Chapter 122 - 121: Plotting to Seize Power
As soon as Ling Jing finished speaking, the main hall fell into utter silence.
Though Ling Jing was smiling and his words were tactful, everyone present was shrewd enough to hear the threat beneath his words—Ling Jing was issuing a warning to Gu Zhan.
A naked, undisguised threat.
Of course, Gu Zhan understood Ling Jing’s meaning—this was a signal to show restraint and know when to stop.
The hall was shrouded in deathly silence.
Ling Jing sipped his wine with a gentle smile. "Gu Qianhu, what do you think of these words?"
Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke slowly: "I thank Prince Ling for your guidance. In my view, what you’ve said is very true..."
Ling Jing chuckled softly,
But Gu Zhan continued, "However, I also have two words for Prince Ling. Please listen well—
The barefooted have no fear of those wearing shoes,
And when a common man is enraged, blood will spill within five steps!"
The air in the hall grew even more oppressive.
Ling Jing’s smile froze, his expression turning increasingly unpleasant.
Gu Zhan’s threat was even more direct than his own!
Just then, Yang Yuzhi spoke up, "Everyone is now acquainted. Let us begin the banquet; if we wait any longer, the dishes will turn cold!"
"Yes, yes, let’s begin!"
"I’ve been starving for ages."
"..."
With Yang Yuzhi playing the peacemaker, the other Prefecture Government officials quickly chimed in to steer the conversation elsewhere.
Because of the confrontation between Gu Zhan and Ling Jing, the banquet did not last long; it came to an end in haste.
In little more than the time it takes an incense stick to burn,
the party dispersed.
Ling Jing and his companions were led away by Prefecture Government attendants to their already-prepared lodgings.
Gu Zhan also left the Prefecture Government with the other officials,
and was just about to step into his carriage
when General Lifen, Jing Zhan, appeared from somewhere and called out, "Gu Qianhu."
Gu Zhan cupped his fist. "General Jing."
Jing Zhan showed a faint smile and said, "It’s rare these days to find someone as resolute as you in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lord Gu. It stirs some feelings in me, reminds me of when I was young. Back then, every Embroidered Uniform Guard was like you; their reputation wasn’t the best, to be sure, but they cleansed the Court of countless petty and troublesome matters. If the Embroidered Uniform Guard today still had such spirit, Dragon Pass would not have been lost!"
Gu Zhan asked, "Is the Embroidered Uniform Guard so weak now?"
Jing Zhan gave a short laugh. "Even at the banquet just now, Qi Qianyu dared call you a hound of the Court—think on that. You’ve spent your days in Linjiang City, so it’s less apparent; in a place as vast as Yunzhou, the Embroidered Uniform Guard is a title in name only."
Here, Jing Zhan paused and went on, "Forgive my presumption, but I came just to remind you, Lord Gu, to be extra vigilant. You’ve made a public threat against the Heir of the Marquis of Chengyang today. You’ve made an enemy of him—beware his vengeance.
I am concerned you may not be aware of the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s current plight. That’s why I came to caution you: in its current state, Ling Jing is not afraid of consequences. If he retaliates, any evidence left behind will mean nothing; the Embroidered Uniform Guard lacks the gall to pursue him. So, you must be on your guard."
Gu Zhan nodded and cupped his fist. "Thank you for your warning, General."
Jing Zhan patted Gu Zhan on the shoulder with a smile. "With such strength at your age, your talent is remarkable. Do not squander it. As long as you are powerful enough, not only Ling Jing, but even his father would not dare offend you!"
With that,
Jing Zhan swung onto his horse and departed.
"General Jing is truly a man whose stern face hides a warm heart," Rong Yichu said softly, coming to Gu Zhan’s side.
Gu Zhan nodded. "I just didn’t think the Embroidered Uniform Guard had fallen even further than I imagined. No wonder even an Inspector seeks to curry favor with Ling Jing."
Rong Yichu thought for a moment, then said, "My lord, you must take General Jing’s warning to heart."
Gu Zhan gave a cold snort. "This is Linjiang City. If Ling Jing dares to reach out his hand, I’ll chop off his arm myself!"
...
Linjiang City, in a manor house.
Ling Jing had moved in with a group of Martial World people and the Yunzhou Embroidered Uniform Guard.
In the main hall,
Ling Jing, Qi Qianyu, and Inspector of the Garrison Shen Minghe sat together, deep in discussion.
Qi Qianyu fumed, "Crown Prince, Gu Zhan is truly an ignorant frog at the bottom of a well—unbearably arrogant. He acts as though you don’t exist, daring to threaten you in public. We must not let him off lightly!"
Ling Jing snorted coldly. "Indeed, he’s insufferable. After too long in Linjiang City, he really thinks the world is no larger than this little patch of earth. Still, our proper business is pressing. For now, let the dog live. If we kill him now, Jing Zhan will seize upon it to force me out, so for now we cannot kill him outright!"
Qi Qianyu grumbled grudgingly, "So he gets to breathe a little longer—how fortunate for him!"
Beside them, Inspector Shen Minghe smiled gently. "Crown Prince, Young Hero Qi, there’s no need for men of your stature to be angered by such an upstart. It’s not worth stalling our true purpose."
Ling Jing nodded. "How goes the matter I set you to investigate?"
Shen Minghe replied, "It’s all clear. This time, only the Embroidered Uniform Guard is charged with logistics support. Not long ago, Linjiang City suffered unrest; the Prefecture Government has yet to recover, so only the Embroidered Uniform Guard remains functional."
Ling Jing’s eyes narrowed. "So, as long as we control the Embroidered Uniform Guard, we seize the entire logistics line at its throat."
Shen Minghe nodded. "Essentially, yes. However, many Martial World gangs in Linjiang City are also aiding in gathering and transporting military supplies. Gu Zhan, though brash, does possess some strength. In Linjiang City, he thrives in both legal and underground circles—he has a tight grip on the Embroidered Uniform Guard and plays a leading role in the Martial World as well."
Ling Jing’s gaze sharpened. "Then we’ll pull his fangs. I cannot act openly due to my status. I leave this affair to you both. Qianyu, you are to sever Gu Zhan’s ties with the Martial World gangs; Inspector Shen, your task is to tighten control over the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
This should not prove difficult. Qianyu, your name resonates through the Martial World, and you have the backing of major sects. Seizing Linjiang’s gangs won’t be hard for you. Inspector Shen, your station from the Garrison places you above Gu Zhan; suppressing him ought not be a challenge."
Qi Qianyu sneered, "The Martial World gangs of Linjiang City are nothing but lowly, back-alley riffraff, not a single one has reached the Innate Realm. If I, Qi Qianyu, come forward, none would dare defy me."
Shen Minghe smiled. "My task is more troublesome—after all, we are still the Government Office, not like handling Martial World riffraff where all can be settled in the open. Still, Gu Zhan’s grip on the Embroidered Uniform Guard relies solely on his trusted circle. Eliminate these men, and Gu Zhan will be finished!"