Chapter 99: The Sky Mending Pavilion in Action

Chu Yang stood quietly by the lake, silently familiarizing himself with the increased strength in his body, as if waiting for something...

By dawn, this massive construction site had turned into a bustling sea of noise. After Iron Buxian scolded the two officials last night, the six major noble families did not dare to reclaim the land and property, but they still wanted an explanation. After all, their family servants and warriors were either dead or injured, and several leading stewards were detained...

This caused a huge uproar in the noble circles of Iron Cloud City.

Those who came to demand an explanation, those who came to watch the commotion, and some officials from the capital responsible for mediation, all came in a flurry, enjoying themselves.

But this chaotic situation lasted for less than half an hour. From all directions, the rumbling sound of hooves could be heard, and squadrons of iron cavalry emerged from all sides. The leading knight roared fiercely: "By the Emperor's decree: the military department requisitions the Flowing Emerald Lake for military use. Any obstruction will be considered treason! The entire family will be executed, and the clan will be exterminated!"

The cavalry rode around a few times, shouting this "imperial decree" dozens of times. Then, they dismounted, placing two soldiers in each direction. The remaining cavalry let out a whistle and rode away in a cloud of dust.

Throughout the process, they did not even glance at the people gathered on the shore who wanted to cause trouble. But the deterrent power of this imperial decree was evident.

The people from the major families looked at each other, and then slunk away.

Chu Yang had been in the pavilion the whole time, eyes closed, pretending to sleep, without making a sound. It wasn't until the cavalry left that he slightly opened his eyes, a satisfied smile flashing in them.

Iron Buxian's actions were quite satisfactory.

It also showed the utmost importance placed on Chu Yang.

"I will help you stabilize the external and internal affairs!" Chu Yang smiled slightly and stood up.

When Chu Yang arrived at the Sky Mending Pavilion, it was already noon. Cheng Ziang and the others were busy, following up on the clues they had gathered the previous day, processing various intelligence, and operating intensively.

From morning until now, three teams had already been dispatched to carry out missions. When the people inside the pavilion saw Chu Yang arrive, they all showed great respect.

"Tell the three teams that have already been dispatched to record every detail of any disturbances along the way. The entire process of the mission must be recorded without missing a single detail," Chu Yang instructed. "Also, the talents recruited by the Sky Mending Pavilion must be confirmed as soon as possible."

Chu Yang's eyes flickered. "For the experts recruited by the Sky Mending Pavilion, the person who approves them must sign their name. Understand?"

Cheng Ziang and Chen Yutong were both startled: "Your Excellency means... there are insiders in the Sky Mending Pavilion?"

"I didn't say that. But it's better to be cautious; if anything happens, we can trace the线索 back to some clues we haven't noticed before," Chu Yang smiled. "Also, the training hall should be equipped with more auxiliary equipment. All those who are at home and not on missions should go to train."

Cheng Ziang and Chen Yutong both rolled their eyes: Is he managing the Sky Mending Pavilion like an army? Is this okay?

"Also, the Crown Prince has ordered that anyone who comes to the Sky Mending Pavilion to apply for a position, if their cultivation is above that of a warrior, will receive 100 silver taels upon acceptance. Those who perform well in missions will receive gold and silver rewards, and will be granted official positions and titles based on their achievements; the highest can reach... high-ranking officials, provincial governors, and even dukes and princes!"

"Ah? High-ranking officials? Provincial governors... dukes and princes?!" Cheng Ziang and Chen Yutong immediately widened their eyes: "Your Excellency, this... isn't this too...?"

Chu Yang said calmly, "Without substantial rewards and prospects, who would risk their life? Do you really think those coming to the Sky Mending Pavilion are all patriots? Patriots need to eat too! They need to provide for their families and enjoy wealth and honor."

He smiled at the two of them, "Even you two are the same."

Cheng Ziang and Chen Yutong exchanged glances, both seeing the gleam in each other's eyes.

"Did the Crown Prince really say this?" Cheng Ziang still had some doubts. He felt that he was a Wu Zun cultivator, not a top expert in the Lower Three Days, but he could still dominate a region. Achieving success and establishing a career was not that difficult.

If Iron Buxian really made such a promise, then he would have to work harder and strive more!

"I can vouch for this," Chu Yang said seriously.

Cheng Ziang and Chen Yutong's eyes sparkled uncontrollably.

"Um, have someone send me all the official records of Iron Cloud. Start with Iron Cloud City. I want records of officials at the fifth rank and above; lower ranks are not interesting," Chu Yang left a message and turned to leave.

There was one thing he didn't say: lower ranks were not worth the effort, even for Wu Diqing.

As for the rewards Chu Yang mentioned... 100 silver taels were not significant, but the real attraction was... provincial governors, dukes, and princes... This was the most appealing, especially for those from the grassroots and the martial world. In an era where scholars were valued, even bandits and outlaws could only dream of such things.

Chu Yang could foresee the commotion this announcement would cause.

The news that Chu Yang wanted the official records was immediately reported to Iron Buxian. Iron Buxian hurried over as if his pants were on fire.

"Mr. Chu, you want to... reorganize the officials?" Iron Buxian asked hurriedly before even sitting down.

"Is that not possible?" Chu Yang asked.

Iron Buxian smiled bitterly. He always felt that his relationship with Chu Yang was somewhat strange. He had been practicing the imperial divine skill for years, never stopping, and his aura had become that of a ruler, making people feel intimidated.

But every time he was with Chu Yang, Chu Yang treated him as if he were just an ordinary person. Iron Buxian couldn't understand where Chu Yang's strong mentality came from; after all, according to the records, Chu Yang was just a teenager under seventeen!

"Iron Cloud has already cleaned up the court three times! To do it again now is too soon..." Iron Buxian said with a bitter smile. "Since Iron Cloud's power has weakened, many scholars have given up on serving in Iron Cloud, especially in the border regions, where many have moved their families to the Great Zhao and taken the imperial exams there..."

In Iron Buxian's mind, reorganizing the court was necessary, but he didn't expect Chu Yang to move so quickly.

"Would those people be of any use if they stayed in Iron Cloud?" Chu Yang sneered. "Like a phoenix, it must be reborn from the ashes; a nation can only truly become strong by rising from adversity. Smooth sailing will only lead to its downfall."

"I know that, of course," Iron Buxian said wearily. "But now, we don't have that many talents left."

"Better to have none than to have bad ones!" Chu Yang said coldly.

Iron Buxian lowered his head and thought for a moment, then looked up. "Then, I will give you a list of several hundred-year-old noble families. If you deal with people from these families... be lenient."

Iron Buxian smiled bitterly. "These families are deeply rooted in Iron Cloud. If they truly cause turmoil, it could shake the foundations of Iron Cloud. My second uncle avoided them during the two purges... you should be cautious too."

Chu Yang's eyes flickered. "Alright, but if I can't avoid it, I will use a gentler method."

Iron Buxian pretended not to understand. "That's the best. Whether in governance or other matters, being gentle is always better."

The two smiled at each other, finally reaching an agreement. Chu Yang's "gentler method"... Iron Buxian naturally understood what it meant. But he wouldn't reveal it; mutual understanding was wise, while revealing it would be foolish.