Chapter 68 Divine Blessings Descend

Chapter 68 Divine Blessing

Qin Xiao and the others are currently staying temporarily in the royal palace.

Unlike the imposing architectural style of Great Ning, the buildings here are more ornate and lavish, with extreme opulence.

Even the study is lavishly decorated, adorned with gold and jewels everywhere, and the antique shelves are adorned with many rare curios.

Qin Xiao sat in the main seat, looking at the officials below.

Although Chu Jiubian had already mentioned in his letter methods for governing the Sai Kingdom, Qin Xiao still asked everyone, "The situation here is special. What do you think is the best way to manage it?"

Those below, including Hu Fang and Cheng Shuo, were all military commanders. Even when offering opinions, they suggested things like "garrison troops" or "demonstrate military strength." The best suggestion was only to establish administrative offices and station more soldiers.

The only civil official among them was the Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi, who was responsible for transporting supplies.

He had actually been thinking about this matter ever since Qin Xiao led the army into the Western territories.

Now, he indeed had an idea in mind, so he stepped forward with a bow and said, "Sir, I have a method."

"Speak."

"The situation here is special. The court must establish administrative offices here, but it should also impose some control over the religious institutions. It would be even better if they could be directly brought under court control."

Religion can, to some extent, influence or even control people's thinking.

If the court can control this aspect, the people here will be easier to govern.

Qin Xiao nodded.

This was consistent with what Chu Jiubian had written in his letter.

However, the original Sai royal family had failed to control those religious forces—it was almost like standing on equal footing. Now, if the Great Ning court wants to control the local religious forces, it would be as difficult as the court trying to assert authority in the ancestral lands of the Four Great Families.

Cheng Shuo's first thought was to use force to incorporate them, so he said, "Since it involves deities and buddhas, we shouldn’t force it, right?"

Because the capital had a living god, Chu Jiubian, and *Mobei* had produced a High Priest, not only Cheng Shuo but everyone present had developed a wariness toward supernatural matters and genuinely believed such deities existed.

So their current concerns were very real.

If this place truly had the protection of deities and buddhas, they could not force things, fearing divine retribution.

Wang Pengyi was also somewhat worried about this and said, "It’s not about forcing, but about separate administrations and cooperating. It’s all for the people, so peaceful coexistence should be possible."

Actually, he wanted to suggest inviting Chu Jiubian over, as deities would communicate as equals and be easier to talk to.

But given Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao's intelligence, they must have already considered this idea. If they weren’t acting on it now, perhaps there were certain difficulties, or they were waiting for Qin Xiao to return before Chu Jiubian came.

The capital needed someone to stay behind.

So Wang Pengyi didn't feel it was appropriate to bring it up.

But the others disagreed.

"How can that work? We’ve already taken this territory. How can we let each govern their own sphere?"

"Exactly! If we do that, where would the face of our Great Ning court be?"

"No, no, Vice Minister Wang’s method is absolutely not acceptable."

The military officers shook their heads one after another, and Wang Pengyi had no desire to argue with them.

When scholars debate with soldiers, reason falls on deaf ears.

Qin Xiao listened to everyone’s opinions and thought of what Chu Jiubian had written in his letter. He rapped his knuckles on the table.

When everyone quieted down, he said, "The commandery system must be implemented. Vice Minister Wang, please take charge of this."

"Yes," Wang Pengyi replied.

Qin Xiao then instructed everyone, "On the ninth day, before dawn, everyone is to go to the foot of the Sacred Mountain."

The Sacred Mountain was not far from the royal palace—one could even see the summit from the rooftop.

No one knew what he had in mind, but they all agreed without question.

"Alright, if there’s nothing else, you may all depart," Qin Xiao said.

Everyone departed, except for Cheng Shuo, who stayed behind.

Qin Xiao looked up at him. "Is there something else?"

"Indeed, there is one matter," Cheng Shuo said, glancing around to ensure no one was listening before stepping closer to Qin Xiao. Standing across the table, he grinned somewhat awkwardly and said, "Sir, when you previously ordered me to ambush at the Daxing Plain, didn’t you give me a repeating crossbow?"

To prevent the Sai army from attacking the provisions camp, Qin Xiao had sent Cheng Shuo to wait in ambush.

Later, instead of recalling him, he had Cheng Shuo advance to the Daxing Plain, closer to the Sai border, for an ambush. As a precaution, Qin Xiao gave him the repeating crossbow that Qin Chuan had given him.

The repeating crossbow had a long range, could fire six arrows in succession, and was compact. For Cheng Shuo, who was accustomed to close combat, it perfectly compensated for his shortcomings in ranged combat.

During the plains engagement, he used the repeating crossbow to kill many enemy soldiers and even injured Moba Zanpu's leg, putting it to good use.

Now, seeing Cheng Shuo’s expression, Qin Xiao knew exactly what he was thinking.

He laughed lightly and said, "There’s only one for now. Once more are made, I’ll give you a new one."

"That would be wonderful!" Cheng Shuo clapped his hands, then added somewhat sheepishly, "But could you lend me this crossbow again for now? I’m eager to examine it further."

As he spoke, his eyes drifted toward a box on the shelf behind Qin Xiao, which contained the crossbow.

Like Qin Chuan, Cheng Shuo had a passion for weapons.

When Qin Jingzhao was still alive, whenever he obtained rare daggers or bows, he would give them to Cheng Shuo.

Naturally, if Cheng Shuo came across any valuable items, he would also send them to the Qin family.

Qin Xiao’s first set of scholar's implements was gifted by his grandfather, Grand Marshal Qin, and the second set was given by General Cheng Shuo.

After his parents passed away, Qin Xiao’s relationship with Cheng Shuo became more distant. This time, bringing him along was partly to mend their relationship and partly to give him an opportunity to gain merit.

Seeing Cheng Shuo’s attention completely focused on the crossbow, Qin Xiao smiled and said, "Go ahead and take it. Just don’t damage it."

"Absolutely, I promise not to damage it," Cheng Shuo said cheerfully, immediately hurrying to retrieve it.

Qin Xiao withdrew his gaze and turned his attention to the reports on the table.

The reports contained findings from subordinates who had investigated various towns in the Sai Kingdom, covering everything from local customs to the people’s true opinions about the Great Ning court.

All of this would help the officials who would remain here in administering the region.

As he was reading, a sharp whistling sound suddenly cut through the air.

Qin Xiao's eyes narrowed sharply, and he instantly sprang up to avoid the arrow coming from behind.

Yet as he evaded one arrow, another followed closely, slamming straight into Qin Xiao's chest.

After the muffled sound of tearing flesh, the metallic tang of blood instantly filled the air.

A large stain of blood bloomed across Qin Xiao's left chest, and the impact drove him back two steps.

This repeating crossbow could fire six arrows in rapid succession.

Coupled with the fact that it was held by an experienced general who could anticipate Qin Xiao's moves, even someone as skilled as Qin Xiao could not outrun the bolts.

Outside the study, Hu Fang, who had just reached the courtyard, suddenly had his ears prick up, his expression changing instantly. He turned and charged back into the courtyard.

The others, alarmed by his sudden movement, quickly followed suit.

Wang Pengyi, unable to match the speed of these martial artists, still struggled to keep pace with the group.

Inside the study, Qin Xiao had already dodged the fourth arrow and finally reached his long spear.

He grabbed it and launched it forward with force.

The opposing arrows did not cease—the fifth and sixth bolts followed immediately, aimed directly at Qin Xiao's face.

Almost simultaneously, Hu Fang and several others returned, storming into the study.

Before even fully taking in the scene, Hu Fang rushed forward, wrenched the long spear Qin Xiao had thrown and embedded in the wall, and clashed with Cheng Shuo.

In terms of strength, Hu Fang outmatched Cheng Shuo.

But Hu Fang, nearly fifty, was no match for Cheng Shuo, who was over a decade younger. Fortunately, Hu Fang had Qin Xiao's long spear, giving him the upper hand.

The others hurried to Qin Xiao's side to support him. Wang Pengyi, upon entering, saw the arrow embedded in Qin Xiao's chest and went pale instantly, immediately running out to call the attending physician.

The guards also rushed in, swarming Cheng Shuo and pinning him firmly to the ground, rendering him immobile.

Throughout it all, Cheng Shuo did not utter a word, his eyes bloodshot and his face twisted in fury.

Qin Xiao, one hand pressed against his chest wound, remained ice-calm.

He did not allow others to support him, slowly walking over to Cheng Shuo and looking down at him.

"I never thought it would be you."

Qin Xiao's tone held no emotion, merely stating a simple fact.

Cheng Shuo's face was pressed against the floor, his eyes straining upward to look at him, but he could only see the hem of the man's robe.

Hu Fang, unlike Qin Xiao's composure, shook with rage, cursing vehemently, "You fucking traitor! You've grown bold enough to betray the Qin family! Why don't you just die!"

These old members of the Qin Family Army had all received favors from the Qin family.

Even though they were now assigned to different camps and locations, they always remembered the kindness of Grand Marshal Qin and General Qin, and felt deep loyalty for Qin Xiao, whom they had watched grow up.

Along the way, he had suspected others, but never once suspected the old Qin Family Army members, let alone imagined Cheng Shuo would attack Qin Xiao.

After all, Qin Xiao had shown Cheng Shuo nothing but favor along the journey, giving him the most opportunities to earn merits and entrusting him with the most critical tasks.

Now, with half of the Western Regions conquered, such a colossal achievement would surely earn Cheng Shuo at least a third-rank, if not second-rank, general title upon returning to the capital.

If Qin Xiao were more assertive, he might even grant Cheng Shuo a title of baron or marquis.

At thirty-eight, achieving such status and then assisting Baili Hong in stabilizing the court would promise a limitless future.

Such an obvious outcome could not have escaped Cheng Shuo's understanding.

Thus, his attack on Qin Xiao was truly incomprehensible, defying all expectation.

Yet, faced with Hu Fang's scolding, Cheng Shuo remained silent.

"Speak! Who the hell put you up to attacking Prince Ning?" Hu Fang drove his heel hard on Cheng Shuo's back.

Cheng Shuo let out a pained grunt, clenching his teeth tightly.

Qin Xiao looked down at him indifferently.

Even as the pain from the chest wound made him break out in cold sweat, even as the taste of blood filled his mouth and breathing grew difficult, his tone remained calm when he spoke again: "Take him away for interrogation. Use harsh methods."

==

On the morning of the ninth day of the twelfth month, before dawn, Chu Jiubian had already risen early.

The previous morning, news had arrived from the northwest, stating that all the necessary people had been notified and would surely gather at the foot of the Divine Realm before dawn on the ninth.

The letter was written in Qin Xiao's own hand, but the strokes seemed lighter, lacking their usual powerful weight.

Chu Jiubian chose to ignore this change deliberately, refusing to dwell on it.

Yet this doubt intermittently resurfaced in his mind, plaguing him.

After breakfast, Chu Jiubian walked out of the hall.

Xiao Yinzi helped him into a heavy fur cloak and quietly followed beside him.

Chu Jiubian stood under the corridor, watching the gradually brightening sky, calculating the time.

The sky in the capital brightened earlier than in the northwest, so by now, the people should have gathered at the foot of the Divine Realm in the Sai kingdom.

"System, prepare to use the visual effect," he said.

"Understood, Host. Preparation complete."

He had set the visuals and content of the visual effect several days earlier, needing only the system to project it to the designated location.

But Chu Jiubian, anxious about potential problems, wanted to see it for himself to feel assured.

So he called out to the system: "Can you show me the visual effect?"

"Host, we have already rehearsed and revised the visual effect thirty-six times in the Divine Realm, and you have viewed the final version over ten times."

"But I still need to see if the effect meets expectations, right? Otherwise, wouldn't my Faith Points be wasted?" Chu Jiubian's expression was indifferent, but his mind was bargaining with the system. "If this continues, I won't dare to buy costly features that don't deliver from you in the future."

The system fell silent, as if analyzing his words.

After about thirty seconds, it spoke again: "Ten points. Take it or leave it."

Chu Jiubian asked, "Can I adjust the perspective?"

"Only around the visual effect."

Chu Jiubian thought for a moment, then nodded decisively and said, "It's a deal."

The system seemed surprised that he was willing to spend ten points just to see the special effects.

After a brief pause, it responded, "Detected sunlight will reach the target area in ten seconds. Special effects will activate ten seconds from now."

"Countdown initiated. Ten, nine, eight..."

A screen the size of a sixty-inch television unfolded before Chu Jiubian.

Xiao Yinzi beside him and the other court attendants in the courtyard couldn't see it, assuming the young master was simply staring blankly into space.

Chu Jiubian focused on the screen, and with a mere thought, the perspective shifted through multiple angles.

He saw the sacred mountain blanketed in pristine white snow, the grand temples built on nearby peaks, and the distant, faint outlines of towns.

As the view descended, he spotted hundreds of people densely gathered at the mountain's base.

They wore local traditional attire—thick fur coats and long boots that looked warm.

Most commoners, however, were dressed in coarse cloth of deep colors like navy blue or black. At the front of the crowd stood several rows of monks in crimson monastic robes.

These men had shaved heads, wore malas around their necks, and held rosaries in their hands. Their expressions were aloof and arrogant, as if nothing in the world mattered to them.

The commoners huddled together, shoulders hunched, eyeing the Great Ning soldiers encircling them from a distance with a mix of discontent and unease.

"In such freezing weather, who knows why the Great Ning people called us out here?"

"Shh, we're technically Great Ning citizens now. Watch your tongue, or the officials might cut it out."

"What did I say wrong? Why would they cut out my tongue?"

"Haven't you heard? That Prince Ning sentenced someone to lingchi—death by a thousand cuts! Even the former Sai royal family was wiped out, no survivors. They called it 'uprooting the weeds.'"

"That’s terrifying?" one commoner shuddered, then added, "But we have the Living Buddhas at the front. There’s nothing to fear."

Everyone glanced toward the monks in crimson robes.

Their calm, unshakable composure—as steady as Mount Tai—reassured the crowd.

"Exactly, we have divine protection and Living Buddhas among us. Surely Prince Ning wouldn’t dare kill us arbitrarily, or he’d face hell in the afterlife!"

Hearing the whispers, the monks’ expressions grew even colder and more arrogant.

No matter what the Great Ning army intended—threats or bribes—they would not waver.

Even if the Western Regions were conquered, only they, the Living Buddhas, were fit to govern. How could the Great Ning people possibly understand?

The screen couldn’t pick up distant sounds, but Chu Jiubian only wanted to check if enough people had gathered and to see how Qin Xiao was doing.

Now that he had seen enough commoners and monks, their presence would ensure the plan proceeded smoothly.

Chu Jiubian shifted perspectives repeatedly until he finally spotted a tall, upright figure.

The man was dressed entirely in black, with a thick fur cloak of the same color draped behind him. It accentuated his sharp, deep facial features and his pale, almost bloodless complexion.

Chu Jiubian’s fingertips trembled slightly.

As if sensing something, the man in the screen suddenly turned his sharp gaze toward the direction of the lens.

In that instant, Chu Jiubian felt his heartbeat quicken.

Just then, the morning sun emerged from behind the mountain, casting its first rays onto the snowy peak, which shimmered with a golden glow.

Qin Xiao narrowed his eyes, momentarily dazed.

The sunlit golden mountain was dreamlike and surreal.

At that very moment, he noticed something appearing within the light.

Gradually, he made out what it was, and his pupils constricted in shock.

It was a massive golden dragon!

It glided slowly through the light until it reached the sacred mountain’s peak, where it circled and let out a cry that seemed to traverse time itself, echoing hauntingly and stirring the soul.

At the foot of the mountain, everyone stood frozen—even the Great Ning soldiers tasked with security stared in awe and terror.

"Heavens! Is that a dragon?" someone suddenly shouted, and the crowd erupted.

"It’s a dragon! A real dragon!"

"The divine dragon has descended! The gods protect our Western Regions!"

Elders and respected figures among the commoners, along with the ordinary people, dropped to their knees one after another, kowtowing fervently.

The arrogant monks’ crimson robes fluttered in the wind.

They forgot the scriptures they were chanting, staring in stunned panic at the gigantic dragon, half the size of a mountain peak.

The sunlight bathed the mountain peak in brilliant gold, almost merging with the dragon’s form, dazzling and magnificent.

No one dared to blink, fixated on the spectacle, afraid of missing a single moment and regretting it for life.

After the golden dragon circled twice, an ethereal voice echoed from the sky, saying calmly, "Divine blessings descend, protecting Great Ning!"

The voice was cold and distant, carrying an intangible pressure, like a young deity looking down upon the mortal world.

With such an auspicious sign atop the sacred mountain, not only the commoners but even the monks bowed willingly, their eyes filled with fervent devotion.

Great Ning had just conquered the Western Regions, and now a deity had bestowed blessings upon the sacred mountain and the land. What did this mean?

It could only mean that Great Ning’s destiny was flourishing!

First, there was Grand Tutor Chu Jiubian, rumored to be the reincarnation of the Holy Star Lord. Then, the High Priest who received divine teachings in dreams from the north. And now, a golden dragon bringing blessings atop the sacred mountain.

Everything pointed to one truth—the Great Ning emperor was truly chosen by heaven!

If these monks, who considered themselves "closer to the gods," had once been prideful and dismissive of Great Ning’s claims of divine reincarnation, viewing them as political tricks to deceive the people—

Now, they fully believed the rumors were real.

Great Ning was truly favored by the gods.

Such a great opportunity—only a fool wouldn’t seize the chance to board.

The commoners didn’t understand these intricacies. They only knew that Great Ning was blessed, divinely protected, and capable of miracles!

To be a citizen of Great Ning was truly a tremendous fortune.

And those missionaries who possessed certain administrative capabilities also shed their usual arrogance, willingly submitting to the divine manifestation and the Great Ning court.

As long as the Great Ning court did not fully revoke their authority or completely cut off their benefits, they would still fight to uphold Great Ning’s rule.

Of course, given today’s events, even if Great Ning were to reclaim their rights in the future, they would dare not utter a single word in protest.

Not only the former citizens of the Sai Kingdom but also the Great Ning soldiers standing nearby nearly collapsed to their knees.

Fortunately, Qin Xiao had warned them in advance that anyone who caused a scene at a critical moment would have their salaries and rewards docked.

Thus, no matter how terrified or shocked they were, everyone held their ground and refrained from kneeling in worship—making them appear worldly yet extraordinary.

The people of the Western Regions witnessed all this and wondered whether the people of Great Ning regularly witnessed such divine miracles—why did none of them seem excited at all?

If so, would they be able to witness miracles again after becoming citizens of Great Ning?

Qin Xiao stood at the rear of the crowd, observing these events from afar.

Was this the doing of the Holy Star Lord?

Yet the voice they had heard earlier did not belong to Chu Jiubian.

He watched, unblinking, until he saw the golden dragon swim toward the rising sun and finally vanish into the golden halo.

The effect faded, and the vision ended.

Chu Jiubian blinked slowly, yet it seemed he could still see the man’s pale face and the profound melancholy in his eyes.

==

On December 12th, Chu Jiubian received a letter from the northwest.

Qin Xiao wrote that arrangements in the Sai Kingdom had been completed, and Wang Pengyi and Hu Fang would remain behind to oversee the cleanup.

Once more personnel became available following the imperial examinations, they would dispatch officials to assume responsibility here.

The army had already begun its return to the capital; Qin Xiao, accompanied by twenty guards, had set out ahead and would arrive in the capital by month’s end.

The handwriting remained fluid and incisive, yet the script was fainter than in the previous letter.

Chu Jiubian stared at it for a long time before storing it in his system repository.

The next morning, all examination papers from the various regions were delivered to Chu Jiubian—in the main hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The young emperor sat on the central seat, engrossed in the *Complete Basics for Children*, a textbook sent by his teacher. It contained many fascinating facts—such as the Earth being round and humans having evolved from apes. The child had been utterly absorbed in it over the past few days.

Meanwhile, Chu Jiubian sat in a lower position, reviewing examination papers submitted by candidates across the country.

There were 199 papers in total. Examiners had already conducted preliminary grading and screening at the commandery level.

To prevent misjudgment, they had retained the more difficult cases and forwarded them to the capital for Chu Jiubian’s final review.

However, Chu Jiubian had been overwhelmed lately—the New Year festival was approaching, and regional lords were due to arrive.

The Southern Frontier was managed by the Central Village’s Department of Miscellaneous Affairs, so the Southern Frontier King and his family of four had all traveled to the capital.

The Situ siblings had journeyed with their parents, conducting business en route.

Situ Zhaoling’s business acumen was finally coming to the fore: wherever she went, she found ways to promote Southern Frontier silk. Thus, even before reaching the Central Plains, the reputation of Southern Frontier silk had already spread throughout the south.

Other regional lords were also en route.

Even Prince Dingbei Baili Yu—who had previously been captured by the Sai Kingdom—was now heading for the capital, now that hostilities had ended and concerns had dissipated.

Prince Anhuai Baili Ming, whose fief lay in Henan, would arrive in the capital the day after tomorrow. He had attempted to profit from the Hexi Commandery flood disaster, but Qin Xiao had denied him that opportunity.

For all these reasons, Chu Jiubian had no time to grade the papers swiftly. He could only store them in the system warehouse and snatch brief moments to review a few here and there.

Thus, the final imperial examination had to be postponed until after the New Year.

The most pressing matters at hand were the arrival of the regional lords in the capital—and…

Chu Jiubian looked toward the northwest.

In a few days, Qin Xiao should also return.

In the original story, he returned to the capital severely wounded—nearly beyond saving. But now, the news circulating in the capital was that Qin Xiao had returned victorious and in high spirits.

Moreover, he was in excellent health—even returning ahead of the army.

In the reports Chu Jiubian received, Qin Xiao said nothing about injury, only stating he was “well.”

Yet Chu Jiubian felt uneasy.

The original plot had changed significantly—but aside from the timeline being advanced by one year, Qin Xiao’s northwestern campaign remained largely unchanged.

Could it be that, because it occurred a year earlier, Prince Dingbei and Moba Zanpu were unprepared—allowing Qin Xiao to emerge unscathed?

Or had Qin Xiao sustained injuries, albeit less severe?

Considering this, Chu Jiubian had to confront the fact that the handwriting in each successive letter grew increasingly shaky. It was certain Qin Xiao was injured—and likely worsening.

“Teacher.”

The child’s tender voice rang out. Chu Jiubian collected his thoughts and looked at him: “What is it?”

Baili Hong cupped his chubby little face with both hands and asked, “Teacher, are you worried about Uncle?”

Chu Jiubian paused and said, “No.”

“Then why did you sigh?”

Had he sighed?

Chu Jiubian did not dispute the child’s observation and simply said, “Keep reading.”

The child blinked his round eyes at him. Seeing that he did not wish to talk, he obediently ceased questioning—though he occasionally glanced at him with concern.

Chu Jiubian felt unsettled. He stared at the densely written examination papers but could not concentrate on them for long.

In fact, given the current situation in the capital—as Imperial Tutor and Regent—he wielded real power.

The young emperor trusted and relied upon him; thus, the Qin family would naturally align with him—this was influence.

The imperial examinations had reached their final stage, and numerous talents had emerged—this was manpower.

With power, influence, capable personnel, and financial resources, it seemed he no longer needed Qin Xiao at all.

If Qin Xiao was destined to be the villain, if they were fated to end up on completely opposing sides, then now was the best opportunity to eliminate Qin Xiao.

Yet, Qin Xiao himself had handed him all this power and influence.

Though Chu Jiubian admitted he was not a good man...

He shut his eyes, refusing to dwell on these matters any further. Everything would wait until Qin Xiao returned.

Two days later.

December 15th.

Prince Anhuai, Baili Ming arrived in the capital with his strategist Jiang Yongshou to pay respects to the emperor.