On the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, during the moon’s waning period, news emerged from the Grand Court of Justice that the temple minister nicknamed “Iron Head,” Xu Zhongjin, had decided to open proceedings and try Jiang Chong. At this moment when the capital was in turmoil and treacherous ministers held sway, this decision truly lifted people’s spirits. Liu Jing had already fallen, and no one could control Jiang Chong. If the ministers of the Grand Court of Justice could suppress this man’s arrogance, the capital would naturally return to peace.
This trial would hear two cases together, with everything hinging on one person. This person was not some loyal and righteous solitary minister, but the world’s foremost ruthless general, the Kunlun Sect Master known as the “Sword God” – Zhuo Lingzhao!
Throughout the realm, only if the “Sword God” defected could deal a fatal blow to Jiang Chong. But no one knew whether he would come as agreed. Given Zhuo Lingzhao’s proud nature and how Jiang Chong had greatly neglected him these past days, rebellion was not impossible. However, with the treacherous minister’s power at its peak, if he feared trouble and shrank back, wanting to reconcile with Jiang Chong, that too would be reasonable.
The Grand Court of Justice had already received the complaint from Yanling Escort Agency and was only waiting three days hence to try this case. Throughout the Liu faction, regardless of whether they bore grudges against Zhuo Lingzhao, all were waiting for this ambitious hero’s arrival.
On the afternoon of the seventeenth day of the twelfth month, a group of white-robed guests entered the city. Each wore a long sword at his waist with arrogant bearing. When the city guards tried to stop them, they were beaten black and blue. The Brocade Guards were greatly shocked upon seeing this and immediately reported to An’dao Jing, who dared not delay and promptly informed Jiang Chong.
In an instant, news spread throughout both the Jiang and Liu factions, causing great upheaval.
“When the Kunlun sword emerges, blood flows like an ocean, driving a thousand li straight to the Yellow River.”
This “Sword God” Zhuo Lingzhao had indeed arrived.
Upon hearing the news, members of the Liu faction immediately rushed to the city gate. They indeed saw Zhuo Lingzhao leading his disciples, having already settled at an inn. Zhuo Lingzhao was warming a pot of wine, sitting by the tavern window watching the snow, appearing quite leisurely. In the distance, Brocade Guards surrounded the inn, pointing and gesturing, but all were awed by Zhuo Lingzhao’s fearsome reputation. No one dared approach to scold him, fearing it would bring fatal disaster.
At this time, Qin Zhonghai had been crippled and fled far away. Of the Liu faction’s four generals, only three remained: Lu Yun, Yang Suguan, and Wu Dingyuan had all arrived. Wu Dingyuan suddenly saw Zhuo Lingzhao, and memories flooded his mind. For a moment, grief and rage intermingled. Zhuo Lingzhao had killed his government colleague Huang Ji with a thousand cuts, exterminated an entire family before his eyes, and even forced him into desperate straits. In the decisive battle at Lou River, he had knocked him into the water. This grievance was truly unbearable. But at this moment, without Zhuo Lingzhao’s sword assistance, who else in heaven and earth could challenge Jiang Chong?
Wu Dingyuan sighed, feeling extremely conflicted.
Yang Suguan saw his expression and secretly worried. Yan Ting had already returned to Mount Jiuhua. Without this woman’s persuasion, Wu Dingyuan was capable of anything. He immediately whispered to Wei Zizhuang: “Watch Commissioner Wu carefully. Don’t let him cause trouble.”
Wei Zizhuang glanced at Wu Dingyuan and said loudly: “Don’t worry, Yang Langzhong. Commissioner Wu considers the big picture and would never cause trouble at this crucial moment.” Half of these words were meant for Wu Dingyuan to hear. After listening, Wu Dingyuan’s expression indeed shifted, and his killing intent greatly diminished.
Yang Suguan knew that Lu Yun was shrewd and bore no particular grudges against jianghu sects, so he asked him to accompany him to the inn. Since rescuing Qin Zhonghai, Lu Yun had been guarding the capital these past days. Apart from accompanying Gu Qianxi daily, he had nothing else to do. When Yang Suguan made this request, he naturally couldn’t refuse and went with him to meet the Kunlun disciples.
As the two entered the inn’s main door, Qian Lingyi had already jumped out, shouting: “What do you two youngsters want?”
Jin Lingshuang was a sensible person. Yang Suguan’s arrival at this time was surely to deliver a message on behalf of Liu Angtian. He immediately shouted: “Fourth Junior Brother, step aside and let Yang Langzhong enter.” Qian Lingyi snorted and looked coldly at Yang Suguan, saying: “Second Senior Brother, are we really going to fight with Lord Jiang?”
Jin Lingshuang said solemnly: “The capital has many ears and eyes. You shouldn’t speak carelessly. Just obey the sect master’s orders properly and don’t overthink things.”
Qian Lingyi muttered a few words, but since his senior brother had given orders, he could only return to his seat to drink, though his eyes watched the movements from the corner.
Seeing the Kunlun disciples all going to drink and eat without showing any wariness, Yang Suguan smiled slightly and entered the shop, walking to Zhuo Lingzhao’s table and bowing: “Sect Master Zhuo, this nephew has come to pay his respects.” Having a favor to ask of Zhuo Lingzhao, he was extremely respectful, meeting him entirely as a junior of the jianghu.
Yang Suguan was a direct disciple of Shaolin’s Tianjue Monk, with seniority equal to the abbot. His humility at this moment was naturally for the matter of defection. But courtesy costs nothing, and though Zhuo Lingzhao knew he had ulterior motives, he still smiled: “Worthy nephew Yang need not be so formal. Please sit quickly.” His tone also assumed seniority, deliberately taking advantage of Abbot Lingzhi.
Yang Suguan had always been tolerant about matters of etiquette and didn’t mind. He gestured to Lu Yun, and both sat down.
Yang Suguan cupped his hands: “It’s rare for Sect Master Zhuo to grace the capital with his presence. If you have leisure these days, would you be willing to meet and talk with several court ministers? Everyone speaks of Sect Master Zhuo’s world-covering divine skills with utmost admiration. If the sect master doesn’t refuse, this nephew can make introductions.”
Hearing these words, Zhuo Lingzhao was naturally delighted and laughed: “Yang Langzhong is too polite. Come, let’s not talk business today – drinking more wine is what matters.” He personally picked up the wine pot and poured for Yang Suguan. Yang Suguan was flattered and immediately held his cup with both hands: “Thank you for the sect master’s gracious offering.”
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily: “With such clever subordinates as you, Liu Angtian will surely be invincible.” Yang Suguan read his expression and quickly raised his cup to drain it in one gulp.
After drinking several cups with him, Zhuo Lingzhao was in high spirits and said: “Third Junior Brother, since Yang Langzhong has come, you should also offer a toast.”
Tu Lingxin approached with his ugly face cold, raising his wine cup and declaring loudly: “Yang Langzhong, Tu Lingxin drinks with you!”
Yang Suguan smiled slightly: “Hero Tu’s martial arts are superb. If there’s a good opportunity in the future, we might as well spar.” This Tu Lingxin had killed eighteen escort masters from Yanling Escort Agency in the past and was a wanted criminal that Wu Dingyuan was determined to capture. Yang Suguan’s words about sparring carried considerable provocation. Tu Lingxin sneered coldly: “Yang Langzhong has such spirit. Do you wish to fight me to the death?”
Yang Suguan smiled: “Please don’t misunderstand, Hero Tu. I’ve long heard that your ‘Sword Gu’ has unique secrets. I’ve admired it for a long time and have always wanted to discuss martial arts with Hero Tu, with absolutely no intention of challenge or revenge.”
Yang Suguan’s flattering words to Tu Lingxin weren’t mere bootlicking but had deeper meaning. He had heard from Lingyin that this Tu Lingxin had repeatedly spoken disrespectfully to Jiang Chong while in Shenji Cave – he was truly an extremely fierce and violent villain. If he wanted to instigate a break between Kunlun and Jiang Chong, Tu Lingxin, as Kunlun’s foremost villain, needed to be vigorously courted. So he took this meeting opportunity to say more pleasant words for easier future dealings.
Indeed, Tu Lingxin was delighted to hear such praise and laughed heartily: “Yang Langzhong is so polite, how dare I, Tu Lingxin, accept such honor?” He immediately raised his cup and drained it, with Yang Suguan accompanying him.
Lu Yun saw Yang Suguan talking and laughing warmly with extremely cordial bearing, and couldn’t help sighing softly. Turning to look across the street, he saw Wu Dingyuan also gazing over. Lu Yun noticed his agitated expression and realized that seeing Yang Suguan chatting and laughing with the Kunlun people had caused him displeasure. Lu Yun felt slightly melancholy but kept his expression unchanged, lowering his head in silence.
Zhuo Lingzhao was skilled at reading minds. Seeing Lu Yun’s unhappy expression, he knew the man still harbored ill feelings toward him. He immediately said: “This must be Magistrate Lu! We met briefly in Changzhou last month and caused you considerable trouble. Let me toast you as an apology.” He raised his wine cup toward Lu Yun with a smile, his eyes full of probing intent.
Yang Suguan was secretly delighted. Zhuo Lingzhao’s initiative to toast truly showed intention to resolve all grievances with the Liu faction. He quickly poured wine for Lu Yun and kept signaling with his eyes.
Lu Yun had once received a palm strike from Zhuo Lingzhao and knew this man was ruthless and cruel. He really didn’t want to associate with him, but circumstances forced him – he couldn’t afford to be stubborn. Lu Yun stretched his lips in a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He raised his wine cup: “Past events are like morning dew. Since Sect Master Zhuo is willing to abandon darkness for light and righteously assist us, I naturally should drink this cup of wine.” As he spoke, he stared at Zhuo Lingzhao without touching the wine.
Lu Yun’s words carried considerable mockery. The eight characters “past events are like morning dew” were particularly satirical of Zhuo Lingzhao’s past evil deeds, implying that if Zhuo Lingzhao wouldn’t defect, he would disdain drinking with him at all. Yang Suguan heard these words and secretly groaned, wanting to say something to smooth things over but fearing Lu Yun might utter more shocking words, so he could only forcibly endure.
Indeed, Zhuo Lingzhao was quite displeased hearing this. His face showed killing intent as he said coldly: “Magistrate Lu says I’m abandoning darkness for light – where does this come from?”
Seeing his displeasure, Lu Yun wasn’t afraid and said gravely: “Sect Master Zhuo previously worked for Jiang Chong, becoming his killing tool – that was darkness. Today’s willingness to expose Jiang Chong’s crimes and eliminate harm for the world’s people – that is light. Sect Master Zhuo’s transformation is known to gods and men alike. I don’t know what’s unclear about my words.” These words directly pointed to Zhuo Lingzhao’s faults with imposing manner, yielding not an inch, making Yang Suguan’s face alternate between green and white, extremely uncomfortable.
After being questioned by Lu Yun, Zhuo Lingzhao didn’t get angry but laughed, replying: “Magistrate Lu’s words are wrong. I kill like hemp – yesterday I killed for Jiang Chong, tomorrow I’ll kill for Liu Angtian. It’s all the same killing. What distinction of right and wrong is there?” Lu Yun snorted: “Since Sect Master Zhuo sees it this way, why then did you defect from the Jiang faction to work with Marquis Liu?” This question hit the crucial point regarding Zhuo Lingzhao’s true intentions. Yang Suguan, being so shrewd, naturally paid attention and listened carefully.
Zhuo Lingzhao chuckled: “Since Magistrate Lu is so direct and speaks frankly, I’ll also answer honestly. My choice of Liu Angtian this time, to speak plainly, is absolutely not about abandoning darkness for light or assisting righteous causes. Honestly speaking, it’s only because I’ve grown tired of Jiang Chong and am too lazy to deal with him anymore – that’s all.”
Seeing everyone’s puzzled expressions, Zhuo Lingzhao smiled faintly and continued: “Back then, I pointlessly killed all the old and young of Yanling Escort Agency for Jiang Chong, becoming an enemy of the martial world, and in the end gained no benefit at all – quite a loss. But as Zhuo holds the position of sect leader, I’m too lazy to fuss over such trivial gains. However, Jiang Chong should never, ever have burned bridges and kicked someone when they’re down! The moment he saw my crushing defeat at Ning Bufan’s hands, he immediately turned his back and refused to acknowledge me, ignoring my sect from then on.” Speaking of his hatred, intense killing intent appeared in his eyes as he said ominously: “But Jiang Chong forgot one important thing – since I, Zhuo Lingzhao, call myself the Sword God, I’m not someone he can toy with! Let’s see what happens!”
That day when Zhuo Lingzhao suffered his crushing defeat, Jiang Chong had thoughts of abandoning him. Every time Zhuo Lingzhao thought of this, the resentment in his heart was truly indescribable. Jiang Chong could distance himself but absolutely couldn’t look down on him, much less treat him as a killing tool to be discarded after use. How could someone who called himself the Sword God swallow such an insult? It was for this reason that when Yang Suguan made his proposal, Zhuo Lingzhao immediately agreed to join forces against Jiang Chong.
Lu Yun thought to himself: “Dogs biting dogs – all fur flying. This Zhuo Lingzhao’s cooperation with us doesn’t necessarily come from good intentions either. He just wants to use us to deal with Jiang Chong. Sigh… mutual deception with no one harboring genuinely good intentions.”
Seeing Lu Yun shaking his head silently, Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily and raised his cup: “Enough, let’s not speak of these unpleasant things. Now that Zhuo has obtained the divine sword, from now on the sea and sky are boundless with no one able to control me. It should be time for chivalrous deeds. I really shouldn’t mix with Jiang Chong anymore. Come, for the sake of these two words ‘righteousness,’ everyone drink a cup with me!” Zhuo Lingzhao’s earlier words had been too crude, all about struggle and hatred without giving Liu Angtian any face. This mention of righteousness was meant to ease tensions so the Liu faction wouldn’t look too bad. Yang Suguan quickly said: “Exactly. Sect Master Zhuo performs chivalrous deeds in the jianghu, becoming a great hero admired by all righteous people. This cup is an alliance wine – we won’t rest until Jiang’s power falls.” Instantly everyone raised their cups together, even Lu Yun picking up his wine cup.
Just as everyone was about to drink, they suddenly heard a sigh from the doorway: “Wrong, wrong, Sect Master Zhuo, you’re completely wrong.” Hearing this, everyone immediately turned their heads.
At the doorway stood a lama – it was Jiang Chong’s beloved general, Luo Moshi.
Seeing his arrival, Zhuo Lingzhao smiled: “Master, we haven’t seen each other for a long time. Why don’t you sit down for a drink?”
Hearing these words, Yang Suguan felt slightly alarmed, deeply afraid that seeing this person would make Zhuo Lingzhao change his mind again. But Luo Moshi had no intention of drinking. Hearing the invitation, he only slowly shook his head: “Sect Master Zhuo, I’ve come to deliver a message.”
Zhuo Lingzhao said “Oh” and asked: “Did Lord Jiang send you?”
Luo Moshi nodded: “Exactly. Lord Jiang has instructed that if Sect Master Zhuo still remembers past friendship, tomorrow night he should come to his residence for a gathering. He has a few words to say to the sect master.”
Zhuo Lingzhao said “Oh” and replied: “If Lord Jiang wants to see me, why doesn’t he come himself?” These words elevated his status, making clear he was on equal footing with Jiang Chong.
Luo Moshi heard this but didn’t respond, merely clasping his hands: “My apologies, Lord Jiang is busy with official duties and cannot visit personally.”
Zhuo Lingzhao’s face flashed with anger as he pretended to yawn: “I see. However, I’ve been quite busy lately too. How about we meet at the Grand Court of Justice on the twentieth of the twelfth month instead?”
Luo Moshi’s expression darkened: “Sect Master Zhuo, Lord Jiang now controls the court’s great power. Liu Jing has fallen, and no one in the world can stop him. Liu Angtian, Xu Zhongjin, Qiong Wuchuan – these old men are all useless. I advise you not to bring trouble upon yourself.”
Yang Suguan heard him speak so harshly and immediately felt relieved, thinking: “Luo Moshi claims to be well-versed in classics with clear understanding and wonderful insight, yet his eloquence is so poor he can’t even figure out Zhuo Lingzhao’s character. These few sentences have already deeply offended Zhuo Lingzhao.”
Indeed, Zhuo Lingzhao’s face showed killing intent. He raised his wine cup and said coldly: “Go back and tell Jiang Chong that I also know the secrets of Shenji Cave. Don’t think you can threaten me, or even your imperial palace will know no peace.”
Luo Moshi’s face showed terror and great anger: “How dare you speak this way in the capital! Aren’t you afraid of losing your head?”
Zhuo Lingzhao gestured, and Tu Lingxin immediately jumped out, saying viciously: “F*ck your ancestors, you mongrel! Luo Moshi, don’t think your master is invincible. Go back and tell that treacherous minister that my sect master has obtained the world’s number one divine sword and is also unmatched in the world!”
Luo Moshi took a deep breath and waved his hand. Outside, a hundred musketeers rushed out, raising their guns toward those inside the shop. This batch of musketeers was modeled after Tamerlane’s founding organization and personally trained by Luo Moshi. After nearly a year of continuous practice, they were no inferior to the elite troops that had been in Shenji Cave back then.
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed: “Master, are you going to use force?” With several swift sounds, the Kunlun disciples also drew their swords, their blade light glinting as they surrounded Luo Moshi. Yang Suguan and Lu Yun sat calmly, observing the changes. The shop’s servers were frightened into trembling and immediately hid in the back, with no one daring to come out for even a glance.
Luo Moshi shouted: “Musketeers, prepare!” The soldiers raised their guns and loaded ammunition, aiming at everyone inside the shop.
Zhuo Lingzhao was completely unafraid and simply raised his cup toward Yang Suguan with a laugh: “Yang Langzhong, let’s drink a cup.” His manner was extremely arrogant, not taking the Western Region firearms seriously at all.
Luo Moshi angrily shouted: “Zhuo Lingzhao! This is at the foot of the Son of Heaven – don’t be so rampant!”
Zhuo Lingzhao took out his blue iron pellet and laughed heartily: “Speaking of Gongjin of old with his feather fan and silk headband…” Yang Suguan continued the verse: “Laughing and chatting, the strong enemy was reduced to flying ash!” Before his words ended, blue light flashed, and continuous clanging sounds rang out as the barrels of all hundred muskets were severed.
In his shock, Luo Moshi couldn’t help but step back, saying in a trembling voice: “The Divine Sword Qin Long?”
Zhuo Lingzhao said calmly: “Master has good eyesight.” When heroes use martial arts to violate prohibitions, Zhuo Lingzhao deliberately relied on his superb martial arts to challenge Jiang Chong’s earth-shaking massive power. This struggle was truly rare in the world, and the outcome would probably be even harder to predict.
Seeing that force wouldn’t work, Luo Moshi could only sheepishly leave behind a letter, cupping his hands: “This old monk has delivered his message. Here is an invitation. If Sect Master Zhuo is willing to honor us, we’ll meet again tonight at Lord Jiang’s residence.”
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly and had someone collect the invitation, but remained noncommittal.
Seeing both sides had essentially broken relations with no room for reconciliation, Yang Suguan felt reassured and immediately stood up: “Thanks to Sect Master Zhuo’s righteousness, I thank you on behalf of Marquis Liu.”
Zhuo Lingzhao nodded: “Rest assured, on the twentieth day of the twelfth month, I will definitely appear at the Grand Court of Justice to identify the traitor Jiang. As long as the examining official is honest, justice will surely be rendered.” Then he added: “If the Yanling Escort Agency case can’t bring him down, I have another great secret to offer. Then when heaven and earth are overturned, the situation will be hard to predict.”
Yang Suguan’s eyes showed joyful light as he declared loudly: “Thanks to your great righteousness, Suguan is most grateful!”
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly felt two sharp gazes shooting from behind. Zhuo Lingzhao turned to look across the street and saw Wu Dingyuan with grave expression also staring at him, his face full of murderous intent.
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily and waved at him, his manner quite carefree.
This afternoon, a crowd of capital officials suddenly received invitations with just two short lines reading “Winter snow scenery is rare, let’s meet to appreciate snow and chat.” Such invitations were received by the hundreds daily, but looking closely at the signature – “Chief Inspector of Eighteen Provinces, Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Jiang Chong” – these twelve characters made everyone realize there was no refusing. Even if the feast held no good intentions, they could only go pay their respects.
Jiang Chong’s invitation to hundreds of officials at this moment was naturally aimed at the Grand Court of Justice’s joint trial. If officials intended to compromise with him, they only needed to attend the banquet to show loyalty. If any refused to attend, it would be equivalent to breaking with the Jiang faction. Though officials hesitated, with Jiang Chong’s power now overwhelming, who dared decline? They could only obediently go to “appreciate snow.”
At dusk when the lights first came on, the Jiang residence’s main gate had two long queues. Civil and military officials crowded at the entrance, all waiting to enter. One could see the Personnel Minister had arrived, the Finance Minister had arrived, such-and-such Vice Minister had arrived… For a time, sedan chairs arrived continuously in a grand display.
Though the banquet had begun and the hall was full of guests seated, no one dared touch the food before them. Everyone’s face was ashen, not speaking, like prisoners. Jiang Chong sat in the seat of honor, proudly surveying the hall full of guests, coldly asking An’dao Jing: “Are they all here?”
An’dao Jing consulted his roster: “Except for the monsters Xu Zhongjin, Qiong Wuchuan, and Liu Angtian, of the five current Grand Secretaries, only Yang Yuan hasn’t arrived. Of the Six Ministry Ministers, only War Minister Gu Siyuan and Rites Minister Hu Zhixiao haven’t come.”
Grand Secretary Yang Yuan was Yang Suguan’s father. Usually not close to any of the court’s three factions, he was considered neutral. Gu Siyuan was famous for his exceptional independence – these two men, with such character, naturally wouldn’t come to bow their heads. Minister Hu’s situation was even more special. Not only had he been close friends with Liu Jing in normal times, but recently his birth mother had been killed by Jiang Chong’s men and his house burned down. With such deep hatred, Minister Hu’s resentment had already reached the point of desperation – there was absolutely no possibility of him attending this gathering.
Jiang Chong sneered coldly: “Write down all these names. We need to reflect carefully and see why they’re unwilling to be friends with us.” An’dao Jing said: “Don’t worry, my lord. I’ve already copied down the names. In the future, I’ll definitely go seek their guidance.”
In the past, when Liu Jing held Jiang Chong in check with both factions balancing each other, Jiang Chong didn’t dare be too arrogant. Now with Liu Jing’s downfall and one man dominating the realm, it was a scene where the treacherous minister could take whatever he wanted. Hearing his cold words, everyone felt a chill in their hearts, not knowing how Jiang Chong would deal with these people.
Jiang Chong turned to look at the hall full of guests and smiled: “Everyone needn’t be afraid – just drink freely.” Though he spoke thus, none of the officials dared touch the wine or food, only bowing their heads in silence.
Suddenly one person leaped forward and loudly demanded: “Dare I ask Lord Jiang, what exactly do you want by mobilizing such forces to summon all civil and military officials to your residence? Is it to hear you boast shamelessly about dealing with political enemies?” This man was surnamed Mou, named Junyi, about forty years old, an official from the Censorate. His sister, Consort E, was the current emperor’s favored consort. Relying on his imperial relative status, he usually wasn’t afraid of Jiang Chong and had previously been close to Liu Jing because of his sister. He attended this gathering only because the Left Censor-in-Chief strongly invited him. Who knew Jiang Chong would act so coldly arrogant, even more rampant than before? Feeling indignant, he spoke out mockingly.
Jiang Chong glanced at him sideways and said coldly: “What dealing with political enemies? How could there be such a thing? My invitation clearly stated in black and white that this was to appreciate snow. Can’t Lord Mou read?”
Mou Junyi sneered: “This is an inner hall – how can one see snow scenery? If my lord wants to appreciate snow, why not go to the courtyard? Since Lord Jiang has ulterior motives, speak plainly – why hide and be evasive!”
Jiang Chong chuckled: “You’re right. I and these other lords do have ulterior purposes. But for you, brother, it’s purely for snow appreciation.”
Mou Junyi continued sneering: “I’m His Majesty’s brother-in-law. Lord Jiang should be more careful with your words.”
Jiang Chong ignored him completely and shouted: “Someone come! Lord Mou wants to appreciate snow – quickly bring out the snow!”
Everyone wondered how snow could be brought out. Several court veterans who knew Jiang Chong’s vicious methods and realized he was targeting Mou Junyi felt secretly fearful.
Before long, a guard came out carrying a sea bowl, saying: “Reporting to my lord, one sheng of white snow is ready.”
Jiang Chong laughed heartily: “Lord Mou, you wanted to appreciate snow – now it’s brought before you.”
The guard presented the sea bowl to Mou Junyi. Looking down, where was there snow? It was a bowl full of white salt. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Jiang Chong laugh: “Lord Mou wants to appreciate snow. Now the snow is here – you should quietly appreciate it and stop babbling.”
Mou Junyi angrily said: “This is salt! How is it snow?”
Jiang Chong said “Oh” and asked: “This is salt?” He came down from the hall to personally taste it, looking puzzled: “This is snow! How could it be salt?”
Mou Junyi shouted: “Stop mocking me! If you anger me, don’t blame me for going to the Noble Consort!”
Jiang Chong smiled slightly and called over Censor He. This Lord He had once escorted a princess for a marriage alliance and had some connection with the Liu faction. Jiang Chong deliberately tested him, smiling: “Lord He, do you say this is snow or salt?”
Lord He looked down and tasted it: “This is salt.” Jiang Chong chuckled: “Really salt?” Seeing his ominous expression, Lord He was startled and quickly said: “This is snow.” Jiang Chong nodded: “Correct. Your eyes aren’t dim yet.”
Mou Junyi angrily said: “Lord He, how can you do such things as calling a deer a horse?” Jiang Chong shook his head and called over another official, asking: “Is this salt or snow?” The man tasted it and quickly said: “Tasteless upon entering the mouth – definitely snow.” This person was very clever. Seeing Jiang Chong intended to torment Mou Junyi, how would he willingly get involved? He immediately spoke in agreement.
Jiang Chong laughed heartily: “Everyone says it’s snow, yet only you say it’s salt.” Mou Junyi angrily said: “If it’s snow, then why doesn’t it melt?”
Jiang Chong sneered: “Making it melt isn’t difficult. Someone come! Pry open his mouth!”
Guards on both sides immediately stepped forward, holding down Mou Junyi and forcing open his upper and lower jaws. Jiang Chong poured the whole bowl of refined salt into his mouth, laughing: “Isn’t this melted?”
Mou Junyi’s face turned bright red as he retched continuously, struggling and shouting: “Jiang Chong! You’re treating me like this… I… I will definitely take revenge. Everyone wait and see!” Jiang Chong laughed heartily and ordered his subordinates: “Lord Mou is remarkable! Someone gag his mouth!”
The guards on both sides held Mou Junyi’s jaws shut, not letting him vomit, forcibly making him swallow the whole bowl of refined salt.
Jiang Chong still felt unsatisfied and shouted: “Someone come! Strip off his clothes and take him to the courtyard to appreciate snow – let him appreciate his fill!”
The guards rushed forward and dragged Mou Junyi out. At this time, it was the height of winter with severe cold – he would probably be frozen stiff as an icicle.
Jiang Chong deliberately displayed his arrogance to control all civil and military officials in one stroke, so he first made an example of Mou Junyi. Everyone saw that though Mou Junyi had Consort E’s backing, he was still tormented until his face was deathly pale. If the next turn fell to themselves, they didn’t know what fate awaited them. With this powerful minister causing havoc, the hall full of guests had ashen faces, all trembling.
After laughing for a while, Jiang Chong suddenly asked Grand Secretary Kong’an: “Grand Secretary Kong, I hear you have a precious daughter. Is this true?” Kong’an was startled and quickly said: “I dare not conceal from my lord – I indeed have a daughter.” Kong’an was the court’s premier Grand Secretary. When everyone heard him call himself “subordinate official,” it was an act of self-diminishment that made everyone sigh.
Jiang Chong smiled: “I hear Miss Kong has flower-like beauty with skin whiter than snow – truly a beauty. Is this so or not?” Kong’an didn’t know what disaster was brewing and waved his hands frantically: “My lord flatters! This child has a wide mouth and skin black as ink with grotesque ugliness – how could she be called a beauty?”
Jiang Chong clicked his tongue: “You scholars are just so modest – really boring.” He patted Kong’an’s shoulder and then leaned over to whisper with a smile: “Lord Kong, let me tell you some good news.” Kong’an quickly smiled obsequiously: “Is my lord taking a concubine?”
Jiang Chong frowned: “I’m talking seriously with you.”
Kong’an coughed twice and quickly stood up formally, cupping his hands: “This subordinate listens respectfully.” Seeing his great fear, Jiang Chong immediately went over and put his arm around his waist in an extremely intimate manner, smiling: “This good news concerns both our families.”
Hearing this, Kong’an inwardly cursed his bad luck but said hesitantly: “Really… really?”
Jiang Chong smiled: “Ah… it’s really embarrassing to say – my nephew Daqing has fallen in love with your daughter.” Thinking of Jiang Daqing’s ignorant and incompetent appearance, Kong’an couldn’t help feeling terrified: “How can this be? My lord jests?”
Jiang Chong frowned: “Are you saying I’m lying?” Kong’an quickly wiped his cold sweat and smiled apologetically: “How could this subordinate have such thoughts? It’s just that my daughter is extremely ugly. How could the handsome Young Master Daqing favor her?”
Jiang Chong laughed heartily: “My nephew is handsome? This is the first time I’ve heard this. Lord Kong truly has great eloquence – no wonder you’ve long held the position of Grand Secretary.”
Kong’an swallowed and gave three dry laughs: “My lord flatters me.”
Jiang Chong glanced at him sideways and smiled: “Let’s not talk about this. The young couple loves each other, and we elders should quickly let them marry to fulfill my late elder brother’s wish.” Kong’an’s mouth trembled. He only had this one precious daughter – if she married that scoundrel Jiang Daqing, what happiness could there be in the future? He quickly said: “My lord doesn’t know – my daughter is already engaged to the son of Finance Minister Chen and will marry by year’s end.”
Jiang Chong showed a worried expression and shook his head: “But my nephew Daqing doesn’t think about food or drink all day, his heart set only on your daughter. What should we do about this?” How clever was Kong’an? Seeing Jiang Chong pressing aggressively, a cunning plan immediately formed in his mind: “Lord Jiang sees clearly – it’s not that this subordinate doesn’t know what’s good for him, but my daughter was promised long ago and is already considered part of the Chen family. Though I would be overjoyed if Lord Jiang wanted to marry my daughter, we must consider Minister Chen’s face!”
Everyone saw him use the poisonous scheme of shifting disaster to others. This person, despite being Grand Secretary, had no backbone to this degree – they all shook their heads secretly.
Hearing this, Jiang Chong’s face flashed with shadow as he said ominously: “Where is Finance Minister Chen?” Minister Chen had already heard their conversation and now, being summoned, stood up and cupped his hands: “This subordinate pays respects to my lord.” Seeing Minister Chen’s fearless bearing, he appeared to be a scholar of considerable character.
Jiang Chong pointed at him arrogantly: “Your son and my nephew both love the same woman. What should be done?” Minister Chen stood on the side of reason and wasn’t afraid, saying solemnly: “All matters under heaven cannot surpass the word ‘reason.’ My son was long engaged to Lord Kong’s beloved daughter. I don’t understand my lord’s meaning.”
Jiang Chong sneered: “Don’t understand? An’dao Jing, go help him understand.”
An’dao Jing walked out expressionlessly and bowed: “Minister Chen, Lord Jiang’s meaning is very simple – he just wants to ask you to fulfill this matter. Please grant this favor.”
Minister Chen snorted and shook his head: “How can marriage be child’s play? You step back. I have no time for more words.”
Hearing his direct rebuke, An’dao Jing said “Oh” and turned to Jiang Chong: “Lord Jiang, Minister Chen still doesn’t understand.”
Jiang Chong sighed: “I suppose he’s old with severely impaired hearing. Help treat him!” An’dao Jing drew his precious saber and advanced toward Minister Chen, muttering: “Lord Chen’s ear canals are too small – they probably need widening, or else he can’t understand our words.”
Though Minister Chen usually had integrity and accomplishments, seeing the gleaming blade, he couldn’t help gasping and retreating repeatedly. An’dao Jing frowned: “Do you understand now, my lord?”
Minister Chen’s heart was cut like by knives. He immediately turned his face away and sighed: “I understand.”
Jiang Chong smiled: “Good. Since you understand and we elders have all agreed to fulfill this matter, this marriage shouldn’t be delayed further.” He immediately waved his hand and shouted: “Someone come! Bring them up!”
Before his words ended, distant screams came as a young man and woman with frightened expressions were forcibly carried into the hall by warriors. The pair had elegant features – truly a perfect couple. Seeing these two, Kong’an and Minister Chen simultaneously cried out in alarm and fell to their knees: “My lord, please show mercy!”
This young couple was exactly their children, somehow captured by Jiang Chong.
Jiang Chong smiled: “What mercy? Marriage is a joyous occasion. Why beg for forgiveness?” He called toward the back of the hall: “Daqing! Miss Kong has arrived – come out quickly!”
Before his words ended, a fat man ran out from behind the hall with a grinning face – it was Jiang Daqing. Seeing him drooling with uncontainable joy, he was clearly delighted to his core.
Jiang Chong smiled: “You heard just now, didn’t you? Minister Chen graciously wants to give Miss Kong to you. Why don’t you quickly thank him?”
Hearing this, the young couple’s faces turned deathly pale. Young Master Chen cried out in shock: “Father! You… how could you say such things?”
Minister Chen dared not face his beloved son, turning his head away without speaking. Jiang Daqing laughed heartily and patted Minister Chen’s shoulder: “Thank you!” Then he rushed toward Miss Kong with extremely crude behavior.
Minister Chen cried out: “Wait… wait…” He wanted to reach out to stop him, but An’dao Jing gave a heavy snort that frightened Minister Chen into speechlessness, swallowing his words.
Jiang Daqing walked toward Miss Kong, drooling: “Little beauty, stay here tonight.” The girl was startled and quickly hid behind Young Master Chen. Young Master Chen boldly reasoned: “This gentleman, Miss Kong is my fiancée. Please show some respect.”
Jiang Daqing slapped Young Master Chen, knocking him to the ground, and shouted: “F*ck! I get angry just seeing pretty boys like you!” Though Young Master Chen’s cheek swelled, he didn’t submit. He stood up again and blocked his beloved, preferring death to yielding.
Fearing trouble, Minister Chen quickly ran to Jiang Chong and said tremblingly: “Lord Jiang, I beg your magnanimity – please spare my son!”
His words were pleading.
Jiang Chong smiled: “Who’s making trouble for him? My nephew just wants to marry a wife – how does that hinder him?” Jiang Daqing, knowing his uncle supported him, immediately smiled: “Right! I’m loving my own wife, but this person comes to make trouble – really inexplicable.” He pushed aside Young Master Chen and embraced Miss Kong, moving his mouth to kiss her powdered cheek.
Miss Kong struggled desperately and cried: “Father! Save me!” Kong’an stared blankly, watching Jiang Daqing publicly molest his beloved daughter, treating his precious pearl like a tavern courtesan. Kong’an’s heart was cut like by knives. Suddenly becoming furious, he pointed at Jiang Chong and shouted: “Lord… Lord Jiang, you… don’t go too far!”
Jiang Chong sneered: “How is this too far? We’re destined to be in-laws – is this too far? Or would Lord Kong prefer we become enemies?” Kong’an’s face was ashen as he gasped, not knowing whether to break relations, only hesitating there uncertainly.
Seeing his father-in-law couldn’t protect his wife’s purity and his own father showed cowardice, Young Master Chen, being a young man with spirit, couldn’t bear his beloved’s humiliation. He suddenly shouted and snatched a blade from a guard, charging straight at Jiang Daqing: “Bold scoundrel! Release my wife!” He had given up everything, intending to fight to the death.
Seeing his son go mad, Minister Chen immediately cried out: “Stop! Aren’t there enough dead scholars? Don’t do anything foolish!”
Amid the guests’ cries of alarm, Young Master Chen had already charged toward Jiang Daqing with no intention of retreating.
Jiang Chong was experienced – how would he take a weak scholar seriously? He immediately laughed: “Well done, Young Master Chen! This young friend intends to murder my nephew. If we don’t execute him on the spot, it won’t do. Commander An, chop off his hand.”
Hearing this order, An’dao Jing swung his blade toward Young Master Chen’s arm.
Young Master Chen was a scholar while An’dao Jing was the current Brocade Guard Commander, one of the capital’s top blade masters – how could he block this strike? Seeing his beloved son facing the disaster of losing his hand, Minister Chen was so frightened he fainted.
The other guests in the hall either covered their faces or closed their eyes, unwilling to witness such human tragedy.
Only a scream of “Ah!” was heard as fresh blood flowed, splattering the great hall. The guests looked urgently and saw Young Master Chen standing perfectly fine in the center of the hall as if nothing had happened, but the steel blade was stuck in An’dao Jing’s hand – the blood was his.
Seeing this, the guests couldn’t help showing amazement, thinking the young master had martial arts skills and could actually wound the Brocade Guard Commander in one move.
Though Jiang Chong had no martial arts, he knew something was wrong. He flew into a rage and shouted: “Who’s making trouble?”
From outside the hall came a long laugh and a clear voice: “Righteousness often comes from those who slaughter dogs, while the ungrateful are usually scholars. You group of scholar-officials – I really can’t stand to watch.”
Recognizing this voice, Jiang Chong immediately felt alarmed: “So Sect Master Zhuo has arrived.”
Amid the long laughter, a group of white-robed guests entered. The leader held an iron pellet with an arrogant expression – it was the “Sword God” Zhuo Lingzhao.
The Kunlun disciples had wild, arrogant bearing, looking coldly at everyone in the hall, completely disregarding Jiang Chong. Several guards who tried to stop them were all kicked and sent tumbling. Luo Moshi felt fearful, knowing that if Zhuo Lingzhao came this time and the situation went wrong even slightly, he would go on a killing spree. He immediately ordered the deployment of many musketeers into the hall. Jiuyou Daoist, An’dao Jing and other experts were also on high alert.