Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: Curtailing the Feudal Lords

The next day, throughout the capital city, discussions big and small spread like wildfire. In every street and alley, from household to household, it was common knowledge that the Marquis of Dongzhou had slain General Mu Chuan.

The court was shrouded in a heavy, oppressive silence.

“Damnable incompetents! Fifty thousand troops, and they were defeated in a single day. And Mu Chuan, the great general, was even captured—what a humiliating disgrace! A bunch of useless fools,” Long Yingchuan spat venomously, disregarding his own dignity.

Not a single minister dared to speak up; all bowed their heads in submission.

Seeing their fearful demeanor, Long Yingchuan’s fury flared. He pointed at them, shouting, “The entire court of civil and military officials is utterly useless—nothing but a bunch of trash!”

The emperor’s wrath spread like wildfire across the land, and the ministers knelt in unison.

“The Emperor speaks true,” they echoed humbly.

But the more they flattered, the angrier Long Yingchuan became.

“Yes, yes, you only know how to say ‘true.’ What else can you do?” he barked.

Silence reigned, as if the ministers were lifeless puppets.

Long Yingchuan took a deep breath, calming himself before speaking slowly.

“Who was responsible for killing Mu Chuan?”

A cautious minister stepped forward. “Your Majesty, according to reliable sources, both Mu Chuan and Li Chongwu were slain personally by the Marquis of Dongzhou—no, by Shi Chenghua himself.”

Long Yingchuan laughed maniacally.

“Excellent, excellent! One after another, they all betray me, do they? Very well. Don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Rising to his feet, Long Yingchuan proclaimed an edict.

“From this day forth, I hereby decree the reduction of the feudal powers and the establishment of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. A thorough investigation into the crimes committed by all marquises and princes during their tenures shall commence immediately. At the slightest hint of wrongdoing, their titles will be revoked without mercy.”

No minister dared to oppose; they could only respond with hearty approval.

“Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years and beyond!”

Meanwhile, far away in Yongning City, Lu Yunduan reclined in a residence, enjoying the softest comforts the world had to offer.

“Sir, what’s wrong? Why is your heart racing so?” Bai Suier asked as she gently massaged Lu Yunduan’s calves to invigorate the blood flow and relieve bruising.

After days of warfare and fleeing, Lu Yunduan was finally able to relax, yet his heart pounded uncontrollably, as if foretelling some ill fate.

Suddenly, Zhao Tiesui burst in, breathless and anxious.

“Master, the Emperor of Dali has issued an order to reduce the feudal powers.”

Only then did Lu Yunduan understand the source of his unease—it was this very decree.

Reducing the feudal powers—the treacherous emperor intended to strike first, stripping regional lords of their military strength and consolidating control in his own hands.

This was dangerous. If that happened, Lu Yunduan’s initial opportunities would vanish.

No, the marquises and princes would not relinquish their military authority so easily.

If the emperor tried to emulate Zhu Yunwen’s reduction of feudal powers, was he not afraid of becoming the next Zhu Yunwen?

All he needed was a subtle hint, a little exaggeration, and the fury and rebellion brewing in those men’s hearts would explode, turning them into his own pawns.

“Find out clearly—who will the emperor target first?” Lu Yunduan ordered.

Without hesitation, Zhao Tiesui answered, “Prince Yan, Li Di.”

Interesting. He hadn’t expected the emperor to be so bold as to strike at his own father’s brother. Such audacity.

“Zhao Tiesui, I have a task for you,” Lu Yunduan said.

“Master, any task—just say the word,” Zhao Tiesui replied solemnly, clasping his fists with unwavering loyalty in his eyes.

“I hereby appoint you the city lord of Yongning City. This city is entrusted to you. I hope you will not betray my trust.”

“Master, I dare not covet the position of city lord,” Zhao Tiesui quickly knelt, concern flashing in his heart. What did the master mean? Was this a test of his loyalty?

The more Zhao Tiesui refused, the more Lu Yunduan trusted him and insisted.

“I have my reasons for entrusting you with Yongning City. You cannot refuse.”

“Master, I…” Zhao Tiesui began.

“No more words. My decision stands. Yongning City is yours.”

Seeing Lu Yunduan’s resolve, Zhao Tiesui ceased his protests and clasped his fists.

“A city lives with its lord; if the city falls, the lord falls.”

At Phoenix Ridge, Lu Yunduan traveled across the open fields. Prince Yan’s fief lay on the frontier, where for years he had led troops against the southern barbarians. Prince Yan Li Di and Lu Yunduan’s father were hailed as the twin heroes of the empire, their renown striking awe throughout the military ranks.

This time, Lu Yunduan journeyed alone to the southern province, leaving his troops behind.

First, to keep forces steady in defense of Yongning City, guarding against the capital and the Marquis of Dongzhou; second, to maintain secrecy—too many people meant a bigger target, increasing the chance of discovery.

But for his own safety, he needed one bodyguard.

“System, how many emotion points do I need for Zhao Yun, Zhao Zilong?”

“Searching…”

“Zhao Yun, Zhao Zilong has two forms: Human Martial Spirit and Divine Martial Spirit. Host, which would you like to purchase?”

Human Martial Spirit? Divine Martial Spirit?

It seemed to follow the mechanism from ‘Spirit Town.’ Knowing the system’s nature, the Divine Martial Spirit would be superior but outrageously expensive.

“I can afford that kind?”

“Host cannot afford even one.”

Lu Yunduan nearly fell flat on his face. What did he just hear? Not a single one affordable? Impossible!

He had toiled for days, pushing his emotion points to the limit, and now the system told him he couldn’t buy any?

“Impossible! System, have you lost your mind?”

“Please be civilized, host. We are civilized beings.”

Lu Yunduan didn’t want to hear the system’s nonsense. He just wanted to know why he couldn’t buy any despite all his hard work.

“Stop with the useless talk. Did you steal my emotion points?”

“Please do not slander this system. This is a righteous system.”

Seeing that reasoning was futile, the system changed the subject, and Lu Yunduan, unwilling to back down, resorted to stubbornness.

“I don’t care how many emotion points I have; just give me one of those two Zhao Yun forms.”

“Understood. Arranging now. Emotion points have been reset to zero. Purchase of Human Martial Spirit Zhao Yun successful. Rewards have been issued. This system is now shutting down. Please do not disturb.”

“Beep—”

Lu Yunduan was left dumbfounded in the field. Only then did he realize—

“Scammer, corrupt official—a system that’s greedy? Damn it!”

He cursed loudly. All the emotion points he painstakingly earned had been confiscated by the system. That was as if it had taken his very life.

“Oh heavens, oh my, Queen Mother of the West, how can there be such a greedy being in time? No, wait, I forgot—it’s not a being at all. How can there be such a greedy system in time?”

Lu Yunduan sobbed and sniffled, completely oblivious to the figure standing beside him.

“Changshan Zhao Zilong, at your service, my lord.”