At this moment, Zhao Junhong suddenly realized that his reaction had been overly intense. The imperial family and the aristocratic clans would never interfere in each other’s internal affairs.
Although the patriarchs of the aristocratic clans needed to be formally appointed by the imperial family, it was merely a formality. The list of patriarchs was submitted by the clans themselves. Once, a clan had submitted two lists, creating a farce. The Ministry of Retainers’ response was to return them both, regardless of the internal strife.
Indeed, Emperor Hao’s original words were:
“Speaking of which, Rongguo Gong is also my nephew. Since Highridge Imperial Sister descended, her connection with Tianqi has dwindled, and our meetings have been limited to the grand banquets. Seeing that all her children are outstanding and among the best, I am quite pleased. I wonder if Jundu has any intention of establishing a branch? The fief in Tianwater Great County is not bad, but it might not suit you. The imperial family’s reserved territories, Vufy and Dathon, are smaller but rich in mineral resources, making them a good choice as well.”
Zhao Jundu, hearing this, was at a loss and mumbled incoherently.
Emperor Hao continued, “The Zhao clan is valiant and brave, a pillar of the empire. I wouldn’t usually meddle, but the children of my Imperial Sister are part of the imperial lineage. It makes sense to allocate from the reserved lands. Jundu, think it over and let me know.”
After these few sentences, Emperor Hao left, apparently directly from the outer void, heading back to the Western Continent.
Zhao Junhong couldn’t help but smile bitterly. If he didn’t remind himself, he would forget that Emperor Hao was actually their uncle, a blood relative, even closer than the current Yuguogong branch within the Zhao clan. As an elder, showing concern for a younger generation’s first real fief, there should be no issue.
But things weren’t so simple. Highridge and Emperor Hao were siblings, but never close. Highridge, being the legitimate daughter, with a prestigious maternal lineage and concentrated imperial blood, probably hardly remembered Emperor Hao’s appearance during her time in the palace.
After Emperor Hao ascended the throne, there was a long period of silence. The Chengenggong family was just a minor branch of the Yuguogong line, and Highridge had her own family matters to attend to, so she paid no attention to an unremarkable emperor brother.
Now, Emperor Hao mentioning this relationship was merely to show that his suggestion was as an elder, unrelated to his status as emperor or king.
Zhao Jundu, however, was puzzled why Emperor Hao brought this up.
The empire had a set process for granting titles and fiefs. The fastest was for nominal titles, which could be completed within a month, regardless of the rank. For real fiefs, unless they were redistributed from the family’s existing fiefs, the process was much longer.
For new territories, it involved surveying, mapping, spatial positioning, and demarcating military zones, usually taking about half a year.
If it involved exchanging land with the empire’s core territory, it was more complicated. Most of the core territory was already the fiefs of noble clans, and only a small portion was unclaimed, managed by the empire. These lands were often either extremely good or very poor, often requiring several years of adjustment to balance various interests before finalization.
Zhao Jundu, having fought in two expeditions and been granted the hereditary title of Rongguo Gong, would receive a county on the mainland in addition to his fief on the floating continent. A county was equivalent to the fief of a marquis, not easily adjusted. Originally, Zhao Jundu didn’t care about this.
He frowned, “My real fief wasn’t supposed to be confirmed so quickly. Why is there a specific county name now, and isn’t Tianwater on the Eastern Continent, usually not given to a newly minted Rongguo Gong?”
Zhao Junhong had a vague idea and sighed, “Tianwater was originally intended for Zhen Guogong, Lin Xitang.”
Even the calm Zhao Jundu was surprised, “The Lin family’s heir will definitely lose the title, but why recall the fief? His Zhen Guohou title was granted by the previous emperor, and he hasn’t been promoted in years. With his military achievements, he deserves another dukedom. How large is the Lin family’s fief now?”
In fact, since the empire stabilized its four continents, granting real fiefs became increasingly difficult. Especially in the long-peaceful core territories, most fiefs were insufficient. In the valuation of the noble clans, apart from fiefs, military achievements and enclaves were also included.
The Lin family was a low-rank noble clan, with many serving as mid-to-lower officers. They held only one small county on the mainland. When Lin Xitang was granted Zhen Guohou, he was also the chief cabinet minister, facing the harshest criticism. His title was real, but the fief wasn’t increased.
During his tenure as marshal, Lin Xitang expanded the territory, and the area under his command was considered a war zone. Upon retiring, he could retain some as fief, and his military achievements over the years justified a large county on the mainland.
Thinking of this, Zhao Junhong massaged his forehead, not answering Zhao Jundu’s last question, and said, “I heard the Lin family petitioned, claiming they couldn’t defend their fief and wanted to return it to the empire.”
Zhao Jundu, proficient in military matters and familiar with the empire’s protocols, pieced together today’s events, his expression darkening, “Brother, why is the Northern Army still lingering on the Western Continent?”
Zhao Junhong had already thought of this, but didn’t know how to start. Seeing Zhao Jundu’s realization, he sighed heavily, “When the Northern Army was changing shifts, the Beast Legion invaded. Father requested them to stay and assist in defense.”
Zhao Jundu had been in Qin Continent overseeing the forward base, and later learned that the Western Continent suffered less than Yuelu. He hadn’t paid attention to the details. Hearing Zhao Junhong, he felt more uneasy, “Who suggested this to Father?”
Zhao Weihuang and Lin Xitang were neighbors, but their relationship wasn’t good. During the shift change, the Northern Army was nominally under the command of Zhao Weihuang, the Northwest General. Zhao Jundu was certain he never entered the Northern Army’s camp.
Moreover, with Zhao Weihuang’s nature, his first reaction to an invasion would be to mobilize troops and attack, not to personally request the Northern Army.
Zhao Junhong sighed, “No matter who suggested it, no one would oppose it.”
Zhao Jundu understood Zhao Junhong’s meaning. Now, even if he had been present, he wouldn’t have seen the issue. The empire’s army was meant to defend the land. However, looking at the bigger picture, the Zhao clan’s actions indeed kept the Northern Army on the Western Continent. And now, the Northern Army’s departure was notably delayed.
“And what about Tianwater?”
“For your fief on the mainland, it was a family decision to plan and secure the land,” Zhao Junhong said, “In fact, it’s not just us. Tianwater County is a prime location, complete and prosperous, located in the heart of the continent. When Zhen Guogong was alive, with his military achievements, seniority, and status, he would have been first in line for that land. Even if someone disagreed, they wouldn’t say it out loud. Now, everyone in line for a fief, or those needing to exchange land, probably wants a piece of it. The Zhao clan can’t avoid being tempted.”
Fiefs on the mainland were a major family matter. The recipient couldn’t handle such trivialities personally. Every clan would discuss internally, then send capable people to maximize the family’s interests. This wasn’t a decision made by one or two people, but by the entire Zhao clan, including all vassal families.
Zhao Jundu didn’t ask for the details of the family meeting. It was pointless to find out who first suggested it to Zhao Weihuang. Many would naturally think along those lines, and to identify the truly malicious, one had to look elsewhere.
Zhao Junhong sighed, “Every fief on the mainland is the result of countless negotiations, balances, and exchanges. It’s not something we alone can achieve. I wonder what the emperor meant by bringing it up.”
Zhao Jundu replied calmly, “This might not be initiated by the Zhao clan, but we’re not innocent either.”
Zhao Junhong was startled, wanting to object but found nothing to say. Even he couldn’t be sure that, if the Lin family clearly couldn’t hold onto their fief, he would pass up the opportunity to take advantage. “A gentleman is cautious when alone” was easier said than done.
Zhao Jundu pondered, “I understand Commander Lin’s intent. Starting rumors at such a critical time inevitably leads to suspicion. Spreading rumors is easy, but tracing them is hard. Given the Zhao clan and Zhen Guogong’s long-standing animosity, many wouldn’t think twice about saying a word.”
Zhao Junhong shook his head, “I have a bad feeling. Even if we trace it, how do we punish? Kill for idle gossip? Some from the subordinate branches are involved, but they don’t see insulting Zhen Guogong as a mistake; they dare to insult the emperor. If it involves the main branch, Yu and Yan won’t support us.”
Zhao Jundu then recalled Emperor Hao’s seemingly complimentary remark, “The Zhao clan is valiant and brave.”
The Zhao clan, known for its martial valor, sent its sons to the battlefield upon reaching adulthood. Therefore, the twenty high-ranking elders, the one paramount, two primary, and eighteen subordinate branches, none were mere figureheads. Zhao Jundu, despite his young age, held power due to his strength and military achievements.
Thus, even the less martially skilled among these elders were highly accomplished and influential. This was why the Zhao clan, though criticized for not marrying into the gentry and often caught between the aristocracy and the imperial family, remained a top noble clan, respected by all.
However, this also led to a lack of a dominant voice within the clan. Originally, the position of Patriarch rotated between the two Gong families, maintaining a stable balance. But the rise of Chengenggong disrupted this, effectively dispersing the power of the main branch.
Especially the Chengenggong branch, separated from Yuguogong less than forty years ago, the current Yanguo and Yanguo were one generation older. Among the heads of the subordinate branches, except for Zhao Jundu, none were his peers or younger. Unless violating the Zhao clan’s ancestral rules, each branch operated independently, wary of interference.
The incident involving Zhao Guanwei was a perfect example.
Zhao Junhong, recalling something, grew uneasy, “The emperor suddenly asked about dividing the family. Does he know about the recent…?”
Zhao Jundu, seeing Zhao Junhong’s expression, patted him on the shoulder, “Really, it’s nothing. Those were just outsiders’ words. Don’t worry, Brother.”
Zhao Junhong only smiled bitterly.
This stemmed from after the Floating Continent battle. Zhao Jundu, though saved by Haime, was still bedridden, with his origin power significantly decreased.
This was a major issue for the Zhao clan. Previously, the two Gong families, against objections, bypassed the usual selection process and named Zhao Jundu as the next patriarch, though not publicly announced, it was approved by the Council of Elders.
Zhao Jundu’s condition was once thought to render him incapable of becoming a divine general. No Zhao clan patriarch had ever been anything but. At this, some proposed reversing the decision, which was normal.
Then, among the Yanguo Gong’s grandchildren, Zhao Fenglei was confined for two years due to the Floating Continent battle, and the leading roles shifted to two younger members, who showed remarkable progress. In the Yuguo Gong line, besides Zhao Yuying, several teenagers displayed potential.
Thus, while rejoicing at the continuity of the main branch, they reconsidered the successor. One compromise was to propose Zhao Junhong as the next patriarch.
When Zhao Jundu overshadowed all young talents, Zhao Junhong was seen as average. Internally, he was deemed experienced in governance and military strategy, with a possibility of advancing to a divine general. By the time he was named deputy commander, he was already at the 17th level.
This was halted by Zhao Jundu’s breakthrough and Highridge’s outrage, declaring she wouldn’t tolerate anyone stirring conflict between her sons. The beast invasion and the New World War then put this on hold.
At this moment, signal flares lit up the sky, signaling the Zhao clan’s return to camp.
Zhao Junhong said, “We should return, or someone might look for us.” Emperor Hao and King Qingyang could ignore formalities, but they needed to reassure the guards at Youzhong Pass.
Zhao Jundu nodded, “Brother, don’t tell anyone about today yet.”
Zhao Junhong sighed, “I was going to advise you not to inform Mother. Good, we’ll think it over ourselves.” Of the Zhao brothers, they were the closest, and Zhao Junhong understood Zhao Jundu meant not to tell their parents or other siblings.
Zhao Jundu frowned, “Why involve Mother?”
Zhao Junhong, tired of his bitter smile, said, “I recall something, whether related or not, you should know. When Zhen Guogong created the secret treasure for the aristocratic clans’ children to enter the Great Vortex, little sister snatched someone’s and followed. On her way, Mother said she would seek retribution from Zhen Guogong.”
Zhao Jundu, surprised, said, “What’s the logic? Could Zhen Guogong incite little sister?”
Zhao Junhong said, “Mother was upset, speaking without thinking. The problem is who spread it, and it reached my ears.”
Zhao Jundu could only sigh. Such trivial matters, linked together, formed a malicious outcome, painting the Zhao clan as the villains.
Zhao Junhong said, “I can’t think of who could set up such a trap for the Zhao clan.”
Zhao Jundu shook his head, “There’s no vast conspiracy. Many things are due to lack of secrecy and self-restraint, allowing others to take advantage. More than the emperor, I’m worried about Commander Lin. I fear someone, acting clever, will cause trouble, only to be killed and their misdeeds exposed.”
Zhao Junhong, recalling Lin Wu’s past, felt a headache coming on. As Fang Qingkong, Lin Wu had faced countless assassination attempts, none successful, and each time, embarrassing secrets were revealed. The noble clans, valuing their reputation, preferred to handle things privately rather than publicly.
But even Zhao Junhong admitted, Lin Wu’s tone earlier made him want to challenge him.
Zhao Junhong now understood, “If it was just rumors, Lin Wu wouldn’t speak so harshly. No clan would conduct a major purge for rumors. Someone in the clan must have done something serious, and Lin Wu either has evidence or is trying to flush it out.”
Zhao Jundu said, “We need to address the rumors. First, we’ll instruct the branches to restrain their members and trace the source. We’ll investigate secretly and see what’s really happening.”
Zhao Junhong agreed, and they returned to Youzhong Pass together.
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