Chapter 1408: A Talented Commandant Is Hard to Find

"Lin Kuang's suicide out of fear of responsibility is the settled verdict of the Northern Court." In De Lu Palace, the Son of Heaven sat high upon a golden stone platform, still revealing no hint of emotion, and merely asked, "So many years have passed, yet you seek to overturn the case for him?"

"Lord Lin Kuang did indeed commit suicide in those years, this is beyond doubt. But the reason for his suicide could not have been 'fear of responsibility'."

Jiang Wang said, "The Red Kiln Case, the Gold Thread Case, the Purple Brocade Case... these infamous major cases, some widely deemed difficult, some with tangled roots and complex dangers, were all solved by Lin Kuang himself. Your servant has reviewed the case files, and when faced with the details of the cases, I am often left speechless, inevitably filled with admiration. If Lin Kuang were a person who feared responsibility, he could not have solved these major cases. How could the first divine constable since the founding of the Azure Scale fear responsibility?"

His ability to list the famous major cases Lin Kuang had solved in those years, as if they were treasures in his own home, shows the effort Jiang Wang had privately expended. He had held thick case files, repeatedly studying them.

Anyone who read these case files could roughly see what kind of person Lin Kuang was.

He continued, "If a suspect dies in a prison cell, is that not the responsibility of the guards? Is that not the responsibility of the jailers?

Why was it that when Tian Fen died in prison that year, it was Lin Kuang who committed suicide out of fear of responsibility?

Now it is said that Lin Kuang arrested Tian Fen wrongly, but when Tian Fen died, the suspicious points on him had not yet been cleared. Only because he died was the investigation unable to continue. How can one directly conclude that he was 'wrongly arrested'?

Your servant has reviewed the records and questioned those involved in the events of that year, and found that back then, the voices saying 'wrongly arrested' and the voices saying 'Tian Fen was problematic' were actually half and half.

But after Lin Kuang's death, everyone seemed to agree that he had arrested the wrong person.

But how can such a principle exist in the world?

How can it be that because Lin Kuang died and cannot speak for himself, those who are still alive no longer need to investigate and can arbitrarily reach a conclusion? How profoundly unfair is this to the deceased!"

The Son of Heaven remained silent.

Jiang Wang then said, "The Eleventh Highness left behind a piece of writing, the last brushstroke he made in his lifetime, bestowed upon your servant."

The Son of Heaven indeed showed some interest and asked, "What did it say?"

Jiang Wang replied, "The words read, 'Heaven does not abandon our Great Qi, and gave birth to our Jiang Wuqi!'"

The Son of Heaven was silent for a moment, clearly also caught in the emotion of these words.

Jiang Wang continued, "What does it mean 'does not abandon Great Qi'?"

He posed such a grand question, then answered it himself, "Your servant believes, it means not abandoning the officials of Qi, not abandoning the people of Qi!

Those who are loyal and dutiful should not be abandoned.

Those who have contributed to the state should not be abandoned.

Anyone who fights for Qi, regardless of age, wisdom, or foolishness, should not be abandoned by Great Qi!

When the Eleventh Highness was alive, the reason he gave that imposter Zhang Yong an opportunity was simply because our Great Qi does not forget those who have rendered meritorious service.

Similarly, the Highness repeatedly ordered Lin Youxie to handle cases during his lifetime, also demonstrating that our Great Qi does not forget distinguished officials like Lin Kuang.

This is because although Lin Kuang committed suicide, he died from rumors, from fear, from injustice... not from fear of responsibility!"

Jiang Wang spoke in a resonant voice, his reason utterly straight, and thus his spirit utterly strong: "During his tenure in the Northern Court, Lin Kuang presided over and solved one hundred and thirty-seven cases, large and small. Every case file is recorded, the clues are detailed, and the evidence is sufficient.

The number of cases he guided and assisted junior Azure Scales in solving is countless.

He independently created forty-four methods of handling cases for the Azure Scale, and many rules he established, such as requiring two or more people to supervise autopsies... are still in use today.

Throughout his life, he never engaged in any act of favoritism. After his death, a thorough investigation of his conduct and actions revealed not a single fault to be criticized.

Such a talent should not be abandoned by the dynasty.

Your servant requests His Majesty to re-examine the matter of Lin Kuang's suicide and clear his name, so that the people of the world may know that the Son of Heaven abandons none under Heaven!"

The Son of Heaven only asked, "Minister Jiang believes, if Lin Kuang did not commit suicide out of fear of responsibility, then why did he commit suicide?"

Han Ling couldn't help but pay closer attention.

Jiang Wang's words were truly eloquent, leaving him secretly surprised. To move the Son of Heaven's emotions with Jiang Wuqi's遗字 was a masterful move. However, Han Ling understood that mere emotion could not sway the Son of Heaven. What truly had the potential to impress the Son of Heaven was the broad-mindedness of Jiang Wuqi... Who says Jiang Qingyang is a brave but witless brute? At least his grasp of propriety is as if he possesses an innate sensitivity, truly precise and exquisite.

And the Son of Heaven's question at this moment was also crucial.

The matter of Lin Kuang was not unsolvable, but it absolutely could not be resolved from the Empress's perspective.

In Han Ling's view, Jiang Wang's subsequent answer would be the key to handling this case.

He heard Jiang Wang say in a clear voice, "Your servant has already stated, Lord Lin Kuang died from rumors. It was those who maliciously spread rumors and arbitrarily reached conclusions who forced Lord Lin to his death! He was loyal to the Azure Scale's cause, unable to bear the damage to his reputation, unable to stand idly by while the Azure Scale was disgraced, and therefore committed suicide to prove his innocence. Unexpectedly, after his death, he had no voice to defend himself, and instead the rumors were solidified. This is truly a twenty-year regret! I implore Your Majesty, do not let this regret last a hundred years!"

In the vast De Lu Palace, only Jiang Wang's voice echoed.

This voice was so young.

In the history of this powerful empire, young voices always rang out time and again.

"Alas."

The Son of Heaven actually sighed.

His voice finally descended from the stone platform: "Minister Jiang, Minister Jiang, only today do I know that you are so capable in handling cases. You are intimately familiar with the Azure Scale's methods of handling cases, you know the history of the Azure Scale like the back of your hand, your sense of proportion is right, your vision is good, and your methods are excellent. Speaking of which, Deputy Commander Zheng is about to ascend to the Divine Realm, and the position of Deputy Commander of the Capital Garrison is vacant. Are you willing to take it on for朕?"

Cold sweat instantly broke out on Jiang Wang's back!

Anyone who thinks they can control the Son of Heaven's thoughts is not far from death!

The position of Northern Court Deputy Commander was offered by Zheng Shangming as leverage to Jiang Wang before. Zheng and his son dared to orchestrate this matter, which of course was tacitly approved by the Son of Heaven.

And Jiang Wang's refusal of Zheng Shangming could also be said to be a refusal of the Son of Heaven.

But the Son of Heaven, while Jiang Wang was discussing the Lin Kuang case, suddenly changed the subject and brought up the position of Northern Court Deputy Commander again.

The implication was simply this: You are so good at gauging propriety, you clearly understand how to be an official!

Then what reason do you have to refuse?!

"Your servant is certainly willing! It is Jiang Wang's honor to be able to serve the state and share Your Majesty's worries!" Without a second thought, Jiang Wang first expressed his loyalty.

"But..." With his thoughts racing, Jiang Wang said seriously, "It is just a pity that your servant's cultivation speed is too fast, and I fear that I will achieve the Divine Realm within a few days."

Han Ling's lips twitched...

This fellow is too inflated! Is this even human language? How many people are trapped throughout their lives before the limit of their lifespan, unable to achieve the Golden Body and Jade Marrow, yet he, Jiang Qingyang, is worried that he won't be able to delay for a few days?

However, upon careful consideration, it actually seemed quite reasonable. With the cultivation talent of this peerless prodigy, the Divine Realm barrier was no longer an obstacle; it was truly just a matter of when he would complete the fourth level, and he would be able to transcend.

He had just suppressed his feelings when he heard Jiang Wang say again, "The Northern Court Deputy Commander is a vital position of the state, extremely crucial, concerning the security of the entire realm. How can it be that one day it is Zhang San and the next it is Li Si? Furthermore, your servant is not an official who has gained favor through improper means. My heart is for the sake of the world. It is easy for your servant to gain a position as Northern Court Deputy Commander, but difficult for the realm to gain a Northern Court Deputy Commander. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider!"

These words were spoken very clearly, and the implications were even clearer.

Your Majesty's word is law; if you insist on making me the Northern Court Deputy Commander, it is simple enough for me to take that position. However, such an important position as the Northern Court Deputy Commander, without three to five years of determined effort, how can one do the job well? It is impossible for a peerless prodigy like me to linger before the Divine Realm for three to five years!

Jiang Wang spoke of his willingness and eagerness, but as soon as the key issue arose, it was "talent does not allow" and "time is not suitable." For the Son of Heaven to use me as the Northern Court Deputy Commander is perhaps an irresponsible act towards the position of Northern Court Deputy Commander, and there is suspicion of appointing people according to his whim.

Especially that phrase "official who has gained favor through improper means," it was almost asking the Son of Heaven -

If I am not an official who has gained favor through improper means, does the Son of Heaven intend to open the door to such appointments?

But what kind of person was the Son of Heaven of Qi? How could he be captured by a few words?

He actually looked at Jiang Wang and asked directly, "Could it be that you are unwilling to be loyal to朕?"

Such a blunt question was truly uncharacteristic of the Son of Heaven's style.

It shows that his mood today was indeed not as calm as usual.

As for this question, the answer could not have the slightest wavering.

However, Jiang Wang did not express his loyalty with fear and trepidation, but rather asked righteously and sternly, "Since entering Qi, your servant has always been loyal to his duties, devoted to state affairs, fought for the state, and fought for Qi. Regardless of when or where, I have never tarnished the might of Great Qi! Are these not acts of loyalty to the Son of Heaven of Qi?"

Perhaps because the previous sentence had been laid bare, the Son of Heaven of Qi asked even more directly this time, "Jiang Qingyang, do you not see my intention to cultivate you? Is taking charge of the Northern Court truly that difficult for you?"

The Son of Heaven's question was direct, and Jiang Wang had no room for hesitation or deflection.

Upon hearing this, he stood upright with a solemn expression and said emotionally, "Although Jiang Wang is slow-witted, I dare say that if it is just handling cases, it is not too difficult! The Capital Garrison has many talented individuals. Your servant only needs to appoint the virtuous, act impartially, and mete out rewards and punishments clearly, and naturally, things will not be bad. Your Majesty praises your servant for his good grasp of propriety, but Your Majesty, if your servant were to take charge of the Northern Court, the first thing I would not want is to grasp at propriety! Your servant is afraid, your servant deserves death ten thousand times, but your servant still wants to ask, does Your Majesty need such a Northern Court Deputy Commander?"

"Impudent!"

Jiang Wang took a step back and lowered his head, "Your servant deserves death ten thousand times!"

"I see that you are not afraid of death," the Son of Heaven said in a flat voice.

"Your servant is afraid of death, deathly afraid. Your servant has long since vowed never to experience the feeling of having one's life controlled by another. But Your Majesty, your servant wishes to ask you..."

Jiang Wang asked with the utmost sincerity, "Is only blind loyalty true loyalty?

Is a person who has lost himself truly reliable?

The reason Jiang Wang is Jiang Wang is because Jiang Wang has always done what Jiang Wang should do, without going against his original heart. If one's original heart can be violated, if one's true self can be abandoned, then what binds me by the law? What binds me by morality? What can loyalty, righteousness, integrity, and shame add to me?"

The Son of Heaven sneered, "Loyalty to the ruler is now against your original heart."

Jiang Wang replied, "Your servant has recently read history and heard that during the time of the previous Qi, the ruler tasted all the delicacies of the world and one day smiled and said, 'Only the taste of human flesh remains unknown.' There was a cook named Yi Ya, who upon hearing this, immediately cooked his own son to present to the ruler! The ruler passed by Yi Ya's residence and glanced at Yi Ya's wife, and Yi Ya presented his wife to the imperial bed that very night! It can be said that everything was done only to please the ruler's heart. Was this a loyal official?

But what was the end result? When the ruler of the previous Qi was severely wounded, it was Yi Ya, who was then the Prime Minister, who assassinated him... only then did the later Emperor Wu restore the country."

"If a person loses their true self, what kind of external conduct can be maintained, and what virtues can be sought?" Jiang Wang said in a resonant voice, "It is precisely because your servant is trustworthy, values righteousness, and believes in justice that your servant can be a loyal subject!"

"Well said, trustworthy, values righteousness, and believes in justice! Well said, 'recently read history'!"

The Son of Heaven of Qi reached out and patted the stone platform, and only said, "I only knew that you, Jiang Qingyang, are skilled in battle and combat, but I never expected you to be so learned!"

For a moment, Jiang Wang did not know whether the Son of Heaven's words were praise or sarcasm.

But fortunately, this hurdle seemed to have been crossed...

"Your servant is afraid. It is just that the Son of Heaven humbly accepts counsel, and although your servant is not clever, nor wise, nor well-informed, I still must speak my mind!"

"Hahaha!" The Son of Heaven actually burst into laughter: "Well said, not clever, nor wise, nor well-informed! Today, you have finally spoken a truthful word to朕!"

It was, of course, a good thing that the Son of Heaven could laugh.

But these words...

They were indeed somewhat hurtful to one's pride.

However, Jiang Wang could only say with a wronged expression, "Facing the Son of Heaven, your servant dares not speak carelessly..."

"Enough," the Son of Heaven waved his hand and then leaned forward slightly, "The three cases you spoke of today,朕 has approved them all. You do not wish to be this Northern Court Deputy Commander,朕 has also approved it... How will you repay朕?"

Jiang Wang said frankly, "The Qi Prodigies will surpass the prodigies of the world!"

The Son of Heaven turned his head to look at Han Ling before the stone platform and smiled, "Our young people in Qi are very ambitious!"

Turning his head back, he looked at Jiang Wang and said, "Approved!"

Jiang Wang bowed his hands and said, "Your servant thanks the Son of Heaven!"

The Son of Heaven was about to wave his hand to dismiss him, but after looking at him, he said again, "Is there anything else?"

"Your Majesty's discernment is truly like a torch, your sacred heart illuminates all, and you perceive things clearly for ten thousand miles!" Jiang Wang forcefully flattered him, and then said, "Your servant requests Your Majesty. Your servant wishes to leave the country and go to Chu in the near future to fulfill a promise with a friend in the Mountain Sea Realm."

The Son of Heaven snorted, "You are trying to run away after causing trouble."

"With Your Majesty's protection, what trouble can befall me? Furthermore, Great Qi is bathed in bright sunshine, how could there be unexpected calamities? Your servant truly has a promise with a friend. That Zuo Guangshu of the Zuo family in Chu had a prior agreement with me..."

"Enough, enough," the Son of Heaven interrupted impatiently, "It is also a good thing for young people to go out and see the heroes of the world."

Jiang Wang quickly bowed, "Your servant thanks His Majesty!"

Then he straightened up and prepared to leave.

"Wait."

The Son of Heaven called out to him.

Jiang Wang stood still respectfully, waiting for the Son of Heaven to speak.

The Son of Heaven smiled, "Minister Jiang is very fond of reading, is that right?"

Suddenly, his smile vanished, "Han Ling!"

Han Ling bowed in response.

The Son of Heaven said, "Fetch a set of 'Historical Blades Carving the Sea' and bestow it upon Qingyangzi for his enjoyment!"

He also said to Jiang Wang, "Minister Jiang is a lover of books, so you must study hard and not be lazy. When you return,朕 will randomly test you. If you cannot recite it backwards,朕 may hold you guilty of deceiving the ruler."

The Son of Heaven said this with a smile, showing great amiability.

Jiang Wang felt the boundless imperial grace and said movingly, "Your servant will certainly not fail Your Majesty's high expectations!"

Unlike Jiang Wang, who was ignorant and lacked understanding of the situation, Han Ling at the side was secretly astonished.

"Historical Blades Carving the Sea," compiled by the great scholar Sima Heng of Qin Ku College, was a monumental work. It claimed to record the history of all nations since the new era of Dao. It was the most complete historical masterpiece recording the history of the nations under Heaven since the new era of Dao began, spanning tens of millions of words...

Tens of millions of words!

How could one recite it backwards?

It is likely that even within Qin Ku College, there were not many Confucian scholars who could do it.

And Jiang Qingyang was still wearing an expression of happiness!

Suppressing his complicated feelings, he went out. Not long after, Han Ling returned with a storage box, which he handed to Jiang Wang, and did not forget to remind him, "You don't need to return the storage box."

Although Jiang Wang could not understand why a mere book needed a storage box to contain it, he thought about it and concluded that perhaps this was the imperial style!

So he reached out and took it, "Thank you, Eunuch."

He bowed again to the Son of Heaven, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty!"

"Alright, you may leave," the Son of Heaven's voice returned to its emotionless state.

Jiang Wang bowed again respectfully, turned around, and walked away with his head held high.

He was not afraid of reading, after all, he considered himself a "diligent and studious" person.

Only at this moment, the sky was clear and the clouds dispersed, truly revealing the light of heaven.

Ps: The history of the former Qi here is a partial allusion to the story of Yi Ya cooking his son. But this Qi is not that Qi.