“This minister obeys the decree!”

North Yamen Commander Zheng Shi, receiving the imperial order, hastened to depart.

This matter was fraught with difficulty. The assassination attempt by Cui Zhu today must have been years in the making. How could the puppet masters behind him leave any discernible tracks? Cui Zhu had perished utterly, even his divine soul scattered and dissipated, leaving no trace of information to be gleaned.

That he could infiltrate the Prison Lightning Army, an elite force within the formidable Qi of Nine Braves, and rise to the position of Vice-General, even earning the favor of the Prison Lightning Army Commander, Xiu Yuan… this was no overnight accomplishment. His ability to be included in the final roster for the Yellow River Assembly was even more extraordinary.

This wasn’t merely about strength; it demanded an impeccable background. Even the ordinary citizens observing the ceremony today had their lineage meticulously traced back several generations, ensuring their loyalty to Qi. Were it not for the endorsement of the Chongxuan family and the backing of Yan Fu, Jiang Wang would have found it exceeding difficult to secure a place on this list. After all, if a nation’s favored sons were not loyal to their country, it would be a national disgrace.

Cui Zhu’s journey to this point, culminating in that fateful strike against the Qi Emperor, involved countless interwoven threads, each potentially manipulated by external forces. This was the source of the Emperor’s wrath and the fear gripping the civil and military officials. For the Emperor, every possible point of influence could conceal a seditious element. For the officials, every “possible” point of influence could implicate them, regardless of their innocence.

Zheng Shi had to seize every precious moment from this point forward, seeking the truth and unearthing the remaining conspirators before the culprits could erase all traces. The methods employed by the Capital Patrol Inspection Office and the palace eunuchs in pursuing clues naturally differed. The former, acting under direct imperial decree and subject to the oversight of the Political Affairs Hall, operated within established rules. The latter, beholden solely to the Emperor’s will and temper, acted with unrestrained abandon, boundless in their pursuit, especially during such a time of imperial fury.

One could say that Jiang Wang’s bold remonstrance today had inadvertently saved countless individuals from peril. He had, in a single morning, won the hearts of many! Though they could not voice their gratitude openly, they would remember this favor in their hearts.

After entrusting the assassination investigation to Zheng Shi, the Qi Emperor settled back onto the dragon throne. “Ministers may rise. The ‘Great Master Ritual’ is not yet concluded, there is no need to depart in haste.”

He spoke as if nothing untoward had occurred.

The civil and military officials silently rose.

They heard the Emperor declare again, “This Yellow River Assembly, in the Outer Building realm, Chongxuan Zunxiu distinguished himself. In the Inner Treasury realm, Jiang Wang alone commanded the wind and waves. These two are the favored sons of our nation, witnessed by all. Furthermore, Ji Zhaonan, with the full support of the Political Affairs Hall, is permitted to stand among the foremost figures. I commend him as well.”

“These three shall represent my Great Qi, embarking on the expedition to the Yellow River Assembly. The honor and disgrace of our nation rest upon their shoulders; they must not falter.”

Jiang Wang, Chongxuan Zun, and Ji Zhaonan bowed and saluted in unison. “We pledge our lives in service to Great Qi!”

When the current Qi Emperor bestowed his favor upon an individual, it was truly “favor without limit.” Even amidst such palpable anger today, he had still granted Jiang Wang the opportunity to remonstrate, overlooking his transgression.

Gazing upon the three “favored sons of the nation” before him, he said with satisfaction, “With such favored sons, I must not withhold reward. Han Ling!”

Han Ling stepped forward, his voice ringing out, “By this decree, Ji Zhaonan, Chongxuan Zun, and Jiang Wang are each granted a portion of an imperial dynasty secret technique, which they may select from those within their current realm! They are also granted an Inner Treasury magic weapon of the Son of Heaven, which they may select from those within their current realm! Furthermore, three days hence, after burning incense, they are invited to the ‘Warm Spring Palace’ for a heavenly bath! Five days hence, they shall proceed to the Point General Platform, where they will receive guidance on battle techniques from a powerful expert for a period of five days! I trust all ministers will exert their utmost effort in preparation for the View River Platform. Respect this!”

Regardless of whether it was an imperial dynasty secret technique or an Inner Treasury magic weapon of the Son of Heaven, both were exceedingly precious. The Warm Spring Palace and the Point General Platform were places many only dreamed of. And what level of power would the expert sent by the Son of Heaven to impart battle techniques possess?

This was merely the preparation for the View River Platform expedition, before the banners were even unfurled! The Son of Heaven’s favor and rewards were indeed boundless.

Jiang Wang, Chongxuan Zun, and Ji Zhaonan performed their ritual together. Beyond expressing their willingness to sacrifice everything, they could not find other words to articulate their feelings.

After Han Ling proclaimed the decree, the Qi Emperor simply raised his hand, signaling the conclusion of the “Great Master Ritual.” The Emperor and Empress then departed, followed by the imperial princes and princesses.

The civil and military officials also dispersed successively.

Only Han Ling remained, walking onto the square and addressing Jiang Wang, Chongxuan Zun, and Ji Zhaonan. “The imperial dynasty secret techniques and the Inner Treasury magic weapons of the Son of Heaven are available for you to collect at any time within the next ten days. It would be best to return and carefully consider what you require.”

Ji Zhaonan nodded. Truthfully, these two offerings held little appeal for him. As the disciple of the Military God, he had everything he wanted and needed.

Chongxuan Zun maintained a smile and said, “We are indebted to the eunuch.” As a direct descendant of the Chongxuan clan, he too lacked for nothing.

Only Jiang Wang, holding Han Ling’s hand with sincere emotion, said, “I will certainly consider carefully!”

Han Ling: ……

“You are all favored sons of the nation, the pride of my Great Qi. This humble servant will burn incense and await you.” He chuckled. He subtly withdrew his hand and turned to leave.

Ji Zhaonan smiled at Jiang Wang, then, without sparing a glance at Chongxuan Zun, departed directly.

Chongxuan Zun then scrutinized Jiang Wang, as if just recognizing him. “Have we met before?”

One had to admit, when a figure like him, renowned throughout Linzi, displayed such an amiable demeanor, his charm was almost irresistible.

“Of course! Outside the Ji Gate last year, I saw you off with Jiang Qingyang!” Chongxuan Sheng’s voice rang out at the opportune moment, his face alight with a smile. “Elder Brother’s emergence from seclusion is truly radiant and inspiring! It brings me boundless joy! The injuries sustained on the Qi Yang battlefield seem entirely worthwhile!”

Jiang Wang was speechless… The minor injuries you suffered, can you even locate them on your body now?

Chongxuan Zun also chuckled. When he didn’t laugh, he resembled a graceful tree in the wind and jade. When he did laugh, it was like a tree laden with pear blossoms.

“You are truly kind to your brother, and I remember it all. I truly do not know how to repay you!”

Chongxuan Sheng’s smile broadened, his eyes almost disappearing. “How about giving me the position of Family Head?”

Even the renowned Chongxuan Zun was momentarily caught off guard, thinking he had misheard. “Ah?” How could such nonsensical words be uttered?

“I mean,” Chongxuan Sheng persisted, smiling, “If Elder Brother doesn’t know how to repay me, how about giving me the position of Family Head? It would make for a wonderful story!”

Chongxuan Zun was silent for a moment, then reached out and patted Chongxuan Sheng’s shoulder. “A Sheng, you must work harder.” He chose not to engage with the topic. He simply offered a word of encouragement to his plump younger brother, then turned and left.

Chongxuan Sheng shouted after him, “Elder Brother, no need to rush! You’ve just come out, you don’t understand the situation yet, why not consider it slowly? I’m still very young, I can wait!”

Chongxuan Zun did not turn back, merely waving the hand holding his book behind him, laughing, “Then you wait slowly!”

(I finished browsing the friend circle at midnight and added this section. I really enjoy reading reviews and browsing the friend circle. My readers are truly wonderful. Everyone speaks so gently and patiently, clarifying doubts and earnestly discussing the plot. Writing this book makes me so happy. I feel incredibly fortunate. At this moment, my heart feels so soft. Compared to the gentleness you all show me, all the hardships are insignificant.)