Di Ming

Chapter 460 "What? Are you going to defy the imperial decree?" (Long Chapter)
Baiyun Manor, on the western outskirts of Ningbo, is the Shen family's villa.

This is a manor belonging to the Shen family, with a serene and beautiful landscape where flowers bloom in all four seasons, and the white clouds of Siming Mountain can be seen from above, while the ancient bell of Zhangxi Temple can be heard.

Shen Yiguan, the former cabinet minister who was taken back to the south by Tiger Tooth agents, has been living in seclusion here for several months.

Having served as a cabinet minister for seven or eight years, Shen Yiguan had long been accustomed to the heavy responsibility of serving in the Wenyuan Pavilion and assisting in the administration of the country. Suddenly becoming a free official was a truly unpleasant experience for him.

Shen Yiguan could only spend his days reading, playing the zither, brewing tea, and writing. He also received the care and concern of his children and grandchildren, who visited him morning and evening, allowing him to enjoy the family happiness he had lacked in Beijing. His white-haired wife could also be by his side, spending every day with him.

Those old friends from my hometown can still visit each other often and reunite even in their old age. The mountains and rivers of my hometown, which I traveled to many times in my youth and which I longed for after leaving, can also be revisited.

Such leisurely years, watching the flowers bloom and fall in the courtyard, and lying down to gaze at the mountains after finishing reading the "Huang Ting Jing" (a classic Chinese text), gradually dispelled the resentment of Grand Secretary Shen, and he became much more indifferent to worldly affairs.

For months, I have seen the great respect and admiration the people of Ningbo have for their disciple Zhu Yin. The temple of the prodigy is bustling with worshippers, and when they talk about Zhu Yin, they always refer to him as "Master" rather than by his name.

It is evident that this disciple's reputation was not damaged by the so-called "Jingnan Campaign," but rather his reputation was enhanced and the people's hearts were more devoted to him.

In fact, many people have even greater respect for him after learning that he is Professor Zhu Yin.

This made Shen Yiguan's feelings even more complicated and indescribable. At this point, it was futile for him to complain, and he could only comfort himself with the thought, "With such a disciple, what more could I ask for?"

However, Shen Yiguan was, after all, a Grand Secretary in Beijing, and had been deeply favored by the Longqing and Wanli Emperors. Whenever he thought of his disciple as a scheming "traitor," he felt ashamed that he had lost his integrity in his later years and was unworthy of being a subject.

But this shame is far from being a sense of guilt. Perhaps even this shame is just a pretense he's using to deceive himself.

Who knows what's in Mr. Shen's heart?

Even his wife, Wang, couldn't figure out what the old man was thinking.

On this day, Mr. Shen was warming himself by the fire and chatting with his young grandchildren in the warm pavilion when a servant brought a note to report: "Master, the immortal guests from Penglai and the fairy Yaoqin have arrived."

Shen Yiguan's lips twitched. He put down his young grandson and a smile with an inscrutable meaning appeared in his eyes. "Why are the Tu family father and daughter not at home cultivating their minds, writing poetry and performing operas? What brings them to my mundane place? Please invite them in. Come to this warm pavilion."

"Yes!" The servant put down the name card, accepted the order, and left.

The name card bore the names of the father and daughter, "Tu Long" and "Tu Yaoqin," the renowned immortals of Penglai and the fairy of Yaoqin from Jiangnan.

Soon, a middle-aged man dressed in a Taoist robe, a crane-feather cloak, and a yellow crown came to the outside of the warm pavilion with a smile and said loudly, "Your Excellency Prime Minister Shen, I, Tu Long, bow in respect."

This man, with his refined and elegant demeanor, was none other than Tu Long, the eccentric scholar from Jiangnan who called himself the Immortal Guest of Penglai and the Green Lotus of the Ming Dynasty.

Scholars in Jiangnan all know that the state of Yue had two great eccentrics. One was Xu Wei of Shaoxing, and the other was Tu Long of Ningbo. Both were equally talented and brilliant, and equally unrestrained and arrogant towards kings and nobles.

The difference is that Xu Wei was a worldly madman, while Tu Long was a detached madman.

Tu Long was followed closely by a woman in her twenties, also dressed in a Taoist robe, but carrying a pipa (a Chinese lute). To the uninitiated, she would have been mistaken for a pipa player who performed for money.

This woman is Tu Long's daughter, Tu Yaoqin, a talented woman skilled in poetry and music, who calls herself the Fairy of Yaoqin.

To be fair, she is elegant and beautiful, with a refined and otherworldly appearance, and does indeed have a fairy-like quality. This is not just self-praise.

"This junior pays respects to Elder Master Shen!" Tu Yaoqin, holding her pipa, squatted down and gave a deep bow.

Tu Long and Shen Yiguan were related by marriage, although they lived quite far apart, they were still considered relatives.

Shen Yiguan returned the greeting, offered him a seat, and casually picked up the *Huang Ting Jing* from the table, saying with a sarcastic tone, "The last time my servant went to the market to buy cinnabar, everyone said it was expensive. Even immortals are worried?"

Upon hearing this, Tu Long's long, slightly upturned eyes immediately filled with a smile.

"I knew my intentions couldn't be hidden from the old prime minister. Things are expensive these days, and I know how much people suffer. I've come to ask for some alms."

He's quite shameless, showing no remorse whatsoever when it comes to taking advantage of others.

Shen Yiguan wanted to say, "Do I owe you something?"

But Mr. Shen is very shrewd; how could he offend the immortal guest of Penglai for a little gold and silver? Of course not.

Tu Long smiled meaningfully and said, "The Zen saying goes, 'Do not covet fame and fortune, do not quarrel over trivial matters, and forever abandon worldly affairs.' The old prime minister's heart is detached from worldly affairs, which I, a junior, can only look up to."

His words, at first glance, seemed to come from the heart, yet they also carried a hidden sarcasm.

"Oh?" Grand Secretary Shen stroked his beard and chuckled. "You're not just here to beg for alms, are you? I know your ways. If you're a night owl, you're bound to have some annoying tricks up your sleeve."

His expression held a hint of disappointment at their lack of ambition.

"Speaking of which, you yourself are a graduate of the imperial examinations, having served as an official in the imperial court and governed a region. Why did you choose to emulate that arrogant and unscrupulous Xu Wenchang?"

"Haha!" Tu Long laughed loudly, "Old Prime Minister, wouldn't it be better for me to learn from Xu Wenchang? He is now a Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, in charge of the government, and has been appointed Prime Minister."

"Xu Wei, a mere scholar, lived a carefree and unrestrained life, disdaining kings and nobles as if they were nothing. Yet, in the end, he still managed to enter the cabinet as prime minister, overseeing all officials! He also wrote 'The Chronicles of the Xia Dynasty,' which became so popular that it was revered as the foremost divine history of China. Of the three immortal achievements of a gentleman, Xu Wei possessed them all, truly a perfect man. How many in the world can compare to him?"

"Compared to this Grand Secretary Xu, I, a mere scholar who passed the imperial examination twice, am not even worth a second glance."

Shen Yiguan's expression shifted slightly, his deep-set old eyes narrowed, and he took a sip of "Azure Stream Moon" tea, chuckling nonchalantly as he scolded:

"You little rascal, you really do have something in mind. Very well, I'll see what you're up to today. If you speak well, I'll be generous to you one more time, so you won't leave empty-handed, you immortal guest from Penglai."

Tu Long smiled without saying a word, then suddenly nodded to his daughter, Tu Yaoqin.

Seeing her father's signal, the fairy zither immediately plucked a string of exquisite notes from her jade-like fingers, a sound that resonated deep within the heart.

As soon as the pipa began to play, the woman surnamed Tu, who called herself a fairy, began to sing in a melodious voice: "I silently stir the alchemy furnace to boil white stones, claiming to be refined and elegant in the clouds and forests... I fear watching the chess game will be shattered by the sound of bamboo..."

"Moss-covered ancient trees rustle in the wind, autumn clouds drift across the vast waters... The general is not yet old, yet he says his dream of Pinyang is far away..."

But it was a song called "The Scissors of King Pinyang".

Shen Yiguan suddenly snorted coldly, put down the "Huang Ting Jing" in his hand, and said, "What do you mean by this, you brat? Are you mocking me for pretending to retire to the countryside while my heart is in the court and I am greedy for power?"

He was a little annoyed.

Tu Long waved his hand, stopping his daughter from playing, and cupped his hands in greeting:
“How dare I be so presumptuous? My actions today are truly out of good intentions. If the Prime Minister simply considers my actions as ‘insightful advice,’ then since the Prime Minister has seen through the subtle nuances of my daughter’s pipa playing, my trip will not have been in vain.”

Shen Yiguan chuckled coldly, "You brat, if you hadn't come with ill intentions, I would have kicked you out just for mocking my feigned retirement and my ambition to return to seclusion. You must have heard something. Tell me, what do you know, and who told you?"

Tu Long poured himself a cup of tea and said, as if speaking as if he were an outsider, "Since the old prime minister is so clear-headed, I will speak frankly. Why should I listen to what others have to say?"

He flicked his sleeves and pointed north: "Now, the Northern Dynasty's 200,000-strong army under General Qi is drinking from the Yangtze River, dark clouds loom over the city, threatening to crush it. The Southern Dynasty is on the verge of collapse, and the people are restless. Moreover, there are many in the court who are dissatisfied with the Grand Tutor's monopolization of power, and undercurrents are surging. At this time of internal and external troubles, how can we not resort to underhanded tactics?"

"Therefore, I surmise that a change is bound to occur in the court!"

"Since change is inevitable, where will it come from? Naturally, it will come from those court officials who are dissatisfied with the Grand Tutor's monopolization of power! I suspect that some of them must have crossed the river to contact Qi Jiguang!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Yiguan remained calm and composed, not even lifting his eyelids.

Tu Long paused for a moment, looked at Shen Yiguan, and said in a low voice, "So, who exactly were the people involved in the purge of the court of corrupt officials who ousted Zhu?"

Shen Yiguan suddenly smiled, "Do you think I'm involved in this too?"

Tu Long stroked his chin noncommittally, "The old Prime Minister is the Grand Tutor's mentor, and their story of teacher and student is known throughout the land. But precisely because of this, everyone assumes that the old Prime Minister and the Grand Tutor are one, sharing both honor and disgrace. In their eyes, the old Prime Minister and the Grand Tutor are naturally on the same side!"

"If the old prime minister doesn't get involved with them, and the Grand Tutor falls from power and is purged, can the old prime minister remain unscathed? How can he escape being caught in the crossfire? The entire Shen family might be in danger of collapse!"

"How could they care about the old prime minister's painstaking efforts for the country? They would only think that the old prime minister was an accomplice of the Jiang Ning clan and his crimes were unforgivable!"

"If the Prime Minister participates in the downfall of Zhu, although he can break with the Grand Tutor and protect himself, his reputation will be ruined. The people love the Grand Tutor, and they will not think that the Prime Minister is putting righteousness before family; they will only think that the Prime Minister is abandoning his disciple to protect himself. The once beautiful story of master and disciple will become a laughing stock in the blink of an eye!"

"Therefore, what is most beneficial for the old prime minister is to support the Grand Tutor. As long as the Grand Tutor does not fall, and their attempt to overthrow Zhu fails, the old prime minister can live peacefully amidst the fading light of sunset, completely detached from worldly affairs. Only then can he leisurely roam the spiritual springs of Yue Kingdom and become a hermit who has seen the world's vicissitudes!"

“Otherwise…” He pointed to the Huangting Jing beside Grand Secretary Shen, “even if this scripture contains profound truths for those who live in seclusion, it cannot preserve the tranquility in the Prime Minister’s heart, nor can it prove the boundless Dao!”

Shen Yiguan remained calm. "You have a point, young man. But you underestimate me."

He didn't actually say anything, but Tu Long understood.

It turns out my worries were unnecessary. Grand Secretary Shen had already made his choice. Perhaps this cunning old fox had already informed his student.

He already knows the answer; there's no need to ask any further.

Zou Xixian, the prefect of Ningbo, was originally a disciple of this Mr. Shen. Zou Xixian was an sycophantic and corrupt official who was adept at currying favor. Although he was a fellow townsman of Zhang Juzheng, he had now joined the Donglin Society and had close ties with the gentry of Wu.

Shen Yiguan was the head of the Zhejiang faction and wielded considerable influence in Yue. His involvement in the overthrow of Zhu would have created a powerful alliance between Wu and Yue against Zhu. Conversely, if Shen Yiguan hadn't participated, the involvement of Yue's gentry would have been minimal.

During this period, Prefect Zou visited Shen Yiguan several times, mostly in an attempt to drag Shen Yiguan into the fray and influence as many Yue gentry as possible to participate in the overthrow of Zhu.

Therefore, it is very likely that Grand Secretary Shen will be persuaded by Zou Xixian.

Unexpectedly, today's test revealed that Shen Yiguan was not persuaded by Zou Xixian. Not only was he not convinced, but he might even inform on Zou Xixian to Zhu Yin!
Upon realizing this, Tu Long immediately laughed and said, "In that case, I have been worrying unnecessarily. Indeed, old ginger is spicier. Prime Minister Shen has long been sitting on the sidelines without making a sound. I was just worrying unnecessarily."

Shen Yiguan laughed and scolded, "Although it is indeed a case of worrying about nothing, it is rare that you, a mere rascal, still care about my safety. Very well, you have made this beggar's favor, so I will give you a hundred taels of silver. Don't you dare to ask for alms again next time. My purse is empty and my clothes are worn out, I can't afford to beg from a god."

"Then I thank the old prime minister for his generosity." Tu Long smiled and bowed in thanks, "I am unworthy of such kindness."

Though thick-skinned, he was also sensible and didn't expose Shen Yiguan's words. Who in Yue didn't know that the Shen family was wealthy and powerful? Had he held high office for so many years for nothing? His claims of being penniless and destitute were, of course, just an excuse to plead poverty.

Shen Yiguan asked, "You have another purpose for coming here, don't you? If you don't say it yourself, I'll pretend I don't know."

Tu Long laughed and said, "The old prime minister has eyes as sharp as lightning and sees through everything. I am ashamed of my humble intentions. That's right, I do have another purpose. With the emperor in power, I can take up an official post."

Mr. Shen said with a sneer, "Didn't this brat claim to be a carefree hermit, a hermit from Penglai? Why does he suddenly want to enter officialdom?"

Tu Long said solemnly, "People say that the Grand Tutor is the reincarnation of a star lord, a deity descended to earth. If the Grand Tutor can govern the country and manage affairs, how much more so can I, a self-proclaimed immortal guest from Penglai?"

Shen Yiguan shook his head and sighed, "Although you are imitating Xu Wei, you are much thicker-skinned than him, so you must indeed have some potential. However, I will not agree to your request for recommendation."

He guessed that Tu Long wanted him to recommend him.

Tu Long was not discouraged and smiled, "The old prime minister's unwillingness to serve the Southern Dynasty is certainly a matter of integrity, but as his mentor, it is inappropriate for him to stoop to the level of his disciple, which would put both the disciple and himself in an awkward position. Therefore, not serving is the best strategy to retreat and advance. To compensate his mentor, the Grand Tutor will probably have to grant him a hereditary marquisate, or even a dukedom!"

"In this way, you can maintain your integrity in your later years and leave a legacy for your descendants. It is a win-win situation. The old prime minister is good at planning for the country and also good at planning for his own safety. I admire him very much."

Shen Yiguan, having his thoughts exposed, didn't blush. Instead, he frowned and said, "You're certainly clever, but you're also incredibly arrogant and rude. If you keep talking like this, you'll get yourself into trouble sooner or later."

“You wish to serve in office again? Sure. But don’t beg me, go ask Xu Wenchang! Xu Wei is no longer what he used to be; he’s now a Grand Secretary, and a native of Yue. You and he were close friends despite your age difference. Go to Nanjing and find him; a fifth-rank official position is practically guaranteed.” To everyone’s surprise, Tu Long laughed, “I’ve already written to Mr. Wenchang. But if I could also get a letter of recommendation from the former Prime Minister, with both of those connections combined, it would be more than just a fifth-rank position!”

Shen Yiguan was speechless. "Back then, you were just a sixth-rank official, and you were dismissed for a crime, not resigned. Now you've been idle for ten years, and you're lucky to be reinstated as a fifth-rank official. What rank do you want to be reinstated as?"

"Third rank!" Tu Long held up three fingers. "Either don't be an official, or be a high-ranking one! Only with a high rank can you do great things! After the Wu court officials' rebellion failed, many official positions will inevitably become vacant in the court! With the old prime minister and Mr. Wen Chang recommending me, a third rank position is within my grasp!"

Shen Yiguan couldn't help but look at this Penglai Immortal with newfound respect. "You brat, you really dare to think this way. I know Zhihu very well; those Wu court officials are no match for him and are destined to lose. But you don't know Zhihu at all, so how do you know he can win?"

Tu Long shook his head and said, "Your Excellency misunderstands. I didn't know that the Grand Tutor would definitely win, nor did I believe that the Grand Tutor would definitely win. I just... hoped that the Grand Tutor would win!"

"You're gambling?" Shen Yiguan was quite surprised.

He wasn't worried about Zhu Yin, because no one knows a disciple better than his master; he knew his disciple's methods all too well. Those who wanted to purge the court of corrupt officials were undoubtedly courting death and were doomed to fail.

Therefore, he did not hesitate to bet on his disciples, and sold out all the Yue officials who had participated in the purge of the court of corrupt officials.

In reality, it doesn't matter whether he sells it or not. Even if he doesn't sell it, that powerful disciple will find out the truth eventually.

But he didn't expect that Gu Long was just gambling and didn't know that Zhu Yin would definitely win.

But Tu Long continued, "The Grand Tutor is a descendant of Jianwen and should rightfully be the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It is only right and proper for him to reclaim the throne from the eldest son. That is one reason."

"More importantly, the Grand Tutor's actions have shown me the aura of a Holy Emperor! If he were to ascend the throne, he would surely be an unparalleled wise and sage ruler! In that case, the prosperity of our Great Ming Dynasty is within reach, and the people will be blessed!"

"Therefore, I hope that Grand Tutor will win, so I'll simply bet on him to win! If I win, I will serve the Holy Lord, like Xu Wenchang, and fulfill my lifelong ambition. If I lose, I'll simply die with Grand Tutor!"

Even the shrewd and calculating Shen Yiguan was somewhat moved upon hearing this. As Tu Long's elder, he naturally knew that Tu Long's words came from the bottom of his heart and were not self-deception.

This young man, though over forty, remains as unrestrained and arrogant as ever, yet his passion remains undiminished. Such courage is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Then give him a chance!
"Alright!" Shen Yiguan nodded. "I'll give you a letter of recommendation. I hope you'll take good care of yourself!"

Tu Long, unable to hide his delight, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Prime Minister!"

The fairy Yaoqin beside her smiled sweetly, immediately picked up her pipa, and began to play a harmonious piece called "Deer Cry," singing:

"...I have guests, I play the zither and the lute...I have fine wine, to entertain and delight my guests."

.........

On November 25th, the Northern Dynasty army stationed at Guazhou Ferry had all its ships and pontoon bridges ready.

At Qi Jiguang's command, nearly 130,000 soldiers, 60,000 laborers, and 80,000 horses and mules crossed the river together!
For over twenty miles along the riverbank, the water fortresses were bustling with activity as people crossed the river, creating a magnificent spectacle.

Compared to the sparse Southern Navy on the river, the Northern Army's massive military force was overwhelming.

Clearly, the Southern Dynasty's navy, which was outnumbered, was simply no match for the massive Northern army, whose white sails obscured the sun and whose ships filled the sky, on the vast Yangtze River.

Moreover, the Nanjing Navy seemed to be afraid, firing only a few blank shots before retreating far away, fearing that it would be trapped by the huge Northern Army fleet.

More than 300 years have passed since the Yuan army conquered the Song Dynasty, and this is the first time that a northern army of 200,000 has crossed the Yangtze River to launch a southern expedition. Even when the Prince of Yan "pacified the rebellion," his army that crossed the river numbered only 100,000.

A massive fleet crossed the river, sailing southeastward with the help of the river winds and currents. Tens of thousands of warhorses on the nearly ten thousand pontoon bridges neighed towards the sky in the rolling Yangtze River, their cries like the roar of dragons in the water.

How magnificent!

To organize this massive southern expedition, the Northern Dynasty spent four months preparing, spent millions of taels of silver, mobilized all the elite troops it could muster, and also used tens of thousands of battle-hardened Japanese pirate prisoners of war.

The commander of the army was none other than the invincible general Qi Jiguang!
The main generals included Liu Ting, Ma Gui, Dong Yiyuan, Li Rubai, Xiao Ruxun, Chen Lin, Zu Chengxun, Zhao Shuaijiao, Wu Weizhong, Zha Dashou, Li Ning, and Luo Shangzhi.

More than half of the most capable and skilled generals of the Northern Dynasties were here.

The momentum of a lion hunting a rabbit!

This is why those courtiers in the Southern Dynasties who plotted to "purge the emperor's inner circle" dared to stage a reactionary coup.

On the banks of Zhenjiang, south of the Yangtze River, the people turned pale at the sight of the massive Northern Dynasty army that stretched across the river. Those who had finally witnessed the Northern army crossing the river, however, were filled with relief and celebrated joyfully.

coming! coming!
Hahaha!
Once the Northern Army arrived, the Jiangning clan was like a cicada in late autumn!
The next day, November 26th.

After a day's work, the Northern Army encountered almost no significant resistance and landed at Zhenjiang. Tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers were the first to storm the beach, followed by the Northern Army who then disembarked and reorganized their cavalry on the riverbank.

With over 100,000 elite Northern troops under the command of Qi Jiguang, how could the nearby Southern Dynasty defenders dare to resist? They all avoided them like the plague.

Soon, Qi Jiguang's banner stood on the riverbank. Surrounded by his generals, Qi Jiguang, clad in the armor of a first-rank military officer, rode a horse from the Western Regions toward Zhenjiang City, which was not far away.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yuan, the prefect of Zhenjiang, had already led his civil and military officials, along with a group of local gentry, to wait for him at the city gate.

Seeing the imposing and powerful army of the Northern Dynasty, Zhang Yuan and the others were overjoyed.

"Once the army arrives, let's see how arrogant and domineering the traitor Zhu Yin can still be!"

Zhang Yuan and the others were overjoyed. Originally, they didn't want to overthrow Zhu. But after Zhu Yin came to power, he sidelined the officials, acted arbitrarily, and instead of trying to win over the officials, he suppressed and consolidated power. They had had enough.

"I am Zhang Yuan, the prefect of Zhenjiang. Greetings to your subordinates! Greetings to Eunuch Yin!" Although Zhang Yuan was only a fourth-rank official, he was a noble and respected civil official. Even when he met a first-rank general who commanded hundreds of thousands of elite troops, he simply raised his nose and bowed.

If it weren't for the fact that he needed Qi Jiguang's help at the moment, and that Qi Jiguang was a prefect of the Southern Dynasty, Prefect Zhang would never have taken the initiative to bow to Qi Jiguang. On the contrary, it was Qi Jiguang, a military officer of the first rank, who should have bowed to him, a prefect of the fourth rank.

This is the rule now!
Qi Jiguang ignored the arrogant Zhenjiang prefect, who considered himself a civil official, and instead rode into the city with a cold expression. The central army camp and main generals then entered the city, while the rest of the troops were stationed outside.

Upon entering the city, Qi Jiguang immediately ordered the city gates closed and took control of the treasury. At the same time, he unceremoniously requisitioned the prefectural government office, temporarily using it as the general's headquarters.

Then, the first military meeting after crossing the river was immediately convened, with all generals of the garrison commander rank and above participating.

The drums summoning the generals resounded, and one by one, the generals in full armor entered the main hall of the prefectural government office.

Prefect Zhang was greatly alarmed and immediately came to question him: "General! Military officers of the dynasty cannot occupy the government office of a shepherd. What is the meaning of this, General? I am here to welcome the royal army, not to surrender."

Qi Jiguang, seated high in the prefectural hall, looked indifferently at Prefect Zhang, his voice carrying immense authority, "Zhang Yuan, you betrayed the court, surrendered to the enemy, do you know your crime?"

Zhang Yuan was puzzled, thinking to himself, "Didn't Qi Jiguang receive our secret letter? We are loyal to the court and are rebelling against Zhu Yin. We are inside agents who voluntarily defected. Is Qi Jiguang trying to use this opportunity to extort bribes?"

Zhang Yuan was both shocked and furious, and was about to speak in protest when Qi Jiguang suddenly shouted:

"Zhang Yuan has deceived the emperor and rebelled, a crime deserving of death. His surrender today is nothing but cowardice and a coward's act! Such a traitorous official should have been executed long ago; he is no longer a prefect! Come! Drag him away and behead him to offer as a sacrifice to the flag! The Assistant Prefect and Vice Prefect of Zhenjiang are also traitors! They should all be beheaded to offer as a sacrifice to the flag!"

"Yes, sir!" A group of fierce-looking guards pounced on Zhang Yuan and the other officials with murderous intent.

"Qi Jiguang! How dare you!" Zhang Yuan roared in disbelief, "I am an official appointed by the imperial court, a scholar who passed the imperial examination twice! How dare you, a mere military officer, kill me! Who gave you the audacity to act recklessly!"

But the guards rushed up and, without a word, dragged him away.

Zhang Yuan was so terrified he wet himself, his soul nearly leaving his body. He screamed hoarsely, "Eunuch Yin, save me! Eunuch Yin, save me! I am a scholar who passed the imperial examinations twice! A disciple of the Emperor! Qi Jiguang! You, a military official, have no right to kill me!"

Yin Yuanlu frowned and said, "General! Forget it! He is a fourth-rank prefect. The General cannot kill a civil official without authorization! Prefect Zhang is one of our own, not a traitor..."

Qi Jiguang, however, didn't even glance at the dignified supervising officer, seemingly oblivious. He simply waved his hand indifferently, "Offer sacrifice to the flag!"

"You! You!" Yin Yuanlu trembled with rage. Qi Jiguang had completely ignored him! This was outrageous! He was the supervising officer representing the emperor!

"Qi Yuanjing! How dare you!"

Yin Yuanlu raised his delicate pinky finger, pointed tremblingly at Qi Jiguang, and his expression changed drastically.

Zhang Yuan and his men were furious and cursed loudly, but they could not resist at all. They were dragged outside the yamen by the guards and beheaded right at the door!

In an instant, the heads of several Zhenjiang officials were hung bloodily under the banner, their eyes wide open in death!
Even the generals were puzzled when they saw the Grand General suddenly kill several civil officials.

Suddenly, the prefectural government office was filled with menacing imperial guards, each standing with their chests puffed out and hands on their swords. Among these guards were some unfamiliar faces with cold, sinister eyes, who did not appear to be personal guards.

Qi Jiguang suddenly shouted, "Is there an imperial decree! All generals, kneel to welcome it! Light incense!"

Immediately afterwards, he took a scroll of bright yellow silk imperial edict from his eldest son, Qi Zuoguo, who was standing beside him.

"An imperial edict?" Yin Yuanlu was startled. As the military supervisor, he should have received the edict first. In other words, even if there was an edict, it should have been read aloud by the military supervisor, not delivered to Qi Jiguang. Why was he completely unaware of it?

As Yin Yuanlu was still in shock and doubt, dozens of generals, clad in armor, knelt down with difficulty and roared like thunder: "Your subjects receive the imperial decree!"

Qi Jiguang held the imperial edict in both hands, his fierce eyes glancing sideways at the supervising eunuch. "Eunuch Yin, aren't you going to accept the edict? Hmm?!"

Qi Jiguang's personal guards on both sides also looked coldly at the chief eunuch.

Yin Yuanlu trembled, suppressing his bad premonition, and knelt down in shock and doubt.

He wanted to summon his personal guards, but they weren't there, and it was difficult for them to leave at the moment.

But then Qi Jiguang unfolded the imperial edict and read it aloud in a hoarse voice:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The generals have exerted themselves diligently and loyally to the king, wielding weapons and armor to guard the Xiaoling Mausoleum, and crossing the river to aid the King in Nanjing. I am greatly pleased… Why should I be stingy with rewards for their merits… All soldiers shall receive an additional month's pay; all officers and soldiers of the rank of 'Qianzong' and above shall be promoted one rank; newly appointed generals shall be granted the title of 'Baron'; and newly appointed commanders-in-chief shall be granted the title of 'Viscount'! The three armies are hereby ordered to temporarily garrison Zhenjiang, awaiting further orders! They shall advance on the King's path…"

"The first year of the Taichang reign, the month of Gengzi, the day of Dingyou. Respectfully approved!"

What? The first year of the Taichang era? Baron, Viscount?
Upon hearing this imperial edict, most of the generals were stunned, while only about a third remained calm and even wore strange smiles.

"You...you..." Yin Yuanlu stared in disbelief at Qi Jiguang's cold and stern face, almost wetting himself on the spot.

My worst fears have unfortunately come true!
"Guards! Personal guards!" Yin Yuanlu suddenly realized what was happening and shouted sternly for his private soldiers.

However, the only response he received was from the commander's personal guards, who exuded a murderous aura both inside and outside the government office. His private soldiers did not appear at all, and obviously could not appear again.

"Your subjects accept the imperial decree and express their gratitude!" Zhao Shuaijiao and one-third of the generals kowtowed and expressed their gratitude almost without hesitation.

Most of the generals looked at each other, their expressions blank.

The tall and imposing Qi Jiguang looked down at his generals, his cold, piercing eyes sweeping over some of them.

The veteran's words were sharp as knives, his tone icy as ice:
"What? Are you going to defy the imperial decree?"

……

P.S.: Although the update is late, it's still a long chapter of nearly 8,000 words, please forgive me. This storyline will end tomorrow, thank you, goodnight! Please vote with your monthly tickets!
(End of this chapter)