291: Chu Jiang made a big promise, and the King of Jin was furious
Next, Chu Jiang used his talent for drawing grand visions, leaving the Demon Suppression Guards stunned.
They all looked up in unison.
Chu Jiang's ambition was for the world, not just a small Yun Province.
They would follow Chu Jiang every step of the way, rising through the ranks, reaching the Peak of Great Chu, and witnessing a splendor the world had never seen.
His words made everyone's blood boil.
Unlike other superiors who merely drew grand visions, Chu Jiang genuinely gave them a grand vision, and then drew another.
Setting aside the future, the peerless spiritual liquid in the sacred pool alone was enough to save them decades, even centuries, of detours, bringing glory to their ancestors.
Their family trees would start a new page with them; such a temptation was undeniably immense.
The Demon Suppression Guards once again shouted:
"We swear to follow Pacification Envoy, even unto death!"
"We swear to follow Pacification Envoy, even unto death!"
"..."
Commander Zuo and the others subtly curved their lips. If the Yunzhou Demon Suppression Division continued to develop, it would soon become Chu Jiang's private army.
In a few more years, an imperial decree might not be as effective as Chu Jiang's words.
The few of them did not object to this situation.
After all,
Great Chu now needed such people to forge a new world, purify the cosmos, and restore peace to the land.
As long as the outcome was good, they did not care about the process.
"Alright, disperse!"
Chu Jiang said in a deep voice.
As he spoke,
he vanished from everyone's sight.
The Qianhus cupped their hands in farewell, then led the Demon Suppression Guards back to camp.
...
Chu Residence.
After Fu Yunxuan refined the Nine-Leaf Heaven Poison Ganoderma, several third-grade precious pills, and some Heaven-Grade Demon Refining Liquid,
she advanced to the seventh stage of the Dharma Idol realm.
...
Imperial Capital.
Prince Jin's Mansion.
"Your Highness, that's what happened!" Huang Yuan lowered his head, not daring to look at Prince Jin's face, knowing without a doubt that it was extremely grim.
As expected,
"Useless! What good are you to this Prince!"
Prince Jin's face was as cold as ice, his expression extremely gloomy.
The Yun Province Reform Division, which he had established and placed in Yun Province as a nail, not only to supervise the Yunzhou Demon Suppression Division but also to monitor the Western Seven Provinces, was actually collectively sent back to the Imperial Capital.
If his two brothers found out, they would definitely mock him, and perhaps they already knew.
He was now the Supervisor, second only to one person and above ten thousand.
For this to happen,
was simply a great humiliation.
"Your Highness, spare my life! If I hadn't yielded, I wouldn't be alive to see you. It's truly because Chu Jiang was too overbearing, I had no choice but to..."
Huang Yuan immediately collapsed in fear, his body convulsing, his face pale, thinking Prince Jin was going to end him. He quickly kowtowed to beg for forgiveness.
"Take him out and confine him for three years!"
Prince Jin waved his hand, and attendants immediately dragged Huang Yuan away.
"Thank Your Highness Prince Jin for your leniency!"
Huang Yuan breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he was alive, anything was still possible.
In three years, Prince Jin would have already ascended the throne.
Perhaps he would even be promoted in the future.
As Huang Yuan was led away, various voices rose within the hall.
"Prince Jin, Chu Jiang assaulted an imperial official. He is too lawless and cannot be left unchecked!"
"This man is rampant; he must be suppressed!"
"He relies on the flying fish uniform and embroidered spring blade bestowed by His Majesty, killing people everywhere without restraint. He should be disciplined, otherwise, when Your Highness ascends the throne in the future, powerful figures in various regions will follow suit, which is detrimental to the stability of the overall situation!"
Several generals and strategists spoke one after another.
If it were an ordinary official who was rebuffed, it would be fine, but Chu Jiang had driven away Prince Jin's confidant. To dare to treat the Supervisor's people like this was truly audacious.
This was a challenge to imperial authority, and they could not back down.
"I think he should be removed from his position as Yun Province Pacification Commissioner. Even if the Demon Suppression Division doesn't agree to a new person, Chu Jiang cannot remain in that position!"
A young strategist said in a deep voice.
"Report! Guo Kai, the Principal of the Ministry of Rites, has sent a memorial!"
An official stepped into the main hall.
"What new trick is this? Isn't it too early for morning court?" Prince Jin frowned. To send a memorial directly to his mansion did not conform to the court's regulations.
Prince Jin took the memorial, glanced at it briefly, and then passed it around.
"This memorial lists Chu Jiang's various crimes, saying he is unforgivable. It requests this Prince to severely punish Chu Jiang, stating that royal majesty cannot be insulted, and to strip him of all his titles, remove him from the important position of Pacification Commissioner, and send experts to escort him to the capital for investigation!"
"What are your thoughts, everyone?"
Prince Jin said indifferently. Although Guo Kai was only a minor official in the Ministry of Rites, he was backed by Prince Yan.
Without Prince Yan's instruction, he would not have issued this memorial.
"Abuse of power, malicious killing, contempt for imperial authority, rape of women, suppression of the populace..."
Everyone reviewed the memorial. The charges listed against Chu Jiang were more than a dozen, all major crimes.
Among them, eighty percent were fabricated, and twenty percent remained to be investigated.
"Prince Jin, since someone has submitted a memorial, why don't we take advantage of the situation?"
Regardless of whether it's true or not, let's seize the opportunity to control him first.
Arrest him and confine him in the imperial prison for investigation.
When Prince Jin ascends the throne, give him a chance to pledge allegiance to the New Emperor.
If he refuses, then make a decision.
In any case, his life and death are at a whim; he cannot be allowed to act presumptuously.
Prince Jin did not rush to make a decision. Instead, he looked at the Green Crown Advisor, who had remained silent, and asked, "What do you think, sir?"
The Green Crown Advisor said, "Your subordinate believes that Prince Yan merely wants to use the Supervisor's hand to remove Chu Jiang, but he himself doesn't want to take the lead and bear responsibility, so he sent a minor official. After all, Chu Jiang is, in any case, the Yun Province Pacification Commissioner personally promoted by His Majesty. If His Majesty comes out of seclusion and decides to heavily reuse Chu Jiang, those who punished him earlier will definitely face unpleasant consequences. Although it won't go as far as targeting you, it will certainly suppress some officials and generals within your system, which would be a net loss."
As for why Prince Yan wanted to make trouble for Chu Jiang, only they themselves probably knew their intentions.
Prince Jin nodded, "Sir, please continue!"
The Green Crown Advisor pondered for a moment, then continued, "The memorial submitted by Principal Guo is too false, with many fabricated elements. It will easily become a handle against us in the future. Prince Yan's move is also laying a trap for you!"
"Perhaps, he is seemingly suppressing, but actually trying to win him over. If you truly severely punish Chu Jiang and escort him to the capital, it will play right into his hand!"
"And he would then play the role of a virtuous prince, rescuing Chu Jiang and winning his loyalty. This is not impossible!"
Although Prince Jin was appointed Supervisor by the Chu Emperor, the Crown Prince was not abolished, so theoretically, there was still a possibility of being overthrown.
Before His Majesty completely falls, every step must be carefully considered.
A flash of realization crossed Prince Jin's eyes, and they became clearer. He had indeed been too impulsive just now, somewhat unable to discern the situation.
Listening to the Green Crown Advisor, he suddenly saw everything clearly.
"Sir, what do you think we should do next?"
Prince Jin asked.
"Supervisor, since this person can be His Majesty's blade, cutting through thorns, he might also become your blade. Used well, he can achieve miraculous effects!"
"Since this person is so uninhibited, we can use him to strike at Prince Yan, and even Prince Qi's people!"
"Such a peerless treasure blade, if left in the imperial prison, wouldn't it be tarnished and a great waste!"
The Green Crown Advisor said.
"Brilliant, truly brilliant!"
Prince Jin praised.
"However, Chu Jiang is indeed too lawless. To prevent him from harming our own people in the future, Prince Jin still needs to discipline him, but not too harshly!"
The Green Crown Advisor offered his final suggestion. The precise balance in this matter could only be grasped by Prince Jin himself.
After a moment of contemplation, Prince Jin said,
"Let the Grand Secretariat draft an imperial decree: Chu Jiang expelled Reform Office officials and disregarded the law, which by rights warrants execution. However, in consideration of his meritorious service in slaying demons and monsters, and quelling demonic disturbances, his crimes are pardoned. His Marquis Wuan title is demoted to fourth rank, and his salary is withheld for one year as a warning. It is hoped that he will continue to serve the nation with distinction!"
"Supervisor, you are wise and brilliant!"
The Green Crown Advisor led the way, bowing to Prince Jin.
Prince Jin understood that mere punishment was not enough. After delivering the stick, he naturally had to offer a carrot.
He then looked at one person.
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