Chapter 435 - 225: Overall Command of All Military and Political Affairs in Ning’an

Chapter 435: Chapter 225: Overall Command of All Military and Political Affairs in Ning’an

"Besides, I sent people to investigate him in secret. That prince... is by no means a suitable match."

"The art of observing Qi, in the end, only offers a glimpse. Fate is mysterious; one’s circumstances can change it later in life."

Nie Xiangjun tried to comfort her, but her words turned into a sigh halfway through:

"If you’re truly unwilling... I can go ask my brother and see if we can arrange a different marriage."

"His Majesty mentioned this personally. Both families have already reached a tacit understanding. How can it be changed so easily?"

Nie Zhijing’s expression was calm, showing no ripples of emotion:

"However, I won’t necessarily resign myself to this fate. Let’s just stall for now... Life is like a game of chess. Who knows if the next move might bring a change in fortune?"

Nie Zhijing suddenly broke into a smile. It was a cool smile, yet it held an elusive certainty that made Nie Xiangjun’s heart skip a beat.

’Among the three sisters, Nie Lingshan seemed the most flighty and difficult to manage, but in Nie Xiangjun’s eyes, the one with the deepest thoughts and most schemes was, contrary to appearances, this cool and aloof niece of hers.’

’Perhaps only the reserved and intelligent Lingxi could compare with her in some respects.’

...

"You both know?"

In the study, Nie Baichuan looked at his two granddaughters standing side by side, their heads obediently bowed. His tone betrayed no emotion.

"I’m not here to beg you, Grandfather."

Nie Lingshan raised her head. Her usual lively smile was gone, replaced by an almost indifferent calm:

"Since the clan rules cannot be defied, then let’s follow them. Having Lingxi marry Chen Sheng is fine."

Seeing her attitude, Nie Baichuan felt a sense of relief, and his tone softened slightly:

"And you? Among the other candidates, is there one you prefer?"

"Any of them will do."

Nie Lingshan smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. It carried a resigned detachment:

"I’ll marry whoever the Nie Family deems suitable. After all... I never had a choice to begin with, did I?"

With that, she said no more, gave a slight bow, and turned to walk out the door.

Her back was straight, but it exuded a lingering loneliness.

"Sister..."

Nie Lingxi watched her sister’s retreating back, her eyes filled with pity and heartache. When she turned to her grandfather, her eyes were already shimmering with tears:

"Grandfather... Before our parents passed away, they held your hand and said they only wished for us sisters to live a life of peace and happiness... They rendered great service to the clan, and you and the Clan Leader promised them..."

"Now, I am willing to abide by the clan rules and go through with the marriage alliance without complaint. But my sister... she’s stubborn, and her heart is filled with bitterness... Grandfather, could you possibly... where you can... make things a little... easier for her?"

Nie Lingxi’s voice choked with sobs, tears rolling down her pale cheeks. Her mournful expression was enough to soften anyone’s heart.

Nie Baichuan’s face remained grim, but his graying eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

A complex mix of hesitation and regret flashed in his eyes. After a long silence, he finally waved his hand, his voice low:

"Lingxi, you... you should go back for now."

"Yes."

Nie Lingxi wiped away her tears and forced a smile:

"I have faith in you, Grandfather."

...

"What did the old man say?"

Inside a private chamber in Simurgh Phoenix Pavilion, Nie Lingshan, who just moments ago wore a look of utter despair, was now blinking and leaning close to her sister, whispering.

"Grandfather... seemed somewhat swayed. There might really be a chance."

Nie Lingxi sighed softly and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

"Lingxi, that’s wonderful! You’re the best sister ever!"

Nie Lingshan beamed with joy and reached out to hug her.

Nie Lingxi sidestepped the hug and shot her a cross glare:

"What choice do I have, stuck with a troublesome sister like you?"

Then, her expression turned serious as she gave a stern warning:

"For the next few days, you absolutely must keep up the act. Your expression and behavior need to be even colder and more detached. Don’t let anyone in the clan, especially those elders watching us, see any flaws in our performance."

"Grandfather is a Grand Elder, after all, and his prestige is immense."

"As long as he genuinely pities you and is willing to find a way to intervene, even if he can’t completely avoid the marriage alliance, delaying it for a while to slowly plan our next move will at least give us a bit more hope."

"Mhm, mhm, mhm! I get it!"

Nie Lingshan nodded repeatedly, the light returning to her eyes.

’From the moment they went to see their grandfather, the two sisters knew that such a crude ’fighting over a husband’ act would never fool the sly old foxes in the clan for long, let alone shake the foundation of the marriage alliance.’

’Nie Lingshan’s true hope for breaking the deadlock had always rested solely on their grandfather, Nie Baichuan.’

’Only by evoking their grandfather’s affection and guilt, by stirring his compassion, could they possibly pry open a crack in the ironclad clan rules.’

’If their grandfather was willing to mediate, his prestige made it entirely possible to temporarily shelve the matter.’

’And time often brings unexpected changes.’

...

Chen Sheng had just returned to his guest courtyard and had not yet rested when an attendant presented him with a confidential letter.

It was handwritten by Chu Zhengnan, ordering him to report to the State Government’s Martial Bureau for orders immediately after emerging from his seclusion.

Chen Sheng unfurled the letter and scanned its contents. ’There must be new developments in Ning’an,’ he realized.

Without delay, he immediately borrowed a tamed Spiritual Bird from the Nie Family and flew directly to the Jingwu Bureau headquarters in the State City.

"Take a look. An urgent report just came in from Ning’an."

When Chu Zhengnan saw Chen Sheng, his gaze lingered on him for a moment. He noticed the stable mid-stage Profound Mastery aura and the faint sharpness of a Mental Realm, and a flash of surprise flickered in his eyes.

However, he didn’t ask any questions, simply pushing a document stamped with a red seal in front of Chen Sheng.

The document’s contents were simple.

Chaos was already brewing within Ning’an Prefecture.

Golden Spring Temple and Qingfeng Temple had joined forces to cause trouble. On one hand, they were aggressively suppressing pro-government factions like the Iron Sword Sect, the Danxia Sect, and the Ning’an Wang Clan. On the other, they were secretly inciting and supporting numerous smaller factions to wreak havoc and disturb the peace.

What was more troublesome was that the Blood River Sect had also gotten involved. They launched several surprise attacks, nearly breaching the Danxia Sect’s mountain gate and causing significant casualties.

Although the Ning’an Government Office was barely holding on, their situation was becoming increasingly passive.

Jingwu Bureau’s Governor, Nie Xuanfeng, pleaded for experts to be dispatched from the State City or neighboring prefectures to annihilate the primary culprit, Golden Spring Temple, with lightning speed and quell the chaos.

This very letter was written by Nie Xuanfeng.

Chen Sheng read it carefully and slowly put the document down.

’Golden Spring Temple and Qingfeng Temple’s counterattack was within his expectations.’

’These two factions had been entrenched in Ning’an for many years and had deep roots. Sensing the mounting pressure from the Government Office and the powers behind Chen Sheng, they would certainly not wait for their own demise.’

’But the Government Office’s response seemed a bit too mild.’

’With the combined strength of the Iron Sword Sect, the Danxia Sect, the Wang Clan, plus the Jingwu Bureau and the Military Preparation Army, annihilating either one of them shouldn’t have been difficult. Why had they tolerated it to this extent?’

’Were they wary of the major powers backing them?’

’Or was there another reason?’

"Chen Sheng, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

Chu Zhengnan tapped his fingers on the hard rosewood desk, his gaze as sharp as a torch, fixed on Chen Sheng.

"They must be killed!"

Chen Sheng looked up, his gaze as sharp as a blade, without a hint of hesitation:

"These traitors and rebels openly defy the court’s laws, throwing Ning’an into chaos, unsettling the populace, and dragging the Government Office’s authority through the mud. Only by using swift and decisive measures to exterminate them all can we intimidate the rabble, restore order, and display the inviolable might of the court!"

"I feel the same."

Chu Zhengnan nodded. His face showed no surprise, only a cold, murderous intent:

"No matter who is backing them, if they dare to step out, they must be prepared to be uprooted. This matter is now yours to handle."

Chu Zhengnan leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming heavier:

"Prepare to return to Ning’an as soon as possible. End this swiftly. Sort out and crush every last one of those ghouls and demons for me!"

"And the matter of authority..."

Chen Sheng hinted, seeking clarification at the opportune moment.

A cold smirk played on Chu Zhengnan’s lips. He took a document from another stack on his desk, pushed it in front of Chen Sheng, and said grimly:

"Effective immediately, you are the acting Standard Fifth Grade Supervisory Inspector of the Jingwu Bureau, with full authority over all military and administrative affairs in Ning’an Prefecture. The Prefecture Government Office, the Military Preparation Army, the Jingwu Bureau... all court-affiliated organizations are under your command and control!"

"This order has been jointly signed and sealed by the Governor of Yunzhou, the Yunzhou Garrison General, and myself!"

He paused, staring at Chen Sheng, and continued, word by word:

"Do what you must. Unleash a slaughter for me! Those bald donkeys, those Daoist charlatans, and those skulking Blood River demons—slaughter every last one of them. I’ve given you the opportunity."

"I’ve given you the authority. Do not—disappoint me!"

Chen Sheng took the weighty appointment document with both hands. He straightened his back, bowed with his fists clasped, and his voice was steady and strong:

"Your subordinate obeys!"

"Once your marriage alliance with the Nie Family is settled, depart immediately."

Chu Zhengnan sealed the arrangement with a wave of his hand.

"Yes, sir!"

Chen Sheng promised emphatically.

At this moment, his chest swelled with heroic spirit, and his desire to return was as swift as an arrow.

’He was only acting, for now. But the title of Supervisory Inspector, coupled with the authority to oversee all military and political affairs, had already made him the de facto supreme authority in Ning’an Prefecture.’

’Great power was in his hands, and his blade was sharpened.’

’Chen Sheng would see just how many of his strikes the bronze bell of Golden Spring Temple could withstand.’

’And how much fire and blood could the Magic Altar of Qingfeng Temple endure?!’

————