Chapter 112: Up On The Court, Why Isn’t A Single Person Clamoring Anymore!!!
“Boom—!”
The hall erupted in a clamor like thunder, then instantly fell into dead silence.
The Emperor abruptly stood up, his dragon robe billowing. His piercing gaze was like a physical entity, fixed on the figure in the hall.
“Your Majesty, this humble minister has fulfilled his mission and brought Tudan back for Your Majesty to dispense with.”
Lin Fan bowed and said in a deep voice, then he extended his hand, grabbed Tudan’s large head, and lifted Tudan up as if he were a chick.
Tudan’s limbs hung limply as Lin Fan moved him about carelessly, without any resistance.
Lin Fan, holding Tudan, approached a civil official. “Tell me, who is he?”
The civil official being questioned was the same old official who had threatened to crash to his death in the Golden Palace Hall last time. Now, being questioned by Lin Fan and seeing the familiar Tudan before him,
the old official’s lips trembled. His clouded eyes stared intently at Tudan, who was so close, and finally, he squeezed out two trembling words from between his teeth.
“Tu… Tudan!”
“Hmph, it seems you’re not completely blind with old age.” Lin Fan snorted coldly and carried Tudan to one official after another, asking the same question.
That is, who is he?
Until Lin Fan reached the Grand Tutor.
“Grand Tutor,” Lin Fan’s gaze was sharp. “You tell me, who is he?”
An invisible, immense pressure descended like a thunderclap.
The Grand Tutor felt his breath catch. Having reached the pinnacle of power, he now felt like a small boat in a stormy sea.
He took a deep breath and spat out the two words, almost through gritted teeth.
“TUDAN!!!”
The Grand Tutor had to admit that Lin Fan’s feat of capturing Tudan had already caused the civil and military officials present to lower their heads in silence, daring not to say a word.
“Good, excellent. It seems you all still know who he is.” Lin Fan, still holding Tudan, walked to the center of the hall, raising Tudan high above his head, and shouted angrily, “You eat the Emperor’s salary but cannot share his worries. Instead, you rely on me, the Divine Martial Great General, whom Your Majesty personally promoted. When Your Majesty enfeoffed me, who shouted the loudest? Who cried as if their life depended on it?”
“Step forward and let me see, do you still have any face?”
Lin Fan had no intention of letting the officials off so easily.
The officials were in an awkward position now.
They all lowered their heads.
Let alone being scolded now, even if they were defecated on, they would have no recourse.
Tudan, this was Tudan!
The God of War of Mengye Country, the commander of the three armies, the pillar of the nation, who had single-handedly resisted our Central Plains Dynasty until now, and was even subtly gaining the upper hand.
Now he had been captured by Lin Fan.
How could this not shock them, how could this not horrify them?
They had never even imagined such a thing.
“What? All mute?” Lin Fan’s reprimand echoed through the hall. “And which scoundrel was it in the Imperial Capital who spread rumors that if this general didn’t twist Tudan’s head off, I would have to present my own head?”
“Were you already plotting to watch this general make a fool of himself, so that you good-for-nothings could continue to hold office without doing any work?”
Lin Fan unleashed a tirade on the spot, glaring at the officials in the hall, so much so that they were rendered speechless, none daring to utter a word.
The Emperor, standing there, felt as if the top of his head was about to be blown off by sheer pleasure. An ineffable emotion surged within him, making him tremble with excitement.
He descended from the imperial platform in two or three steps, came to his side, clasped Lin Fan’s hand, his face flushed and spirits high, saying, “Beloved Minister! Beloved Minister! You are truly my good beloved minister!”
“Your Majesty, eating the Emperor’s salary and sharing his worries is my duty. Tudan mobilized the army and encroached on our border defenses, attempting to march south. Such an arrogant act, how could it be allowed to succeed.”
“Not a single official in the entire court can share Your Majesty’s worries; they are truly useless.”
Lin Fan glanced at the crowd, his gaze filled with naked contempt that was almost tangible.
The Emperor comforted Lin Fan’s emotions. “Beloved Minister, please calm your anger, do not overexert yourself. I am truly happy.”
“Your Majesty, please rest assured, this minister’s body is as strong as an ox. It would only anger me if I didn’t curse them; only by cursing them do I feel much better,” Lin Fan said.
The Emperor nodded without hesitation upon hearing this. “Curse them, curse them as much as you like. As long as Beloved Minister is happy, I grant you permission to curse anyone you wish in this Golden Palace Hall.”
The civil and military officials who heard this were on the verge of collapse.
Your Majesty, are we truly just weeds by the roadside, serving as a backdrop for the flower next to you?
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s gracious permission, then this minister will begin cursing.”
Lin Fan never minced words. He walked directly to a portly, corpulent official and pointed at his face, saying, “Look at your fat head and big ears. Your Majesty is working tirelessly day and night for state affairs, becoming so thin. And you? You likely spend your nights in revelry, sleeping with beautiful concubines. The fat on your body, if scraped off, would feed the common people for three years!”
The official Lin Fan cursed was a third-rank official of the imperial court.
His status was high.
Now, being aggressively attacked by Lin Fan, he was stunned on the spot, his beard and eyes wide with anger. “Great General Lin, do not slander me! This old minister… I…”
“My mother’s neighbor!” Lin Fan roared.
“Ah, ah, ah!” The old official, as if driven mad, jumped up and down from being cursed. “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please uphold justice for this old minister! How can the Great General insult this old minister so?”
Lin Fan didn’t even bother to pay him any mind and directly shifted his target, selecting the Marquis of Xiangcheng, who was in charge of the Capital Garrison and belonged to Qin Li’s faction.
When Marquis Xiangcheng realized Lin Fan’s gaze had locked onto him, he had a premonition of ill omen, suspecting the Divine Martial Great General might turn his attention to him.
Thinking this,
Marquis Xiangcheng felt he could not wait to be attacked and had to take the initiative.
He stepped forward and said respectfully, “Your Majesty, Great General Lin has captured Tudan. King Meng of Mengye Country will certainly not stand idly by. This minister believes we should focus on border defense to prevent King Meng from leading his army south.”
As soon as he said this, the entire court felt it made sense.
At the same time, they wanted to quickly escape Lin Fan’s barrage of curses, which were too vulgar, and they had no means to counter them.
“All of you shut up! Stop trying to change the subject,” Lin Fan rebuked angrily. At the same time, he took the King of Meng’s crown from his bag and placed it in the Emperor’s hand.
Then he pointed at Marquis Xiangcheng and cursed angrily, “Marquis Xiangcheng, you are in charge of the Capital Garrison and receive the nation’s grace, yet you collude with Qin Li, who hoards troops and demands an exorbitant six million taels of military pay. Your Majesty is overwhelmed by internal and external troubles, and you eat the Emperor’s salary, why do you not step forward to rebuke Qin Li’s unreasonable demands?”
“Or is it that in your eyes, Qin Li is your true master?”
Marquis Xiangcheng was completely dumbfounded.
He was truly at a loss for what to do now, being angrily cursed by Lin Fan, he had absolutely no way to retaliate.
He didn’t even dare to talk back.
He believed that if he dared to retort, what he would face was likely a slap to the face.
Do not doubt whether the other party would dare.
Anyone who doubted it had likely already been injured and was recuperating at home.
The Emperor was truly in high spirits now, utterly exhilarated.
It had been so long.
It seemed like a very, very long time since any beloved minister had dared to angrily reprimand the assembled officials for him.
He was not only not angry but overjoyed.
Huh!
The Emperor suddenly noticed that the item Beloved Minister had just given him was rather heavy.
He looked down.
It was radiant with jewels, exquisitely and luxuriously crafted, with a fist-sized gemstone that was particularly conspicuous.
It looked so familiar.
He seemed to have seen it somewhere before.
Suddenly, the Emperor’s expression froze. His eyes widened, and he slowly looked up at the spittle-flying Lin Fan. “Beloved… Beloved Minister, what… what is this?”
He seemed to know in his heart.
Yet he couldn’t help but ask.
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, this is the crown that this minister plucked from King Meng’s head. It is also the symbol of the King of Mengye Country. Now, this minister presents it to Your Majesty.”
Instantly,
the Emperor stood there stunned, a surge of heat rushing from his feet to the crown of his head. His breathing quickened, and the air he exhaled from his nostrils was scorching.
His heart raced, and his blood flowed faster.
The civil and military officials, who had been cursed by Lin Fan, were also stunned by his words and all looked at the crown in the Emperor’s hand.
Upon seeing this object,
they knew this was undoubtedly King Meng’s crown.
The officials looked at Lin Fan in horror.
Where… where did he get it from?
Before they could even figure it out, Lin Fan’s incredibly arrogant yet remarkably relaxed voice reached their ears.
“Your Majesty, King Meng led his army south, and when I blocked him, I made a bet with King Meng. If I could ride alone to his presence, he would retreat.”
“Clearly, this minister succeeded.”
“And this crown is the proof.”
Lin Fan spoke very casually.
As the words he spoke entered everyone’s minds, everyone present had a look of confusion in their eyes, as if their brains had ceased to function.
They could not even imagine such a scene.
The Grand Tutor couldn’t help but ask, “Since the Great General captured King Meng, why didn’t you bring him back?”
“Foolish!!!” Lin Fan roared. “What use is there in bringing him back? Mengye Country is a well-established nation. If King Meng is captured, they will immediately enthrone a new king. If the new king then attacks south, will the Grand Tutor go to the front lines to stop him?”
The Grand Tutor, splashed with Lin Fan’s words, lowered his head.
He truly did not want any further interaction with Lin Fan.
At the same time, he secretly regretted why he had been foolish enough to respond earlier.
Now, as the Grand Tutor, his reputation had been trampled on by Lin Fan, but thankfully, his life was not in danger. He knew Lin Fan was indeed volatile and easily angered, but he would not kill them.
Because the entire court needed officials to operate.
They would never be put to death, otherwise the country would truly fall into chaos.
Just as Lin Fan was enthusiastically cursing, the Emperor’s eyes welled up with tears. “Beloved Minister, my beloved minister! You have truly given me such a surprise! I have governed for thirty years and have never achieved such a great feat. Even when I meet the former emperors, I can stand tall and tell Emperor Taizu and Emperor Gaozu that I have the ability to recognize talent, and my beloved minister has done something great for me!”
Lin Fan gently patted the Emperor’s hand. “Your Majesty, do not get too excited. There will be many similar matters in the future. If it weren’t for Qin Li holding us back, I would have already twisted off King Meng’s head and led the army north to raze the Mengye royal court.”
“Beloved Minister, that is enough. I am already completely satisfied,” the Emperor said excitedly.
If capturing Tudan had made the Emperor want to jump with joy, then now, with this crown, he wanted to roll on the ground to vent his happiness.
“No!” Lin Fan grabbed the Emperor’s hand, his gaze sincere and serious. “Your Majesty, how can a ruler of a nation be satisfied with such minor skirmishes? As a ruler, one must expand territory, spread the might of the Central Plains throughout the land, and have all nations submit, making the common people immensely proud of their court.”
“Yes, yes, Beloved Minister speaks the truth, Beloved Minister speaks the truth.” The Emperor’s head began to shrink. Under the impact of such great surprises, he had completely lost the ability to think.
He only had one thought: that whatever Beloved Minister said was right.
While Lin Fan and the Emperor were conversing,
the entire court remained immersed in the deeds Lin Fan had described.
Single-handedly?
Capturing King Meng?
These were things they dared not even imagine.
Were they lying?
It was clearly impossible. That crown was the symbol of power in Mengye Country, its value immeasurable, and it was impossible for it to be given to someone for no reason.
Clearly, there was only one conclusion.
Lin Fan had truly captured King Meng and taken the crown from his head.
“Your Majesty, now we must send someone to inform Qin Li that border defense is no longer his responsibility,” Lin Fan said.
The Emperor, still immersed in joy, snapped back to reality and said loudly, “Guards!”
“Your Majesty.”
“Dispatch a fast horse immediately to tell Qin Li that he need not go to the border defense,” the Emperor commanded.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Just as the eunuch was about to receive the order, Lin Fan spoke, “Wait.”
The eunuch stopped and bowed respectfully, listening. The Divine Martial Great General was now the pillar of the imperial court.
“Divine Martial Great General, what are your orders?” the eunuch asked.
Lin Fan’s gaze sharpened, and he said in a deep voice, “When you see Qin Li, tell him to return two million of the military pay. If he doesn’t agree, tell him this is from me, Lin Fan, and warn him not to force me to come find him there, otherwise, it won’t just be about returning two million taels.”
From four million taels previously, it increased to six million taels.
This was clearly a test of obedience.
If the Emperor agreed, Qin Li would not only not be grateful but would feel that he could make higher demands in the future.
He didn’t know how much would be skimmed off during the transfer of this six million taels, but given Qin Li’s status and position, few people would dare to embezzle his military pay.
Although he didn’t have a deep understanding of the military affairs, based on the current situation, the annual salary of border soldiers was about fifteen taels, and Qin Li’s soldiers were around 150,000. The annual military pay of about three million taels would be sufficient.
If Qin Li were training elite troops, six million taels would be appropriate.
However, it was obvious that this was unlikely.
The eunuch heard this and was slightly taken aback. He looked at the Emperor, as asking Qin Li to return two million taels of military pay was, frankly, a bit… too audacious to say.
The Emperor nodded to the eunuch.
The eunuch received the order, turned, and hurried away.
The officials secretly glanced at Lin Fan. Was this young man going to make a move against Qin Li?
The factions of the First Prince and the Second Prince were all filled with anticipation. This had nothing to do with them; they were even happy to see it. After all, Qin Li had not taken sides in the struggle for the throne.
However, his power was too great, and his neutrality made them uneasy.
At this moment, the Emperor had no intention of continuing the court session and waved to the civil and military officials, “Dismiss the court, dismiss the court.”
The officials had long wanted to leave.
Now that they heard they could leave,
they immediately hurried away.
They were afraid that if they left late, Lin Fan would go mad again and not allow them to leave, launching another round of curses at them.
He then looked at Lin Fan.
“Beloved Minister, accompany me for a stroll in the Imperial Garden and tell me about the situation at the time.” The Emperor’s excited heart had not yet calmed down; he was still brimming with excitement.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lin Fan nodded, then looked at Tudan, who was lying on the ground like a dead dog. “Your Majesty, Tudan must be kept under guard. I expect King Meng will send envoys to discuss his ransom in some time.”
The Emperor said, “Beloved Minister, according to your opinion, do you think I should hand Tudan back?”
Lin Fan replied, “Your Majesty, what will be gained by returning him? Our Central Plains Dynasty is a great nation, why should we fear others? Even if we let him go, what then? As long as I want to capture him, he cannot escape no matter where he hides.”
“Moreover, this will let all the small nations understand that daring to provoke the Central Plains Dynasty will come at a price.”
“Tudan is insignificant to us, but to Mengye Country, he is the cornerstone. When we make some excessive demands, I believe Mengye Country will agree.”
Lin Fan didn’t take Tudan seriously at all.
Before meeting him, he thought that Tudan, who was so highly praised, must be an extremely difficult opponent.
But after meeting him in person,
he was greatly disappointed.
He was nothing special.
“Good, Beloved Minister speaks the truth, he speaks the absolute truth.” The Emperor liked him more and more, even wondering why he couldn’t be his own son.
Why was such an excellent beloved minister always someone else’s child?
Alas…
It was painful just thinking about it.
In the Imperial Garden.
Lin Fan watched the Emperor furtively conversing with a eunuch, not asking any questions, but thinking about future matters. He was not worried about the civil officials at all.
These old dogs were just asking to be beaten; their foundations were all in the capital, and they couldn’t cause any major trouble. As for verbal attacks, they were useless against him. If he got angry, he could kick down their doors that very day and beat them severely.
If there was any difficulty, it would be the military officials.
They held military power, which was not easy to deal with.
But it didn’t matter. As long as he wanted to deal with them, there was no military official he couldn’t handle.
Inside the Imperial Garden, a gentle breeze swept across the lotus pond, creating ripples.
Lin Fan and the Emperor sat opposite each other in a pavilion. The aroma of tea wafted through the air. With the border conflict resolved, the Emperor’s brows were relaxed and joyful, and his tone of voice was much lighter than usual.
As they were chatting, the sound of jingling jade pendants approached from a distance.
Several figures, like warbling orioles and graceful swallows, appeared.
The Empress, leaning on a maid’s arm, entered the garden with graceful bearing. Her mood was quite good; she had received word from the eunuchs sent by the Emperor, asking her to bring the Imperial Noble Consort and the consorts to the Imperial Garden.
She had specifically instructed that the princesses must be brought along, no matter what.
She had learned from the eunuch that accompanying the Emperor was the now soaring Divine Martial Great General Lin Fan.
As the Emperor’s only legal wife, how could she not know the Emperor’s intentions?
He intended to arrange a happy union between a princess and the Divine Martial Great General. If it succeeded, the son-in-law would be family.
Following behind were the Imperial Noble Consort and several favored concubines. Although over thirty, they were still captivating due to their careful maintenance.
Behind them followed several princesses in the prime of their youth, each holding their breath, looking at the figure in the pavilion with a mixture of shyness and unconcealed curiosity.
Having lived in the Imperial Palace since childhood, they had little exposure to the outside world.
They were very curious about young heroes.
The Emperor smiled and said, “Beloved Minister, let me introduce you. This is the Empress, this is the Imperial Noble Consort, this is Consort Xian, Consort Shu, Consort Zhuang…”
He personally introduced the harem consorts one by one.
Such a great honor caused everyone present to be inwardly surprised.
The Emperor’s regard for this Divine Martial Great General was truly extraordinary.
Lin Fan rose and bowed. “This minister greets Her Majesty the Empress.”
The Empress nodded with a shallow smile. “I have often heard His Majesty speak of the General’s heroic demeanor. I could not see clearly from afar that day at the arena. Seeing you today, you are indeed a young hero. It is a blessing to the nation that His Majesty has the assistance of the General.”
“Your Majesty flatters me. This minister is merely doing his duty.”
The Emperor laughed heartily. “Does the Empress know what incredible feats my beloved minister has accomplished again? You would hardly believe it, but every word is true.”
He gestured for everyone to sit down. “Sit down, everyone, and let me tell you slowly.”
In an instant, Lin Fan felt himself enveloped in a cloud of fragrance and the tinkling of jade.
The consorts and princesses gathered around, and countless eyes fell upon him.
There was concern, curiosity, and a few gazes from beautiful princesses that were so intense they almost seemed to burn through him.
When they heard that Tudan of Mengye Country had been captured, the consorts present were startled. When they saw the crown representing the King of Mengye Country, they exclaimed in amazement.
A young girl in a goose-yellow palace dress suddenly looked up, her bright eyes flickering. “Father Emperor, did the King of Mengye Country willingly hand over the crown to the Great General?”
The Emperor smiled. “How could he willingly? But my beloved minister, I tell you, rode alone into the enemy camp, fought his way to King Meng’s presence, ordered him to retreat, and snatched the crown from the barbarian King Meng’s head.”
The pavilion fell silent.
The consorts stared blankly at the Divine Martial Great General sitting quietly and drinking tea, finally understanding why His Majesty treated him so exceptionally.
Several princesses blushed, secretly appraising Lin Fan.
This was the peerless hero they had read about in storybooks. No, even the stories in the books did not compare to the fantastical deeds of this Divine Martial Great General before them.
Lin Fan lowered his gaze to the floating leaves in his cup.
This garden full of spring splendor made him more uneasy than facing thousands of enemy soldiers alone.
He really couldn’t understand how the Emperor could tolerate it.
Just as the Emperor was about to speak, he seemed to remember something. His gaze swept across the princesses, and he frowned slightly. “Where is Little Eighteenth?”
The princess in the goose-yellow palace dress replied softly, “Father Emperor, eighteenth sister has gone to Sister Lingxiang. Sister is to be married to a foreign land soon and is unwilling to part, so she has been weeping often recently.”
“Alas…” The Emperor sighed lightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, but he said no more.
The children of the imperial family were like this.
They had no ability to choose their own happiness. From birth, their fate was sealed. Those who were lucky could marry the sons of ministers in the court; those who were unlucky would be sent far away from the palace for a political marriage to another country.
Becoming sacrifices of political alliances.
Lin Fan, restless, was very sensitive to the word “political marriage.” Upon hearing it, he immediately said, “Your Majesty, may I ask which country Princess Lingxiang is to be married to?”
The Emperor replied, “An island nation to the southeast of the sea.”
“An island nation across the sea?”
Lin Fan had no good impression of island nations across the sea. In his past life, he knew that the ones always causing trouble were Japan and the Philippines.
The princess in the goose-yellow palace dress chimed in, “Great General, precisely. I heard that the people there are short in stature, with dark complexions, eyes like jackals, and their hair is tied into strange topknots…”
“Damn it! It’s the little devils.” Lin Fan heard this and exploded instantly, jumping up.
This sudden action startled the Emperor and the harem consorts.
Why had the Divine Martial Great General, who was fine just moments ago, suddenly become enraged?
“Beloved Minister, Beloved Minister, what is wrong?” the Emperor quickly asked.
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, this minister has an irreconcilable feud with this island nation across the sea. At the time, I did not know. Now, hearing the princess speak, I am certain it must be them.”
The Emperor was dazed and somewhat bewildered. He didn’t know why his beloved minister had a grudge against an island nation across the sea.
It seemed there were no relevant records in the investigation information.
The Emperor said, “Beloved Minister, this…”
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, our Central Plains Dynasty is a great nation. How can such an island nation across the sea be worthy of a princess from our dynasty for a political marriage? This minister implores Your Majesty to grant me three thousand troops, and I will annihilate this country.”
The deep-seated hatred, passed down from generation to generation, would transfer to them even if he transmigrated to another world and encountered similar beings.
“Beloved Minister, calm down! The matter of annihilating a country is no trivial affair, and besides…” The Emperor found it difficult to understand why his beloved minister was so insistent on destroying this country, but he could feel the killing intent gathered in his eyes.
“Your Majesty, please grant me three thousand troops. No matter what, I must annihilate this country. This is my wish and my obsession,” Lin Fan said with extreme firmness.
Seeing his beloved minister so resolute, the Emperor knew that if he did not agree, his beloved minister would not give up. He asked, “Beloved Minister, are these three thousand troops a bit too few?”
Lin Fan shook his head. “Not too few. For this minister, it is sufficient. Three thousand armored cavalry are enough to sweep through this country.”
And at this moment,
a eunuch hurried over. “Your Majesty, the envoy from Japan has arrived. Shall we receive him?”
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
The Emperor looked at Lin Fan. “Beloved Minister, why don’t you accompany me to see the envoy from Japan first?”
“Your Majesty, why not summon him here? I will watch from here.” Lin Fan’s hand involuntarily fell to the hilt of his Wild Goose Feather Dagger. Currently, he was the only one allowed into the palace to meet the Emperor while carrying a weapon.
The Emperor said, “Summon the envoy from Japan to come in.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The eunuch bowed and left, not expecting the words of the Divine Martial Great General to be so important that the Emperor would actually listen. According to the rules, how could the envoy from Japan be allowed into the Imperial Garden?
The princess in the goose-yellow palace dress noticed that after hearing about Japan, the Divine Martial Great General became very serious and angry. She also noticed that the Great General’s hand had fallen to the hilt of his saber.
She couldn’t help but be surprised inwardly. Could the Great General be planning to kill the envoy from Japan?
But it should be impossible.
She was probably overthinking it.
After a long while,
Click. Click.
The crisp sound of footsteps approached.
The envoy from Japan, led by a eunuch, entered the Imperial Garden. His eyes greedily scanned the surroundings, and he secretly sighed at the abundance of treasures in the Central Plains, regretting that Japan was currently unable to advance northward comprehensively.
They still needed to continuously learn from the Central Plains Dynasty’s knowledge to strengthen themselves.
Now that the Central Plains Dynasty was willing to engage in a political marriage, it would be greatly beneficial to Japan. First, they would be able to obtain continuous benefits from the Central Plains Dynasty.
At the same time, they could use the princess to give birth to descendants with the imperial bloodline of the Central Plains Dynasty. Then, if they could advance north and occupy the Central Plains Dynasty, it would be justified.
The consorts looked at the arriving envoy, their eyes filled with disdain.
Lin Fan narrowed his eyes slightly, his killing intent boiling. It was just as he had expected, exactly as he had imagined.
Damn it.
He didn’t have the chance in his previous life, but now that he had transmigrated and possessed the ability to destroy nations, how could he show mercy? Regardless of whether they had provoked him, now that he encountered such a situation, he would not hesitate.
The envoy from Japan, led by the eunuch, kowtowed three times and said, “This humble servant, Da Jiu, by the command of my lord, respectfully requests Your Majesty’s well-being. May our Emperor live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years!”
After speaking, the envoy from Japan raised the gift list.
“This is some of our country’s local produce, including sulfur, seafood, etc. The materials are crude and unworthy of your attention, but we humbly beg Your Majesty to accept it with a smile.”
These were normal procedures.
Japan usually sent an envoy to the Central Plains Dynasty once a year.
They would present some gifts and in return receive more rewards.
In their words, they would take your wealth, learn your knowledge, and finally wield the butcher’s knife against your heads.
Moreover, this tactic was always effective.
Every time they returned, they were fully rewarded.
The eunuch delivered the gift list to the Emperor. The Emperor merely glanced at it briefly and set it aside.
“National letter,” the Emperor said.
The envoy from Japan quickly presented the national letter with both hands.
The Emperor took the national letter and could discern Japan’s attitude toward the Central Plains Dynasty from its contents. However, upon seeing the first sentence, the Emperor’s expression changed instantly. Without looking further, he set the national letter aside.
Lin Fan picked up the national letter and read it.
“The Son of Heaven from the place where the sun rises sends a letter to the Son of Heaven where the sun sets, wishing him well.”
Upon seeing this sentence, Lin Fan slammed his palm down, shattering the stone table, and stood up abruptly. He walked in front of the envoy from Japan and roared, “How dare you! Such disrespect! Do you truly think the Central Plains Dynasty is easy to bully? I think the ruler of your Japan is simply seeking death!”
The sudden outburst terrified everyone present.
The envoy from Japan looked bewildered. “Your Majesty, who is this…”
“I am your ancestor.” Lin Fan kicked the envoy from Japan to the ground, then with a clang, drew his Wild Goose Feather Dagger, the sharp blade resting on the envoy’s shoulder.
Feeling such a chill, the envoy from Japan suddenly panicked but forced himself to remain calm. “Your Majesty, our country has been on good terms with the Central Plains Dynasty for generations. The princess is soon to be married to our country. What does this situation signify?”
The Wild Goose Feather Dagger in Lin Fan’s hand cut through the envoy’s skin.
Blood flowed.
Feeling the pain, the envoy from Japan looked at Lin Fan in terror.
Lin Fan’s gaze was sharp, and he said word by word, “The meaning is clear: the political marriage is canceled, and you will not leave the Imperial Palace. Japan, you mere island barbarians, your national letter insults the Central Plains Dynasty, a crime punishable by death.”
The envoy from Japan cried out in terror, “How can you go back on your word? A political marriage cannot be canceled just like that.”
“Silence,” Lin Fan roared. “The Son of Heaven guards the national gate, the King dies for his country. Civil officials die for their remonstrance, military officials die at the banner. We do not pay tribute, we do not cede territory, we do not engage in political marriages. Those who invade shall be killed!!!”
“Shut up,” Lin Fan said angrily. “The Son of Heaven guards the national gate, the ruler dies for the state. Civil officials die remonstrating, military generals die by the banner. Do not acknowledge vassalage, do not pay tribute, do not cede territory, do not engage in political marriage. Those who invade, kill!!!”
The words fell.
Lin Fan no longer hesitated and slashed the head of the Japan envoy with his saber.
This scene scared the consorts, who covered their mouths and looked at the scene before them in fear.
First, they were terrified by the bloody scene before their eyes.
More was the shock at the Divine Martial Great General’s lawlessness, actually drawing swords and killing people in such a place; did he still have the Imperial Family in his eyes.
After killing the envoy from Japan, Lin Fan let out a soft breath.
“Your Majesty, this minister acted on impulse.”
The Emperor waved his hand and said, “Beloved Minister, do not blame yourself. I can see that you deeply detest these barbarian islands. They must have committed heinous crimes. This national letter is also enough to show that the barbarians are arrogant to the extreme, lawless, like jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards, lying in wait to pounce. They will surely become a scourge in the future.”
“Since Beloved Minister wishes to level this country, then Your Majesty agrees.”
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, thank you for fulfilling this.”
If Lin Fan were to slaughter another country, he might feel guilty, but he felt no guilt whatsoever about slaughtering Japan.
Now facing Japan, the Divine Martial Department, the Grand Tutor, and even Qin Li must all be put aside; nothing is more important than the present matter.
The Emperor waved his hand, and an eunuch immediately came forward to clear the area. The bodies were moved away, the ground was swept clean, and incense was lit to freshen the air, leaving not even a trace of the smell of blood.
And while they were chatting casually.
The Imperial Capital was completely in an uproar.
The affairs of the Imperial Court spread.
Streets, restaurants, and teahouses, countless common people gathered together discussing matters of the Imperial Court.
“Our Divine Martial Great General is truly incomparably brave. He actually captured Tudan of Mengye Country alive and resolved the border defense conflict like this.”
“I’m telling you, my sister’s son is a follower of an old minister in the Imperial Court. He told me that not only was Tudan captured alive, but General Lin even brought back the crown from the Mongol King’s head.”
“Ah! How could this be?”
“Of course, I heard that General Lin single-handedly charged the Mongol King’s great army, killing his way to the front, striking such fear into the Mongol King that he trembled and begged for mercy, handing over his crown with both hands, before he managed to save his life. Otherwise, he would have been killed by our General Lin long ago.”
“This is impossible, it’s too fantastical.”
Common people in various parts of the Imperial Capital were discussing animatedly.
They were all talking about matters concerning Mengye Country.
Vegetable Market.
The Ninth Prince, his face covered, carrying a vegetable basket, was buying vegetables. During this time, he had been quite bewildered, completely not expecting to have ended up in the Imperial Capital after all the detours.
If his Father Emperor were to find out, he might break his legs.
But if he were to leave, he wouldn’t want to, so he could only go out with his face covered every day. Anyway, he stayed indoors and didn’t go out.
Now, hearing the common people talk about Brother Lin.
He was truly bewildered.
This was simply too terrifying.
He always felt that the current situation was very unusual, and his current status was awkward. If one were to say who among the many princes was closest to Lin Fan, it would definitely be him, the Ninth Prince.
If others were to find out about this, would they think I deliberately got close to Brother Lin for the Throne?
He swore to heaven.
Things were truly not like that.
I just wanted to find a strong backer to avoid being bullied by others in the future without anyone to help me.
He had absolutely no interest in the Throne.
Meanwhile.
The harem.
The Eighteenth Princess gently patted Princess Lingxiang’s back, comforting her softly.
She understood her elder sister’s fear and reluctance but was powerless to change their fated destiny.
“Eighteenth Sister, I really don’t want to undergo a political marriage.” Princess Lingxiang’s eyes were tearful, but she understood that even if she resisted, the outcome would be the same.
“Sister Lingxiang.”
Just as the Eighteenth Princess didn’t know how to persuade her, a light footstep sound approached from a distance. The Thirteenth Princess entered gracefully, lifting the hem of her goose-yellow skirt, her face beaming with a bright smile.
Seeing her sister still smiling so merrily, Princess Lingxiang felt even sadder. Did she have no sympathy at all?
Didn’t she know I was feeling very sad right now?
“Sister Lingxiang, you don’t have to go through with the political marriage anymore.” The Thirteenth Princess said crisply.
Princess Lingxiang glanced at her thirteenth sister. “You say no political marriage and it’s no political marriage? This has already been decided, and I’ll be leaving here in a few days.”
“It’s true.” The Thirteenth Princess eagerly grabbed her hand. “Father Emperor summoned us to the Imperial Garden just now, and the Divine Martial Great General was also there. Coincidentally, the envoy from Japan arrived, and General Lin, in a fit of rage, directly drew his sword and beheaded the envoy!”
“What?”
Both princesses exclaimed in unison, their beautiful eyes wide open.
They looked at the Thirteenth Princess with expressions of astonishment.
“It’s true, I’m not lying to you. The Divine Martial Great General seems to have strong opinions about Japan, his killing intent was boiling. I was scared just watching. Then the Great General also said that from now on, princesses of our Central Plains Dynasty will not need to undergo political marriages. If they want to fight, let’s fight; we must show the backbone of our Central Plains Dynasty.” The Thirteenth Princess recalled the scene just now with endless recollection.
She had never seen such a formidable General.
Princess Lingxiang listened blankly, tears still clinging to her eyelashes. “Really? Thirteenth Sister, don’t deceive me…”
“Absolutely true. If Sister doesn’t believe me, go ask Mother Empress right now.”
Regarding her lifelong event, Princess Lingxiang did not hesitate and quickly went to ask her mother empress.
After Princess Lingxiang left.
The Eighteenth Princess said, “At that time in the Imperial Garden, the Divine Martial Great General killed the envoy from Japan. Father Emperor wasn’t angry?”
The Thirteenth Princess shook her head. “No. Not only was Father Emperor not angry, but he also agreed to let the Great General lead three thousand troops to flatten Japan. My Mother Empress even said that the Divine Martial Great General is now the most favored and beloved person by Father Emperor. If anyone in the harem speaks ill of the Divine Martial Great General, they could be banished to the cold palace.”
Upon hearing this, the Eighteenth Princess clicked her tongue in amazement.
The next day.
Morning court.
The officials were completely defeated; they had no intention of impeaching anyone. They naturally knew that Lin Fan had beheaded the envoy from Japan in the Imperial Garden yesterday.
In the past, they would definitely have impeached him.
But now, they had no thoughts whatsoever.
Impeach your sister’s impeachment.
Didn’t you see that Your Majesty is now in league with Lin Fan?
Bang!
The Emperor hurled the National Letter from Japan onto the ground with force, his dragon-like face filled with fury. “All of you carefully examine this. A small, insignificant country, how dare it be so arrogant.”
The Grand Tutor picked up the National Letter, and the officials gathered around. Upon seeing the first sentence.
The officials were enraged and vociferously denounced it.
“Presumptuous, Japan is actually so arrogant.”
“These islanders from across the sea, how dare they call themselves Emperor.”
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, your subject is willing to lead troops to teach this Japan a lesson.”
“Granted!” The Emperor said decisively. “I order you to lead five thousand Iron Cavalry to march on Japan and propagate our national prestige.”
“Your Majesty!!!”
“Speak.”
“I say three thousand, so three thousand. Not one more.”
The Emperor: …!
Lin Fan looked at the Emperor on the dragon throne. This was what the Emperor meant by having a righteous cause for war. This way, when the historian recorded it, it wouldn’t be the Divine Martial Great General attacking carelessly or being fond of war, but rather fighting for the honor of the court, provoked by petty individuals, and receiving the Emperor’s command to go and teach them a lesson.
After all, the content recorded by the historians during this period had been quite explosive.
It was either the Divine Martial Great General angrily striking the Grand Tutor.
Or the Divine Martial Great General disregarding imperial authority and angrily scolding officials in the court.
Now, even the Emperor was tied to Lin Fan.
If Lin Fan were to cause chaos in the court, then he, the Emperor, would be recorded as a ruler who doted on a traitorous official, a corrupt official, and a foolish ruler for all time, who ruined the foundation of the nation.
