Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter details the aftermath of a regent's decree demoting Zheng Shanguo to governor of Qichun County and promoting Yang Gong Ren to Minister of Justice. Court officials, accustomed to the new multi-faceted system, are largely indifferent to this change. Zheng Shanguo resigns to his fate, while Pei Ju, disappointed by the severed ties between their families, reflects on his grandson Pei Hong's potential appointment as Yellow Gate Minister. Pei Ju realizes this is a strategic move by Qi Wang to urge him to retire. Pei Hong, valuing his dignity, decides to decline the offer. The chapter reveals the political maneuverings and alliances among aristocratic families, particularly the Zheng family's support for the Tang Dynasty, which has led to tensions with Zhang Xuan. Pei Ju's involvement in the Lu Chu case becomes a point of contention, as he acted to prevent Lu Chu from gaining power, motivated by the Pei family's interests.

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