Xie Wujiu Engages in a Long-Distance Verbal Spat, Zhuge Huaijin Gets More Heated with Each Insult

At noon on the third day, Tianji Pavilion finally issued a formal response.

The wording of the document was as high-sounding and pompous as ever.

Things like "acting in accordance with the heavens, why fear slanderous words"; or "the incident at Yanshan has its own complications and cannot be judged by a one-sided story"; or "a dynasty using heavenly wrath to consolidate private power is ultimately not a blessing for the common people."

Reading between the lines, they were putting on a very dignified front.

Unfortunately, while they could maintain the formal structure, they could not conceal their emotions.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that this reply was laced with anger.

When the Grand Secretariat received it, Zhuge Huaijin laughed on the spot.

He slapped the document on the table and said leisurely, Gentlemen, Xie Wujiu is starting to get anxious about washing his own face to save his reputation.

Qian Shoucai leaned over to take a look and also found it amusing, We've already slapped his face swollen, what's the use of washing it now.

Zhang Wuji was even more cutting, Washing his face? Looks more like applying medicine to me.

Tie Zhan burst into hearty laughter.

For a moment, the duty room of the Grand Secretariat was filled with a very rare, cheerful atmosphere.

How could they not be cheerful?

What kind of existence was Tianji Pavilion?

A top-tier faction in the Eastern Wastelands, always acting high and mighty.

They even pulled in other top-tier factions to form the Heavenly Dao Alliance versus the Great Zhou-led Avengers Alliance.

And yet now, after being pinned down and roasted by this group of civil officials for three days, they actually talked back.

What did this mean?

It meant the insults hit home.

And when it comes to civil officials, once they realize their scolding is effective, their combat power only doubles.

Keep writing, Zhuge Huaijin rolled up his sleeves and personally picked up a brush. For today's piece, this old man will talk about 'if you truly worry for the common people, why sit and watch the evil alliance spread everywhere'.

Qian Shoucai added the finishing blow from the side, Might as well list all the bloody cases and fraud schemes the Heavenly Dao Alliance has pulled off in various provinces over the years. The common people eat that stuff up.

And the Crimson Moon Demonic Cult, Li Xian said expressionlessly. Since the theory of the Eye of Calamity has been brought up, we cannot let them off.

Zhang Wuji gave a sinister smile, Then why not title it—'If Tianji Pavilion is Selfless, How Did Crimson Moon Become a Demonic Lair'.

Zhuge Huaijin paused his brush and looked up at him.

Vice Grand Councilor Zhang, you are truly a natural at writing calls to arms.

Zhang Wuji modestly cupped his hands, The Grand Councilor overpraises me. I am just relatively good at telling the truth.

The few people in the room all laughed.

Then, still laughing, they went back to work.

That afternoon, the latest issue of the Great Zhou Times had an extra million copies printed and was rapidly distributed across the nation.

And Zhuge Huaijin truly cursed them out for seven consecutive days.

Over those seven days, he scolded everyone from Tianji Pavilion to the Heavenly Dao Alliance, from Xie Wujiu to the Crimson Moon Demonic Cult. His wording grew sharper by the day, yet every single article managed to present evidence, reason things out, and occupy the moral high ground.

Minister of War Tie Zhan, Minister of Revenue Qian Shoucai, and Minister of Justice Li Xian took turns showing their support, like three ruthless men beating the side drums.

The Ministry of War was responsible for saying they deserve to be beaten.

The Ministry of Revenue was responsible for saying we have the money to beat them.

The Ministry of Justice was responsible for saying catch them and kill them.

Civil, martial, legal, and financial sectors cooperated flawlessly.

What was even more outrageous was that the Directorate of Ceremonial, the Eastern and Western Depots, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard all followed suit.

The Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Pei Jingzhe, was now so busy his feet barely touched the ground. Every day he received reports, dispatched personnel, intercepted, and besieged, pushing the provincial battalions to work so hard they practically sparked.

As the dog emperor's die-hard lackey, he was usually unsmiling, but his actions were ruthless and precise.

After receiving the decree to fully cooperate with the local extermination of rebels, he immediately extracted the most capable fighters, best investigators, and top night-operation experts from every province and scattered them directly into the prefectures and countryside.

For a time, the Heavenly Dao Alliance strongholds within the Great Zhou borders were like tumors growing in the ground, being dug out one by one.

Although it was impossible to clear them all out overnight, that atmosphere of everyone shouting to beat them had truly been roused.

In the past, the people of the Heavenly Dao Alliance walked in the dark, relying on mystery and bewitchment.

Now it was different.

Now when they went out, they first had to think about how much bounty they were worth.

A deacon of the Heavenly Dao Alliance in Lingnan was sold out three times, ultimately dying at the hands of an accomplice who wanted to claim a double bounty.

When news of this reached the capital, even Wang Hao fell silent for two breaths before commenting, Not bad. It shows that my Great Zhou subjects have a great mind for economics.

Ren Mingyue was left speechless upon hearing this.

She realized that the more chaotic the situation, the more stable Wang Hao's mood became.

When others saw chaos, they would get annoyed.

When he saw chaos, his first thought was: where can I conveniently scoop up some benefits.

Just like now.

The long-distance verbal sparring between Tianji Pavilion and the Grand Secretariat should have been a major event.

But while he read the calls to arms, he was still thinking about another, more practical matter—money.

To be precise, the money the Grand Secretariat owed the Inner Treasury.

What does Hai Dafu say? Wang Hao asked.

Wei Zhongxian's expression was strange: The Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial hasn't been doing... too well these past few days.

Not well in what way?

I heard he hasn't had a solid sleep in three days.

Wang Hao immediately grew interested: Explain in detail.

Wei Zhongxian stifled a smile and said, Grand Councilor Zhuge has recently been using 'national affairs take priority' to block the Directorate of Ceremonial, continuously delaying the repayment of the silver borrowed from the Inner Treasury. Eunuch Hai went to demand payment three times. Once, he was invited by the Minister of Revenue to look at the national treasury's military expenditure ledgers. Another time, he was pulled aside by the Vice Grand Councilor to discuss tax system optimization for royal enterprises and soon-to-be-listed noble family enterprises. The last time... he was told to his face by the Grand Councilor—

Told what?

He said, 'As the sovereign father of the realm, what is inappropriate about His Majesty using his own money to support his own country?'

Wang Hao: ...

Ren Mingyue: ...

The tent was quiet for a moment.

Then Wang Hao slowly put down the teacup in his hand and let out a heartfelt sigh.

That old fox Zhuge Huaijin, his skin is truly getting thicker and thicker.

Ren Mingyue couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.

Because she knew that at least half of Wang Hao's insult was a compliment.

After all, an ordinary person couldn't say something like that.

Being able to be so shameless meant that Zhuge Huaijin had indeed been led astray recently.

Meanwhile, Hai Dafu was indeed on the verge of going mad with anger.

In the duty room of the Directorate of Ceremonial, this usually composed grand eunuch currently had bloodshot eyes.

That old thief Zhuge said 'borrowed money based on skill, why should it be repaid?' A dignified first-rank official of the imperial court, the Grand Councilor of the Secretariat, how can he be so shameless?

He slapped the table, his voice turning shrill.

The little eunuchs beside him were all as quiet as winter cicadas, not even daring to lift their heads.

Because everyone knew that Eunuch Hai was truly anxious these days.

Although the money in the Inner Treasury belonged to the emperor, the person managing the money was him.

Now, under the pretexts of exterminating rebel factions, rectifying the realm, and expanding penal administration, the Grand Secretariat was spending money like water. Yet every time he brought up settling the accounts, the other side would talk to him about the common people, the state, and the foundation of the nation.

The most infuriating part was that he couldn't even refute these words directly.

Could he say that the common people weren't important?

Could he say that the state could wait?

So every time, he was left feeling choked and uncomfortable.

Eunuch Hai... a trusted little eunuch whispered, How about sending a letter to His Majesty?

I already sent one!

Then what did His Majesty say?

Hai Dafu's face twisted even more at the thought of the reply.

The reply was only one sentence.

Let them spend it first; after they finish spending, I will collect it back with interest.

After reading it at the time, Hai Dafu fell silent for a long while.

He suddenly understood.

Bad.

All of them were bad.

The old geezers in the Grand Secretariat were truly dodging their debts.

And His Majesty wasn't harboring any good intentions either.

He wasn't pressing them now because he didn't care at all about this bit of short-term return. What he cared about was waiting for the Cabinet to set up its framework, expand its operations, and cultivate dependency. Then, he would turn around and fleece them manifold through systems, projects, dividends, and dispatch rights.

One was an old fox who borrowed money and never paid it back.

The other was a little fox spirit—no, a great fox spirit—who let you borrow first, only to figure out a way to make you pay it back tenfold later.

The more Hai Dafu thought about it, the more sorrow welled up within him.

So, in this entire court, he was the only normal person, right?

At this thought, he gritted his teeth and spat out, Zhuge Huaijin, that old bastard. He better pray he never falls into my hands.

Meanwhile, the attitudes of the various factions in the Eastern Wasteland toward this storm were becoming increasingly subtle.

At first, everyone was just watching the show for fun.

Later, they realized that the Great Zhou did not seem to be bluffing.

Then, the various parties began to realize a terrifying fact—

This young emperor might truly be reorganizing the power of a top-tier dynasty in a way no one had ever seen before.

Not relying solely on the patriarchs, not solely on the army, nor solely on allies.

Instead, through the imperial court, the Cabinet, the secret police, the military, the penal system, trade routes, newspapers, public opinion, bounties, and sect collaborations—linking one ring to another, slowly weaving a massive net that truly covered the world.

Was the Heavenly Dao Alliance strong?

Yes.

Was the Crimson Moon Demonic Cult ruthless?

Yes.

Was the Heavenly Pavilion hidden deep?

Yes.

But no matter how strong, ruthless, or deeply hidden they were, they were ultimately entities lurking outside the established order.

Wang Hao's most terrifying aspect lay in the fact that he was making the words Great Zhou once again possess the ability to actively pounce and bite.

This was not the strength of a single individual.

This was the entire dynasty being mobilized by him bit by bit.

At night, the wind howled tighter around the camp.

Wang Hao stood alone outside his tent, looking at the heavy clouds on the horizon, his expression unusually quiet.

Ren Mingyue walked to his side and asked in a low voice, Are you thinking about Crimson Moon?

Yes.

Are you still worried?

Not worried, Wang Hao said lightly. Confirming.

Confirming what?

Confirming that Xie Wujiu has already started to panic. Once a person panics, no matter how deeply they hide, they will expose their tail. I'm afraid there will be movement from Crimson Moon very soon.

Ren Mingyue glanced at him. Did you intentionally curse the Heavenly Pavilion until they jumped in anger?

Wang Hao smiled.

Of course.

Don't they like hiding behind the scenes and manipulating the winds and clouds? Then I will set up the stage and force them to step to the front themselves. As long as he speaks, as long as he accepts the challenge, as long as he becomes anxious, his flaws will only increase.

He paused here, a hint of cold light in his eyes.

Furthermore, I also want everyone to see.

See what?

See that if someone truly has to shoulder this world, who exactly is capable of shouldering it.

Ren Mingyue was quiet for a few breaths before suddenly saying, If Shen Xue and Yun Meng heard you say this, I'm afraid their hearts would be thrown into turmoil again.

Wang Hao turned his head to look at her, an eyebrow slightly raised. And you?

Ren Mingyue paused, then gave a soft snort. I am more clear-headed than they are.

Oh?

I know that at least half of what Your Majesty just said was meant for others to hear.

Wang Hao's smile deepened. And the other half?

Ren Mingyue looked at him and did not answer immediately.

The wind blew past, curling a few strands of hair at her temples.

After a moment, she finally whispered, The other half... is probably true.

Wang Hao didn't say anything.

He merely looked up at the night sky, the corners of his lips curling up bit by bit.

A chaotic era was about to begin.

Crimson Moon was not yet pacified.

The Heavenly Pavilion was still in the dark.

Yet in his heart, things were actually becoming clearer and clearer.

This game of chess had already started moving in the direction he liked best.

The more chaotic it became, the more it proved that it was time to pull in the net.

The night wind swept up snow particles, scraping all the way from the edge of the camp and hitting the outer edges of the tents, making a fine, dense sound.

Wang Hao stood outside the tent, looking at the night sky and saying that this game of chess was moving in the direction he liked best.

And at this moment, the lights inside the tent were unextinguished.

But he was no longer where he had been standing.

Your Majesty, the Eastern Depot has already made the arrangements.

Wei Zhongxian bowed his body, lowering his voice, his expression carrying a practiced, subtle complexity. That kind of complexity usually only appeared when he was handling matters for Wang Hao that were not quite suitable to be recorded in the Imperial Diary.

Wang Hao gave an affirmative hum, slowly and methodically flipping through a few thin sheets of paper in his hand.

On the paper were not memorials, nor military intelligence.

Rather, they were three extremely brief records.

They respectively read:

—Shen Xue: Around midnight tonight, showed signs of leaving the camp to walk alone.

—Yun Meng: Emotionally unstable after dinner. Looked toward the central camp several times, then turned back, appearing hesitant.

—Ren Mingyue: After the hour of You, ordered two of her accompanying palace maids away, clearly having other arrangements.

After reading, the corners of Wang Hao's mouth lifted bit by bit.

People. Once they feel they are about to be completely manipulated, they will instinctively want to huddle together for warmth.

Wei Zhongxian asked carefully, Does Your Majesty mean that they will truly meet up tonight?

Ten to one they will. Wang Hao set the papers down, his tone as casual as if he were commenting on the weather. Shen Xue is most afraid of sinking in without understanding why. Yun Meng is most annoyed by having her heart thrown into a mess by my teasing. Ren Mingyue sounds clear-headed, but in reality, she wants to gain the upper hand more than anyone else. When three smart women realize they might all be led by the nose by the same person, the most normal choice is to have a talk first.

Wei Zhongxian fell silent for a moment.

He couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong with this situation.

But he vaguely felt that the person who was the most wrong was sitting right in front of him, completely oblivious to it.

And the location of their secret meeting? Wang Hao asked.

As Your Majesty instructed, the men from the Eastern Depot have accidentally let them all know that the old medicine tent on the north side is temporarily vacant. It's secluded, not far from the main camp, and perfect for a private chat. Wei Zhongxian paused, then added, The sound-recording array and the scrying mirror have also been set up. Even the spiritual energy fluctuations have been suppressed to the absolute minimum. Generally, anyone below the seventh realm would find it hard to detect, and even those above the seventh realm might not notice it unless they specifically inspect the area in detail.

Wang Hao nodded in satisfaction.

Not bad. The technique is getting more and more mature.

Wei Zhongxian: ...

Did this kind of thing really count as technique?

But on second thought, considering His Majesty could even use newspapers, stocks, and public opinion warfare as weapons, using a sound-recording array to eavesdrop on a late-night chat between three women didn't seem all that unacceptable.

He was used to it.

Habit was a very terrifying thing.

Then, will Your Majesty tonight... Wei Zhongxian asked tentatively.

Of course I'm not going.

Wang Hao said it with absolute self-righteousness.