Chapter 249: Rebirth

Silk, woven from silkworm threads, is naturally colorless and requires dyes for coloring. The "Blood-Colored Silk Case" became a defining event in later history and was also a widely circulated rumor throughout the Dazhen Dynasty at the time, symbolizing the corruption of the official hierarchy.

When the case concluded, thousands of officials, including even low-ranking clerks, were implicated. Those guilty of serious crimes were executed, and countless accomplices and corrupt servants faced severe punishment.

The underworld authorities across Wanzhou had made preparations in advance to receive the souls of the condemned, ensuring their malevolent energy would not affect the executioners or the investigating officials.

The gold, silver, and other valuables confiscated from private treasuries across Wanzhou were, for a time, impossible to count. Countless cold cases and wrongful convictions came to light, including not only widespread injustices suffered by common citizens but also numerous instances of honest officials being framed and persecuted.

Stationed in Lishun Prefecture, Yin Zhaoxian directed many officials from the inspection delegation who were already tasked with stabilizing government affairs. He personally oversaw every detail and outcome, from overturning wrongful convictions and compiling statistics to confiscating assets and apprehending those who had evaded arrest.

Although six out of ten officials in Wanzhou were dismissed, a stricter count would have revealed that eighty percent or more were complicit, as truly honest officials were rare in such an environment. Nevertheless, as long as they did not cross the specific bottom line set by Yin Zhaoxian, he showed leniency towards those with minor infractions, giving them a warning and a light punishment before releasing them. This pragmatic approach was necessitated by Wanzhou's severe shortage of officials.

The news sent shockwaves through the capital, astonishing all civil and military officials. It spread throughout the Dazhen Empire, leaving both common people and officials utterly astounded.

In Wanzhou, the few remaining upright officials celebrated vigorously; many who normally abstained from alcohol even got thoroughly drunk during the New Year. The common people of Wanzhou, initially apprehensive, became ecstatic.

The most uplifting New Year's gift received by thousands of households in Wanzhou was a piece of truly heartwarming news.

The official proclamation stated that in all prefectures and counties of Wanzhou, individuals whose land had been seized could repurchase it at the original forced sale price. Even those without immediate funds could use a slightly increased harvest tax over the next three years as collateral, choosing to cultivate either grain or mulberry. Furthermore, all entities within Wanzhou's silk industry were mandated to purchase mulberry leaves or silkworm cocoons from the populace at fair prices.

Yin Zhaoxian's most farsighted action was to eradicate corruption while preserving essential government functions and a small number of legitimate merchants. With careful protection, he avoided directly disrupting Wanzhou's vital silk industry supply chain. Instead, he adjusted profit distribution to be more equitable, ensuring that the common people could live peacefully. Although he had little formal study in economic theory, he instinctively understood this approach was the most suitable.

The sweeping reforms within Wanzhou's officialdom and the efforts to restore public welfare continued until the end of spring, at which point stability finally returned.

During this period, there were many moments of disarray due to insufficient manpower and a lack of experience in certain areas. However, as time progressed, all involved parties, under Yin Zhaoxian's leadership, grew increasingly proficient. They even accounted for seed reserves for the populace to replant their fields and ensured that silk production was not disrupted.

Students and young scions from several academies in Wanzhou were also conscripted by officials to assist, which barely helped stabilize the situation.

The Dazhen Dynasty operated on a quarterly tax collection system. Given the chaos at the beginning of the year, it was initially assumed that Wanzhou's economy and subsequent tax revenues would be severely impacted. However, the enormous amount of confiscated illicit funds, even after a large portion was remitted to the national treasury, proved sufficient to support the reconstruction of Wanzhou's economy.

While Wanzhou's economy indeed suffered a significant short-term blow, its tax revenue surprisingly surpassed that of the same period in previous years by over twenty percent. This unexpected surge was a direct result of the reduction in multiple layers of exploitation, revealing the true, normal amount of tax revenue.

Upon receiving the news in the capital, Emperor Yuande, who had been ailing from long-standing melancholy, was uncharacteristically overjoyed. The day after receiving Wanzhou's memorial, he rose from his sickbed to attend the morning court and, before the entire assembly of civil and military officials, lauded Yin Zhaoxian for his "talent to assist a king."

Following this campaign, Yin Zhaoxian's name once again echoed throughout scholarly circles, and his reputation became unparalleled across the land, earning him countless admirers.

Naturally, Yin Zhaoxian also had numerous sworn enemies. In fact, over the preceding months, he had narrowly escaped two assassination attempts.

In early summer of the Bingxu year, in the main hall of the Lishun Prefectural Yamen, Yin Zhaoxian and his subordinates stood with heads bowed and bodies respectfully inclined.

An elderly eunuch stood before the yamen gate, loudly proclaiming the imperial decree.

"By imperial decree, Yin Zhaoxian, Prefect of Lishun Prefecture, has faithfully served the Emperor and the nation, eradicated corruption, maintained integrity in office, achieved remarkable political successes, and effectively governed Wanzhou, ushering in harmony and prosperity. Therefore, Yin Zhaoxian is hereby specially appointed Governor of Wanzhou, concurrently holding the post of Prefect of Yunbo Prefecture. Let this be known!"

As the decree was read, Yin Zhaoxian felt a momentary daze, not fully comprehending the pronouncement until the imperial edict was complete.

"Lord Yin, Lord Yin, quickly accept the decree!"

Yin Zhaoxian then snapped to attention, leading his subordinates to accept the decree and express profound gratitude for the Emperor's favor.

"Yin Zhaoxian prostrates himself in gratitude for the Emperor's divine benevolence!"

While Yin Zhaoxian received his new appointment at the Lishun Prefectural Yamen, Ji Yuan sat in his small courtyard, engrossed in writing.

At that moment, a feeling came over Ji Yuan. He ceased his quiet meditation, and a white chess piece materialized on the tip of his left finger. Through it, he seemed to perceive his friend's shifting emotions and reflections.

"Righteousness surges, integrity shines clear."

Within the realm of his spiritual landscape, he distinctly felt wisps of profound yellow energy (Xuanhuang Qi) manifesting seemingly from nothing. While he had previously sensed increases in this energy, they were typically as fine as silk threads, and overall, Ji Yuan had felt he was more or less "living off his past gains."

This profound yellow energy, which had been repeatedly proven to be the qi of merit, first appeared when he obtained the "Imperial Command Tone" in Zhaojiazhuang. It is worth noting that, besides the Imperial Command Tone, Ji Yuan also caused his conceptual alchemy furnace to manifest the true essence of the Five Elements, giving rise to the Yin and Yang fires, and simultaneously nurturing the nascent Samadhi True Fire.

The Imperial Command Tone was Ji Yuan's most practical and versatile ability. Samadhi True Fire not only dramatically accelerated his spiritual power refinement but had also now manifested from its conceptual form into reality, possessing undeniable and formidable power when properly wielded.

Moreover, the true essence of the Five Elements on the alchemy furnace was, as Ji Yuan later discovered after a game of Derivative Chess, the fundamental manifestation of the five vital energies within his own body. This indirectly elevated his cultivation. While his energy-containing Dantian and bodily acupoints still required gradual development, this discovery significantly boosted his efficiency.

It could be said that the majority of the benefits contained within the original "Treasured Record of Zhengde" ultimately accrued to Ji Yuan.

Yet, regarding the profound yellow energy, although it manifested and was sensed by Ji Yuan due to the Imperial Command Tone, he realized it did not originate from the "Treasured Record of Zhengde." Rather, it had always been present within Ji Yuan's own spiritual landscape, only becoming perceptible after that specific event.

As for its fundamental source, it was likely connected to the original chessboard.

The "Treasured Record of Zhengde" was, naturally, a fortuitous encounter for Old Man Zhao, but it also seemed to be awaiting something, as if guided by an unseen hand. Ji Yuan didn't presume it was specifically waiting for him, but it was certainly intended for someone similar in character, or perhaps for someone associated with the profound yellow energy itself.

"The pivotal move in this game... still only relies on one piece!"

Ji Yuan's sigh wasn't to imply his other black and white pieces were useless, but rather that, thus far, only his friend Master Yin had truly played a significant role on the "chessboard," effectively stabilizing the Dazhen Dynasty with his actions.

Considering this, Ji Yuan then scrutinized a flickering chess piece within his spiritual realm, which represented Monk Huitong.

This state was quite peculiar; the piece was close to fully forming. This phenomenon didn't occur at the moment of their parting but began to manifest some time later. Ji Yuan himself was initially unsure what was happening and nearly flew to Tingliang Kingdom to inquire.

Although not yet a fully formed piece, Ji Yuan could use it to sense that the monk was well, which he considered a good sign.

'Master Huitong has been gone for over half a year; I wonder what he has discovered.'

Concluding his reflections, Ji Yuan refocused and resumed writing.

The paper on the stone table was ordinary, but the characters were far from it. At that moment, he was writing down his deductions concerning the "Imperial Command method," while beside it lay his ongoing deductions for the "Sleeve Cosmos" technique.

The jujube tree overhead had recently bloomed, but unlike previous years, its fragrance no longer pervaded the streets and alleys. Instead, it had transformed into a subtle, refreshing essence, imperceptible to the casual sniff, yet it made the residents of Tianniu Fang and the surrounding area feel remarkably comfortable.

"Thump..."

A soft thud of paws signaled Hu Yun's arrival in the courtyard. Spotting Ji Yuan, he quickly bowed with his paws.

"Greetings, Mr. Ji."

"Next time, remember to use the door."

The fox scratched the back of his ear, then walked on his hind legs to Ji Yuan's side.

"I was afraid you might be sleeping, and it wouldn't be good to disturb you."

Hu Yun's words were true; Mr. Ji's sleep cycles were indeed growing longer. He typically woke only once every three days, and occasionally sleeping for ten days to half a month was not uncommon.

While Mr. Ji had mentioned his poor eyesight (a detail Hu Yun hadn't truly noticed), his hearing was indeed incredibly acute; not a single sound escaped him. Hu Yun thus believed that knocking on the door would easily disturb the master's rest or cultivation.

Seeing that Mr. Ji was preoccupied, Hu Yun, somewhat deflated, settled onto the stone table and stated the reason for his visit.

"Mr. Ji, Lu Shanjun has started shedding his fur. He mentioned he hasn't shed in over a century and is concerned if there's an issue with his cultivation, so he asked me to consult you."

Ji Yuan smiled, saying nothing, then pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and wrote four large characters.

Hu Yun watched intently from the side, then involuntarily read aloud, "Metamorphosis..."

The fox paused, stunned for a moment, then looked sharply at Ji Yuan.

"Mr. Ji, is Lu Shanjun about to transform into human form?"

"Not quite yet, but it is indeed a good sign. For a demon cultivator, undergoing such a profound metamorphosis before transforming into human form is incredibly significant. Ordinary demons do not experience this."

As Ji Yuan spoke, the characters on the paper shimmered with an aura. He picked up the sheet and blew on it, and the ink dried instantly.

"So, which demons undergo this kind of metamorphosis? Can I do it too?"

The fox pointed at himself, asking with great anticipation.

Ji Yuan merely gave him a sideways glance, not answering the latter part of his question, and slowly began to elaborate on the first part.

"For example, exceptionally blessed aquatic spirits undergo this metamorphosis when they transform into flood dragons."