天空社区

Xia’s Imperial City.

The vermilion gates exude an ancient charm, the white jade steps are covered in fallen petals that break one’s heart, the colorful glaze tiles reflect dazzling brilliance, pavilions and terraces, small bridges and flowing water, all arranged with care.

Layer upon layer of exquisitely carved jade reliefs of palace buildings, countless elegantly designed corridors, and lush gardens adorned with exotic flowers and plants.

Even little eunuchs and palace maids, who had lived in the palace for several years, often had the amusing experience of taking the wrong path. It showed the vastness of the Imperial Palace.

However, this palace was originally built by the Yan Country, which had spent a great deal of resources, cutting down all the tall trees within a hundred miles radius. Now it had become the wedding dress for others.

Golden Dragon Palace.

All civil and martial officials held tablets in their hands, standing on the left and right, the hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Emperor Xia Yu Daocheng sat on the Dragon Chair, his old face looking down at the officials with bright eyes.

“Your Majesty, you can start the morning court session now,” whispered the eunuch in charge standing beside the Dragon Chair.

Yu Daocheng glanced over the officials and slowly opened his mouth:

“My beloved ministers, what has happened lately? If there’s nothing, let’s adjourn the court.”

His voice was calm, yet authoritative without anger.

“Your servant has a report to present.” A minister in a crimson robe slowly stepped forward.

“Speak, Minister Fan.”

The one who spoke was Fan Yan, Grand Secretary of Wenchang Pavilion.

Fan Yan began solemnly: “This year, we suddenly encountered a great drought.

I have asked Your Majesty to allocate grain from all over the world to Su Lake. However, there is a cult in the south that has repeatedly disrupted the grain transport route, causing the grain transportation plan to be abandoned.”

“A cult?”

Yu Daocheng narrowed his eyes with a hint of doubt, apparently, it was the first time he had heard of it.

“Yes, Your Majesty, this cult is called Raven Sect and has been growing rapidly in the south, causing great difficulties for our administration. Even in the capital, we can see their presence.” Another minister stepped forward to explain.

“Just a mere cult, send people to eliminate them. Issue my decree to have the Black Guards thoroughly investigate the Raven Sect and exterminate them.” Yu Daocheng said lightly.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The minister nodded in agreement.

The Black Guards were specifically established as the emperor’s eyes and ears, somewhat like the guards before the emperor, but of a higher rank and more intimate.

There were many talented people in it, including dissatisfied cultivators, guest officials from Immortal Cultivation Sects, and cultivators struggling at a bottleneck. Those who really couldn’t make it would join the Black Guards and receive a generous salary.

Among them, the most famous were the Four Constables in Black Cloth, who all were at the Initiation Realm with considerable skills. Their status was even higher than that of the commanders in front of the emperor. They were the emperor’s personal bodyguards and only obeyed Yu Daocheng alone.

“Your servant also has a report.” A crimson-robed military official with a chest emblem of a lion stepped forward and spoke loudly:

“There is a small country in the west called Gulan, which has repeatedly harassed our borders and plundered our spiritual mines and iron mines in the Western Edge. They are extremely arrogant.’

“Gulan Country?”

Yu Daocheng muttered: “If I remember correctly, wasn’t that country driven to the west by the Northern Alien Races? They even sent envoys to pay tribute two years ago.”

“Your Majesty is right. In recent years, the people of Gulan have settled down after crossing the west, and this year a new king has taken the throne.

However, this king has wild ambitions and turned a blind eye to the theft on the border, insisting that he is unaware of the bandits and the chaos.”

After listening, Yu Daocheng pondered for a while, tapping his fingers on the Dragon Chair, and then said, “Such a despicable small country, to destroy it will cost us. If we don’t destroy it, it will be a pity. Let the western border army clear up the situation.”

The crimson-robed military official bowed and solemnly said, “Your Majesty, the Western Edge lacks generals, and I fear it may lead to disaster.” Yu Daocheng slowly nodded, knowing the meaning of his words.

Now, the army of the Xia Country was evenly distributed, with the Crown Prince garrisoning the northern border, where the army was ranked first in strength, defending against the Northern Alien Races. They couldn’t be moved.

In the central capital area, including the Eastern Pass, more than a hundred thousand imperial and garrison troops were stationed, which also could not be moved.

Not long ago, he had transferred part of the Five Armies of the Southern Princess to the Western Edge to fill the western gap.

It seemed that having troops without generals was not enough.

No matter how many troops there were, about a hundred thousand, they couldn’t be entrusted to just any general.

At this time, Minister of Revenue Liu Longqing, who was the first among the officials, saw the change in Emperor Xia’s face and stepped forward slowly, saying, “Your Majesty, frequent troop movements will consume a lot of grain and manpower. It would be better for Your Majesty to send a trustworthy person to command the army in the Western Edge.” “I also thought so, but I couldn’t find a suitable candidate.”

Yu Daocheng glanced at Liu Longqing, very pleased that Minister Liu had thought of the same thing as him.”Why not let King Yan handle the border defense in the Western Edge? He has been with Your Majesty since before the founding of the country, and he has both the qualifications and ability.” a minister suggested.

“But King Yan is responsible for commanding the troops in the capital city, how can he spare the time?”

“Can you find anyone else then!? This is just a temporary reassignment, and it’s not like he can’t be transferred back.”

Listening to the heated discussion among the ministers, Yu Daocheng fell silent and began to ponder.

He had specific reasons for assigning his eldest son to guard the North and his second son to guard the capital city.

His eldest son had been afraid of him since childhood and always listened to him. He was well aware that as long as he was alive, his eldest son would not dare to cause trouble.

As for his second son, he had been quiet and reticent since childhood, extremely intelligent, and had his own opinions on everything, second only to his daughter.

Therefore, his second son could only be confined in the capital city under the guise of commanding the capital region army, though in reality, it was an empty title.

Regarding his headstrong daughter, it could be considered the most helpless choice.

Having his second son go to the Western Edge to prepare the border defense might not be a bad idea. After several months, it would not cause too much trouble.

He could be recalled at that time, this was indeed the optimal solution.

“Alright, stop arguing.”

Yu Daocheng shouted, and the ministers in the hall immediately quieted down.

He glanced around and announced the decision: “Tomorrow, let King Yan set out to the west to handle military affairs.”

“Yes.”

The ministers responded in unison.

“Why do I only hear about troubles? Isn’t there anything pleasant to report?” Yu Daocheng seemed a bit dissatisfied.

Minister of Revenue Liu Longqing stepped forward with a smile, “Your Majesty, it’s time to hold your sixtieth birthday celebration. The event was postponed because you were seriously ill some time ago. Now that you are on the mend, it is time to resume preparations. Don’t you agree, Lord Wang?” The Minister of Rites standing nearby also stepped forward and chimed in.

“Lord Liu is right.”

He paused and then added, “Furthermore, two days ago, a disciple from the Limitless Immortal Sect presented a longevity pill, claiming that it could prolong your lifespan, nourish your health, and help you recover.”

Hearing the idea of a grand birthday celebration, Yu Daocheng’s wrinkled old face finally showed a trace of a smile.

“Oh? Thank them on my behalf.”

Limitless Immortal Sect was one of the Five Immortal Sects from ancient times. If the history of the sect was to be traced, it would predate the Immortal Calendar. It was rumored that immortals had ascended from their sect, making them a truly great sect.

The relationship between Xia Country and the sect was quite close, and they generally cooperated with each other.

One managed the mortal world, and the other managed the cultivators.

They didn’t interfere with each other and took what they needed.

The sect wouldn’t care who sat on the Dragon Chair, as long as the mortal world was stable. Occasionally, they would send gifts to show friendly intentions, which was sufficient.

Xia Country wouldn’t interfere with the sect, as they already had enough headaches with people’s affairs.

Liu Longqing bowed and said, “According to the rituals, Your Majesty should invite the elders to the capital for a feast during the nationwide celebration. On one hand, it showcases your virtuous character by respecting elders, on the other, it demonstrates your youthful spirit and far-reaching ambitions to the world. Furthermore, it exhibits the benevolence of our Xia Country in respecting and valuing the elderly.”

After listening, Yu Daocheng nodded approvingly, feeling that it made sense.

But Fan Yan immediately objected, “Most old people are inconvenient to move around. Traveling long distances could cause them their lives. Besides, the disaster has not yet passed, so it is not advisable to hold a grand celebration at this time, as it would cost money and burden the people!”

Liu Longqing sneered and retorted sarcastically, “So are you suggesting that we don’t celebrate His Majesty’s sixtieth birthday, Lord Fan? Or is it that you don’t have His Majesty in your heart?”

“How could I mean that? I just don’t advocate for a grand celebration!” Fan Yan rebutted angrily.

Seeing them start arguing again, Yu Daocheng frowned and said:

“Feeding a few more people won’t matter much. I’ll foot the bill if necessary. Lord Liu made a valid point about educating the younger generation to value filial piety and respect the elderly. Those who can attend the feast will, but those who cannot need not be forced. Is that acceptable?”

Paying out of his pocket still meant taking from the people, and the nature of the matter remained unchanged.

However, Fan Yan had learned his lesson from the previous occasion and became smarter, not outright refusing but taking a detour, “This servant believes that the issue requires further consideration.”

Yu Daocheng waved his hand,

“There’s no need for further consideration. Lord Liu and Lord Wang will be responsible for handling matters related to the banquet and arrangements.”

“Let’s conclude the court session.”