Chapter 128

Chapter 128

You'nan Country had sent their Great Elder, which was equivalent to their Prime Minister coming in person, so the Wu court could not afford to slight them.

Li Xing reckoned it had been too long since he’d held a palace banquet, so he decided to host one to liven things up.

He also arranged for the theater troupe to perform, choosing to have both *Snow Disaster* and *Catching Demons* played.

Since Li Xing ascended the throne, apart from two palace banquets held early on, there hadn't been any more.

His decision not to hold palace banquets made his subordinates feel it was improper to openly host feasts in their own mansions.

Later, Xie Yulin reminded him that if this continued, the noble families would grow resentful. Various banquets were important venues and means for maintaining connections and meeting new people; they weren't illegal activities. Turning what should be joyous occasions into clandestine events made everyone unhappy.

Li Xing felt at the time that these people had poor judgment. On major issues, they showed no respect for him as emperor, yet they were afraid of overstepping bounds on these trivial matters.

They were deliberately putting on a show for him.

Li Xing declared openly in court that he didn't host banquets because his privy purse was empty, but if their families had the funds, they were free to host their own. However, since he was strapped for cash, he couldn't bestow any gifts for their joyous occasions, so they shouldn't take offense.

The court officials scorned Li Xing's vulgarity, discussing money and gifts so bluntly in public.

Was this how a ruler of a country should speak? Even if he had to mention it, he should be more tactful and elegant, less direct.

But Li Xing wouldn't. He didn't know how.

He spoke his mind freely, praising people when happy, scolding when displeased, and sometimes even hitting people when furious.

He had thrashed Zhang Weiyuan before.

Once, a group of noble youths galloped their horses through the marketplace, which resulted in a death.

When the matter reached Li Xing, he had all involved summoned to court, ordered their relatives to step forward, and commanded them to discipline the youths.

But they all tried to gloss it over, saying the children were young, had already admitted their fault, and would be punished by kneeling in the ancestral hall.

The ones who were young were the dead children, not them.

Although many were implicated and Li Xing's hold on power was tenuous, for the stability of Wu Country, he restrained himself from executing them. However, he didn't listen to the courtiers' suggestion to merely have them kneel in the ancestral hall.

Instead, he had sticks brought and personally thrashed them, holding nothing back.

Anyone who tried to intervene got a blow from his stick; anyone who spoke up got one too.

Li Xing's fierce reputation spread far and wide from then on. This emperor was different from previous ones.

When something happened, he really would resort to beating people, sparing no one's dignity.

Now that he had finally announced a palace banquet, the noble families adorned themselves with every precious item that could showcase their noble status and uniqueness.

Especially with the You'nan people present, they couldn't afford to lose face.

The You'nan people shed their outer black cloaks, revealing beautiful garments underneath. The fabric was dark, reflecting a dazzling array of colors in sunlight. Moreover, they were adorned with silver ornaments—on fingers, wrists, ankles, upper and lower arms, necks, and heads—a jingling collection of beautiful, luxurious, and mysterious pieces.

Their silver craftsmanship was particularly intricate, clearly of superior quality.

Li Xing, after all, was the ruler of a country. Behind closed doors, he could act the ruffian with his own courtiers, but externally, he still cared about face.

He seldom dressed so opulently, but this time he adorned himself with gold and jade. Staring at the jade pendant on his waist, he wondered how much coarse rice it could buy to feed the people.

He considered selling it after the banquet to buy rice but then thought better of it.

He might need it to maintain appearances next time.

For this palace banquet, Shen Yuan's entire family was invited. Shen Anniang took Shen Bei to the women's section.

Although men and women sat separately at Wu Country palace banquets, they were only separated by a screen. Both sides could hear each other talking and see each other.

The separation was due to the large number of people and different topics of discussion—one side led by the Emperor, the other by the Empress.

Shen Anniang's only memory of attending a banquet was from the Fan family gatherings in the past.

The palace banquet made her somewhat fearful, but upon receiving the invitation, she didn't retreat.

She was Shen Yuan's family; her outward behavior and courage were linked to him.

If she truly retreated and hid in the courtyard, she might not hear what others said, but Shen Yuan would.

Shen Anniang prepared herself mentally for a long time, taking deep breaths even before getting off the carriage, her hands trembling with nervousness.

But after alighting, she steadily held Shen Bei, looked straight ahead, and followed the guiding palace maid toward the Imperial Garden where the banquet was held.

New faces naturally attracted attention, especially since Youyang City hadn't seen new faces for a long time.

Some were dismissive, some glanced curiously, and some approached with smiles, greeting Shen Anniang and praising Xiao Bei as a beautiful and lovely child.

Shen Anniang was nervous at first, but as more people came, each saying a few words took time. Moreover, those with children brought them along, and through these interactions, her nervousness faded, and she conversed normally.

Although the State Preceptor held no real power in Wu Country—some countries didn't even have the position—Shen Yuan was extraordinary. Many people liked what he created. Even the haughty major clans, while not placing the rootless, merely titular Shen family in high regard, didn't say anything to make them uncomfortable.

Shen Yuan brought Shen Dong and the other two children. None of the three had attended such a banquet before. Even the steady Shen Dong couldn't help but look around, except for Shen Nan.

"Nannan, if you don't look around, you won't have images in your mind when writing corresponding stories later," Shen Yuan encouraged Shen Nan. Hearing it might affect his story writing, Shen Nan stopped looking down. His eyes filled with cautious vigilance as he quickly scanned the surroundings.

Different people, different reactions, different statuses, different words and actions—Shen Nan observed and memorized everything rapidly.

When he saw the You'nan people, he looked a bit longer.

Their clothing and adornments, different from Wu Country's, exuded a sense of mystery. Seeing the Gu worms coiled on the You'nan people, Shen Nan's little mind absorbed something new, and he drifted into his own world, lost in thought.

Shen Yuan led his brother, who was immersed in his own world, to their seats.

The palace banquet had separate seating. Behind the officials' seats were smaller tables for their children.

Usually, only one child was allowed, but Shen Yuan was an exception, with a long row behind him.

No one said anything, though. Currently, Wu Country was making money from Shen Yuan's creations. Who would want to offend the god of wealth?

The money hadn't reached their pockets yet, but it would eventually.

Sitting at the front were Li Xing's right-hand men: the civil official Xie Yulin and the military official Chang Linyan.

Behind them were the You'nan delegation, followed by Wu Country court officials.

Shen Yuan sat opposite the You'nan Great Elder, even placed before court officials of noble birth, showing Li Xing's high regard for him.

The people beside him were regulars at the theater and often invited the troupe to perform at their mansions. Shen Yuan usually buried himself in writing stories and rarely socialized.

Whenever they run into him, everyone asks Shen Yuan when the next story will come out.

Some also inquire about the wood carvings for "Demon Catcher."

The newly released five hundred sets of wood carvings weren't enough to go around. Although the Storytellers' Union in Qingyun County hasn't performed the dramas, they tell "Snow Disaster" and "Demon Catcher" in storytelling form at the teahouses, and the stories are just as popular there as in Youyang City.

Many have servants skilled in wood carving at home, so when they ask about the wood carvings, they are wondering if Shen Yuan will release other characters.

They have already bought all the previous ones and had their own woodcarvers carve different poses based on them, displaying them neatly at home.

They could simply carve according to the story, but they feel that only the ones from Shen Yuan's hands truly capture the essence of the characters as they exist in the story—they want to see the characters exactly as they are meant to be.

Shen Yuan says he currently has no plans to release new character carvings. If they really like the characters from the stories, they can carve them themselves to display at home.

Learning that Shen Yuan won't be releasing new character carvings, several people are somewhat disappointed.

The new characters carved by their own family carpenters, for some reason, look good but lack that certain something.

When they carve based on their own drawn templates, the figures always feel familiar, lacking that sense of surprise—the feeling that this character is exactly right.

Considering that although the Storytellers' Union makes money, its foundation is still weak, they don't press further.

Zhang Weiyuan also attended the palace banquet.

Even though he had just caused a scene at the Storytellers' Union, seeing Shen Yuan now, he acts as if nothing happened, not even glancing his way, and directly takes his seat.

After he sits down, that area becomes "lively."

He asks for water one moment, complains about the heat the next, then has backaches, leg pains... endlessly. Seven or eight attendants surround him, all serving him.

Ji Ping'an has been extremely busy lately, even busier than Shen Yuan.

He was promoted, still within the Imperial Guard, but Li Xing seems to intend to eventually put him in charge of the guard and is continuously grooming him.

He even sent Chang Linyan to instruct and drill him in martial arts and tactics.

Chang Linyan's knowledge is all learned on the battlefield, far superior to those who only talk.

Ji Ping'an knows this is a rare opportunity; even if it kills him, he must seize it and learn.

Today's palace banquet requires him to lead men in guarding the perimeter.

As a superior officer, he leads his trusted men inside to provide close protection for Emperor Wu and the attendees.

Ji Ping'an leads his men in. The soldiers take positions not far behind the court officials, while Ji Ping'an leads six men further forward. Passing Shen Yuan, his face remains stern, but his eyes subtly dip and flicker.

Shen Yuan gives a thumbs-up with a smiling nod, full of affirmation for Ji Ping'an.

His Brother Ping'an is truly amazing. Since coming to Youyang, he has worked incredibly hard. He not only seizes every opportunity given to him but also performs exceptionally well, earning himself one opportunity after another.

As the two brothers secretly greet each other with their eyes, a curse comes from behind: "You dog! Calling you to massage my shoulders is an honor, and you dare disobey!"

Zhang Weiyuan, dissatisfied with the attendants' lack of strength, demands an Imperial Guard soldier standing behind to massage him.

After shouting twice, the soldier remains motionless, not even giving him a glance.

This infuriates Zhang Weiyuan.

Everyone in Youyang City looks down on him and uses him. Now even a lowly soldier dares to give him attitude and disobey him.

Filled with rage and grievance, Zhang Weiyuan lashes out.

He almost became emperor, the most esteemed person in Wu Country! Now, he can't even command a lowly Imperial Guard soldier, making him lose face and dignity in front of the Younan Country people. Why should he endure this?

The soldier takes several hits before finally restraining Zhang Weiyuan, frowning and suppressing his displeasure: "We're under orders to provide security and can't just move around."

"Since when have you all been so obedient?" Zhang Weiyuan believes everyone looks down on him and disrespects him, so even the Imperial Guard soldiers follow suit, not taking him seriously.

What kind of people are these Imperial Guards? He knows all too well.

They're all good-for-nothings sent in to gild their resumes and get promoted.

The truly spirited ones remain at the bottom.

Those who can enter the imperial garden and mingle with the noble are here to get face time with the emperor. They themselves are also protected; the real Imperial Guard protection is on the outer perimeter. Guarding the inside are the unseen shadow guards.

Those visible here are just decoys.

Convinced he sees through everything, Zhang Weiyuan feels even more that these people don't take him seriously, not even bothering to come up with a decent excuse, just using some unbelievable nonsense to brush him off.

Do they really think he's stupid?

The Younan Country people's attention is quickly drawn. Elder Mu Yan glances briefly, finds it uninteresting, and looks away.

In truth, he had no desire to attend any palace banquet.

Their visit to Wu Country this time, for "Demon Catcher," is secondary—an excuse.

To avoid raising Wu Country's suspicions, they have to go through the whole act, including attending the banquet.

The content of "Demon Catcher" does interest him somewhat.

To be precise, he's interested in the person who wrote the story.

Someone who has never been to the dense forest yet knows what's inside, understands some poisonous creatures, and even draws them to inform others.

Although the flora and fauna in the dense forest number in the thousands, impossible for one person to draw completely, and even if drawn, impossible to fully understand their properties.

But he has seen that booklet; at least the common ones are in there, and the parts he knows are correctly described.

One could say, with this booklet, outsiders wanting to enter the dense forest won't find it as difficult as before.

At the very least, they can avoid some dangers.

Mu Yan also realizes that if this booklet were given to Younan Country children, they would learn faster and better.

When they leave, they must take many copies back.

Their Younan Country has no paper.

Paper booklets are much more convenient than bamboo slips, and children can carry them easily.

He wonders if the Wu Country emperor would sell them some paper. The North Country emperor used to sell it, but the price was too high; back then, You Country couldn't afford it, and the newly established Younan Country certainly can't now.

Knowing paper is expensive, he didn't even ask about the price initially.

But he truly liked that little booklet. If he could bring some paper back, he could also record certain things and bind them into booklets himself. Otherwise, he might as well ask the Emperor of Wu; if it was expensive, he would just buy a little less.

Mu Yan was mentally calculating, not noticing that the situation over there was getting out of hand.

Many people from the Younan delegation hadn’t paid much attention at first, but in the end, they were wide-eyed, watching the drama unfold.

Not content with just watching themselves, they even brought out their *Gu* worms to watch too.

Earlier, when Zhang Weiyuan was beating someone up, Shen Yuan had already gotten up and headed over.

Shen Yuan knew full well how exhausting the current training for the Imperial Guard was.

Sometimes he would bring food for his brother and also bring some for those guards—not much, just a little something for a taste.

They’d even fall asleep mid-meal. Looking at those young faces, etched with sweat and exhaustion, he understood that this was the path they had chosen.

Those who could stay in the Imperial Guard now were not pampered young masters, but those who could endure hardship and came from families that weren’t well-off. Although not so poor that they couldn’t eat, they only had enough for basic food and warmth, nothing more.

As their superior officer, Ji Pingan also arrived on the scene promptly.

The three brothers, Shen Dong included, followed Shen Yuan closely. It wasn’t that they were afraid in crowded places, but they were worried Shen Yuan could be in danger and thus stayed with him at all times.

“Hey, that’s enough. He didn’t do anything, and you just started hitting him for no reason. You’ve got your hits in already, so why are you still relentless?”

Shen Yuan stopped Zhang Weiyuan, who was bulling his way forward. Seeing Shen Yuan, Zhang Weiyuan grew even angrier.

The throne that was within his grasp had slipped through his fingers, and he couldn’t do anything to the Emperor.

The Storytellers' Guild that was within his grasp had flown away, and he actually couldn’t do anything to this country bumpkin either.

The people he sent out had all disappeared without a trace. He had been sleeping soundly, only to wake up stark naked in the courtyard, with words sword-carved into a stone table not far away.

*Make another move, and you’re dead.*

During that time, the only person he’d targeted was Shen Yuan. He had no idea who this country bumpkin had curried favor with, but they could enter his courtyard as if it were their own home.

The words carved on the stone table were deep, a testament to the intruder's skill.

Zhang Weiyuan touched his own neck—it was much more fragile than the stone table.

That person had deliberately left the words on the stone table as a blatant threat.

He had no choice but to swallow his anger.

It made his blood boil!

Who would have thought that while he wasn't looking for trouble with Shen Yuan, the other party would have the nerve to come and provoke him.

Zhang Weiyuan simply charged straight at Shen Yuan, but Shen Dong, with lightning-fast reflexes, threw an arm out and knocked him sideways.

He lost his balance and fell to the ground.

After lying there dazed for a moment, he finally gathered his wits and remembered his surroundings.

Shen Yuan looked at Shen Dong in pleasant surprise. “Dongdong, you’ve gotten even stronger!”

The corner of Shen Dong’s mouth quirked up slightly. “Passable.”

Zhang Weiyuan, helped up, shouted angrily at Shen Yuan, who was shielded by Shen Dong. “Shen, are you out of your mind? What does it have to do with you if I teach someone a lesson? That person from the Storytellers' Guild before was one of yours, so you stopped me, fine. But today, what's this little soldier to you? Why are you stopping me again? Are you just stupid and love playing the hero, or are you picking a fight with me on purpose?”

“Young Master Yuan, he is my subordinate. ‘Do not act recklessly unless in danger’ is the order I gave my subordinates as their superior.” Ji Pingan stepped between them, deftly placing himself in front of Shen Yuan and Shen Dong.

Noticing this, Zhang Weiyuan stared at Shen Yuan.

A country bumpkin—why is everyone protecting him?

Thinking that no one had come to help him up immediately after he fell, Zhang Weiyuan seethed.

Unlike him, even a lowly Imperial Guard soldier had a so-called superior and a meddlesome Shen Yuan protecting him.

Only he.

Only he had nothing, alone in this shitty, rotten place.

Zhang Weiyuan’s chest heaved violently as he kicked over a small table, sending the things on it clattering and scattering across the ground.

“His Majesty has arrived.”

“Prime Minister Xie has arrived.”

“General Chang has arrived.”

Attendant Cheng’s announcement made the crowd in the imperial garden even more excited.

After all, Zhang Weiyuan’s status was much higher than that of an Imperial Guard. Even if that little soldier had done nothing wrong, so what?

He was just a lowly soldier.

Yet the soldier had been disobedient, causing such a scene and embarrassing them in front of the Younan delegation.

State Preceptor Shen was young and impulsive, but given his status, the Emperor wouldn’t punish him.

But that Imperial Guard captain and the soldier would likely face a round of punishment.

The little soldier thought the same.

But Captain Ji had said that military orders were as firm as mountains, and soldiers must strictly obey them. As a soldier, one must do every duty within one’s responsibility well.

If he did something else while on duty, he would definitely be distracted. And if he was distracted, he couldn’t protect properly.

During the gap while Li Xing and the other two approached, Ji Pingan moved closer to the soldier and whispered, “This isn’t your fault. Don’t say anything later; I’ll handle it.”

The soldier’s previously emotionless face now showed a flicker of emotion as he looked at Ji Pingan’s tall, broad back.

“What is going on here?”

Chang Linyan also managed some affairs of the Imperial Guard. Ji Pingan now held a pivotal position in the corps, having been personally trained by him.

Causing a disturbance during his first time taking charge of a palace banquet was very unfavorable for both him and Ji Pingan.

Those looking for loopholes to seize control would be watching them closely, ready to tear into them.

Xie Yulin’s gaze fell on Shen Yuan, confirming he was unharmed, before turning to Zhang Weiyuan.

Over here, Ji Pingan respectfully replied, roughly explaining the course of events.

Zhang Weiyuan shivered under Xie Yulin’s not-too-light, not-too-heavy glance and didn’t pay attention to what Ji Pingan was saying.

Whatever he said, it wouldn’t change the fact that the soldier had disobeyed him and shown him no respect.

“All that blabbering—let me ask you one thing: did he disrespect me or not?” Zhang Weiyuan could stir up trouble even when he was in the wrong, let alone when he felt justified.

Of all things, hierarchy and status were what Ji Pingan had seen most clearly since arriving in Youyang City.

Even if he believed his subordinate had done nothing wrong, what did it matter?

Since he couldn't avoid it, Ji Pingan simply stated, “The Imperial Guards maintain strict discipline. To ensure safety, I ordered the soldiers not to be distracted for even a moment. The soldier was merely following orders, not disrespecting his superior. If Young Master Yuan wishes to punish someone—I gave the order, so punish me instead.”

“Do you think I don’t know your kind? Hmph, no matter how many excuses you make today, it’s useless. Showing no respect for authority and treating me with contempt—he deserves to be beaten to death with clubs!”

Zhang Weiyuan desperately needed an outlet for his frustration, wanting to assert his superiority by controlling others’ lives and deaths.

“I didn't know that my Imperial Guard should now fall under your judgment and authority.”

Li Xing’s words sobered Zhang Weiyuan somewhat. He immediately replied, “This subject was wrong. I beg Your Majesty to rule on my behalf.”

All eyes in the Imperial Garden turned toward them.

Li Xing’s expression was stern. “The Imperial Guard follows my orders and upholds strict discipline. I fail to see any fault here, nor do I know what ruling to give.”

Zhang Weiyuan’s smile froze, and he looked at Li Xing in disbelief.

“Your Majesty, he’s just a lowly soldier. He disrespected me—how can that not be wrong?”

“Are you saying your status surpasses mine?” Li Xing asked calmly.

Zhang Weiyuan paled in horror and immediately denied it. “This subject would never dare imply such a thing.”

“I believe you imply exactly that.” Li Xing’s gaze swept the surroundings. Seeing no one speaking up for Zhang Weiyuan, his tone hardened. “Guards, take Young Master Yuan away. Today, he disrupted the palace banquet and shamed the Kingdom of Wu. Punish him with five strokes of the rod and confine him to his residence for one month.”

“Your Majesty! This subject has done nothing wrong!”

“Stubborn as ever—add another month of confinement.”

“Your Maj—”

“Three months of confinement.”

Zhang Weiyuan dared not speak another word.

The officials in the Imperial Garden wore varied expressions—it seemed their emperor was truly determined to assert control over military affairs.

Some were eager to plead for Zhang Weiyuan, exchanging covert glances.

Xie Yulin and Chang Linyan, who were observing carefully, noted a few of them, silently marking them for later reckoning.

Zhang Weiyuan was led away.

The Imperial Guard soldier never expected to escape unscathed, let alone receive praise from the emperor, who commended him for upholding discipline and being a good soldier.

The soldier straightened his back, his pent-up frustration completely dispelled. He would stand guard diligently and fulfill his duty!

On the way back, Chang Linyan approached Shen Yuan. “State Preceptor Shen, is your younger brother under a master's tutelage yet?”

Shen Yuan asked, “I have three younger brothers.”

Chang Linyan paused. “The eldest one.”

“Earlier, I observed that he is agile and has excellent natural aptitude. It seems he has trained before, but he could refine his skills further.”

The martial arts instructor Xie Yulin had found earlier was actually a hidden guard.

Hidden guards specialized in lethal techniques.

After teaching the basics, he only taught a few killing moves for emergencies, without delving deeper.

To find a proper master, one had to seek out families with martial arts legacies.

Shen Yuan had been looking, and Xie Yulin had been helping.

But those willing to teach lacked sufficient skill, and those skilled enough were unwilling to teach.

Shen Dong’s martial arts training had thus stagnated.

Still, the child practiced diligently every day without fail.

Shen Yuan tilted his head slightly, glancing at Xie Yulin walking ahead, his gaze fixed forward.

He asked Chang Linyan, “What did Xie Yulin promise you to make you willing to take my brother as your disciple, General Chang?”

Chang Linyan paused again. “Was I that obvious?”

“The Chancellor wouldn't let me say.”

It seemed the promise was substantial.

Shen Yuan understood. He turned to Shen Dong. “Dongdong, General Chang wishes to take you as his disciple. Are you willing to learn martial arts from him?”

Shen Dong was momentarily stunned by the sudden question. Shen Xi poked him repeatedly. “Big brother, what are you spacing out for? Say yes! General Chang wants to teach you martial arts!”

Shen Dong finally understood and quickly nodded. The usually steady child grew a bit anxious. “I’m willing.”

“Good,” Chang Linyan said straightforwardly. “Your home is quite far from my residence. From now on, you’ll live with me. I’ll train you in martial arts morning and evening. During the day, others will teach you the use of different weapons. You may rest one day every half month.”

There was no room for negotiation—accept or treat it as if it were never mentioned.

Shen Dong was no stranger to hardship; he wanted to learn martial arts.

“Understood, Master.”

Chang Linyan nodded in satisfaction. “I’ve prepared a sword for you. You’ll receive it tomorrow when you come to my place.”

Shen Dong beamed. “Thank you, Master.”

Both were men of few words—one offered to take a disciple, the other agreed. One promised a sword, the other thanked him.

Having acquired a disciple on the walk back, Chang Linyan strode away.

As he passed Xie Yulin, he whispered, “State Preceptor Shen guessed that you had promised me something in exchange for taking the disciple.”

“A-Yuan is clever—it’s hard to hide things from him. You didn’t say what I promised, did you?”

Chang Linyan shook his head. “No.”

“That condition of yours—even if you hadn’t asked, I would have done it. Are you sure you don’t want to change it?” Xie Yulin asked him.

Chang Linyan shook his head again, his expression firm. “I won’t change it.”

Just then, Li Xing whispered, "You two better think about how you're going to explain this to State Preceptor Shen. You can hide it for now, but you can't hide it forever."

Xie Yulin knew it couldn't be hidden; in fact, it was impossible to keep it from him.

"We'll talk about it later. If we tell him now, he'll only worry for longer."

Li Xing fell silent. *Sigh*. His buddy Xie had finally found someone to cherish, yet he’d barely had a chance to enjoy married life before he had to prepare for war.

But the situation in the North was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After years of enduring humiliation and swallowing insults, Xie had poured his heart into the deployment of this entire operation.

The North had no grain, and its officials were driving away famine refugees.

Undercover agents operating within the North, posing as locals, had led groups of refugees who had fled into the mountains to start a large-scale rebellion. Several counties had already been breached.

Finally, things had reached this point. If Wu did not act now, they might never get another chance this good.

The Northern army at the border was stirring, and the Northern Emperor was appealing to various states for grain. Wu had promised to provide it after the autumn harvest.

But when the harvest truly arrived, Wu had no intention of giving any grain.

It was just a stalling tactic.

Whether the North had grain or not, they would attack during the autumn harvest to seize food and territory.

Right now, the only way for the North to pacify its rebellious populace was through external war—capturing new cities and land to secure fresh supplies.

Among the various states, Wu was the weakest and the closest to the North.

Nothing was more tempting to a hungry wolf than a fat sheep right at its doorstep.

Besides the external threat of the North, Wu faced many internal troubles: the collusion of powerful aristocratic families, the suspicious movements of Prince Rui, a scarcity of capable officials in court, corrupt governance, and officials shielding one another...

It had taken so much time just to reorganize some military affairs; there really seemed to be no way to dismantle the influence of the great families.

Li Xing frowned deeply. This year’s New Year was likely going to be a difficult one.

By taking this opportunity to punish Zhang Weiyuan, they hoped to force Prince Rui into action.

It would be best to resolve this matter before sending troops to the North; otherwise, the future troubles would be endless.