Wan Jian returns to his clan!

Chapter 223 Ruthless in Chaotic Times, Where the Army's Edge Points

Upon seeing Lu Wubing walk into the main hall.

Princess Ji Wenxiu, who was feeling bored, immediately smiled and stood up.

He laughed and said, "Watching these guys spout nonsense is really frustrating. Now it's up to you."

"Please sit down, Your Highness. Today marks your first time speaking out. From now on, you'll be stepping into the limelight, and you can't do without authority."

"Humph……"

Ji Wenxiu chuckled softly, comfortably resuming her seat as the regent princess, and looked at the civil and military officials in two rows with a strange expression.

The conversation between the two left all the court officials completely bewildered.

He had a bad feeling.

It seems something extraordinary has happened.

But they themselves were unaware of this.

"Who is he? How dare he slight the princess and disrespect the officials in the court?" Grand Secretary Zhang Zhongchu's face darkened as he shouted sternly.

A chorus of agreement followed from all around.

"Wait a moment, and you'll find out who I am, won't you, Prefect Li?"

Lu Wubing glanced at the Prefect of Chaotian with a half-smile, then turned and ordered, "Begin."

"Your humble servant requests permission!"

Chen Tongguang was filled with anxiety and wanted to back down, but the spot on his left cheek where his older brother had hit him was still throbbing with pain.

He gritted his teeth, stepped forward from the crowd, and shouted loudly.

"explain."

Ji Wenxiu began to speak with great interest.

I've switched to spectator mode.

Although I was just watching the show earlier.

But not all plays are the same.

"Your humble servant wishes to impeach Prefect Li Zhongli of the Imperial Palace for corruption, abuse of power, and disregard for human life, which has led to chaos in the capital and the gathering of bandits..."

Now that Chen Tongguang had spoken, there was no chance for him to back down.

He calmed himself down and read aloud everything he knew in front of everyone.

In fact, whether an official in the court has a clean record or not, others may not know, but his colleagues know best.

However, everyone gets along well and shares the profits normally, so even if someone complains, no one pays attention.

It was immediately turned into a scene of "Who here accuses this official?"

Those who have been wronged and encounter this situation can only accept their bad luck.

If they really refuse to give up, they will often face retaliation, and their families will be destroyed.

Li Zhong, as the Prefect of Chaotian Prefecture, was known as Li Qingtian (Li the Upright Official).

What he is most renowned for is that there is no case he cannot solve.

It's easy to imagine how miraculous it is that every case is solved in an environment where martial arts masters roam freely and technology is not advanced.

In the past, Ji Jiufeng of the Great Li Dynasty was obsessed with brewing wine, painting, and cultivating immortality, and was also busy dealing with many young ladies, so he never bothered to investigate what secrets were involved.

As the ruler of the dynasty, all he wanted was for the capital to be safe.

As long as no one rebels, it's fine.

Looking around, all you see is prosperity, which means you've done a good job.

As for whether Chaotian Prefecture actually caught the murderer, and how the "murderer" was found, he didn't care at all.

One can only imagine how many innocent souls were tortured into confessing under the guise of this upright official, Li Qingtian.

If he were to casually stir up one or two troubles, Li Zhong's face would turn pale.

However, he still didn't think it was a big deal, only staring at Chen Tongguang with a fierce and imposing gaze. He was thinking about how to kill this fifth-rank official from the Ministry of Rites.

The Marquis of Changxin's mansion held no real power; it merely employed a few retainers and servants. In official circles, even an ordinary gentry family had more influence than them, so they were hardly any obstacle.

"Take him away and investigate thoroughly. If it is true, imprison him in the imperial jail and behead him. Confiscate his property, and send the women to the brothel."

Lu Wubing waved his hand.

Wang Quanzhong bowed in agreement, and immediately a squad of armored soldiers stepped forward and dragged Li Zhong away.

As Li Qingtian shouted that he was innocent, his eyes were full of disbelief. He realized that those who came to arrest him were all Golden Scale Guards.

Standing outside the hall were the Imperial Guards, those personal guards who seemed not to have heard a sound from inside the hall, standing tall and proud at the doorway like a group of wooden sculptures.

The Golden Scale Guards are responsible for investigating corruption within the palace and spying on enemy activities outside. As the emperor's personal guard, their deployment signifies that the matter is essentially settled.

Even if nothing is wrong, something can still be found out.

Moreover, how many people die every day standing in those cages that stand like trees at the entrance of the Chaotian Prefecture government office, and how many of them are innocent?

Others might not know, but how could Li Zhong not know?

After crying out his innocence several times, Li Zhong saw that the princess was still looking at him with amusement. His face changed drastically, his whole body went limp, and he couldn't help but burst into tears. He knew that this time, he was doomed.

"It was you, you did it?"

He glared at Lu Wubing with hatred, his eyes filled with resentment.

The more effort they put into targeting Huichuntang, the more they regret it now, regretting not having deployed all their forces back then...

"Yes."

Lu Wubing didn't try to hide it.

This is already out in the open. With a single order from him, the Golden Scale Guards must obey, and even the princess relies on him as her leader.

Although he wore a blue robe and was not in official attire, he exuded an awe-inspiring majesty, and no one dared to underestimate him.

"How could His Majesty's personal guards be under your control? I have never heard a word about it." Left Censor-in-Chief Zhang Shida sensed something was wrong.

He concurrently assumed the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Beijing Garrison, in charge of the troops stationed in the capital and the defense of the four gates. The twelve upper guards and the four inner guards of the capital quietly submitted to Her Highness the Princess, yet he received no news of it whatsoever.

This situation is truly chilling.

"No rush, it's your turn soon."

Lu Wubing shook his head and smiled.

Chen Tongxi stepped forward.

"Your humble servant reports that Zhang Shida, the Left Censor-in-Chief, has colluded with foreign forces and accepted 100,000 taels of silver and four barbarian women from the Northern Zhou... At the south gate of the capital, a Northern Zhou caravan was allowed to pass through, which secretly carried more than 200 soldiers."

"call out……"

A collective gasp filled the air.

It's not because this matter is too serious.

But the charges against them are absolutely outrageous.

Once the facts are confirmed, confiscating the property and exterminating the entire family is a lenient approach; if the punishment is more severe, the entire clan will be wiped out.

"No way, absolutely impossible."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shida's face turned blood red, and his aura surged dramatically.

His true energy surged forth with immense power.

He knew, of course, that it was true that he had received 100,000 taels of silver, and that the four barbarian women were indeed incredibly strong and skilled in seduction.

When I got up this morning, even with my innate realm true qi protecting me, I still felt lightheaded.

When I entered the hall, I almost knelt down.

Although the caravan that was released was not thoroughly investigated, surely a grain merchant wouldn't dare to hide soldiers and armor to enter the capital?
"At No. 13 Qingyu Hutong, all two hundred people have been killed. Their bows, crossbows, and armor are here. We also found a pass from the Imperial Censorate. Don't worry, you won't be wrongly accused."

Lu Wubing shook his head and chuckled. It was simply a joke to have someone like him in charge of the 150,000-strong capital garrison.

In the near future.

It is very likely that as soon as the barbarian cavalry arrived at the city, chaos broke out inside the capital, and the city gates were wide open.

Without much fighting, the Northern Zhou army marched straight into the capital.

“Your Highness, we cannot allow the Golden Scale Guards to attack ministers at will. If this continues, the country will cease to exist.”

Grand Secretary Zhang Zhongchu was extremely frustrated. In the blink of an eye, the two important court officials had been dragged away, and even the evidence of their crimes had been prepared.

Regardless of whether the accusation is true or false, this matter cannot bypass the current regent princess; otherwise, there would be no legitimate reason for action. This princess, who is usually kept in the palm of their hands, would have been better off remaining silent, but once she spoke up, she caused such a huge uproar.

If governing the court and dealing with officials doesn't require his word as the chief minister, then what power does he have?
"Then how can you govern the country well? Do you think that if you sell the Great Li Dynasty to the Northern Zhou, the country will become better?"

Princess Ji Wenxiu was not angry at all.

Because he knew that the old man would be next.

She's been really angry these days.

This won't do, that won't do. Everything in the court is decided by this Grand Secretary Zhang. As the Regent Princess, all she has to do is stamp the seal.

Is this a regent?
Even tying up a dog wouldn't be done properly.

"Your humble servant requests permission!"

This time, it was Wang Quanzhong, the new commander of the Golden Scale Guard. Although he had not been approved by the cabinet, he had already taken office ahead of schedule.

Putting aside his other abilities, this person is incredibly meticulous in intelligence gathering.

Take out the hidden notebooks, and you can find evidence of all the mistakes made by the court officials, big and small. If not 100% of them will be arrested, then 99% of them will be caught red-handed.

Some minor officials make minor mistakes, such as going with the flow or being greedy for small amounts of money, but we can't be bothered to pay attention to them.

However, he has already identified those who committed serious dereliction of duty and embezzled large sums of money.

And today, I carry it with me and hold it in my hands.

The first person to be operated on was this Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

"Grand Secretary Zhang Zhongchu received 100,000 taels of gold, pearls, and precious jade from the Northern Zhou on June 15th..."

"On June 18th, Minister of Revenue Wen Zhaolie secretly met with Zhang Ji of the Northern Zhou Black Dragon Terrace and received 500,000 taels of silver, pearls, and precious jade..."

"Minister of War..."

As one important official after another was taken away, the court gradually became sparsely populated.

Of the more than one hundred officials, sixty or seventy were taken away, leaving the entire court empty.

Those still inside the hall were all trembling with fear, afraid that their names would be called next.

"That's settled then, Chen Tongguang. Effective immediately, you will lead one thousand Golden Scale Guards to assume your post as Prefect of Chaotian Prefecture."

Within three days, capture the wanted criminals, overturn wrongful convictions, and purge the city of corrupt officials. I want peace and tranquility in Weijing. Dong Ning, you will accompany me as my bodyguard.

"Your humble servant obeys the decree."

Chen Tongguang bowed and agreed immediately, his mind a complete blur.

As expected, my elder brother was right; this was indeed the greatest opportunity...

He became a powerful minister of the third rank so easily.

He wouldn't even dare to think like that in his dreams.

With a thousand Golden Scale Guards and experts from the Heavenly Star Sect accompanying and assisting him, anyone who disobeys will be executed. It doesn't seem so difficult to be an official.

Overjoyed, he didn't even notice that he was bowing to his own nephew, not to the princess.

However, none of the officials present laughed at him.

Because at this very moment, inside the Qianyang Palace, the figure of that young man in blue stood there like a towering mountain, though he did not unleash his true energy to oppress the mind.

But for some reason, as long as he stands in front, people can ignore everything around them.

Even princesses are no exception.

"Chen Tongxi, effective immediately, you will lead one thousand Golden Scale Guards to take over the Beijing Garrison. Anyone who disobeys will be executed."

Within seven days, I want to see a highly disciplined and elite army that obeys orders without question.

"Yes."

Chen Tongxi stepped forward to express his gratitude with a complicated expression.

He was a bit more astute than his younger brother, bowing to the princess first and then to his nephew, though there was a hint of unease in his eyes.

Lu Wubing understood immediately.

"The back pay from previous years will be transported to the military camp shortly and made up in full."

From now on, three meals a day will be provided, meat will be served every three days, and military pay will be paid in full. With daily drills, can we train a strong army?

"Your humble servant dares to pledge his military loyalty."

"No need for that. Just tell me what's wrong."

The Northern Zhou army is about to cross the river and will soon be at the city gates. This battle is a fight to the death; we must not take it lightly.

"Jung Won-bin, you will accompany me as bodyguard. Report anything to me."

"Yes."

Fifth Senior Brother knew what he was going there to do.

In reality, he was a military supervisor.

Like Dong Ning.

Although relatives were appointed to official positions, they could not be allowed to act arbitrarily in these two most important positions; someone still had to be assigned to keep an eye on them.

It's not that I don't trust them, but I don't want them to make mistakes.

As for the appointment and removal of other officials, Princess Ji Wenxiu, along with the remaining deputy ministers and the remaining officials from the six ministries, discussed and decided on the matter.

With the army setting off, provisions, gold, and silver already in hand, and after confiscating the property of all sixty or seventy high-ranking officials in the court, it would probably be enough to support hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Lu Wubing believed more than anyone else just how wealthy these officials were.

Who knows, the Zhang Zhongchu family alone might be able to confiscate tens of millions of taels of silver.

"Huichun Hall is too small and might not be very convenient to live in. Brother Wubing, you can stay at the Grand Secretary's Mansion. From now on, we'll call it the Lu Mansion."

"Didn't you already send a message to the Heavenly Star Sect that over a thousand disciples should go to the capital? The capital covers a hundred acres; there's enough room for even more people."

"also."

The residence where Grand Scholar Zhang lives was the residence of the Crown Prince thirty years ago. It was later converted into the residence of a scholar and is considered to be on the scale of a prince's residence, even larger than the residence of Prince Yi.

Thinking of the Wing King.

Lu Wubing slapped his forehead. "Oh right, there's still one big tiger we haven't taken down."

"Perfect timing. Before the enemy besieges the city, let's raze the Wing Prince's mansion first. That will bring in another very substantial sum."

……

Two days flew by.

The capital city seems to have changed, yet it also seems unchanged.

However, a new generation replaces the old.

The group of people who used to roam the city so noisily have quietly disappeared.

The streets were bustling with people, but there was less noise and more gentleness.

Thousands of people are killed in the market every day, and blood flows like a river.

The Prince Yi's mansion and most of the court officials were raided and beheaded, and the atmosphere in the capital changed drastically. It is worth mentioning that Emperor Ji Jiufeng still has not emerged from seclusion.

The forces of Dayuanguang Temple and Tongtian Temple also remained silent.

It was visibly that their incense offerings had actually improved somewhat.

The weather was fine that day.

News from the front lines says that the Northern Zhou army has crossed the Wei River and is stationed at Huofeng Pass, which is under siege.

Lu Wubing, however, led Shen Xinru and her group to the front of the Vermilion Bird Terrace on Vermilion Bird Street.

The Northern Zhou delegation was already quietly waiting on the sidelines.

Near and far, tens of thousands of people looked up at the stage.

They all knew that this battle could very well determine whether the Great Li Dynasty would rise or fall.

If Prince Yuwen Ba of Jinyang wins, then all will be well.

The court and officials may lose confidence and be unable to stop the Northern Zhou army.

If Lu Wubing wins, and leads his troops with the prestige of slaying a powerful enemy, he might be able to severely cripple the Jin Yang King's army at the city gates.

……

(End of this chapter)