Chapter 2191: Chapter 237: I Dare Not Speak Its Name
Dao Calendar 3921, January 6.
When Jiang Wang and Zhongxuan Sheng made the detour at the Sang residence, choosing to rescue Zhongxuan Zun, the Jing-Mu war was reaching its conclusion.
Southern Daoist Master Ying Jianghong led his army to fully reclaim Sheng Country’s territory, pursuing and killing the defeated troops. The warriors of Mugu left a trail of bones, the warhorses of Mugu were all branded with the Jing seal. They advanced three hundred miles into the grassland and erected a stele to commemorate their achievements!
When Beigong Nantu died in battle and news of it shocked the world, Yan Ping speculated on the progress of the Jing-Mu war, suggesting that it would end in as little as two or three days, or at most, five to seven days.
Jinguo truly completed the concluding phase of this grand war in just two days, which was still awe-inspiring!
The death of Beigong Nantu became a turning point in this war. This Crown Preaching High Priest held a nearly divine status in the hearts of many people of Mugu. With his fall, the previously stalemated battlefield was instantly broken, and the morale of the Mu Army plummeted, leading to a devastating defeat over a thousand miles.
From October 19, 3920, when Jing and Mu fully engaged in war, to January 6, 3921, when Ying Jianghong erected a stele on the grassland.
The entire war took two months and seventeen days, concluding this grandiose war of the Overlord Country.
Of course, the year-long rotation battles between Mugu and Sheng should not be entirely overlooked. Those like Li Yuanshe, who were severely injured during the Jing-Mu war, perhaps should also be remembered.
But ultimately, this war established the unwavering prestige of Jinguo. It was another declaration by the ancient empire to the present world—Jing, mighty as ever, remains the supreme and noble Central Empire.
Ying Jianghong completed the conclusion so smoothly that Jing Court, without hesitation, on the same day sent a national book to Linzi, stating—
"To the Eastern Celestial Son:
Jing and Xia are allied nations! The Emperor of Xia and I share the brotherly bond! Even if the younger brother is foolishly stubborn, bringing external calamity, the elder brother cannot ignore it. The East Country bears the virtue of the rising sun, why does the Eastern Celestial Son not let past grievances melt away in ice, promptly cease warfare, and repair the good relationship between our lineages?
Jing is responsible for ensuring a stable world, and I continually hold peace dear to my heart.
The human race of the world is originally one family, and truly should not add new hatred to old grudges.
Persisting in solitary action and armored horses, how can the endless resentment ever end? A wise man does not choose this path.
If a single thought of hatred brings war, thousands of families will mourn and tens of thousands cry! It is not the action of a benevolent one.
My words are sincere, and my heart is earnest. I only wish that the Eastern Celestial Son could understand.
If East Country ceases warfare, the Central Region will not hold past grievances.
If the Qi Army does not retreat, though I am reluctant, I must aid my brother nation, using military might to repel the foreign invaders!"
This warning is not merely a warning, or to say, it does not stop at just being a warning. Before Ying Jianghong’s troops had even withdrawn, True Lord Yu Que personally led the first-ranked Dou E Army, as the vanguard, advancing south!
The perceived dilemmas of Jinguo, the difficult choices of Jinguo, the cautious approach of Jinguo, the uncertainty of Jinguo daring to start another Overlord Country war after the Jing-Mu war... all were shattered by this firm stance.
The dominance of the Central Empire was visibly apparent!
Despite Qi Country’s recent victories, imposing its will on all sides, reaching a strong state, with brave soldiers and proud people, there was a moment of unease.
Ultimately, it was Jinguo standing before them. Ultimately, it was the first empire that has consistently dominated the Central Region since the Dao Calendar restarted!
Today, carrying the might of defeating Mugu, Jing was pressing down on Eastern Qi, causing all who heard to tremble in fear.
For a moment, memorials fell like rain onto the desk of Emperor Qi.
At a glance, most were requests for the Emperor to consider the overall situation and order the frontline to withdraw.
Among them, the Great Scholar Er Fengming, who once penned "On Merits and Demerits," which nearly nailed Jiang Wang’s reputation and caused him to be trampled by thousands, wrote a sprawling ten thousand-character plea to the emperor, with eloquent prose, but with a core only of one sentence—
"As long as the green hills remain, there’s no fear of running out of firewood, the Emperor should prioritize preserving the strength of the Qi Army."
Cao Jie is not Jiang Wang, so Er Fengming certainly did not dare to scold him without substantial evidence.
He also dared not mention the fierce name of Zhongxuan Chuliang.
Yet he frequently mentioned phrases like "how could they abandon the withdrawal of troops for the sake of frontline military achievements!"
There were many supporters within the court and public.
Many people regarded his voice as golden and true, and him as the conscience of the Qi Country’s literati.
Saying he did not fear strong authority, did not flatter the emperor insincerely, and dared to point his pen at Cao Jie, was a model of public spirit for the nation.
People seemed to have forgotten that he was once insulted to the point of having manure thrown at his doorstep by angry People of Qi for defaming Jiang Wang and supporting the notion of Jinguo communicating with demons.
Public opinion is indeed fickle.
The extraordinary court meeting held on January 6 was not only the most concerned matter for Qi Country’s upper and lower ranks but also a significant event the world was watching.
The world wanted to see what Qi Country’s stance would ultimately be, and what the attitude of Emperor Qi would ultimately be.
Would a second Overlord Country war break out in the near future?
The court meeting was presided over by State Minister Jiang Rumo, with civil officials such as Wen Yanyu and Yi Xingchen, and military officials like Xiu Yuan and Shuofang Marquis Bao Zhaolin.
All those with considerable influence in the capital participated in this court meeting, making it a truly grand assembly.
It is worth mentioning that Crown Prince Jiang Wuhua, today dressed in the Crown Prince’s ceremonial attire, was also present in the Purple Pole Hall.
The third princess Jiang Wuyou, and the ninth son, Jiang Wuji, also dressed in formal palace attire, were present.
As always, the Emperor still sat high on the Dragon Throne.
However, unlike before, the differing opinions clashed intensely right at the start of the court meeting, completely bypassing the previous courteous but mysteriously yin-yang teasing prelude stage, with intensely fierce wordings used by each side.
