Jiang Yi’s guesses were on point. Those general-class individuals were basically led by Jiang Bieli, and they seldom made any comments on the royal court hearings. Jiang Bieli was here in the royal capital today, and right now, his son was about to be executed, leaving them no choice but to step in.
That fatty was the currently Clan Head for the Qian Clan, the Minister of Revenue, Qian Gui. He might not have seen Jiang Yi before, but his information was stacked highly in his study room. His son had been hanging around Jiang Yi every day and were like brothers; it was natural he would step in and help Jiang Yi beg for mercy.
With so many generals and Qian Gui—who was the Clan Head of Qian Clan—involved, the two officials didn’t dare to say anymore. Offending a group of generals wasn’t a big problem, but if they were to offend Qian Gui, they might die before even knowing what happened.
“Hmph!”
Right at this moment, standing at the front of all the officials was a middle-aged man with grizzled hair who spoke, “Rules are rules, what would we become if rules aren’t complied with? Is there even a need for royal laws? Kingdom laws? If Jiang Yi was to murder someone in the royal capital in the future, would you all be begging for mercy? Saying that he comes from a commoner status? Not knowing any rules? Ridiculous.”
Grand Marshal Zhangsun Yan!
Jiang Yi swept a glance over, and his expression immediately turned cold. This prematurely-aged man was the only person whose status was only under the King of the Divine Martial Kingdom. It was obvious that he was infuriated by the fact that Jiang Yi slaughtered many of his Zhangsun clansmen in the Crown Prince Residence and in the Kingdom War.
Once Zhangsun Yan spoke, Qian Gui shut his mouth quietly while the generals remained silent as well. It was obvious they didn’t dare to incur the wrath of Zhangsun Yan.
“Ke-Ke!”
Right at this moment, on the general’s side, a middle-aged general standing second in place sudden spoke, “This isn’t such a serious matter. Jiang Yi did an outstanding service to our kingdom this time. Summoning him was precisely to commend the glory that he obtained for the kingdom. Let’s just forget such a small matter and don’t ruin this happy occasion!”
“Huh…”
A group of people let out some amazed gasps. This person might be wearing armor, but he had never led the army. Yet, he had an incomparable status in the Divine Martial Kingdom. It was evident since he was standing second-in-line.
Zhan Clan’s Clan Head, Zhan Yiming!
The Zhan Clan had never contended for influence and authority, but the clan name of Zhan represented a kind of authority by itself. The most surprising thing was that Zhan Yiming actually got involved in such an occasion? This was a clear disrespect against Zhangsun Yan! In the past—apart from Jiang Bieli, no one dared to refute against Zhangsun Yan whenever he spoke.
Was the Zhan Clan going to forsake their neutrality and go against the Zhangsun Clan?
“Enough!”
Seated on the purple-gold throne, King Xia Tingwei suddenly spoke with a gesture of his hand, “What are all of you arguing for such a small matter? Jiang Yi has indeed won honor and glory for the kingdom. Don’t mention offering his salute—even if he didn’t, I will not blame him, too. Sanxi, announce the decree.”
The Royal Military dismissed themselves while Jiang Yi remained emotionless as his heart was laughing coldly. The King made a beautiful speech, but why didn’t he speak out earlier?
This was obviously an offer of the club before giving the sweet. After hearing the statement to receive the decree, Jiang Yi got excited and didn’t bother about the small matters. He knelt on one knee and replied, “Many thanks to the King, Jiang Yi will receive the decree.”
“Acknowledging the calling of the heavens, and taking the orders from the King, in view of Jiang Yi obtaining the first rank in the Kingdom War, winning honor and glory for the kingdom, he shall be bestowed with the title of Dragon Fang General—to lead ten thousand Divine Martial Camp, one general residence, suitable number of maidservants, one million purple gold, jade stone…”
The Divine Martial Kingdom’s rewards were bountiful, and they kept to their promise to bestow the title of the Dragon Fang General. It was even a practical general that could lead ten thousand troops. Jiang Yi was dizzy after hearing all those miscellaneous rewards.
“… end of decree!”
After the old eunuch finished the reading the decree, everyone looked at Jiang Yi waiting for him to express his gratitude and receive the decree. Jiang Yi looked as though he was dumbfounded, and he blinked but didn’t express his gratitude and asked with doubt instead, “This isn’t right. Why is there no Soul-Subduing Herb? Is something wrong with the decree?”
There were plenty of rewards, but Jiang Yi didn’t hear the three words ‘Soul-Subduing Herb.’ Why did he participate in the Kingdom War again? Wasn’t it for the Soul-Subduing Herb? He could give up all the other rewards, but he couldn’t give up on the Soul-Subduing Herb!
“Swish! Swish! Swish!”
Once Jiang Yi’s reply ended, all the officials and generals had a change in expression—even Qian Gui and Zhan Yiming’s expression turned grave—looking up at the Xia Tingwei who was on the throne. As expected, Xia Tingwei let out a cold snort and was obviously infuriated.
“Audacious!”
“You must be tired of living!”
“Presumptuous!”
Most of the officials immediately scolded out loudly. The matter about not knowing the rules was over, but now after the official decree, not only did Jiang Yi not give his gratitude, but he actually suspected that there was a mistake in the decree? This was just like giving a slap on King Xia Tingwei’s face. The King had already bestowed someone with gifts, and one still had the cheek to be choosy?
“It isn’t like this, my King! Jiang Yi didn’t have any offending intentions.”
Jiang Yi realized it and quickly bent over to salute and explain: “Jiang Yi can forgo the title of the Dragon Fang General and all the other rewards, but the Soul-Subduing Herb is very important to me. I plead His Majesty to grant Jiang Yi’s little request. Jiang Yi will definitely fulfill any task given by His Majesty and spare no effort to complete it until my dying day.”
Xia Tingwei heard Jiang Yi’s request and was even more furious. He snorted with an angered expression. “Hmph! You don’t even want the title of the Dragon Fang General? Do you treat this King’s royal court as like playing house? Qian Gui, this person will be handed over to you. If he dares to act like this again, I will definitely execute him.”
Finishing his statement, Xia Tingwei snorted again before he turned and left, not even taking another look at Jiang Yi.
“We bid farewell to the King!”
Everyone below immediately bowed and sent off the King. Zhangsun Yan waited for Xia Tingwei to leave before snorting and looking at Jiang Yi, leading a group of men to exit the palace. A group of officials and generals shook their head and sighed as they walked away. They clearly understood that if it wasn’t for Jiang Bieli, Jiang Yi would have been dead even if he had ten heads.
“My honorable nephew!”
Qian Gui, who was much fatter than Qian Wanguan, walked over and spoke with a bitter smile, “I am Qian Gui, Wanguan’s father. This is Zhan Yiming, Zhan Wushuang’s father.”
Jiang Yi might be feeling imperative, but he didn’t dare to neglect his respects for these two seniors as he frantically bowed and greeted them, “This nephew pays his respects to the two Uncles.”
Zhan Yiming walked over and spoke with a bitter smile, too, “Jiang Yi, your temperament is exactly the same as your mother, huh. Alright then, when you have the time, come over to my place and visit. Old Qian, you go have a good talk with Jiang Yi; I shall take my leave first.”
The massive palace was quickly emptied. Jiang Yi was rather anxious as he looked at Qian Gui and said, “Uncle Qian, that Soul-Subduing Herb…”
Qian Gui gestured for Jiang Yi to stop asking and let out a light sigh. “Enough for now; let’s talk on the way!”
Following Qian Gui out of the palace, a luxurious carriage was steered over here. Qian Gui led Jiang Yi to board the carriage, the coachman whipped the horse and steered the carriage out of the palace.
To be able to ride a carriage in the royal palace, it was evident to see how important Qian Gui’s status was in the Divine Martial Kingdom.
“Uncle!”
Once on the carriage, Jiang Yi spoke out anxiously. Qian Gui waved his hand and poured a cup of tea to Jiang Yi before speaking, “I know. It is about the Soul-Subduing Herb. You need it to rescue someone? I knew about this situation a long time ago. Initially, the Kingdom War’s reward contained the Soul-Subduing Herb, but it was swapped out by someone.”
“Who would even dare?”
Jiang Yi’s killing aura sudden burst out like an artifact sword unsheathing and revealing the sharpness!
“Crown Prince!”
Qian Gui shook his head and sighed. “The Crown Prince’s escorts for the bride will be departing tomorrow, and they are bringing along many betrothal gifts. The Crown Prince suddenly mentioned to include the Soul-Subduing Herb, and… the King actually didn’t object to it! There might not be any evidence of your doings in the Kingdom War, but the King is obviously unhappy about it. So if you really want the Soul-Subduing Herb, there is basically no hope…”
