The Mire Sect incited a rebellion in the Northwest Dao, and in the blink of an eye, unrest engulfed the entire region.
In Yangzhou, Zhu Chenhao, the Ning King, led an uprising; he gathered a force of a million, capturing cities and robbing territories along the way, seemingly destined for greatness.
Different powers big and small reacted differently; some were fearful, others rejoiced; some held their fort, shutting their doors to the world; others took advantage of the chaos to seize benefits.
These two sudden uprisings, regardless of any prior signs or warnings, have unquestionably left the Great Ming imperial court in a difficult position, overwhelmed and at a loss.
Previously, the Tartar invasions had already exhausted the entire imperial court. Even with the Emperor personally leading troops to the border, only then was the Tartar tribe defeated, and the borderlands were barely stable.
But no one at the imperial court expected that, as one issue was settled, another would arise. The border situation had just stabilized, and then internal unrest spread throughout the empire.
If only the Mire Sect's rebellion was the issue, despite spreading across the entire Northwest Dao, the powerful figures in the capital wouldn't be overly concerned. After all, the Mire Sect had been causing trouble for many years, and it wasn't surprising that they would stir up some chaos.
People die only to come back like spring onions after being sliced.
If some peasants perish, what difference does it make?
However, the fact is that Ning King Zhu Chenhao decimated Yangzhou, slaughtered officials, and gathered a force of a million. He advanced downstream, attacking incessantly on his way to the South Capital Yingtian. This made it clear to the high-ranking officials that the situation was critical and urgent.
To them, the threat wasn't Ning King's one million-strong rebel army, even if they captured a few provinces; what mattered was that they must not be allowed to occupy South Capital Yingtian.
This was not only because South Capital Yingtian was the location of the Great Ming imperial court's capital city, holding immeasurable significance, but also because it had a set of officials identical to those in Tiandu.
Although the Great Ming Empire was based on a dual capital system with Tiandu and South Capital Yingtian supposedly equal in status, and South Capital Yingtian's officials were supposed to be on par with those in Tiandu, even down to their exact ranks.
However, even ordinary citizens of the Great Ming Empire knew that this was merely a facade.
South Capital's officials were worlds apart from those in Tiandu, where the emperor resided.
Tiandu can command the entire world and every place must obey once an order comes down.
But as for South Capital Yingtian, let alone the entire world, even leaving the city was a struggle.
If the two capitals were indeed equal, then why do officials in Tiandu consider being reassigned to South Capital Yingtian a demotion, even if it comes with a promotion in rank?
It could be said that most of the officials in South Capital Yingtian were a group of failures, a group of people who underestimated their abilities.
If Ning King Zhu Chenhao really took over South Capital, it was likely that someone wouldn't be able to resist the lure of power and surrender willingly, becoming his vassal.
After all, this wouldn't be the first such incident in the history of the Great Ming Empire, and there might be people who were keen on taking a gamble.
Therefore, high-ranking officials were most concerned about Ning King's situation.
In only a month, the dispatch orders were completed, and with the Emperor leading the crusade himself, he rallied troops from all over and led hundreds of thousands of soldiers straight towards Yangzhou.
Despite Wang Boan's plain clothing, it simply could not conceal his elegance and tranquility.
Had one not known him, no one would have thought that this middle-aged scholar, who led a hundred thousand troops to defeat a million-strong army and rescued countless people from imminent danger, would be the greatest contributor in quelling the Ning King's rebellion.
He stood in the distance, possessing an air of grandeur and calmness. His words were like a spring breeze blowing against your face, making one feel intuitively appreciative.
Pei Xuanjing greeted him with a fist and palm salute, "I have long admired Master Boan, and it'S a great pleasure to finally meet you in person today. I've had nothing but respect for your profound knowledge and remarkable accomplishments."
Pei Xuanjing's reference to him simply as 'Master' and not his official title was due to his respect for Wang Boan's scholarship and deeds.
Moreover, Gu Ji had once sought a copy of the 'Records of Divine Continent' from Wang Boan, so Pei
Xuanjing felt indirectly indebted to him.
For both personal and moral reasons, he couldn't just ignore him.
"Actually, you shouldn't have killed him just now! " Wang Boan said to Pei Xuanjing.
The person he was referring to was Ning King Zhu Chenhao.
Pei Xuanjing laughed and asked, "Doesn't he deserve to die?"
For his own personal desires, he instigated a huge rebellion, causing countless families to be thrown into disarray, lose their loved ones, and become refugees. Doesn't such a crime warrant death?
Seeing Pei Xuanjing's smile, Wang Boan couldn't deny this fact, so he said, "Yes, he deserved to die!
However, he shouldn't have died at your hands. You should understand why."
Even though Zhu Chenhao deserved to die for his crimes, as far as the Great Ming imperial court was concerned, he should definitely not have been killed by Pei Xuanjing.
It was because Pei Xuanjing had a different identity – he was wanted by the imperial court as one of the Remnants of Shenxiao. His action wouldn't earn the imperial court's gratitude, but would instead be perceived as a form of humiliation.
Pei Xuanjing nodded and said, "I understand, but what of it? Since I chose to get involved, I have no regret."
He didn't care what the Great Ming imperial court would think of this or whether they would be grateful, annoyed or any other reaction. For Pei Xuanjing, it didn't matter at all.
Wang Boan sighed lightly and gave Pei Xuanjing a look of regret, "What a pity, a person of your caliber is now on the opposite side of the imperial court."
Although Wang Boan had never met Pei Xuanjing before, he knew of him by reputation as well.
Through his exchanges with Gu Ji, he had also learned a lot about Pei Xuanjing. He knew the claim about the Remnants of Shenxiao was simply a ploy to shift blame, and Pei Xuanjing was just an undeserving scapegoat.
"There is nothing to regret," Pei Xuanjing responded, shaking his head.
He entered the Martial Academy to observe the unique skills preserved there and to refine his Taoyun skills. He had no other intentions.
Having experienced a past life, Pei Xuanjing was able to disregard the existing dynasty in this world. Although he could choose to be superficially friendly for temporary gain, he found it hard to accept permanently bowing and kowtowing to the emperor, especially when he had acquired great power.
Thus, he found it hard to understand those first-grade martial artists who, despite having great strength, chose to serve as tools and humbly submit.
Wang Boan remained silent in understanding; the two couldn't possibly be the same kind of people.
Pei Xuanjing laughed and said, "I almost forgot to congratulate you, Master, for the great merits you have achieved this time. You have been able to express your ambitions in full."
Wang Boan shook his head and said, "Taking it upon myself to gather troops and suppress the rebellion, I have already violated many taboos. Instead of being rewarded, I would be lucky if merits could balance out the faults."
Wang Boan knew very well that even though he had taken matters into his own hands, rallied troops from various Guard Command Departments, and quelled Ning King's rebellion this time, he had still
violated many taboos..
To crush hundreds of thousands of soldiers with a mere one hundred thousand men is a substantial achievement in any era, bound to turn heads and inspire awe.
But such an achievement, in any era, is also likely to breed envy among many people.
Because such an outstanding talent, after demonstrating their brilliance, will inadvertently eclipse the accomplishments of their contemporaries.
Wang Bo'an, already oppressed by his superiors, is fully aware that this time he will make the same person, who has always suppressed him, even more jealous.
Even though he had accomplished great things this time, he feared that the results might not necessarily be positive.
But before he assembled his troops, Wang Boan had already prepared himself for this consequence.
If he failed to quell the rebellion, the outcome was clear – defeat in battle means death.
If he succeeded, he would still be committing a taboo by recruiting soldiers unauthorized.
But, even knowing that quelling the rebellion would not produce a good outcome regardless of success or failure, he still chose to proceed.
Simply because he was Wang B0'an, a man with unyielding resolve.
Looking at Pei Xuanjing's intrigued expression, Wang Bo'an had no intention of explaining. He waved his hand dismissively: "Now that everything is settled here, you can go."
He seemingly had no intention of detaining Pei Xuanjing, a fugitive wanted by the imperial court and last of the Shenxiao Sect.
Even though Pei Xuanjing had learned from the life simulation that Wang Boan would not turn on him, he still curiously asked, "Do you not want to capture me, a fugitive wanted by the imperial court and leftover of Shenxiao Sect?"
Wang Bot an chuckled: "Taoist Qingxu personally sent a message to me, why should I disregard his face?"
Hearing Wang Boan's words, Pei Xuanjing finally understood why Wang Bo'an would not attack him in the life simulation it was because of Taoist Qingxu.
He had not expected Taoist Qingxu, whose circle of friends ranged far and wide, to have such a relationship with Wang Bo'an and to be able to persuade him.
No matter how capable he was of dealing with Wang Bo'an, he would definitely remember the favor Taoist Qingxu had done for him.
"I see," said Pei Xuanjing, clasping his fists, but he did not leave. Instead, he began poking around Ning King's body, hoping to find something useful.
He wanted to see if he could obtain something from these people. After all, now that he had the idea of rebuilding the Shenxiao Sect in mind, he had to start gathering resources for himself.
Looking at Pei Xuanjing's actions, Wang B0'an couldn't help but laugh quietly, but he didn't say anything further.
After taking a few things from Zhu Chenhao and Yue Huan, Pei Xuanjing stood up, saluted, and then turned towards the direction where he had just killed those people. There were still some things waiting for him there.
Watching Pei Xuanjing's departing figure, Wang Bo'an's usually calm eyes flashed with worry: I don't know whether letting you go today will bring regret in the future.
In fact, he had arrived when Pei Xuanjing was killing Yue Huan and all the conversation between Zhu Chenhao and Pei Xuanjing had fallen into his ears.
Aside from Zhu Chenhao's pleas for mercy, his last remarks, combined with Wang Bo'an's prior conversation with Pei Xuanjing, made him somewhat agree with Zhu Chenhao's assertion that Pei Xuanjing might one day become a disruptor of the world.
"Hehe, perhaps I'm worrying too much! "Wang Boan muttered to himself.
Considering his current situation, with potentially significant trouble ahead, he didn't have the energy to worry about these things.
Moreover, even if there were a possible concern, could he really have kept Pei Xuanjing behind?
Not necessarily.
After returning to the camp, Wang Bo•an commanded his men to quell the commotion among the people and round up the scattered soldiers.
He then documented his actions in detail and sent an emergency report to Tiandu.
As the emperor of the Great Ming Empire, he always maintains his emotions.
But this time, facing Ning King's rebellion, the emperor couldn't suppress his rage. He could never have imagined that a member of the royal family would betray him, especially Zhu Chenhao, who had always kowtowed to him.
The emperor is determined to personally lead an army to crush the rebel forces, to demonstrate his power and to prove that he is not inferior to the two founding emperors in terms of military prowess.
However,
Unexpectedly, when the army was halfway there, they suddenly received Wang Bo'an's victory report from Nan Gan.
Ning King Zhu Chenhao, a serious threat in the eyes of the court, and a rival in the emperor's eyes, had been defeated, and he himself was dead.
Unlike the ordinary soldiers who rejoiced when they received the victory report, virtually every high ranking official present had a change in their expression, devoid of any joy from the victory, when they heard the report.
Even Wang Qiong, who has always stood by Wang Bo'an and promoted him repeatedly, had a change in expression when he saw the victory report.
"Good, good, good, this Wang Bol an is indeed talented." The emperor laughed heartily and said to Wang Qiong, "I had originally heard that Wang Bo•an was a great scholar of Confucianism and had achieved some success in dealing with the bandit problem in Nan Gan, which made me realize his leadership skills. But I never thought his leadership abilities would be so impressive."
"Your Majesty over-praises him, Wang B0'an just got lucky, and all credit to Your Majesty's blessing, otherwise how could he have achieved this?" Wang Qiong, an experienced official, quickly replied.
Yang Tinghe, the Prime Minister, also chuckled and said, "He is no less than the Marquis of Tiao during the Former Han dynasty, and the Marquis of Champion during the Later Han dynasty." When he said this, he was obviously harboring ill intentions.
The Marquis of Tiao he referred to was Zhou Yafu, and the Marquis of Champion was Dou Xian.
Although both were illustrious men of war, they also tended to be arrogant and overbearing, and due to their high merits, they overshadowed their masters, which didn't end well for them.
Therefore, upon hearing these words, Wang Qiong sternly said to Yang Tinghe, "Prime Minister, please be careful with your words. Wang Bo•an is not like those two."
After finishing his words, Wang Qiong looked at the emperor, who was noncommittal, showing no joy, but rather some concern for Wang Bo'an.
He thought to himself: "Wang Bo'an, you've really given me a tough problem to solve."
As the Minister of War, Wang Qiong has been in office for decades and has promoted and guided countless people, but in his heart, Wang B0'an was the best among them.
It should have been a cause for pride to have someone he had supported distinguish themselves with their achievements.
However, this time, the man who could match the prime minister in the cabinet was causing him trouble.
Wang Bo'an was simply too competent.
In the face of Ning King's rebellion, it was not a problem to gather troops to combat bandits, and even to use troops wouldn't be a big issue.
The problem was that he did his job too well, defeating Ning King's army of five hundred thousand with less than one hundred thousand, causing the enemy to retreat in a big defeat. This was a problem.
For the entire Great Ming dynasty, every official was expected to handle the situation carefully. Even the emperor had to personally lead the charge and treat Ning King'S rebellion as a major issue, but Wang Bo'an resolved it so easily.
As a subject, it wasn't wrong to achieve merit.
But your achievements were so outstanding they could overshadow the glory of the emperor, that's a problem.
Did it mean that all these officials combined were still lesser than you, Wang Boan?
Then, where should the emperor and all the court officials place their faces?