Chapter 162: Prologue to Hegemony

The next day, Jiuding City appeared unusually tranquil. For the first time, Ye Xin stayed at home the entire day, no longer busy approving official documents. He needed to adjust his mindset; today would be a severe test.

As dusk approached, visitors arrived at the Ye residence. Han Sanmei, Shen Wangji, and Wang Fang came together, all looking exceptionally cheerful with smiles visible from afar.

"What could possibly make you esteemed elders so happy?" Ye Xin asked with a smile as he stood up.

"Lord Grand Marshal, His Majesty has finally recovered, and the grand ceremony will be held tomorrow," Shen Wangji said.

Tie Shudeng had been bedridden for so long, plunging people into anxiety. Since a country cannot go a day without a ruler, the four of them had to form a minor imperial court to make decisions, which felt somewhat like usurping the throne. Hearing that Tie Shudeng was finally going to take charge, Shen Wangji looked immensely relieved.

"Indeed. The State of Wei is plagued by troubles and must get back on track as quickly as possible. If this drags on any longer, next year will likely prove even more difficult for us," Wang Fang said.

"Lord Grand Marshal, His Majesty is hosting a banquet in the palace tonight, inviting only us top ministers," Han Sanmei said. "There are many matters His Majesty wishes to discuss with us in advance so we can deliberate together and avoid any conflicts tomorrow. A newly ascended ruler must project an image of complete unity from top to bottom. Who knows how many eyes are watching us right now?"

Ye Xin pondered for a moment and nodded. "That makes sense."

"Lord Grand Marshal, please prepare yourself, and let us all enter the palace together," Shen Wangji said.

"I have nothing to prepare," Ye Xin replied. "Tomorrow is the grand ceremony anyway; tonight is merely for drinking and merrymaking."

"Lord Grand Marshal must not think that way," Shen Wangji said solemnly. "Before the grand ceremony, there must be a state funeral. Although judging by Grand Tutor Han's words... His Majesty does not wish for an extravagant affair, we still must be mindful of propriety. Wine will undoubtedly be served, but as for merrymaking... perhaps we should keep it subdued."

"Understood, understood." Ye Xin straightened his robes and took two steps outward, then suddenly stopped, turning back to say, "The two of you, come with me into the palace to broaden your horizons."

The door to the side chamber opened, and two figures wearing large bamboo hats slowly emerged. The hats were broad, concealing their faces, and veils hung down from the brims. Han Sanmei frowned and asked, "And these two are...?"

"They are extraordinary martial artists I recently recruited from Tianyuan City at great expense. Both possess the prowess of ten thousand men," Ye Xin smiled. "I am simply taking them to the palace today to look around and pay their respects to Third Brother."

"Lord Grand Marshal has truly put in a lot of thought," Han Sanmei sighed, his admiration entirely genuine.

"Sitting in the position of Grand Marshal, I must worry about military affairs," Ye Xin said, looking slightly startled as he found Han Sanmei's expression free of pretense. "Our State of Wei is currently lacking in talent. If we don't find solutions outside, how are we going to survive the hardships of next year?"

"Can you have them remove their bamboo hats? Isn't this appearance rather inappropriate? It looks somewhat stealthy," Wang Fang said.

"They have numerous enemies in Tianyuan City and have grown accustomed to this habit. I have spoken to them about it, but they simply refuse," Ye Xin smiled. "Besides, their wild nature has not yet been tamed. After a period of time, once they grow accustomed to the prosperity and stability of Jiuding City, such bad habits will naturally vanish."

Wang Fang shook his head and said nothing further. Although Ye Xin was of a younger generation, he held the greatest authority among the top ministers in Jiuding City. Many matters to which Ye Xin objected simply could not be carried out. Furthermore, this was hardly a major issue—at most, it skirted the edges of court etiquette—so there was no need for him to make an unnecessary fuss.

"Most formidable experts in Jiuding City have their own titles. Who are they...?" Shen Wangji asked.

"They are the Black and White Asuras," Ye Xin smiled.

The robust figure on the left wore a black robe, while the slightly shorter figure on the right wore a white robe, creating a striking contrast.

Shen Wangji blinked. He had never heard of them, but that was not entirely strange. Tianyuan City was a place filled with bloody conflicts, and even among top-tier experts, the turnover rate was extremely fast. He had not visited Tianyuan City in quite some time, so it was normal that he did not know them.

"Let us go," Ye Xin said.

The robust figure in black on the left reached out to grab a long weapon wrapped in a brocade pouch, whose shape indicated considerable length, though its exact nature remained hidden.

"Why take a spear?" Ye Xin shook his head. "If you wish to display your divine might before His Majesty, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Today is merely for drinking and broadening your horizons. Leave it there."

The robust figure in black withdrew his hand and remained completely silent.

The esteemed ministers boarded three separate carriages and headed toward the royal palace. The palace guard had yet to be reorganized and was temporarily manned by armed eunuchs, resulting in very lax defenses. It was not until they reached the vicinity of the Mother Cauldron that warriors began to appear in greater numbers, all of whom belonged to the Righteous Alliance.

Han Sanmei knew the way and drove straight into the inner palace, where the carriages stopped one after another before a side hall.

Little Fu Zi was standing guard at the entrance of the side hall. Seeing Han Sanmei approach, he smiled and bowed. With Guan Hanyu now dead, Little Fu Zi had become the Grand Eunuch of the royal palace, though his smooth succession clearly stemmed from Tie Shudeng's trust.

"Is His Majesty within?" Han Sanmei asked.

"Yes, he has been waiting for you lords," Little Fu Zi smiled.

"Hmm..." Han Sanmei nodded and strode inside.

To everyone he passed, Little Fu Zi bowed respectfully. When Ye Xin walked by, it was no exception, as if he had entirely forgotten the heavy blow Ye Xin had once dealt him.

Ye Xin had already walked past him, but suddenly he stopped, turned around, and asked earnestly, "I've wanted to ask you something for a long time."

"Please speak, Lord Grand Marshal," Little Fu Zi bowed once more.

"Aren't you exhausted acting like this all the time?" Ye Xin asked.

"Not particularly," Little Fu Zi replied naturally, his expression unchanged.

Ye Xin laughed heartily, then strode quickly into the hall.

The banquet had already been prepared. Tie Shudeng sat behind the primary table in the center, flanked by four smaller low tables on either side, behind which were rush cushions. More than a dozen dishes were set upon each table. Though the plates were small—otherwise they could not all fit—the ingredients used were extremely rare. The dishes on every low table were almost identical, and two jars of fine wine from the imperial collection rested at the edge of each desk.

On Tie Shudeng's left, the low tables were entirely empty. On his right, several guests were already seated: Duke Poushan Ning Gaowu of the State of Ren, Zhou Polu of the State of Luo, and Wu Qiushen of the State of Xi. Seeing Han Sanmei and the others walk in, they all stood up.

Sitting behind the main table, Tie Shudeng looked very pale. Upon catching sight of Ye Xin, a trace of a smile appeared on his pale face, and he sighed softly, "Xiaoxin, you're finally willing to come see me..."

"Ye Xin pays his respects to Your Majesty!" Ye Xin's expression held a hint of apprehension. "Ye Xin has long wished to visit the Han residence, but the Grand Marshal's Manor is burdened with countless affairs that require attention, and next year's military plans must be finalized as soon as possible, therefore..."

"You might as well call me Third Brother," Tie Shudeng smiled. "Do you still remember what I used to say? Brothers for a day, brothers for life."

"Alright!" Ye Xin took a long breath. "Ye Xin pays his respects to Third Brother!"

"Are these two your trusted generals?" Tie Shudeng looked at the two figures in bamboo hats behind Ye Xin.

"They are extraordinary martial artists I recruited from Tianyuan City, unmatched in bravery," Ye Xin said. "I brought them into the palace today simply to let them broaden their horizons."

Tie Shudeng nodded, then beckoned to Ye Xin, saying, "Come, sit here. This is your seat."

The seat Tie Shudeng indicated was at the head of the left tables. That position had previously belonged to Shen Wangji, who, as the Grand Chancellor, was the decision-maker and executor of state affairs, holding the most revered status. Yet now, Tie Shudeng had chosen Ye Xin for it.

Shen Wangji and Wang Fang breathed internal sighs of relief. What they had feared most was that Tie Shudeng would obsess over Tie Xinsheng's death and turn against Ye Xin, whereas the State of Wei could no longer withstand turmoil, and Ye Xin was the ideal candidate for military command. One could even argue that, from the perspective of the State of Wei, Ye Xin was even more important than Tie Shudeng.

Seeing Tie Shudeng treat Ye Xin with such high regard, they knew the State of Wei was truly returning to the right path.

Even Han Sanmei displayed a look of gratification. He understood better than anyone how much suffering Tie Shudeng had endured over these past days, and thus he had been most worried. Now that Tie Shudeng had cast aside past grievances, and with Ye Xin showing tact, he had nothing left to worry about and could quietly retire in the near days.

Ye Xin and the others slowly took their seats, while Ning Gaowu and the others opposite them also sat upon the rush cushions. However, the seat at the head of the right table, directly opposite Ye Xin, remained vacant.

With everyone seated, Tie Shudeng took the lead in speaking, chatting about ordinary domestic matters. Han Sanmei had offered hints beforehand, and since Ning Gaowu and the others were guest officials, they naturally would not ruin their host's face. No matter what Tie Shudeng mentioned, those on both sides chimed in harmoniously, and the atmosphere grew full of harmony.

After chatting for a short while, Tie Shudeng picked up a wine jar, poured himself a cup, and raised it. His expression turned solemn. "I remember my late father saying that the State of Wei is like a great ship, while the world... is the vast ocean. As the ruler, I am merely the helmsman. Relying on myself alone, it is impossible to navigate this ship across the boundless sea; I need everyone's support and assistance. Shudeng is still young and will certainly make mistakes in the future. If anyone has opinions, please voice them uprightly and openly, and Shudeng will humbly accept them!"

Han Sanmei, Ning Gaowu, and the others immediately showered Tie Shudeng with praise, using words like humble, capable, and wise.

Tie Shudeng was well satisfied, then drained his cup in one gulp. Han Sanmei and the others likewise raised their cups and drank.

The atmosphere grew even more congenial. As they exchanged toasts, everyone's spirits gradually rose, and the dishes on the plates slowly diminished. Only Ye Xin frequently drifted into a daze.

After an hour had passed in the blink of an eye, Tie Shudeng, who had been smiling all along, set down his wine cup and said, "Right, there is someone I would like to introduce to you all."

Shen Wangji and the others were slightly startled. Previously, Tie Shudeng had always referred to himself by his given name "Shudeng"; this was the first time he had used the imperial pronoun "Gu". It felt like a declaration: previously I was your junior and you were my seniors, but from this moment on, I am the sovereign, and you are my subjects!