Chapter Ten: The Second Divine Martial Contest Section Two: Glad Tidings

Section Two: Good News

When Bu Jingsian was about to leave, Daluobi hurriedly called out to him, “Zuo’an Luobi, what do you think of my son Shaoyuan?”

Bu Jingsian immediately understood and said, “Shaoyuan is exceptionally brave, truly worthy of the title Marquis of Valor. During the great battle against the Zheng army, he slew countless enemies; we all witnessed it.”

“Excellent. Zuo’an Luobi, you may go,” Daluobi replied.

Bu Jingsian hadn’t expected Daluobi to be so fond of Shaoyuan, even now still making sure to secure a marquisate for him. He silently praised the woman’s foresight—Baiyue had anticipated this early on and had already petitioned for Shaoyuan’s enfeoffment as Marquis of Valor.

Shaoyuan was overjoyed upon receiving the imperial edict. He repeatedly grabbed Zuo’an’s arm, asking, “From now on, I’m a marquis, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m a marquis! The people of Beiling Mountain can no longer mock me as a barbarian. Many of them aren’t even marquises!”

Having lived both in Zheng State and Beiling Mountain, Shaoyuan knew well how confounding and humiliating the disdain born of low status could be. “Ladies, come out! From today on, I’m a marquis, and you are marchionesses…”

As Bu Jingsian started to leave, Shaoyuan hurriedly invited him to stay for roast whole lamb and wine. Bu Jingsian declined, saying he had to deliver the edict and could only join another time. Only then did Shaoyuan let him go.

In truth, the imperial edicts granting lordship and marquisate brought no structural changes to the Black Wolf Tribe’s hierarchy or system. But with these titles, if they were to establish a nation again, they would inevitably be constrained like the Seven Powers, unable to easily launch military action against Zhou. This would serve Bu Jingsian’s later plans well.

Despite the shifting circumstances forcing Bu Jingsian to repeatedly adjust his schemes, everything was ultimately moving in a favorable direction.

Returning to Beiyin City, he found the streets festooned with lanterns and decorations. Puzzled, since no major events were imminent, he made his way back to his residence.

Baiyue and Baixing awaited him in the bedchamber, dressed in phoenix robes. Bu Jingsian, removing his armor, studied their strange expressions with growing curiosity. Just as he was taking off his upper garment, Baiyue suddenly snapped coldly, “How presumptuous! Such audacity to neither kneel nor bow!”

Though they sometimes teased him, never so severely before, Bu Jingsian complied, dropping to one knee and clasping his fists in salute. “Greetings, my ladies.”

“Not ladies! You must address us as Her Highness the Princesses,” Baiyue said, raising her brow sternly.

Bu Jingsian was baffled but still said, “I pay my respects to Both Princesses.”

Baixing could not hold back a chuckle, then tumbled to the floor and slid over to Bu Jingsian, clutching his waist and shaking with laughter. Baiyue, scolding, rose and knelt beside him, holding his left arm. “I knew she would cause trouble! She just refuses to cooperate.” Then, turning to him, she said, “Husband, you’ve been wronged. I offer my apologies.”

She was about to kowtow, but Bu Jingsian smiled and said, “What play are you two acting out?” Then rising, he allowed them to support his arms as he sat down.

“Husband, we are actually of the Great Zhou royal bloodline, descendants of the Moon Clan. In other words, princesses of the Zhou Dynasty.”

Bu Jingsian was stunned.

The matter of the Divine Martial Arena had weighed so heavily on Princess Tianlai that she could hardly breathe. Only with Qiuye’s return and Ling Luo helping to manage affairs was she able to rest. But soon, the Zhou Emperor sent envoys bearing an imperial edict, which left the Zheng State’s rulers utterly dumbfounded, immersed as they were in joy over Zhou’s fall.

The Emperor was not dead, and moreover, he was now among the Black Wolf Tribe. The edict declared that since the Zhou capital had been burned, the Black Wolf army was entrusted to protect and ensure peace. Daluobi of the Black Wolf Tribe was enfeoffed as the Martial Lord, and Zuo’an as the Northern Lord. The edict also called upon the Seven Powers to lend their efforts to rebuilding the Zhou capital.

The Zheng King, preparing for his own enthronement, fell ill for several days. His ministers set aside the bustling preparations for the coronation.

Some advised ignoring the edict, claiming the Emperor among the Black Wolf Tribe was a fake and suggested dispatching troops against them.

Yet the Zheng King did not accept this counsel. He understood clearly that the Zhou Emperor’s silence on the persecution of the Zheng army was a hidden card. Should the Zheng forces break ties, the Zhou Emperor would surely announce to the world that the Zheng army had burned the Zhou capital. The King, wise in his life, would never accept such an infamous stain at this critical juncture.

After recovering, the Zheng King ordered funds to be sent to the Wanxia Clan. Many ministers urged him against it, but he ignored them.

One day, Princess Tianlai left the palace, accompanied by Ling Luo to rest at an inn.

“My father instructed me to send the invitation to watch the Divine Martial Arena to the Northern Lord, along with one from the Zhou Emperor.”

“Our King has always been decisive in action, yet soft-hearted and indecisive regarding the Zhou Emperor.”

“No wonder. He bears no stain in life and knows his years are many. The injuries he suffered in youth have worsened of late. No one can say when he will pass. His unfulfilled regret is to ascend the throne. If he fails and is branded ungrateful, rebellious, and regicidal, he will never rest in peace.” Princess Tianlai pondered her father’s anguish and felt powerless to help.

“Enough. We young ones don’t know the old grievances. Perhaps the Zhou Dynasty did indeed show some kindness to the King, which is why he can’t bear to be ruthless. But… I fear that if Zuo’an and the Zhou Emperor actually come to watch the arena…”

“Would they dare?”

The invitations were sent, but everyone expected neither Zuo’an nor the Zhou Emperor to arrive.

“And if they do?” Ling Luo’s counterquestion left Princess Tianlai speechless. If they truly came, how would the Zheng King face the Zhou Emperor before all the heroes of the realm?

“Aren’t they afraid of the Feixian Sect?” The Zheng King would not harm them; otherwise, he would never have made this decision. But the Feixian Sect dared. Seeing Ling Luo silent, Princess Tianlai added, “There is worse news. Marquis Xin, do you remember Baiyue, head of the Wanxia Sect?”

“Yes, vaguely.”

“Turns out the Bai sisters are descendants of the Zhou Moon Clan, princesses of the current Zhou dynasty!”

“What—” Even the composed Ling Luo could not suppress a sharp exclamation.

Everyone knew the Emperor survived and that the Wanxia Clan would exploit him to their advantage. This was already troubling, but with the Bai sisters being of royal blood, the situation became far more perilous.

Although the Zhou Emperor was controlled by the Wanxia Clan, the Zhou ministers regarded the Bai sisters as legitimate royal blood. They were likely to eventually pledge allegiance to him. From the Emperor’s perspective, he feared no harm. With this blood connection, the Wanxia Clan’s claim became legitimate, enabling them to openly revive the Zhou dynasty’s prestige and power.

Not only was Zheng State shocked, but this news would surely enrage all neighboring nations.

Just as the Chu Kingdom received Zhou envoys, the Chu King passed away. Rumors said he too had aspired to emperorhood, and the Zhou Emperor’s edict shattered those hopes, hastening his deathbed surrender.

Chu Gaoge’s father formally succeeded as the new Chu King and appointed Chu Gaoge as crown prince. He ordered the crown prince to lead elite Chu warriors to participate in the Divine Martial Arena.

Bu Jingsian sat in his bedchamber, dazed for a long while, then suddenly threw back his head and laughed heartily.