King of Creation Chapter 2262 - 2247: Ji Guan’s Counterattack
Previously on King of Creation...
Prince Huan Ji Ao!
When Ye Zhen saw Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong and advisor Fang Su on either side of the Eldest Prince, Prince Huan Ji Ao, clad in bright yellow Dragon Form Golden Armor, striding forward, he also gave a wry smile.
At this moment, Ye Zhen finally understood why Liuu Feng had just smiled wryly!
Because this Eldest Prince, Prince Huan Ji Ao, is truly the last person Ye Zhen wishes to see.
Originally, the upgrade of Blood River Fortress to Blood River Military City, with the stationed Marshal becoming Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong, already added a top superior for Ye Zhen, making him quite passive.
Now, with the addition of Prince Huan Ji Ao!
That is akin to having a Supreme Emperor overhead; it’s not just Ye Zhen, but even Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong who would likely feel uncomfortable.
Compared to Prince Huan Ji Ao, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan, who was grinning obsequiously beside Prince Huan Ji Ao, wasn’t much of a concern.
In Ye Zhen’s eyes, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan was not really a problem, at most an annoying bug.
However, seeing him now so intimately together with Prince Huan Ji Ao, he couldn’t help but draw Ye Zhen’s attention.
"Marshal of Heavenly Wave Army of North Sea Ye Zhen, pays respects to His Highness Prince Huan and greets Marshal Huaa Yong!" Ye Zhen meticulously adhered to the etiquette befitting his status as Duke of North Sea County.
Prince Huan Ji Ao smiled faintly, quickly taking a few steps forward, repeatedly saying not to stand on ceremony, presenting a friendly demeanor.
But as for Ye Zhen himself, an inexplicable chill was felt.
The resentment between Ye Zhen and Prince Huan Ji Ao is not a trivial matter.
Having experienced multiple struggles for the throne, Ye Zhen was well aware that in the matter of a prince vying for the throne, once a prince’s favor is rejected, it essentially becomes an irreconcilable enmity.
And previously, Ye Zhen not only declined the Eldest Prince Ji Ao’s recruitment but also offended the Eldest Prince Ji Ao.
Now, the Eldest Prince Ji Ao has been dispatched to Blood River Military City, along with Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan, and the confidant of Grand Governor Ji Yuan, Huaa Yong; the days for Ye Zhen are bound to be quite tough.
"Hahaha, Marshal Huaa, Marshal Ye, Marshal Heu, since you insist on this arrangement and I happen to be here, I will reluctantly take the command seat.
However, my visit here this time is specifically appointed by my father to learn and observe military affairs. I will merely observe and not interfere with your discussions on military deployments, so please proceed with your deliberations without minding my presence." After entering the Commander Hall, Prince Huan Ji Ao laughed heartily and sat below the command seat.
Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong, no matter how bold or lacking awareness, wouldn’t dare let Prince Huan Ji Ao, a prominent contender for the position of Crown Prince, occupy a lesser seat; thus, after repeated requests, he invited the Prince to the command seat.
Only after taking the command seat did Prince Huan Ji Ao then express these remarks!
No matter how Prince Huan Ji Ao said it, neither Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong nor Marshal of the First Army Heu Qi, or Ye Zhen really believed Prince Huan Ji Ao’s words—such faith would indeed be foolish!
Although the current struggle for the throne among the three princes in the Great Zhou Dynasty is still proceeding in secret, in recent years, the actions of Eldest Prince Ji Ao, Fourth Prince Ji Yuany, and Seventh Prince Ji Hee have become increasingly tighter in vying for the throne.
They have all increased the recruitment of personnel, and with such an opportunity, it would be strange not to get involved.
Then, Ye Zhen also gained clarity about Prince Huan Ji Ao’s background.
The situation at Blood River Military City is extremely complex and crucial.
A single Blood River Military City is intertwined with various forces; not to mention the Demon Clan, there’s the military faction, forces belonging to Grand Governor Ji Yuan, the Ancestor God Temple, and the Heavenly Temple.
Even with Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long placing Ye Zhen as a stake here, he still feels uneasy.
Thus, he sent his son, Prince Huan Ji Ao, under the guise of inspecting military affairs.
No specific duties were assigned.
However, given Prince Huan Ji Ao’s status and the imperial decree to inspect military affairs, he may intervene in anything.
Regarding this, Ye Zhen could only remain silent.
Of course, Ye Zhen also knew that compared to his subordinate, Ren Venerate Emperor definitely trusts his own son more, hence he sent Prince Huan Ji Ao.
This is fundamental trust stemming from bloodline and relations, far more reliable than an external minister like Ye Zhen.
Yet, Ye Zhen vaguely felt a sense of foreboding.
The arrival of Prince Huan Ji Ao might bring trouble.
But, as the saying goes, one cannot separate kin.
Such thoughts could only stay within Ye Zhen’s mind; reporting or revealing such notions would be akin to courting disaster, enormous disaster!
As Ye Zhen had expected, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan was appointed Military Judge of Blood River Military City, and after Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong finished speaking, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan as Military Judge slowly began to speak.
"All Marshals, you are aware of the current importance of Blood River Military City, and the complexity of personnel within.
There are troops from multiple war zones, militia and civilian workers from the rear dock castle, death slaves, Demon Clan captives, numerous priests from the Ancestor God Temple, and upcoming forces from the Heavenly Temple, as well as personnel from the Heavenly Patrol Department.
It is a gathering of various forces.
However, according to military orders from the Grand Governor’s Mansion, starting immediately, Blood River Military City will be strictly regulated as a sealed bastion; even if a single foreign fly enters, we must be aware of it, and no information should leak out whatsoever.
From this moment forward, in addition to existing military orders, I have specifically added eighteen military orders to strictly regulate Blood River Military City.
Violators will be dealt with according to military law; those deserving execution will be executed, those requiring soul search will undergo soul search, without the slightest mercy!"
After speaking, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan gave Ye Zhen a chilling smile, first handing a Jade Scroll to the Eldest Prince, "Your Highness Prince Huan, these are the eighteen newly added military law regulations aimed at strictly managing Blood River Military City to ensure no information leaks out, I request your review."
"Hehe, Brother Guann seems to have put substantial effort into this matter, come, let me take a look."
Prince Huan Ji Ao took the Jade Scroll, reviewed it page by page, his expression unchanged, then handed it to Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong, "Indeed, Brother Guann has certainly expended effort in this matter. These newly added military law regulations largely ensure that no information leaks from Blood River Military City, achieving strict control!"
Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong likewise reviewed these newly added military law regulations, expressionlessly finishing, and uttered seven words, "Indeed, I think it’s feasible!"
Ye Zhen’s expression slightly changed. Among the decision-makers present, there were four people: Prince Huan Ji Ao, Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong, Marshal of the First Army of the Northern War Zone Heu Qi, plus Ye Zhen.
Currently, two people have already agreed to the addition of this new military regulation, and they are the most influential ones.
Basically, the passing of this new military regulation is already a certainty.
Even if Ye Zhen and Heu Qi disagree, it wouldn’t change anything.
This is why Ye Zhen strongly dislikes Prince Huan Ji Ao’s presence.
Originally, having the Fire Swallow Army Marshal above him, Ye Zhen and Heu Qi could work together to influence strategies or even overshadow Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong from some perspectives, which was still possible.
But with the arrival of Prince Huan Ji Ao, that chance has completely vanished.
Next, it was Marshal Heu Qi of the First Army of the Northern Corps who took over the Jade Scroll to carefully examine these eighteen newly added military regulations.
After only a few glances, Heu Qi’s thick eyebrows knitted together, furrowing several times.
Apparently, these newly added military regulations left Heu Qi very dissatisfied.
But ultimately, Heu Qi endured it without speaking, silently passing the Jade Scroll to Ye Zhen.
The first military regulation that caught Ye Zhen’s eye made him want to slam the table and rise.
From this day forward, any military and non-military actions of the armies, as long as they leave their territories, must be reported to the Blood River Military City Military Advisory Department for filing and approval.
Otherwise, it will be considered unauthorized action with malicious intent, and if discovered, execution will be immediate!
The saying goes that speed is essential in military affairs.
In military strategy, whenever unexpected situations occur, the most important thing is speed, rapid reaction!
However, once this first military regulation is implemented, even a speedy response would be delayed.
Reporting to the Blood River Military City Military Advisory Department, obtaining approval, and then acting could delay a minimum of 15 minutes, maximum one or two hours or even longer.
Moreover, non-military actions also require reporting.
In other words, this almost isolates the operational area of the entire army, including its commanders, within their jurisdiction.
Extremely passive!
Extremely inconvenient!
And this means that the Military Advisory Department and the Military Judges will have control over all actions of the armies; if these systems harbor traitors or are infiltrated, the consequences are simply unimaginable!
The entire Blood River Military City would have no military secrets whatsoever!
Just like Heu Qi, the further Ye Zhen read, the tighter his brows knit!
From a certain perspective, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan indeed has some skills.
These newly added eighteen military regulations almost block any possibility and direction of leakage or infiltration.
However, Blood River Military City is a military war zone!
Opposite, there looms the ever-increasing army of the Demon Emperor’s Second Crown Prince Zhui Ri.
These military regulations will slow down and rigidify the entire operation of Blood River Military City, which is extremely unfavorable for warfare.
Ye Zhen dares to assert that once these military regulations are issued, they will definitely cause delays in seizing combat opportunities!
From the bottom of his heart, Ye Zhen opposes these newly added military regulations.
However, with Prince Huan Ji Ao and Fire Swallow Army Marshal Huaa Yong already agreeing and passing the implementation of these new military regulations, what use is there in Ye Zhen opposing them?
Opening his mouth now would only invite humiliation!
"Since His Highness Prince Huan and Marshal Huaa have agreed, even if I oppose, it won’t have any effect; I can only comply!" Ye Zhen said.
Once these words were spoken, Prince Huan Ji Ao’s pinky finger slightly trembled, and a flicker of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
Ye Zhen’s performance during this period has been too prominent, especially his other outstanding military capabilities and the backing power behind him, which made Prince Huan Ji Ao highly expectant.
Therefore, coming here this time, Prince Huan Ji Ao had actually made up his mind.
As long as Ye Zhen was willing to relent, he could still forgive past grievances and absorb Ye Zhen.
For the throne, the loss of face previously was insignificant.
But the moment Ye Zhen spoke, he essentially stood in opposition to him.
Prince Huan Ji Ao understood that any possibility of recruiting Ye Zhen was now nonexistent.
"Since you cannot be an ally, then you will have to be an enemy!" Prince Huan Ji Ao took a deep breath, having made up his mind.
Upon hearing this, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan stood up tall, rested his table, and declared, "Since no one has objections, these eighteen military orders will be implemented immediately!"
After speaking, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan’s gaze shifted, landing steadily on Ye Zhen, steadfastly staring at Ye Zhen and saying, "The affairs within Blood River Military City are crucial.
And the officers under each Grand Marshal can be considered valiant and fierce.
To strengthen the power of the Military Law Camp and ensure the thorough execution of these eighteen newly added military regulations.
His Highness Prince Huan has agreed to dispatch a hundred trusted aides from Prince Huan’s Mansion to integrate into the Blood River Military City Military Law Camp, strengthening military discipline!"
After speaking, Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan raised his head high, coldly staring at Ye Zhen, implying, Ye Zhen, if you have the capability, try to threaten me again.
Facing Marquis Kaiyuan Ji Guan’s gaze, Ye Zhen slowly stood up, tightly pressing his lips, uttering the words ’very good,’ and then turned and left without speaking further!