Chapter 622: Chapter 422: Struggle for the Leadership of the Imperial City!_3
After all, this went against Jingtai’s plans all along.
Chen Yuan also narrowed his eyes and looked up to meet Yang Yuanqing’s gaze; a chill flickered in both their eyes as they found each other displeasing. Thɪs chapter is updated by novelFɪre.net
If it weren’t for Cao Zhengxian’s mention of Yang Yuanqing just now, his leadership in the Imperial City might have already come to an end.
“Have there been any omissions among the Golden Envoys of various states recently?”
Jingtai’s gaze then turned to Yantong.
“There haven’t been any omissions, but a letter from the Golden Envoy of Liangzhou mentioned that the Beiliang Royal Mansion has nearly rendered him powerless. The entire military and political control of Liangzhou is in the hands of King Liang, hoping that the court can reprimand King Liang.”
Yantong spoke in a low voice.
“King Liang…” Jingtai took a deep breath and said in a grave tone:
“Since Liangzhou lacks personnel, promote a Supervisor from the outer city to become a Golden Envoy, if one is not enough, appoint two; we must stabilize the situation in Liangzhou, at least… it must look satisfactory on the surface.”
Directly reprimanding King Liang was something he would never do; the reason Liangyou Border remained as solid as gold was because King Liang had withstood most of the pressure in Liangzhou.
If he were to cause trouble out of dissatisfaction with the court, it would certainly give Jingtai a headache. Since the founding of Great Jin, there had been several attempts to diminish the power of King Liang.
But each time, he had avoided them, and if not, he would directly signal his subordinates to let gaps appear, allowing the Barbarians Clan to enter the Central Plains.
His elite three hundred thousand Iron Cavalry of Beiliang was even dreaded by the court.
In battle, they were invincible.
“This humble official obeys the decree.”
Yantong finally understood; this was the Emperor’s roundabout strategy. He wanted to avoid using Chen Yuan, not wanting to get involved in disputes and also not keen on returning power to the Heavenly Patrol Bureau.
Fortunately, the position of Supervisor of the outer city was not less significant than that of the inner city. Chen Yuan was also considered entrusted with a significant responsibility. The only one at a loss was probably the Supervisor who was about to be transferred from the Capital.
Although the position of Golden Envoy carried great authority, it depended on where one was positioned. Even becoming a Golden Envoy in Liangzhou meant sharing authority with others, and besides,
with King Liang present, it was hardly a desirable posting.
“Chen, Yang, there is currently a vacancy for a Supervisor in the outer city, a position no less significant than that of the Imperial City Supervisor. Both of you have contributions, so each of you pick one.”
This underlying implication was actually to appoint Chen Yuan as the Supervisor of the outer city, which caused Yang Yuanqing to curl his lips in a cold sneer.
But would Chen Yuan rest until he achieved his goal?
His expression solemn, he bowed deeply to Jingtai:
“Wherever Your Majesty places this humble official, he dares not have any objections. There’s no difference between the inner and outer cities. If it were someone else, this humble official would let him choose first, but Yang Yuanqing is different. This colleague holds some grudges with this humble official, and he is not willing to concede. Please, Your Majesty, allow this humble official to battle him,
If he wins, this humble official will choose afterward; if this humble official wins….”
Yang Yuanqing narrowed his eyes; he too had long wanted to battle. Upon hearing Chen Yuan’s statement, he immediately bowed:
“This humble official also wishes to battle with Chen, the Green Envoy, but the condition must be changed. If this humble official wins, I hope Chen, the Green Envoy, takes the position of city patrolling Supervisor. If this humble official loses, the same applies!”
Jingtai’s expression slightly darkened:
“Does my decision seem like a trivial matter to you?”
“Your Majesty, forgive us.”
“Your Majesty, forgive us.”
Chen Yuan and Yang Yuanqing hurriedly said.
Cao Zhengxian shifted his gaze and echoed:
“Your Majesty, since Chen, the Green Envoy, and Yang Yuanqing have some personal grievances, perhaps we should take this opportunity to let them settle it. This could also better serve the court, avoiding future obstructions. Moreover, it is said that Chen, the Green Envoy’s combat prowess is unparalleled, capable of fighting above his level, and it should not be difficult for him to surpass Yuanqing. Besides, Your Majesty holds such high regard for Chen, the Green Envoy, wouldn’t you like to know how strong he really is?”
Yantong frowned and looked at Chen Yuan. In his view, this fight was completely avoidable. The position of Supervisor for the outer city was just as strong as that of the inner city. With Chen Yuan’s recently achieved Core Formation and Void Core Cultivation, it was unwise for him to confront Yang Yuanqing.
Was it just to vent his anger?
Of course not, in reality, Chen Yuan was just looking for a suitable excuse. Otherwise, he would only be able to assume the role of outer city Supervisor, which contradicted too much with the plans of the Taoist Divine Palace.
He was determined to secure the position of Imperial City Supervisor!
Meeting Yantong’s gaze, Chen Yuan gave him a reassuring look, letting him stare for a moment, and then echoed:
“Supervisor Cao has a point. Since Chen Yuan and Eunuch Yang have grievances, why not use this opportunity to settle them completely. If Chen Yuan loses, it proves that his current strength is indeed insufficient, and taking up the role of city patrolling Supervisor is also adequate to silence all dissent. If he wins,
the position of Imperial City Supervisor should be his, and Your Majesty can be assured.”
Jingtai’s gaze slowly swept over the two men and said softly:
“Do you two truly wish to fight?”
Chen Yuan took a step forward:
“Please grant your permission, Your Majesty.”
“Please grant your permission, Your Majesty. Everyone says that Demon Sword Chen Yuan is unparalleled. I have never believed it. Today, having the chance to truly witness it, it also fulfills my long-held wish.”
Yang Yuanqing declared in a loud voice.
Jingtai’s expression was unreadable as he continued:
“Since you insist on fighting, I won’t stop you, but today’s battle is driven by spirit; whoever loses should not blame me afterward.”
“This humble official dares not.”
“This humble official dares not.”
“If someone wins, the position of Imperial City Supervisor will be his, and there will be no further objections. Additionally, I will select a new Supervisor for the outer city.”
His original intention was for Chen Yuan to assume the role of outer city Supervisor and Yang Yuanqing to take on the position of Imperial City Supervisor, but since both parties were dissatisfied, the winner would take precedence.
The loser, then, would get nothing.
This was the consequence of defying him.
There would not be a happy ending for all. Instead of choosing a leader for each position, now only one position remained.
“This humble official understands.”
“This humble official understands.”
Chen Yuan and Yang Yuanqing bowed one after the other.
Jingtai’s gaze swept over the two men and then said to Yantong:
“This battle will determine the position of Imperial City Supervisor. The other Divine Envoys, if interested, may also come to watch.”