New commander

"Bestow the title of Crimson Blood Marquis and grant the territory of Yangzhou City."

The crowd's gaze hardened, understanding the significance of the title of Crimson Blood Leader evolving into Crimson Blood Marquis, from a general to a noble. Moreover, the grant of a city added to its grandeur.

In the Snow Moon Kingdom, beneath the royal family were the nobles, who wielded the great authority of the realm. Beyond the nobles were the marquises, symbolizing regional power.

While some marquises were granted territories, others were bestowed entire cities, a mark of true sovereignty.

Although Yangzhou City was not sizable, Duan Wuya's decision to bestow it upon Lin Feng implied Lin Feng's ascendancy to a regional ruler. Yangzhou City now unequivocally belonged to Lin Feng.

All within Yangzhou City now fell under Lin Feng's jurisdiction, granting him the power of life and death.

At this moment, Lin Feng's gaze flickered. Before departing, Duan Wuya had expressed his hope that Lin Feng would achieve great deeds. This act was Duan Wuya fulfilling his promise, while also proclaiming Lin Feng as his protege.

"Lin Feng thanks Your Highness for the bestowed title," Lin Feng murmured softly. Naturally, he would not refuse Duan Wuya's kindness. With numerous powerful figures in the Snow Moon Kingdom, Lin Feng had yet to reach his full potential. Thus, he was glad to align with Duan Wuya's intentions.

"Let us not hasten the gratitude. At this moment, I merely propose. The specifics of the grant still require my father's decree."

Duan Wuya smiled faintly, his voice gentle. Although phrased thus, everyone understood Duan Wuya's decision was final; the decree was just a formality.

The Second Prince, Duan Wuya, dared not speak such words if he were unable to fulfill them. Duan Wuya could not afford to lose face.

Lin Feng nodded subtly, saying no more. Instead, he saw Duan Wuya's gaze shift to Duan Xinye and inquired, "Xinye, did Meng Chong truly order your assassination? Was Meng Gufeng also present on the city wall?"

Duan Xinye glanced at Duan Wuya and nodded. "Yes, everyone outside the city witnessed it. Meng Chong ordered my assassination. Lin Feng only slew him in self-defense. Meng Gufeng showed no distinction between public and private matters and refused me entry into the city."

"Indeed," Duan Wuya nodded slightly, then continued, "Meng Gufeng, as the commander of the imperial capital, would not act so rashly. Entrusting such power to Meng Chong, the true truth may be that he deliberately allowed Meng Chong to assassinate my royal sister. The commander of the imperial capital, daring to kill even a princess, is suspicious and deserving of punishment."

Upon hearing Duan Wuya's words, many people's gazes sharpened. Meng Gufeng and his son were deceased. Why, then, did Duan Wuya speak thus?

As they pondered, they saw Duan Wuya's gaze land on Mong Han, causing a tremor in the crowd's hearts.

Mong Han's heart quivered as well, sensing an ominous foreboding. Just now, he had defied Duan Wuya in front of everyone by siding with Duan Tianlang.

"The commander of the imperial capital, Meng Gufeng, is suspected of assassinating the princess. Although deceased, his brother, Mong Han, still holds the position of commander of the imperial guards. Until the investigation into Meng Gufeng's assassination of the princess is complete, Mong Han, you are no longer fit for the position of commander of the imperial guards."

Duan Wuya's words sent shivers down the spines of the crowd. Truly, the Second Prince, Duan Wuya, was formidable.

Mong Han wanted to refute but found himself unable. 

Mong Han's heart twisted painfully. Damn it, Duan Wuya skillfully seized the opportunity. One excuse, and he aimed to depose me from my position as commander of the imperial guards.

Turning his gaze, Mong Han's eyes fell on Duan Tianlang. Seeing Duan Tianlang's tightly closed mouth, Mong Han's expression darkened. He had just defied Duan Wuya in front of everyone by siding with Duan Tianlang.

"The Commander of the Imperial Guard, Meng Gufeng, is suspected of plotting the assassination of the princess. Though he's deceased, his brother, Meng Han, still holds the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard. I believe, until an investigation into Meng Gufeng's assassination of the princess is completed, Meng Han, you are no longer suitable to remain in the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard."

As Duan Wuya's words fell, a shiver ran through the hearts of the onlookers. Truly, the Second Prince, Duan Wuya, was formidable.

This reason left Meng Han powerless to refute.

Meng Han's heart also trembled violently. Damn it, Duan Wuya, seizing opportunities so adeptly, attempting to oust him from the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard with just one excuse.

His gaze shifted to Duan Tianlang, only to see Duan Tianlang's mouth firmly shut. With countless stains on his own reputation now, Duan Wuya wouldn't hesitate to act against him. At this moment, Duan Tianlang dared not speak, for fear of inviting trouble upon himself.

The Second Prince, Duan Wuya, was indeed formidable, exceedingly so.

Seeing Duan Tianlang's silence, Meng Han's expression darkened. He then addressed Duan Wuya, "Your Highness, what does Meng Gufeng's crime have to do with me, Meng Han? Although I am his elder brother, I was completely unaware of this matter. How can I be blamed for it and stripped of my position as Commander of the Imperial Guard?"

"Meng Han, I haven't accused you of involvement in this matter. However, Meng Gufeng dared to kill not only my sister but also a princess of the royal family. As the Second Prince, how can I overlook this matter? Until this issue is thoroughly investigated, you are not suitable to remain in that position. After the truth comes to light, if you are innocent, naturally, the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard will be returned to you."

Duan Wuya's words were impeccable, but everyone understood a simple fact: if Meng Han were removed from his position, reclaiming it would be exceedingly difficult, if not nearly impossible.

"I, Meng Han, am innocent."

Meng Han's gaze turned cold, his posture rigid as he spoke resolutely. His eyes met Duan Wuya's directly.

At this moment, he held the reins of power. The Imperial Guard obeyed his commands. It wouldn't be easy for the Second Prince to move against him. After today's events, someone would surely step forward to help him smooth things over.

"Meng Han is quite audacious, daring to challenge the Second Prince like this."

"It seems Meng Han has some powerful connections."

Whispers rose from the distant crowd. Meng Han had directly defied Duan Wuya in front of everyone.

"Hehe!"

Duan Wuya chuckled lightly, maintaining his composure.

"Meng Han, are you suggesting that I, Duan Wuya, am making baseless accusations against you? Are you Meng Han, refusing to heed my commands and relinquish the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard?"

"Meng Han, how dare you not obey the Second Prince's orders? However, the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard is crucial. Besides me, no one else is suitable. Moreover, none of my brothers in the Imperial Guard would wish for me, Meng Han, to step down."

"Is that so?"

A sinister smile suddenly appeared on Duan Wuya's handsome face, causing Meng Han's expression to change.

"Tsk, tsk..."

A very subtle sound emanated. Meng Han's body trembled violently, a muffled groan escaping him, and blood oozed from the corner of his mouth.

Not only Meng Han but also everyone's heart trembled at this moment.

As blood continued to seep from Meng Han's lips, he lowered his head, gazing at his heart. There, a silver spear tip, tinged with crimson, pierced through. Blood dripped slowly down the spear, staining it scarlet.

None of his brothers in the Imperial Guard wanted him to step down?

His voice echoed in the minds of the crowd, but reality was harsh.

Meng Han attempted to turn around, but the long spear in his hand suddenly spun, unleashing a destructive force that ravaged his body. His eyes narrowed, then gradually lost their focus, and his body slumped to the ground.

After Meng Han fell, a calm and untroubled face emerged from his former position.

This person appeared to be around thirty years old, yet he seemed exceptionally young. However, his calm demeanor sent chills down everyone's spine.

"Inform His Highness, Meng Han's brother, Meng Gufeng, attempted to assassinate Her Highness the princess. Despite Meng Han's blatant insubordination, he refused to heed His Highness's commands. Vice Commander of the Imperial Guard, Yu Ji, slew him. Although he is guilty, he acted out of loyalty. Please, Your Highness, punish Yu Ji accordingly."

Yu Ji knelt before Duan Wuya, respectfully addressing him. Behind him stood all the generals of the Imperial Guard, their expressions calm, as if everything was unfolding as it should.

This scene sent shivers down everyone's spine. How chilling.

"Meng Gufeng plotted rebellion and attempted to assassinate my sister, the princess. Despite Meng Han's insubordination and disregard for my commands, Vice Commander Yu Ji, you killed him. Although you are guilty, you acted out of loyalty."

Duan Wuya spoke slowly, "Now that Meng Han is dead, the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard cannot be left vacant. Yu Ji, you were already the vice commander, so you shall temporarily assume the role of commander and lead the Imperial Guard."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Yu Ji bowed respectfully, then stood up. Behind him, the others all knelt on one knee, shouting in unison, "Hail to the new commander, in accordance with His Highness's orders!"

Those ordinary members of the Imperial Guard froze in shock. It was only now that they realized what had happened. They all knelt down one after another, shouting in unison, "We obey His Highness's orders. Hail to the new commander!"

The resounding voices reverberated, sending shivers through the hearts of the crowd, leaving them unable to calm down.

Duan Wuya was formidable indeed, effortlessly seizing control of the Imperial Guard. His methods were truly formidable.

If anyone claimed Yu Ji wasn't Duan Wuya's man, everyone would likely scoff at the notion.

Lin Feng's gaze also fell on Duan Wuya. Looking at his calm smile, a hint of coldness crept into his heart. Duan Wuya was dangerous, truly dangerous!