Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 675 - 675 0433 Unwelcome Visitors_2

Chapter 675: Chapter 0433: Unwelcome Visitors_2 Chapter 675: Chapter 0433: Unwelcome Visitors_2 Qi Tian didn’t expect Zhou Qingyu to speak so decisively, which saved him a lot of effort. More unexpected for Qi Tian was that due to Zhou Qingyu’s stance, the border soldiers in the crowd started to respond one after another. Under their leadership and instigation, the majority of the people on the scene also shouted the slogan “We support Prince Zhao as the crown prince”.

Furthermore, Zhou Qingyu suggested drafting a petition of ten thousand signatures, which would be sent as a letter to Emperor Tian Rui, pleading for him to depose the current crown prince and install Prince Zhao in his place.

Qi Tian had no interest in such a petition. He knew better than these ordinary people that the only way to force Emperor Tian Rui’s hand was to hold power that even the Emperor Tian Rui would fear. In that case, if Qi Tian wanted to do something, not only would Emperor Tian Rui be unable to stop him, in order to preserve himself, he would even have to cooperate and would not dare to say “no”. This fact had been fully demonstrated through the cases of the Bei Rong Emperor and the Bei Rong Crown Prince.

However, Qi Tian didn’t stop the people from organizing these meaningless activities. This was “public sentiment”, and it could be used to sway public opinion in his favor. It was definitely a good thing to steal a march and draw it over to his side first.

Soon, people brought large pieces of white cloth, as well as writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, and people started signing their names on the white cloth. Those who couldn’t write simply stamped their handprints.

Seeing them busy and enthusiastic, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Qi Tian’s mouth. He beckoned to Zhou Qingyu again, asking him to come to his side.

“Master, do you have any instructions?” Zhou Qingyu nodded and bowed, his attitude exceedingly respectful.

Qi Tian said: “You did well, I always reward achievements and punish mistakes. Here are some talismans that you can activate without using True Essence. Make sure to always carry at least one with you. It could save your life in a crucial moment.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingyu was overjoyed, he carefully took the talismans from Qi Tian’s hand and carefully put them away.

Qi Tian continued: “Today, I have noted your endorsement of Prince Zhao, and I will let the prince pay special attention to you in return.”

Zhou Qingyu was again overjoyed. “Thank you, Master, I will definitely help Prince Zhao maintain the order in Yanming Pass, and whenever Prince Zhao needs it, the thousand households under my command will follow any orders from Prince Zhao”.

Qi Tian nodded in satisfaction and said, “You are very sensible, and this pleases me. I have decided to give you an additional reward. can you read?”

Zhou Qingyu nodded and replied, “I can read some characters, but I certainly can’t write essays. I can only read military orders and official newspapers, nothing else.”

Qi Tian said, “Of course I’m not asking you to write an essay, but to read a Self-Admonishment Edict. Here, while everyone is busy writing the ten thousand signature petition, you go stand to one side, and read the Self-Admonishment Edict signed and sealed by the Bei Rong Emperor aloud to everyone.”

Publicly reading the Bei Rong Emperor’s Self-Admonishment Edict to the common people was definitely an opportunity to attract attention and greatly increase his prestige. For a straightforward military man like him, only with a lot of prestige could he have the chance to enter a higher command and get promoted to become wealthy. This indeed could be considered Qi Tian’s reward to him.

Zhou Qingyu took the Self-Admonishment Edict from Qi Tian’s hand with trembling hands and then walked towards the crowd. “Everyone, please quiet down. I am about to read the Self-Admonishment Edict of the Bei Rong Emperor. Quiet down, if you miss any part of the edict, don’t blame me later.”

Upon hearing that Zhou Qingyu was about to publicly read the Bei Rong Emperor’s Self-Admonishment Edict, all eyes in the scene focused on Zhou Qingyu.

Zhou Qingyu unrolled the Self-Admonishment Edict and began to read slowly. With every word Zhou Qingyu read, the listening crowd erupted into cheers. Especially when Zhou Qingyu read that Bei Rong Emperor made humble apologies in the Self-Admonishment Edict, a massive cheer rose from the crowd after every few words he read.

Amid these cheers, Zhou Qingyu was stealing the limelight, even overshadowing Qi Tian slightly.

The clamor continued outside the small courtyard where Qi Tian was staying for a long time until late into the night when the celebrating citizens reluctantly dispersed.

Just as Qi Tian was about to rest, a soldier rode over on horseback. Having dismounted, the soldier addressed Zhou Qingyu who was then bidding Qi Tian farewell, “General, a few men appeared at the city gates, one claiming to be the Prefecture Magistrate and another, the County Master. They said they came to visit an immortal master named Qi Tian.”

“You scoundrel, how dare you casually mention the Master’s name?” Zhou Qingyu kicked the soldier, who buckled at the knees and knelt down before them.

Qi Tian waved his hand, “It’s alright, let him rise.”

The soldier clambered to his feet, promptly bowing his head. He dared not speak or gaze around indiscreetly.

Qi Tian told the soldier, “Could you please return to the city gate, open it, and allow these two who claim to be the Prefecture Magistrate and the County Master to come meet me?”

The soldier did not expect such an order from Qi Tian. Although Qi Tian was known to be capable, he didn’t seem invincible to the point of disregarding the combined powers of the Prefecture Magistrate and the County Master.

Zhou Qingyu saw his subordinate looking dumbfounded, grew impatient, and kicked him in the rear, “What are you standing around for? Hurry up and leave.”

The soldier finally snapped out of his stupor and left to deliver the orders. Worried for potential complications, Zhou Qingyu rushed after the soldier towards the edge of the jurisdiction after excusing himself from Qi Tian.

Qi Tian then went back to his courtyard, took a seat, and quietly awaited the arrival of the Prefecture Magistrate and County Master.

Shortly thereafter, the Prefecture Magistrate and the County Master appeared before Qi Tian. They saw him sitting there the entire time without standing up to welcome them, which greatly displeased them.

Coping with his resentment, the Prefecture Magistrate could bear it, but the County Master started to disrespect him, “Such a young man, yet so arrogant. Qi Tian, are all people from the Imperial Master Mansion as rude as you are?”

Qi Tian glanced at the County Master. He was sure he had never met this County Master of Baoding Prefecture before. The man seemed to be in his early forties and his cultivation had reached the Half-step Golden Core stage. He was indeed a formidable character.

Qi Tian retorted, “Are you from the Guardian National Master Manor or the National Master Manor? Whichever it is, wouldn’t it be only etiquette to notify before paying a midnight visit? Your action sounds more like an uncouth guest’s to me.”

The County Master was taken aback. He did not expect such a rebuttal from Qi Tian, which made him feel humiliated. Just as he was about to retort, Gao Jinmei, standing next to Qi Tian, suddenly took action. Without even moving a step, Gao Jinmei waved her palm at him. His body was thrown in the air with a shriek, even though she never made actual contact. He flew backwards and violently crashed outside the courtyard.

“Jin Jin, go check on him. Make sure if he’s dead. If not, teach him how to behave. How audacious of him to be disrespectful to our master, he must have a death wish.” Gao Jinmei ordered.

Jin Jin glanced at Qi Tian. Seeing no objection from him, she hurriedly flew out of the courtyard to address the County Master.

Watching this scene, the Prefecture Magistrate broke out in a cold sweat. Led by Qi Tian, this group of people was utterly reckless. The esteemed County Master was dealt with just like that. From their tone, it seemed they might even kill the County Master if he failed to satisfy them.