Published: March 4, 2025
CHAPTER NINETY-NINE: Butian Pavilion in Action
Chu Yang stood quietly by the lake, silently familiarizing himself with the increased strength in his body, as if waiting for something...
By morning, this vast construction site had transformed into a noisy ocean. After Tie Butian reprimanded those two officials last night, the six major aristocratic families dared not come to reclaim the land and properties, but that did not stop them from demanding an explanation. After all, their household servants and warriors had suffered casualties, and the stewards of several teams had all been detained...
This had stirred up a huge uproar within the noble circles of Iron Cloud City.
Those who came to demand an explanation, those who came to watch the excitement, and even some officials from the capital city responsible for mediation were bustling about, creating quite the scene.
However, this chaotic situation lasted less than a quarter of an hour. From all directions, the rumbling sounds of hooves echoed as units of iron cavalry surged forth. The leading knight shouted sternly: "The Emperor has decreed: The military has requisitioned Emerald Lake for military use. Any obstruction will be regarded as treason! Your entire family will be executed, and the nine generations will be implicated!"
Several squads of cavalry galloped back and forth, shouting this "imperial edict" a dozen times. Then, they dismounted, placing two soldiers in each direction, while the remaining cavalry let out a shrill whistle and vanished into the rolling dust.
Throughout this process, they did not cast a single glance at the crowd gathered on the shore who wanted to cause trouble. Yet, the deterrent power of this edict was evident.
Members of the prominent families exchanged glances and fled in disarray.
Chu Yang had remained in the pavilion, eyes closed in feigned slumber, without making a sound. Only after the cavalry left did he slightly open his eyes, a hint of a satisfied smile flickering in his gaze.
Tie Butian's actions were indeed quite satisfactory.
It also indicated the immense importance placed on Chu Yang.
"Then I shall assist you in stabilizing the interior!" Chu Yang smiled lightly and stood up.
By the time Chu Yang arrived at Butian Pavilion, it was already noon. Cheng Ziang and the others were busily working, analyzing various intelligence gathered from the clues they had unearthed the previous day, all operating in a tense manner.
From the morning until now, three teams had already been dispatched to carry out tasks. Upon seeing Chu Yang arrive, everyone in the pavilion stood in respect.
"Inform the three teams that have gone out to meticulously record any signs or disturbances along the way. The entire process of their actions must be recorded without omissions," Chu Yang instructed. "Additionally, those recruited at the Hall of Distinguished Scholars must be confirmed as soon as possible."
Chu Yang rolled his eyes: "For the experts admitted to the Hall of Distinguished Scholars, each approved must sign their name. Understood?"
Cheng Ziang and Chen Yutong both felt a chill in their hearts: "The Emperor means... that there might be insiders within the Hall of Distinguished Scholars?"
"I did not say that. It’s best to be cautious; if something goes wrong, we can follow the clues we might have overlooked before," Chu Yang smiled. "Also, the training hall needs to add some auxiliary equipment. All those not on missions at home should go train."
Cheng Ziang and Chen Yutong exchanged glances: Wasn't this managing Butian Pavilion like a military organization? Would that work?
"Furthermore, as per the crown prince's order, anyone who comes to apply at the Hall of Distinguished Scholars, if their cultivation level is above that of a warrior, will receive a hundred taels of silver upon being accepted. Those who contribute during actions will receive gold and silver rewards, along with official positions and titles based on merit; the highest can reach... court ministers, regional officials, or even lords and dukes!"