Ch. 2121Appetizer
Key Plot Points and Events
- Ye Zhen strikes the Heaven-Shaking Drum to expose corruption in the War Ministry.
- Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long orders the punishment of Ren Xinsu and Wang Zizhen, and the cleansing of the War Ministry.
- Ye Zhen is whipped with the Heaven-Shaking Soul-Returning Whip as punishment for striking the drum.
Character Developments
- Ye Zhen: Shows political acumen by using the Heaven-Shaking Drum to expose corruption and gain Benevolent Sovereign's favor. He also demonstrates the power of his Black Dragon Hegemony Body by enduring the Soul-Returning Whip.
- Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long: Shows political skill by handling the matter subtly, not pursuing the person behind Ren Xinsu, and warning Ye Zhen and Princess Changle not to grow too close.
- Princess Changle: Shows concern for Ye Zhen's well-being, providing him with pills to help endure the punishment.
Significant Themes
- Corruption and Power Struggles: The chapter highlights the corruption within the War Ministry and the power struggles among the imperial princes and royal highnesses.
- Political Maneuvering: Characters use political acumen and influence to achieve their goals, with Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long and Ye Zhen being notable examples.
- Loyalty and Friendship: Princess Changle's concern for Ye Zhen's well-being shows her loyalty and friendship towards him.
Character Interactions
- Ye Zhen and Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long: Ye Zhen gains Ji Long's favor by exposing corruption, and Ji Long warns Ye Zhen and Princess Changle not to grow too close.
- Ye Zhen and Princess Changle: Princess Changle shows concern for Ye Zhen's well-being, providing him with pills to help endure the punishment.
- Ye Zhen and the War Ministry Officials: The officials fear Ye Zhen after he turns the ministry upside down and comply with his requests without question.