Chapter 87: Let Them Rebel!

Staring at the ancient, imposing characters “Xiqi” atop the city wall, Jiang Yuan clenched his fists tightly.

If history were to follow its usual course, the grand Shang would one day be replaced by Xiqi. And as King Zhou, he would become the most maligned figure after the fall of Shang—depicted as a tyrant hated by both heaven and earth, with the righteous Zhou nation rising against Shang for the good of all. It was said to be the will of heaven, for the welfare of the people.

The thought infuriated Jiang Yuan. If they coveted his Shang, why not say so plainly? Why concoct such noble-sounding reasons? How was this any different from those scoundrels in his previous life, who professed their love to women, claiming it justified their baser desires? Was that love? No, it was pure lust.

“Sire, shall I go inside and announce your arrival?” Zhang Kui stepped forward and asked respectfully.

Jiang Yuan shook his head. Xiqi was much like Chentang Pass: its gates wide open, the city within exuding peace and prosperity. It seemed that Ji Chang was as capable a governor as Li Jing. Yet Ji Chang was different—he harbored ambition, while Li Jing sought only reputation, caring little for power.

As for Xiqi’s true intentions, Jiang Yuan would know once he entered.

“Let’s go. The gates are open, after all. Perhaps, once inside, I’ll decide I have no wish to meet the Marquis of the West,” Jiang Yuan said calmly.

He feared that, upon seeing the Marquis, he might not be able to resist killing him.

“You’d best not cause any trouble here,” Jiang Yuan warned Nezha. “Xiqi is not like other places—there are no rival clans here; the Ji family holds absolute power. If you stir trouble, even I may not be able to protect you.”

“Oh, all right,” Nezha replied, barely interested, lips curled in a slight pout. What did Xiqi matter to him?

The four of them entered the city. Jiang Yuan, as their leader, was in no hurry to seek out Ji Fa. He preferred to observe the situation within Xiqi, eager to know what the common folk now thought of him.

They found an inn at random. Such places were always brimming with idle chatter and the swiftest spread of news in any city. Of course, there would one day be a place where news traveled even faster—the brothels. But such establishments did not yet exist, and as the Human Emperor, Jiang Yuan had no need of such places. What woman could he not have?

“What would you like to eat? Order whatever you want,” Jiang Yuan said to Nezha with a smile.

At once, the previously listless Nezha perked up at the mention of food. He grabbed the menu, pointed rapidly at several dishes, and soon a mountain of food was delivered to their table.

Jiang Yuan found himself curious—there was more food here than there was Nezha. Could the boy really eat it all? But he quickly realized he had underestimated Nezha; dish after dish disappeared into his belly without any sign of strain.

“I almost forgot—we’re here to listen for news,” Jiang Yuan thought to himself. He turned his full attention to the din of conversation swirling around the inn.

“Did you all see the phoenix that sang over Xiqi recently?”

“Who didn’t? That giant bird circling over the city—impossible to miss,” someone joked.

“True enough. But what do you think it means?” another asked, mysterious.

“What do you mean?”

“Out with it—don’t leave us hanging!”

“Enough dithering—just say it!”

“All right, but if you repeat this, don’t say you heard it from me. This concerns the king and all of Shang—I can’t bear such a crime.”

“Don’t worry, we’re tight-lipped. No one outside this room will know. Besides, this is Xiqi—how far can King Zhou reach?”

“So I can say it?” The speaker teased them a moment longer.

“If you don’t, we’ll have to teach you a lesson.”

“There’s a rumor that Xiqi is about to replace Shang as master of the world,” the man said, lowering his voice. “The phoenix singing over Xiqi is a sign of good fortune. The tyrant is doomed. The fall of Shang is only a matter of time.”

Strangely, not a single person refuted his words. In Xiqi, such talk seemed unremarkable.

“You’re right. A sage like the Marquis of the West should govern the world. To keep him here is a waste of his talent,” another chimed in.

Zhang Kui could barely contain his rage. To discuss state affairs so openly was a capital crime. To slander the king was a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations.

But Jiang Yuan stopped him.

“Steady. Let’s listen a while longer. Such talk does not arise overnight.”

“If they dare to speak so boldly here, discussing Shang and the fate of the world, I’d be surprised if the Ji family wasn’t behind it,” Jiang Yuan said with a smile, as if unconcerned.

“But Sire, every word they speak is a crime worthy of death!” Zhang Kui protested.

“Do you know why I came to Xiqi?” Jiang Yuan asked.

“I await your guidance,” Zhang Kui replied. He was a straightforward man, more accustomed to wielding his strength than pondering schemes, especially since serving the king required little thought—just obedience.

Yang Jian, standing beside them, seemed to grasp something. “Did you suspect Xiqi’s rebellious intent all along, Sire?”

Jiang Yuan nodded with a smile. “I have said before: chaos is inevitable. Xiqi is one of the foremost principalities in the land—they would never be content to serve another. I came here only to see how far their preparations have gone. From what I see, they have done a fine job of winning hearts and minds.”

“Then why not allow me to exterminate the Ji clan?” Zhang Kui’s blood boiled with fury. Now that the king had revealed the depth of Xiqi’s betrayal, he felt only rage.

Jiang Yuan glanced at him, thinking, When will you ever learn to use your brains? If you won’t think, why not just enjoy your meal like Nezha?

Nezha, meanwhile, continued devouring his food, entirely oblivious to the conversation. All he needed was a summons when it was time to fight.

Jiang Yuan regarded Nezha with newfound appreciation—not only was he a champion in battle, but also a champion at the table.

“Some things cannot be solved by killing a few people. When the tide of history turns, to resist it is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. We must move with the current,” Jiang Yuan said calmly.

“What use is it to destroy the Ji family? The people’s hearts in Xiqi are already united. Even without the Ji clan, another leader would rise. If I killed them, it would only confirm my reputation as a tyrant.”

“Though I care little for these slanders, at least the Ji family stands openly as my enemy. An enemy in the light is easier to deal with than one lurking in the shadows.”

Jiang Yuan was certain that even if he wiped out the Ji clan, other clans or leaders would take their place. The sages would never overlook such means.

The momentum for Xiqi to oppose Shang was already set; all that remained was a catalyst to plunge the world into chaos.

“How are we to move with the current?” Yang Jian asked, curiosity piqued.

Jiang Yuan stood, smiling with confidence. “I will let them rebel!”