Chapter 2418: This Mountain Represents All Mountains

Looking out at the world, the treasures of the dongtian serve as the imperial court, where officials pay homage and imperial relatives enjoy eternal privilege. Only the Jing Dynasty possesses such a realm.

Of course, the areas that external officials can visit are limited.

The vast “Sanqing Xuandu Supreme Emperor Palace,” apart from the Jing Dynasty’s officials who receive a certain amount of time in the “Heaven and Earth Three Gardens” annually according to their rank, is primarily comprised of the “Central Great Hall” and the “Xuande Hall,” which are the main places where external officials pay their respects.

The so-called “Heaven and Earth Three Gardens” are divided into “Wen Yuan,” “Wu Yuan,” and “Dao Yuan.”

One is a garden for reading and scholarly discussions, where worldly classics are discussed without taboos.

One is a place for practicing techniques and refining skills, with constant sword sounds during hunts.

One is a place for calming the heart and cultivating the Dao, observing the sun and moon from above and below, undisturbed by external affairs.

Being able to cultivate within a dongtian that ranks second in the world, the time allotted in the “Heaven and Earth Three Gardens” has always been Jing’s most significant “official salary.”

The interaction between dongtian treasures and heaven and earth is not limitless, so no matter what dongtian treasures are, their use is limited. Borrowing a dongtian for cultivation requires particularly strict time limits. Only with a foundation like Jing’s can such extravagance be afforded.

The “Central Great Hall” is the hall for court assemblies, the embodiment of Jing’s highest power. The “Xuande Hall,” on the other hand, is the Jing Emperor’s study. Ji Fengzhou reads here and also receives some ministers here.

Generally speaking, being received alone by the Son of Heaven in the study is considered a mark of a close minister.

King Dai Shan, Ji Jinglu, is today's “close minister.”

Being of imperial descent and a close minister – this might be… dangerous.

Ji Jinglu was still dressed in rich, noble brocade clothes, wearing a jade-inlaid round hat. He nimbly climbed the steps, subconsciously glancing at the palace hall’s plaque.

These two characters, “Xuande,” were still the handwriting of the previous emperor. They held a kind of powerful emotion that was on the verge of eruption. The plaque was surrounded by carved deer patterns, and two antlers were suspended above it. This alone added a great deal of majesty.

Qin people favor black, with all their banners being black. However, the Jing imperial family also uses black in many places, a fact that Ji Jinglu was well aware of.

After all, the three branches of the Dao Sect are green, red, and white. Using any of these colors could easily be associated with malicious intent.

On public occasions, the Jing imperial family always displays all three colors, with complete rituals. In relatively private places, they are more relaxed. Many imperial descendants simply use black in private, avoiding any potential issues.

As for the previous emperor, Emperor Xian, naming his study “Xuande,” whether it held the meaning of “slaughtering the Qin Deer” is a matter of opinion. The previous emperor spared no effort in suppressing the Qin during his reign.

But the nails Emperor Xian had driven in during his reign were all being pulled out one by one. The rise of the Qin Dynasty had an unstoppable momentum.

The current Son of Heaven does not exhibit too strong a personal style.

Even this imperial study follows the “Xuande Hall” left by the previous emperor, not changing a single word or moving any furnishings.

However, to think he is an emperor who simply follows old systems would be a grave mistake.

Forty-two years after his ascension, the political traces of the previous emperor are completely gone.

Often, when looking back at a certain moment, one suddenly realizes that everything inside and outside the court has developed under his will.

Two palace maids opened the door, and an inner official wearing a python robe bowed his head and led the way.

Ji Jinglu slightly composed himself and followed him in.

This was the first time he had been summoned alone by the Son of Heaven since he took command of the Dou'e Army. He couldn’t help but repeatedly review his process of commanding the army.

The hurdle of the Jinghai defeat was not easy to overcome. The Emperor’s party was working hard, and he at least couldn’t be a burden.

“Your Majesty…” Ji Jinglu just opened his mouth, performing the ritual halfway.

The Son of Heaven of Jing waved his hand: “Jinglu, come and see.”

Ji Jinglu's words and ritual were interrupted simultaneously.

He took big strides forward and approached the Son of Heaven's desk.

The desk was dazzling with light, actually a scroll painting of a long river.

The surging long river, the heroes of the world, all appeared like a miniature landscape, unfolding before the monarch.

The field of vision continuously zoomed in, and the Jianjiang Platform was within reach.

At first glance, Ji Jinglu saw Jiang Wang. This True Monarch, who had almost reached the pinnacle in the Central Domain, was now stained with blood and dirt on his green robe.

But he seemed completely unconcerned, his eyes calmly surveying the heroes of the world, standing as a backbone, supporting Fu Yunqin and also supporting the Water Race.

"Are you paying attention to the side of the Water Governance Assembly?" The Son of Heaven of Jing stood with his hands behind his back in front of the desk, his eyes fixed, and asked softly.

"This newly promoted True Monarch has done some great things!" Ji Jinglu smiled bitterly: "It's hard for a minister not to pay attention."

Speaking of "newly promoted True Monarch," he also counted as one.

He didn't prove the Dao much earlier than Jiang Wang.

He was granted the title of King Dai Shan of Jing, and took over the strong Dou'e Army from Yu Que. He could be considered to have made some moves!

But compared to the great things Jiang Wang had done, the gap was truly immense.

"Forced Yan Chunhui to detour, and cut off the name of the human-demon. Now he is leading the Heavenly Sea to suppress the long river, continuing the great cause of the Human Emperor." The Son of Heaven of Jing had deep eyes: "If it wasn’t for his solitary nature and his not having established a mansion, I would almost think another Xiong Yizheng had emerged."

In the beginning, Xiong Yizheng also enjoyed fame and had great moral prestige in the current world. He did many great things and was a first-class hero and brave man. When he raised his banner, the world responded.

However, even before raising his banner, Xiong Yizheng had already controlled many forces. He had money shops, inns, gambling houses, restaurants, manors, and forests. He was a famous tycoon in the Southern Domain.

Jiang Wang, however, had always come and gone alone, with at most three or five friends accompanying him. The Baiyu Capital restaurant could only truly be considered a resting place.

"If it wasn't for his solitary nature..." Ji Jinglu said: "Perhaps the platform wouldn't be able to accommodate him."

If Jiang Wang was the representative of some family or force, he would absolutely not be able to stand so upright on the platform. Not only could the Jing Dynasty not accommodate him, even Qi and Chu would drive him off the platform.

What he didn’t quite understand was why the Son of Heaven was repeatedly watching the scene from the “Water Governance Assembly” which had already concluded some time ago.

What was His Majesty paying attention to? Who was he observing?

The Son of Heaven of Jing said leisurely: “Do you think he is somewhat anxious?”

Ji Jinglu didn’t hear clearly, or rather, he was very cautious: “Your Majesty is referring to?”

The Son of Heaven of Jing said: “Clearly, he is the publicly acknowledged foremost talent of the current world. He clearly has the qualification to wait. Time always favors such geniuses.

But as soon as he became a True Monarch, he rushed east and west, too busy to be free. He proved the Dao just one season ago, yet he seems to want to accomplish ten thousand things… Why is he so anxious?”

Just like the matter of hunting down Yan Chunhui, Jiang Wang could have waited until he was stronger to make a move.

Yan Chunhui had been staying there for a long time, with no intention of moving. This time, startling Wuhui Valley and forcing it to abandon the human-demon, seemed like a good thing in the short term. But for Jiang Wang himself, it was almost like adding a formidable enemy out of thin air, which was not very wise.

Again, regarding the Water Race matter, if one had the heart to reform the status quo, how could it not be slowly planned?

It was also because of the Water Governance Assembly this time, where various parties had their own intentions, which gave him room to maneuver.

If it were in a time of stable patterns, even if he bled himself dry, he fundamentally couldn’t stir up any waves. In history, how many True Monarchs have crashed and died against copper walls and iron walls?

Ji Jinglu thought for a moment and said: “Perhaps he just doesn’t want to leave any more regrets.”

"In our lives, there are always moments when we want to speak but cannot, and those choices we want to grasp but have to let go of.

More or less, we will all experience some regrets. Once we have power and strength, we will inevitably want to grasp something." The Son of Heaven of Jing moved his gaze from the long river to his King Dai Shan: "What about you, Jinglu?"

Ji Jinglu held his breath for a moment.

The "Water Governance Assembly" has already yielded a result.

The six great hegemonic nations consulted together, and there was a flood.

The human flood surged forward, and the people of the world were all swept up in it.

Jiang Wang almost single-handedly changed the direction of the tide.

The Long River Dragon Lord paid with his life, stopping at his death.

The Water Race of the world did not suffer its disaster.

The ancient alliance was brought out again, dusted off, and placed on a high platform.

The contributions of the Water Race were recognized, and the status of the Water Race was re-established.

The Human Race and the Water Race are once again one family!

Wu Bing has already represented the Three Punishments Palace in legislating, with one core rule: “The Water Race and the Human Race are one body under the same laws.”

Plundering people is exile, killing people is death. Plundering the Water Race and killing the Water Race is also like this.

Fairness means not setting special laws for the Water Race, as that would instead emphasize the difference between the Water Race and the Human Race. They should not be treated poorly, nor should they be treated preferentially.

The core interests of the various countries were the water rights of the long river, which Jiang Wang wisely did not touch. After establishing the contributions and status of the Water Race, he even directly left with Fu Yunqin.

Leaving the various parties to divide the water rights of the long river, where dragons and tigers fight – these are also old topics. After the young provocateur left, the remaining matters were handled by the various parties with experience.

For this “Water Governance Assembly,” the Emperor should be satisfied.

Jiang Wang, with his individual strength, continued the water governance plan of Lie Mountain Human Emperor, took over the efforts of the Long River Dragon Lord, temporarily calmed the long river, and visibly pushed the long river towards an ideal state.

As for the contention over the water rights of the long river, Jing country got what it deserved, and nothing was lost. After all, the long river is in front, and the Jianjiang Platform is at their feet. Jing country only lost one battle; it is not without its blade, and even less without the strength to kill.

It can be said that until the end of the "Water Governance Assembly," this time the defeat at Jinghai finally truly turned a new page. The unfavorable influences at home and abroad were all smoothed out.

The domestic influence was extinguished in the palm of the Son of Heaven.

The external troubles, however, ended in a way that was not expected beforehand, so much so that the Jing court had made many preparations, but none were used.

The South Heavenly Master's mouth was fierce, but perhaps his heart found it hard to suppress his smile.

Releasing the Water Race this time was also a concession that could be made. Originally, encircling and killing the Water Race, and dividing and eating them, was also a move to transfer contradictions.

Dividing interests, deflecting hatred… Jing country was very skilled at this.

Now that there is no urgent need to transfer contradictions, the attitude towards the Water Race can indeed be rethought. The Water Race doesn’t actually pose a threat; their fate is truly at the whim of the human race's high-level figures.

So what exactly was the Son of Heaven concerned about now?

Ji Jinglu thought a lot, but finally only said: "When you walk to the absolute peak, and then look back at what was before, many things are different. The hardships of the past can also be viewed as scenery."

The Emperor slightly raised his eyes: "You now indeed have the demeanor of the absolute peak. It seems that entrusting the Dou'e Army to you was a correct choice."

There was no absolute approval, just not much disapproval.

Ji Jinglu's scalp tightened, and he earnestly said: "It is the first time a minister has led such a strong army. My ability and experience are somewhat lacking.

I can only be diligent and dedicated, loyal to state affairs, and improve when I recognize my shortcomings. If I fail to meet Your Majesty's expectations, please directly admonish my faults. Only then can I become braver in the future and benefit the country!"

The Emperor looked at him: "I hear you are promoting reform in the Dou'e Army, extensively recruiting martial men into the army. And that you have compiled martial canons, requiring Dou'e soldiers to practice in a unified manner?"

Ji Fengzhou's series of maneuvers took a lot of effort to push out a successor for the Dou'e commander position. Specifically appointing a martial arts grandmaster like Ji Jinglu as the main commander of the Dou'e Army, if not to train martial troops, then for what?

It seemed like a light description of changing a loyal person to take command of the army on the stage, but it was actually about promoting the martial spirit.

Ji Jinglu naturally knew the monarch's heart! He had been working vigorously during this period.

But this time he couldn't help but feel a bit confused. What were you questioning?

He said very cautiously: "Your Majesty, there are no outsiders in the hall..."

The light in the eyes of the Son of Heaven of Jing flickered, and his voice became even gentler: "Under the heavens, all is the king's land. I am the emperor of the Central Empire; both my palm and its back are my people. Who are the outsiders that King Dai Shan speaks of?"

“Answering Your Majesty’s words!” Ji Jinglu said resolutely: “I am indeed promoting reform in the Dou’e Army! I believe that martial arts is the trend of the times and a broad path that is bound to flourish.

The future pattern of cultivation will certainly be the parallel development of Dao and martial arts. Although Jing country is centered on Dao and governed by sects, it does not need to walk on one leg.”

The Son of Heaven of Jing looked at him: "I hear some people oppose you. What do they say?"

"There are some voices..." Ji Jinglu was very cautious, choosing less intense words to speak: "They say that Wei country is still far from hegemony, and it is not our turn to learn from them yet."

"Absurd, these decaying old men." The Son of Heaven of Jing said: "Is it because Wei country is still far from hegemony that we cannot learn? If we don't learn today, their family will not be far from hegemony!"

He stretched out a finger and pointed on the desk, precisely at a certain section of the long river, exactly within Aifuyuan!

The voice of the Son of Heaven was filled with annoyance: "Must Wei Xuanche untie his belt and urinate on their faces before they can wake up a little and see the changes in this world? The Wei Xuanche of today is not incapable of being another Jiang Shu!"

Ji Jinglu understood.

Reform was good, but not enough.

Not fast enough, not intense enough, not thorough enough!

But the problem is, in a country like Jing where the influence of the Dao Sect is so huge, and Legalists and Confucians find it very difficult to gain entry, how easy is it to promote martial arts?

Starting with the relatively closed army was indeed an idea.

But how could an army as eye-catching as the Dou'e Army, which is the world's foremost army, not be watched no matter what it does?

Especially since the Emperor does not give overt support. Listen – "I hear you are promoting reform in the Dou'e Army."

Although I, Ji Jinglu, am a newly promoted True Monarch, can I push this forward alone? What virtue and ability do I have!

Those Heavenly Masters and Daoists are all watching.

Thinking of the four characters "newly promoted True Monarch," Ji Jinglu paused again. The Emperor's previous question, about whether Jiang Wang was anxious, seemed to imply something. Jiang Wang knows to be anxious, you eat Jing's salary, why are you not panicked and busy?

“Your Majesty’s scolding is refreshing!” Ji Jinglu made a firm decision: “A minister should work hard, and must not let Your Majesty have regrets!”

The Son of Heaven of Jing looked at him and slowly said: “In previous years, I gave my palace guards to the Southern Heavenly Master and sent them to the demon world. After these years of tempering, they have already been formed and their banner stands. This army will be supplemented into the eight ranks.

I will personally command it, with Lou Yue as the deputy.”

Another piece of major news that would shake the foundations!

Jing country had a large family business, so naturally it didn't only have the eight ranks. Outside the eight ranks, there were many other armies, guarding different places.

South Heavenly Master Ying Jianghong was originally a famous general who had retired from the position of Commander of the Shen Ce Army. When he returned to lead the army last time, he was still unstoppable. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was Jing country's foremost famous general.

In recent years, it was known that he was guarding the Heaven Gate and also training soldiers, but the specific results of the training were unknown. The demon world was vast, and those soldiers were scattered, rotating everywhere.

Their bravery was acknowledged, but their actual combat strength was hard to say.

Now that the Son of Heaven is tuning this army out and supplementing it into the eight ranks, it means they must already have the strength of the eight ranks.

And as the Son of Heaven’s personal army, it naturally carries weight.

But could the Dou'e Army just be disbanded like this?

Ji Jinglu did not speak.

The Son of Heaven continued: "The banner of the Dou'e Army will be retained. This army is full of loyal and brave men, meritorious troops of the state, they are allowed to choose freely. Those willing to cultivate martial arts will follow you, and those unwilling will all be edited into the Imperial Edict Army."

The army reform was thorough!

The Emperor was providing more support.

After exiting the eight ranks, the Dou'e Army would also be relatively less conspicuous.

Perhaps this would also make the reform smoother.

Ji Jinglu said: "This minister understands!"

The Emperor turned his head again to look at the scene on the Jianjiang Platform, and casually said: "The title 'Dai Shan' was chosen for you by the Zong Zheng Temple, saying it conforms to the ancestral system. I feel it is not very pleasant to hear. Later, I will find an opportunity to change your title to King Dai-"

He raised his hand and drew a line on the desk. The picture on the desk immediately rewound to the moment when Jiang Wang chopped open De Yun with that one sword.

He paused for a moment and added: "This Dai is the Dai of the mountain that represents the mountains of the world."