MLMD -Chapter 289 Settling Scores After the Autumn Harvest

“Please, my lords, no need for formalities!”

Yue Yang’s calm voice rang out among the crowd.

Looking at the officials before him, all wearing the various embroidered badges of their offices, Yue Yang felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It had been four years since he arrived in this timeline, and through his own efforts—backed by support from his other modern-world experiences—he had steadily risen from a lowly, struggling scholar to the position he now held.

Seeing Yue Yang lost in thought, the crowd did not dare disturb him. They quietly stood aside, waiting for the lord’s words. After a long moment, Yue Yang came back to himself. Looking at the officials who still stood respectfully around him, he smiled warmly and said, “You are all pillars of the imperial court. How could someone like me possibly deserve the honor of your personal congratulations? I am truly humbled. I have prepared a modest wine offering here; I hope you will grant me the honor of your presence.”

The officials all bowed together. “We thank you, Lord!”

The banquet began. Because so many had come to offer their congratulations and Yue Yang’s residence was not particularly large, the entire front courtyard of the manor was packed full. Of course, a few tables were also set up in the back courtyard—but entry there was not for just anyone. The hierarchy of officials in Huaxia had always been rigid. Though Yue Yang did not explicitly say anything, everyone observed the rules: officials below the fourth rank willingly shared tables in the front courtyard, while only those of fourth rank or higher could enjoy the privilege of entering the back courtyard and dining with the lord. As for the loyal officials and military officers who had accompanied Yue Yang all along, they were exempt from this rule; with envious eyes following them, they strode confidently into the back courtyard.

In a guest hall in the back courtyard, Yue Yang sat at a table with Zheng Fakuai, Jiang Xin, Hu Laosan, Shun Bao, and others. The remaining dozens of officers and officials filled several other tables.

After several rounds of wine and dishes, Yue Yang raised his cup with a smile and said to Zheng Fakuai, “Lord Zheng, back when I was merely a scholar, you showed me great care. Today, since we are finally together, I would like to offer a toast to you.”

“I am flattered by your praise, my lord,” Zheng Fakuai quickly replied, standing to lift his cup. “Back then I failed to recognize your talent and was remiss in my duties. How could I deserve a toast from your lordship?”

“Haha… you certainly do!” Yue Yang waved his hand. “I remember the time when Wang Chenglin almost beat me to death with a stick at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. The Wang family was aggressive and relentless afterward. It was only thanks to you speaking up for justice that they dared not cause trouble. You never mentioned it, but I remember clearly, and for that, I toast to you!”

With that, Yue Yang drained his cup. Seeing him do so, Zheng Fakuai quickly followed suit. Only then did they sit back down. Yet in Zheng Fakuai’s heart, a twinge of regret arose. At the time, he had been overly cautious, afraid of offending the local powerful merchants and gentry. He had only given Wang a mild warning. Had he taken decisive action then, he and Yue Yang would surely have had a closer bond. But, alas, there is no medicine for regret in this world.

After another round of wine and dishes, Zheng Fakuai, emboldened by the wine, asked, “Lord Yue, the imperial court has now granted you the authority to establish your own household and troops. The northern route of Shanxi now falls under your jurisdiction. What are your plans?”

The moment he spoke, everyone set down their cups and looked at Yue Yang intently. Zheng’s question was the one they had all been curious about but dared not ask. After all, suddenly having a lord with heavy military power and independent authority in Shanxi had enormous implications for local officials. To put it bluntly, if Yue Yang wished, any local official in the northern route could be dismissed with a single word—there was no avoiding it.

Yue Yang understood their concerns and smiled slightly. “Lord Zheng, esteemed lords, although I have the emperor’s favor to establish my household and troops, you are all officials appointed by the court. I will not arbitrarily interfere in local affairs. Unless there is an extraordinary circumstance, the Yue household will not meddle in your responsibilities. You may rest assured.”

The officials exchanged glances and finally relaxed. For them, the greatest worry had been that Yue Yang might abuse his power and meddle in local matters, leaving them helpless. With his assurance, they felt much more at ease.

After a while, Jiang Xin lifted his cup and stood, offering a sheepish smile. “Lord Yue, I have often offended you in the past. It was due to my own folly. I hope you can be generous and not hold it against me.”

At his words, all eyes turned to Jiang Xin. Everyone present was aware of his recent actions: he had played a prominent role when Gao Qiqian and Chen Xinjia arrived, acting as their vanguard, running up and down the city, and frequently venturing outside for their schemes. Many had thought Yue Yang would pay dearly for it. But later, the situation had reversed dramatically: Yue Yang had decisively maimed Gao Qiqian and Chen Xinjia and expelled them from Shanxi, refusing to pay grain taxes and forcing the court to back down, eventually earning his marquisate. Jiang Xin had crossed such a formidable man—his future would not be easy.

Yue Yang set down his chopsticks, lifted his head, and gave Jiang Xin a calm look. “Lord Jiang, you speak too harshly. We are all serving the court, and occasionally overstepping is understandable. I am not a narrow-minded man. You need not fear ending up like Chen Xinjia.”

Although these words sounded reassuring, Jiang Xin’s complexion paled further. Those present silently sighed; they all knew Jiang Xin’s fate was sealed. Yue Yang’s words, though seemingly generous, carried an underlying meaning. Saying Jiang Xin would not meet Chen Xinjia’s violent end implied that Yue Yang would not use overt force against him—but it did not mean he would overlook Jiang Xin’s past deeds. The unspoken message was clear: accounts would be settled in due time. Jiang Xin’s future was predictable.

In the officialdom, few would pity him. Once you backed the wrong faction, consequences could be severe: at best, years of stagnation; at worst, dismissal or death. By choosing to side with Chen Xinjia and Gao Qiqian, Jiang Xin had sealed his own fate.

The banquet ended amid this tense atmosphere. Many returned to their studies or began private consultations. None were fools: with Jiang Xin’s seat about to be vacated, countless eyes were on the prize. Whoever would take over this position was already beginning to make moves.