The Fallen Nation System, Turning the Tide - Chapter 57: Spreading Rumors

Chapter 57: Spreading Rumors

Rumors of Qing Wang’s rebellion emerged from an unknown source.

Shortly after Hengjiang Prince sent out his memorial, he received a secret decree ordering him to proceed swiftly to Youzhou. His son Xu Chong had caused trouble and needed to be dealt with severely.

The secret decree didn’t specify what had happened. It would take some time for Hengjiang Prince to gather information through his connections before he would learn that Xu Chong had actually been praised. He couldn’t understand how Xu Chong could have so quickly committed such a serious offense that required his presence in the imperial capital.

“This makes no sense. Chong’er has always been steady and honest in character, getting along well with everyone. It’s eighty percent likely that Xu Lian caused trouble outside and pinned it on Chong’er. Your Highness, when you reach the imperial capital, you must explain clearly to His Majesty – we can’t let Chong’er take the blame for Xu Lian’s misdeeds!” Wangfei nudged Hengjiang Prince’s arm.

Hengjiang Prince quickly nodded. “I know.”

The congratulatory gifts originally purchased suddenly became apology offerings. Deep in the night, Hengjiang Prince set off for Youzhou with several cartloads of items.

Within one night, several nobles had disappeared without trace. Still unsatisfied, and with Sun Zhuo not yet returned, Xu Ying summoned Niu Pengnan. “Take some men and spread rumors… say that Qing Wang and others intend to rebel and have already taken people to Youzhou.”

Niu Pengnan didn’t quite understand, thinking Qing Wang was actually rebelling. Waves of shock rolled through his heart as he saluted and said, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Xu Ying nodded with satisfaction. The rumor had been planted – now not to waste the opportunity.

Nobles from various regions faintly caught wind of the rumors and were puzzling over them when news of Qing Wang’s rebellion emerged from unknown sources. The subject of these rumors remained completely unaware and, due to his proximity, was the first to arrive in Youzhou.

Liu Xu stroked his beard and conveyed messages to the Imperial Guard Commander, appealing to his emotions and reasoning with him. After calling in personal favors, he finally succeeded in manipulating the city entry checkpoint. Guards were stationed at the city gates, requiring that any imperial clansmen coming to Youzhou could only enter with one trusted attendant and restricting their movements to remain within the guards’ sight.

Qing Wang disappeared upon arriving in Youzhou. Western Rong spies detected the abnormality and urgently transmitted intelligence, strengthening Western Rong’s determination to attack as they intensified their preparations.

This year’s Spring Examination was postponed by over a month, but the grading period was shortened as much as possible. By the time Hengjiang Prince leisurely arrived in Youzhou, the results had already been posted. The streets and alleys were decorated with colorful celebratory displays, filled with joyous atmosphere.

When Hengjiang Prince reached Youzhou’s city gate, the guards examined the secret decree and verified his identity tablet before summoning a soldier. Turning to Hengjiang Prince, they said, “Your Highness, please follow this soldier into the city with your attendant here.”

“I’ve brought apology gifts to present to His Majesty,” Hengjiang Prince said in surprise, stepping aside and spreading his arms to let the guards see.

The guards waved dismissively, accustomed to such situations. “The same rules apply to everyone. We’ll help Your Highness deliver these items into the city. Please rest assured.”

Bewildered, Hengjiang Prince followed the soldier, feeling increasingly strange about the situation.

The security seemed strict in some ways – they only glanced at the secret decree and identity tablet before granting passage without even conducting a body search. Yet in other ways it seemed lax, not even allowing attendants to enter the city.

Carrying these perplexing thoughts, Hengjiang Prince was led to a courtyard where he unexpectedly saw Qing Wang standing by the railing gazing into the distance. The familiar sight slightly eased Hengjiang Prince’s unease.

Hengjiang Prince broke into a smile and quickly approached. “Elder Brother, why have you also come to Youzhou?”

By seniority, Qing Wang was his cousin, so addressing him as “elder brother” showed closeness.

Ahead came a shout, jolting Qing Wang back to his senses. Seeing the figure of Hengjiang Prince, a look of astonishment crossed his face as he uttered the same words: “You’ve come too!”

Hengjiang Prince ascended the steps and approached Qing Wang. Noticing his troubled expression, he assumed it was due to Erlang’s mischief and said, “I arrived upon receiving His Majesty’s secret decree, never expecting you would also be here, brother.”

Qing Wang heaved a heavy sigh and gestured toward the building. “Not only am I here, but our other brothers have also received secret decrees and are inside. At present, we cannot leave this place freely and must await His Majesty’s summons in silence.”

Hengjiang Prince’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Are you saying His Majesty has confined us here?”

Startled, he glanced back at the entrance where guards were patrolling back and forth, not even allowing a fly to pass through.

“But why would His Majesty have such thoughts? This must be a misunderstanding…” Hengjiang Prince grew increasingly anxious. He had always remained dutiful and never entertained any rebellious ideaswhy would he be detained as well?

“Since we cannot leave and all our attendants have been held back, how is this not confinement?”

Qing Wang had already resigned himself to the situation. When he first arrived and sensed something amiss, he tried to turn back and flee but was stopped. No matter how he raged, no one paid him any mind. Later, he joined forces with the others to threaten the guards, only to be further ignored.

Hengjiang Prince was dumbfounded and slumped to the ground.

Niu Pengnan reported to Xu Lang after receiving the last person. Xu Lang checked off Hengjiang Prince’s name and went to find Xu Ying.

“Are they all here?” Xu Ying was surprised by their speed, which exceeded her expectations.

Xu Lang nodded and asked, “Does Your Majesty wish to summon them?”

Xu Ying rested her chin on her hand and thought for a moment. “No rush. Let’s wait a few more days.”

She intended to let their discontent simmer and rise before proposing a deal where impulse would prove costly.

The regional princes, unaware of the situation in Youzhou, sent scouts to investigate. They only heard rumors of Qing Wang’s rebellion, but details about his troops and equipment remained vague. Further probes into Youzhou revealed an unnerving calm, clearly indicating a trap.

The princes restrained their impulses and refrained from action, keeping a close watch on Youzhou. They were prepared to raise armies under the banner of justice at the first sign of trouble.

After several days, Xu Ying decided the time was right and summoned the princes.

Hengjiang Prince, torn between fear and anxiety, tossed and turned sleeplessly. To ease his discomfort, he consumed two large bowls of rice at every mealif his heart was troubled, at least his body should not suffer.

Under Qing Wang’s constant lamentations, everyone in the courtyard began to despair of ever leaving. When the emperor suddenly summoned them, the room erupted in excitement. Hengjiang Prince shuddered, his heart swelling with boundless hope.

Guards escorted them out, leading them to another courtyard. Hengjiang Prince instinctively bristled with suspicion, fearing they were merely being relocated to free up space.

The moment he saw his son’s face, however, his worry turned to joy. He bounded up the steps in a half-run, calling out, “Chong’er!”

Reunited with Xu Chong, Hengjiang Prince learned that this was the Imperial Academy, where they attended classes and studied.

“What trouble has Xu Lian caused to implicate you?” Remembering his original purpose for coming, Hengjiang Prince set aside catching up and led Xu Chong to the window, whispering his question.

Xu Chong widened his round, bulging eyes and replied, “During the scuffle, Qin Boshi and Liu Xiang were accidentally injured. His Majesty is very angry and says he must seek justice for Boshi and Liu Xiang.”

“What does this have to do with you?” The Hengjiang Prince exclaimed in surprise.

After Xu Chong explained the entire sequence of events in detail, the Hengjiang Prince stamped his foot fiercely. “I knew it! You’re not the type to cause trouble. This was clearly coercionyou were dragged into it! Why did they have to summon me too?”

He had been imprisoned for several days, trembling with fear.

Soon, once the misunderstanding was cleared up, he could leave Youzhou.

With the crisis resolved, the Hengjiang Prince glanced left and right, then leaned close to Xu Chong’s ear, his voice barely a whisper: “You haven’t taken off your clothes in front of others, have you?”

Xu Chong carefully thought it over and finally nodded seriously. “Rest assured, Father.”

The Hengjiang Prince breathed a sigh of relief and brushed the dust from his son’s shoulder. “You must always keep this in mind and never let your guard down.”

Xu Chong nodded emphatically, then immediately asked, “Father, why don’t others have to sleep in their clothes?”

“Because they lack virtue and are not destined for great achievements.”

After allowing the father and son to finish their conversation, Xu Ying leisurely made her appearance. She raised a hand to dismiss the formal greetings from the crowd and said, “By seniority, you are all my uncles and cousins. There’s no need for such courtesy. From your earlier conversation, I trust you now understand why I summoned you here with my secret decree. Harming elders is a grave offense that cannot be overlooked.”

“Your Majesty is absolutely right,” the Hengjiang Prince hastily agreed. “I have already severely disciplined my son. Your Majesty may punish him as you see fitdo not concern yourself with our dignity.”

Deal with this quickly and let him return to his fief soon!

The others also admitted their faults one after another. Although the food and accommodations in Youzhou were quite good, the days without freedom felt like an eternity.

Seeing their compliant attitudes, Xu Ying couldn’t help but feel puzzled. Why wasn’t anyone angry?

“Your Majesty, it was indeed our fault to have injured Boshi and Liu Xiang. Before coming, I prepared gifts and beg Your Majesty to permit me to take this unfilial son to offer our apologies in person.” The Hengjiang Prince urgently pulled Xu Chong forward.

The rest echoed his sentiment, all wanting to visit Liu Xu.

Hearing they had brought gifts, Xu Ying narrowed her eyes, suspecting they might have hidden weapons in their processions. She immediately declared, “You’ve all brought gifts? Then present them nowlet me see them!”

Although she had ordered the princes to be lured away and imprisoned upon entering the city, she had not touched their belongings. She had been waiting for them to pretend to offer gifts and reveal their true intentions here.

To her surprise, the group exchanged bewildered glances. After a long pause, one person timidly said, “Your Majesty, my entourage is outside the city walls. Should Your Majesty send someone to retrieve them?”

Xu Ying was astonished. Were they really this obedient?

“Then have them enter the city.”

The order was swiftly relayed beyond the city walls. The attendants, who had been camping in the open for several days, were suddenly summoned and allowed into the city after inspection.

The various processions broke into relieved smiles. They had been worried since their lords entered the city without any news. Now that they were permitted entry, it surely meant their lords were safe and sound.

A separate lane at the city gate was designated for inspecting the goods. Once cleared, guides would lead them to wash off the dust briefly before bringing the items to see His Majesty.

Xu Ying discussed the handling matters with the group for a long while. Eventually, a palace attendant reported that the princes’ gifts had arrived. She clapped her hands to have them brought in. Young women filed in carrying trays of gold and silver artifacts, while strong men hauled heavy chests. When opened, they revealed millet, fruits, and vegetables.

Xu Ying walked past each chest one by one, growing increasingly disappointed. Wasn’t anyone going to open a chest, draw a sword, and stab her right in the chest with deadly precision?

Turning to look at the princes, she saw nothing but ingratiating smiles on their faces, hoping to win her approval.

“Take these as apologies when you visit.” After circling the area several times without finding any issues, Xu Ying could only reluctantly give up.

The princes sincerely offered their apologies, visited Liu Xu, made their sons reflect deeply on their actions, and guaranteed no further trouble. They ran back and forth multiple times until they were utterly exhausted.

Everyone let out a heavy sigh, thinking this should finally satisfy her, and requested permission to return to their fiefs.

Author’s Note:

Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated with nutrient solutions between 2023-05-15 21:52:57 and 2023-05-16 22:31:04~

Special thanks to the following for nutrient solution irrigation: Solitary – 10 bottles; Qiuzi Wu – 8 bottles; Bushiren – 7 bottles; Nian Qi’an – 4 bottles; Mumu, Samoyed, Zhang Jing, Ice Leaf, Maple Bridge Frostfall – 1 bottle each;

I’m deeply grateful for everyone’s support. I’ll continue to work hard!