King Zhi Bian’s decrees had always been very simple and to the point, and this time was no different.
The first decree ennobled Suolun as Duke of Tianshui City, merging Baiyun County, Tiemucheng, and Qichicheng into the Tianshui City fief.
The moment this decree was issued, everyone gasped in shock and changed colour.
After becoming Regent Prince, Suolun, to avoid suspicion, absolutely could not allow his own fief to increase by even a single inch.
Who would have thought that with a flourish of his brush, King Zhi Bian would enfeoff Baiyun County, Tiemucheng, and Qichicheng to the Suo family.
This meant that the Suo family’s fief had suddenly more than doubled, expanding from over forty thousand square li to approximately one hundred thousand square li. The fief’s population increased from five hundred thousand to approximately one million three hundred thousand.
This was not a one-time grant, but permanent.
Whether the Duke of Tianshui City or the one hundred thousand square li of fief, they would be inherited by the Suo family generation after generation.
That is to say, before Suolun and Yan Nai’er’s son was even born, he would inherit such a vast territory.
The main theme of the Nu Lang Kingdom over the past century had been reducing the power of the feudal lords and eliminating the nobles. So the fiefs of any noble house had almost never increased again. The doubling of the Suo family’s Tianshui City fief was absolutely unprecedented.
The second decree stated that Suolun, Zhi Yan, and Yan Nai’er would marry seven days later, with the wedding location being Tianshui City.
The reason for seven days later was because Count Suo Long’s death had already passed the third anniversary. In this world, the mourning period could be one year, two years, or three years.
And Suolun’s observance of mourning was considered the highest grade.
After this decree was issued, the expressions of the civil and military officials and noble lords throughout the court changed.
King Zhi Bian actually showed such favour toward Suolun?
First, the wedding location was Tianshui City, not the royal capital Zhi Capital. Second, the one getting married together was actually Tianshui City Lady Yan Nai’er.
This truly somewhat violated propriety.
Zhi Yan was not merely the eldest princess, but also the one who was to inherit the throne.
So no matter what, Suolun was to marry into the royal house, not take the Queen as his wife.
But Zhi Bian’s arrangement clearly meant letting Zhi Yan marry Suolun, not Suolun entering the royal house as a live-in son-in-law.
Moreover, Zhi Yan and Yan Nai’er’s weddings being held simultaneously, King Zhi Bian’s decision even harmed the dignity of the royal house.
The astonishment brought by the second decree had not yet dissipated when King Zhi Bian quickly issued the third decree.
He formally enfeoffed Princess Zhi Yan as Crown Princess of the Kingdom.
And after Suolun and Zhi Yan’s wedding, the King would abdicate the throne. Princess Zhi Yan would immediately ascend as Queen, and Suolun would also be promoted to Prince, serving as Regent King in the capacity of Queen’s husband, wielding the political affairs of the Nu Lang Kingdom!
This third decree truly swept through the entire great hall like a force-twelve storm.
When King Zhi Bian appeared before everyone, the civil and military officials and noble lords present were in a state of panic, yet also inevitably filled with a certain malice.
They felt that now Zhi Li was finished, Zhi Yan’s ascension was already a foregone conclusion.
Then was Suolun’s usefulness not greatly diminished? He very likely faced the fate of the hounds being cooked once the hares were gone.
Who would have thought that King Zhi Bian’s three decrees would instantly overturn everyone’s speculations.
Suolun would not only not be cast aside once the birds were gone, but the heavy use of him was merely beginning.
The Suo family’s fief doubled, promoted to ducal rank.
Suolun promoted to Prince, wielding the kingdom’s political affairs.
This meant that for the coming decades, the entire Nu Lang Kingdom would enter the era of Suolun.
…
“Your servant receives the decree and thanks for the grace!” Suolun knelt before King Zhi Bian and kowtowed.
The withered Zhi Bian tried hard to smile and raised his hand.
Gao Yin immediately stepped forward, wrapped a wool blanket around the King, then bent down and placed his ear at the King’s mouth.
The King tried hard to emit some sounds that seemed meaningless, but the grand eunuch Gao Yin, who had been with him for decades, could understand. He nodded continuously.
For several minutes, the King finally finished saying everything he wished to say.
Then Gao Yin raised his head and relayed, “Suolun, I heard that you and Zhi Ning have a son. I am very eager to see him. Could you let Zhi Ning bring him to the Purple Jade Palace? Also, I cannot attend your wedding. Let Zhi Ting represent me.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Suolun said respectfully.
Gao Yin again spoke on the King’s behalf, “I wish to return and rest. I leave everything here to you.”
Then the King made a great effort to wave his hand.
Duke Zhi Ting behind him said, “Shall we return?”
The King nodded with effort. Every movement he completed was extremely difficult.
“Very well.” Duke Zhi Ting said.
…
Zhi Ting pushed the King’s wheelchair and left, leaving the civil and military officials filling the entire great hall to Suolun and Zhi Yan.
Although King Zhi Bian was still alive, he could no longer handle any political affairs. Although Zhi Yan had not yet ascended the throne, and Suolun was not yet Regent King, the entire political affairs of the Nu Lang Kingdom were already completely wielded by the two of them.
Gao Yin immediately brought over two chairs and placed them below the throne. Princess Zhi Yan and Suolun sat side by side on the chairs.
Suolun glanced toward Zhi Yan. Zhi Yan lightly shook her head, then her eyes gazed at the sky outside, as if her soul had flown to the heavens.
Her meaning was very clear. She did not love to bother with political affairs. Everything was left to Suolun.
Suolun’s gaze fell upon the civil and military officials and noble lords kneeling all over the floor.
From this day forth, the political affairs of this country would be completely in his hands. The fates of all these people on the ground were completely in his hands.
“Yan Wuqi…” Suolun called out lightly.
“Your servant is here…” Prime Minister Yan Wuqi trembled, his voice filled with despair and terror.
The moment Zhi Li was finished, it was as if his soul had been drained.
In the matter of Zhi Li’s coronation, anyone could be forgiven, but Yan Wuqi alone was guilty beyond forgiveness.
From guiding public opinion to receiving Zhi Li back to the royal capital for his coronation, everything had been arranged by Yan Wuqi.
Death was already the lightest, lightest punishment for Yan Wuqi. But he could not die yet, because he had to do his utmost to protect his clan members, as well as their disciples and old associates.
“Do you know your crime?” Suolun asked.
“Your servant knows his crime!” Yan Wuqi kowtowed.
“Tu Lingtuo committed suicide.” Suolun said.
Yan Wuqi trembled, then kowtowed heavily and said, “Many thanks for Your Highness the Regent’s heaven-high and earth-deep grace.”
Suolun said, “Go back and write a memorial, recording all the crimes you have committed. Also record which people deserve to die and which deserve to live. I will use it as reference.”
“Your servant obeys the decree.” Prime Minister Yan Wuqi bowed once more.
“Very well, you may go.” Suolun said.
“This guilty servant thanks for the grace!” Prime Minister Yan Wuqi removed his official hat, took off his robes, kowtowed heavily to Suolun, then departed.
Suolun’s meaning was already very clear. After letting Yan Wuqi finish his confession, he would be granted suicide.
His family members, those guilty would of course die, those not guilty need not die.
But Suolun’s words caused the civil and military officials and noble lords present to fall into absolute unease.
Yan Wuqi had held the position of Prime Minister for over a decade. He of course knew clearly what crimes the people of the entire kingdom had committed.
Suolun was not executing his entire clan, only granting him suicide alone. Yan Wuqi naturally wept with gratitude. To protect his family, Yan Wuqi would naturally tell everything he knew, holding nothing back.
Thus, what crimes had the various people present committed? What filth was on their backsides? Suolun would naturally know clearly.
At that time, the power of life and death would be entirely in his grasp.
A Sword of Damocles would always hang overhead. When it would fall, no one knew!
So everyone could only tread as if on thin ice, trembling with fear, obeying every command.
Suolun was going to conduct a great purge of the court, but he had too few talents at hand. He still had to use the old personnel of the Nu Lang Kingdom.
But specifically whom to use and how to use them would completely depend upon his methods.
After he took control of political affairs, he would certainly have to kill people. But how to kill and how many to kill would also depend upon his methods.
If he killed too few, or his methods were too gentle, it would only make people look down upon you.
If he killed too many, it would only make the entire Nu Lang Kingdom panic at every sound, political affairs would fall into paralysis, and even drive many people to desperation, causing them to rebel.
So his principle of action was, employ thunderbolt methods, display the compassion of a Bodhisattva.
He would certainly brew a great storm, but it must begin in quiet!
“Apart from Marquis Fu’e of Baihuocheng, everyone else disperse.” Suolun said. “Without orders, do not leave your homes by half a step. Await the palace’s decree!”
“Your servant obeys!” Carrying infinite terror and unease, the civil and military officials and noble lords withdrew from the palace.
…
A quarter of an hour later, everyone had withdrawn completely clean.
In the vast palace, only Marquis Fu’e remained, kneeling alone in the centre.
He was Suolun’s maternal grandfather. Originally, Suolun could not bear to receive his kowtow. But now, between the two families, there was no longer any sentiment to speak of.
From beginning to end, Marquis Fu’e had stood on the front line opposing Suolun.
Even at the very end, when Zhi Li assassinated the King and forced his coronation, Marquis Fu’e had stood on the front line.
Suolun waved his hand, signalling the imperial guards to withdraw.
Imperial Guard Commander Gao Ningqi was startled. He knew Marquis Fu’e possessed extraordinarily high martial arts. If he led the imperial guards out, would Marquis Fu’e not act against Suolun?
However, with Grand Eunuch Gao Yin and Princess Zhi Yan present, no matter how high Marquis Fu’e’s martial arts, they would be useless.
So, Gao Ningqi bowed to Suolun, then led the imperial guards out.
Instantly, the entire Dragon Arrival Hall contained only Suolun, Gao Yin, Zhi Yan, and Fu’e.
“Fu’e!” Suolun said.
“Your servant is here.” Marquis Fu’e’s voice was very calm.
“Why?” Suolun said, “When the world besieged Tianshui City, your following Zhi Li in leading troops against Suolun was still excusable. But after Zhi Li’s great defeat, you still followed him. Even when he assassinated the King and forced his coronation, you actually still took the lead in pledging allegiance to him? You clearly knew Zhi Li was walking a path of near-certain death, yet you still followed him to the grave? You are such a wily old fox, and Baihuocheng’s position is transcendent, completely unnecessary to curry favour with Zhi Li. Why did you do this? This does not conform to your wisdom.”
This point puzzled not only Suolun endlessly, but also Princess Zhi Yan and the others were very surprised.
Previously, when Fu’e actively opposed Suolun, one could say it was to eliminate Suolun and remove future trouble.
But Zhi Li assassinating the King and forcing his coronation, Fu’e actually still stepped out to support him. This was brainless. Had he not seen how Duke Tu Lingtuo would rather commit suicide than maintain any connection with Zhi Li?
His Fu’e’s cunning and craftiness were renowned. How could he do such a foolish thing?
There was certainly a reason behind this, and it possibly involved a heaven-shaking secret.
“This old servant was muddle-headed!” Marquis Fu’e kowtowed and said.
His voice was still very calm, without much terror, and without the slightest trace of repentance.
Suolun said, “Fu’e, I know your Baihuocheng leans upon the Dragon God Holy Temple, its position transcendent. You have something to rely upon, absolutely believing I cannot do anything to you.”
“This old servant dares not.” Marquis Fu’e said coldly.
Suolun said, “Tell me the reason. Why did you accompany Zhi Li in his madness? Is there some secret behind this? Tell me, and I will spare your life.”
Fu’e raised his head, his gaze trembling.
What did Suolun’s words mean? He was going to kill him?
He was his own maternal grandfather. If he truly killed him, would Suolun not fear being condemned by the world?
Furthermore, Tu Lingtuo and Yan Wuqi’s crimes were who knew how many times deeper than his own. They were merely granted suicide, without implicating their families.
In the matter of opposing Suolun, his Marquis Fu’e’s weight was far, far lower than Prime Minister Yan Wuqi and Duke Tu Lingtuo, was it not?
Suolun smiled and said, “Just now in court I did not carry out a great massacre. Even Yan Wuqi was merely granted suicide. Perhaps you think I have begun to cherish my reputation, correct?”
Fu’e certainly thought this way, so he was fearless, relying upon his status as maternal grandfather. No matter how furious Suolun was, he could not truly kill him.
“Hahaha…” Suolun laughed loudly, “When you, as this maternal grandfather, tried to exterminate me completely, did you care about your own reputation? You think I would be burdened by reputation? Truly laughable! The reason I did not carry out a great massacre was that I did not want to affect the functioning of political affairs. I wanted to achieve the transition of the court at the smallest cost. As for my own reputation, I do not care in the slightest. You, this cheap maternal grandfather, I will kill if I say I will kill!”
Fu’e instantly turned pale, his entire body trembling.
Suolun rose, came before Fu’e, and squatted down, saying, “Maternal Grandfather, tell me. What exactly was the reason that made you follow Zhi Li to the end of the road? You are absolutely not such a muddle-headed person. There must be a heaven-shaking secret behind this, even a secret related to me. Tell me, and I will spare your life, and spare the Fu family!”
Marquis Fu’e said angrily, “My Baihuocheng is a noble appointed by the Dragon God Holy Temple. What do you intend to do?”
“Correct, Baihuocheng’s position is special.” Suolun said coldly, “But it is after all still a noble fief of the Nu Lang Kingdom, not some place beyond the law. Your supporting Zhi Li’s usurpation of the throne is a crime equivalent to rebellion! What consequences will your Fu family face? Need I remind you? The examples of Tiemucheng and Qichicheng are right before your eyes!”
After Zhi Li’s defeat, Suolun immediately dispatched troops to destroy Qichicheng and Tiemucheng.
The adult males of the two families were being escorted into the royal capital. The fate awaiting them was true extermination of the entire clan.
From this day forth, these two noble houses would no longer exist in the world. Even their fiefs had been swallowed by Tianshui City.
For a noble family, this was the most terrifying of fates.
Suolun said coldly, “Tell me. The true reason you followed this path to the end. What terrifying secret lies behind it? You tell me, and I will spare your life and spare your Fu family. You don’t speak, and I will not only kill you, but exterminate your entire clan!”
“You dare? Suolun, you dare…” Fu’e suddenly leaped up and roared fiercely!
Suolun said fiercely, “Watch whether I dare or not! Break Fu’e’s hands and feet, cripple his martial arts, and throw him into the heavenly prison!”