All Things Are Contracts

“General, you truly speak shocking words,” Zhanyue sighed. “The current ruler on the throne isn’t doing well enough, so everyone thinks he should be replaced, and Prince Yu seems suitable. But I know a story about a man named Wang Mang, who was like a sage before ascending the throne, but completely changed after becoming emperor. He caused more harm to the people than his predecessor, leading to a change of dynasty.”

Yue Feipeng nodded, “Prince Yu is too perfect, so perfect it seems unreal. That’s why I’ve never dared to trust him too much. Do you know why throughout history, the eldest legitimate son inherits the throne instead of choosing the most capable?”

Zhanyue shook his head. Even in his previous life, the eldest legitimate son always inherited, even if he was an imbecile. Emperor Hui of Jin, Sima Zhong, was the best example.

Yue Feipeng explained, “The foundation of order is stability, and the foundation of stability is clear rules. Without rules, nothing can be achieved. The eldest legitimate son is an objective fact; capability is not. Who defines capability? Who can truly judge if a person is capable? Throughout history, those who rebelled always claimed to be purging evil ministers, then deposed the ruler for being incompetent. In the end, whoever had the strongest army decided who was capable. The eldest legitimate son as the legitimate heir avoids many claims of righteousness. Many rules that you know aren’t entirely correct or good exist simply because there’s no better alternative. An incompetent emperor can be overthrown with righteous banners, and all will rejoice because the emperor is truly incompetent. But once it’s established that only the capable can be rulers, the realm will fall into chaos. Because someone can be capable today and incapable tomorrow. After all, no one can avoid mistakes or foolishness forever. How long must one be capable to qualify? To what degree? How many incompetent acts warrant replacing an emperor? Who decides?”

Zhanyue frowned at Yue Feipeng’s words. Indeed, if he only focused on the current problem, there was a clear answer: the emperor is incompetent, everyone thinks he’s incapable, so replace him with someone better. But when everyone accepts this system, the real trouble begins. Can capability be objectively and fairly quantified? Can the common people truly receive accurate information? In ancient times, there was the practice of recommending filial and incorrupt individuals, which led to a series of performances of filial piety. So the seemingly unreliable system of eldest son inheritance is actually the one that can achieve true stability.

“These words were told to me by the late emperor,” Yue Feipeng continued. “He showed me great kindness. Before the crown prince ascended the throne, he made me swear to assist him in securing his reign. Because the late emperor knew that only with my support, as Great Fortune’s war god, could the realm truly be stable. Of course, he could have chosen to eliminate me, but with Blue Hill rising, he didn’t want to destroy his own great wall.”

People always said General Yue was loyal, even when the current emperor was incompetent and unkind. Zhanyue had previously thought this was foolish loyalty, but now he saw it wasn’t so simple.

“General, I have another question,” Zhanyue said. “Are there any supernatural powers in this world? Like forces far beyond ordinary martial artists?”

“You’ve heard too much about fox spirits and fox gods today, so now you’re curious about this?” Yue Feipeng smiled, then continued, “There have always been legends of spirits and gods, but I’ve never seen them, so I don’t believe in the Fox God religion. I’ve destroyed countless temples and recovered mountains of wealth from their followers, all scammed from the common people. But besides legends of spirits or gods, there are powers beyond martial arts in this world.”

“Legend has it that long, long ago, there were concepts of immortal cultivation here, with many terrestrial immortals. But later, something happened, and everything changed. The immortals vanished from the mortal world, leaving only legends, and later, even most of these legends were lost. But not all traces disappeared from this world. There are still spirit fruits and magical treasures.”

“Spirit fruits? Magical treasures?” Zhanyue was shocked.

“That’s right. The reason I didn’t die from that severe poison before was because I had eaten a spirit fruit called the Qilin Fruit. Actually, that Qilin Fruit was given to me by Prince Yu, so he saved my life in a way,” Yue Feipeng said nostalgically. Years ago, he was hit by a poisoned arrow that wouldn’t heal. When Prince Yu heard about it, he sent a Qilin Fruit. After eating it, not only did his injury heal, but his constitution far exceeded what it was before. This time, he could withstand the so-called fox spirit poison for so long also because of the Qilin Fruit.

Zhanyue nodded. Earlier, Feng Xueqing had said she could sense a mysterious power protecting Yue Feipeng’s heart meridian. Now it seemed that was the Qilin Fruit.

“Besides spirit fruits, there are the rarer magical treasures. I only know of one, in the hands of Ma Qiangang, the leader of the Dragon Tiger Guard. He’s His Majesty’s uncle and most trusted general, so the Thunder-Controlling Divine Whip ended up in his hands. Without the magical treasure, he’s far from my match, but with it, I’m certainly no match for him,” Yue Feipeng said.

“Thunder-Controlling Divine Whip!” Zhanyue’s eyes flickered. This world really did have treasures. He wondered if these treasures could be taken out of this world as rewards. But he didn’t get his hopes up too much. Compared to the treasures in the Myriad Spirits Realm, even the most powerful treasures in this world would be limited.

“I know your abilities are extraordinary, but you still need to be careful, especially when fighting the Blue Hill army later. They might have magical treasures as trump cards, after all, they’re also a thousand-year-old empire,” Yue Feipeng warned.

Zhanyue nodded. He was always cautious and wouldn’t make such mistakes. But the general’s words today made Zhanyue even more confused. What exactly was that hidden task? What was the Heavenly Book’s trial trying to convey to him? He still had no idea.

The two talked pleasantly. Three days passed in a flash, and the army set out for the front lines. A great battle was imminent. The vast army traversed the Northern Frontier, moving towards the border with Blue Hill. Great Fortune’s advantage was their well-equipped infantry, while Blue Hill’s was their cavalry. Their mission now was to occupy the high ground and advantageous terrain to prevent the enemy cavalry from gaining an advantage.

“General Yue, our speed can’t match their cavalry, right? Even if we rush at full speed, we might not be able to occupy Guanshang Ridge before them,” Zhanyue asked.

“No matter, I’ve made arrangements,” Yue Feipeng smiled.

Deputy General Li beside him said, “The general arranged for secret troops to guard Guanshang Ridge long ago, and even put some special feed in the grasslands below. The horses of Blue Hill’s vanguard cavalry are probably all having diarrhea by now. We believe they can hold out until we arrive.”

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