The wedding of Bo Wang Hou’s grandson and Chao Yi Da Fu Yi Xing Chen’s daughter was, to put it mildly, a grand affair. It was the most talked-about event in Qi since the dawn of the new year.

Wu An Hou, despite his penchant for cultivation, dedicated an entire day to the ceremony, bustling about, ensuring everything went smoothly for the newlyweds. The traditional three bows – one to heaven and earth, one to the elders, and a mutual bow between husband and wife – were meticulously performed before the bride was finally escorted to the bridal chamber.

Grand marriages like those of the Shuo Fang Bo and Bo Wang Hou lineages, these pillars of the nobility, serve as a powerful statement of Qi’s stability and prosperity in the aftermath of its conquest of the Xia country. That Bao Yi and Chong Xuan Yun Bo, veterans of both Qi’s military and political spheres, chose this moment to celebrate the union of their direct descendants speaks volumes about their political maneuvering.

Of course, beneath this grand political backdrop lay a complex web of familial motives.

And the world, naturally, refused to limit its stage to Qi’s schemes alone.

Leaving aside Chong Xuan Sheng’s predicament – whisked away to a secluded mountain retreat for “special training” the very day after the wedding – let us also not dwell on the fate of Yi family’s second young master, Yi Huai Min. The day following the wedding, he was assaulted by a mysterious figure and forced to transcribe a copy of the “A Han Jing.” The capital’s patrol inspection bureau initially suspected remnants of the Ku Rong Yuan sect and vowed a thorough investigation, yet to this day, no useful clues have surfaced…

In every corner of the world, at every fleeting moment, a new story unfolds.

Take, for instance, the frigid expanse of Snow Country in the far northwest. Its long-standing, months-long self-imposed isolation has finally ended. This enigmatic land, which has always shunned external conflict and interaction, has, during this period of seclusion, given rise to a new True Monarch, who now proclaims himself the Winter Emperor!

The Winter Emperor’s inaugural act after achieving the Dao was to journey to the heartland of the Jing country and challenge Zhong Jing, the Long Wu Great Governor of Jing.

Jing is a military empire structured around six protective and seven guarding armies. The military lord is the country’s ruler, personally commanding the Upper Protect Army and Front Protect Army among the six protect armies, and the Yu Lin Guard among the seven guarding armies. The Long Wu Army, incidentally, belongs to the six protect armies as the Lower Protect Army.

The political implications of the Winter Emperor’s battle with Zhong Jing far outweighed the combat itself. The outcome remains a mystery to outsiders.

However, Jing’s westward expansion, which had seen it devour over half of the Gao country and a significant portion of the Liao country within the Northwest Five Countries Alliance, abruptly halted. Some whisper that Snow Country, unwilling to see the border lands fall under Jing’s sway, and fearing for its own safety (as the saying goes, “when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold”), leveraged the emergence of its new True Monarch to assert a firm stance, threatening to ally with the Northwest Five Countries Alliance and strike Jing if it continued its advance. This, it is said, ultimately stabilized the northwest situation.

Others claim Jing, having absorbed the bounty of its decisive victory over the Mu country, was secretly pulling strings.

Naturally, the Jing people have their own narrative: “a minor chastisement and a significant warning, a blessing bestowed upon these lesser folks.” They insist they weren’t eager for war, but due to the Northwest Five Countries Alliance’s increasing arrogance and barbarity, they felt compelled to intervene and administer a lesson for the sake of regional peace. Now that their objective has been achieved, they can peacefully withdraw their forces.

Jing’s withdrawal was by no means a loss. They shrewdly capitalized on the Jing-Mu war to launch their westward offensive, thoroughly routing the Five Countries Allied Army. They carved out a territory almost equivalent to a new country from the lands of the Northwest Five Countries Alliance, and at virtually no cost.

Compared to Jing’s diminished influence in the south, compared to Mu’s devastating defeat that drove them back into the grasslands, compared to Qi’s perilous gamble for national survival against Jing… amidst this chaotic panorama, Jing can truly be said to have reaped a harvest.

However, with Snow Country gaining a new lineage Dao expert, the Northwest Five Countries Alliance suffering heavy losses, and Jing once again asserting its dominance in the northern territories, the situation in the northwest is undoubtedly poised for change. The coming period will be anything but calm; all eyes are on the strategies of the various powers.

And Jiang Wang, who usually immerses himself in cultivation, only became privy to these global developments because he, alongside Shang Qing Yu Li Yang, attended court for the past couple of days.

Yu Li Yang’s presence at the court sessions was to represent the people of Xia and engage in discussions regarding the governance of the Xia lands. Qi, having recently occupied Xia, faces a severe manpower shortage and, having not fully absorbed the various nations along its path, is effectively managing a vast, disconnected enclave. This inevitably leads to numerous challenges. Qi’s methods of governing Qi and Yang may not translate effectively to the Xia lands. Even Qi’s laws, if imposed rashly, might not be accepted by the Xia people… essentially, every region possesses unique customs and sensibilities. Shifting winds and changing customs require time.

In such times, Yu Li Yang’s significance is undeniable. He can, to the greatest extent, represent the demands of the Xia people, addressing various issues with the Qi court officials one by one. Simultaneously, he can ensure that the Qi court’s political order is implemented most efficiently in the Xia lands.

During the God Wu era, he was the pride of the Xia country. After the God Wu era’s conclusion, he became the political link between Qi and Xia.

And why did the constantly cultivating Jiang Wang, who rarely left his home, attend court? Purely because the Son of Heaven personally summoned him.

One day, the Son of Heaven surveyed his court and remarked, “Where are Wu An Hou and Champion Hou? Do they not concern themselves with matters of state?”

The court ministers remained silent.

The following day, Jiang Wang and Chong Xuan Zun were swiftly dispatched to attend court. Chong Xuan Zun even rushed back from some secluded mountain wilderness, only to hurry back after attending court each day…

Jiang Wang sometimes accompanied him to observe. Observing the various confrontations and applications of Chong Xuan’s secret techniques, feeling the profoundness of Dao techniques through his body, his mood always became quite pleasant.

The only regret was that Chong Xuan Sheng was stubbornly unwilling to accept his tutelage.

Both Jiang Wang and Chong Xuan Zun possess the qualification to cultivate with the momentum of the country, but this qualification stems from their “爵” (rank), not their “職” (position). Therefore, theoretically, they are not required to attend court. They have no specific duties and no desire for power. Their strength is their world.

The official path is, of course, the mainstream of the current era, but for such extraordinary figures, prodigies of the world, the path they walk on their own is sufficient; they need not rely on horses or boats. They do indeed avoid it whenever possible.

Many consider it a mark of distinction that these two, who could potentially influence the lives of billions, almost never participate in court.

But when the Son of Heaven speaks, the “post” they should “stand” must still be “stood.”

For several days of court sessions, the two newly promoted military merit Hou Ye remained silent, like mud statues or wooden figures, immersing themselves in cultivation. The people of the time referred to this as “standing post.” No one blamed them.

Even without uttering a single word, the Son of Heaven was more than willing to see them stand among the crowd. The Emperor once confided to Jiang Ru Mo in private: “When I see Wu An and Champion, I am reminded of the young men of the past, and it is like basking in a spring breeze.”

Evidently, he favored them.

“The Mu country will hold the divine ceremony for the succession of the great priest of the Cang Tu Divine Hall on June 27th,” Chao Yi Da Fu Wen Yan Yu was reporting. “The official letter has been delivered to the Ministry of Rites, requesting our country to send representatives to observe the ceremony. We await Your Majesty’s decision on a suitable envoy.”

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Wang’s mind detached from his cultivation. This mission to Mu country was likely not as simple as merely observing a ceremony. Concerned about Zhao Ru Cheng, he had specifically discussed matters concerning Mu country with Chong Xuan Sheng.

Last year’s great war, where Cao Ji Xian captured Li Yuan city for Mu country, led to the comprehensive Mu-Jing war. Qi country’s opportunity to conquer Xia country also arose from this conflict. Qi and Mu had long shared a tacit understanding. In the midst of the recent global turmoil, the interactions between these two countries were certainly not limited to what occurred on the surface.

Looking back at the Mu-Jing war at this current juncture, too many things raise questions. For instance, where did Mu country’s confidence to engage in a full-scale war with Jing country truly originate? Mu country schemed for a long time, reached a tacit understanding with Qi country, and then launched its army south, marching into the heartland. Why, then, did they lose so quickly and so disastrously in a war for which they were supposedly well-prepared?

Indeed, war is full of variables, and too many factors determine victory or defeat. Or perhaps, Jing country, as the world’s strongest power, whose foundational strength is known to all and has been verified countless times throughout history, should not be considered strange for having defeated Mu country. Why, then, did Mu country actively instigate this war?

Jing country, the world’s drawn sword, has been weakened by years of decay, perhaps reaching a period of decline; Sheng country is growing increasingly powerful and perceived as a threat; friction along the border between the northern and central territories has long simmered, and the populace’s discontent is difficult to suppress; the Cang Tu Divine is in urgent need of expanding its faith into new lands… truth be told, Mu country had too many reasons to initiate a war. Every single reason was sufficient to push for conflict.

But why now? Having endured for so many years, why choose this moment to cease enduring? What exactly was the female emperor of Mu country thinking?

There must be some reasons unknown to the public, some hidden truth beneath the magnificent waves, compelling the war to begin. What was it?

“Wu An Hou?” The Son of Heaven’s voice descended from the imperial seat.

Jiang Wang slightly bowed: “Your minister is here.”

“Just you,” the Son of Heaven said.

Jiang Wang was momentarily taken aback. But the Son of Heaven had already turned to say, “Cui Cheng Hou reported on the handling of the Xia Mausoleum. Wen Da Fu, draft a plan as soon as possible…”

Unexpectedly, the topic of the envoy to Mu country was simply glossed over, not another word spoken.

Jiang Wang retreated, half-surprised and half-confused, but no one offered him an explanation. This continued until the court session ended.

Han Ling announced the adjournment of court, and the officials dispersed in succession. Jiang Wang did not leave immediately but followed the imperial carriage towards East Hua Ge.

The Son of Heaven, sitting on the dragon carriage, looked back over his head and asked somewhat amusingly, “Why are you following me?”

Jiang Wang hurried forward a couple of steps, a hint of concern in his voice: “Your Majesty ordered your minister to go to Mu country as an envoy. Surely there are instructions?”

“Did I not already instruct you? To observe the ceremony is sufficient.”

Just that? But looking at the Emperor’s demeanor, he didn’t seem to be joking. Furthermore, there was no reason to joke about matters of state.

Jiang Wang had initially thought this would be an extremely arduous task. Carrying the imperial mandate, journeying to the grasslands. The tacit understanding between Qi and Mu, the stratagems and secrets as overlord nations crisscross the world, stirring up wind and clouds…

Now it’s truly just about observing the ceremony?

“Hehe.” The Son of Heaven of Qi looked at him with interest. “Do you truly believe that I am sending you to Mu country to provide them with some support, to help them with something? Or perhaps, that there is some earth-shattering grand plan I want you to communicate and execute?”

“Uh…”

Jiang Wang did indeed think so. Otherwise, why would the Son of Heaven say nothing in the court hall? Was this not precisely the kind of important matter requiring a private, secret briefing? That’s why he, Jiang Hou Ye, didn’t leave after court, didn’t even watch Chong Xuan Zun’s pre-planned beating of Chong Xuan Sheng, and instead rushed to the Emperor’s side.

The embarrassment on his face revealed everything.

The Son of Heaven of Qi burst into laughter. “Jiang Wang, oh Jiang Wang, why do you think an overlord nation is an overlord nation? Do you truly believe that Mu country is finished simply because it lost one battle? What kind of character do you think He Lian Shan Hai is? Even I dare not say I can grasp her intentions. And you actually believe that by bearing the title of a Qi country envoy, you can influence the situation in the northern territories?”

Jiang Wang had already given up struggling and didn’t want to be mocked by the Son of Heaven again, so he simply said, “Oh.”

The Son of Heaven of Qi ceased his laughter, finally regaining some imperial solemnity. He spoke in a light voice, “Bring a pair of ears and a pair of eyes. Listen more, look more. Come back and tell me everything you heard and saw. That will suffice.”

He looked at Jiang Wang and added, “If the opportunity arises, sparring with the proud sons of Mu country is also acceptable.”

Oh, sparring. If you had said that earlier, wouldn’t I have understood sooner? Jiang Wang inwardly grumbled a few sentences, his outward response very meek: “Your minister understands.”

He then bowed: “Your minister takes his leave.”

“Wait,” the Son of Heaven suddenly said.

Jiang Wang was startled. Could it be that the Son of Heaven, like Great Master Guan Yan, possessed the ability to read his thoughts? I wasn’t even cursing anyone.

Then he heard the Son of Heaven say, “Since you’re here, stay. Han Ling, stay and test his ‘Mu Lue’ [Mu country strategy]. See if he understands anything when he gets back. Wouldn’t want him to go to the grasslands completely clueless and become a laughingstock.”

Han Ling bowed and said, “What if Wu An Hou doesn’t come up with anything when he gets back?”

“Then you supervise him until he finishes before you leave. Furthermore,” the Son of Heaven pondered for a moment and then said concisely and forcefully, “Punish his salary!”

The dragon carriage departed without stopping.

Jiang Wang stood blankly in his original spot. The air in Lin Zi in May was strangely cold.

“Hou Ye?”

Jiang Wang came back to his senses. Han Ling, clad in purple inner official robes, stood before him with sleeves clasped, smiling. “Should we discuss this here, or somewhere else?”

Jiang Wang’s salary was currently divided into three main parts. One was his Wu An Hou salary, supplemented by a food fief of three thousand households – this was the largest portion. Another was his three-rank Golden Melon Warrior and three-rank Green Card Arrestor positions; since the former was a ceremonial post and he performed no actual duties in the patrol inspection bureau for the latter, the salary was not substantial. The third was the tax revenue from the sealed land in Qing Yang Town, a portion of which he could periodically use.

Adding these three together, he had more than enough to live very comfortably. The De Sheng Business Line was still expanding, earning a lot but also spending a lot. The income from the Tai Xu Corner Building was all invested in it, so there wasn’t much to say there. In short, today he, Jiang someone, was quite wealthy. When going out for drinks and banquets, as long as Brother Yan Xian wasn’t present,搶著買單 (robbing to pay the bill) wasn’t a problem.

But as he left the Qi Wang Palace, Jiang Wang’s steps felt unsteady. It was only May, and his salary for this year already belonged to that utterly ruthless Han Ling, who he had no idea how he had offended. The Son of Heaven only said “punish salary,” he didn’t say every wrong word would result in a deduction!

Jiang Wang genuinely wanted to ask him – “Does Han inner official think my sword isn’t sharp?”

But in the end, he couldn’t win, so the words that came out were only a meek “Han inner official, please remember our past friendship.”

Thus, Han inner official was kind enough not to deduct it until next year.

Such bad luck, such bad luck. Even as he was about to leave the Qi Wang Palace, Jiang Wang was still sighing inwardly. He couldn’t help but say to Qiu Ji, who was seeing him off, “Qiu inner official, everyone else is just ‘standing post,’ so why did the task of being an envoy to Mu country fall on my head and not Champion Hou’s?”

Qiu Ji said very seriously, “I presume it is because Wu An Hou possesses a beautiful posture and appearance, and is more capable of representing the might of our Great Qi.”

Jiang Wang was silent for a moment, then said with a heavy heart, “Qiu inner official, please work harder. Kick Han inner official down from his position sooner, and perhaps you can deduct less of my salary in the future.”

Qiu Ji merely smiled and said, “We will try.”

Saying this, he stopped, looking up ahead, indicating someone was waiting. The spiritual sense of this Bing Bi Tai eunuch was truly extraordinary.

Jiang Wang’s heart stirred slightly, but he remained composed and looked forward – it was an old woman with hair like silver threads, quietly standing outside the palace gate.

Seeing Jiang Wang look over, she bowed and said, “Hou Ye, the Palace Master of Hua Ying Palace requests your presence at her residence for a chat.”

They had just shared drinks a few days ago, why the sudden invitation tonight? Jiang Wang looked up at the moon, and for some reason, his mood suddenly brightened. He chuckled, “I suppose there’s some good news.”

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