoting farming over business and issued a ban on ocean travel.

The ban on ocean travel didn’t forbid people from going to sea entirely but restricted them from venturing too far, allowing only fishing and clam harvesting in shallow waters.

Such strict policies were meant to protect the newborn Great Ning at the time.

Nowadays, the ban on ocean travel remains, but they're not as strict about it as before.

Powerful families like the Qiu family already dared to send trade crews overseas to conduct business with neighboring small countries.

However, the current situation Great Ning faces is similar to that during Gaozong’s reign, so Chu Jiubian hadn’t considered lifting the sea ban yet.

He planned to wait until Great Ning was completely stable, the people had some extra cash, and the country was thriving. Then he would personally select and train a naval force, build ships capable of long voyages, and only then lift the sea ban.

This would also provide better protection for the people.

But he hadn’t expected Situ Zhaoyao to already be beating him to it, researching new types of warships.

What a good kid.

Chu Jiubian looked at the unfinished ship and felt it wouldn’t be long before he saw the completed product.

However, with the New Year approaching, the Southern Frontier King would be bringing his family to the capital. In a few days, these siblings would likely set off with their parents, meaning they wouldn’t be able to continue working on their projects.

The thought of seeing his followers face-to-face made Chu Jiubian pretty pumped.

He closed the card screen and opened Wang Qichen’s.

Rumors in the capital said Young Master Wang had been laying low recently, but tonight he once again visited the largest pleasure house in Jinxiu Alley, sitting in the second-floor hall drinking tea.

The air was thick with the scent of wine, yet his table was consistently replenished with tea.

He lounged lazily against an armrest, watching the dancers twirl gracefully in the center of the hall, an easy, relaxed smile on his face.

At another table beside him sat a tall, strapping man dressed in black, with a defiant glint in his eyes.

A serving girl poured a fresh cup of wine for the man, who then reached out to wrap his arm around her waist, gently squeezing it while his gaze remained fixed on Wang Qichen.

“Has Young Master Wang truly quit drinking?” the man teased.

“Indeed,” Wang Qichen replied with a smile. “If not for Brother Qiu Xuanzheng’s invitation, I wouldn’t have come.”

Qiu Xuanzheng chuckled and pushed the serving girl in his embrace away.

The serving girl cautiously retreated to a distance.

Chu Jiubian was taken aback.

So this was the current head of the Qiu family, the younger brother of Qiu Heng, the Minister of Justice.

What did he want with Wang Qichen?

As if sensing his curiosity, Wang Qichen said, “I wonder what important matter Brother Qiu Xuanzheng has invited me here to discuss today?”

Qiu Xuanzheng stood up, took a large stride to Wang Qichen’s side, and plopped down casually beside him, extending a long arm to try and drape it over his shoulder.

Wang Qichen raised his folding fan, blocking the hand. “Just talk. If others saw this, they might think the Qiu family head has an interest in men.”

“With Young Master Wang’s stunning looks, I certainly wouldn’t complain.”

Wang Qichen scoffed lightly. “Rather than wasting time on empty words, Brother Qiu Xuanzheng should spend more time studying, lest you misuse even the simplest terms.”

Qiu Xuanzheng curled his lips, though a cold glint flashed briefly in his eyes.

“Enough joking,” he said, pretending to be relaxed. “I’ve recently heard that a new paper, white as snow, has appeared in the capital. Has Young Master Wang seen it for yourself?”

Wang Qichen was already planning to officially sell the new paper, so he had no fear of being discovered.

But now that the head of the Qiu family had sought him out, his purpose was obvious.

Wang Qichen raised his cup and took a sip of tea.

Seeing his silence, Qiu Xuanzheng knew he had found the right person.

The Qiu family had many members, but most were inclined toward commerce. Compared to other noble families, they had fewer power struggles, mostly focusing on profit, which was minor in comparison.

With his uncle Qiu Hongkuo holding the fort behind the scenes and his elder brother Qiu Heng serving as Minister of Justice in the court, Qiu Xuanzheng’s position as family head was relatively stable.

But he had never been content to lag behind others and had always wanted to prove himself.

He knew the capital’s situation was tense—Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had already begun targeting noble families, and soon the blade would fall on the Qiu family.

As the family head, he couldn’t always hide behind his uncle and brother. He naturally wanted to do something.

Hearing recently about the new paper, he recognized it as a lucrative opportunity. After some investigation, he found clues linking it to the Young Master of the Wang family.

Now, observing Wang Qichen’s attitude, Qiu Xuanzheng knew his investigation was correct.

“Young Master Wang must be aware of the Qiu family’s commercial capabilities,” Qiu Xuanzheng said bluntly. “I wonder how much of this new paper you have? Could you let me take a look?”

Wang Qichen remained silent.

Qiu Xuanzheng paused briefly before continuing, “If the paper is truly as rumored, the Qiu family can take as much as you have. As for the profit split, that can be discussed.”

“I’ve also heard a bit about the internal matters of the Wang family,” Qiu Xuanzheng added, watching Wang Qichen closely for any change in expression. “If Young Master establishes ties with the Qiu family, we won’t stand idly by if you need help in the future.”

Throughout this, Wang Qichen had not interrupted.

Only when it seemed Qiu Xuanzheng had said all he intended did Wang Qichen set down his teacup and sit up straight.

He turned his head to look at Qiu Xuanzheng and said, smiling faintly, “Family Head Qiu should listen more to your uncle and elder brother.”

“What?” Qiu Xuanzheng frowned.

Wang Qichen stood up and walked away without looking back. “Such childish words are fine to say to me, but if others hear them, they’ll surely laugh at the Qiu family.”

Qiu Xuanzheng’s face darkened instantly. He grabbed the teacup from the table and hurled it at Wang Qichen.

Trained in martial arts, even a simple motion sent the teacup flying like a hidden weapon toward the back of Wang Qichen’s neck.

But Wang Qichen seemed to have predicted it. He tilted his head slightly, and the teacup brushed past his neck, leaving only a faint red mark.

Unimpeded, the teacup shot forward and embedded itself in the wall.

The wall was dented, but the teacup remained intact, a testament to the depth of Qiu Xuanzheng’s inner strength.

Wang Qichen glanced at the teacup and gave a low chuckle.

Without stopping, he continued downstairs, taunting, “Losing your temper only proves how childish you are.”

Then he heard a loud crash behind him, likely Qiu Xuanzheng overturning the table.

Brute.

Wang Qichen paid no mind and, after leaving, went straight to his family’s carriage and returned home.

Chu Jiubian shared the same sentiment.

No wonder the head of the Qiu family was always so mysterious and rarely seen in public—he was a brainless brute.

Wang Qichen had his own people and methods. Moreover, such rare new paper would initially only be sold in the capital. Why would he need to cooperate with the Qiu family?

Qiu Xuanzheng’s eagerness to chase after profits aligned with the Qiu family’s wealth-seeking tradition, but he hadn’t inherited even a hint of their shrewdness.

Even siblings from the same womb could be worlds apart.

That said, Qiu Xuanzheng’s martial prowess seemed genuinely high.

I wonder how he compares to Qin Xiao or An Wuji.

Chu Jiubian opened Jiang Shuoye’s card screen again.

Feather-like snowflakes drifted down, blanketing the world in white.

The young general, clad in a thick fur coat, stood on the training ground within the military camp.

A thousand soldiers were practicing spear techniques on the field.

These were the most elite troops Jiang Shuoye had selected from the camp. Since last month, they had been undergoing daily training using "special forces" methods.

This training regimen was something he had read about in a book given to him by the High Priest. He quickly realized how such strict and disciplined training could forge incredibly strong soldiers.

As expected, after just one month, these thousand soldiers had already noticeably surpassed the others.

Not to mention their obedience, even their spirit and demeanor were distinctly different from others, each with a determined look in their eyes.

Such changes were not only noticed by Jiang Shuoye but also clearly noticed by other soldiers.

Gradually, these thousand individuals began to hold a somewhat special standing within the army.

It wasn’t that others excluded them, but rather a sense of envy.

This also made some soldiers who hadn’t been selected previously feel unhappy, eager to find another opportunity to join this unique "Special Forces Camp."

Such sentiments got out of hand after Jiang Shuoye issued the first batch of steel-tipped spears to these thousand soldiers.

Everyone realized that the Special Forces Camp was different.

Although their training intensity was higher and more arduous than that of ordinary soldiers, the benefits within the army were undoubtedly always given first to them.

On ordinary days, these soldiers had better food than the regular soldiers, and now they had the latest weapons. Tomorrow, they might receive new armor, and in the future, possibly higher pay and faster promotions.

With such temptations right before their eyes, few could resist.

Thus, several Deputy Generals had already approached him today, saying that many soldiers under their command also wished to join the Special Forces Camp and inquired if there was an opportunity.

Jiang Shuoye was naturally happy about it, but if the numbers grew too large, the distinction of the Special Forces Camp wouldn’t be special anymore.

Still, soldiers wanting to improve was undoubtedly a good thing.

Therefore, Jiang Shuoye had ramped up training for the Special Forces Camp soldiers these past few days. Other ordinary soldiers who wished to join could train alongside them and get the same meals as the Special Forces Camp.

Those who could handle the intensity would be allowed to join the Special Forces Camp.

Today, with snow falling and a bitter wind, the night should have been a time for the soldiers to rest.

But Jiang Shuoye still led the Special Forces Camp in training in the snow, and other soldiers who wished to join also had to join in.

Those who couldn’t take it could leave, but they would likely have no chance to join the Special Forces Camp in the future.

Jiang Shuoye watched the noticeably smaller training group but said nothing.

He also sensed the familiar sense of being watched, knowing it was the High Priest observing him, but he was less nervous than before.

If the High Priest needed him for something, he would summon him directly.

Chu Jiubian watched for a while and couldn’t help but frown.

The soldiers were only wearing soft armor and thin layers underneath, far less warm than padded jackets.

If only they had grown cotton this year.

Unfortunately, Chu Jiubian came too late. By the time Situ Zhaoling had cultivated cotton, the optimal planting period had long passed, so they had to wait until next year.

Chu Jiubian checked his points balance and checked the price of cotton sold in the mall.

After calculating, he found it was really not worth it to buy with points.

Even if he used all his points, it wouldn’t be enough to equip all 80,000 soldiers in Mobei with cotton-padded clothes and trousers, not to mention cotton quilts and bedding.

Oh well, they’d have to wait until next year.

He had already taught Jiang Shuoye how to build stoves and heated kangs and how to heat them.

Jiang Shuoye had already equipped all the barracks, large and small, with stoves and heated kangs, keeping everyone warm inside.

Chu Jiubian left the Divine Realm and noticed an unusual silence outside.

Although nights were usually quiet, the tranquility tonight felt different.

Remembering something, he got up, grabbed his coat, and walked to the window.

Pushing the window open, a chill swept in instantly.

Chu Jiubian looked out at the snow-covered view and reached out to catch a few snowflakes.

This was the first snow in the capital.

He wondered what was happening in the northwest.

Qin Xiao would eventually take the Sai Kingdom, but the situation there was unique. The people were deeply religious, trusting preachers far more than the imperial court.

Therefore, directly applying the same prefecture system and local government structure as in the Central Plains wouldn’t work; religious influence had to be incorporated.

But modern governance methods couldn’t be used either, given the vast differences in national and social conditions.

Chu Jiubian couldn’t help but recall how dynasties did things in his past life, thinking they might offer some reference.

Moreover, he himself was a "deity," an identity which could also help.

"System, are there any effects that ordinary people can see too?"

Effects like the golden dragon, golden phoenix, and the hazy palaces and towers hidden in the clouds and mist within the Divine Realm were all effect projections created by Chu Jiubian to create a celestial realm.

However, within the Divine Realm, these could be seen and touched.

Outside the Divine Realm, when the golden dragon delivered letters, it was intangible—it was purely an effect.

Effects visible to non-followers were also for sale. Chu Jiubian remembered seeing them in the mall, but the price was high at the time.

"Yes, host. The content, effect, and location of the effects can all be customized, but they only last for ten seconds. It costs 80 Faith Points. Would you like to purchase?"

Chu Jiubian’s eyebrow twitched. "Make it cheaper."

"It’s already discounted, host."

"Then I don’t want it."

The system paused for a moment before saying, "How about 70 Faith Points?"

"Sixty-six, it’s luckier," Chu Jiubian said.

After a moment, the system responded, "Deal. Would you like to use the effect now, host?"

"No, not yet."

Chu Jiubian watched the swirling snow outside, his expression grew serious.

Once the Sai Kingdom was fully conquered, this effect would come in handy. But first, he needed to send a message to Qin Xiao, asking him to make some preparations to better coordinate.

==

Twenty-ninth of the Winter Month, heavy snow in the northwest.

Several days had passed since the last message was sent to the capital. At that time, Qin Xiao had mentioned preparing to attack the royal court.

Now he had led his troops to capture the Sai kingdom's royal court and beheaded Moba Zanpu.

Afterward, as the Great Ning Emperor, he issued a decree—

stating that the army would not kill common people or confiscate their lands.

As long as the people of the Sai kingdom willingly became subjects of Great Ning, they could enjoy all policies and benefits reserved for Great Ning's subjects.

The Sai kingdom was originally a loose coalition of tribes and was a relatively recent entity, so its people had little sense of national identity.

So long as they could live peacefully, who held power overhead mattered little to them.

Thus, the tribal chieftains and local administrators from various tribes and regions quickly sent the registered census rolls to the royal court, delivering them into Qin Xiao's possession.

By the end of the eleventh month of the first year of Jingrui,

Prince Ning Qin Xiao had completely toppled the Sai monarchy, annexing half of the Western Regions into Great Ning’s territory—accomplishing this in just three months.

His veteran general Hu Fang suggested striking further to subjugate the other half of the Western Regions adjacent to the southern border, but Qin Xiao refused.

Not only were the troops exhausted, but the turning cold weather also made it an inopportune moment to wage war.

Moreover, the daily consumption of rations and fodder for nearly a hundred thousand soldiers was staggering, and the imperial treasury was likely stretched too thin to sustain a prolonged campaign.

Hu Fang, getting on in years, was probably fighting his last war with the head of the Qin family and naturally dreamed of advancing further.

But Qin Xiao’s concerns were valid, so Hu Fang did not argue further.

He was content to help Qin Xiao and the Qin family fight one more battle before he was no longer able.

Yet, with the Sai kingdom now fully conquered, the question of who should be appointed to oversee it and under what terms became a major issue.

The situation in the Sai kingdom stood in stark contrast to Great Ning in every aspect, the most significant being religion.

The region was deeply Buddhist, with lamas holding high status and the people fervently devout and reverential.

Adapting governance to local conditions here would be exceedingly difficult.

Qin Xiao called several of his officers to his study for discussions.

But before they arrived, he first received a reply from Chu Jiubian.

Usually, Chu Jiubian’s letters arrived slowly—what made this one arrive so quickly?

Qin Xiao knit his brows and immediately opened it.

As always, the letter wasted no words, beginning with: "By the time you receive this letter, you should have already captured the royal court."

Such certainty...

Was Chu that confident in him?

Qin Xiao leaned back in his chair, fingertips gently brushing the paper as he read on.

The young man’s writing was sharp and detailed, outlining methods for governing the Sai kingdom.

He also instructed Qin Xiao to invite some respected locals and representatives of local religious forces to the foot of the divine mountain on the ninth day of the month.

"It must be on the ninth day, before the sunrise. Remember! Remember! Remember!"

Qin Xiao chuckled at the triple emphasis.

Though unsure what Chu Jiubian had in mind, he immediately summoned someone to arrange the matter.

After the messenger left, he continued reading the letter.

It detailed recent events, big and small, in the capital, and mentioned that Baili Hong had grown taller by a finger’s width, though it wasn’t noticeable due to the thick winter clothing that made him look like a walking steamed bun.

Qin Xiao didn’t realize the smile in his eyes never faded.

Toward the end, Chu Jiubian wrote: "It snowed in the capital. I reached out to catch some, but it melted in an instant. If you return early, you might still catch this snow."

Qin Xiao fell silent for a long moment before carefully cutting out that last sentence alone.

He kept the rambling, casual parts of the letter and burned the sections discussing important matters.

Just as he tucked the remaining letter into the hidden pocket inside his chest, his subordinates began to arrive.