Fishing an Eternal Divine Dynasty from the River of Fortune

Chapter 30: The Royal Family’s New Year

“A-Ming—ah no, I should say, Prince of Anxi now. Such grand airs—you even have Father Emperor’s Jade Dragon Carriage personally sent to fetch you.”

Before the beaded curtain had even been fully lifted, a voice laced with mockery pierced through the air.

Jiang Zhaoming’s fingertips paused slightly, though a faint, elusive smile tugged at his lips.

He stepped down from the carriage with composure. His dark robe, embroidered with python patterns, shimmered faintly under the morning light, while the jade pendant at his waist remained perfectly still.

Within the Imperial Garden, hundreds of princes gathered in small groups across the grounds.

The one who had spoken leaned lazily against the white jade railing, his crimson-purple princely robe gleaming with golden embroidery—a four-clawed python that caught the sunlight with blinding brilliance.

This was one of his elder brothers—Prince of Zhaoping Commandery, Jiang Zhaoyu.

However, the “Commandery” of Anxi Prefecture was not the same as the commanderies within the Great Zhou; in rank, the other’s status was no lower than his.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, another golden carriage tore through the clouds from the horizon.

Eight snow-white Jade Dragon Steeds trod upon the air, the gauzy shark-silk curtains of the carriage fluttering without wind, revealing the figure seated within.

“If Prince of Zhaoping is envious, how about this prince lets you take a seat in my carriage instead?”

The voice was clear and elegant, like jade beads falling into a spring.

Everyone turned toward the sound and saw a young man in a moon-white brocade robe descend gracefully.

His face was like sculpted jade, a dot of cinnabar between his brows bright as blood.

The jade crown binding his hair was adorned with nine Eastern pearls that trembled lightly with each step.

At his waist hung not a jade ornament, but a glass-like sword of pure crystal clarity.

Most striking were his phoenix eyes—within their glimmer, it seemed as though stars and rivers flowed, making others dare not meet his gaze.

The garden fell instantly silent.

Jiang Zhaoming’s pupils contracted slightly.

This man was none other than Jiang Zhayun, ranked sixth on the Dragon Ranking and commander of the Celestial Net Mansion.

It was said that he had long since broken through to the Golden Body Realm, and the “Celestial Net Guards” under his command were a force that made the southern nations tremble in fear.

Upon seeing Jiang Zhayun’s arrival, the surrounding princes lowered their voices; none dared to speak recklessly.

“A-Ming.”

Jiang Zhayun’s gaze swept over the crowd and finally landed on Jiang Zhaoming. Then, he suddenly smiled.

“The last time I saw you, you were barely up to my knee. And now, you’ve already become the Prince of Anxi, shouldering your own domain.”

He beckoned with a smile. “Come, talk to your Brother Yun about the customs of the Western Regions.”

Jiang Zhaoming stepped forward and bowed. “Brother Yun’s bearing is even grander than before. With such presence, I fear the maidens of the Imperial Capital will lose sleep tonight.”

“Hahaha!”

Jiang Zhayun laughed heartily and threw an arm around his shoulders.

The tassel of the glass sword brushed against the back of Jiang Zhaoming’s hand, sending a chill deep into his bones.

Though the gesture seemed friendly, the princes watching exchanged subtle looks—especially several older ones, whose eyes gleamed with a trace of scrutiny.

Feeling the immense weight pressing upon his shoulder, Jiang Zhaoming’s expression remained calm, though he sighed inwardly.

This Prince of the Celestial Net Mansion’s sudden show of camaraderie was clearly meant to push him into the spotlight.

But in the face of such “closeness” from a Golden Body Realm powerhouse, what could he do but play along?

After all, in the eyes of a true powerhouse, Anxi Prefecture was nothing more than a speck of dust.

If Jiang Zhayun were to descend upon Anxi himself, even a mere detachment of his Celestial Net Guards could crush everything there with ease.

As Jiang Zhayun chatted with him, the topic gradually shifted toward the situation in Anxi Prefecture.

Jiang Zhaoming’s heart stirred—this was exactly what he wanted.

The royal family’s New Year gathering was not merely a reunion; it also served as a platform for princes to exchange and form alliances.

Though the imperial court forbade the maternal clans from meddling in the princes’ struggles, it tacitly allowed the princes themselves to negotiate and make deals.

Thus, each year, the Imperial Garden became a silent battleground of influence and intrigue.

Those princes who knew they stood no chance at the throne often sought to ally with stronger ones in hopes of sharing future spoils.

Jiang Zhaoming, too, had come intending to discuss a few trades—to strengthen Anxi Prefecture’s power base.

Yet, before he could act, Jiang Zhayun had approached him first.

“A-Ming, since you’ve only just arrived in Anxi, if there’s anything you need, just tell your Brother Yun.”

Jiang Zhayun smiled warmly, though his tone was purely courteous.

After speaking, he made to leave.

Jiang Zhaoming’s eyes flashed.

Suddenly, he cupped his hands and said, “A-Ming does indeed have a request. Since Brother Yun is so generous, then I shall have the audacity to ask.”

“……”

Jiang Zhayun paused mid-step, turned back with mild surprise, then chuckled. “You’re quick to seize an opening, aren’t you?”

He shook his head. “All right, tell me then. Let’s see what I can help you with. But let’s be clear—I don’t offer aid without condition.”

“Naturally, I wouldn’t dare let Brother Yun suffer a loss.” Jiang Zhaoming smiled. “A-Ming wishes to make a trade with Brother Yun.”

“A trade?”

Jiang Zhayun raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “Go on—what do you have to offer, and what do you want in return?”

“Anxi Prefecture lacks warhorses, of at least the third grade,” Jiang Zhaoming said calmly, meeting his gaze.

“As for payment—armor, weapons, or ore, Brother Yun may choose as he pleases.”

“Warhorses?”

Jiang Zhayun’s eyes glinted, a half-smile playing on his lips.

“You’ve just reclaimed Kuqa and Luntai Counties, and already you’re thinking of expanding further? It seems A-Ming’s ambitions are not small.”

Jiang Zhaoming shook his head with a wry smile. “Brother Yun jests. The Western Regions are complex, and Anxi is beset on all sides. A-Ming merely wishes to defend himself.”

Jiang Zhayun smiled faintly, clearly not believing him.

“Well, young men should dare to venture forth. Better to struggle than live with regrets. Why not compete for that position while you can?”

Jiang Zhaoming only smiled and said nothing.

Jiang Zhayun’s tone then turned more serious. “I do have warhorses, but none of the third grade—the lowest I possess are superior-grade second-class steeds. How many could you afford?”

At this, Jiang Zhaoming sighed inwardly.

In Great Zhou, warhorses were classified into five grades—first being the best, fifth the weakest.

A first-grade warhorse required at least the power of the fifth layer of the Blood Refining Realm.

Each was a priceless weapon of war.

Second-grade warhorses were at least at the peak of the Tempering Bones Realm, some even reaching the Blood Refining Realm—a true elite force in any army.

Third-grade warhorses needed to reach at least the third layer of the Tempering Bones Realm.

Though inferior to the top two, they were still far beyond what ordinary cavalry could hope to ride.

Under Jiang Zhaoming’s command, only the Black-Armored Cavalry possessed third-grade mounts; the rest rode mostly fourth-grade steeds—barely fit for battle.

His plan had been to use this gathering to trade for some of the lower-end second-grade horses—those at peak Tempering Bones Realm—since they were one-tenth the cost of a standard second-grade warhorse and offered excellent value.

Unfortunately, Jiang Zhayun had none of those.

Seeing his hint of disappointment, Jiang Zhayun suddenly smiled. “If it’s third-grade warhorses you want, I happen to know just the right person for you.”

Saying this, he waved toward the distance.

Following his gaze, Jiang Zhaoming saw a burly prince striding over.

The man’s frame was massive, his muscles like knotted iron cords.

Each step seemed to make the ground tremble—utterly unlike the graceful demeanor of the other princes.

“Prince of Luozhou! Prince of Anxi! I, Prince of Huzhou, Jiang Zhaode, greet you both!”

His voice boomed like thunder, and when he clasped his fists in salute, his thick arms looked large enough to wrap around a man’s head.

“Ah, De.” Jiang Zhayun smiled and nodded.

“Greetings, Prince of Huzhou.”

Jiang Zhaoming also returned the salute, while swiftly recalling what he knew of this man.

Huzhou Commandery lay northeast of Beiting County, bordering Great Jin, blessed with endless grasslands—one of the Great Zhou’s most vital horse-breeding regions.

Jiang Zhaode did not partake in the throne struggle, but in the trade of warhorses, he was a true “Horse King.” The number of steeds he handled each year was staggering.

Jiang Zhaoming had once considered dealing with him, but upon hearing that his orders were booked three years in advance, he had set aside the thought.

He hadn’t expected Jiang Zhayun to introduce the “Horse King” himself!

“Ah, De, the Prince of Anxi here has a major business deal. See if you can take it.”

Jiang Zhayun patted Jiang Zhaode’s shoulder, then said to Jiang Zhaoming, “You two talk at your own pace—I’ll go greet the others.”

Once Jiang Zhayun left, Jiang Zhaoming turned toward the mountain-like Prince of Huzhou and said straightforwardly:

“Prince of Huzhou, I wish to purchase thirty thousand third-grade warhorses. What would the price be? I can pay in armor, weapons, or ore…”

At these words, Jiang Zhaode’s bell-like eyes gleamed, and he burst into hearty laughter.

“The Prince of Anxi is indeed bold! Thirty thousand is no small number—but since Prince of Luozhou himself introduced you, your order’s priority can certainly be moved up!”