Chapter 200: Chaos in Xiaocheng (40) [Two-in-One]

Zheng Qiao didn't care about the rebellion of the two Zhi Kings.

These two were nothing more than his defeated opponents.

He's a useless piece of trash who can only survive by virtue of his mercy!

If you can win once, you will naturally win a second time.

What truly infuriated Zheng Qiao was that among the rebels who participated in the uprising were his trusted confidants! His capable ministers and generals had actually chosen to betray him, break his trust, and side with his enemies!

This is what Zheng Qiao cannot tolerate!

If even his trusted confidants, whom he personally promoted, are like this, then—

Zheng Qiao's murderous gaze swept over the assembled officials below. Each official who was targeted felt uneasy, as if a faint, eerie wind was swirling around their vulnerable necks, or as if they were being stared at by a venomous snake.

He pressed his pale lips together tightly, a violent and bloodthirsty killing intent surging through Zheng Qiao's chest, desperately seeking a way out.

Do you have any countermeasures in mind?

Every word seemed to be dripping with deadly venom.

The atmosphere was so tense it was suffocating.

Several of the weaker officials nearly fainted and lost their breath, while those who fared slightly better were deathly pale. Upon seeing this, Zheng Qiao, who had been furious just moments before, suddenly broke into a warm smile and rose to walk to the side of the white-haired official who was trembling like a leaf.

The white-haired official, head bowed, saw Zheng Qiao's brocade shoes come into view. He was instantly struck dumb, his vision blurred, and he collapsed to the ground, his wrinkled hands trembling uncontrollably. Saliva gushed from his mouth, a clear sign of impending loss of control.

Emmm...

To be precise, it showed some signs of a stroke.

They knew all too well Zheng Qiao's unpredictable personality.

He will kill when he's angry, and he will kill when he's happy.

He wouldn't touch the high-ranking officials, but he wouldn't care if a few of the less irreplaceable ones died. The white-haired official happened to belong to the latter category; he had climbed to a mid-to-high rank in the court through seniority, which simply means he had lived a long life.

Most of those talented people who became famous in their youth and were amazing in their prime did not live to middle age, let alone old age with a full head of white hair.

He was most proud of his survival.

So what if he's mediocre?

So what if a talented person is exceptionally gifted?

The three or four combined didn't outlive him.

but--

At this moment, he felt a strong sense of panic, as if his life was about to enter its final countdown. This panic reached its peak when he saw the square-soled shoes Zheng Qiao was wearing. As if to confirm his suspicions, the soft, gentle voice of King Zheng Qiao entered his ears.

It sounds great.

Even heavenly music is nothing more than this.

To him, it was like a ghostly messenger whispering in his ear, "The time has come; it's time to set off." Zheng Qiao reached out and pulled him up with an air of unyielding authority, asking him with a casual smile, "How old are you, my dear minister? How many people are in your family?"

Upon hearing Zheng Qiao's words, the white-haired official's heart clenched, as if a cold, venomous snake were crawling up his back, hissing and flicking its tongue near his ear. He clenched his sweaty hands in fright and stammered, "This old minister is seventy-nine years old, and his family has more than eighty members."

Zheng Qiao was slightly surprised: "Seventy-nine?"

This is truly an extremely long life!

It should be known that the average lifespan of men these days is only twenty-seven or twenty-eight. Generally, people over thirty can call themselves "old men," and living past forty is considered "long-lived and blessed." Fifty or sixty is unthinkable, yet this white-haired official before me is seventy-nine, just one year shy of eighty!

Zheng Qiao softened his expression, even his breathing became gentle: "Emperor Wu once said, 'Even the elderly can live to a ripe old age; his benevolence extends to plants and insects.' In a prosperous and peaceful era, the king is wise and benevolent, and the prime minister is loyal and virtuous. Everyone can live as long as you, my dear minister."

The white-haired official stammered in flattery, "Your Majesty is wise and insightful, and will surely lead us to create a prosperous and peaceful world for the people of Geng Kingdom."

Zheng Qiao scoffed, then changed the subject.

"But—I believe that longevity is not a good thing."

The white-haired official felt a tightness in his chest.

“If everyone lived as long as you, my dear minister, and every household had more than eighty people, and their children and grandchildren had children and grandchildren, there would be many people but no increase in grain production…” As he spoke, Zheng Qiao sighed, his voice heavy with sorrow, “Have you ever thought about what the world would be like then?”

The white-haired official felt a chill in his heart.

Zheng Qiao then went on to talk about "descendants and longevity".

Frankly speaking, for some elderly people who live long lives and become shrewd and calculating, this is not necessarily a good thing, but could be a major disaster, because their longevity is achieved by absorbing the lifespan of their descendants! These white-haired officials must have outlived many of their children over the years, right? That's the crux of the problem!

The court officials looked increasingly grim upon hearing this.

Which family doesn't have a few elderly people?

Which family doesn't have a few children or grandchildren who died young?

Even infants born into wealthy and powerful families, meticulously cared for by servants, have a survival rate of less than 80% reaching the age of early childhood education. Male offspring fare slightly better; if they do reach this age, they can sense the energy of heaven and earth, drawing it into their bodies, which strengthens their constitution, making them less susceptible to evil influences and increasing their survival rate. Those without such potential have a similar mortality rate to girls, only 60%.

Not to mention ordinary people.

Seven or eight are born, four or five die—it's all too common.

The death of a child is heartbreaking enough, but Zheng Qiaolai said it was because the elders of the clan had lived to see their descendants live longer. How could the older court officials feel about this?

The white-haired official nearly fainted.

But he dared not. He feared Zheng Qiao's revenge would be even more ruthless, and he knew Zheng Qiao wanted him dead. To die here or go home and be packed up with his family for the afterlife—it was a choice!

He trembled and said with tears in his eyes, "This old minister is muddle-headed, his thoughts are not as thorough as Your Majesty's, and his knowledge is not as extensive as Your Majesty's. I did not know that I had harmed my family's offspring. I am ashamed and have no face to live. I shamelessly beg Your Majesty to grant this old minister death, and I hope to serve Your Majesty again in the next life."

Zheng Qiao suddenly burst into laughter.

He patted the white-haired official on the shoulder and said, "I grant your permission."

Afterwards, he ordered someone to give him a rusty, blunt sword!

Zheng Qiao glanced at the other court officials. His previously volatile and bloodthirsty emotions had been vented and relieved by the white-haired official, and his mood had improved considerably. So he waved his sleeve and told the white-haired official to go play in the side hall and not to spoil his mood or offend the eyes of others.

As for the white-haired official tearing off the lining of his clothes to gag himself in the side hall, afraid of making a sound that might disturb or anger Zheng Qiao, and then painfully committing suicide with that rusty, blunt sword, that's another story.

Zheng Qiao then asked the others, "Do you have any countermeasures now?"

The scalps of the court officials nearly tingled and exploded.

You secretly watch me, and I secretly observe you.

They were extremely cautious and careful even of the slightest rustling sound.

"I have a plan."

Finally, someone (a brave soul) stepped forward.

The ministers looked at him and had no recollection of him.

Firstly, the fact that this warrior was standing in a secluded spot outside the palace suggests that he was either of low rank or held a sinecure with little real power.

Secondly, he looks young, at most in his early twenties, with a youthful appearance that hasn't completely faded. Upon closer inspection, you'll find this person quite interesting—each of his features is exquisite, but together they don't stand out. He's the type who is good-looking but lacks a memorable quality.

Forgotten as soon as you see it!

Zheng Qiao looked in the direction of the sound.

He raised his hand, beckoning the young warrior to come forward and speak.

The courtiers held their breath in suspense. The young warrior, oblivious to their thoughts, showed no fear and strode confidently into the hall. His robes billowed as he entered, his bearing elegant and refined. Once he stood still, the warrior bowed respectfully to Zheng Qiao.

Zheng Qiao took a closer look at the Warriors.

Suddenly he said, "It's you! What brilliant plan do you have?"

The courtiers were secretly taken aback.

The reason is simply that Zheng Qiao's tone was too mild.

It's important to know that Zheng Qiao's most prominent characteristic is her unpredictable mood swings!

His inherent madness perfectly inherited the essence of the Geng royal family, and he even carried it forward, surpassing his predecessors. His characteristics are so distinctive that no blood test is needed to know that he is a descendant of the Geng royal family!

His calm often foreshadowed an impending storm, like that of a white-haired official who had just fallen on hard times and was being targeted. These shrewd and experienced old foxes are masters of reading between the lines; how could they not tell if his calm was genuine or feigned? So, it's quite amazing…

Who exactly is this young warrior?

How could he actually receive such kind treatment from Zheng Qiao?

The young warrior seemed surprised by Zheng Qiao's peaceful attitude, his expression momentarily stunned before returning to normal.

He said, "The king only needs to issue a decree."

Zheng Qiao seemed thoughtful: "Imperial edict? What imperial edict?"

The court officials had no outward expression, but their hearts were in turmoil, resembling a screaming emoji. According to the usual pattern, anyone who spoke a word to Zheng Qiao would be met with a severe rebuke. Zheng Qiao didn't care whether you had a brilliant plan or not; at best, you would be punished, and at worst, your head would be split in two.

A question and answer?

Want a peach!

The young warrior calmly dropped a bombshell: "Write a proclamation to punish the traitors led by the King of Pigs, and issue an edict to call upon all virtuous and righteous people in the world. Regardless of background or past, whoever can achieve merit in the campaign will be promoted or enfeoffed as a king."

The courtiers: "..."

At this moment, their minds were buzzing.

They thought the young warriors had stepped forward to solve their predicament, but little did they know it would be their death knell! To utter the words "to divide the land and bestow upon a king" in front of Zheng Qiao, it's easy to imagine Zheng Qiao's furious outburst, and a bloodbath in the main hall is foreseeable!

The main hall was quiet.

Forget whispers or breathing; you could hear a pin drop. Their nerves were being relentlessly tortured; anyone with a weaker constitution would wet themselves on the spot. But then, one breath, two breaths, three breaths…

Ten breaths passed, and Zheng Qiao showed no sign of anger or overturning the table. He merely gazed intently at the young warrior, who remained unyielding, neither servile nor arrogant. Just as the courtiers' heart rates soared to two hundred and their blood pressure was about to explode—

Zheng Qiao then asked the Warriors, "Why?"

He demanded an explanation from the young Warriors.

The courtiers: "..."

They haven't even prepared to kill anyone yet?

Some people were terrified, thinking that Zheng Qiao was brewing an even more perverted method, but others vaguely realized that something was wrong. What connection did this young warrior have with Zheng Qiao?

Following this line of thought, something suddenly came to mind.

This young warrior looks somewhat familiar.

The young warrior said, "When the snipe and the clam fight, they are locked in a struggle."

Zheng Qiao understood after a moment's thought. His eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands and laughed loudly, "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! What a perfect example of the snipe and the clam fighting!"

Neither the rebel forces led by the King of Zhi nor the various factions emerging from the common people possessed the Imperial Seal, and therefore had no right to compete equally with the Zheng Qiao court, which held the seal. Regardless of Zheng Qiao's numerous questionable actions and tarnished reputation, the Xin Kingdom was conquered by his troops, and the Geng Kingdom was rightfully his—these two points are beyond doubt!

Since he is the rightful and legitimate ruler, all other forces on his territory are traitors who have rebelled! Rather than fighting two against one, it's better to throw out an irresistible bait to lure hungry dogs into a fight!

The various popular uprising forces and the rebel army of the Prince of Zhi were natural allies, all aiming to tear Zheng Qiao apart. The enemy of my enemy is my friend!

If Zheng Qiao acknowledges one side, then the alliance's stance will naturally change, turning from an alliance into an adversarial force with conflicting interests!

This operation wouldn't be complete without a "bait"!

Who can resist being granted land and made king?

It is still a legitimate "granting of land and the title of king"!

Zheng Qiao only needs to watch coldly as they both suffer heavy losses.

but--

Zheng Qiao, recalling the unusual activity of the Imperial Seal last night, sighed and said, "What you said is indeed a brilliant plan, but there is something you probably don't know. The Imperial Seal of Xin Kingdom is currently located within the territory of Sibao County. In addition to this Imperial Seal, there is another unfamiliar Imperial Seal whose significance is unknown."

The young warrior asked, "Two?"

Zheng Qiao nodded: "Yes, those traitors, including the King of Zhi, are now eyeing the Imperial Seal. We absolutely cannot allow any of them to obtain it."

The young Warriors, however, are not too worried about this.

He only asked, "What will become of the nation's fortune with those two national seals?"

Needless to say, the seal from the Xin Kingdom is utterly insignificant. To unleash the full power of the national seal, the nation's depleted fortune must be replenished, as national fortune is inextricably linked to the fate of its territory, its people, and the hearts of its citizens. Even if the King of Zhi obtains that national seal, he will still need to recuperate and rebuild his strength.

Otherwise, it's not very useful.

The same applies to the other one.

The situation may seem like a crisis, but it's not actually that bad.

Zheng Qiao frowned in thought.

Before I knew it, my anxiety and anger had quietly subsided.

The courtiers were terrified upon hearing this.

After a long while, Zheng Qiao said, "Alright, we'll do as you say."

The courtiers: "..."

The officials outside the palace simply looked up at the golden crow overhead.

Did the sun rise in the west today?

No, it isn't.

However, there is a reason for Zheng Qiao's unusual behavior.

The problem lies with the young Warriors.

After the court session ended, the courtiers dared not approach the young warrior, but only watched him from afar, wanting to gossip but unable to, feeling restless and anxious.

At that moment, a junior eunuch called out to the young warrior.

The young eunuch said respectfully, "The king invites you."

The young warrior was taken aback, then smiled gently.

"Please lead the way."

As the young warrior walked away against the flow of people, whispers began to circulate. Given Zheng Qiao's less-than-honorable past, his special treatment of the young warrior led onlookers to speculate wildly. Then, someone had a sudden flash of insight, and everything became clear.

He said, "Isn't that Yan'an?"

Is the banquet peaceful?

The name sounded familiar to everyone.

The man then said, "A peaceful banquet, a banquet for Xingning!"

The team brought by Geng Guo was still completely bewildered.

Only the former officials of the Xin Kingdom seemed to awaken from their dream.

Yan Xingning may not be a well-known name now, but he was famous long ago, and his father was a renowned family in the Xin Kingdom.

"And then? Nothing special."

Someone whispered, "Zheng Qiao became a disciple of Yan An's father when he was young! These two are considered fellow disciples, wouldn't you say their relationship is special?"

Everyone: "..."

(σ)σ:*☆ Not bad!

Before I knew it, I had reached the two hundredth chapter mark.

This afternoon, I applied for this month's fan title, though I only got a pitiful twenty. Once it's approved on Monday, the post should be released.

If you don't have a fan account yet, check out the comments section on Monday!

PS: _(:з」∠)_ Please post more in the comment section, check in, and comment. The higher the level of the book circle, the more activity funds will be available each month (I'm hoping for a level 3 book circle).

(End of this chapter)