Who is the most legendary figure in this world?

Is it Lu Yun? Born from humble origins yet able to achieve the highest honors in the imperial examinations, possessing no strength to even tie up a chicken yet still managing to master martial arts – wouldn’t that count as a legendary figure? Or perhaps Qin Zhonghai? This man, with a crippled body, wandered the jianghu as an exile, yet ultimately managed to scale treacherous peaks to stand as tall as heaven itself. Such defiance of fate should surely count as a great legend, shouldn’t it?

Neither. Neither of them. Lu Yun possessed an eidetic memory and could draw inferences from a single example; Qin Zhonghai had extraordinary courage and treated life-and-death gambles like daily meals. For these two not to succeed and establish themselves would be heaven deliberately tormenting them – hardly anomalies.

So who truly is the legend? Is it Qin Baxian, who single-handedly challenged a million-strong army? Or perhaps Ning Bufan, whose enlightenment comes once in a century?

Or could it be the rising star Yang Suguan? Or even Wu Dingyuan, whose fate and fortune are so peculiar?

None of them. The greatest legend of the Jingtai Dynasty is neither a rebel general nor a swordsman scholar, but this man.

“Reporting to the Grand Preceptor, a message has arrived by carrier pigeon from the front lines.”

Jiang Chong nodded slowly and took the note.

It is he – the man whose blade never knew blood, whose brush never knew battle – Jiang Chong. A treacherous minister who in scholarship could not compare to a government clerk, and in martial prowess could not match a lowly factory guard – he is this dynasty’s most famous legendary figure.

Qin Baxian possessed heaven-sent brilliance and created an eternal grand design – this was natural. Liu Angtian had exceptional martial courage, Ning Bufan had extraordinary enlightenment – these men relied either on innate talent or later cultivation to achieve their supreme positions. Yet Jiang Chong alone was deficient from birth and failed in later development. Such a third-rate figure, completely without martial prowess or any redeeming qualities, somehow rose from nothing – if this isn’t legendary, what is?

“Ugh, so annoying.”

Despite being invincible under heaven for thirty years, first destroying Nu Cang and then defeating the Eastern Depot, with even the Sword God dying by his hand, the current Jiang Chong still dared not let his guard down. Whether he could safely navigate through the Jingtai Dynasty’s final struggle would be revealed once he opened this note.

Jiang Chong sat high at his desk and slowly opened the note. Luo Moshi and Nine Nether Daoist attended at his sides, ready at any moment to offer counsel.

The treacherous hero held his breath and carefully unfolded the note. Six eyes drew close to look, and instantly three exclamations rang out in unison. They looked at each other, all struck dumb.

The urgent military intelligence had delivered a thunderbolt from clear skies.

“Tianjue is dead!”

This was truly an event no one could have anticipated. Even if Jiang Chong were ten times more calculating and far-sighted, he could never have imagined that this old monk would suddenly perish.

He had rushed back to the capital precisely to guard against this man, yet before the two sides could even engage in battle, the enemy commander he had been planning against had already destroyed himself?

The three men looked at each other, slowly recovering from their shock. Gradually, smiles appeared on their faces. Suddenly, Jiang Chong clutched his belly, Luo Moshi squinted his eyes, and Nine Nether Daoist stumbled backward – all three burst into hearty laughter.

The hall rang with praise: “Congratulations, my lord! Those who commit many wrongs will surely bring destruction upon themselves! The old monk Tianjue harbored treacherous intentions and has indeed received heaven’s punishment – how delightful and worthy of celebration!” “Felicitations, my lord! With the enemy general fallen, the remaining rabble cannot form any threat. If they wish to form an alliance to overthrow Jiang, it would be like a madman’s dream!”

“Heaven’s will! Heaven’s will!” Jiang Chong laughed until tears streamed down his face, waving his hand. “What other good news is there? Quickly bring it all!”

A scout at his side hurried forward and presented another military dispatch, saying in a low voice, “This one comes from Song Tongming, son of Blade God Song.”

Jiang Chong was filled with joy and leaned in to look. Instantly he slapped his thigh repeatedly and cried out, “Excellent! Well done!”

Luo Moshi and Nine Nether Daoist exchanged glances, both showing smiles as they also leaned in to look.

“Nu Cang has begun fighting!”

Tianjue was dead, and Nu Cang had begun fighting. Shaolin and Nu Cang – one the leader of the righteous path, the other the current world’s rebel force – these two factions both refused to submit to him, yet now they were hacking at each other. Could there be anything more delightful in the world? Jiang Chong clapped his hands and laughed loudly, “Heaven protects our emperor! Heaven protects Jiang Chong! Haha! Haha! Wonderful! Wonderful! Too wonderful!”

With the situation like this, the overall picture was essentially settled. All that remained was to defeat Shaolin and Nu Cang one by one, and there would be another thirty years of fine rivers and mountains.

With a pop, the study filled with the aroma of wine. Shaoxing maiden’s red wine and Shanxi second-distillation liquor, sealed for a hundred years, were immediately opened. Everyone laughed continuously, ready to celebrate grandly on the spot.

“My lord, there’s another military dispatch, sent by Commander An.”

Jiang Chong raised his wine cup and glanced sideways at the scout, saying coldly, “From that waste An’dao Jing? Read it aloud.” The scout looked down at the note and appeared embarrassed. “Reporting to my lord, this note… this note… this humble one cannot read it.”

Jiang Chong took a sharp swig of wine and waved his hand. “Illiterate, are you? Nine Nether Daoist, if you would be so kind.”

Nine Nether Daoist, his face full of excitement, eagerly took the note. He looked down at it for a while, then frowned and said, “It’s round.”

Jiang Chong laughed loudly. “Round? The Mid-Autumn Festival hasn’t even arrived yet! That boy An’dao Jing already wants to eat mooncakes?” Nine Nether Daoist said hastily, “My lord, don’t misunderstand. It really is round.” Jiang Chong looked toward Luo Moshi and laughed. “Another illiterate fool. National Preceptor, your learning is profound – if you would kindly look and see whether it’s round or square? Just don’t let it be soft.”

Luo Moshi grew suspicious and took the note. Looking closely, he immediately drew in a sharp breath and said, “Round!”

As he spoke, his face filled with shock and he collapsed to the ground. Jiang Chong slammed his wine cup heavily on the table and sneered, “What, what, what the hell! It can’t be rounder than your bald head – why are you getting dizzy?” He reached out to take the note and spat, “It’s just military intelligence, look how you’re all stunned…”

As he spoke, his eyes stared at the note, and instantly his eyes widened as he cried out in horror, “It really is round! It really is round, and really can’t be read out!”

On the note was drawn a circular emblem with a dragon-serpent form in the center, head raised high and tongue flicking out. This was military intelligence that An’dao Jing had urgently sent from the Dharma Academy – not a single word was written, yet it had shaken the capital region.

“In the year of Wuchen’s end, the Dragon Emperor moves in the world, heavenly secrets remain true, gods and ghosts act freely.”

Our emperor still lives in Shenji Cave. The Jingtai Dynasty’s greatest nightmare, with Tianjue’s death, had now reappeared in the jianghu.

Nine Nether Daoist still didn’t understand the gravity of the situation and continued his fawning laughter, “My lord, Commander An really knows how to draw circles – he drew it very round!”

He laughed for a long while, but Jiang Chong and Luo Moshi showed no joy. Both men lowered their heads in thought, their expressions seemingly very apprehensive. Nine Nether Daoist was somewhat puzzled, not knowing why the two were putting on such airs. He quickly asked, “My lord, with Tianjue dead and this heart-deep worry eliminated, what troubles do you still have? Are you worried about the Nu Cang bandits?”

Nine Nether Daoist was so obtuse that Jiang Chong had no intention of responding. He merely sighed, glanced at Luo Moshi, and said, “Master Luo Moshi, immediately deliver a message for me. Say that Jiang Chong awaits at Yongding River – we must meet, no matter what.” Nine Nether Daoist, not understanding the reasoning, quickly asked, “My lord, in the deep of night, who are you going to meet?”

Jiang Chong slammed the table heavily and roared, “Shut your bird beak!” Seeing his superior’s anger, Luo Moshi became even more nervous and hurriedly stepped out of the study. Nine Nether Daoist became even more like a startled bird, shrinking his neck for a long time without being able to utter a single word.

On the third day of the seventh month, Jiang Chong was furious.

Dark clouds filled the sky, with no stars or moon visible. A large group of Cloud Capital Guard experts silently operated their oars, protecting their powerful minister as they sailed toward the center of the river. The autumn night was piercingly cold, and the Yongding River’s waves rippled gently. It had just rained heavily, and the river water was rushing and rising – this was definitely not good weather for a riverside tour, yet no one knew why Grand Preceptor Jiang had rushed over. But all his subordinates had always followed orders – who would dare to question him rashly before the Grand Preceptor?

With no light anywhere around and not even lanterns lit, Jiang Chong sat at the bow, lost in thought.

Nine Nether Daoist attended at his side. Seeing that Luo Moshi was nowhere to be found and An’dao Jing had gone to Shaolin, leaving only himself to attend, this was a rare opportunity to curry favor, and he had to seize the moment. Seeing Jiang Chong’s brow deeply furrowed as if he had infinite worries, he quickly rushed forward to speak, “My lord, as they say, ‘When soldiers come, generals block them; when water comes, earth dams it.’ With all of us great generals guarding you, what do you have to fear?”

Jiang Chong closed his eyes and sighed, “Who says I’m afraid? I, Jiang, started from nothing and became invincible under heaven. Only others fear me – I fear no one.”

Nine Nether Daoist’s first attempt at flattery fell flat, but he didn’t lose heart and quickly changed his approach, “Yes, yes, Lord Jiang is learned in five carts of books, brilliant and godlike in his martial prowess – no one under heaven can match you. This humble one spoke wrongly.”

Jiang Chong continued resting with his eyes closed, saying indifferently, “Who said I’m learned in five carts of books and brilliant in martial prowess? Daoist, ah Daoist, if you want to learn to flatter and fawn, use more ingenuity and fewer worn-out clichés. It’s annoying to listen to.”

Nine Nether Daoist, hearing the rebuke, panicked and could only repeatedly agree, thinking that those eight-character idioms wouldn’t work anymore – he’d have to figure out his superior’s intentions and find some impressive words to suit the occasion.

In the dark and windy night, Jiang Chong slowly stood up. In the distance, the river water rushed turbulently. He stared blankly and couldn’t help sighing, “Others speak of ‘thirty years of fame, dust and earth,’ but I, Jiang Chong, have ‘eight thousand days of wealth and honor sought in danger.’ Tell me, all of you – these eight thousand mornings and evenings I’ve sat securely on the Grand Preceptor’s throne, what exactly have I relied on?”

His subordinates had followed him for a long time and rarely saw him sigh in discouragement. Now seeing his face showing signs of weariness, all were alarmed.

Everyone was at a loss for words. Nine Nether Daoist, however, was eager for success and merit. He suddenly thought of good words and immediately called out, “My lord, what do you rely on to be Grand Preceptor? Do we even need to think about that? Your venerable self’s first great achievement is called unparalleled, your second is heroic talent and grand strategy that moves all under heaven, the common people truly love and admire you, and heroes from across the land all come to pay homage…”

Gone was “brilliant and godlike in martial prowess,” replaced by “heroic talent and grand strategy.” Seeing Nine Nether Daoist’s flattering words flowing like a tide, he was determined to get promoted and wealthy. Indeed, Jiang Chong smiled slightly and said, “Look how hard you’re working. Someone come.”

Nine Nether Daoist was delighted, knowing he was about to reward him, and immediately smiled, “This humble one is here.”

Jiang Chong glanced sideways at his subordinate and said coldly, “Arrest this bull-nose.”

At these words, a series of swishing sounds rang out as the Cloud Capital Guards drew their sabers and placed them at Nine Nether Daoist’s neck. Nine Nether Daoist cried in alarm, “My lord, spare my life! What… what did I do wrong now?”

Jiang Chong sighed, “Daoist, being ugly isn’t the problem – the fear is being like Dong Shi imitating Xi Shi, specifically taking rouge and white powder to smear on charcoal, making it not just ugly but grotesque. If I weren’t in urgent need of personnel, I’d really want to throw you overboard to feed the turtles.”

Nine Nether Daoist shrieked. Back in the day, he had also entered Shenji Cave and witnessed An’dao Jing’s fawning techniques. Who would have thought that learning just a few more servile flattering phrases would nearly bring fatal disaster? Both shocked and frightened, he hastily said, “My lord… you… you’re being unreasonable! Didn’t you say you were invincible under heaven? How is it that when this humble one calls you brilliant and godlike in martial prowess, heroic in talent and grand in strategy, you… you fly into such a rage? You… you’re so partial!”

Speaking of his grievance, he actually began crying aloud.

Jiang Chong sighed, “Daoist, flattery and mockery both start with the character for ‘offer.’ Let me offer you some advice: stupid people shouldn’t try to do clever things.”

Nine Nether Daoist wiped away his tears and sobbed, “I’m naturally stupid. If I were as clever as you, I’d be the Grand Preceptor.”

Jiang Chong shook his head and sighed, “Me, clever? That’s the first time I’ve heard that. Let me ask you – do you think I was clever at reading and writing in my childhood?”

Nine Nether Daoist sobbed, “If you could become Grand Preceptor, wouldn’t you have to be first in everything?”

Jiang Chong gave a faint smile, “Daoist, this time you’ve guessed wrong. When I came of age, my teacher threw me out of the private school. My parents saw me as an idiot with no hope of salvation and considered me a complete waste.”

Nine Nether Daoist was filled with righteous indignation and angrily said, “How dare they! They were the idiots and waste, actually misjudging a prodigy like you…”

Before he could finish his sentence, there was a splash as Nine Nether Daoist was thrown into the water. Jiang Chong’s face showed fury as he shouted, “You bastard! How dare you call my parents idiots? Do you want to die?”

Using dog shit as horse shit – Nine Nether Daoist was bound to suffer. From far away, they could hear him crying, “My lord, you are a sage of literature and martial arts, your virtue matches heaven and earth – quickly pull me up!”

Hearing new flattery arising, Jiang Chong’s anger flared even higher. He turned to his many subordinates and shouted, “Sage of literature and martial arts? I, Jiang Chong, have walked the world – have I relied on such bullshit? You idiots, tell me what I’ve actually relied on to become Grand Preceptor! Speak! Tell me!”

Seeing all his subordinates lowering their heads and shrinking their necks, not daring to move, he immediately grabbed one person, snatched a blade and placed it at his neck, angrily demanding, “You speak! What have I relied on to become Grand Preceptor? Speak!”

That subordinate’s face was covered in scars – how could he know such principles? Seeing the gleaming steel blade, he immediately began crying, “My lord, spare my life! I don’t know!”

The savage Jiang pressed the blade tighter and roared, “If you don’t speak, I’ll slaughter you today!” As the blade pressed tighter, the man’s neck immediately showed blood marks. In pain and fear, he instantly cried, “Help me! My lord’s martial arts are supreme – please don’t kill me!”

Jiang Chong made an “oh” sound and said, “You say my martial arts are supreme? That’s a new one.” Seeing him show a smile, the man immediately had an epiphany, thinking that what Jiang Chong cared about must be his belief in his own high martial prowess. He immediately struck while the iron was hot, smiling, “This subordinate understands now – my lord’s martial arts are formidable, so you can secure the position of Grand Preceptor.”

Jiang Chong laughed heartily, “You say my martial arts are formidable – let me ask you, if we were to compete in martial arts, who would win and who would lose?”

That subordinate grinned and said, “My lord’s martial arts are unparalleled under heaven – if this subordinate competed with my lord, naturally my lord would win.”

Jiang Chong flew into a rage and shouted, “Damn fool! You can’t even beat me – what use are you? Throw him overboard!”

With another splash on the river surface, that man joined Nine Nether Daoist in bobbing up and down, both in a sorry state. Jiang Chong was still angry. He grabbed another subordinate and roared, “You speak! Do you also think my martial arts are supreme?”

That subordinate, having seen the previous men’s miserable fate, quickly smiled awkwardly, “Yes… no… yes…”

Jiang Chong raged, “Yes means yes, no means no! It’s precisely because I’ve raised you bunch of wishy-washy bastards all these years that the court has deteriorated to this state! Tell me clearly! Are my martial arts high or not?”

The man lowered his head and smiled awkwardly, “Very high.”

Jiang Chong laughed heartily and roared angrily, “Good! Then if we competed in martial arts, who would win and who would lose?”

The man was greatly shocked. If he lost to his master, he’d inevitably become a useless waste, but if he beat his master, he’d become an arrogant villain. He had an idea and hastily said, “This subordinate would fight my lord to a draw in a fierce battle lasting a thousand moves.”

Jiang Chong spat and shouted loudly, “Bastard! Win means win – what’s this about draws? You’re trying to deceive me!”

He immediately slashed with his blade. That subordinate quickly dodged, his movement technique surprisingly excellent. Both panicked and frightened, he quickly knelt on the ground, his eyes red as he said, “My lord, spare my life! This humble one fought fiercely with my lord for seven days and seven nights, then took advantage of my lord’s nap to win by a single move and half a technique through despicable means. This humble one’s victory was lucky and shameless – though my lord lost, you actually won!”

That “ah” was like a shriek. Jiang Chong naturally laughed heartily and raised his voice to ask again, “Good! Since you defeated me, why are you now kneeling on the ground begging me to spare your life? Tell me, what’s the reasoning behind this?”

The man stammered and told the truth, “Winners become kings, losers beg for mercy. You are the current dynasty’s Grand Preceptor, and this humble one is just a nameless nobody – naturally I must beg you to spare my life.”

Jiang Chong laughed, “Well said! But tell me – since your martial arts surpass mine and your fists and feet are stronger than mine, why am I the Grand Preceptor and not you, boy?”

The man said awkwardly, “The emperor… the emperor gets along well with you, so… so you’re the Grand Preceptor and this humble one is a slave…”

Jiang Chong exploded with rage, delivering a heavy slap and roaring, “Gets along well? Get along with your mother’s fart! When grandfather first entered the capital, the emperor was just a powerless, insignificant idle prince – where was he the current Son of Heaven? What use was it for him to get along well with me? Damn it! I get along well with your mother!”

The man rolled and tumbled on the ground, his whole body trembling as he said, “Lord Jiang, my mother is over seventy – if you want to get along well with her, that’s a bit too late…”

Jiang Chong let out a wild cry and kicked out, sending the man tumbling into the water. His anger still unabated, he drew his sword and pointed it at the crowd, roaring, “Speak! All of you tell me! Why am I the Grand Preceptor while you’re all slaves? Speak!”

He pointed his blade at one person and stared coldly. That person’s whole body went limp as he said in panic, “My lord has an extraordinary memory, never forgetting anything, and also possesses outstanding literary talent…”

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Chong was already furious, “Bullshit! I can’t even remember what your name is – where’s my memory? You bastard are just humoring me!”

Seeing the saber swinging toward him, the man smiled bitterly and jumped into the boat himself, joining Nine Nether Daoist in their formation.

Splash, splash – the river surface was full of factory guard experts, creating quite a spectacle. Jiang Chong still wouldn’t stop, continuing to roar, “Answer me! Why am I the Grand Preceptor when you all surpass me in ability yet are all slaves? Answer me! Why?”

The remaining subordinates looked at each other, all stunned for the moment. According to Jiang Chong’s own words, his literary talent was mediocre and his martial arts even more ordinary. This man had no literary ability, no martial skill, wasn’t handsome, and wasn’t clever either. Could he be the reincarnation of a white rat spirit or the transformation of a toad? Otherwise, how could he have mixed his way to such a high position?

Seeing his subordinates acting in such a perfunctory manner, Jiang Chong looked up to the sky and roared, “Damn fools! All of you are ignorant! Every one of you, jump overboard!”

The crowd looked miserable, tiptoeing and about to jump into the water, when suddenly they heard a tremendous sound. The boat shook violently, and everyone looked back in shock to see a massive object beside their vessel – it was clearly a large ship with high masts.

The subordinates were startled and, ignoring their superior’s current madness, quickly gathered around to provide strict protection.

In the misty water vapor, the boat shook again, and suddenly they saw an additional wooden plank. Two men, one in front and one behind, were boarding their vessel. They heard an aged voice laugh, “Lord Jiang, since your subordinates cannot answer, let this old man answer for them. The reason you became second only to one and above ten thousand is precisely because you possess ‘self-knowledge’!”

Hearing the distinguished guest’s arrival, Jiang Chong’s face filled with excitement as he hurried to wait at the bow, bowing deeply. “Humbly welcoming the esteemed senior’s arrival.”

Amid hearty laughter, Luo Moshi led the way, guiding that person aboard. The newcomer had a mighty appearance and towering stature, a full head taller than Jiang Chong. They heard him say loudly, “Lord Jiang, in eloquence you cannot compare to Liu Jing, in strategy you cannot match Qin Baxian. In literary and martial accomplishments, you, Jiang Chong, are completely worthless – truly a great piece of waste.”

That person’s insulting words stirred the crowd of subordinates, all showing angry expressions. Yet Jiang Chong merely bowed respectfully to receive the instruction, showing no intention of rebuttal.

That person laughed heartily, then his expression turned serious. He patted Jiang Chong’s shoulder and said solemnly, “However, precisely because you are waste, and you also understand that you are waste – man’s nobility lies in self-knowledge. Because of this strength, no one in the court can contend with you. For thirty years, you have been as stable as Mount Tai. Lord Jiang, is this old man correct?”

All the subordinates stared in amazement, but Jiang Chong sighed deeply and cupped his hands, “Your Lordship’s words deeply resonate with my heart. I, Jiang, am convinced.”

The newcomer was none other than the current Grand Commander who, along with Jiang Chong, formed a tripod of power – the Marquis of Shanmu had arrived.

Marquis Shanmu Liu Angtian had distinguished military achievements and commanded a hundred thousand troops. Jiang Chong had sailed out in the deep of night to Yongding River precisely to wait for him.

Liu Angtian smiled faintly, “Lord Jiang’s ability to swallow those few words truly shows your ‘self-knowledge’ – this old man admires you three points more.” Jiang Chong sighed and gestured respectfully for his guest to enter. The two went into the cabin, leaving their bewildered subordinates stunned on the spot.

These mediocre subordinates, lacking in ability and understanding, naturally could not comprehend Liu Angtian’s meaning. Jiang Chong’s fearsome nature was definitely not due to his eloquence or scheming. The reason this man could dominate the court was precisely because of his exceptional “self-knowledge.”

Man’s nobility lies in self-knowledge – first know yourself, then know others. Understanding one’s own shortcomings leads to respecting others’ strengths, enabling one to listen to advice, employ worthy people, and thereby achieve kingship and dominance over the world. This was Jiang Chong’s unwavering method for reaching the position of “Three Preceptors and Three Junior Preceptors.”

Liu Jing was far-sighted and decisive in thousands of matters, with only one failure – but that one misstep became eternal regret. Qin Baxian had far-reaching vision, seeing across ten thousand li of rivers and mountains and through ages of events, yet he couldn’t see the firewood beside him. A pitiful error of mere inches led to drinking hatred in the yellow springs, dying with eyes wide open.

Everyone could be defeated – only Jiang Chong remained undefeated. Though born waste, he possessed self-knowledge. Relying on about a hundred mediocre craftsmen, Jiang Chong had defeated countless Zhuge Liangs over thirty years. Even with Qin Baxian’s ability and Liu Jing’s poison, neither could bring him down.

Jiang Chong’s strength came precisely from knowing his weakness. He knew himself to be extremely stupid, so he was incredibly clever.

Jiang Chong was invincible.

The cabin was stuffy and swelteringly hot. Since the fourteenth year of Jingtai, this was the first private meeting between the Jiang and Liu factions’ leaders. Sitting face to face, they heard Liu Angtian laugh loudly, “Lord Jiang, calling you a bastard turtle plus idiot would be flattering you. Your subordinates don’t know the situation and must think this old man is insulting people. Haha! Haha!”

These words were decidedly insulting, and Jiang Chong wasn’t stupid – how could he not hear it? Yet he didn’t get angry, merely laughing and deflecting, “Thank you, Your Lordship. The higher this lowly official’s position, the easier it becomes to forget that I’m an idiot, inevitably living more and more backwards.”

Liu Angtian was delighted and laughed even more, “Well said! The stupider you become, the more I fear you. If someday you fry your brain and become a complete idiot, I’d have to retire! Haha! Haha!”

Jiang Chong looked quite embarrassed and was about to change the subject when suddenly Liu Angtian’s face turned serious. “Lord Jiang, you sent someone to fetch me in the deep of night – what instruction do you have? Speak plainly.” Liu Angtian maintained a warrior’s character, speaking directly and cutting straight to the point.

Jiang Chong smiled slightly, “I won’t hide it from Your Lordship – today’s invitation is only to ask you to show mercy and spare this official’s life.”

Liu Angtian scoffed coldly, “That would be too much honor for me. You, Lord Jiang, dominate the court, turning your hand to make clouds and overturning it to make rain – who has eaten a bear’s heart and leopard’s gall to dare want your life?”

Jiang Chong sighed and looked at Liu Angtian, saying faintly, “The same person who killed Tianjue.”

A flash of surprise crossed Liu Angtian’s face, then immediately disappeared. Though this expression was subtle, it didn’t escape Jiang Chong’s eyes – it seemed Liu Angtian had also learned of this matter. Jiang Chong didn’t expose this, didn’t speak, only quietly waited for Liu Angtian to open the door.

After a long while, the Grand Commander of the North coughed and said, “Lord Jiang… are you afraid Nu Cang Mountain will move to kill you?”

These words were definitely evasive. Blame everything on the Xiongnu – all bad things are done by Mongols, everyone must eliminate the evil villains. Having long been in court, how could Jiang Chong not know these tricks? He narrowed his eyes, looking listless as he sighed, “The bandit Qin Baxian, the source of all evil, my concubine having an affair, your relatives being killed – every bad thing gets pushed onto his head…” He shook his head and sighed, “It’s rare that we meet – don’t beat around the bush. I’m really tired of this official rhetoric. Your Lordship, shall we speak seriously?”

Liu Angtian snorted, “When has Liu ever spoken improperly in his upright conduct?”

Jiang Chong smiled, “Fine, you’re quick with words, so I’ll speak directly too.” Before this dynasty’s most famous brave general, this treacherous minister appeared very small. With an ingratiating expression, he took a water chestnut from the large bowl on the table and slowly peeled it, “That year when Nu Cang Mountain captured Bazhou, didn’t the Empress Dowager summon you?”

Liu Angtian closed his eyes, “There was such a matter.”

Jiang Chong, seeing his calm composure, deliberately provoked him, “Of course there was such a matter – exterminating Nu Cang was tremendous merit! Consider how the emperor repeatedly sent people to recruit Qin Baxian, who ignored them all. Why was it that when the Empress Dowager summoned you, Marquis Shanmu, he immediately agreed with generous spirit? Hehe, the reasoning behind this – whether there was selling of this one or begging from that one – please enlighten me.”

Liu Angtian flew into rage, slamming the table heavily and shouting sternly, “Surnamed Jiang! What do you mean by ‘selling this one and begging from that one’? What exactly are you trying to say?”

Jiang Chong appeared to lower his head but secretly glanced at Liu Angtian’s expression from the corner of his eye. He heard himself laugh, “Your Lordship, don’t be embarrassed – in this court, who doesn’t have a big mess of accounts? If we really opened them up, you taking fifty steps and me taking a hundred – we’d all be good brothers.”

He put the white, tender water chestnut in his mouth and chewed slowly, “Let’s speak clearly – that secret memorial from the fourteenth year of Jingtai was sent by someone you… hehe… arranged, wasn’t it?”

Liu Angtian roared and punched the wooden table so hard it jumped up. He ground his teeth in extreme anger, immediately turned around, swept back the cabin curtain with his hand, and stared at the turbulent river surface without speaking again.

Jiang Chong, seeing him ignoring him, immediately took a long sword from under the table and gripped it firmly. Though Liu Angtian faced the window, he was aware of Jiang Chong’s trick and heard him chuckle coldly, “Lord Jiang, don’t think of acting rashly. This old man fights lions and tigers – if you want to fight me, that would be suicide.”

Jiang Chong cried out and waved his hand, “Misunderstanding! Misunderstanding! Didn’t you just praise me for having self-knowledge? When has Jiang ever been so presumptuous as to learn to pluck hair from a tiger’s mouth?” He turned the sword hilt toward Liu Angtian and said solemnly, “This sword has some background. I merely want you to examine it briefly – no other intention.”

Liu Angtian casually took it and drew the long sword from its sheath, but saw nothing particularly unusual. He shook his head, “What’s this? Is there something strange about this sword?”

Jiang Chong chuckled and took the long sword back, “Your Lordship, are you pretending to be a daffodil that won’t bloom, or do you truly not know?”

Liu Angtian’s anger surged as he shouted, “What are you insinuating? Speak clearly!”

Jiang Chong’s heart trembled as he said in panic, “You really didn’t do it?” Liu Angtian wanted to hit someone now. He clenched his fists and said in a deep voice, “Speak directly.”

Jiang Chong muttered to himself. Seeing Liu Angtian’s face full of murderous intent, which didn’t seem fake, he slowly drew the long sword and sighed, “Fine, I’ll trust you once. This precious sword… is the very sword that killed Liu Jing.”

Hearing these words, Liu Angtian couldn’t help but shift his body. Jiang Chong saw his eyebrows lift, then his pupils dilate, and immediately knew the truth – Liu Jing was definitely not assassinated by Liu Angtian’s people. He pointed at the blade, “This sword is stained with sea snake poison. Recently, villagers dug up Liu Jing’s corpse in the outskirts. I had experts examine it – the poison he was struck with matches exactly the poison on this sword…” He sheathed the sword and stared directly at Liu Angtian, “Your Lordship, at this moment every word comes from my heart. The outside world has always thought Liu Jing was killed by my people – that actually flatters me. Jiang has no such peerless expert under his command.”

In terms of court power, the three major factions had always been the standard. With Liu Jing’s failed coup and death by assassination, if it wasn’t Jiang Chong who arranged the killing, then Liu Angtian must have been the mastermind. Jiang Chong’s various probing attempts were purely intended to examine the Grand Commander of the North’s intentions.

Liu Angtian took a deep breath, “Lord Jiang, you summoned me here just to investigate this matter?”

Jiang Chong nodded lightly, “I apologize – one must guard against others. Regardless of who killed Liu Jing, since they could eliminate Liu Jing, they could deal with Jiang as well. Now even Tianjue has mysteriously died – the more I think about it, the more troubled I become. For the court’s tranquility, if Your Lordship knows who the perpetrator is, please speak plainly.”

Liu Angtian sighed, “Lord Jiang, I am old.”

Jiang Chong’s facial muscles trembled, knowing he was still evading, and said in a low voice, “Your Lordship, show me a clear path.”

Liu Angtian said quietly, “Seeking others is not as good as seeking oneself – the clear path is right beside you. If you had been gentler in the past, Liu Jing and Zhuo Lingzhao wouldn’t have died. If they were still here, how would you be isolated and helpless?”

Though Jiang Chong was being mocked, he showed no anger, only saying in panic, “Your Lordship! When you send Buddha, send him to heaven – don’t speak like this. Aren’t you afraid that person will turn to deal with you?”

Liu Angtian covered his face and sighed deeply, showing considerable weariness. He cupped his hands, “This old man is nearly seventy and has long seen through worldly affairs. No matter who wants to deal with me, that’s up to them. Lord Jiang, in any case, the court still has you supporting it. Forgive Liu for being old and frail – I cannot accompany you further.”

How could Jiang Chong let him leave so calmly? He immediately followed the conversation thread and sighed, “Your Lordship, why do you speak such disheartening words? Right now your Seventh Lady is about to give you another child. You’ve held office and enjoyed blessings – but what about your children and grandchildren? A hundred years hence, you can’t let your young concubine return to her old profession, can you?”

The Seventh Lady had previously been from a brothel – Jiang Chong’s words inevitably offended Liu Angtian. Indeed, the Grand Commander of the North flew into rage, overturning the tea table with his hand and shouting sternly, “Surnamed Jiang! Your words are far too rude!” The sound carried outside the door, alarming the guards greatly. Everyone hurriedly pushed open the door and peered in, asking, “My lord, are you all right?”

Jiang Chong knew he had struck Liu Angtian’s sore spot. He waved his hand to silence his subordinates’ speech. Not daring to disturb further, everyone quickly closed the door and withdrew.

The room was silent except for Liu Angtian’s heavy breathing, as if endlessly weary. Jiang Chong feigned a sigh, “I apologize. If the matter weren’t so grave, I wouldn’t want to dredge up these old affairs either. Your Lordship, please help me this once. I will never forget your kindness until death.”

Liu Angtian’s mouth corners lifted as anger flashed in his eyes. He picked up the teapot and poured it on the table, saying grimly, “Open your little eyes wide – I’ll write a name here for you that will keep you, Jiang Chong, sleepless at night!” Liu Angtian’s face showed disdain as he dipped his finger in tea water and drew back and forth on the table. Jiang Chong was shocked, delighted, panicked, and frightened all at once, hurriedly looking at the table.

Yang Xingguang?

He drew in a sharp breath and said in a trembling voice, “You… you mean Yang the Fifth Minister…”

Yang Yuan, styled Xingguang, born in Beijing during the Longqing years, achieved jinshi degree through the imperial examination in the seventeenth year of Jingtai – so he was the key figure in the final struggle.

Liu Angtian’s face showed neither joy nor anger, “What Fifth Minister Yang? Should be called Yang the Fifth Traitor, right? Tell me honestly – isn’t this Fifth Minister Yang precisely the spy you planted in the Liu household?”

Jiang Chong laughed dryly, “You misunderstand – I’m not deeply acquainted with this person…” He was about to lie when he suddenly felt Liu Angtian’s gaze held hidden contempt. Jiang Chong laughed dryly twice and quickly changed his story, “Now I remember… these past two years, for compiling the historical records, we indeed had some contact. We’ve shared meals and drinks.”

Liu Angtian said coldly, “No need for your confession – Liu knows the situation. That year when the Eastern Depot was so catastrophically defeated, if there hadn’t been someone providing inside support, ferreting out Zhonghai’s background, how could Liu Jing have suffered such complete defeat? Hehe, Lord Jiang, I always thought that after someone helped you obtain information, the remaining affairs should be handled by you. I never imagined that Lord Jiang has such naturally good fortune – lying down from beginning to end while others do the work. You really know how to enjoy the fruits of others’ labor!”

Hearing the sarcasm, Jiang Chong laughed dryly several times. Suddenly his expression changed dramatically, his beard bristling and his eyes showing extreme ferocity.

The reputedly invincible Grand Preceptor Jiang only realized tonight that he had been played with all along… Always using others’ knives to kill, he had now been manipulated like a puppet, becoming the stupid tiger in a scheme to drive tigers to devour wolves – this was truly unprecedented humiliation!

After Liu Jing, he would be next. The knife was already at his back…

Thinking about it now, Yang Yuan’s background was truly strange. Which court minister hadn’t experienced many twists in the bureaucratic sea? They either silently endured or retired to their hometown – after staying in court for ten years, who could withdraw unscathed? Only Yang Yuan – this man held the highest rank with a soaring career. Since achieving the examination degree in the seventeenth year of Jingtai, he had served as Hanlin Academy Compiler, Vice Minister of Personnel, Senior Minister of the Imperial Academy of Sacrificial Rites, and in the twenty-eighth year of Jingtai was promoted to Fifth Minister Grand Secretary. Fifteen years earned him the title “Yang the Fifth Minister.”

With no father’s or mother’s funeral, he had no need to return home for mourning. In his bureaucratic career, Yang Yuan never made mistakes, and no great disasters ever found him. He didn’t compete for credit, didn’t shirk responsibility, wasn’t particularly good at networking, but didn’t make enemies either. Because of this, Yang Yuan had a fine reputation that Kong the Chief Councilor could hardly match. Among the five Grand Secretaries, only this man was a loner.

If Wang Ning and Liang Zhiyi were like pine trees standing firm against the wind, Yang Yuan was like a soft, pliant vine – swaying with the breeze but never breaking at the roots. After great winds passed, unknowingly he would climb back up the wall and gently, slowly poke his head out.

Jiang Chong stroked his face and said in a low voice, “Your Lordship, from the moment Liu Jing died, you suspected Yang the Fifth Minister?”

Liu Angtian snorted and looked at Jiang Chong coldly, “You are still young after all. What kind of character is Yang Yuan? Would he willingly be your lackey? From the first day this man entered the court, Liu has been watching him.”

Jiang Chong’s whole body trembled as he gasped, “So… so you kept his son by your side to help with affairs, and now you’ve sent him to fight Nu Cang… You… you’re using his son as a hostage?”

Liu Angtian sighed and picked up a water chestnut, “This chestnut skin is black.” He immediately applied slight pressure and broke it in two, then said, “Look, the flesh is white.”

Seeing Jiang Chong’s bewildered expression, he immediately sat up straight and said solemnly, “Lord Jiang, this is where Liu Angtian differs from you. I have schemes and methods, but I also have a pure heart. Whether it’s Yang in civil service or Qin in military affairs, perhaps through fate or karmic retribution, these two children both came to serve under me. Over ten years, I’ve treated them with sincere hearts and never wronged them.”

Jiang Chong laughed dryly, “Excellent. Don’t tell me you’ll never kill them in this life.”

A flash of sadness crossed Liu Angtian’s face as he said in a low voice, “Making one mistake is already enough, Lord Jiang. Unless it comes to the point of house raiding and clan extermination, Liu will never harm them.” He patted Jiang Chong’s shoulder and said faintly, “Lord Jiang, in officialdom, besides self-knowledge, one should also have some conscience. Having long held high position, accumulate some hidden virtue for your descendants – the people will be pleased.”

Watching Liu Angtian leave calmly, Jiang Chong immediately collapsed in defeat.

Since the dynasty’s founding, no Chief Councilor had ever met a good end. Whether Grand Supervising Eunuchs or Ministers of the Six Boards – the higher the office, the thinner the fate. House raiding and clan extermination often struck one in three. The bureaucratic sea was truly like a Shura battlefield – achieving complete withdrawal was far from easy.

The final hard battle… Jiang Chong looked toward the flowing river water and couldn’t help sighing. At this moment, those shameful, laughable two characters actually flashed before his eyes.

Retirement.