Chapter 969: Commanding the World

On the third day after Zhongshan's return!

After more than a century, Zhongshan presided over the morning court once again.

Three days ago, after returning home, the ministers were celebrated as heroes of Great Zheng. They were revered by nearly everyone, and in their homes, where they had previously prepared for the worst and even set up memorial halls, they were now basking in the glow of Zhongshan's triumphant return. The Holy King had returned and turned the tide, and these ministers, upon their return, naturally enjoyed a level of respect and admiration they had never experienced before.

The ministers noticed that over the past two days, their spouses had become more gentle, and their children and grandchildren looked at them with newfound admiration. The ministers relished this newfound respect.

Everyone knew they had made it through the storm, and from now on, Great Zheng would rise above the clouds and see the clear sky once more! The contributions of everyone involved would never be forgotten.

Only thirty percent of the original officials remained, but these remaining officials, as long as they didn't commit major mistakes, would enjoy the best treatment in Great Zheng from now on.

On the third day, the ministers arrived early at the palace, their hearts filled with anticipation.

As the ministers gradually entered the great hall, almost all of them were slightly surprised.

Lin Xiao, Shui Wuhen, and Shuijing had arrived early, but there were two additional figures present—Xiao Wang and Zhao Suoxiang! The military commanders who had been absent for a century had returned?

"Prince, Prime Minister, General, Commanders," the ministers exchanged polite greetings, but no one lingered on formalities. They stood respectfully in two rows. Although only thirty percent of the original officials remained, this small group was now the most valuable asset of Great Zheng.

"The Holy King arrives～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～!"

A eunuch's loud announcement echoed through the hall.

"May the Holy King enjoy eternal blessings and live as long as the heavens!" the ministers bowed in excitement.

Zhongshan, wearing the flat-topped crown and dressed in a dragon robe, suddenly appeared before the dragon throne and slowly sat down.

"Rise," Zhongshan said calmly.

"Thank you, Holy King!" the ministers immediately stood up, their gazes filled with excitement as they looked at Zhongshan.

"During my absence, you all remained loyal to your duties, serving the nation and its people. I am deeply gratified. During Great Zheng's most perilous moment, you stood firm, defended the nation, and even risked your lives to protect it. You are the pillars of this country. Today, I bestow upon you rewards in recognition of your service. I hope you will continue to devote yourselves to Great Zheng," Zhongshan said solemnly.

"We pledge our undying loyalty and service to the death!" the ministers responded with deep bows.

At this moment, the eunuch from before stepped forward and began reading a decree.

"Minister of Revenue, Chong Zhixu, is conferred the title of First-Class 'Marquis of Protective Peace,' awarded with one celestial artifact and ten thousand celestial stones!"

"Thank you, Holy King!" a robust man stepped forward and received his decree.

"Assistant Minister of Revenue, Yun Zhili, is conferred the title of Second-Class 'Marquis of Steadfast Peace,' awarded with three heavenly artifacts and eight thousand celestial stones!"

"Thank you, Holy King!" a slender man stepped forward to accept his reward.

The eunuch continued to announce the rewards, while in the two side halls of the Hall of Longevity, eunuchs carried trays with the bestowed items. This day was destined to be the most thrilling day for the ministers.

Over the past two days, Zhongshan had carefully considered the contributions of each official and given them appropriate rewards.

More than the celestial artifacts and celestial stones, what excited the ministers most were the noble titles. Marquis titles—from Fourth-Class to First-Class—were conferred upon all the officials present. Never before had there been such a large-scale ennoblement, but Zhongshan had been generous this time, bestowing marquis titles across the board. This was also a message to future officials.

As long as you are loyal to Great Zheng, Great Zheng will never mistreat any of its ministers.

The ministers were ecstatic as they received their titles, and in the end, all eyes turned to Shui Wuhen, Shuijing, and Lin Xiao.

The Three Giants of Great Zheng over the past century—what honors will they receive?

"Great General Lin Xiao, conferred the title of Third-Class 'King of Xiao' (啸曰王). Awarded with five celestial artifacts, five celestial pills, and eight hundred thousand celestial stones!"

"Thank you, Holy King!" Lin Xiao stepped forward, his demeanor as composed as ever.

The title of King of Xiao—Great Zheng's second royal title. Although it was a third-class royal title, it was still a royal title!

"Prime Minister Shuijing, conferred the title of Third-Class 'Feathered Immortal King' (羽仙王). Awarded with five celestial artifacts, five celestial pills, and eight hundred thousand celestial stones!"

"Thank you, Holy King!" Shuijing stepped forward, his tone equally steady.

Everyone's attention now turned to Shui Wuhen. In terms of achievements, Shui Wuhen undoubtedly had the greatest merit. How would he be rewarded?

"Third-Class 'Purple Sovereign King' (紫宸王) Shui Wuhen, elevated to Second-Class 'Purple Sovereign King.' Awarded with one ancient celestial artifact, four celestial artifacts, four celestial pills, and one million celestial stones!"

"Thank you, Holy King!" Shui Wuhen immediately responded.

An ancient celestial artifact? The ministers looked at Shui Wuhen in astonishment. While the other rewards were expected, the ancient celestial artifact was a shock! Had the ancient celestial artifact just seized from King Qiming been given to Shui Wuhen?

All around were envious gazes, but no one could deny that Shui Wuhen's merit was unmatched. The ministers silently resolved to work even harder for Great Zheng, hoping that one day, they might also be rewarded with an ancient celestial artifact.

After rewarding the officials present in the great hall, the eunuch continued to announce the rewards for nearly three more hours, bestowing honors upon the generals defending the nation and the various city lords.

Although these rewards couldn't be delivered to them in person, the edicts would soon be spread across the land.

"The rewards have been bestowed!" the eunuch called out loudly.

"May the Holy King enjoy eternal blessings and live as long as the heavens!" the ministers stood respectfully.

"Shui Wuhen, report on the situation at the front lines!" Zhongshan ordered calmly.

"Yes, Holy King. Besides the Taiji Sacred Court, six other great celestial dynasties have waged war against Great Zheng. Due to their decapitation tactics, many of our high-ranking commanders on the front lines were killed, and as a result, we've lost control of fifty percent of the original Shenzhou territories. However, three days ago, when your voice resounded across the world, nearly ten percent of the lost cities re-entered a state of chaos, and it shouldn't be long before they return to Great Zheng's control!" Shui Wuhen reported.

"Decapitation tactics?" Zhongshan's tone grew slightly colder.

"Yes, the six celestial dynasties even went so far as to deploy celestial immortals!" Shui Wuhen replied with a frown.

Zhongshan gently tapped the armrest of the dragon throne, contemplating for a moment. "How many celestial immortals were involved?"

"A total of three celestial immortals emerged!"

"Hmm, in that case, there's no need for these three unruly celestial immortals to continue living," Zhongshan said casually.

Zhongshan's tone was light, but the ministers could sense a hint of cold fury. Was the Holy King truly angered?

"Lin Xiao!" Zhongshan's tone became more serious.

"Your servant is here!"

"Prepare for ten days. After ten days, lead twenty percent of the Imperial Guard and a Four Symbols Formation to the eastern coast of the Eastern Sea. Expand Great Zheng's territory by a million li!" Zhongshan commanded.

"I obey the decree!" Lin Xiao responded, his excitement barely contained.

The battlefield was where Lin Xiao truly belonged. Expanding Great Zheng's territory by a million li to the east of the Eastern Sea? This was a direct counterattack against the celestial dynasties!

"Shui Wuhen!"

"Your servant is here!"

"Prepare for ten days. After ten days, lead twenty percent of the Imperial Guard and a Four Symbols Formation to the southern coast of the Southern Sea. Expand Great Zheng's territory by a million li!"

**"Zhao Suoxiang, prepare for ten days. After ten days, lead twenty percent of the Imperial Guard and a Four Symbols Formation to the west of the Western Sea, expanding Great Zheng's territory by a million li!"**

**"Xiao Wang, prepare for ten days. After ten days, lead twenty percent of the Imperial Guard and a Four Symbols Formation to the north of the Northern Sea, expanding Great Zheng's territory by a million li!"**

**"By your command!"** The three of them responded simultaneously.

Four directions, expanding the territory by millions of li—was this the beginning of Great Zheng's counterattack? A counterattack against the six great celestial dynasties?

As for the territories Great Zheng had lost, Zhongshan was completely confident that the Four Commanders wouldn't need to reclaim them. In time, those lands would naturally return to Great Zheng, as they were inhabited by Great Zheng's citizens and were its rightful territories. No one could truly conquer them in just a few short years. However, the injustice of the invasion had to be avenged!

Great Zheng was beginning to show its fury!

**"All cities and military forces in each direction are at your disposal!"** Zhongshan issued another command, granting unprecedented freedom.

**"Yes!"**

The ministers could all hear the resolve in Zhongshan's voice. The true campaign of Great Zheng was about to begin.

**"Shuijing!"** Zhongshan called out again.

**"Your servant is here!"**

"Oversee the imperial examinations of Great Zheng. I want you to recruit talents from all over the world—many, many talents. Do you understand?" Zhongshan ordered with emphasis.

**Many?** The ministers nodded in agreement. Indeed, if the Four Commanders were to truly pacify the six celestial dynasties, how many official positions would become vacant?

Shuijing, however, understood the deeper meaning. He looked up in slight shock. The Holy King had emphasized "many" twice—this wasn't just about filling the gaps left by the six celestial dynasties. The Holy King's ambitions were greater—far-reaching.

**"Understood!"** Shuijing responded with firm determination.

He knew that the task ahead would be even more challenging than the Four Commanders' mission to annihilate the celestial dynasties.

Zhongshan continued to issue a series of orders, conducting the morning court from dawn until dusk. Only then did the first day of court finally conclude.

As the court ended, the vast machinery of the state began to move swiftly.

The ministers departed, but Zhongshan remained seated alone on the dragon throne.

The great hall appeared somewhat dim, with only Zhongshan present. However, upon closer inspection, one would be shocked to find four shadowy figures kneeling at the center of the hall.

The four figures were entirely shrouded in black robes, their presence unknown until now. They were barely visible, exuding an eerie and sinister aura.

**"Commander of the Heavenly Division, Shadow Guard of Great Zheng, greets the Holy King!"**

**"Commander of the Earthly Division, Shadow Guard of Great Zheng, greets the Holy King!"**

**"Commander of the Mystical Division, Shadow Guard of Great Zheng, greets the Holy King!"**

**"Commander of the Yellow Division, Shadow Guard of Great Zheng, greets the Holy King!"**

The four shadows spoke with voices that were sharp and precise.

Zhongshan flicked four jade slips toward them.

The four black-robed figures swiftly caught them.

**"In four directions—these are the names. Kill them all, leave no survivors!"** Zhongshan ordered calmly.

**"Yes!"**

**"You may go now!"** Zhongshan said.

**"Yes!"**

With a flicker, the four commanders vanished silently from the hall, as if they had never been there at all—eerily silent and mysterious.

The Shadow Guard of the Imperial Security Bureau, Great Zheng's elite enforcers, took orders directly from the Holy King, Zhongshan. Hidden in the shadows, they were known to only a select few, and even most ministers were unaware of their existence.

After three days of careful study, Zhongshan had gained insight into every corner of the world. With a day of arrangements, Great Zheng officially began to reveal its sharp edges in the Fengzhong Territory, raising its sword and pointing it at the world!

Zhongshan had meticulously planned every detail of the Four Commanders' campaigns, ensuring their safety at the very least. Now, it was just a matter of time. With enough time, Zhongshan believed he could achieve everything he desired.

Sitting alone on the Nine Dragons Throne, Zhongshan closed his eyes, gently tapping the armrest with his fingers. Though he appeared calm and serene, his mind was calculating the entire world, strategizing the conquest of territories, and plotting the manipulation of the Heavenly Dao and the hearts of men.

To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/GnU613H6xm8