Mountain Patrol Military Officer

His temperament was like a blazing fire, quick to anger, and many princes feared him, yet they held him in high regard.

In short, barring any surprises, he is to be the future Imperial Tutor!

But he rarely expressed political views or engaged in affairs at court; now, however, he stood out, catching those advisors off guard.

Even the Three Ministers, who always remained calm, showed unusual expressions and furrowed their brows.

How did this old fellow get involved!

Having served in the court for many years, they knew this old man's temperament; he disliked entanglement in court politics and greatly cherished his reputation.

Imperial Censor Meng Ziyi's eyes flashed with acuity.

The Vice Minister with the surname Fang immediately rose, fearless in expression, speaking righteously,

"Grand Tutor Qin, we are carrying out acts of loyalty and speaking righteous words; what wrong is there? If we remain silent, how can we assist Your Majesty when the court is mired in corruption?"

"Old Sir, it would be better for you to earnestly support the Crown Prince rather than taint your own reputation."

He said, his voice turning cold, implying that the Grand Tutor's hand stretched too far and that he should focus on teaching the Crown Prince.

Old Grand Tutor Qin snorted with a wave of his sleeve upon hearing this, "An old man like me needs no teaching from you."

He then leaned on the dragon chair,

"I will say just a fair word, Your Majesty, Vice Minister Zhao's words are justified; matters in Shu should not be concluded hastily."

Just as he finished speaking, a cold laugh echoed, and the counterargument came with a sarcastic tone from the Vice Minister of the Censors,

"I'm afraid Grand Tutor Qin is concerned about implicating his granddaughter, Qin Rushuang, isn't he! I heard Mr. Dongfang, the Patrol Angel, was killed the night of the incident, and your granddaughter was involved; isn't this aiding the tyrant?"

Upon these words, the Grand Tutor's temper flared immediately, and he hurled the Hu Ban at the Vice Minister.

The thrown Hu Ban hit Fang Zhongcheng square on the forehead with a dull thud, instantly leaving a red mark with some blood oozing out.

"So what if my granddaughter was involved, impeach me in front of His Majesty." The Grand Tutor's temper was fierce.

This incident left Fang Zhongcheng momentarily stunned; he uttered a painful cry while clutching his forehead, about to fall.

This caused an uproar in the court, and those advisors immediately swarmed to support him; outraged, they began to surround the Grand Tutor, demanding an explanation, voices overlapping.

Behind the Grand Tutor, seeing their teacher bullied by the obnoxious advisors, several young princes and their attendants surged forward, scolding them noisily.

Suddenly, a prince of about thirteen or fourteen kicked one of the advisors.

The scene immediately descended into chaos!

The literary confrontation turned into a physical one!

Those princes had long wanted to beat up these meddlesome guys, and they brought their people in, exchanging punches and kicks.

What was originally a stern court became a comic scene amidst the advisors' cries of pain.

Numerous officials hurried to separate the brawlers, the court was noisy and chaotic.

The Three Ministers, who originally intended to corner Chen for execution, lost their momentum and their faces darkened.

Prime Minister Huangfu spoke, "Your Majesty, the court is a serious place, how can it be so ridiculous!"

Emperor Wu, witnessing the chaos, slammed his dragon chair and shouted,

"Enough!"

With this shout, the noisy court quieted, and the two sides were pulled apart.

On the princes' side, people were panting, their eyes alight with excitement, while several advisors were filthy and disheveled, especially Fang Zhongcheng, who was the most bedraggled, looking as if he had been ganged up on, utterly ashamed and despondent.

The few princes and their attendants knelt before the throne without further ado, "We, the sons, acted rashly and realize our mistake, begging father for punishment!"

They acknowledged their wrongdoing courteously.

Emperor Wu snorted coldly as the Ritual Officer from the Honglu Temple flicked the Silence Whip a few times, restoring order to the court.

"Someone take Lord Fang and the injured ministers to apply medicine."

Immediately, people came to assist; the advisors wanted to complain bitterly, but since it was the princes who beat them, and the decree had been issued, continuing to stay would bring more disgrace, leaving a bitterness in the throat more potent than Coptis, so they could only be escorted out.

Once they were sent out, the atmosphere in the court lightened, as officials eyed the steely Shu General in the center, feeling strange.

Clearly, this man was at fault, yet others fought on his behalf, both verbally and physically.

It was somewhat absurd!

Chen Yuan, central to the incident, hadn't anticipated the situation would devolve into officials brawling in the court.

He couldn't help but lament how the world was truly a crudely assembled troupe.

He glanced at Grand Tutor Qin and Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War; unknowingly, he had formed ties in the court.

"Zhao Qing, the officials say Mr. Chen is guilty, yet you declare he cannot be condemned with a single word. Tell me then, what should be done?"

At this moment, Emperor Wu reclaimed control of the court's direction, questioning Zhao Wuji, his tone inscrutable.

This question was aimed at Zhao Wuji, drawing all eyes in the court; Zhao Wuji's heart tightened as he bowed his head and humbly replied,

"This minister believes the current situation in Shu is unstable; if we hastily eliminate General Chen for his mistakes, it might cause disastrous consequences. Better to have him restore merit and observe further to reach a final decision!"

These words had barely settled before the court minister could react,

Emperor Wu's voice sharply interjected,

"Chen Yuan!"

Chen Yuan bowed deeply, "Your humble servant is present."

Emperor Wu leaned forward, releasing a vast imperial pressure, eyes blazing like a Heavenly God, unleashing the majesty of nine-five supremacy, voice low,

"Do you acknowledge your fault?"

"I acknowledge my fault!" Chen Yuan bent his head lower, clearly sensing the Emperor's intention not to kill him yet, brewing something, so he followed along.

"Certainly you must acknowledge it, you killed my Patrol Officer, naturally, I will hold you accountable."

"Have you heard Vice Minister Zhao's words, I grant you an opportunity to redeem your merits. You've left me a mess; you must resolve it."

"Now appointing Ninth Mountain's Colonel Chen Yuan, step forward to receive the decree!" At this moment, the Chief Companion beside Emperor Wu announced loudly.

Chen Yuan knelt on one knee, heart slightly racing, lowering his head.

"I now appoint you as the Patrol Angel of Qin Pass Road, Jiannan Road, and Longyou Road!"

In other words, Patrol Angel of Qin, Shu, and Beiliang roads!

"This is out of my profound concern; if another mishap occurs, I won't spare you lightly."

Emperor Wu decreed, his tone deep and inscrutable,

"As for the Shu Land Governor, Qi Qing is still stationed at the Demon Country, the court-sent Demon Suppression Envoys have not been effective enough together, the Governor's Office cannot be without command for a single day."

"Gou Aiqing, step forward to receive the decree."

Within the military ranks, Gou Yue, who had just impeached Chen Yuan, stepped forward briskly, armor clinking sharply as he faced Chen Yuan on the same level,

"This official is present!"

"I appoint you as the Jiannan Road Demon Suppression Envoy. After handing over the responsibilities within three days, report to duty; the previous Demon Suppression Envoy is demoted to Deputy Commander in Shu, let him contribute his strength there for now, during which you can have a good talk with Mr. Chen."

Emperor Wu intended to achieve three goals with one action.

Firstly, to assign Chen Yuan as Patrol Angel, relinquishing Shu's military power;

Secondly, to send Gou Yue to Shu to control the situation, providing a check against Chen Yuan; why else would the Vice Inspector of Three Roads suddenly turn against Chen Yuan today?

Thirdly, to investigate the negligence of the previous Shu Demon Suppression Envoy, removing the Three Families' interference in the affairs of the Sky Patrol Department.

The Sky Patrol Department represents the eyes of the emperor; if these eyes are blinded, the vast empire becomes hazardous for an emperor, as decrees might not leave the Divine Capital;

He despised interference in the Sky Patrol Department, having made notes on last year's incursion by the Three Families, who planted their people there; the appointed Demon Suppression Envoy colluded with them, allegedly even inserting private soldiers. He had a score to settle, which would now be addressed.

Following these two decrees issued by Emperor Wu's lips,

"Your servant accepts the decree!"

"Your servant accepts the decree!"

Chen Yuan raised his head, golden lacquer eyes shifting sidewise, glancing at Gou Yue beside him, expressionless.

Gou Yue felt the noticeable attention of this Dragon and Tiger, feeling a lump in his throat, unable to turn and meet his gaze, rising with a stiff face.

Meanwhile, in the court, the three ministers stood with faces as dark as water.