Chapter 6, The Son of Heaven
The ministers of the Central Plains found themselves somewhat at a loss in the face of the impassioned crowd. It was unclear who initiated it, but one by one, the crowd knelt to the ground, their words indistinct. On the steps, only Lian Junru, holding aloft his sword, and the spirited King of Hua, Jiang Li, remained standing. At this moment, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions, and four gazes, each carrying different meanings, finally collided, igniting a silent spark.
A line of officials was dressed in brand new ceremonial robes, and the black coronation garments made the area in front of the hall appear particularly solemn. However, the grand door remained tightly shut, without a sound. Just as Prince Jiang Li was becoming somewhat impatient, a series of footsteps finally echoed from within the Hall of Respect, growing closer and closer, each step striking at their hearts. Without needing to be reminded, everyone from Prince Jiang Yan downwards took three steps back, silently awaiting the opening of the grand door. Just as Prince Jiang Li was becoming somewhat impatient, a series of footsteps finally echoed from within the Hall of Respect, growing closer and closer, each step striking at their hearts. Without needing to be reminded, everyone from Prince Jiang Yan downwards took three steps back, silently awaiting the opening of the grand door
As his calm voice resonated, a fanfare sounded from outside. In the distance, a majestic canopy appeared like clouds, and under the orderly protection of soldiers, the imperial carriage of the Emperor of Central Plains—King Jiang Li—finally arrived
The eunuch Zhao Yan cautiously assisted King Hua Jiang Li, who still appeared listless, with only a pair of deep, unfathomable eyes revealing his former majesty. Ever since the report of the Eight Great Envoys was received, the officials and nobles of Zhongzhou have been thrown into chaos, as everyone understands what the title of Envoy means for Zhongzhou. Currently, the lords of the four nations hold significant power, and apart from Lord Fan Wei of Zhou, who maintains his audience, almost no one regards the Emperor and his close ministers with any respect. However, all of this will change from the day the Envoy descends to the world. Everyone remembers the great defeat of the twenty-seventh generation Yan Lord; in their view, as long as the Envoy can stabilize the situation, the arrogance of the four nations will no longer be a problem.
In this brief statement lies profound significance, thus even if Lian Junru were to say nothing further, it would still incite a commotion among the court officials. King Hua, Jiang Li, broke free from Zhao Yan's grasp and stepped forward to assist Lian Junru. "Good, good! I never expected that after decades of my reign, I would still witness this day with my own eyes! The appearance of the esteemed one is indeed a heavenly omen, and I am truly gratified!" He gazed deeply at Lian Junru, then suddenly turned to face the officials, drawing his treasured sword from his waist and raising it high, declaring: "From this day forth, the commands of Lian Qing shall be my will; anyone who defies it shall be punished by this sword!"
Feeling the waves of murderous intent emanating from the sword, Lian Junru's heart unexpectedly surged. He no longer paid attention to the commands coming from Wu Xingyi's direction, solemnly raising the treasured sword above his head, and declared loudly: "In gratitude for His Majesty's generous bestowal, I, Lian Junru, hereby vow to use this sword to eliminate the malevolent and treacherous, restoring peace and stability to Zhongzhou, and assisting His Majesty in establishing a prosperous era!" Compared to the once martial Jiang Li, his voice was not loud, yet somehow, it miraculously reached the ears of everyone present, leaving the listeners astonished. Wu Xingyi observed the complex expressions on the faces of the ministers with great interest, a peculiar smile emerging at the corner of his mouth.
Just now, it is unclear who initiated it, but the call of "May the Envoy descend to the world, may the Central Plains be at peace" has already risen and fallen. However, the expressions on the faces of the various ministers of the Central Plains are mixed, with some even showing indifference. The so-called envoy before them is merely a boy of thirteen or fourteen years old. Although faint divine light can be seen around him, there is nothing particularly unusual about him. How could such a person save the Central Plains from its crisis? Deep doubts have taken root in the hearts of almost all present. Yet, the three high officials—Tai Zhu, Tai Gong, and Tai Bu—exchanged glances in unison. The boy appears ordinary, but with their years of expertise in divination, they have nearly confirmed his identity. Truly, it is a great fortune from the heavens, the three sighed simultaneously.
Wu Xingyi naturally heard the bursts of laughter coming from the palace behind him, yet he merely frowned slightly, seemingly unconcerned. He had indeed once sworn loyalty to the esteemed ruler, hoping for peace throughout the land, but heaven had played a cruel joke on him. In that case, why should he still adhere to any divine will? "If there are no deities, then I, Wu Xingyi, shall create one for you to see!" He suddenly revealed a disdainful smile, thinking that even the clay idols in temples could receive the worship of countless people, let alone a living esteemed ruler. He was not the least bit worried about being exposed; after all, he had studied the art of manipulation for many years. Although he could not reach even a tenth of the esteemed ruler's former prowess, he could still manage to deceive others.
Lian Jun stood before the grand door, taking a deep breath, seemingly indifferent to his attire. Once he took this step, there would be no turning back for him, for the sake of his parents and himself, he had no choice but to proceed. He exerted a slight force with his arms and effortlessly opened the tightly shut door. Sunlight finally streamed into the nearly pitch-black hall, illuminating his face and casting a golden divine light upon him. Just as he squinted and looked up at the sky, a deafening cheer erupted from outside, leaving him momentarily stunned in place. Sunlight finally streamed into the nearly pitch-black hall, illuminating his face and casting a golden divine light upon him. Just as he squinted and looked up at the sky, a deafening cheer erupted from outside, leaving him momentarily stunned in place
Lian Junru finally saw a middle-aged man dressed in the royal robes of a king. Although his gaunt face appeared devoid of vitality, for a brief moment, he sensed an imposing aura emanating from the man. However, compared to the emperor he had previously encountered, he realized that this sovereign seemed to lack something. Perhaps, this individual sitting on the throne was not the best choice. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Wu Xingyi's piercing gaze, and almost instinctively, he bowed and saluted, saying: "I pay my respects to Your Majesty!" However, compared to the emperor he had previously encountered, he realized that this sovereign seemed to lack something. Perhaps, this individual sitting on the throne was not the best choice. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Wu Xingyi's piercing gaze, and almost instinctively, he bowed and saluted, saying: "I pay my respects to Your Majesty!"
He did not pay attention to the astonished faces of the ministers, but solemnly turned around, presenting the sword to Lian Junru with both hands. He spoke gravely, "Lian Qing is the pillar of the nation, and I cannot find any other gift worthy of you. This sword is crafted by a renowned master, forged from the essence of the mountains, tempered with the blood of young boys and girls. When wielded, its sharpness is revealed; when sheathed, its brilliance is contained. It is named Qianyin, and it is my most cherished possession. Today, with your assistance in Zhongzhou, I bestow this sword upon you, hoping to sweep away the fatigue of Zhongzhou and restore clarity to the world!" His words were delivered with great vigor, showing no trace of his earlier lethargy. The ministers felt a surge of anxiety, while Wu Xingyi and others displayed a flicker of unusual light in their eyes, clearly experiencing a complex mix of emotions.
Lian Jun, unable to restrain his emotions, took the sword from Jiang Li's hand. His fingers gently brushed against the spine of the sword, unexpectedly igniting a flicker of golden light. Such an extraordinary sight, seen by others, was indeed remarkable. Coupled with the words of Prince Jiang Li, they had almost silently accepted the reality. From this day forth, that seemingly insignificant youth would become the treasured asset of Zhongzhou, the vessel that suppresses all!
As everyone was immersed in this indescribable atmosphere, Wu Xingyi suddenly turned around and shouted at the neatly arranged guards below the steps: "The esteemed prince has already sworn an oath; we shall certainly obey the prince's orders and restore peace and stability to Zhongzhou!" At his command, the eight great envoys suddenly parted the crowd of officials and respectfully knelt down before Lian Junru, bowing their heads. The guards below seemed to awaken from a dream, kneeling down in unison and shouting: "Congratulations to Your Majesty for receiving the esteemed prince's assistance; we shall certainly follow the royal command above and receive the esteemed decree below, restoring peace and stability to Zhongzhou!"
"Is there still a way out for us?" Wu Xingyi glanced at the crowd and coldly retorted, "Since the day we became the envoys, this fate has been sealed. If the news of His Highness being attacked again is released, do you think the Central Plains can smoothly escape this calamity? That young man has already agreed, and you and the library need not hesitate any longer, nor harbor any feminine compassion. Consider your own backgrounds; if this world continues in chaos, even more people will suffer! That young man has already agreed, and you and the library need not hesitate any longer, nor harbor any feminine compassion. Consider your own backgrounds; if this world continues in chaos, even more people will suffer! Better to endure short pain than long pain; one day, when the Central Plains is unified again, the people will praise our contributions, and who will care about such trivial matters?"
"Brother Wu, can you confirm that this plan is foolproof?" a woman asked anxiously. "We are deceiving the world; are you really not afraid of being exposed? His Majesty has changed greatly in recent years. What shall we do if he becomes suspicious?" Her words immediately resonated with others, and uneasy glances were all directed at Wu Xingyi.
The accumulated weakness of the Central Plains will change in my hands!" Wu Xingyi suddenly laughed after covering his face with a black veil, laughing with great delight, which puzzled the several others who had come to report.
The three dukes and three young lords of Zhongzhou, along with the six ministers and five officials, have all gathered behind the King of Hua, Jiang Li, their expressions complex as they gaze at the tightly shut doors of the Qinzun Hall. The Grand Minister Jiang Jiu, the Grand Tutor Zhang Qian, and the Grand Guardian Xie Yuan constitute the three dukes of Zhongzhou; the Young Master Ye Jin, the Young Tutor Fang Wen, and the Young Guardian Yuan Pingjia represent the three young lords of Zhongzhou; overseeing state affairs are the Chancellor Shi Jing, the Grand Sacrificer Tai Zong An Ming, the Grand Historian Sima Qun who manages the calendar and records, the Grand Priest Tai Zhu Jie Wenzi who oversees prayers, the Grand Artisan Tai Gong Wu Ji who manages divine matters, and the Grand Diviner Tai Bu Bai Li Tuo, who together form the six ministers of Zhongzhou; the Minister of Land and Agriculture Si Tu Rong Kuang, the Minister of Crafts Si Kong Gong Shu Fang, the Minister of Military Taxation and Administration Si Ma Ji Yu Tai, the Minister of Land Registration and Nobility Si Shi Fan De Fu, and the Minister of Punishments Si Kou Chun Yu Wei constitute the five officials of Zhongzhou.