All Things Are Contracts

Chapter 214: The Final Battle (1)

“Young Master Zhan, General Yue requests your presence at his mansion.”

The next day, Zhanyue received another invitation from Yue Feipeng and went alone. He had gained considerably from this Heavenly Book trial, not only obtaining two treasures but also a mysterious incantation and the Rakshasa Cult’s top-tier eye technique. He was naturally very interested in how events would unfold, wondering what else he might gain. Of course, he hadn’t forgotten his next task – to help Prince Yu ascend the throne.

At the general’s mansion, it wasn’t a banquet today, but a secret meeting.

In a private room, Yue Feipeng and Zhanyue met alone.

“Has Prince Yu met with you privately?” Yue Feipeng asked bluntly.

Zhanyue nodded, “Yes.”

“What do you think of Prince Yu?” Yue Feipeng asked again.

Zhanyue knew his answer was crucial and could influence Yue Feipeng’s decision. He thought for a moment and said, “Outwardly benevolent but inwardly fierce, unfathomable.”

“Indeed, unfathomable…” Yue Feipeng sighed deeply, then asked, “You’re not from the Great Fortune Kingdom, more of an outside observer. Do you think if Prince Yu ascends the throne, it would be a blessing or a curse for the common people?”

Zhanyue hadn’t expected Yue Feipeng to be so direct. Instead of answering directly, he asked in return, “General Yue, you said before that even though the current emperor has many faults, he is indeed the eldest legitimate son, and his inheritance of the throne is legal and reasonable. If he were to be deposed for incompetence, it might affect stability for generations to come.”

Yue Feipeng nodded and explained, “I did say that. But what if he isn’t? Or what if he has no right to inherit the throne at all?”

“?” Zhanyue looked at Yue Feipeng in confusion.

“It’s like this.” Yue Feipeng revealed all the secrets he had obtained, shocking Zhanyue to the core.

“General Yue, are you saying… that the current emperor is the son of a fox spirit? That fox spirits have infiltrated the court?” Zhanyue looked at Yue Feipeng in disbelief.

“At least, all the information I’ve received says so. Including what was in the wooden box you brought me,” Yue Feipeng said.

Zhanyue took a deep breath and asked, “I often hear legends of fox spirits and fox gods, and fox god temples are everywhere in the Great Fortune Kingdom, but I’ve never seen a fox spirit with my own eyes. May I ask if you, in all these years, have ever seen such creatures?”

Yue Feipeng shook his head, “Never.”

“So, all the evidence we have points to the current emperor being the son of a fox spirit. But none of us have ever actually seen a fox spirit in the world?” Zhanyue, being clever, asked perceptively.

Yue Feipeng wasn’t surprised but looked at Zhanyue with a smile, “It seems you’ve also noticed the inconsistency.”

“Prince Yu’s doing?” Zhanyue asked cautiously.

Yue Feipeng nodded, “I don’t know when he started planning, but all the evidence is meant to make me believe one thing – that the current emperor isn’t the eldest legitimate son, but a fox spirit. Only by convincing me does he have a real reason for rebellion. But he underestimated you, and he underestimated me.”

Zhanyue marveled internally at Prince Yu’s scheming, which had started even from Cloud Ink Village…

In the capital, in the imperial court, the monarch who hadn’t been seen for days finally appeared on the dragon throne.

The entire court was oppressive, no one daring to speak.

The emperor angrily threw the memorial in his hand to the ground, shouting, “Can someone tell me what’s going on? Why has Prince Yu rebelled? Why has Yue Feipeng also rebelled? Why are they advancing so quickly!”

The ministers below all lowered their heads, communicating with their eyes, “What’s going on? Don’t you know yourself? You’ve made the people complain loudly, giving Prince Yu the opportunity to rebel. You foolishly sent Prince Yu to the Northern Frontier to solve the plague problem, giving Prince Yu and Yue Feipeng a chance to work closely together. Now you ask us why?”

“Your Majesty, in the current situation, we should quickly arrange for the Dragon Tiger Army to prepare for battle. Although the Dragon Tiger Army has only 100,000 men, they are extraordinarily powerful and brave. With Commander Ma Qiangang in charge, we are not without hope against Yue Feipeng,” Imperial Advisor Nangong Wendao suggested.

“Right! I still have my uncle. My uncle is invincible in the world. He will surely crush Prince Yu and Yue Feipeng!” Faced with this sudden turn of events, the emperor could only rely on his powerful uncle to protect his throne.

“Hahaha, Your Majesty, don’t worry, I’m here.” A middle-aged man in armor, with a ruddy complexion, steady aura, and burly build walked in. He had a steel whip at his waist and wore armor and sword to court, which was his special privilege. This was Ma Qiangang, the commander of the 100,000 imperial guards and the emperor’s uncle! His presence even overshadowed the emperor on the dragon throne, making everyone tremble.

“Uncle! You must stand up for me!” The emperor finally relaxed a bit seeing his uncle, who was still so powerful.

Ma Qiangang drew out the Thunder-Controlling Divine Whip, lightning dancing on it, electric arcs flickering, illuminating the entire court in flashes. The lightning highlighted Ma Qiangang’s fierce face, “I haven’t taken action in years, and now some cats and dogs dare to challenge us. Watch me wield this whip and clear the realm in three months!”