The Demon Lords

Situ Yu’s face showed an expression of astonishment, and he immediately asked, "May I ask Lord Pingye, who dares to commit such a heinous act of harming loyal subjects? It truly provokes human indignation and divine wrath, and they are condemned to a death without reprieve!"

Hmm?

Zheng Fan seriously looked at Situ Yu this time,

He had just started the conversation,

but this young Prince Cheng had proactively joined in.

This Situ Yu,

is indeed a descendant of Situ Lei.

Inside the gates of the station, the blind man and the wild people’s king stood side by side.

The blind man said, "Like father, like son."

The wild people’s king sneered disdainfully,

replying,

"He’s merely using our Lord Zheng’s blade to establish his own authority."

...

"May I ask, Lord Pingye, who dares such audacity?"

Situ Yu continued to inquire.

Someone is willing to help set the stage for him, so Lord Zheng naturally had no reason not to cooperate, and he said:

"Our military and civilians at Snow Sea Pass have shed blood to protect Yan’s borders from the invasions of wild people and Chu slaves. Thanks to the emperor’s generous grace, quotas were bestowed, allowing scholars to participate in provincial examinations, hoping to provide them an opportunity to realize their aspirations.

Yet, there were treacherous individuals who conspired, replacing our quota at Snow Sea Pass!

The imperial examinations are a national policy established by His Majesty the Yan Emperor in the 1st year of Yongping, aimed at breaking the barriers of status, and creating new prospects for the youth of humble origins.

There are actually those who dare to manipulate such a sacred policy,

Ignoring Snow Sea Pass is one thing,

ignoring me, the Lord, is another,

but what this truly means is,

they disregard His Majesty!"

Imperial examination? Quotas?

Prince Cheng immediately realized something and said,

"I will immediately dispatch someone to summon the subordinate from the Academic Affairs Office to provide Lord Pingye with an explanation."

Zheng Fan raised his hand,

saying,

"No need, Prince. Since this matter has fallen upon me, given my disposition, I must handle it myself. Let them try with their own necks whether my blade is still sharp!"

Gao Yi raised his sword,

shouted,

"Clear the way!"

The personal guards began to clear the way, blocking all carriages and the crowd behind. In truth, there was no need to clear the way; in front of these fierce Tiger Guards, no one dared to stand in the way.

Situ Yu observed and was about to signal his team to follow, but was stopped by the old eunuch who once served Situ Lei,

"Master, this is the Yan people’s own matter, we must not interfere."

"I... I..." Situ Yu was somewhat flustered.

"Master, you’ve already done well. If it were other households that offended this popular Lord Pingye, we could do them a favor, and have Lord Pingye bolster our Royal Mansion’s prestige. But this matter involves the imperial examination, with major implications, which is beyond our control.

Besides, look at this Lord Pingye’s imposing demeanor; clearly...clearly he’s ready for bloodshed."

Situ Yu looked at the old eunuch and said, "But we can’t just let it go. If chaos erupts in Ying Capital City, our mansion..."

The examination scandal was indeed not a secret.

Since the provincial examinations, several waves of scholars from outside Ying Capital City had already come to various government offices to beat drums and file complaints. Even scholars had knelt before Prince Cheng’s mansion, pleading for him to uphold justice.

But in this matter, the involvement was indeed extensive. Although it was the actions of some mid-tier families and officials, unfortunately, each household had been woven into a web long ago, even Prince Cheng’s mansion was reluctant to wade into these troubled waters.

Moreover, looking at Lord Pingye’s stance, he plans to make this matter utterly rampant, and Situ Yu’s instincts began to panic.

Because the little remaining dignity of Prince Cheng’s mansion is supported by these mid-level families and officials.

The great families of Jin land can completely bypass Prince Cheng’s mansion to cling to the Yan court, but these mid-to-lower-level people can only rely on Prince Cheng’s mansion to represent them, which is the greatest demonstration of the mansion’s current value.

If this matter becomes too much and catches the court’s attention, prompting a thorough investigation of the examination scandal, the court will have a reasonable pretext to clean out the remaining familial powers in Ying Capital City with the old stamp of the Situ family.

Of course, this was Situ Yu’s perspective.

The old eunuch said,

"Master, rest assured, Yan people fear chaos in Ying Capital City more than us."

Yan people require stability.

"Indeed, indeed," Situ Yu calmed down and immediately said, "Quickly send someone to inform Governor Mao."

Originally, Situ Yu thought Lord Zheng was going to vent against someone who offended him, so he was willing to offer assistance.

But seeing that Lord Zheng was preparing to draw his blade, his attitude immediately changed.

...

When Lord Zheng’s entourage arrived at Water Street Lane, a group of soldiers appeared at the front, blocking the way.

Behind Water Street Lane was the Academic Affairs Office.

Gao Yi raised his hand,

and the surrounding personal guards stopped their steps.

Sitting atop the Pixiu, Lord Zheng turned his face slightly to look ahead.

From the soldiers opposite emerged a man,

who knelt to greet Zheng Fan, saying,

"Min, Ran Min, pays respects to Lord Pingye!"

Zheng Fan squinted his eyes,

and said,

"I remember you."

"Being remembered by Lord Pingye is min’s honor!"

Zheng Fan pointed to the group of soldiers in front, saying, "Are you going to block my way?"

"Lord, Min dares, you have entered the city with your guards, you’ve breached the rules. By Yan law, outside military entrants must not exceed fifty, the rest must lodge outside the city barracks."

"Oh, you’re here to teach me the rules?"

"Min dares not."

"Get out of my way!"

"Lord, Governor is on his way. Min has heard of the reason for your anger, but please calm down. When the Governor arrives, he will certainly provide you a satisfactory response."