The Chaoge Arc: Taiyi's Dilemma

"Summon Western Marquis Ji Chang to enter Chaoge City and pay homage!"

The Shang King's messenger's voice echoed above the Western Marquis's Mansion.

Ji Chang seemed to have been prepared. While the others were still stunned, he had already bowed and loudly thanked the King for his grace.

The Western Marquis's Mansion immediately grew tense.

Less than two months had passed since the Western Marquis's fourth son had been taken away by immortals, yet Chaoge City had already sent a messenger, summoning the Four Counts and all regional lords to enter Chaoge City under the pretext of the King's wedding.

No matter how one looked at it, something unusual was brewing.

Yet Ji Chang remained remarkably calm.

He smiled serenely and spoke gently to his retainers and sons:

"My eldest son is currently in Chaoge City. After I leave for Chaoge, you must take Fa'er as your backbone. Remember, care for the common people, encourage farming and sericulture, resist the Qiang people externally, and guard against the smaller states internally.

"For some reason, the Chong Family of the Northern Count has been eyeing Western Qi covetously. In recent years, they have repeatedly conquered small states, as though their sword is pointed at Western Qi.

"We cannot afford to neglect this matter. You must remain vigilant."

The ministers of Zhou State felt much more at ease.

Though everyone feared another incident like Emperor Yi killing Ji Li;

the royal command had arrived, and disobedience would be rebellion.

Zhou State still dared not defy the powerful Shang Kingdom and its ruthless rulers.

Late at night.

Li Ping'an, who had slept all day—or rather, spent the entire day comprehending the Great Dao within the Heavenly Dao—slowly woke on his simple bed. Unhurriedly, he put on his shoes, drank tea, and performed a simple