I Become a Martial Arts God in the Chaotic Demon World-Chapter 446: Emperor Yuanlong Ji Taichang

Emperor Ji Taichang of the Great Zhou, among the many generations of emperors in the Great Zhou, was neither considered a reviver of the dynasty nor a foolish anomaly.

In summary, he can only be described with two words: mediocre.

During Ji Taichang's reign of over sixty years, the Great Zhou saw neither significant reforms nor much deterioration; everything remained stagnant.

Although there was the turmoil of the Smell Fragrance Sect, with rebellions emerging one after another, the Great Zhou had been like this for hundreds of years, not necessarily Ji Taichang's fault.

Moreover, this emperor did not cause much trouble, was moderate regarding women, and although he liked to build towers and gardens in the Imperial Palace, it was not excessive.

Thus, Ji Taichang's presence as an emperor has always been somewhat weak, as if he was merely a symbol.

The only impressive thing about Ji Taichang was his long life span; even at over eighty years old, he appeared as though he was just fifty or sixty, very healthy.

However, Han Zheng felt that Ji Taichang was not so simple.

The previous emperor died at forty-something, and with the Crown Prince's unstable foundation, the princes fiercely fought for the throne, involving many distinguished and noble families in a bloody struggle.

In the end, it was Ji Taichang, a prince not prominently advantaged, who emerged victorious and ascended the imperial throne. How could he be a simple person?

At this moment, after the numerous civil and military officials rose, they reported various national and military affairs, all of which lacked substance.

The Great Zhou's governmental structure was bloated, and grassroots governance was corrupt; no matter how well affairs were spoken of in the court, they were a mess in the localities.

Qi Zhangwu, sitting nearby, yawned, finding it all very boring, as did Han Zheng.

After everyone had reported, Ji Taichang finally turned his gaze to Qi Zhangwu.

"Grand Commander, it's rare for you to attend court today. Is there any important matter you need to report?"

Ji Taichang's lips curled into a slight smile, showing a markedly different attitude towards Qi Zhangwu compared to other civil and military officials.

The Demon Cleansing Bureau is the foundation of the Great Zhou; anyone may betray the Great Zhou, but the Demon Cleansing Bureau will never betray it.

Moreover, the Demon Cleansing Bureau only obeys the orders of the emperor; whoever sits on the imperial throne, the bureau remains loyal to them.

Now that Ji Taichang is on the throne, he naturally places absolute trust in Qi Zhangwu.

"The case regarding the arsenal a few days ago has seen some progress. The missing weapons and armor were found at Fuyun Mountain outside the Capital City.

Jing'an Guard's Grand Steward, Han Zheng, under my command, investigated and finally traced it to Duke Dingyuan's Mansion.

Duke Dingyuan Xu Gaoyuan took his own life, shouldering all the blame before his death.

But I believe there is a mastermind behind it, and whether to continue the investigation should be determined by Your Majesty."

Saying this, Qi Zhangwu handed over a memorial containing detailed findings from Han Zheng's investigation.

Ji Taichang, expressionless, had a eunuch take the memorial and began to read it slowly.

The entire hall was silent, and the civil and military officials exchanged glances, silently thinking that a major operation might be underway.

Those who could enter this hall were all senior officials of the Great Zhou, all extremely astute individuals.

With those weapons and armor found so close to the Capital City at Fuyun Mountain, it was obvious what the mastermind intended.

At this moment, Ji Taichang suddenly threw the memorial to the ground in anger and shouted: "I'm not dead yet! What exactly do you want to do!? Are you so eager to pull me off the Dragon Chair?

It seems I've been too lenient with you all, making you think I'm tolerant?"

The numerous civil and military officials present all bowed their heads, knowing exactly who Ji Taichang was rebuking.

With a cold snort, Ji Taichang turned his gaze to Qi Zhangwu: "Grand Commander, I entrust this matter entirely to your Demon Cleansing Bureau to investigate. Whether civil or military officials or royal nobles, or even officials from various regions, everyone must cooperate!"

"As you command, Your Majesty."

Qi Zhangwu replied with a smiling face, having been waiting for Ji Taichang's words.

This case would inevitably involve some members of the imperial family, and it would be challenging to handle without the emperor's directive.

Ji Taichang then turned his gaze to Han Zheng, his expression somewhat warmer.

"Is this the young man who solved the arsenal case? I recall there being no such person among the Thirteen Guards before; is he a young talent newly unearthed by the Grand Commander?"

Qi Zhangwu nodded: "Han Zheng was recently transferred from the Southern Mountain; though young, he is efficient and decisive in his work, capable of shouldering great responsibilities."

The positions within the Demon Cleansing Bureau were not determined solely by Qi Zhangwu.

Only the Thirteen Guards and Patrol Envoys were within Qi Zhangwu's purview for appointments.

The Garrison Commander and Commander levels required the emperor's approval.

Thus, Qi Zhangwu brought Han Zheng to the court to familiarize him with the emperor, showcasing his merits for future promotions.

"Indeed, whether in the Demon Cleansing Bureau or the court, such enterprising young talents are needed.

The Grand Commander has just appointed you as the Grand Steward of the Jing'an Guard, so I will not promote your position further.

Instead, I will grant you a month's cultivation in the Martial Saint Temple."

Han Zheng immediately bowed: "I thank Your Majesty for the grace!"

Han Zheng did not know what the Martial Saint Temple was, but any reward publicly announced by Ji Taichang was surely significant.

"Dismissed."

Ji Taichang waved his hand and turned to leave directly.

His expression towards those ministers remained somewhat unpleasant.

For he knew, among these civil and military ministers present, many wished for his death sooner rather than later.

At over eighty years old, no matter how long he lived, under the Dragon Vein Qi Fortune, he could not surpass the mortal limit.

Thus, many had secretly placed their bets on other princes, waiting for his death to ascend the throne.

Ji Taichang alive was blocking many people's paths.

Han Zheng followed Qi Zhangwu out of the court, asking: "Grand Commander, what kind of place is the Martial Saint Temple?"

Qi Zhangwu, walking, replied: "The Martial Saint Temple, as its name suggests, is a shrine dedicated to Martial Saint Yu Jiu.

However, that place was adapted from the former residence of Yu Jiu, retaining many of his Martial Arts insights and imprints.

Regarding this place, it is obviously not as externally beneficial as the Heavenly Artillery Armory, for the Martial Saint Temple does not directly enhance cultivation.

But if you can comprehend even a sliver of it, it would benefit you for a lifetime.

Whether you gain anything depends entirely on your own comprehension ability.

A month is ample time; those with enlightenment will gain naturally, and those without will find staying even a year useless.

His Majesty's reward is quite generous."

"Grand Commander, should I first go into the Martial Saint Temple for cultivation, or continue investigating this case?"

Qi Zhangwu squinted: "This case has been fully investigated within the Capital. The ones smuggling weapons were Duke Dingyuan and his son, both close associates of the mastermind.

With their deaths, this lead is completely severed; further investigation is futile. Any breakthrough must come from external sources.

The power behind this is certainly substantial, daring not only to smuggle weapons but also to harbor members of the Blood Demon Sect; this is utter recklessness!

Take this time to cultivate in the Martial Saint Temple; I'll instruct the Demon Cleansing Bureau to keep an eye on the Blood Demon Sect and gather clues from there."

Initially, the Blood Demon Sect was heavily damaged by the great Taoist sect Heavenly Gate, then entirely eradicated by the Demon Cleansing Bureau.

The fact that someone dared to harbor remnants of the Blood Demon Sect is clearly a challenge to the Demon Cleansing Bureau.

Just for this reason, the Demon Cleansing Bureau must investigate this thoroughly.

For the time being, Han Zheng had no assignment and went directly to the Martial Saint Temple for cultivation.

The Martial Saint Temple is located within the Imperial Palace; back when the Great Zhou's Grand Ancestor deeply trusted Yu Jiu, even wanting to reside nearby for peace of mind.

Future emperors of the Great Zhou held Yu Jiu in great respect, even visiting the Martial Saint Temple to pay respects during ancestral rites.