Wufu didn’t ask Ah Jiu who she was looking for, what she should ask, and what she shouldn’t, she was clear in her heart. Obviously, such private matters were not for her to inquire.
Because she didn’t ask, Ah Jiu felt even more inclined to share with her, and almost without thinking, the words slipped out.
"Before Beiyan and Nanyue split, the two countries formed one large nation called Zhao State, which is also the ancestor of both Beiyan and Nanyue. Zhao State existed for a hundred years and reached its zenith during the reign of Emperor Zhao, Zhao Hong, when all the surrounding small nations bowed down in submission..."
Ah Jiu held a tea cup in her hands, unfolding the history of Zhao State, the ancestor of the two countries.
"...During his reign, Emperor Zhao founded Eagle Hall, exclusively for The Emperor’s use. Eagle Hall produced an incredible line of talents. With Emperor Zhao’s campaigns in all directions, the power of Zhao State became known far and wide, prompting all to submit. Moreover, Eagle Hall was also The Emperor’s eyes and ears, with a status above all other officials. At the time, from officials to the common people, they all referred to its members as Eagle People for their swift action and infiltration capabilities. From the highest-ranking officials and Royal Family to the common folk, everyone would turn pale at the mention of the Eagle People."
Wufu was mesmerized, sitting up straight to listen attentively.
"The glory of Eagle Hall eclipsed even the Royal Family, which couldn’t tolerate such a threat looming over their heads, watching their every move. Imagine, even words spoken to a mistress could make their way to The Emperor; how could anyone sleep peacefully at night?" Ah Jiu took a sip of tea and said, "After Emperor Zhao passed away, his son Zhao Zhengming ascended to the throne and began to weaken the powers of Eagle Hall..."
"Silly man!" Wufu interrupted him, saying, "As an emperor, having such useful eyes and ears, why wouldn’t he make good use of them? Instead, he weakens them? He must have found his throne too secure, right?"
Ah Jiu’s eyes shone brightly as she said, "If you knew how much Zhao Zhengming had suffered at the hands of Eagle Hall, you wouldn’t say that."
"Oh, so it was retaliation," Wufu scoffed lightly.
Ah Jiu pursed her lips and held back a laugh. This interpretation was indeed fresh but fitting—it truly was revenge born out of spite.
"Although Zhao Zhengming did weaken Eagle Hall’s power, he still used it. He wanted to control it but didn’t have Emperor Zhao’s boldness." Ah Jiu continued, "Zhao Zhengming only ruled for ten years before his death, and his son Zhao Zhang took the throne. Zhao Zhang was clever; raised and personally taught by Emperor Zhao since he was young, he was more astute than his father. He didn’t suppress Eagle Hall, but instead, he elevated it while stealthily establishing the Hunting Guards, gradually replacing Eagle Hall."
"The same breed of people, but Zhao Zhang played a game of marginalization," Wufu chuckled. Marginalization was also a form of suppression, just a more subtle and insidious method.
"Eagle Hall knew Zhao Zhang’s intentions. Following the lead of the first commander, they began to keep a low profile, quietly preserving their strength, and gradually withdrawing from Zhao State’s stage." Ah Jiu said, "By the time Zhao State split, Eagle Hall had completely vanished from the public eye, their whereabouts unknown."
"After the split, Beiyan and Nanyue each established their own systems, but generation after generation, neither could match the Eagle Hall from over two hundred years ago. And Eagle Hall, after many years secluded from the world’s affairs, remained indifferent until in these recent years. With continuous warfare bringing suffering to the people, Eagle Hall finally showed signs of re-emerging."
At this point, Wufu understood and looked at him sideways, "So, the person you’re looking for is an Eagle Person, and you’re trying to restore Eagle Hall for Beiyan?"
A flash of admiration crossed Ah Jiu’s eyes as she slowly nodded her head.