THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

Wang Yihan

"Is the discussion over?" Princess Xian Lie suddenly interrupted.

Fang An and Emperor Li Wei turned toward the beautiful girl, who was already pouting.

"Yes. That was all I wanted to report to Your Majesty," Fang An replied.

"That's all? I've been waiting for over two hours until my legs went numb!" Princess Xian Lie retorted, clearly annoyed.

Emperor Li Wei chuckled at his daughter’s spoiled demeanor. He knew she had been missing Fang An ever since he left the palace four days ago.

Whenever it was just the two of them, Emperor Li Wei often became the target of his daughter’s anger for allowing Fang An to leave the palace.

"Fang An, before I become the target of my daughter's wrath, you'd better take her out of here," Emperor Li Wei said, covering his mouth to stifle his laughter.

Princess Xian Lie glared at her father, then immediately grabbed Fang An’s hand and dragged him out of the royal hall.

Finally, Emperor Li Wei burst into laughter. The ruler of the Shang Dynasty acknowledged that ever since Fang An entered his daughter’s life, her demeanor had brightened. The childish nature that once defined Princess Xian Lie had matured. Her spoiled side only appeared when Fang An was nearby.

Meanwhile, far away, in a grand palace about a two-month journey on foot, a man of about thirty-five sat arrogantly on a throne made of pure gold.

A crown encrusted with sparkling jewels rested on his head, and a royal robe adorned his body.

In front of him, dozens of nobles dressed in luxurious attire sat solemnly, listening to the fiery oration of their Emperor. These men were dukes, royal officers, and more.

"I once promised myself that if I became Emperor after my father, I would expand the territory of the Ying Dynasty. All lands must kneel at our feet. Do you know why our Dynasty has never progressed?"

The room fell silent. The newly crowned Emperor Zhu Feng, who had ruled the Ying Dynasty for less than a month, stared sharply at each of his subjects, as if trying to read their hearts.

"My father was too soft. He preferred to befriend other kingdoms! He didn’t want our Dynasty to become powerful and rule over others. Now, I, Emperor Zhu Feng, swear to heaven and earth and to all the people of the Ying Dynasty, I will lead this Dynasty to the peak of glory!" he declared, raising a clenched fist.

"Long live Emperor Zhu Feng! Long live the Ying Dynasty!" shouted an elderly but strong-looking man.

The royal hall erupted with cheers as the rest of the officials echoed the elder’s spirited cry.

Emperor Zhu Feng smiled in satisfaction, seeing how enthusiastically his officials welcomed his plan to begin expanding his empire.

"In the next two weeks, we will begin our expansion. The first Dynasty we will attack is the Shang Dynasty!" announced Emperor Zhu Feng.

The room fell silent again. Suddenly, an elderly official raised his right hand and stood.

All eyes turned to the old man, including Emperor Zhu Feng. "Do you have a suggestion, Advisor Zeng Kun?"

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. If we attack the Shang Dynasty directly, I fear we will face defeat. Besides having slightly superior strength, the distance we must travel is immense. Our soldiers may be exhausted before even reaching it."

"Are you doubting my decision, Advisor Zeng Kun?" Emperor Zhu Feng’s face darkened.

"I do not question Your Majesty’s decision or capability. But perhaps it would be wiser to attack a weaker Dynasty first. By conquering a smaller one, we gain additional strength and more time to plan the attack on the Shang Dynasty, whose power currently surpasses ours," said Advisor Zeng Kun.

"I disagree with Advisor Zeng Kun’s proposal, Your Majesty," interrupted a burly man with thick mustache and beard.

"Speak your thoughts, Commander Cai Rui!" responded Emperor Zhu Feng.

"I support Your Majesty's decision to strike the Shang Dynasty first. It is the largest and most expansive Dynasty. If we can conquer it, it will only be a matter of time before all other kingdoms submit to Your Majesty."

Commander Cai Rui smirked. The bearded official stood up and added, "On the other hand, if we attack smaller kingdoms first, Emperor Li Wei will hear of it and have time to prepare for our invasion."

"But, Commander, the mountainous terrain of the Shang Dynasty could wear out our soldiers. That should be considered, especially given the short preparation time given by Your Majesty. We need at least two months to prepare and study the geography," argued Advisor Zeng Kun.

"Enough, Advisor Zeng Kun!" snapped Emperor Zhu Feng. He was clearly displeased. "I have decided to attack the Shang Dynasty first. If you oppose my decision again, you will be severely punished!"

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I am not rejecting your proposal, only asking that we think it through with a clear mind," Zeng Kun said, considering long-term consequences.

Emperor Zhu Feng’s face turned red with rage. "Guards! Imprison Advisor Zeng Kun! Keep him locked up until he rots!"

Two guards stepped forward and seized Zeng Kun. The old man, who had served since before Emperor Zhu Feng's birth, offered no resistance.

"Mark my words, Your Majesty... do not let ambition cloud your judgment. Only ruin awaits," Zeng Kun said as he was led away.

Many officials quietly regretted the Emperor’s action against Zeng Kun. The experienced advisor had served for over fifty years and possessed vast knowledge. Unlike the cunning and sycophantic Commander Cai Rui.

Still, no one dared speak out. Emperor Zhu Feng's iron-fisted rule made them think twice before voicing opinions.

"Does anyone else dare oppose me and share Zeng Kun’s fate?"

Emperor Zhu Feng was dead serious. After the meeting, he instructed all dukes to return to their provinces and prepare troops. He also appointed a new advisor named Hou Jun to replace Zeng Kun.