Fang Zhengzhi knew exactly what Lin Yun meant.
However, he did not answer Lin Yun immediately. Instead, he stared into the night sky and asked, "How is the Crown Prince and King Duan doing?"
"Third brother and Sixth brother are now imprisoned in the Heavenly Jail. There should be a verdict for their case soon. However, father has been in a bad mood recently…" Lin Yun stopped when he reached that part.
He also understood why Fang Zhengzhi did not answer his question directly. However, he still could not help but display a tinge of sadness when talking about the Crown Prince and King Duan.
The royal family had been plagued by the fight for the throne seat since ancient times. The relationship between siblings in the royal family was thus a lot more fragile than normal families.
However, they were still brothers.
For two of his brothers to enter the Heavenly Jail in one day was a depressing news. Furthermore, they were likely to receive the death sentence. Lin Yun was bound to feel some emotions from this.
Fang Zhengzhi lightly nodded his head upon hearing those words and did not probe further. As if the usurpation of the throne by the Crown Prince and the revolution led by King Duan was not bad enough, Ping Yang was also brought to Ling Yun Tower.
These three issues were way top heavy for the Great Xia Dynasty to handle at one go. Both Lin Mubai and Lin Yun must not be feeling good.
"Since Prince Xian is asking if I will continue to stay in northern Mountain Village, I believe that you have one more royal decree with you?" Fang Zhengzhi asked after a moment of silence. He then lifted his cup and sipped a mouthful of alcohol.
"Yes!" A sparkle of shock flashed through Lin Yun's eyes before he recollected himself. He said, "The Heavenly Dao Pavilion is holding an examination in a month and a half's time. Father had told me to give this token to you. You will have the right to enter in the examination with this."
"There should be another command from him apart from this token." Fang Zhengzhi said.
"Yes, father mentioned that if Prince Cang does not want this token and decides to give up on the Heavenly Dao Pavilion Examination, the court would not interfere in the way Prince Cang manages the Northern Land Five Constabularies within this half of the year. This includes the management of all officials and even finances!"
"Haha, is the Emperor allowing such blatant corruption to happen?" Fang Zhengzhi laughed upon hearing those words.
"I will be direct since there are no outsiders here. Prince Cang had saved countless lives and even the entire Great Xia. Father wants to repay Prince Cang with all his heart. After all, the heavenly grace and titles are merely temporary things. The only thing that really matters is the prosperity and development of the dynasty!" Lin Yun did not seem to refute Fang Zhengzhi's claim, replying nonchalantly.
Fang Zhengzhi fell silent.
He understood Lin Yun's words. Lin Mubai had left the management of the Northern Land Five Constabularies to him. This alone was enough to show his intentions.
Of course, his intentions were not that simple.
This time, the Northern Barbarian Empire sent a thirty thousand strong army to infiltrate the Great Xia Empire. These troops had made their way through the Northern Land Five Constabularies. Although this had a lot to do with Su Qing's betrayal and the Crown Prince's usurpation plans…
It was impossible to deny the lack of regulation within the Divine Constabulary.
Most importantly…
When the incident happened, Chi Hong was also in Flame Capital City.
Lin Mubai was not a gullible person. Chi Hong had made use of the excuse of escorting Fang Zhengzhi to sneak into Flame Capital City to help King Duan. This alone was clear enough.
Although Chi Hong did not seem to be directly involved in King Duan's betrayal, who could be sure that Chi Hong had no knowledge of this?
Handing the management of the officials in the Northern Lands Five Constabularies to Fang Zhengzhi was part of Lin Mubai's recognition and reward. However, it also meant that he wanted Fang Zhengzhi to weed out the corrupted officials and regulate the system.
The Great Xia Dynasty was affluent. The finances of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies was simply chump change.
There was an ancient saying that went, the entire world beneath the heavens belonged to the Emperor. Why then, would it matter where the finances go? He could shuffle it around as much as he'd like.
Betrothing the Thirteenth Princess.
As well as giving Fang Zhengzhi half a year to enjoy the riches of the Northern Lands while regulating and expanding its prowess.
If this went according to plan…
Fang Zhengzhi would die in half a year's time. Following which, the authority that Fang Zhengzhi wielded would fall into the hands of the Thirteenth Princess. His children would still be considered a descendant of the royal family, making them at the very least a Prince or Princess of the First Rank.
Furthermore, Yan Xiu was now Prince Yan, ruling over Western Liang.
Northern Lands and Western Liang would then be safe under the control of people he trusted.
A perfect trinity of grace, power-balance, and politics.
Lin Mubai had played a good hand this time around. No wonder he did not hesitate to betroth the Thirteenth Princess. If it was any other daughter of a noble family, Fang Zhengzhi might not even consider it.
If Fang Zhengzhi's predictions were right, Lin Mubai had already discussed the future plans of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies at length with the Thirteenth Princess, including the management of officials and deployment issues.
After all, everyone knew that Fang Zhengzhi would not put much effort into the management of the Northern Lands. It was only natural for the Thirteenth Princess to hold some of the power and initiative.
Naturally, these things had nothing much to do with Fang Zhengzhi to a great extent.
That was because Fang Zhengzhi merely had half a year left to live. From his perspective, he was merely marrying an elegant and beautiful lady, having countless exciting nights, and enjoying the power and wealth he wielded as Prince Cang. He would even have a great reputation and make his name known for generations to come after he died.
This was also what Fang Zhengzhi was aiming for all this time.
Why would he refuse such an offer?
"I will pass on the management of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies, I prefer my freedom," Fang Zhengzhi shook his head as he politely declined Lin Yun.
"You will still have freedom even when you are managing the Northern Lands Five Constabularies. The court will not interfere with how you manage it. In fact, if Prince Cang does not wish to be involved in the specific things, you can even…" Lin Yun stopped halfway before he sighed. Following which, he said, "I understand. Since Prince Cang has made up his mind, I will not say more. This is the token to enter the Heavenly Dao Pavilion Examination!"
Lin Yun took out an intricately crafted wooden token as he spoke. The two characters Heavenly Dao could be seen carved on one side of the token.
On the other side, there were countless intricate cloud patterns.
"I will pass on this token as well," Fang Zhengzhi took over the token and fondled it for a while before pushing it back to Lin Yun.
"You will pass?" Lin Yun exclaimed.
The reason why he did not continue persuading Fang Zhengzhi previously was due to the determination he saw in his eyes.
However…
Fang Zhengzhi was saying that he did not want the token!
This was something he could not understand. Why would he not want both the Northern Lands Five Constabularies management rights and the token?
"Yes, I do not want it," Fang Zhengzhi said as he nodded his head.
"Is Prince Cang not taking part in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion Examination? If so, why is Prince Cang not willing to accept the royal decree? In fact, this thing…" Lin Yun seemed to be reminded of something as he cast his glance onto Wu Yuer sitting at the side. He then fell silent.
"It has nothing to do with her," Fang Zhengzhi stared at Lin Yun's expression and knew exactly what he was thinking about.
Wu Yuer merely lifted her head slightly in arrogance and gave a slight sound of displeasure before falling silent again.
Lin Yun was even more confused at this scene.
He knew what Wu Yuer's identity was. That was exactly why he thought Fang Zhengzhi would have some reservations about Wu Yuer. He had even thought of making both Wu Yuer and the Thirteenth Princess Fang Zhengzhi's wife.
This was something preposterous for a royal family.
However, he had no choice but to make such a decision. Furthermore, he knew that Lin Mubai would not object to this suggestion.
However, Fang Zhengzhi mentioned that it had nothing to do with Wu Yuer.
Why was that so?
"If this has nothing to do with the Shadow Sect Leader, then I have no clue," Lin Yun said. He truly had no idea this time around.
"From Prince Xian perspective, what are the chances for me if I take part in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion Examination this time around?" Fang Zhengzhi asked casually.
"This… I do not know much regarding the Heavenly Dao Pavilion Examination. This is because I was never allowed to watch it. Only father, Third brother and Sixth brother had the authority to do such a thing in the past. Of course, from my perspective, although Prince Cang is merely a Supernatural State individual, you have at least a seventy percent chance of passing it!" Lin Yun said earnestly.
"I don't feel that way," Fang Zhengzhi replied.
"Is Prince Cang unconfident? Hasn't Prince Cang always…"
"The Heavenly Dao Pavilion Examination is different. They are extremely focused on the six virtues, six actions, and six arts. The question changes every single year as well. One could say that passing the Heavenly Dao Pavilion Examination requires insane luck and personal cultivation."
"I feel that with Prince Cang's personality, it would be…"
"That is also merely a part of the problem. I am not particularly worried about this. However, the Heavenly Dao Pavilion probably have gotten news about my lifespan. Does Prince Xian really believe that they would accept a person with less than half a year left to live?" Fang Zhengzhi interrupted Lin Yun as he said.
"This…"
"Furthermore, even if I am really taken in, do you think the heavenly Dao Pavilion will provide me with resources? In other words, would the Heavenly Dao Pavilion believe that in half a year, no, make that four months, I would only have four months left after passing the examination. Do you think that Heavenly Dao Pavilion would bet on my reaching the Saint State after four months?"
"This is…" Lin Yun fell silent.
He could understand what Fang Zhengzhi was saying. Although the Heavenly Dao Pavilion was known for its fairness and justice, treating all disciples equally regardless of their background…
How could complete fairness and justice exist in the world?
The Heavenly Dao Pavilion would not spend time and effort to accept a disciple that could die at any moment. Furthermore, as what Fang Zhengzhi said, even if he scored well int eh examination and forced his way into their ranks…
What should he do after that?
The best-case scenario was to be treated equally as other disciples, though most likely he would be treated as a trophy disciple until his death.
Fang Zhengzhi did not want either outcome.
"Then… how would Prince Cang do this? Are you planning to not take the examination?" Lin Yun finally asked after a few moments of silence.
"No, I will take part."
"Then why is Prince Cang so adamant on taking the examination?"
"This is a promise!"
"A promise? But, how are you going to take part without the token? Furthermore, Prince Cang had mentioned that the chances of you getting accepted are extremely slim."
"Under normal circumstances, that would be the case!"
"I do not understand… how is Prince Cang going to enter the examination?"
"This is still a question that I do not have an answer to," Fang Zhengzhi laid his hands out helplessly. Following which, he stared into the horizon and said, "Isn't there a saying that goes a person's fate is controlled by his own two feet? Only by taking one step at a time can I figure out the road underneath my feet!"
"A person's fate is controlled by his own two feet…" Lin Yun muttered this sentence repeatedly as his clouded and confused eyes slowly lit up. He then exclaimed, "I understand now! In that case, I think there is something Prince Cang should know."
"Please speak, Prince Xian."
"Is Prince Cang familiar with the Nangong family?"
"You mean Nangong Hao?"
"Yes, there is something Prince Cang might not know. Although the Nangong family resides within the Great Xia Dynasty boundaries, they are not bounded by the empire's rules and regulations!"
"Not bounded by rules and regulations?" Fang Zhengzhi squinted his eyes. He had no idea that this was possible, more specifically, this thought had never crossed his mind.
"Yes, the Nangong family had an extensive history that extends even further than the history of the Great Xia Dynasty. Furthermore, it is rumored that Nangong Hao had achieved a breakthrough a month ago. If Prince Cang is really going to Heavenly Dao Pavilion, it might be better for you to make friends with Nangong Hao rather than be his enemy."
"Friends? Nangong Hao and I don't seem to be on bad terms to begin with."
"That is merely on the surface. There has been a famous saying in the Great Xia that Prince Cang must have heard, The Double Dragon Roll Champion would shock the world, and bring peace to the world!
"Yes, of course."
"Does Prince Cang know the true meaning behind this heavenly prophecy?"
"The true meaning?"
"Yes!"
Fang Zhengzhi did not ask for an answer immediately. He merely tapped his hand lightly on the table. After some time, he said, "From what I know, this heavenly prophecy is only related to Chi Guyan, are you telling me it has something to do with Nangong Hao as well?"
"Yes!" Lin Yun nodded his head seriously as he replied.