Chapter 199: Establishing Authority

A Sudden Upheaval!

What happened in Nanfeng Commandery spread like a thunderclap.

When Wu Ming and Wu Qing arrived at the city of Nanfeng Commandery, the sight that greeted them was one of widespread panic. Although soldiers patrolled the streets and seemed to fulfill their duties, an atmosphere of unease lingered and could not be dispelled.

Walking on the main street, Wu Ming’s ears twitched as he caught whispers like “a daughter dominating her elder brother” and “forcing her father to abdicate.” Naturally, the phrase heard most often was “a hen crowing at dawn.”

“Brother… I really don’t understand. Why, in times of turmoil, did things never reach this level before? Back then, the Wang family caused chaos in Chufeng Commandery, the Li family exterminated their entire clan, and even forbade ancestral worship, yet things never got this bad,” Wu Qing said, somewhat surprised.

Of course, she and Wu Ming were no ordinary people. They could hear these hushed conversations; no one dared to speak openly. The entire city carried a stifling and oppressive feeling, which made her quite indignant.

“There’s nothing we can do about it. Although history has seen several female generals and chieftains, a woman wielding political power always challenges the norms of society,” Wu Ming shrugged.

“I just don’t get it—why are women considered inferior to men?” Wu Qing said, puffing with indignation. “Wu Zhi hasn’t even begun governing yet, and they’re already acting like this. It’s truly infuriating…”

“At least it’s not worse,” Wu Ming replied helplessly. After all, in the Zhou Dynasty, there was still supernatural power, and women could cultivate as well, which ensured them a certain status and voice.

In his past life, however, men naturally had the advantage in physical strength, while women were weak and powerless, truly oppressed by feudal ethics and Confucian teachings for a thousand years without hope of rising.

Power determines one’s voice and position—that is indeed a universal truth.

“Halt! What are you doing here?”

By the time they reached the governor’s mansion, the security had clearly been tightened several fold. Despite having the token given by Wu Zhi, they were still thoroughly searched multiple times before finally entering the inner hall.

“The Young Mistress is handling official business and has instructed not to keep you waiting. She has sent a servant girl to lead you directly in.”

The guide was a sword-bearing maid, with a heroic air about her, walking steadily and firmly, clearly skilled in martial arts. As for the other maid, Qiu, no one knew where she had gone.

“Reporting to the Young Mistress! The commandery’s and the family’s treasuries have been sealed and assigned guards. Patrols have been arranged within the city, and merchants have been ordered to continue business as usual, without hoarding goods. I believe things will stabilize after a while…”

“As for the commandery troops, all officers above the rank of junior commander have sworn loyalty with blood oaths. Any dissenters have been immediately relieved of their posts and detained!”

“There are 276 officials of rank within the city, and 57 of them refused to submit. They have been removed and arrested!”

…

Inside the study, several people stood—each sharp and capable, clearly Wu Zhi’s trusted aides.

Among them were Chen Jingzong and his nephew Chen Shuncheng.

Wu Zhi, dressed in casual attire, looked solemn and sat upright. She spoke gravely, “Stabilizing the markets and grain prices has been well done, but the most urgent matter now is to secure the loyalty of the troops—especially the military!”

Her phoenix-like eyebrows lifted, exuding a natural air of decisiveness. “My intention is to reorganize the commandery and county troops into the Nanfeng Army, to formally establish our authority. I shall assume the title of Jiedushi of Nanfeng Army. You all are to immediately organize the officials to urge me forward—I will not notify the imperial court!”

Her words struck like thunder, and the group stood stunned. Yet Wu Zhi remained composed. Seeing Wu Ming and his sister enter, her face lit up with joy. “Lady Wu has arrived! Please, sit down!”

Servants brought chairs, and Wu Ming and Wu Qing sat. The officials and aides standing around exchanged glances, their expressions shifting.

In human affairs, etiquette and hierarchy are always important. The fact that these two, seemingly commoners, were allowed to sit like this suggested they were no ordinary people. Everyone immediately became more cautious in their thoughts.

“Since you two are here, some loose ends can be tied up!”

Wu Zhi said calmly, “Bring Shi Yue!”

Shortly after, a young man in embroidered robes was brought in. He still appeared calm, though slightly disheveled. His eyes swept the room and landed on Wu Zhi at the center.

“Dare you not bow before the Jiedushi!” shouted two of her female attendants, their voices like birds leaving the valley.

“I’ve long heard that the Wu family’s eldest daughter is fond of martial arts and even trained her maids in swordplay and archery. Now they serve as her personal guards—indeed, a reputation well-earned!” Shi Yue said with a smile, unfazed despite his predicament. Others in the room secretly admired his composure, acknowledging his noble bearing.

“You incited discord between my father and me, sowed division between my siblings, and coveted the Wu family’s legacy. Do you admit your guilt?” Wu Zhi asked, her expression neutral.

“I believe there may have been a small misunderstanding,” Shi Yue replied, still composed. “We were already betrothed by our parents and matchmakers. Now that Nanfeng Commandery is in this state, with your father and brothers unwell, it’s only natural for you to manage affairs. As long as we proceed with our marriage, I will personally request my father to assist you in pacifying the seven counties of Nanfeng and ensure you remain as Jiedushi!”

His words caused several in the room to exchange glances.

Indeed, Wu Zhi had imprisoned her father and brothers and declared herself Jiedushi. The crux of the issue was her being a woman in power—an ominous sign in the eyes of many, causing unrest among the people.

At this moment, gaining the support of the Dinghou family would not be a bad strategy.

With just a few sentences, Shi Yue had struck at the heart of the matter, proving his experience and not merely being another entitled noble son.

“Marry?” Wu Zhi’s lips curled into a faint smile. “I do intend to marry, but not with you!”

“What?!” The revelation struck like thunder. The entire hall fell silent, mouths agape, curiosity burning in their hearts.

Shi Yue took several steps back, his face contorted with rage, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Wu Ming. “It’s you! That pretty boy!”

Only three people were seated in the hall, and only Wu Ming was a young man. Guessing was easy.

“A pretty boy?” Wu Ming rubbed his face in disbelief. He could feel the piercing gazes of the entire hall like blades upon him, inwardly groaning, “Great! Now they’re going to think I’m a kept man.”

“Wu Zhi! Are you deliberately humiliating me?” Shi Yue roared, his face darkening with fury. “Have this brat dragged out and fed to the dogs immediately, and then apologize to me properly. Only then may I forgive your rudeness. Otherwise, beware my father’s army marching here and razing Nanfeng Commandery to the ground!”

“What do you think?” Wu Zhi turned to Wu Ming.

“Though a woman follows her husband after marriage, you haven’t officially joined the Wu family yet. You may decide for yourself,” Wu Ming shrugged.

Wu Qing’s eyes twinkled. “Just make sure you handle things properly, sister, and don’t give others anything to gossip about!”

“Of course!” Wu Zhi sneered. “Shi Yue! You coveted the Wu family’s legacy first, then sowed discord and division. Now you dare threaten me when disaster is already upon you?”

She waved her hand. “Guards! Drag him out and chop him into pieces to feed the dogs!”

“At once!”

Two female guards answered loudly. Suddenly, one struck Shi Yue’s knee with the hilt of her sword. He cried out in pain and fell to his knees, forcibly made to bow before being dragged away.

Crack! Crack!

At first, Shi Yue raged and shouted obscenities, calling them dogs and whores, but when he heard the sound of sharpening blades outside and the distant barking of dogs, he suddenly broke into a cold sweat, shivering with fear. “Wait! Go tell Wu Zhi—no! Tell the Jiedushi! I surrender! Let her release me, and I’ll have my father recommend her to the imperial court! I’ll agree to any terms!”

Indeed, until now, he had relied on his status as the heir of Dinghou, believing Wu Zhi, no matter how unwilling, would have to release him to avoid making enemies. But he had never expected her to be so ruthless and unpredictable!

Though he had some experience in the world, it was only skin deep. In the face of death, his true nature surfaced—tears and snot streaming, a stench spreading from his trousers, causing the two guards to look at him in disdain.

“No need to shout anymore. Our young mistress and master are as good as their words. If they say they’ll chop you up for the dogs, they won’t feed you to wolves or pigs instead!”

One of the guards coldly tossed Shi Yue to the ground and turned to a butcher nearby. “The young mistress has ordered—chop this man up and feed him to the dogs!”

“At once! I’ve only ever slaughtered pigs and sheep before, but a human—I’ve never done that yet!”

The muscular butcher approached, biting down on his knife, a cruel grin spreading across his face…

…

“Your Ladyship… even if Shi Yue is despicable, he is still the heir of Dinghou. Isn’t this going too far?” A scholar official stepped forward in the study.

“If not this, then what? Do you expect me to host a grand banquet, flatter him, and even marry him off?” Wu Zhi shot him a glance, and the official immediately fell silent, too afraid to speak further.

“Ahhh!”

A faint scream echoed, followed by the sound of fierce dogs fighting over food. Those below shuddered, and some cast mocking glances toward Wu Ming.

“Alright, the stench of filth is gone. Now let’s talk about the happy news!”

Wu Zhi smiled sweetly at Wu Qing. “Sister, when would be an auspicious day? I’ll leave it entirely to your decision.”

“Indeed, such a woman is not for the ordinary man to handle…”

Wu Ming rolled his eyes inwardly as Wu Qing replied, “The date is fine, but since it’s our Wu family taking her in, the wedding should be held at Wu Fortress!”

“Excellent! I was just planning to seize Chufeng Commandery anyway!”

Wu Zhi clapped her hands joyfully.

This was not mere militarism—it was a necessity! After all, a woman in power had an inherently unstable foundation. She urgently needed a great victory to solidify her rule!

“Moreover…” Wu Ming’s eyes flickered. “With the entire Zhou Dynasty in chaos and each province preoccupied, if we can control two commanderies, our strength will double. Not only will we not fear an attack from Dinghou, but we might even set our sights on ruling an entire province!”

At that moment, he felt several pairs of scrutinizing eyes upon him again, and he couldn’t help but feel annoyed. “Hmm? Are they thinking I’m some kind of usurper, assuming that once Wu Zhi marries into the Wu family, I’ll take over as Jiedushi? Pfft! How narrow-minded!”