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World's First Traitor System (316)
🕑 Added 2024-10-08 17:00:04 +0000 UTCChapter 316 - A Token of Loyalty
Half a day before Wanli's return to the capital, a wave of anxiety swept through the court. Xu Jie, the Junior Grand Secretary, leading the "clear stream" faction, had journeyed thirty miles beyond the city gates, preparing to kneel and welcome the Crown Prince.
As the heir apparent, the future Emperor, Wanli was entitled to such a grand welcome.
The officials of the "muddy stream" faction, though displeased, grudgingly followed, venturing beyond the city walls to greet Wanli’s return.
Within the Western Park, however, a different scene unfolded.
Grand Secretary Yan Song knelt before the Emperor's throne in the Hall of Careful Living, his posture was a picture of humble obedience.
“Why have you come here instead of welcoming the Crown Prince?”
Emperor Jiajing's ethereal voice drifted from behind the silk curtain concealing his throne. He was no longer an earthly ruler, but a celestial being.
Yan Song kowtowed deeply before answering.
“Your humble servant is a member of your cabinet, not a subordinate of the Crown Prince. My duty is to serve Your Majesty faithfully, to handle matters of state, to coordinate the court, and to appease the people.
In simpler terms, my role is to safeguard Your Majesty’s household. Without ensuring its safety, I dare not abandon my post.”
Yan Song was a shrewd man, a master of court politics.
Xu Jie, upon hearing of Wanli’s return, had rushed to welcome him. He, Yan Song, hadn't. Not only had he remained in the palace, but he had also chosen to emphasize his unwavering loyalty to the Emperor.
While Xu Jie had seemingly forgotten his duty as a Grand Secretary, he, Yan Song, hadn’t.
And that was just the surface meaning.
The deeper implication: I, Yan Song, only have eyes for the Emperor. My loyalty is absolute.
As for you, Xu Jie…
He chuckled inwardly.
I haven't uttered a single word of criticism against you, but how the Emperor interprets my actions… that is his prerogative.
Silence followed Yan Song’s declaration. Emperor Jiajing, hidden behind the curtain, didn’t respond.
But Yan Song wasn’t worried. He had served Jiajing for decades. He understood the Emperor better than anyone else.
Silence wasn’t a sign of disapproval. Quite the contrary!
Jiajing was savoring his words, and the more he pondered them, the more he appreciated their deeper meaning.
Finally, after half an incense stick had burned, the Emperor spoke.
“Jie.”
The name, though incredibly ancient, still carried a chilling resonance. Yan Song didn’t answer immediately. He knew the Emperor wasn't finished speaking.
“According to Lu Bing's investigation, he… is the reincarnation of King Jie. A former Human Emperor, reborn as my son?”
He chuckled softly. “Weizhong, what are your thoughts?”
Addressing him by his courtesy name, instead of his title, was a sign of affection.
Yan Song kowtowed deeply and spoke.
“The Heavenly Dao has fifty principles, but Heaven only uses forty-nine. One remains hidden, beyond human comprehension.
I believe reincarnation is Heaven’s mercy, a sliver of hope granted to all beings.
Those who cannot achieve immortality, those who fail their tribulation, even the lowliest of creatures – plants, insects, fish, birds, beasts – when their lifespan ends, they can all enter the cycle of reincarnation, reborn into a new life, with another chance to seek immortality.”
“Whether the Crown Prince is truly the reincarnation of King Jie is irrelevant. His past life is nothing but a fading memory. In this life, he has been fortunate enough to be born into the Great Ming. Therefore, he should remember his lineage, his blood ties to the Zhu imperial clan.
If he clings to his past glory, forgetting his gratitude, abandoning his ancestors… then even if Your Majesty is merciful, the Great Ming’s ancestors will not tolerate such disrespect!”
Having finished speaking, Yan Song kowtowed again.
“Your humble servant has dared to speak of matters concerning the imperial ancestors and the destiny of our nation. I deserve death for my transgression.”
The curtain slowly parted, revealing Emperor Jiajing. He wore his Daoist robes, a crown of woven grass upon his head. A smile played on his lips as he gazed upon Yan Song.
“Weizhong, you have done well. You always remember your duty as a subject. I am truly pleased.”
Yan Song repeatedly declared that he was unworthy of such praise.
“Hehehe…”
Jiajing chuckled, his expression inscrutable, but his gaze turned cold.
“Excellent. Reincarnation? So, they cling to their past lives, yearning for their former glory? But they’ve forgotten my great kindness? It seems… I need to remind certain individuals.
Our Great Ancestor once said: ‘We may share a cup of wine, but we will not hesitate to draw our blades!’”
Yan Song, though his heart was pounding with excitement, maintained a calm and composed demeanor.
“Weizhong.”
“Your servant is here.”
“Go. Welcome the Crown Prince.”
“I dare not.”
“Go. Go boldly. I command you!”
Jiajing’s smile turned cruel.
“I’m sending you to witness a good show.”
…
Thirty miles outside the capital, in front of Wanli and all the officials gathered to welcome him, the imperial eunuch announced the Emperor's decree. Lan Daoxing, the Imperial Astrologer, had abused his powers, seeking personal gain through his divine abilities. His loyalty was in question. His actions were treasonous.
He was to be imprisoned in the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s Imperial Prison, his crimes thoroughly investigated and punished accordingly.
Wanli was appointed as the primary investigator, with Lu Bing serving as his deputy.
The decree stunned the officials.
Everyone knew that Wanli’s most important task upon returning from Nanchao was to lead the Three Hundred Thousand Wolf Troops north, to retake Yunzhou City.
But interrogating the Imperial Astrologer was now a higher priority than reclaiming lost territory?
…
In the Yan Residence.
“Hahahahahaha!”
“This is hilarious!”
“So what if Wanli has returned safely? The Emperor has publicly humiliated him in front of the entire court!”
“Father, I believe Wanli’s days as Crown Prince are numbered!”
Yan Shifan laughed triumphantly, but his father didn't share his joy.
Yan Song sat motionless in his grand armchair, his posture resembling a weathered statue.
“Father, am I mistaken?” Yan Shifan asked incredulously.
Yan Song didn't answer his son directly. He sighed softly.
“Foolish child. The Emperor has appointed Wanli as the primary investigator. This is both a warning and a test.
Lan Daoxing is a ninth-rank Unity Realm cultivator. He’s a valuable asset.
Saving Lan Daoxing signifies that Wanli is still clinging to his past life as King Jie. It will inevitably lead to a rift between him and the Emperor.
Killing Lan Daoxing means he’s choosing to abandon his past, acknowledging his identity as a member of the Great Ming’s imperial clan. Only then can father and son coexist peacefully.”
Yan Shifan was shocked.
“That’s terrible news!”
“Given Wanli’s personality, he will surely abandon Lan Daoxing to secure his position as Crown Prince! Does this mean Prince Jing has no chance of replacing him?”
Yan Shifan, despite his exceptional intelligence, was easily discouraged. He lacked patience.
His father, though perhaps less intelligent, was far more patient and composed.
“We have lost Hu Zongxian,” the old man said slowly. “Unless the Emperor leads the army himself, Wanli is the only suitable candidate to command the Three Hundred Thousand Wolf Troops. Prince Jing is not an option.”
Yan Shifan couldn’t argue. He knew Prince Jing’s limitations. The man possessed some literary talent, but he lacked military prowess.
He might be a passable ruler in times of peace, but he could never expand the empire’s territory.
“Damn it! So we’re back to square one? Wanli’s cultivation has reached the Great Vehicle Realm. He’s the only one who can lead the army. Unless he suffers another defeat at Yunzhou City, Prince Jing has no chance.
Father, your attempts to sow discord between Wanli and the Emperor, using his past life as leverage, haven't been very effective, have they?”
In the entire Great Ming Dynasty, only two individuals dared to criticize Yan Song’s methods – the Emperor, and his son.
“Hehehe…”
Yan Song chuckled, looking at his son with a hint of mockery. “Is this old man incompetent? Have I disappointed my Junior Grand Secretary?”
Yan Shifan immediately realized he had spoken out of turn.
He knelt before his father, kowtowing repeatedly.
Yan Song didn't allow him to rise. “Lan Daoxing is a ninth-rank Unity Realm expert. Eliminating him was no easy task. Yan Shifan, do not be too greedy.”
…
In the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s Imperial Prison, the previous occupant of this particular cell had been Hu Zongxian. Thanks to Yan Song’s intervention, his treatment had been relatively lenient.
His clothes and bedding were clean. He had meat with every meal. Wine and water were readily available. He was even provided with writing implements.
This time, the prisoner was Lan Daoxing.
Yan Song had intervened once more, but the treatment was vastly different.
The darkest cell. The filthiest environment.
Rats and insects crawled everywhere. Unused chamber pots were piled high.
Lan Daoxing, the once esteemed and revered Imperial Astrologer of the Great Ming Dynasty, was covered in blood. His prison uniform was tattered and torn.
Clearly, he had been tortured.
“Impressive.”
Lu Bing, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, personally inspected Lan Daoxing's injuries.
A ninth-rank Unity Realm expert?
Unless Emperor Jiajing intervened personally, if Lan Daoxing truly wished to escape, he had at least a fifty percent chance of successfully fleeing the Great Ming.
And yet, he had chosen to surrender.
When Lu Bing and his men arrived at the Astrologer’s residence, Lan Daoxing simply dismissed his disciples and servants, then allowed himself to be captured.
The thirteen Embroidered Uniform Guard experts accompanying Lu Bing had even prepared their wills, expecting a fierce battle.
But the Astrologer had surrendered, and they had emerged unscathed.
In the deepest cell, Lan Daoxing lay upon the filthy floor, his body covered in wounds. But the most terrifying injury was the iron ring piercing his abdomen.
The ring locked his dantian, preventing him from utilizing his spiritual energy. Despite his ninth-rank cultivation, he was now as helpless as an ordinary man.
Lu Bing wasn’t alone. He was merely a guide.
“Your Highness, should we proceed with the interrogation here, or would you prefer to move the prisoner elsewhere?” He bowed respectfully to Crown Prince Wanli.
Wanli, however, ignored his question and said coldly.
“The interrogation hasn't even begun. Who authorized the use of torture?”
“This…”
Lu Bing was taken aback. Wanli had publicly challenged his authority. Did the Crown Prince, despite his intelligence, truly not understand the situation?
The torture was a warning from the Emperor, a clear sign of his displeasure.
“Answer my question,” Wanli’s voice grew colder.
Lu Bing sighed inwardly. He glanced apologetically at the Embroidered Uniform Guard expert standing beside him.
Then, without warning, he lashed out.
His right fist slammed into the man’s face. The man didn't even have time to scream. His head exploded, resembling a shattered watermelon. His headless corpse remained standing, a gruesome testament to Lu Bing's strength.
“Your Highness, please forgive my transgression.”
Lu Bing knelt on one knee, bowing his head in apology.
“I have failed to discipline my subordinates, allowing such a disgraceful act to occur within the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s Imperial Prison.
Zhu Liu, the warden, unauthorized the use of torture. He has paid the price with his life.”
The thirteen experts were Lu Bing’s most trusted subordinates, second only to him in authority.
They were loyal, addressing him as “Master.”
The weakest among them, Zhu Shisan, possessed fifth-rank Divine Transformation cultivation.
The strongest, Zhu Yi, was a first-rank Unity Realm expert.
They were Lu Bing’s greatest asset, his hidden weapon. To be forced to kill one of them was a significant loss. And the loyalty of the remaining twelve was now in question.
Lu Bing felt a pang of regret, a sense of betrayal.
He had served the Emperor faithfully, investigating Lan Daoxing. He hadn't expected Wanli’s retaliation to be so swift.
He remained kneeling, Wanli’s mocking laughter echoing in his ears.
“Heh. I seem to recall that Father Emperor established a rule many years ago?
All those captured by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, those imprisoned within the Imperial Prison, are to be subjected to torture before their interrogation.
Does this not comply with the Great Ming Code?”
Lu Bing felt a surge of anger. He had killed Zhu Liu, and yet, Wanli was twisting the knife, reminding him of the Emperor’s cruelty.
“Commander Lu, you are far too hasty,”
Wanli said, a mocking smile on his lips.
“A single word from me, and you’ve killed your most loyal subordinate? What message does this send? Who will dare serve you faithfully in the future?”
“Commander? You may rise.”
Lu Bing felt deeply humiliated, but he had no choice. Within the Great Ming, there were only two individuals more powerful than him – the Emperor, and the Crown Prince.
As a subject, he had to endure this injustice. He took a deep breath and stood up, his legs trembling slightly.
“Your Highness, I await your instructions…”
“You may leave.” Wanli dismissed him. “I will interrogate the prisoner alone.”
Lu Bing’s expression changed. “That’s impossible! I am the deputy investigator… “
“A mere deputy? And yet, you dare question my authority?”
Wanli’s voice boomed, silencing Lu Bing.
The court was a cruel and unforgiving place. Power trumped all. And Wanli was the Crown Prince, the future Emperor.
Lu Bing’s face flushed red. He had once enjoyed a position of great privilege. He was Emperor Jiajing’s sworn brother.
The Grand Secretaries, Yan Song and Xu Jie, treated him with respect. The court officials feared him.
He was the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s hero, the revered ancestor of the eunuchs.
But today, Lu Bing realized that in the eyes of the Great Ming’s future ruler, he was merely a disposable official.
“I… I take my leave,”
Lu Bing left. He rushed out of the Imperial Prison, only finding some relief upon reaching the surface, where sunlight and fresh air replaced the stench of death and decay.
“Commander, there’s blood on your hand! Where’s Zhu Liu?”
Twelve Embroidered Uniform Guard experts, dressed in their distinctive Flying Fish uniforms, each carrying their signature Embroidered Spring Blades, surrounded Lu Bing.
His brief moment of relief vanished.
They waited in silence.
Finally, Lu Bing spoke.
“Yesterday… Junior Grand Secretary Yan invited me to join him for a drink.”
“Yes, Commander.” Zhu Yi, the leader of the thirteen experts, bowed respectfully. “You mentioned that due to the current situation, it wouldn’t be appropriate to accept his invitation.”
“No need to refuse any longer,”
Lu Bing shook his head.
“I’ve heard Junior Grand Secretary Yan possesses a collection of fine wines. I believe… I will accept his invitation.”
Zhu Yi stared at him in disbelief.
Everyone in the Great Ming knew that Lu Bing was one of the few officials who could maintain neutrality between the Yan and Xu factions.
…
In the deepest cell of the Imperial Prison, Crown Prince Wanli stood before Lan Daoxing, silently observing the Astrologer’s injuries.
Lan Daoxing had been unconscious, but he now opened his eyes, meeting Wanli’s gaze.
After a long silence, Wanli finally spoke.
“Zhong Gu, I’ve come to see you.”
Zhong Gu, a renowned scholar and official of the Xia Dynasty, had once served King Jie faithfully alongside Guan Long Pang.
At the end of the Xia Dynasty, they had migrated south, to Nanchao.
Zhong Gu hadn’t accompanied them. He had been tasked with serving Cheng Tang, the founder of the Shang Dynasty. His fate was unknown.
