Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 627: The Convergence of the Four Idols Cult and the Demon Suppression Bureau

Chapter 627: The Convergence of the Four Idols Cult and the Demon Suppression Bureau

Ten thousand li of mountains and rivers lay before their eyes...

Yes. With Xia Longyuan dead, everyone now faced a choice.

Turn away, return to the jianghu, and watch as the Xia dynasty's authority dissolves; leave the nation to fracture and await a new ruler to unify it.

OR take on the burden of restoring order yourself.

Would they walk away? If not, they would have to clean up this mess personally.

Not a single region acknowledged the Xia dynasty anymore. Even the capital had forsaken it. Whether Zhao Changhe or Xia Chichi wished to claim the throne, they would face a near-impossible task: there were no loyal ministers left to summon, no officials who would care.

Those who once believed Zhao Changhe to be the crown prince? In the face of a universal rebellion, with even the imperial capital in defiance, what crown prince was there to recognize?

Xia Chichi? Who would acknowledge her legitimacy?

They had awakened from a commoner’s dream, only to face a shattered empire stretching before them—a vast territory that would only be theirs if they rebuilt it from the ground up.

There was practically no political legacy left. In fact, trying to restore order under the banner of the Xia dynasty was more difficult than starting anew. The only thing Xia Longyuan left behind was a mess of negative sentiment and disillusionment.

Figures like Li Shentong, aware of their lack of governance skills and devoid of personal ambition, might have joined a cause led by a reputable rebellion. But if it was the Xia dynasty seeking to conscript them? His Wind and Lightning Palm might just greet their faces. The name of the regime alone awoke nothing but disdain within him.

Ironically, Zhao Changhe had become the Xia dynasty’s legacy. If Li Shentong chose not to strike him down, it was because he was Zhao Changhe. In the south, the Cui Clan, the Cao Gang, those of Jingxiang, and those of Miaojiang shared a similar sentiment. They would never recognize a crown prince of Xia. If they held their noses and acknowledged anyone, it was because it was Zhao Changhe.

Without realizing it, Zhao Changhe had become a unifying political force. The influence he commanded now stretched across half the realm.

This was earned through actions, not titles. But goodwill alone would not make the task easy. Rallying support required more than mere recognition. There was an endless amount of work to do.

The most ridiculous part was that the capital had no real military strength. What remained were bloated bureaucrats and useless soldiers. If a loyalist army marched on the capital now, they might simply drive out whoever remained.

Zhao Changhe and Vermillion Bird Xia Chichi exchanged glances, both turning these issues over in their minds. Finally, Zhao Changhe sighed. “Venerable, shall we cooperate?”

Vermillion Bird tilted her chin, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “We support you as the emperor, and we become the state religion, is that it? Even with you as our Fire Pig of Shi, we need clear terms. For instance, once you ascend the throne, the empress must—”

“Whoa, whoa, hold your horses.” Zhao Changhe interrupted, waving his hand. “I want to support Chichi as empress.”

“You... what?”

Xia Chichi glanced at Zhao Changhe, smiled faintly, and said nothing.

Zhao Changhe asked, “What’s your own opinion? If you don’t want to do it, we’ll reconsider.”

Xia Chichi smiled and replied, “If you’re not taking it, then naturally, it falls to me. Am I supposed to retreat from the world and face the invaders from the north alone while letting others fight over the empire? When did I become such a saintess?”

“Erm...”

Xia Chichi looked deeply at Xia Longyuan’s lifeless body, her voice low, almost a murmur, “Besides, I want to do it. He entrusted you with his legacy, left his final words to you like he was some dying Zhaolie passing his vision to the Marquis of Wu[1]. Who does he think he is? He’s no Zhaolie, and I’m no A’dou. I won’t just take the reins—I’ll settle his debts with the world. I’ll ensure that one day, when I see him again, I can ask: How did the daughter you couldn’t even bear to face fare? Maybe the only worthwhile thing you ever did was give life to that daughter.”

Zhao Changhe nodded. “Since you’ve decided, I’ll stand by you.”

Vermillion Bird asked, “It would be easier for you to take the throne yourself. Why refuse? Because Xia Longyuan entrusted it to you?”

Zhao Changhe replied, “Old Xia owes a lot to others, but he owes me nothing. In public affairs, I disagreed with him, but in private, his request is one I’m honor-bound to fulfill. That’s reason enough.”

Vermillion Bird fell silent.

Turning down the throne for the sake of duty... No wonder you and that obstinate Tang woman are a match made in heaven.

Wait, so why did I end up liking you?

Zhao Changhe continued, his voice low, “More importantly... I’m not suited to be an emperor. I need to be free to fight across the land and handle the looming threat of the gods and demons. If I took the throne, I’d become another Xia Longyuan. As someone once said, if one seeks the pinnacle of martial arts, why shackle oneself to the throne? For a blind woman, her insight is damn sharp.”

The blind woman: “...”

Vermillion Bird did not argue the point. She simply said, “If that’s your decision, then we’ll back Chichi. But think this through carefully, her bloodline and the so-called dynastic legitimacy are more a curse than a blessing. If that’s the case, our Four Idols Cult might as well claim the throne outright and establish our own rule.”

“That works for me,” Zhao Changhe replied. “You establish your claim; I’ll help you conquer the land.”

Vermillion Bird’s eyes widened behind her mask.

Zhao Changhe tilted his head slightly. Even with the mask, that look was far too similar to Huangfu Qing’s surprised, playful expression. Keep it cool, he told himself. If you keep this up, I might just pull off that mask...

Clearing his thoughts, he spoke seriously, “The capital doesn’t have any real military power left. The last elite force has already marched to Puyang under Huangfu Shaozong. What’s left consists of a few factions. First, the private militias of the aristocratic families. But this isn’t like the countryside, where the landlords have organized armies—they’re just thugs, easy enough for you and me to crush.”

“Second, there’s the Demon Suppression Bureau under Wanzhuang’s command. They’re the real deal—true elite soldiers. And most of them still follow her...”

Vermillion Bird maintained a blank expression. “Hmm, Wanzhuang.”

Zhao Changhe tilted his head. “The third is what Venerable... Qing’er bragged to me about...”

He deliberately blurred the pause between Venerable and Qing’er, and the emphasis on the word "bragged" added a strange twist to the meaning.

Vermillion Bird wanted to remind him to speak more clearly—at least pay attention to his phrasing—but before she could, Zhao Changhe continued, “The Four Idols Cult has an extensive network. There are many infiltrators among the officials of the imperial court, and a large number of followers hidden among the populace. With a single order, they can become a formidable army. I figure Qing’er’s already organized everything and is just waiting for Old Xia to kick the bucket before taking control of the imperial city. Now that the Tome of Troubled Times has reported his death, I bet they’re already in action.”

A sly smile curled at the corner of Vermillion Bird’s lips. “You’re not as dumb as you look.”

Of course, she had everything meticulously prepared. As long as Tang Wanzhuang did not interfere, they could seize control of the capital effortlessly. There was no need to emulate Dong Zhuo; even a Li Jue or Guo Si level of intimidation would do the trick[2].

The key difference from the late Han dynasty was that the Han’s legitimate authority still held sway—any reckless move would destroy their moral standing. But in the current state of the Xia, legitimacy was meaningless. Whoever had the strength to dominate would rule.

Just then, orderly footsteps echoed from above. A report came in, “Venerable, the four gates of the capital and all palace entrances are under our control. The court officials have been escorted to the palace gates by our brothers. Uh... not all were forced; quite a few were already our people.”

It was as if Dong Zhuo had truly come and handled the takeover of the capital.

The Four Idols Cult, after years of hiding in the shadows, finally bared its fangs in full force.

The trio quickly ascended from beneath the Imperial Ancestral Temple and made their way to the palace gates. There, a dense assembly of officials stood in silence, eyes reflecting a kaleidoscope of emotions as they watched the approaching trio.

Many of those in the know still thought of Zhao Changhe as the hidden crown prince and were waiting for him to claim the throne officially. If it was him, they had mentally prepared themselves to accept it. But there was a serious problem: the entire realm had risen in rebellion, and Xia Longyuan had lost even the last shred of imperial authority. If the hidden crown prince ascended, would he exact retribution for their betrayal?

Moreover, most of these people were tied to powerful families, or were retainers and proteges of the great clans—essentially the same people who had turned against Xia Longyuan.

Xia Longyuan’s legacy was nothing but a liability. Even if they acknowledged Zhao Changhe as the heir, few truly wanted him to rule.

Perhaps it was better to forge a new era through sheer force. The Four Idols Cult already had its officials, soldiers, and leadership structure. All that remained was a brutal purge to cement their authority.

Standing before the assembled officials, an old man finally spoke. “I am Lu Jianzhang, serving as the chief minister of the state. The crown prince has met my nephew, Shouyi, once before...”

It sounded like he was trying to establish rapport, but beneath the surface lay biting sarcasm. A crown prince about to claim the throne did not even recognize his own chief minister?

Zhao Changhe smiled. “Greetings, Chief Minister Lu.”

Lu Jianzhang’s gaze was cold. “If the crown prince wishes to inherit the throne, why must you consort with the demonic cult and coerce court officials?”

Zhao Changhe said calmly, “Who said anything about me being the crown prince or inheriting the throne? My surname is Zhao.”

The officials were stunned by these words.

Xia Chichi’s clear and cold voice followed, “The tyrant was unjust, and the world rose to strike him down. The Four Idols Cult bears the mandate of Heaven, summoning the Azure Dragon to the mortal realm and establishing a new order. Chief Minister Lu, with your family’s scholarly heritage, are you unaware that the emperor of the previous era was associated with the Azure Dragon?”

Lu Jianzhang froze. Indeed, the previous era’s human emperor was believed to be linked to the ancient Azure Dragon. The Four Idols Cult even mistakenly believed Xia Longyuan was that very sovereign.

Legitimacy, law, and historical continuity—these could all be debated by scholars. However, the Four Idols Cult had positioned their legitimacy as stemming from ancient times. Why would they need Xia Longyuan’s legacy?

Thoughts raced through the minds of many officials. This proposition offered a way out. Maybe it was not such a bad option... Was Lu Jianzhang really standing here as the voice of the officials? Or was he just waiting for the right moment to join this new power?

Many were not born into aristocratic families; they were retainers or commoners who had risen through the ranks. A new regime might offer them a chance to become part of the new nobility.

As they were weighing their options, the sound of disciplined footsteps echoed from the palace gates.

Xia Chichi turned to see Tang Wanzhuang striding forward, leading a contingent of elites from the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Their gazes locked and sparks flew between them.

The officials who had wanted to speak fell silent, sensing the tension. Tang Wanzhuang’s prestige among both the imperial court and the people was no joke. If she opposed the Four Idols Cult, any bloodshed would brand the cult as a demonic force, causing them to lose public support. The situation could easily descend into chaos worse than Dong Zhuo’s tyranny.

Before everyone’s eyes, Tang Wanzhuang stopped in front of Xia Chichi. After a long moment of silence, she inclined her upper body slightly and dropped to one knee. “Tang Wanzhuang, along with the Demon Suppression Bureau comrades, greets the crown prince.”

No one noticed that the direction toward which she was kneeling was slightly off. She was only bowing to Zhao Changhe.

To everyone else, it was a clear display of her endorsement of Xia Chichi ascending to the throne.

The crowd was in shock. Tang Wanzhuang’s reputation seemed shattered. The Tome of Troubled Times had revealed that the false edicts targeting her family came from a puppet, not the true emperor. And now she was siding with the Four Idols Cult? Was her famed integrity crumbling? Why were her comrades not protesting?

Wait... Did she just say crown prince? Which person was she referring to?

Xia Chichi’s lips twitched slightly in annoyance. She bent down to help Tang Wanzhuang up. “Though I am the orphan of Emperor Xia, I am no crown prince. This is a change of dynasty. Please refrain from using that term.”

The crowd erupted.

Zhao Changhe had just said “my surname is Zhao,” and now the person with the Xia surname stood here.

She bears the true bloodline of the Xia dynasty!

Suddenly, everything clicked. Whether they supported revolution or traditional legitimacy, they now saw both ideals embodied in one person. And the best part? This crown prince was a rebel herself—there would be no purges!

Tang Wanzhuang spoke solemnly, “I have been shown great kindness and wish to assist in fulfilling the will of my benefactor. This is my personal duty. And as a citizen of this land, my loyalty is to the people, not any particular dynasty. May Your Majesty take the lessons of the past to heart and rule with the people’s welfare in mind.”

The key phrase was the first part. It sounded like she was honoring the previous emperor’s kindness, but why not say it directly?

Vermillion Bird silently watched, her eyes narrowing beneath her mask. You sly woman. If you’re just backing your man, say so. What's with all the pretentious wording?

But seeing the astonished expressions of the gathered officials, Vermillion Bird had to admit that Tang Wanzhuang’s support was far more powerful than the Four Idols Cult’s coercion. Her endorsement was worth an army of a hundred thousand.

This was the power of righteous cause and public sentiment. Who said such things were useless?

1. This is in reference to when Liu Bei (??), also known as Zhaolie (??), the founding emperor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, passed on his vision and entrusted his kingdom to Zhuge Liang (???), known posthumously as the Marquis of Wu (??). ?

2. These are references to a warlord and his subordinates who made use of certain means to gain control of people, with the measures that Dong Zhuo took being more extreme. ?