Book 13: Chapter 158
All of a sudden, there was a ceaseless influx of eunuchs reporting that officials requested an audience. Those who heard what their subordinates deciphered from Jiang Chen’s lips bolted straight out their doors. With the entire capital in uproar over the phenona, no official could live in peace. Pri Minister Li Si was the first person to arrive at the observatory to see His Majesty.
Owing to how many people wanted an audience at once, His Majesty dispiritedly said, “Please convene at the plaza in front of the palace.”
Emperor Yuansheng gloomily walked into the spacious plaza full of officials. Before he had even uttered half a word, they had fearfully denounced themselves for dereliction of duty, resulting in the nefarious phenona appearing. It was no surprise that they were scared for their own lives. After all, during the recent tussle between the Seven Champion White Princes, the various officials ford factions, and not many of them aligned themselves with Emperor Yuansheng. If he were to leverage the phenona as an excuse, he would have a legitimate reason to eliminate all his vassals who opposed him.
Emperor Yuansheng raised his voice over all the people speaking. “He is Fiends’ Genesis’ Jiang Chen. Alone, I would be without a counterasure against his treasonous ambition of sabotaging our reign. With all of you here, I feel much more confident.”
Not only did his words provide them with relief, but it also instilled gratitude.
Peering into the heavens, or rather, the man in the sky, Emperor Yuansheng pondered how Jiang Chen possessed such a youthful appearance. He was always aware of Jiang Chen’s existence within Fiends’ Genesis, but he didn’t know much more than that. He had heard Jiang Chen was recognised as an elite during the campaign twenty years ago, so how did Jiang Chen not age a day?
Ever since Emperor Yuansheng saw him, Jiang Chen had been repeating the sa line. Out of the blue, he changed it to, “I assu you have seen this now, Li Yong.”
The last Emperor coveted achievents, and achieving sothing new was part of that. Perhaps that was a reason that he had a penchant for trying to differentiate himself from others, even when he nad his sons. He nad his eldest son Dafang (Generous) – courtesy na She De (to hold no grudge). Wondrous Warrior wasn’t bestowed that title because he excelled in combat but because his na was “Zhan”, which ant “battle”, “fight” and so forth. Wondrous Warrior’s courtesy na was Mo Nan’er – to do the hard stuff. Emperor Yuansheng’s real na was Li Yong (diocre), courtesy na Hu Tu (Fool). This was the reason people seldom used Emperor Yuansheng’s real na, not to ntion the troubles that potentially ca with using it.
Of course, the officials imdiately started insulting Jiang Chen for addressing His Majesty by his real na. When else should they have tried to show their loyalty? Only Li Shijiao felt scared because he felt as though they were insulting and threatening him. Had His Majesty not given him a shoulder pat and reassured him it would be fine for him to continue interpreting, he probably would’ve quitted.
Li Shijiao interpreted Jiang Chen casually saying, “I do believe Jiang Chen isn’t a foreign na to you. You have searched for for a long ti, after all.”
Jiang Chen started speaking freely. “Forgive for visiting you in this form. Believe . I have been looking forward to this day.” He paused as though he was giving Li Shijiao ti to interpret, then continued, “Regrettably, I still can’t speak directly to you. It would make for quite the amusing situation otherwise. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Emperor Yuansheng had never – and probably never would’ve – felt so many emotions at once no matter how sinister his opposition was. The fact that Jiang Chen maintained a cordial and relaxed approach made it seem as though Jiang Chen was speaking to him as an equal rather than a bitter enemy. Moreover, Jiang Chen’s words were “ender of thou dynasty”, indicating his ultimate target was the entire dynasty, not Emperor Yuansheng as an individual.
Emperor Yuansheng inhaled deeply. “You are the mastermind behind the current turmoil in the capital.”
“Indeed, I am.” Jiang Chen had his eyes down as if he was holding his gaze against Emperor Yuansheng’s. “You are correct. I am responsible for all of it. I captured Huang Yuzao. Howbeit, you can rest easy. He is still alive. He is a capable man. He has deterred from killing him. I captured Ming Feizhen, but I cannot guarantee he is still alive. I have not had the ti to concern myself with him recently. Let us just hope he is still alive. I am the instigator of the recent string of criminals committing cris in Jiangnan. I believe you are capable enough to stop them, true?”
“Enough with the waste of words. You didn’t go to these great lengths just to have a aningless chat with . Tell what it is that you want!”
“I’m glad.” Jiang Chen paused, seemingly waiting for whatever emotion he was feeling to past before elaborating, “I’m glad I don’t have to personally hear you proclaim yourself Emperor. I’d be rather annoyed, otherwise. I have but one question for you today.”
“Out with it!”
“Don’t rush now.” Jiang Chen cracked a smile. “Maintaining so mystery is vital to maintaining interest.” He rotated his head to the side a tad. “By the way, gentleman, are you all doing well?”
While the majority of officials were wondering how to react, Pri Minister Li already had his sleeves rolled up as he blew his beard and thundered, “Co down here if you’re as tough as you act. This old one will teach you a lesson!”
“You gentlen might not know , but none of you are strangers to . Secretary Lu, your wife just gave birth to a boy. He’s cute, isn’t he? General He, your eldest daughter wore on perfu before leaving this morning? Does it not concern you that she will return late? Secretary Lie, your eldest grandson has the skills to complent his handso appearance. He reminds of you in your younger days…” Jiang Chen continued addressing another dozen officials, then shut his eyes and went mute.
Emperor Yuansheng wasted no ti asking his officials what that was all about. From his questioning, he learnt those Jiang Chen addressed had in fact not had family mbers gone without a trace for days already.
“The Qilin Guards have done a comndable job in defending the capital. For that, they have my respect,” Jiang Chen suddenly voiced. “They are excellent at safekeeping the capital from foreign enemies, indeed.” He opened his eyes and amiably added, “Unfortunately, they seem rather slack when it cos to those leaving the city.”
A dozen-odd people were brought up to Jiang Chen’s mirage’s side. So of the officials cried out as soon as they saw the people’s faces. Indeed, they were their family mbers.
“Li Yong, the fault is yours for relying solely on the Qilin Guards to protect the capital.”
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