National Division

Chapter 132 Shen Xian: Men, seize Prefect Feng Chong and Sima Huoshu!

Anzhou City, Prefectural Governor's Office
Just as Prefect Feng Chong had settled Cui Mei and the others, a minor official came from outside and reported, "Sir, the Imperial Guards have arrived. They say that an imperial envoy has come from the capital and that all officials in Anzhou should go to greet him."

Feng Chong looked surprised and said, "An imperial envoy from the capital? We haven't received the official document?"

At this moment, Ji Lin, the registrar, came out of a room next door. He was about forty years old, with a short beard and bright eyes. He asked, "Sir, is this an imperial envoy from the court?"
Feng Chong frowned and asked, "Military Advisor Ji, when did the imperial court send an imperial envoy? Has the Censorate issued any official document?"

"Today, I think I received a document from the Ministry of Personnel of the Imperial Court, saying that Shen Xian, a scholar of the Zhaowen Pavilion, has been appointed as the Hebei Circuit Inspector to inspect the local area," Ji Lin said.

"This..." Feng Chong's face showed surprise, and he said, "If that's the case, then notify the six military advisors in the government office to come out and greet them."

An imperial envoy, with six duties, inspects local officials, investigates their misconduct, and is a legitimate and justified imperial commissioner.

Upon hearing this, Ji Lin cupped his hands in agreement.

Then, he instructed the junior officials to inform the military advisors of each department.

At this moment, on the street outside the state government office, the Qianniu Guards, carrying flags and wielding Qianniu swords, stood guard in all directions, surrounding Shen Xian.

Shen Xian looked calmly at the Anzhou government office. To his left was Jiang Rui, and to his right was Xue Zhihua.

Zhang Xun, the judicial officer of Anzhou, was escorting Qiu Ying, the chief clerk of Anzhou, along with two other yamen runners from Guhe County.

Outside the prefectural government office, a crowd of onlookers had already gathered, discussing the spectacle.

"Scholar, officials from Anzhou have arrived," Jiang Rui announced.

Shen Xian nodded and looked in the direction of the sound.

A large group of officials emerged from the ceremonial gate, their leader dressed in a light scarlet official robe and wearing a black gauze hat. He was none other than Feng Chong, the Prefect of Anzhou, a fifth-rank official.

Not far behind them were a group of officials dressed in green and blue robes.

Led by Prefect Feng Chong, the officials quickly approached. Upon seeing the imperial envoy's entourage, adorned with ceremonial guards and gleaming armor, they lifted their official robes and knelt down to pay their respects, saying, "Your humble servants greet the Imperial Envoy."

Shen Xian glanced at the group of officials and said, "Gentlemen, please rise."

"Thank you, Lord Qincha."

The officials rose to their feet.

Shen Xian asked, "Where are Feng Chong, the Prefect of Anzhou, and Huo Shu, the Military Commander of Anzhou?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Chong quickly stepped forward from the crowd, cupped his hands, and said, "This humble official is here."

Then, when I looked up, I met a pair of sharp eyes, and I was startled, so I quickly lowered my head.

The imperial envoy had a remarkably youthful face, especially his eyes, which seemed to pierce right into people's hearts.

Among the Anzhou officials, some sharp-eyed individuals spotted Zhang Xun, the judicial officer, and Qiu Ying, the Anzhou prefect, who was wearing shackles, standing not far away.

Many people felt a jolt of fear.

Shen Xian's face was ashen, his gaze fixed on Feng Chong's face. He did not rush to lash out, but instead asked, "Prefect Feng, where is Huo Shu now?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, Commander Huo led his officers to inspect the city's defenses early this morning," Feng Chong replied honestly, somewhat unsure of the other man's intentions.

Shen Xian's expression was indifferent, and his voice was detached yet authoritative. He said, "I have been ordered by the imperial court to oversee the matter of the evil spirits causing havoc in Anzhou. I need to hold an emergency meeting at the prefectural government office. Now, send someone to summon Huo Shu and other officials in the prefecture to the hall for the meeting."

Upon hearing that it concerned dealing with a demonic calamity, Feng Chong breathed a sigh of relief and said, "This humble official will immediately send someone to summon him."

As he spoke, he instructed the minor official to go and find Huo Shu.

Only then did Feng Chong have a moment to spare and see Zhang Xun and Qiu Ying. However, Qiu Ying was silenced, while Zhang Xun had a solemn expression and did not exchange many words with Feng Chong.

The government office was bustling with people, but completely silent.

Shen Xian took his seat in the main seat of Cui Xu, the former governor of Anzhou. His face was ashen, and he did not utter a word. The accompanying Thousand Bull Guards presented the imperial edict and the document from the Ministry of Personnel to the military advisor of Anzhou.

When Ji Lin, the military advisor of Anzhou, saw the seal of the Secretariat-Chancellery affixed to the imperial edict, he nodded to Feng Chong, the prefect of Anzhou, and other officials, indicating that the verification was correct and that it was indeed the imperial envoy—the Hebei Circuit Inspector.

Shen Xian asked in a deep voice, "Where is Cui Xu, the Prefect of Anzhou?"

Feng Chong sensed the visitor's ill intentions from his tone and dared not be negligent. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Your Excellency, the magistrate has important matters to attend to and is not currently in the prefectural office."

"As the Prefect of Anzhou, the head of a prefecture, how could you abandon your post without reporting it immediately?" Shen Xian's face darkened, and he said sternly, "No wonder that when the demonic calamity occurred in Ningyang and Linchuan counties, Anzhou was still slow to react and watched the calamity spread!"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the government office suddenly froze.

Even the slowest-witted official knew that the imperial envoy was after the officials of Anzhou.

Not to mention, there was also Qiu Ying, the chief clerk of Anzhou, who was wearing heavy shackles.

Prefect Feng Chong braced himself and said, "Scholar Shen, I have been ordered by the Prefect to act as the governor in charge of the state affairs. I truly do not know where you are."

"Since you are acting as the prefect, why didn't you notice the appearance of demonic cultivators in Ningyang County and Linchuan County beforehand?" Shen Xian said, his eyes flashing, "As far as I know, you seem to be a Taoist official?"

Within a prefecture, the Chief Clerk, the Assistant Administrator, and the Military Advisor are known as the Senior Assistants, while the Six Military Advisors are known as the Judges. In addition, there is a Recorder Military Advisor who performs supervisory duties. These are the subordinate officials of the prefecture.

During the Great Jing Dynasty, the position of Prefectural Governor was often filled by a Taoist official from the Yuqing Sect, while the Military Advisors of the Six Ministries were mostly local officials who were not versed in Taoist magic.

Prefect Feng Chong said, "This humble official is a member of the Yuqing Sect."

Shen Xian said coldly, "Since you possess cultivation, why are you completely unaware of the demonic calamity that occurred in Ningyang County?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Chong became even more certain that the imperial envoy before him had come to find out about their mistakes. He became even more cautious in his speech, cupping his hands and saying, "This humble official's cultivation is not high, and I truly do not know the details, but Xing Zhuque, the envoy of the Zhuque Division in the prefecture, has already sent people to investigate."

Shen Xian said calmly, "There is always some responsibility for oversight."

If we were to question Feng Chong based on this, he would likely cry foul and plead innocence.

Shen Xian said, "Anzhou Prefect Cui Xu, as the governor of a prefecture and a Taoist official, was completely unaware of the demons and evil spirits causing trouble in his jurisdiction, and now he has disappeared without a trace. This is truly outrageous!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Chong and the officials of Anzhou felt uneasy.

Although the imperial envoy before them looked young, he might be some kind of royal relative, and the officials of Anzhou dared not question it.

On the other side, the minor official rode a fast horse, brandishing his whip, and went to the city gate tower to inform Huo Shu, the Prefect of Anzhou.

Upon hearing that the imperial envoy had arrived, Sima Huoshu said to Tian Kai, the Xuanjie Colonel beside him, "The imperial court has sent someone here to command the state troops to deal with the demons and monsters. Come with me to take a look."

With that, accompanied by Tian Kai, he led several personal guards to the prefectural government office.

At this moment, Shen Xian turned his sharp gaze to Feng Chong, the Prefect of Anzhou, and said, "Now that Ningyang and Linchuan are in dire straits, the Prefect of Anzhou, Cui Xu, has failed to respond effectively, allowing demonic and evil people to run rampant and cause havoc. As the Hebei Circuit Commissioner for Promotion and Demotion, I hereby dismiss Cui Xu from his post as Prefect of Anzhou and personally take charge of the state affairs to deal with the demonic and evil people. Do any of you have any objections?"

A silence fell over the crowd.

Registrar Ji Lin said, "Your subordinate obeys."

This is still the territory of the Great Jing Dynasty. As the Hebei Circuit Intendant, Shen Xian naturally has the right to replace Cui Xu, the Prefect of Anzhou.

The other officials in charge of registrarships also expressed their obedience upon hearing this.

Although Feng Chong, the Prefect, felt a vague unease upon seeing this, he dared not openly disobey the Imperial Envoy.

Just then, a local official came in and reported, "Sir, Commander Huo has arrived." Shen Xian's eyes flickered, thinking to himself, "Finally, everyone's here."

As he spoke, Huo Shu strode into the yamen and saw Shen Xian sitting at the head of the table. His face immediately showed surprise.

He thought to himself, "This imperial envoy from the court is so young!"
Ji Lin, the registrar standing to the side, said, "Commander Huo, the person above is an imperial envoy from the court, Scholar Shen, the Hebei Circuit Intendant."

Upon hearing this, Huo Shu quickly took a few steps, cupped his hands, and said, "This humble official greets Your Excellency, the Imperial Envoy."

Shen Xian looked indifferently at the officials below, who resembled military generals far more than civil officials, and asked, "Are you Huo Shu, the Sima of Anzhou?"

The person before me was clearly a martial artist at the peak of the Grandmaster level.

Upon hearing this, Huo Shu clasped his hands and said, "This humble official is indeed Huo Shu. Please give your instructions, Your Excellency."

"Guards, seize Prefect Feng Chong and Commander Huo Shu!" Shen Xian shouted.

"Yes."

The surrounding guards responded, and Zhang Rong and another guard stepped forward and firmly held Huo Shu down.

Upon hearing this, Huo Shu's expression changed drastically, and he said urgently, "What do you want? I'm here for a meeting!"

However, they dared not break free. Firstly, they were already tamed by the system in the officialdom of Dajing, and secondly, they dared not act rashly, lest they give others a handle to use against them.

Prefect Feng Chong also showed surprise and asked, "Scholar Shen, why did you arrest me and Commander Huo?"

"According to Qiu Ying's confession, you two have served as officials in Anzhou for many years, accepting bribes and engaging in corruption and perverting the law. In particular, Prefect Feng Chong, relying on his background in the Yuqing Great Sect, has acted recklessly in the county, repeatedly making slanderous remarks about the court's major policies and speaking disrespectfully to the Empress. I was appointed by the court as the Hebei Circuit Commissioner for Promotion and Demotion, how could I not arrest you?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Chong's heart skipped a beat, and he turned his gaze to Qiu Ying, the Prefect of Anzhou, his eyes filled with resentment.

That idiot, he has no backbone, he even dragged him into this mess.

Although startled, Feng Chong remained calm and composed. He composed himself and said in a deep voice, "Sir, this matter is truly a miscarriage of justice. It must be that Qiu Ying, because of a dispute with me over official business, has held a grudge ever since and has been making all sorts of slanderous and framing remarks. I beg you, sir, to investigate thoroughly."

"Now that things have come to this, do you still dare to deny it?" Shen Xian said coldly, his face indifferent. "Qiu Ying is your colleague and has worked with you in the same office for many years. He has already confessed to your many misdeeds!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Chong felt a surge of anger, but he said nothing more.

As a member of the Yuqing Sect, if he remains silent, it will be difficult to find fault with him based solely on Qiu Ying's testimony.

As Shen Xian spoke, he turned his cold gaze to Huo Shu standing to the side: "Commander Huo, do you have any explanation?"

Upon hearing this, Huo Shu felt his hands and feet turn icy cold. Fear appeared in his tiger-like eyes beneath his thick eyebrows. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Excellency, I have something to report."

"explain."

Huo Shu hurriedly replied, "I am an honest and upright official. The claim that I am corrupt and pervert the law is a frame-up by Qiu Ying!"

Shen Xian's expression remained indifferent as he sternly retorted, "How do I know that what you say is true?"

Then, he looked at Jiang Rui beside him and said, "Lord Jiang, take Feng Chong and Huo Shu away and interrogate them thoroughly. Ask them more questions about their embezzlement and other illegal activities."

Jiang Rui cupped his hands in agreement.

Huo Shu's face darkened upon seeing this, but he did not resist.

Resisting arrest in court and defying the imperial envoy representing the court makes one guilty even if they are innocent.

Thus, Feng Chong and Huo Shu, with gloomy faces, were escorted by the Imperial Guards to the state prison, while Jiang Rui went with them for interrogation.

Shen Xian then turned his gaze to the group of subordinates below. No one dared to meet his eyes. He called out, "Military Advisor Zhang."

"Your humble servant is here," Zhang Xun quickly replied, bowing respectfully.

Shen Xian said in a deep voice: "The two counties of Ningyang and Linchuan in Anzhou have been plagued by corpse demons. I hereby appoint you as the acting chief clerk to handle the general affairs of the prefecture."

Whether it was mobilizing able-bodied men or preparing provisions, the assistance of officials familiar with local affairs in Anzhou was indispensable.

Zhang Xun, with mixed feelings, bowed and agreed.

Shen Xian asked, "Where is Zhang Rong?"

Zhang Rong, a guard of the Imperial Guard, clasped his hands and said, "Your humble servant is here."

"I hereby appoint you as the acting Prefect of Anzhou, to deploy the prefecture's troops in order to deal with the scourge of the corpse demon!" Shen Xian said in a deep voice.

In this urgent situation, we must act expediently and replace the Chief Clerk and the Military Advisor in order to better integrate the manpower of Anzhou in order to deal with the chaos caused by the Corpse Demon.

Zhang Rong clasped his hands in a fist and replied, "Yes, sir."

Shen Xian's gaze fell on the several military advisors below, and he said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, the imperial court will be sending a large army to suppress the demonic cultivators in the next two days. Anzhou must work together to ensure the supply of military provisions. Otherwise, if anyone is found to be disobedient or negligent, I will be on behalf of the emperor to inspect the region and will punish them severely!"

At this moment, the Prefectural Administrator, the Assistant Administrator, and the Military Advisor of Anzhou were all arrested. The officials of Anzhou Prefecture were terrified and stammered in agreement.

In peaceful times, the imperial court's prestige and virtue spread throughout the land, and Anzhou was not a separatist force, so naturally it dared not act arrogantly.

Shen Xian then instructed Zhang Xun to post notices, recruit able-bodied men, prepare provisions, kerosene, rockets, and other supplies, and enforce martial law.

After everything was discussed and settled, Shen Xian looked at Xue Zhihua beside him and asked, "Have the people from the Vermilion Bird Division arrived?"

The Great Jing Dynasty established a branch office of the Vermilion Bird Division at the prefecture level, which was commanded by the Vermilion Bird Envoy. The Vermilion Bird Envoy was of the same rank as the Commander-in-Chief.

Xue Zhihua said, "After entering the city, I sent a message to the Vermilion Bird Division. They should arrive soon."

Just as he finished speaking, a minor official came in and reported, "Sir, the Vermilion Bird Bureau has sent someone to request an audience."

"Let them in," Shen Xian said in a deep voice.

A moment later, a middle-aged official dressed in the official robes of the Vermilion Bird Division entered the hall with steady steps and bowed to Shen Xian at the head of the table: "This humble official, Xiang Hui, greets Your Excellency the Imperial Envoy."

Shen Xian's gaze fell on the newcomer, and he asked, "Commander Xiang, where is Xing Gang, the Vermilion Bird Envoy of Anzhou?"

"Lord Xing has led his men to Linchuan County," Xiang Hui said, clasping his hands in greeting.

Shen Xian asked, "What is the current situation in Linchuan County?"

"According to Lord Xing's talismanic transmission, the situation is not good." Xiang Hui's face was full of worry. He said, "The county town has been captured. The county magistrate and the county lieutenant have both died for their country. The county assistant led his troops to escape to Guhe County by boat along the Guhe River. The demons of the Corpse Yin Sect are driving away demons and sweeping through villages and towns. The demons are becoming more and more rampant."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xian fell silent for a moment, then asked, "Did Envoy Xing Zhuque say how many people from the Corpse Yin Sect came this time?"

"Lord Xing said that there are more than ten experts above the fourth realm in the Corpse Yin Sect, and countless others below the fourth realm." Xiang Hui said, "Fortunately, several great figures came from the Shangqing Sect, but the demonic people seem to have come prepared this time, and several battles have already taken place."

The combined strength of the Corpse Yin Sect is clearly far inferior to that of the Vermilion Bird Division's Immortal Dao in Anzhou.

Shen Xian said, "The matters above the immortal path are suppressed by the experts of the Shangqing Sect. Our most urgent task now is to suppress the zombie horde and prevent it from ravaging the entire Anzhou."

As the saying goes, soldiers fight soldiers, generals fight generals. Demonic cultivators at the sixth, seventh, or even eighth realms are naturally suppressed and restrained by powerful figures from the Shangqing Sect.

His purpose in coming this time was primarily to contain the core forces of the demonic path, such as those in the Fifth and Fourth Realms, and the calamity of the corpse demons they instigated.

If it's just a power struggle among immortals, without harming innocent people, then it's merely a battle of magic among immortals.

But now the demonic cultivators are clearly slaughtering civilians and trying to cause trouble for the Great Jing Dynasty, so we cannot tolerate it!
(End of this chapter)