Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Fishing in Troubled Waters (Seeking Follow-Up Reading)
Translator: 549690339
Capital.
General Li Hong’s entrance to the capital did not cause much turmoil. The common people were unaware of it, while the noble families in the Capital remained silent about it.
However, after Li Hong entered the Capital, he went directly to the Sky Prison and never came back out. Some people looked at the situation with deep meaning, while others just sat back and enjoyed the show.
Tonight, Liang Sheng also felt something was amiss and glanced in the direction of the Imperial City. The long quiet Eunuch Master suddenly made a move, but he just expressed surprise and didn’t interfere with it anymore. Today was the New Year, a time for celebration.
In a good mood, Liang Sheng headed straight to the Dusty Garden in the Red Light District without thinking. At this moment, the Dusty Garden was somewhat deserted during the New Year, and the madam’s eyes lit up when she saw Liang Sheng.
“Girls, aren’t you going to come out and greet our guest?”
As she spoke, the old madam personally approached Liang Sheng with great enthusiasm. This guest was known to be generous, so she must give him the best service.
Meanwhile, a little earlier, Emperor Kaiping was hosting a feast for the civil and military officials in the Imperial City. In the center of the grand hall, dancers fluttered around to the sound of music, a perfect picture of a monarch and his ministers enjoying themselves.
The civil and military officials below no longer had the tension they had before, and they warmly congratulated the Dayan Empire on its peace and prosperity and the coming of the golden age.
At that moment, a eunuch quietly approached and whispered something to Emperor Kaiping, whose face changed dramatically despite trying to regain composure quickly. Those civil and military officials beneath him noticed, though they never showed it on their faces.
“I am deeply indebted to all of you for your support and assistance, so 1 have ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare some dishes for you to take home and share with your family.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Kaiping was implying that it was time for the guests to leave, just like placing a teacup cover on a table. The civil and military officials in two rows knelt down to express their gratitude, and the banquet soon ended.
When the officials left with food boxes from the Golden Hall, those from the same faction exchanged subtle glances, unsure of what had happened.
Emperor Kaiping seemed lenient but was verymeticulous in reality. Today, someone must have upset him, but they didn’t know who it was that had the courage to do so.
It was only after they returned home that they heard the news: Li Hong entered the capital without meeting the new emperor first or returning to his home, instead heading to the Sky Prison.
What did it mean?
Did he intend to embarrass Emperor Kaiping?
True to his strong character, the grand general did not give Emperor Kaiping any face and was very forthright in his actions.
No wonder Emperor Kaiping hurriedly ended the banquet. But since the incident had happened already, they were considering what they should do next and whether they could gain any benefits?
At the moment, neither the court officials nor the noble families were calm after news reached them. After all, General Li Hong was an Innate Master and a war god of Dayan who had been guarding the borders diligently for decades, which led to the prosperity of Dayan.
Imperial City.
Imperial Library.
At this moment, the Imperial Library was in chaos, and the eunuchs were trembling in fear, lest Emperor Kaiping notice them.
After smashing another porcelain artifact, Emperor Kaiping gasped for breath and slumped in his chair, his face flushed with rage.
“What does Li Hong want to do? Didn’t I ask him to come to the capital after the new year? Why did he come early? Even so, he went to the Sky Prison instead of seeing me first. Does he want the world to say that I treat my meritorious officials harshly?”
The Eunuch Supervisor stood aside without saying anything, feeling helpless. Wasn’t General Li Hong’s early arrival to the capital forced by you?
As a personal eunuch, he knew far more than the outside world. Emperor Kaiping had promised tax reductions for the people for three years upon his ascension, but he lived extravagantly, causing financial difficulties in the private treasury.
Finally, he felt that breaking his word would harm the king’s credibility and decided to target the border army’s military supplies. Within just a few months, the border army’s supplies had been reduced by 30%.
Li Hong had always treated his soldiers like his own children and had made several requests to discuss this matter, but Emperor Kaiping kept them from going forward. Prior to this, he had even written that the New Year was approaching, and it wouldn’t be long before he left for the capital.
Therefore, having the Grand General arrive in the capital after the New Year was merely Emperor Kaiping’s wishful thinking. As for Li Hong not coming to see him today, it was only natural.
The temperament of that person was not good at all, even the late emperor had no way to deal with him. But if one were to say that Li Hong wanted to rebel, probably no one under heaven would believe it.
However, Li Hong did indeed go to Sky Prison without giving any face to Emperor Kaiping. After the Emperor’s expression softened, the Eunuch Supervisor cautiously approached and asked, “Your Majesty, shall this servant go to the Sky Prison to check on the Grand General?”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Kaiping looked up at the Eunuch Supervisor. The latter couldn’t help but panic, fearing to anger the Emperor. Fortunately, Emperor Kaiping didn’t get angry again.
“There’s no need. Since our Grand General wants to stay in Sky Prison, let him be. On this New Year’s Eve, I’d rather go see your Ancestor.”
Hearing this, the Eunuch Supervisor’s heart froze, and he hurriedly ordered the young eunuchs to prepare the Imperial Carriage, before heading towards the Imperial Palace’s backyard.
He had a bad premonition in his heart, as the Emperor’s visit to the Ancestor at this time seemed to indicate that he was determined to kill. Otherwise, why would he bother the Ancestor at this time?
When Emperor Kaiping went to see the Eunuch Master, it was precisely when Liang Sheng sensed the movement in the Imperial Palace. However, at that moment, Li Hong had already entered the Sky Prison, causing all the guards there to come forward in greeting.
Because it was New Year’s Day, there were not many prison guards on duty. Old Zhou felt the utmost helplessness at this time, wondering why he had to be on duty on this day.
Since he was the highest-ranking person in Sky Prison at the moment, he had no choice but to step forward with a stiff neck, “Sky Prison Guard Zhou Tai pays his respects to the Grand General.”
Li Hong heard this, glanced at Old Zhou, and seemed to recall something. He then clapped his hands and said, “Oh, I remember now, it’s you, the young man.
Back then, when 1 wanted you to join the army and follow me, you refused outright. But it seems 1 didn’t misjudge you, having achieved the Postnatal Nine-Realm. Not bad.
It’s just a pity. If you had followed me, you would have probably established your career by now. A fine young man guarding this tiny place is ultimately a waste of youth.”
Upon hearing this, Old Zhou pretended not to hear anything, maintaining a cool expression. Seeing his reaction, Li Hong decided not to say anything further, as everyone has their own ambitions.
“Alright, I won’t make things difficult for you. Just arrange a cell for me, and I’ll stay here for some time.”
Upon hearing this, even the unflappable Old Zhou staggered in shock. Imprisoning the Grand General in the Sky Prison might lead to a visit from the Dali Temple the very next day, stripping him of his office and throwing him into a death cell.
“Grand General, you’re putting this True Person in a difficult position. Why must you lower yourself to the level of someone like me?”
Seeing Old Zhou’s expression, Li Hong, realizing he wouldn’t get help from him, simply headed straight for the A-Grade Cells.
“Never mind. It’s not like I’ve never been to Sky Prison before, and I know the rules. People like me should go to the A-Grade Cells. There’s no need for you to worry about me. I’ll go there myself, and I doubt anyone will make things difficult for you.”
After finishing his words, he paid no mind to the reactions of others and headed straight for the inside of Sky Prison, leaving Old Zhou with a bitter smile. He called an alert guard to relay a warning message, then followed behind with the other guards, his heart full of bitterness.
When gods fight, mortals suffer.
What’s going on?
Early the next morning, after a night with Liang Sheng at Dusty Garden, Shu Shuang emerged and felt the strong atmosphere of the first day of the New Year. On the way back to their shop, greetings and blessings were exchanged incessantly.
After Old Zhang and Liang Sheng exchanged New Year blessings, Old Zhang whispered mysteriously, “Little Liang, let me tell you some news. Last night, the Grand General entered the capital and is in the Sky Prison now.”
Huh?
When the lord and the general don’t get along, it’s not a good omen. Coupled with the hidden turmoil in the capital over the past six months, Liang Sheng felt a bit uneasy.
It’s also good for chaos to erupt since it’s easier to catch fish in muddy waters. Although the short time of unrest in Dayan was not enough to cause chaos to that extent, it was…
As if he lacked time himself?
