Chapter Thirty-Six: A Promotion?

The situation was quickly settled: Third Master Luo had been bewitched by an evil spirit and slaughtered the people of Beihai. To save the common folk, the Crown Prince’s entourage and the Yuchi family were forced to use forbidden arts to combat the threat. General Yuchi Peng and most of the Yuchi clan’s disciples died in the battle, ultimately succeeding in slaying the evil entity. Master Tian Ye, harboring malicious intent, had attempted to hold the Crown Prince hostage in order to seize the evil spirit for himself. Fortunately, Magistrate Zhang of Fuchuan County saw through his scheme, and the group managed to kill this ambitious sorcerer. Thus, the Beihai incident was officially brought to a close.

***

"Is that what the Crown Prince said?"

When Qin Fang reported back to the Third Prince, Li Yu, the latter couldn't help but laugh aloud upon hearing the Crown Prince's final remarks.

"Does Your Highness think something is amiss?" Qin Fang asked, frowning.

"Hahaha..." Li Yu clutched his stomach, laughing uncontrollably. "I always thought my brother was truly as benevolent and humble as he pretends to be in public, and that perhaps our father had sired a child unlike himself. It seems I was mistaken."

Qin Fang remained silent.

"If that Tian Ye truly came from the Ouyang family, why would he scheme for an evil spirit? Haven't the Ouyang family already been burdened by enough evil spirits as it is?"

Qin Fang sighed at this. Having served in the palace for many years, he had some understanding of the sorcerer clans. Once one begins to worship an Yin spirit, it is not so simple to break free. How glorious had the Ouyang family been in the past? They had worshipped countless Yin spirits, but after a millennium of decline, they had likely paid a heavy price just to shed those spirits. To provoke another one now would be madness.

In truth, many could see that Tian Ye had been an agent of the Crown Prince, only to be betrayed by him when the plan failed.

"My brother the Crown Prince is certainly bold..." Li Yu stroked his chin. "Even our Great Ancestor wouldn't have dared to do what he did. I never realized he had such guts."

"Your Highness... what should we do now?"

"What else can we do?" Li Yu stretched lazily. "Head back home. I only came to try my luck. It seems my brother's destiny has not yet run its course; he still has some time left to stir up trouble."

"Are you not disappointed, Your Highness?" Qin Fang asked curiously.

"Not exactly..." Li Yu smiled. "I used to think there was no chance at all, but I don't feel that way anymore. To think that among my brothers there exists such a person, that the Crown Prince has such grand ambitions, and that there is this mysteriously backed Magistrate Zhang... the capital is going to be lively in the future. Oh, by the way, are you certain it was that little girl who broke the spell with her sword?"

"Yes!" Qin Fang stated solemnly. "Perhaps we were all mistaken; that girl is not merely a pure martial artist. I just don't know what kind of art she used."

"Interesting..." Li Yu mused with amusement. "A man from a hidden family ruins such a major endeavor for the Crown Prince, yet refuses to join me. What exactly is he thinking?"

"That, I cannot say," Qin Fang shook his head.

This Magistrate Zhang was truly the most inscrutable person he had ever encountered.

"Since we don't know, we shall wait and see!" Li Yu stood up. "Let's go. We return to the capital to watch the show!"

"Do you think Magistrate Zhang will be able to enter the capital? Having offended the Crown Prince, he will surely face deliberate suppression."

"Heh..." Li Yu chuckled. "You overestimate my brother's magnanimity. After having such a great plan ruined, would he just let it go? Mere suppression won't soothe his hatred. If I am not mistaken, not only will he not suppress him, he will recommend him to our father. You just wait; that Magistrate Zhang will certainly be in the capital by the end of the year!"

Qin Fang: "..."

***

"A mysterious magistrate?" On another ship off the coast of Beihai, the Painted Skin woman who had previously negotiated with Li Yu knelt on the prow, reporting on the outcome of the events.

"Yes. Unexpectedly, such a figure was hidden within the small Fuchuan County. Not only could he lead Li Yu and his group out of the Painting Market, but he also managed to deal with that monster in Beihai City!"

"Interesting..." The prince in the shadows rubbed his fair fingers, a faint smile playing on his lips. "A descendant of a hidden family who offends the Crown Prince the moment he arrives. There are many descendants of hidden families in the capital who want to make a name for themselves, but this is the first time I've seen someone start like this."

"It is indeed quite unusual..." The Painted Spirit also laughed. "Could he be a fool?"

"If a fool had such capabilities, it would be quite terrifying." The prince gave a cold laugh. "Regardless, the capital is likely to be quite lively from now on."

"Master, now that the Crown Prince has survived this ordeal, he will surely be on guard. It will be difficult to find such an opportunity again. Should we... on the way..."

"No need..." The prince shook his head slightly. "He will reveal his own flaws eventually. We don't need to rush."

"He will reveal his own flaws?" The Painted Spirit was puzzled.

"Why do you think he was suddenly so bold as to try and worship an evil spirit, breaking the rules of all the great clans in the world?"

"Uh..." The Painted Spirit paused. "Was it not because his ambition was too great?"

"Ha... him?" The prince found it laughable. "I watched him grow up for thirty years; do I not know his nature? He is merely a ruler destined to maintain the status quo. If it weren't for this incident, he would never have done anything out of line in his life. The Emperor protected him too well. How could a sheltered child suddenly develop the ambition to overturn the world?"

"Then..."

"Hmph... if I am not mistaken, it must be because something is wrong with his own body."

"Oh?" The Painted Spirit realized. "That makes sense. Plagued by that epidemic, even though the evil spirit is dead, the toll on his body is irreversible. The Crown Prince died once, was resurrected through forbidden arts, and was infected with the epidemic again. His lifespan must have been greatly reduced!"

"He was trying to use that evil spirit to restore his vitality!"

After figuring it out, the Painted Spirit bowed in admiration. "Master's insight is profound."

That evil spirit had been able to turn someone as physically handicapped as Third Master Luo into a Grandmaster; it certainly had the power to restore vitality. The Crown Prince was severely weakened; his talk about breaking the rules of the world was a lie—his true goal was to live longer!

"Let's go..." The prince waved a hand. "Since that monster is gone, there is no need for us to stay here. Let's return to the capital and see how this dying, sick cat struggles."

"Yes, Master!"

***

At the Yuchi Mansion...

"Thank you, Sir!"

Yuchi Hong, accompanied by Zhong Yu, knelt on both knees and performed a deep bow the moment they entered Zhang Rui's room.

"Generals, you must not!" Zhang Rui quickly stepped forward to help them up. "Why such a grand gesture?"

"Zhong Yu has told me everything." Yuchi Hong's eyes were red. "It was only after you consulted with my father that the Yuchi family's crisis was averted!"

"Official... Zhang actually did not do much." Zhang Rui sighed. "If not for Lord Yuchi Peng breaking through his cultivation realm at the end, no one here could have stopped that spirit. The Duke fought to the death and saved everyone!"

"But without you, my father would have died in vain!" Yuchi Hong's expression darkened.

If that monster had been taken away by the Crown Prince, the Yuchi family would have been forced to take the blame, inevitably leading to a life of exile overseas. If this man hadn't stopped Master Tian, crushing the Crown Prince's ambition, everything would have been for nothing.

"I gave my word to the Duke; naturally, I had to do my best. You need not be so formal, General."

Zhong Yu looked at him with complex emotions. He remembered the conversation between this man and the Duke. He had heard the man tell the Duke that whether the Duke succeeded or not, he would resolve the remaining trouble. At the time, he thought the Duke trusted this man too much—how could such a young man of unknown origin, uttering such arrogant words, be trusted?

But now it seemed the man had not betrayed the Duke's trust. He had even risked offending the Crown Prince to resolve the final problem. Such a favor was nothing short of a rebirth for the Yuchi family!

"If the Yuchi family can ever be of service to you, Sir, please do not hesitate to command us!" Yuchi Hong promised solemnly. "We will never refuse!"

"Very well..." Zhang Rui did not decline and answered directly.

Yuchi Hong was taken aback by such a straightforward response, then broke into a grin. He liked people like this; excessive, long-winded politeness only felt hypocritical.

"What are your plans for the future, Sir?" Yuchi Hong asked curiously after standing up.

"This... I think I will stay in the North for the time being," Zhang Rui smiled. "With the Yuchi family looking after me, I should live quite comfortably here."

"Uh..." Yuchi Hong and Zhong Yu exchanged a strange look upon hearing this.

"Is... something the matter?" A bad premonition rose in Zhang Rui's heart.

"This..." Yuchi Hong gave a wry smile. "Sir, you may not know yet, but the Crown Prince sent a report to the capital by falcon yesterday, detailing the events and emphasizing your contribution and loyalty. According to the rumors I've received, the Emperor instructed the Ministry of Personnel yesterday afternoon to appoint you to a new position. After the New Year, I fear you will have to go to the capital to take up your post..."

"Huh?" Zhang Rui was stunned. Having offended the Crown Prince so deeply, he had assumed he would spend the rest of his life in the North. He hadn't expected a promotion?

"Sir..." Yuchi Hong hesitated, then finally said, "Although the Crown Prince appears gentle and benevolent, he is actually narrow-minded and vengeful. He likely holds a grudge against you now. Please be extremely careful when you reach the capital."

Zhang Rui: "..."

"Of course, if you wish, you may resign. The Yuchi family has many arrangements in the overseas countries of the North Sea. If you go overseas, our family will surely provide full support to the clan behind you. Just say the word, and we will make arrangements immediately."

"Uh... that won't be necessary for now..." Zhang Rui clutched his head. Go overseas? It wasn't impossible, but what damn clan did he have that needed their support? If the Yuchi family knew he had no backing at all, they might not be so accommodating. One had to remember, this family consisted of ruthless people who would slaughter a whole city without a second thought.

"I am curious, General, do you know what position I have been assigned?"

"It is said to be..." General Yuchi lowered his voice, "...an Investigating Censor at the Court of Judicial Review. It is a very perilous post, Sir. Please be careful."

"Ah?" Zhang Rui was stunned. "Isn't the Court of Judicial Review one of the Three Offices? How is it perilous?"

General Yuchi frowned as he looked at Zhang Rui, a flash of doubt in his eyes, but he patiently explained: "It seems you are completely unaware of the political situation in the capital. It appears the family you come from has been far too reclusive. Among all the departments in the capital, the Court of Judicial Review has always been the most dangerous place..."