Chapter 121 - 120: The Crown Prince’s Threat
Behind General Lifen Jing Zhan and the Heir of the Marquis of Chengyang, Ling Jing, stood several men in Embroidered Uniform Guard attire. Leading them was a middle-aged man in a red Flying Fish Robe, his face stern and severe, with a sword at his waist that resembled the Brocade Spring Saber, but was noticeably longer than the usual kind.
This man should be Inspector Shen Minghe from the Garrison Commandant’s Office. Yet, he followed behind Ling Jing with utmost deference. Whenever Ling Jing spoke, his manner was conspicuously obsequious at first and disdainful afterwards—plainly currying favor with Ling Jing, his attitude was self-evident.
The group displayed a marked sense of division.
The military officers all kept close to General Lifen Jing Zhan, and when they took their seats, it was away from Ling Jing and Shen Minghe’s entourage.
It was abundantly clear that,
within this reinforcements unit, all was not as it seemed. Led by Main General Jing Zhan were military men, while those from the Garrison Commandant’s Office and the Martial World were of Ling Jing’s faction,
Two sides: one led by the Main General, the other by the Military Supervisor. Even within Yunzhou’s Langya Army, there was evident discord.
Yet, that was only to be expected.
General Lifen Jing Zhan had earned his position with his own prowess, while this Crown Prince of Marquis Chengyang was evidently pampered and privileged, and yet had managed to snatch the post of Military Supervisor—a typical gilded second-generation scion.
If Ling Jing had merely come to collect a few military achievements honestly, it would be business as usual—such things were common among the hereditary gentry. Jing Zhan would not have shown such open disgust.
But now, the action and posture Ling Jing displayed was far from that of someone content to quietly soak up military merit. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought so many from the Martial World to Linjiang City—this was a clear intent to meddle in the defense of the city.
A pampered rich boy comes as Military Supervisor and still wants to dictate terms—no wonder Jing Zhan showed no pleasant face.
This had led both factions to an undercurrent of confrontation from the very moment they’d entered. The atmosphere was ice-cold and awkward.
Sitting at the chief seat, Yang Yuzhi, a seasoned old hand in officialdom, saw everything for what it was and had no interest in meddling. He simply proceeded with the introductions of Ling Jing, Jing Zhan, and the others as routine.
Afterwards, he began introducing the officials of Linjiang Government Office.
The first was Gu Zhan, the Embroidered Uniform Guard Thousand Households.
Yang Yuzhi said with a warm smile, "This is our Linjiang County’s Embroidered Uniform Guard Thousand Households, Gu Zhan. Don’t be misled by Lord Gu’s youth—he became the youngest Embroidered Uniform Guard Thousand Households in Linjiang County’s history entirely though his own merits and achievements. He is now also recognized as the top expert in all of Linjiang County. For this Jiming Posthouse city defense, he holds full responsibility for logistics. With him in charge, there’s not a single worry about supplies!"
Gu Zhan saluted each in turn.
Jing Zhan had paid little mind to Gu Zhan at first, but upon hearing Yang Yuzhi’s introduction, he respectfully cupped his fist in greeting.
For military men like them, those who rise by their own strength are the most admirable. Hence, after Yang Yuzhi’s introduction, Jing Zhan’s attitude toward Gu Zhan turned much more cordial.
Inspector Shen Minghe also sized up Gu Zhan, returning the salute perfunctorily, saying nothing, but holding himself a notch higher.
Gu Zhan paid it no mind—Shen Minghe’s Grade was indeed slightly higher, and as one from the Garrison Commandant’s Office, carried an innate sense of superiority.
Yet, the Crown Prince Ling Jing regarded Gu Zhan with interest and remarked, "To be the number one expert of an entire county at your age—such talent is rare even in Yunzhou!"
Before Gu Zhan could speak,
Young Hero Qi Qianyu sitting behind Ling Jing suddenly snorted coldly and said, "It’s nothing but the case of a monkey proclaiming itself king where there are no tigers—a forgotten corner of the countryside, and so-called ’talent’ is simply a frog in a well, ignorant of the vastness beyond!"
At these words from Qi Qianyu,
the expressions of Yang Yuzhi and the other Linjiang Prefecture officials all became unsightly,
For while Qi Qianyu had directly targeted Gu Zhan, the implication clearly brought them all down a notch.
Ling Jing’s face twitched sharply before he quickly said, "Magistrate Yang, Gu Qianhu, apologies—this is a friend of mine from the Martial World, long used to loose tongues and little manners. Please don’t take offense."
Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes at Qi Qianyu, just as he was about to reply, Yang Yuzhi said, "And who might this be...?"
Ling Jing replied, "This is my close friend, a young talent called Little Sword Spirit Qi Qianyu in the Martial World."
At the introduction, Qi Qianyu straightened with arrogant pride.
Yang Yuzhi smiled and said, "It seems I am ill-informed. I had heard Yunzhou boasts a legendary Martial World figure titled Sword Spirit—who would have thought there is also a Little Sword Spirit! From your tone, sir, it seems you stand alongside the Sword Spirit himself, already a Dao Realm Great Cultivator at your tender years—certainly qualified to look down on a remote county like Linjiang!"
Qi Qianyu’s face froze at once.
Laughter rippled discreetly through the hall,
Most caught Yang Yuzhi’s sarcasm instantly. After all, as Magistrate, he was responsible for receptions and could hardly be ignorant of Qi Qianyu’s status—he surely knew Qi Qianyu was merely an Innate Martial Artist.
Gu Zhan joined in, "So we have a Dao Realm Great Cultivator here—my apologies!"
Qi Qianyu’s complexion shifted between green and white as he pointed at Gu Zhan in anger, "You..."
Just as he spoke, an official from Linjiang Prefecture Prefecture Government interjected, "Magistrate Yang, Gu Qianhu, you’re mistaken. While the title Little Sword Spirit sounds similar, it’s because Sword Spirit Qi Baiyu is his elder brother. Currently, Young Hero Little Sword Spirit Qi is still only at the Innate Realm!"
Gu Zhan feigned surprise and said, "So he’s merely Innate—could he perhaps have ever bested a Great Cultivator across Realms?"
"Not that I’ve ever heard."
Gu Zhan wore a look of disappointment, "Ah, is that so? From this Little Sword Spirit’s tone, I’d thought he was at least a Great Cultivator. How come..."
"Gu Zhan," Qi Qianyu fumed, smacking the table. "Cut out the sarcasm. Even if I’m only Innate..."
"So you’re only Innate?" Gu Zhan’s expression turned cold, his eyes now fierce as he sneered, "Then why are you putting on airs in front of me? I earned Thousand Households before the age of twenty. Who are you to mouth off before me?"
Qi Qianyu retorted in fury, "You’re nothing but a Court hound—a nobody..."
"Enough!"
Ling Jing slammed the table, barking, "Qi Qianyu, sit down! What nonsense is that? If you can’t handle your liquor, don’t drink! Do you think this is the place for your drunken raving?"
At Ling Jing’s rebuke,
Qi Qianyu snapped to his senses, his anger dissipated and dread seized his heart,
He realized he’d just let slip an insult—calling someone a ’Court hound’ was one thing among Martial World people in private,
But tonight the entire assembly was packed with officials of the Great Xia Court,
And the Heir of Marquis Chengyang and General Lifen as well—
If someone seized on his words, trouble would befall him. Thankfully, Ling Jing had stopped him in time.
At this realization,
a blaze of impotent rage erupted in Qi Qianyu’s eyes as he glared at Gu Zhan.
Gu Zhan snorted coldly and said, "So it was a drunken fit? I’d thought the renowned young talent Little Sword Spirit was about to incite rebellion!"
Qi Qianyu fumed,
but a single warning glance from Ling Jing silenced him.
Ling Jing looked to Gu Zhan with a sly smile, "Gu Qianhu, so young and accomplished—with a brilliant future ahead. I recall a phrase my father oft taught me, and I offer it to you today—
Bear in mind: beyond every mountain is another, beyond every man another,
In all dealings, know when enough is enough, and you may live long!"