Chapter 207 - The Hidden Power Structure

In Prince Ji Sheng's City and Gao City, they always checked the merchant who passed by thoroughly. Even if there was intruder, it would only be one or two people who will be interrogated heavily when they reached the next city. But General Ge certainly didn't implement such things because it was clear that there was nothing of the sort at the east area.

How unfortunate for him to not follow the simple instruction. 

The more Emperor Xuan read the content, the more he understood that Prince Ji Sheng was actually already prepared for this possibility. Unfortunately, the other commanders and generals didn't have the same vision as him and chose not to follow the rules.

The result was that there were people who come into Han Shi Kingdom's territory. And those people didn't have any intention of playing by the rules and respected them. Instead, they were coming to cause trouble.

"This is a good plan, Yang Xian. You have done well."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."

Emperor Xuan handed the scroll to Prime Minister Xie, who also read the content. The latter's eyes widened in surprise because he didn't expect that Prince Ji Sheng was actually so capable.

Or was it Yang Xian's idea?

They would never know as these two would never divulge such information.

"The case should be over this time…"

"Pardon me, Your Majesty," Yang Xian interrupted. Even though he knew that it was very impolite to intrude someone's speech, he knew that it would be better for the Emperor to know about this.

"What is it?" Emperor Xuan lowered his gaze. His eyes flashed with dangerous glint.

Yang Xian coughed lightly. "There are more tribes that had managed to enter into Han Shi Kingdom's territory and their current location is unknown."

What?

The court immediately thrown into uproar. The officials thought that the matter would be finished right here because Prince Ji Sheng had already eliminated them. But now, it didn't seem to be the case?

Emperor Xuan narrowed his eyes. "Silence."

Everyone shut their mouths and focused their attention to Yang Xian and Emperor Xuan. Even their breathing was partially restricted because they didn't dare to breath loudly in this situation.

"Are you sure about this, Yang Xian? You know that you'll be punished heavily if you give false information."

"I received the information from the Advisor of Tu Tribe," Yang Xian replied. "If you would like, I can bring him here so that you can ask him question by yourself, Your Majesty."

Emperor Xuan narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?"

"Yes. However, I would like to ask Your Majesty to not be surprised by his appearance if I were to call him here," Yang Xian responded.

In that instant, everyone understood how Yang Xian managed to get the information.

Torture.

While not many people dared to utter it out, they were smart enough to know the implied meaning behind Yang Xian's words. The current condition of that advisor must be extremely bad if Yang Xian were to reveal it to the Emperor like that.

"Bring him here. There's no coward in the court."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

Yang Xian turned to look at Wei Liuying, who then cupped her hand. "Please excuse this lowly one for a moment, Your Majesty."

Emperor Xuan waved his hand, giving her permission to leave. Afterwards, Wei Liuying turned around and walked out of the place. One way or another, they had managed to keep the advisor alive all this time and brought him along with them.

However, the advisor's life so far hadn't been easy either.

As Wei Liuying walked out, Emperor Xuan glanced to the ministers near him. "I want you to start preparing to sweep the areas."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

The ministers began to move around in rapid motion while Yang Xian stood leisurely at the middle. There was not even the slightest bit of intention for him to meddle and help them out.

"You didn't seem to be very worried, Yang Xian."

Yang Xian focused his attention back. He smiled and cupped his hands. "I believe that His Majesty is wise and naturally will not make the wrong decision, so there's nothing that I need to worry about."

Emperor Xuan smiled. He had already heard countless praises over the course of his life. Yang Xian's praise couldn't even touch him anymore.

At this time, Wei Liuying walked while holding a rope that bind the hand of a ragged man. The man was wearing Tu Tribe's robe and couldn't walk properly. Stains of blood was visible on his hands and legs. His face was swollen and pale, but it was clear that he was still breathing.

Awful stench emanated from his body as the two of them entered the court.

The officials' faces turned black when they saw the advisor. Judging from his appearance, they knew that whatever befall him was anything but good.

"Your Majesty, this is Tu Tribe Advisor," Wei Liuying introduced. She was keeping her composure even though the advisor's condition behind her was truly pity inducing. It was as if she couldn't see him and only treat him as a decoration.

Emperor Xuan nodded. While he had his fair share of battles too, this was the first time he saw someone brazenly brought a tortured prisoner in front of him. He looked at the advisor from Tu Tribe.

"You're Tu Tribe Advisor?"

"Yes."

His hoarse voice and pitiful appearance had already made several officials felt nausea. In the end, one of them turned around and ran out before vomiting on the spot. He couldn't bear to see the pitiful appearance of the advisor anymore.

It was too much!

"Is what Yang Xian said the truth?"

The Advisor didn't even dare to look at Yang Xian and replied to every question the Emperor asked him. It further clarified that there were indeed several other tribes who managed to enter Han Shi Kingdom at various number.

The realization sent chills to the officials' body.

How many people might die if war were to break out.

"I order you to send people to sweep the area as fast as possible. Detain all suspicious person," Emperor Xuan gave his order coldly.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Call that General Ge to the capital city. I want to have a good talk with him."

Good talk?

Based on the aura that Emperor Xuan emanated, the officials knew that General Ge's fate along with his families would be sealed. There was no way that they would be able to escape safely now that the Emperor had given his order.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Emperor Xuan nodded. He looked at Yang Xian. "For bringing such important person here and information, is there anything you want as the reward, Yang Xian?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, this lowly one didn't dare to ask anything. Also, this is not only my work but also Liu Ying's," Yang Xian acted humbly. However, the proud tone at the end of his sentence could be heard very clearly.

Almost all officials who didn't have any pressing matter turned their heads to look at Liu Ying. They were truly wondering just who this strategist was to be able to be so accomplished despite being so young.

Also, why didn't they have the good luck to find him first when Liu Ying was originally from the capital city? The one who found him first in the end just had to be someone from the north, Yang Xian.

"I see. You have done great, Liu Ying."

"This is only my duty, Your Majesty."

The advisor looked at their interaction and raised his head. "Liu… I mean, Strategist Liu, would it be too much for me to ask you to grant me peace?"

Wei Liuying had promised the advisor that she would kill him and not touched his tribe if he told the truth to the Emperor. Now that he had finished his task, he only wished that his misery would end.

Wei Liuying looked at the Emperor. "Your Majesty, may I?"

Emperor Xuan narrowed his eyes. He could guess what Wei Liuying was asking, but killing someone in the palace was really not a good thing, right? Oh well, he was feeling a bit curious right now.

What would this little strategist actually do?

"Go ahead."

"Many thanks for your benevolence, Your Majesty."

Wei Liuying walked to the nearby guard and raised her hand. "Let me borrow your sword for a few breaths of time."

The guard was a bit absent minded when he saw Wei Liuying walked to him. In the court, only the guards were allowed to bring weapon because no one wanted the officials to hurt the Emperor. Aside from them, any other weapons were placed outside the hall.

"H…here."

"Thank you."

Taking the weapon, Wei Liuying walked to the advisor. Ignoring the fearful gazes of the officials and the terrified expression of the guards, Wei Liuying had no hesitation as she stood before the advisor. 

"Your Majesty, this…!"