Chapter Nine, Prince Ning

I casually remarked, "Then it depends on Your Highness's abilities. You are destined to be an emperor, so employing some tactics and playing both sides shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

I was slightly moved, yet I pretended to be immensely grateful, kneeling on the ground and making an oath ten times more powerful than his. Prince Ning nodded in satisfaction with a smile

Prince Ning contentedly stroked the names on the black scroll, highlighting several with a vermilion brush, saying: "These are the hidden masters of the Yipintang, known in the martial world as the Nine Great Fiends: the Earth, Heaven, Man, Demon, Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Soil. They will be your personal entourage from now on. Their skills are commendable, but their intellect is lacking; you will still need to rely on yourself. As for the other masters of Yipintang, we certainly cannot openly bring them in and out, can we? The appearance of several masters from Tianmen by my side has already given me a headache, and it took me a long time to cover up the situation. If we add Yipintang to the mix, I fear my brothers will have to unite against me."

He hurried to the table and changed my title to 'Duke of the Third Rank of the Heavenly Dynasty.' Only then did he nod in satisfaction and say: 'This is it. Promoting you too quickly at this moment would draw too much attention. It is better for us to act with discretion.'

I nodded and said, "So how do I explain the sudden transformation from a commoner to a third-rank duke of the Celestial Empire? I fear it may not be easy to deal with those officials and censors, right?"

I glanced hurriedly and saw at least a dozen scrolls of different colors inside. Following instructions, I took out the black and yellow scrolls and handed them to Prince Ning

I am truly astonished: "Your Highness, why have we never been able to discern that you possess such formidable martial skills?"

Prince Ning clapped his hands lightly: "Perfect, exquisite, exquisite, perfect. As long as Minister Zhang submits to me, all the troops of the world will be at my command... Haha. No, that's wrong... Not the troops..."

I nodded in agreement, but he questioned, "Your Highness, I am the captain of your guards and also serve as the commander of the military for the Five Cities. Is this appropriate?"

Prince Ning contentedly said: "This year I am sixteen years old, having reached the age of three and ten. Hmph, although I have always respected and kept my distance from those civil officials, I have never relaxed my vigilance towards the military system. Offending a civil official can lead to trouble, as they can easily stir up issues in front of my father, the emperor. The military is different; as long as you provide them with sufficient benefits, they will be fiercely loyal to you."

On the morning of April 6, 13,095 in the Sacred Calendar, Prince Ning returned to his residence looking exhausted. In his small study, he complained to me and Sanqing, saying: "Father Emperor is really something; if he wants to listen to the scriptures, he should just listen. Why did he summon all of us over? Sigh, three days and three nights without a moment's rest. When have I ever endured such hardship from childhood to now?"

I nodded to indicate that I understood his meaning

I instinctively picked up a small lion carved from mutton fat jade on the nearby coffee table, fiddled with it for a long time, and then said: "Why can't we please them on both sides at the same time?"

King Ning took a breath and solemnly unfurled the yellow scroll slowly

With my eyes narrowed, it seemed to be calling out again. I said gloomily: "Why can't both relationships be cultivated simultaneously? Clearly communicate your thoughts to Mr. Zeng and seek their support. At the same time, befriend Scholar Qin... indulging in feasting and entertainment, even openly selling official positions, or engaging in any wrongdoing, just follow Scholar Qin in whatever he does."

Lord Ning was overjoyed, tightly embracing me for a moment. He quickly walked briskly in the secret chamber, clapping his hands and saying: "Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Young Yang, do you know? The current Minister of War is your father's deputy from eighteen years ago. Your father once charged alone into the enemy ranks to save his life, and he has followed your father all his life. Do you... understand my meaning?" The current Minister of War is your father's deputy from eighteen years ago. Your father once charged alone into the enemy ranks to save his life, and he has followed your father all his life. Do you... understand my meaning?

Prince Ning calmly took a book from the bookshelf, and a silent doorway immediately appeared on the wall. Xiao Chunzi began to tidy up the study on his own accord, and I nodded and followed him inside

I shook my head and briefly mentioned the matters concerning the Lianqing Pavilion. Prince Ning's expression brightened with joy: "Good, good, good. Just when I was thinking of a way to approach Scholar Qin and his circle from the library, your actions are excellent. Hmph, if I were to deliberately approach Scholar Qin and his faction, it would mean I have to start making moves in front of Father Emperor. Well, now it is their people coming to approach us, very good, very good, Yang Ge'er, a great achievement indeed"

I said with a strange smile: "As long as two prominent figures are taking care of you at the same time, and they do not speak, who would dare to utter a word in front of the Emperor? Perhaps they would even speak well of you."

Just as I returned to my own retreat, the enigmatic little eunuch, Xiao Chunzi, who served Prince Ning, called me back with a mysterious expression

Prince Ning let out a sigh of relief, stretching his limbs on a lounge chair in the corner, and said with a smile: "It is safer to talk here. After all, Sanqing and the others are not our own people; human hearts are difficult to gauge. Their martial arts are also formidable, so it is better for us to be cautious in our words." I couldn't help but admire his tactics; with just a 'they' and 'we,' he directly divided my relationship with them.

What astonishes me is not the preceding matters; as long as Prince Ning is willing, arranging these official positions for me is a very easy task. The so-called Commander of the Five Cities and Troops has merely one thousand soldiers under his command, essentially just a head of constables. It was the latter phrase, 'the son of General Yang Long, a special product of the Heavenly Dynasty,' that truly left me speechless.

Prince Ning nodded in satisfaction, gently gesturing with both hands to unveil a painting of a lady on the wall two zhang away. With a smile in my astonished gaze, he said: "Although my skills are not particularly profound, they are still quite commendable."

Prince Ning shook his head and said: "It was originally a problem, but since your father is General Yang, and His Majesty has always held General Yang in high regard, as long as I subtly hint at it in front of him, and then say that you are unwilling to use your father's reputation to gain an official position, but would rather serve the country in secret, do you think His Majesty would not personally issue a decree to promote you?"

The number of names mentioned above is not many; in total, there are only 2 and 13 individuals from the books. However, this includes the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guard, four commanders, thirteen out of the twenty-four commanders from the eight elite guards, as well as the First Deputy Commander of the Secret Camp, and four of the nine chief guards of the Inner Palace, among others who hold power over the military forces of the Holy Capital

I was drenched in cold sweat, the Yipintang, second only to the Tianmen combination, is reputed to be the elite within the hall, belonging to the world's foremost rank, yet it was silently absorbed by Prince Ning. Now, with the strength of Tianmen added, the majority of the underworld forces in the Holy Capital have fallen under Prince Ning's control

Prince Ning pondered for a moment, then suddenly forced himself to regain his composure and said: "I am a bit tired; you all may go down and rest for now"

King Ning looked at my astonished expression with satisfaction and said with a grin: "I can't possibly believe a young man under 20 picked up off the street, can I? If he were an ordinary person, it wouldn't matter, but he happens to possess exceptional martial arts skills and a sharp mind. Fortunately, you mentioned your hometown address, so I casually inquired around, and the person I spoke to happened to have met your father before. They reported back immediately, and that’s how I knew you were absolutely reliable. Hehe... Hehe... Brother Yang, your coming to assist me is truly a blessing from heaven"

Prince Ning furrowed his brow and said: "The two sides are as opposed as water and fire. Scholar Qin and his faction are spread throughout the court and the people... It is indeed necessary to have their support. The eldest and the second are inclined towards them and maintain close ties; the three regents, although they have fewer disciples, hold the power to supervise the court and even the Emperor, making them even more formidable. Especially Master Zeng, who is said to possess unparalleled martial prowess, while the other two regents are also individuals with astute minds. The secret camp is firmly under their control. As for the fourth and sixth, they are more inclined towards this side... I have always been relatively indifferent, maintaining equal distance from both sides, which has allowed us to sustain a situation where everyone does not interfere with one another. Once I seek to leverage the strength of one side to ascend, the other side will... The fourth and sixth are more inclined towards this side... I have always been relatively indifferent, maintaining equal distance from both sides, which has allowed us to sustain a situation where everyone does not interfere with one another. Once I seek to leverage the strength of one side to ascend, the other side will..."

Afterwards, the portal closed silently, delving a full five zhang into the ground, revealing a delicate small room. There was a small table and two or three exquisitely crafted armchairs. Surrounding the room were about ten fist-sized luminous pearls, illuminating the space as if it were broad daylight

Prince Ning took out a vermilion brush and added a line of text: "Second-level Marquis of the Heavenly Dynasty, Governor of the Five Cities of Shengjing, Commander of the Army and Cavalry, First-Class Tiger General of the Heavenly Dynasty, Chief Guard of the Prince Ning's Mansion, Son of the Former Special Class Dragon General Yang Long, Yang Wei." He proudly asked me: "What do you think of these titles? As long as you are willing, within three months, you can obtain all the official positions listed above."

In my eyes, a cold light flashed: "Your Highness mentioned that my father could have been granted a title of nobility?" The Prince of Ning nodded seriously: "Chasing for three thousand miles, beheading over one hundred thousand with twenty thousand soldiers, there is no other way to reward him besides granting a title."

Prince Ning furrowed his brows and was lost in thought for a long time, suddenly asking: "Do you think it is better for me to lean towards Scholar Qin or to be closer to Mr. Zeng? Both sides are strong, and despite being a prince, I cannot afford to offend either side"

Prince Ning suddenly smiled in a strange manner: "Good, good, good. However, how can one move freely between the two opposing forces?"

I sneered: "Of course I know, my old man saved his life, so his life should belong to me. Since I serve His Highness, isn't his life also His Highness's?"

I know, I have already begun to fly, and no one can stop me...

I exclaimed, "Those people at the Haunted Temple are indeed quite unfortunate; with just one slap, you could easily kill them."

Prince Ning nodded slightly: "We did not disturb your father, but do you wish to realize your ambitions now? As long as you are willing, I will absolutely keep my promise"

Prince Ning said sternly: "Do not speak recklessly. General Yang once led a great army to pursue the northern barbarians for a full three thousand miles, achieving unparalleled merit. Had it not been for the lady's difficult childbirth and subsequent death, which left him disheartened and led him to retreat to the frontier, he would at least have been conferred the title of king by now"

Prince Ning shook his head: "This won't do. Now, there are only three people in the world who know that I possess martial arts, including you. This secret, you must help me keep it well." I nodded deeply.

I let out a cold laugh: "Then, let me accomplish what my father could not, let me be the first king of the Yang family"

King Ning chuckled, saying: "Hehe, I practice Master Heitian's Great Black Heaven Chaotic Divine Skill, which emphasizes not being bound by appearances. What difference is there between my exterior and that of an ordinary person"

I nodded in satisfaction and exchanged wild laughter with Prince Ning. Suddenly, Prince Ning pointed to the sky and swore, "I swear to heaven that in this life, I will wholeheartedly treat Yang Wei. If I speak falsely, may heaven and earth abandon me, may the spirits despise me, and may lightning strike me..."

Prince Ning exclaimed in surprise, "Then why doesn't Father Emperor directly send me to the frontier?"

I sat in a nearby armchair and respectfully said, "Your Highness, may I inquire if there is anything we can discuss"

King Ning laughed and said: "Why is it not appropriate? Several brothers have their trusted aides concurrently holding high positions in the Imperial Guard, which is also one of the traditions of the Heavenly Dynasty. I simply did not have suitable personnel to take on this position before."

I stammered and asked: "Is my deceased husband General Longxiang? How is that possible? With his character?"

I have only just learned that the Grand Scholar in the red robe is surnamed Qin

I was stunned for a long time: "No wonder, I have never seen my mother since I was little..." My eyes involuntarily turned a bit red, and in my heart, I began to roar, to roar, to shout, to scream, with a surge of murderous intent...

We were not good at making conversation, so after listening to Ning Wang complain for a while, he finally asked us: "Has everything been peaceful these days?"

Prince Ning threw me a small golden key and instructed, "Hmm, that iron box, yes, turn left three times, turn right three and a half times, lift, press, and then turn right one full circle. Good. That black and yellow scroll."

King Ning stood up, unfurled a black scroll on the table, called me over to take a look, and said: "You see, I have basically grasped the strength of the First Hall of the Holy Capital. Several masters who were unwilling to cooperate have recently met with unexpected deaths. The First Hall claims to be the second largest gang in the Holy Capital, and now it has completely become my subordinate"