In June, a shocking thunder, torrential rain.
This time of year used to be clear skies, with the weather even being very hot.
Yet this year, the weather has defied norms.
Fortunately, Yellow Dragon has led many from the Dragon Clan to settle in some important rivers of the Capital Region Road.
Though the river god system has begun, it hasn’t received Kaihuang’s official endorsement. However, these dragons control the water so the sudden downpour won’t brew into a flood disaster.
But the dragons in the rivers don’t know that they might never receive the Human Emperor’s endorsement.
With Kaihuang’s passing, the world mourned in white.
Crown Prince Yang Quan ascended the throne, and since the Great Sui was aligned with the virtue of fire, he was named Red Emperor.
Red signifies the color of fire, symbolizing prosperity.
And naturally, a batch of new officials came to the court due to the Red Emperor’s ascension.
The most significant change was the adjustment to the Town Martial Office and the Town Demon Office.
Back then, everyone knew that after Kaihuang established the Great Sui, to suppress the various martial path forces within its realm and some Demon Clan, the Town Martial Office and Town Demon Office were established.
But now, as the Great Sui works with the Demon Clan of the All Things Path, and the Mountain God system, river god system, and Twelve Zodiacs system are being pushed forward, the existence of the Town Demon Office is less critical.
Thus, the Town Demon Office was merged into the Town Martial Office.
The Town Martial Office’s Chief, Li Moxian, was said to have suffered severe injuries earlier, and so had to retire to the countryside prematurely.
Accompanying Li Moxian’s departure was Third Miss Gan, who had been promoted to Officer.
Zhang San naturally knew that Li Moxian wasn’t injured, but seeing the situation now, he understood that Li Moxian was trusted by Kaihuang, which naturally the Red Emperor could not tolerate.
It’s estimated that Li Moxian also had his plans, so he casually found an excuse and left the court.
However, with Li Moxian, who could suppress all martial path forces in the realm, retiring, the Town Martial Office now needs a new leader to take charge.
Then, Zhang San was promoted to Deputy Chief of Town Martial Office.
Since the Town Martial Office has no Chief now, Zhang San as Deputy Chief is essentially indistinguishable from the Chief.
The Red Emperor finished his first morning court session, and the officials withdrew.
The Red Emperor waved at Zhang San to keep him behind.
Later, the two strolled and chatted leisurely in the Imperial Palace.
"Thank you, Your Majesty Red Emperor, for appointing me as the Deputy Chief of the Town Martial Office. I will certainly devote myself wholeheartedly."
After all, Yang Quan is now the Red Emperor, not King Jin of the past, so Zhang San naturally has to be mindful of his words.
The Red Emperor laughed heartily, patting Zhang San’s shoulder.
"Zhang San, you were my ally then, and now you’re still my right-hand man. I know your abilities best. I choose you because I believe in your strength and capability."
"The reason you’re only Deputy Chief now is mainly because your Realm hasn’t reached the Purple Mansion Realm yet. If you were Chief now, there might be internal opposition within the Town Martial Office. But I believe, with your strength, you will soon confirm the Purple Mansion Realm!" fr eewe(b)nove.l.co\m
Zhang San immediately bowed gratefully.
"Thank you, Red Emperor, for your trust."
Kaihuang reached out, holding Zhang San’s hands, and said with a smile, "No need to be so reserved in front of me. Besides being ruler and subject, we are also friends, aren’t we?"
Zhang San knew, these words from the Red Emperor were just platitudes.
So, if he took it seriously, he’d be quite foolish indeed.
At this moment, the Red Emperor also understood why Zhang San was being so respectful in front of him.
"Zhang San, regarding past matters, I was indeed somewhat hasty. So, it led to some rumors spreading that I am a heinous villain who killed my father and the sovereign. What do you think?"
Zhang San knew, the Red Emperor was likely getting to the main topic he wanted to discuss today.
"The deeds of your servant are naturally known best by your servant."
The Red Emperor smiled and nodded; this was precisely the reaction he wanted from Zhang San.
"So, my three brothers will naturally not give up easily. Given such a good excuse, even if it’s false, they will surely utilize it. Although I am reluctant to turn against my kin, they are now restless, leaving me no choice!"
Zhang San understood, the Red Emperor wanted his three brothers dead, but didn’t want to do it himself.
Just like how he treated Kaihuang before.
"Such matters should still be entrusted to your servant."
Yang Quan smiled, patting Zhang San’s shoulder with trust on his face, saying, "Rest assured, as long as you serve me well, I certainly won’t treat you unfairly."
"Rest assured, Red Emperor. If you want me as an enforcer, I shall be the fiercest enforcer! If you want me as a confidant, I shall be the most competent confidant. It all depends on your needs."
Though Zhang San’s words seem to have a flavor of sycophancy.
But Red Emperor Yang Quan discerned immediately that Zhang San was giving him a choice.
Whether to make him a weapon or a human.
A confidant cannot be a tool, because a tool can merely do tasks, but may not always do them well.
A confidant, no matter how humble, must be human, as only humans can understand warmth and cold, possess refined thoughts, and thoughtfully help solve issues, yet they also hold nearly all of one’s secrets.
The Red Emperor looked at Zhang San, paused briefly, then suddenly smiled and said, "I want you as my confidant!"
Zhang San immediately took two steps back, then clasped his fists and bowed to the Red Emperor deeply.
"With the Red Emperor making me a confidant, I naturally will be the most reassuring, and best at resolving troubles for the Red Emperor. But as a confidant, naturally I will also make requests."
Upon hearing this, the Red Emperor laughed.
The least fearsome thing is the subordinate making requests.
Only when there are requests can they be fulfilled.
If there are no requests, then one is either a sage or plotting something greater.
"Speak! Whatever you ask, I shall grant."
Zhang San clasped his fists, with an earnest face, saying, "I have great ambition, wishing to create a flourishing dynasty where the people are well-clothed and fed, the laws traverse unobstructed, the nation’s strength unprecedentedly strong, and the Six Paths under imperial control. This world’s Six Paths, also those under your hand, Red Emperor!"
"It’s a grand vision, seemingly an impossible task. But I think, only by achieving what’s deemed impossible by all living beings can our life here not be in vain! What I seek is not mere enduring fame, but eternal legacy! So, I hope the Red Emperor continues to support my plan for dominion over the Six Paths! For this world, and for yourself, Red Emperor."
Yang Quan knew, some chase after profit, others after fame.
Zhang San isn’t a saint free from desires, never letting go of gain when he sees it, now even wanting a title of eternal legacy.
Yet it aligns well, as the Emperor also seeks fame.
"Good! I shall promise you! Because I, too, aim to be a wise ruler surpassing the father Emperor! To dominate the realm, only Great Sui!"