Chapter 473: Affairs at the Imperial Court (6k4)

Chapter 473: Affairs at the Imperial Court (6k4)



"Chen Sheng has a noble heart, and on behalf of the common people of Central Region, I express my gratitude."

After hearing Chen Mu's words, Lu Zongxi bowed once more towards him, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes.

In his early years, Chen Mu had served as an official in the remote and secluded Cold North, and when he departed, countless people had come to see him off. This story had spread far and wide, and now that Chen Mu had conquered the world and was invincible, his concern for the common people remained unchanged, and this was indeed a blessing for the masses.

"It's not just a noble cause, but a simple task for me."

Chen Mu shook his head slightly.

He had never been a saint with noble intentions; otherwise, he wouldn't have rushed into Central Region in a single day, settling old grudges and debts. He was simply someone who had risen from the bottom and understood the hardships of the common people. For him, at this point, ensuring the stability of the world was a simple task, and he naturally didn't mind making decisions that would shape the world.

Chen Mu glanced at the Primordial Chart in his hand once more, then put it away. He and Lu Zongxi walked out of the hall together, and just as they were leaving, Lu Zongxi suddenly thought of something and said, "By the way, does Chen Sheng know about the Celestial Debate on Martial Dao at Kunlun Peak?"

"You mean the Celestial Debate on Martial Dao at Kunlun Peak in two years, right, Road Master Lu?"

Chen Mu nodded in agreement.

"That's right," Lu Zongxi affirmed. "At Chen Sheng's level, he must have a deep understanding of the world of martial arts. He has perfected the first seven realms of Martial Body cultivation, but when it comes to the Blood Replacement Realm, there is no further guidance. Therefore, every thirty years, the top martial artists who explore the path of martial arts gather at Kunlun Peak to discuss the future of martial arts. I wonder if Chen Sheng has any interest in attending."

Chen Mu had already reached the front of the hall and was looking up at the distant blue sky. He chuckled and said, "The Celestial Debate on Martial Dao... To be honest, I haven't fully comprehended the Unity of Heaven and Man yet. If I were to force my way up the mountain, wouldn't it be a laughingstock? If, White, Vermilion, and Black Armies can break through to the Celestial Tier within two years, I will not miss the opportunity to discuss the future of martial arts with the seniors at Kunlun Peak."

After saying this, Chen Mu didn't linger and continued walking forward.

Lu Zongxi stood in front of the Martial Pavilion, watching Chen Mu's departing figure. He shook his head slightly.

With Chen Mu's current strength, he was not only on par with a Celestial Tier cultivator but even surpassed them. Who in this world would dare to underestimate or obstruct Chen Mu from ascending Kunlun Peak to participate in the Celestial Debate on Martial Dao? Even with the unspoken rules among martial artists over countless years, Chen Mu could easily disregard them.

However, at Chen Mu's current level, his reputation was more important than anything else. It seemed that he felt forcing his way up Kunlun Peak to participate in the Celestial Debate on Martial Dao would be beneath him. Only by reaching the Celestial Tier would he not tarnish the name of the Martial Saint.

The Celestial Debate on Martial Dao at Kunlun Peak was still two years away.

Chen Mu's innate talent and understanding were unmatched in the world. He was the number one cultivator of his time, and now that he had obtained the Primordial Eight Phases Chart, it wasn't impossible for him to comprehend the third step of the realm and enter the Celestial Tier within two years.

Chen Mu was already invincible in the world, having pushed his physical cultivation in the Martial Body realm to unprecedented heights. If he could also break into the Celestial Tier in terms of realm comprehension, one could only imagine the power he would possess.

In truth, he still cared deeply about this upcoming Celestial Debate on Martial Dao.

This might be the last time in his life that he would participate in such an event.

His ambition was no longer to break free from the constraints of heaven and earth and ascend to the Divine Realm. He only hoped that before his death, he could contribute as much as possible to the Martial Canon, guiding future generations on their path. Only then would his life in this world be worthwhile.

...

Imperial City.

Front Hall.

This palace, located directly in front of the Golden Throne Hall, was slightly smaller than the latter. It usually served as a place for court officials to prepare before attending court, but due to the damage inflicted on the Golden Throne Hall during the previous battle, it was temporarily unusable. Therefore, high-ranking officials like Zhao Lie from the Surveillance Bureau had gathered here.

Although the Front Hall was slightly smaller than the Golden Throne Hall, it was still an extremely grand and solemn structure, capable of accommodating dozens of people without feeling crowded. The entire hall remained spacious.

However, at this moment, the atmosphere in the Front Hall was tense, and the air seemed to be filled with the smell of gunpowder.

"You from the Crimson Leaf Gate are truly domineering. Not only did you seize the Valley Sun Mountain Range from our Return Cloud Sect, but you also have the audacity to covet Tranquil Cloud Lake. Although our sect has been in decline in recent years, that doesn't mean you can do as you please."

Someone coldly laughed.

"Old Shen, my junior brother died at your hands. You owe me an explanation."

Another person spoke with a chilling tone.

Nearly thirty Blood Replacement Realm experts had gathered in the palace, all of them top-tier cultivators in their realm, hailing from various sects. Naturally, many held grudges against each other, but being in the Imperial City and invited by Chen Mu, they managed to restrain themselves from engaging in open conflict.

Zhao Lie and the other high-ranking officials frowned, finding the situation somewhat headache-inducing.

As influential figures in the Great Xuan Court, their presence carried significant weight. Ordinary martial artists wouldn't dare behave so boldly in their presence, but the problem was that everyone present was a formidable figure! Each one of them was a renowned Blood Replacement Realm expert, renowned throughout the world of martial arts. Even with the tense atmosphere in the Front Hall, they struggled to control the situation.

“Ladies and Gentlemen.”

Shangguan Nan, the Chief of the Demon Slayer Bureau, seeing the atmosphere in the Front Hall becoming increasingly tense and the animosity between the Blood Replacement Realm experts growing stronger, almost to the point of breaking out into a fight, finally spoke up in a solemn voice.

As the Chief of the Demon Slayer Bureau, Shangguan Nan's reputation was well-known. Though not a Heaven and Man Master, he was widely acknowledged as one of the strongest Blood Replacement Realm experts, almost at the pinnacle below the Celestial Tier.

When he spoke, many people in the hall turned to look at him.

"We have gathered here today at the invitation of a certain individual to discuss matters concerning the Eleven Provinces of the Capital Region. I hope everyone can set aside old grudges for now and wait for that person to arrive, so we can decide on the future of the Capital Region together."

"Otherwise, if we fight here, and anger that person, it might be difficult to make amends."

Shangguan Nan spoke in a grave tone.

As the Chief of the Demon Slayer Bureau, he naturally had no fear of any Blood Replacement Supreme present, nor did he fear the martial world figures from these sects. However, relying on his reputation alone, he couldn't control so many people, so he had to bring up Chen Mu.

Though he referred to the person simply as 'that person,' everyone in the hall knew who Shangguan Nan was talking about. For a moment, those with mutual enmities exchanged cold glances but then fell silent.

Some slowly took their seats, drinking tea with a detached air.

To those present, Shangguan Nan was someone they respected but not necessarily feared. Chen Mu, however, was different. Chen Mu had swept through the Capital City, unmatched in the world. Angering Chen Mu could lead to the complete destruction of their entire sect in the blink of an eye. Though they were powerful sects that controlled their territories, none of them felt they could match the entire Imperial Court.

Today, they had come at Chen Mu's invitation, largely due to his intimidating presence. They were wary of Chen Mu, but they couldn't afford not to come. This was a decision that would affect the Central Region and the entire Capital Region, including the Eleven Provinces. If anyone missed this, being excluded would be a minor issue compared to falling out of Chen Mu's favor, which would be a major problem.

Thus, after receiving the invitation, the Supreme figures of the major sects all arrived.

Though they had their own conflicts, some even to the point of mutual destruction, it would be unwise to argue here. No one wanted to draw too much attention to themselves at this moment.

The Front Hall quickly fell into silence.

As time passed, more people entered the hall, causing some ripples, but no further disputes broke out. Everyone temporarily set aside their past grievances, most either closing their eyes to rest or trying to avoid trouble.

The gathering in the Front Hall consisted of Blood Replacement Realm experts, so they didn't need food or water. However, the Imperial Court still had servants who occasionally brought refreshments and tea, showing due respect.

In the Front Hall, even the sound of conversation was almost non-existent. Those who tried to communicate used telepathy, and the hall remained eerily quiet for several hours until a voice came from outside.

"Excellency Chen has arrived!"

This was the voice of an Imperial Eunuch.

In fact, without the eunuch's announcement, all the Blood Replacement Realm experts, sect Supremes, and even Imperial Councilors like Shangguan Nan, had already turned their attention to the entrance, watching as Chen Mu walked in slowly.

Chen Mu didn't hide his aura. Wearing simple clothing and with a calm demeanor, he stepped into the hall. Almost everyone present, when their eyes fell on Chen Mu, couldn't help but show a look of seriousness and reverence.

Chen Mu's overwhelming power and his sweeping through the Capital City were well-known to almost everyone present. They all understood the terrifying strength Chen Mu possessed, and the title of Martial Saint was well-deserved.

Inside the Front Hall.

Complete silence.

When Chen Mu stepped into the hall, almost all the seated sect Supremes and Imperial Councilors stood up, no one daring to remain seated in front of Chen Mu.

Under the watchful eyes of numerous martial world figures and Imperial officials, Chen Mu didn't display any oppressive aura. He simply walked calmly into the hall, not heading straight to the main seat, but glanced over the crowd and then gave a slight bow.

"I am Chen Mu, greetings to all of you."

"Greetings, Martial Saint Chen."

"Greetings, Excellency Chen."

The many sect Supremes did not dare to be disrespectful and all returned the greeting. The Imperial officials, such as Shangguan Nan and Zhao Lie, also bowed to Chen Mu, though their titles were more formal.

Chen Mu, after looking over Shangguan Nan, Zhao Lie, and the other Imperial officials, spoke in a calm tone, "I am merely a secular martial artist, not worthy of such titles. Today, I have invited you all to discuss some plans for the future of the Capital Region."

"We dare not."

Zhao Lie and the others responded to Chen Mu.

Seeing Chen Mu walk calmly to the main seat and sit down, Zhao Lie and the other officials felt a sense of reflection. A few years ago, they had tried to invite Chen Mu to the Capital City, hoping to recruit him to their side, to free him from the conflicts among the Eight Princes and avoid future turmoil.

In just a few short years, Chen Mu had cultivated to the Blood Replacement Realm, achieving a level of personal martial prowess that made him invincible in the world. He didn't even need to build a power base; with his own strength, he suppressed the entire imperial family. Even now, it still seems somewhat unbelievable.

"The empire is currently divided into nine parts, and I have no immediate intention of unifying it."

After Chen Mu took his seat at the main position, he was the first to speak. This statement caused quite a bit of surprise among those present, but some remained calm and composed.

Given the strength Chen Mu has demonstrated, unifying the nation might be an exaggeration to say it’s just a thought away, but it wouldn't take much effort. It would be a matter of a mere flip of the hand to reshape the world, establish a new dynasty, and create a Chen family empire.

However, because ascending to the position of Supreme Emperor would be as simple as a flip of the hand, this position probably holds little appeal for Chen Mu. After all, he has already transcended the mundane world and stands above the ordinary. With a single thought, he can decide the fate of the entire world and the direction it takes. In such a case, the imperial throne is nothing more than a fleeting cloud.

"In the past, someone once said that the trend of the world is that after a long period of division, there must be unification, and after a long period of unification, there must be division. The Great Xuan Court has ruled the world for a thousand years, but the two successive emperors have acted against the will of the people, leading to corrupt governance and suffering among the common folk. Now that the empire is divided into nine parts, it is precisely the right time for each region to start anew, reshape their policies, and create new governments. For the common people, as long as there is no war, this is actually a good thing."

Chen Mu spoke slowly, "Therefore, I have no intention of changing the current state of the world. The nine parts of the Great Xuan can govern themselves, supervising each other. Those who govern well can continue to do so, and those who do not can be replaced by those with virtue and talent."

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, the many imperial officials and supreme leaders of various sects present were initially surprised, but they also felt a slight relief. Their greatest concern was that Chen Mu would be dissatisfied with the current state of the world and seek to change it, using his martial power to reshape the world according to his vision. Such a move would inevitably lead to chaos.

However, Chen Mu's attitude toward the current state of the world was even more detached than they had anticipated. He didn't even care that the Great Xuan was divided into nine parts, each governing autonomously. He believed that the current situation aligned with the development and changes of the world, and he even offered a degree of support.

If governance is poor, then replace it with someone virtuous.

This statement almost set the tone for the future of the world. Despite the empire being divided into nine parts, with the Jin King, Chu King, and others ruling their own territories, including the Northern Defense Governor Yuan Hong occupying the Cold North, Chen Mu's words made it clear that these kings were still subjects, merely responsible for governing their fiefs.

Chen Mu's will was even more awe-inspiring than that of the past imperial court. In the past, even the Great Xuan Court would not arbitrarily interfere in the governance of regions like the Cold North or Shangyong, as those who governed such regions were true governors, holding significant positions in the imperial court and possessing strength no less than the Blood Replacement Realm.

Even the current Emperor Xuan would have to consider the entanglements of various forces when changing the governor of a region.

But Chen Mu was different.

Once Chen Mu decided to act, no one would dare to oppose him. He wouldn't consider the complexities of political forces or the intricacies of court politics. He would rely solely on his unrivaled martial strength to decide the fate of the world with a single flip of the hand!

A man wielding supreme martial power, acting on his own whims, standing above the entire world, who would not fear him? If the Surveillance Bureau is responsible for overseeing the world and investigating officials, then Chen Mu is like a deity, looking down upon humanity.

Zhao Lie, the head of the Surveillance Bureau, had a glimmer in his eyes.

As the head of the Surveillance Bureau, he held immense power, investigating officials and governance, making both the court and the countryside fear him. However, he was still a subject. Faced with the misrule of two successive emperors, he had no recourse and could only sigh inwardly.

The Surveillance Bureau could oversee officials and their subordinates, and the emperor could rule over the Surveillance Bureau, but who could oversee the emperor?

In the past, no one could.

Even in the most chaotic times, when the Great Xuan Court's rule was weakest, Emperor Xuan was still the Supreme Emperor, the ruler of the world. No one dared to offend him, and he ruled over the entire world!

But now, Chen Mu can!

He came to the capital alone, pacified the imperial city in a day, and demonstrated that a single person's strength could surpass imperial authority and the emperor. From now on, as long as Chen Mu is alive, even the emperor cannot act recklessly and must be cautious and diligent in governance.

The past misrule will be a thing of the past, and the chaos of the Eight Princes will not reoccur.

"The world has been in turmoil for a long time, and dividing it into nine parts for governance can indeed provide a fresh start and reshape new policies. However, what about the eleven provinces of the Capital Region? How will they be governed?"

This question was not asked by Zhao Lie or the other officials, but by the old master of the Heavenly Strategy Estate, who asked cautiously.

The Heavenly Strategy Estate is a force that occupies a region in Liu Prefecture within the eleven provinces of the Capital Region. The division of the empire into nine parts had little impact on them, and he was not particularly concerned about the governance of the other regions. However, the future direction of the eleven provinces of the Capital Region was a crucial issue.

Chen Mu glanced at the old master of the Heavenly Strategy Estate and said, "I am just a martial artist and have no expertise in governance. If you ask about governance, it should naturally be handled by the officials of the imperial court."

He then turned to look at Zhao Lie, Shangguan Nan, and the Chief Minister of the Council of State, Han Kua, among others.

In the Imperial Court of Da Xuan, Han Kua, the esteemed head of the Council of Ministers, was a formidable presence despite his advanced age. His stern demeanor, unwavering gaze, and resolute demeanor commanded respect. As the second-in-command to the Emperor, he held a position of immense power and influence, revered for both his martial prowess and scholarly achievements. In the realm of martial arts, he was renowned as a top-tier expert in the Blood Exchange Realm, and in governance, he was a renowned scholar with disciples and students throughout the court and the realm.

However, at this moment, following the death of Emperor Xuan at the hands of Chen Mu, Han Kua found himself in the unique position of being the de facto leader of the Da Xuan Court. Yet, before Chen Mu, he exhibited a cautious and respectful demeanor.

"What do you mean by that...?" Han Kua cautiously asked, turning to Chen Mu.

Chen Mu, in a calm tone, replied, "From among the extended branches of the Ji Clan, choose a young and virtuous heir to inherit the throne. You, Excellency Han, and the esteemed Imperial Councilors will assist the new Emperor in governing the court. I hope that you will all diligently support and guide the new Emperor in governing the realm, striving for stability and prosperity."

After hearing Chen Mu's words, Han Kua was momentarily taken aback, but quickly composed himself and spoke with gravity, "If that is the case, I, as an old minister, will do my utmost to assist and advise the new Emperor, seeking peace and stability for the realm."

The selection of a young and virtuous heir from the extended branches of the Ji Clan, supported by Han Kua and the esteemed Imperial Councilors, marked a significant shift in the governance of the Da Xuan Court. It meant that the administration of the court would no longer be solely decided by the Emperor but would be a shared responsibility among the Imperial Councilors.

Chen Mu's words also implied that they would be responsible for guiding, teaching, advising, and even regulating the new Emperor's conduct.

From this point forward, although the throne would still be held by a member of the Ji Clan, the imperial power would no longer be as absolute as it once was.

"Then, Excellency Han, the affairs of the court will be in your capable hands." Chen Mu acknowledged Han Kua with a slight nod.

Han Kua was not well-versed in court governance and preferred to leave it to the experts. In this situation, it was best to let Han Kua and the other Imperial Councilors handle the governance, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimizing chaos.

The Da Xuan Court, with its roots in the Ji Clan, would maintain stability by selecting an heir from the extended branches. Many things did not need to change, and this approach would minimize potential unrest.

Whether Han Kua and the others could effectively manage the court was not a significant concern. As he had said, if they couldn't handle it, others would take their place. This was similar to the situation in the Eight Directions, Dongling, Shangyong, and the other Eight States, where new leaders could be appointed as needed.

At that moment, Chen Mu's thoughts turned to Yan Jingqing, far away in the Yu Prefecture of the Eleven States in the Cold North. A hint of admiration flashed in his eyes, "Until today, Mr. Yan can finally fulfill his lifelong ambition."

Entering the court and engaging in governance had always been Yan Jingqing's lifelong ambition. Now that the realm was stabilizing and order was being established, it was the perfect time for Yan Jingqing to showcase his talents. Although the journey to the Central Region was long and arduous, Yan Jingqing, who had received help from Chen Mu in the past, would not refuse the opportunity to enter the court and repay this debt of gratitude.

"Chen Sheng." A voice interrupted, belonging to a representative of a powerful sect.

A middle-aged man stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Chen Mu, and cautiously asked, "I am Fei Li of the Eight Directions Sect. May I ask, now that the court's situation has stabilized, what will become of the martial world's landscape?"

Conflicts between sects and the court were inevitable, and it was unrealistic to expect the martial world's rules and the court's laws to align perfectly. In a world where martial arts flourished, sects and the court could not coexist harmoniously without compromise.

Chen Mu paused briefly before responding, "Regarding the martial world, as long as it does not bring chaos to the secular world, sects can follow their own rules. But if it affects the secular world, the court's laws will not be lenient."

In a world where martial arts thrived, it was unrealistic for the court to govern sects with laws alone. Unless the sects were completely eradicated, which Chen Mu had no intention of doing, the world had developed over countless years, and a harmonious coexistence had naturally formed, following the development and rules of the world.

"If that's the case, then I have no further questions." Fei Li nodded in agreement after hearing Chen Mu's words.

Fei Li observed Chen Mu's focus on court governance and his concern about the court's influence over sect affairs. He didn't want to notify the officials in advance if they sought revenge against each other, as it would be awkward and potentially lead to chaos in the long run. In the past, even during the Da Xuan Court's most prosperous era, they had not fully intervened in sect affairs.

Chen Mu's intention was to maintain the status quo between the sects and the court, and Fei Li was relieved to hear this.

"Well, the matters we gathered to discuss are mostly covered. I won't take up much more of your time. If there are any other questions about the martial world or court affairs, feel free to discuss them among yourselves." Chen Mu addressed the gathered sect leaders and court officials, seeing no objections. He nodded slightly, stood up, and spoke calmly before stepping out of the hall.

After a few steps, his figure disappeared outside the hall, leaving behind the court officials and sect leaders, some with solemn expressions and others with admiration, as they bid farewell to Chen Mu.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end