The morning bell of Zichen Hall shattered the dawn as the civil and military officials solemnly entered. Hua Country, this newborn behemoth, had finally sailed into deep waters roiling with hidden currents after its headlong advance.
Internally, Xun Yu wielded the sword of "one script for all writing, one gauge for all carts" against the deeply entrenched bastions of old interests, provoking a backlash that surged like subterranean fire. Externally, the economic noose woven by the alliance of the Saint Poplar Kingdom and others tightened steadily, while the immense shadow of the World Government had already cast its cold outline.
In this world, where one person could rival a nation and a lone rider could rout an army, the will and might of the strongest often determined the course of history more than battles between vast armies. Thus, once the strength of Guan Yu and the other generals under his command reached a certain level, Chen Yu would no longer need to rein in his forces.
At the grand court assembly on the first day of the month, the civil and military officials stood solemnly in their appointed places beneath the gilded pillars of Zichen Hall. The air was so heavy it seemed water might drip from it. Holding a jade court tablet, Xun Yu stood at the head of the civil officials, as straight as an ancient pine. His expression was calm and his gaze gentle, yet he naturally exuded the commanding bearing of one who maintained order and balanced the affairs of state. Calyrex's power, containing the very essence of life and order, flowed through him like deep, still water. It not only gave him almost sleepless energy but also granted him extraordinary insight into the workings of rules and the allegiance of human hearts.
He did not