Peace Order-Chapter 777 - 90 The Second Imperial Decree_4

They scaled the wall and descended, then quickly ran far away. It took the dog chasing them relentlessly for two li before it was shaken off. Li Guanyi glanced at Ji Zichang: "Didn’t you say it was yours?!

Ji Zichang said, "I remembered wrong."

All under heaven is the king’s land, of course it’s mine!

He looked up at the sky and, having consumed the fruit with Li Guanyi, rose to his feet: "My family has very strict household rules. Until next time, then, Pharmacist Li."

Li Guanyi said, "Aren’t you the Family Head?"

Ji Zichang, smiling, said, "The Family Head also has many things beyond his control. I do hope you can always be like this. As for today’s events, we are even."

"I, too, have rarely felt such liberation."

"Ah, when I was young, I too wished to wander the Martial World as a knight, free and unrestrained, but alas, no longer can I—there are just too many rules!"

He waved his hand at Li Guanyi with his back turned and then walked away unsteadily. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

Li Guanyi looked up at the sky, seated against a tree, tilting his head back to drink. The stream of alcohol fell, entering the young throat, graceful and carefree.

Ji Zichang’s footsteps grew steady, and his spine slowly straightened, embodying the aura of the Emperor of Central State. It was akin to Mystical Skills but even more magnificent, known as Qi Fortune, referred to as Dragon Vein. In such state, Ji Zichang’s resistance to various adversities was strong.

He returned to the Imperial Palace, to an auxiliary study.

He thought that Grand Protector Yan, who was of advanced age, should have already returned home.

When he pushed open the auxiliary study’s door, the white-haired old man was still standing there peacefully, bowing with hands clasped: "Your Majesty, you have returned."

Ji Zichang felt a warmth in his heart looking at him.

There are wicked ministers in the world, those who commit outrageous deeds out of self-interest, and then there are people like this old man. Ji Zichang said, "Teacher, why did you not advise me on the matters of the common people."

Grand Protector Yan exclaimed, "Hasn’t your servant presented the reports monthly?"

Ji Zichang fell silent; suddenly, he understood everything. The Emperor was trapped in a cage. Ji Zichang chuckled liberally, having changed into regular imperial attire, tidied up his messy hair and beard, then composedly entered the room.

"Teacher, I’ve kept you waiting."

Grand Protector Yan said, "Your Majesty, have you made a decision?"

Ji Zichang said, "Yes..."

"Please sit, Teacher."

After Grand Protector Yan sat down, Ji Zichang seated himself at the desk in the Imperial Study. The Long-burning Lamp, crafted from the materials of a great whale from overseas, illuminated the surroundings with a clear and bright light. Ji Zichang reflected on what he had seen today—the unrestrained words of Li Guanyi, like a sharp blade splitting the locked Emperor from the common folk.

But this was not the reason for his decision.

Grand Protector Yan looked at the calm Emperor, reeking of alcohol, as he reached out to pick up an Imperial Decree. It was a safe, faultless choice, yet Grand Protector Yan seemed conflicted.

Then he saw the Emperor caress the decree and extend his hand, only to place the decree into the steady flame of the Long-burning Lamp. The fire surged, climbing upwards. Grand Protector Yan’s expression shifted, and he stood up sharply, exclaiming, "Your Majesty!!!"

Ji Zichang’s gaze was fixed on the burning decree.

The reflection of the flames danced in his eyes. He thought of the three answers from Marquis Qin Wu that day but just smiled faintly, whispering, "The third answer, to rally one’s remaining courage, that is what you would do, young and full of spirit, something to be envied."

"But I am not the same anymore."

"For eight hundred years, the world of the Red Emperor has been magnificent, has been domineering, but behind it all is a rotten scent, cold and convoluted."

"I won’t strive for so-called uprising anymore."

"It’s not merely that I cannot; I do not wish to."

The first Imperial Decree was consumed in the flames, ultimately leaving only the golden-red ash to fall, slowly turning to black. That hidden fire settled in Ji Zichang’s gaze.

He lowered his eyes, as if sensing the invisible threads entwining him as an Emperor.

These threads originated from the aristocratic families, from history, from the Imperial Family and ancestors.

But Ji Zichang no longer resisted.

He spoke calmly, "My birth, upbringing, coming into power, all bathed in the glory of the Red Emperor, all favored by the Red Emperor’s benevolence. Now at this time, to cut ties with them all and pretend innocence,

"Is merely a deception to myself."

"Calamity shall not reach my family, nor shall benefits."

"I too am a part of the shadow that shrouds the world you speak of."

Ji Zichang reached out his hand, grasping the Seal of the Red Emperor, slowly raising it, at which moment Grand Protector Yan finally sensed the veiled resolve of the disciple before him. The Long-burning Lamp trembled violently as Ji Zichang mused to himself:

"Indeed, having shared in its glory,

"One must also bear its corruption."

"I shall shoulder the glory and filth of the Red Emperor alike,

"It’s the duty of one who rules."

"I shall grasp this so-called royal lineage and, carrying with me the entangled miseries of the past eight hundred years, walk into the fire, clearing centuries of darkness. This is my right, and you, Teacher, shall have your own path.

"The hero you speak of, I can no longer become."

"What a pity."

"We each have our own destiny."

He extended his hand, pressed the seal, and slowly imprinted it upon another Imperial Decree.

[The Imperial Decree appoints Li Guanyi as the Commander of the Army, Grand Marshal].

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