Chapter 434

Chapter 434: The Jinyi Guard

With Ming’s swift stroke, Prince Qi and all his accomplices were beheaded.

As their heads hit the ground, it signified that this matter was now officially over.

Regardless of what happened before, whether or not other culprits remained undiscovered, and whoever else might have been involved, this case was now closed for good.

Thus, with this one strike, Ming didn’t just cut off Prince Qi and his cohorts’ heads; he also severed the hopes of countless officials who had either been implicated or were feeling uneasy.

Xu Ming calmly gazed at the rolling heads on the ground, exhaling deeply.

The Shangfang Baolian didn’t even bear a single trace of blood.

Ming held the Shangfang Baolian high as he approached the Emperor of Wu, bowing respectfully: “Your servant has avenged this blood debt. I thank Your Majesty for granting me this opportunity!”

Ming’s voice echoed across the entire plaza.

Upon hearing Ming say this, many officials couldn’t help but smile knowingly.

For those officials who were close to Prince Qi or had received favors from him, this statement meant that Ming would definitely not pursue responsibility further.

Some even sighed, “Though young, Zhuāngyuán Láng truly understands how things work.”

If everyone could live in harmony from now on, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome. There was no need for unnecessary bloodshed.

The Emperor of Wu glanced at Ming, then at the Shangfang Baolian in Ming’s hand, and slowly said, “This Shangfang Baolian shall remain with Zhuāngyuán Láng for now.”

As soon as the Emperor’s words fell, the ministers’ hearts on the square began to race again, fearing that the Shangfang Baolian might one day fall upon their own necks.

Whether this sword was sharp or even divine mattered little.

Even if it were an ordinary iron blade, when it came down, you wouldn’t have any excuse to dodge it. When this sword falls, it doesn’t just mean the wielder wants you dead—it means the Emperor of Wu wants you dead, the Wu Kingdom wants you dead.

Could you survive such a fate? Could you escape?

Not just the civil and military officials, even Ming was quite surprised.

In Ming’s view, this matter should have been concluded. No emperor would want to escalate the situation further.

The death of a prestigious prince was already enough.

What?

After the death of one prince, are you going to turn the imperial court upside down, refusing to stop until every root is pulled out, even the soil beneath them destroyed? That’s impossible!

No one would allow you to do such a thing! And even if you were royal kin, taking it this far would be excessive. After all, regardless of the outcome, you’re still alive.

So Ming knew better than to dig deeper. Continuing would bring no significant benefits but could harm him greatly.

Still, the Emperor’s words carried some intriguing undertones.

Did the Emperor not wish for this matter to end? “Your Majesty, your servant lacks merit and virtue, unworthy to accept this Shangfang Baolian,” Ming politely declined.

Ming couldn’t fully grasp the Emperor’s intentions.

They say an emperor’s mind cannot be guessed, but if you don’t try, how will you survive?

“What makes you unworthy? In recent years, who has accomplished more than you?” The Emperor continued, clearly unwilling to let Ming refuse.

Turning around, the Emperor addressed the civil and military officials: “Starting today, we establish the Jinyi Guard. Xu Ming shall be its Commander, a rank of Second Rank official, leading five thousand eight hundred eighty-eight Jinyi agents.

The Jinyi Guard serves the Emperor, fights outside the capital, supervises both civil and military officials, and investigates crimes! They report directly to me, overseeing princes above and officials below! My esteemed ministers, any objections?”

When the Emperor announced this, the civil and military officials were shocked.

Overseeing princes and officials? Reporting only to the Emperor?

That meant the Shangfang Baolian in Zhuāngyuán Láng’s hands wasn’t just his weapon—it represented the entire Jinyi Guard being the Emperor’s personal Shangfang Baolian!

Naturally, the officials did not wish for such an organization to overshadow them.

But seeing the severed heads and dripping blood, no one dared to stand up.

“Since there are no objections among my esteemed ministers, it is decided.” The Emperor turned back to Ming, “Does my esteemed minister find this position satisfactory?”

The Emperor didn’t ask if Ming was willing to accept the post, but rather if he was “satisfied.”

How was Ming supposed to respond? To say he wasn’t satisfied?

Would you dare to be unsatisfied with the Emperor’s decision?

To say he was satisfied meant accepting the post.

Ming seemed to have a choice, but in reality, he had none.

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty! I shall dedicate myself entirely, working tirelessly for Your Majesty until death!” Ming loudly declared, like pledging loyalty to the Emperor.

“Hmm, very good.” The Emperor helped Ming up, “The affairs of the capital depend heavily on our Zhuāngyuán Láng.”

Ming bowed low, “Your Majesty flatters me.”

“Since matters are settled and Prince Qi has been punished, my esteemed ministers may retire. Commander, take your rest. Assume your duties after half a month.” The Emperor wanted to leave no room for further discussion.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The civil and military officials chorused, gradually retreating.

Ming also left the Imperial Palace.

Outside the palace, a carriage from the Xu Mansion was already waiting.

However, to Ming’s surprise, it wasn’t the Xu family steward who had come to fetch him, but his so-called father.

“Hehehe, my boy, your old man personally came to pick you up! Get in, get in!”

Seeing his son emerge, Xu Zheng waved happily, his behavior resembling that of a frivolous rich kid, his pale complexion hinting at excessive indulgence.

Ming stepped forward, bowing respectfully with his sword: “Father.”

“Why so formal between father and son?” Xu Zheng chuckled, boasting, “I heard you returned and immediately drove here to meet you!”

Ming smiled faintly, “Thank you, Father.”

“Ho ho ho ho…” Xu Zheng felt as though his actions had touched his son, “It’s no trouble, no trouble at all. Let’s go home. By the way, this sword of yours looks quite nice. What’s it called?”

Saying this, Xu Zheng reached out to touch the golden sword.

“This is called the Shangfang Baolian.”

Just as Xu Zheng’s hand was about to touch the hilt, Ming recoiled as if he’d encountered a porcupine, quickly withdrawing his hand.