CHAPTER 287: CHAPTER 284: TAKE THE INITIATIVE_1

With the Ancient Court of the Azure Sea in a state of alarm, three royal decrees were issued from the Imperial Capital, ordering Guan Yu and others to return to court.

"We’re leaving already? We haven’t had enough fighting yet!" Zhang Fei scratched his head, grumbling as he glanced toward the western skies, thick with Evil Qi. He had been ready for battle, but instead, the command to retreat came.

"What are you looking at? Let’s get going!" Guan Yu patted Zhang Fei’s shoulder, gripping his Azure Dragon Crescent Blade, and turned to leave.

Soon, the sound of war drums thundered as the ’Fanqiu Army’ and ’Chang Ban Army’ assembled. Over half a million soldiers stood tall, their faces etched with intense battle readiness. An aura of murderous intent enveloped them—a terrifying sight.

"By order of the Emperor, return to court!" Guan Yu declared loudly from the reviewing stand.

Upon hearing the command, the expressions of the soldiers from both armies shifted. Some were disappointed, others excited. The frontier was a harsh place, especially for those experiencing battle for the first time. Naturally, they longed for home and family. Many had wept secretly in their bunks at night, only to rise the next day and fight as if nothing was amiss. The chance to return home was undoubtedly a joyous event. Their only regret was not having breached the Ancient Court of the Azure Sea.

"The war drums! Quick, to defenses! The Divine Court of Qin Dynasty is invading!" The garrison troops of the Ancient Court of the Azure Sea, hearing the sounds, assumed an invasion by the Divine Court of Qin Dynasty was underway and scrambled into combat formation. But after a long wait, not a single enemy soldier appeared outside the city.

Baffled, the Generals dispatched Scouts to investigate. After an anxious wait, the Scouts returned, reporting that the army of the Divine Court of Qin Dynasty had already departed.

"Departed? Why would they depart?"

"Then why did they attack the Flame Sun Domain in the first place?"

The Generals were perplexed. The three Domains were buffer zones, resource-poor, like chicken ribs—not worth much, but a pity to lose—and attacking them would only heighten tensions. If the Qin Dynasty wasn’t seeking to retaliate against the Ancient Court of the Azure Sea, then what was the purpose of attacking these three Domains?

However, wary of potential stratagems from the Qin Dynasty, the Generals dared not lower their guard. They ordered the army to patrol day and night, remaining ready for battle at any moment.

As Guan Yu and Zhang Fei led their troops back to court, Ma Chao and Huang Zhong also received orders to lead their armies back.

Five days later, Zhuge Liang led the court officials to welcome the victorious army at the gates of the Imperial Capital. A celebratory banquet was held in the Imperial Palace to reward the army. The festivities lasted for three days.

「On October 12th, the court assembly commenced.」

Qin Wudao, clad in his imperial robes, gazed down from his high throne at the assembled civil and military officials. His eyes were stern and majestic, commanding awe without any overt display of anger, making it difficult for anyone to meet his gaze directly.

"Imperial Edict! Zhuge Liang, since assuming the post of Prime Minister, has worked tirelessly day and night, ensuring clean and effective governance. He is hereby created Viscount Nanyang, his name to be inscribed in the Investiture of the Gods, to share the fate of the nation!"

"Imperial Edict! Xiao He, since his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister, has diligently reformed the administration and assisted Zhuge Liang in governing the state. He is hereby created Baron Mingdong, his name to be inscribed in the Investiture of the Gods, to share the fate of the nation!"

"Imperial Edict! Guo Jia proposed the ’Theory of Four Defeats and Three Victories,’ illuminating the future path of development for the Qin Dynasty. He is hereby appointed Deputy Prime Minister, his name to be inscribed in the Investiture of the Gods, to share the fate of the nation!"

"Imperial Edict! Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, and Huang Zhong have rendered meritorious service in battle. Their names are to be inscribed in the Investiture of the Gods, to share the fate of the nation..."

"Imperial Edict! Gan Jiang and Mo Ye have improved weaponry, providing a continuous supply of armaments to the front lines. They are hereby created Barons of You, their names to be inscribed in the Investiture of the Gods, to share the fate of the nation..."

Qin Wudao’s resonant voice echoed through the grand hall. The officials whose names were called stepped forward to the center of the hall, bowing deeply in reverence. Those not awarded were disappointed but harbored no resentment, acknowledging they had not yet earned such honors. They held nothing but admiration for Zhuge Liang, Xiao He, Guan Yu, Gan Jiang, and Mo Ye, whose contributions to the state were evident to all.

However, there was one exception.

"Your Majesty, may I be so bold as to ask who this Guo Jia is?" a court official stepped forward and inquired in a solemn voice.

Yet another unheard-of, unseen individual appointed as Deputy Prime Minister, and whose name was even to be inscribed in the Investiture of the Gods! This made many officials feel as sour as if they had drunk vinegar. Although they did not fully comprehend what the Investiture of the Gods entailed, they knew it symbolized immense honor and power! It represented entry into the true power center of the Qin Dynasty!

"Minister Guo is currently in seclusion. When he emerges, I will naturally arrange for him to meet you all," Qin Wudao said with a wave of his hand.

"But..." The official was still unsatisfied. Two of the three Deputy Prime Minister posts have already been filled; when will it be our turn?

"Enough! On this joyous day, I do not wish to become angered!" Qin Wudao’s eyes narrowed slightly, his voice chilling. The atmosphere in the hall instantly tensed. An Emperor’s wrath could mean a million deaths. The hearts of all civil and military officials leaped into their throats. The official who had just spoken shrank back, retreating to his position.

"Your Majesty, the Qin Dynasty’s territory now borders the sphere of influence of the Ancient Court of the Azure Sea. We must consider the security of our frontiers. Your humble servant proposes dispatching a large force to garrison the borders!" Zhuge Liang stepped forward, speaking with great earnestness. "Since the Flame Sun Domain, Suimo Domain, and Youhuo Domain have been occupied, their people are now citizens of the Qin Dynasty Divine Court. The court has both the duty and the responsibility to protect them."

"There’s no need to worry about that!" Qin Wudao gave a mysterious smile and said to Yuan Tiangang, "Minister Yuan, construct an altar on the Western drill ground of the Imperial Palace; I have a significant use for it!"

"As Your Majesty commands!" Yuan Tiangang bowed slightly.

Upon hearing Qin Wudao’s command, Zhuge Liang did not press the matter further. Full of confusion, he returned to his place among the civil officials. Constructing an altar? What is he planning?

「Golden Vajra Domain!」

Adjacent to the Flame Sun Domain, it was originally an ordinary domain. However, as tensions with the Divine Court of Qin Dynasty escalated, it had been transformed into a military fortress. A multitude of Formations enveloped thousands of miles of land, and numerous watchtowers stood tall upon the vast landscape.

In Wanchang City, the location of the Ancient Court of the Azure Sea’s frontline command post, Great General Liu Jimin summoned all his subordinate Generals to discuss urgent matters.

"Gentlemen, regardless of whether the Divine Court of Qin Dynasty intends to dispatch troops or not, a feud has already been forged between us. I propose we launch a surprise attack on the Qin Dynasty’s border, diverting the flames of war away from our own territory!" Liu Jimin declared. Seated on the commander’s chair, clad in red armor, he cut an imposing figure, like a mountain, his aura immense. As the second-most prominent General in the Ancient Court of the Azure Sea, subordinate only to the Sea Prince, he possessed the cultivation of a Semi-Emperor and was exceedingly powerful.

"I agree!" a General from the Golden Vajra Divine Court eagerly voiced his support. They desperately hoped to divert the war away from their Golden Vajra Domain.

"I also agree!"

"Regardless, a fight is inevitable. It’s better to strike first and gain the advantage!"

The representatives of the other factions echoed their agreement, their fervent battle intent filling the hall.

"Excellent! Issue the order: all ordinary member factions of the alliance are to dispatch fifty thousand troops each. Wang-level forces are to dispatch two hundred thousand troops each. Ancient Court-level powers are to dispatch three hundred thousand troops each. Attack the borders of the Qin Dynasty!" Liu Jimin commanded loudly.

Before arriving, the Divine Emperor of the Azure Sea had informed him that the Ancient Court of the Azure Sea had already allied with the Kylin Sacred Land. He was authorized to use any means necessary, even if it meant instigating a full-scale war. It was precisely for this reason that he dared to take the offensive!