Shennong Dao Master-Chapter 1281 - 6: After the Chickens Peck the Grain, the Dogs Lick the Flour, and the Lamp Burns Through the Lock

"King City Garrison Commander Cheng Tianyou, paying respects to the Grand Minister of Agriculture." The Golden Armor General saluted honestly. "I did not know the Grand Minister was here; please forgive me."

Seeing Zhao Xing remain silent.

Cheng Tianyou felt uneasy: "Cheng Tianyou respectfully invites the Grand Minister of Agriculture to enter the city."

Zhao Xing spoke: "You are not qualified to invite me into the city. Go and announce my arrival quickly!"

The King City Garrison General, equivalent to the 'Grand Commandant' of Beichen Country, though no Grand Commandant is designated in the feudal state, the highest rank is the Commander.

However, the region of Beichen Country is not even the size of a prefecture, so Beichen King Qin Feng is not qualified to appoint a Commander.

Thus, Cheng Tianyou's real official position is only that of a 'Commander,' and the title of King City Garrison General is a special appointment of the feudal state, used to elevate the status of commanding military officers, not considered an official post of Great Zhou.

Counting only Cheng Tianyou's position as a Commander, he is at most a third-rank official and really not qualified to invite Zhao Xing, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, down.

Seeing Zhao Xing's air of reproach, Cheng Tianyou sensed trouble brewing and dared not speak further. He bowed, leaving his trusted aide in the sky to accompany Zhao Xing, while he himself descended into the King City.

Once inside the King City, Cheng Tianyou quickly made his way to the Royal Palace.

He needed to inform the Prime Minister of Beichen Country, Shen Tuming.

Currently, Beichen King Qin Feng is not in the King City; he is carrying out important duties within the Pocket World.

The domestic and foreign affairs are all handled by the Prime Minister 'Shen Tuming.'

The Prime Minister of the feudal state is generally a first-rank official, held by the Ritual Repairer.

But circumstances vary by region; Lord Shen Tu, in this case, is undeniably of military origin.

Simply because he is Qin Feng's brother-in-law, his sister 'Shen Tulan' is the Queen of Beichen King Qin Feng.

Shen Tulan is highly favored, having borne four sons. The eldest was established as the Princely Heir upon birth, and the other three were also granted titles of Marquis.

Her five daughters were married to the nation's dukes, and kings, making the Shen Tu Family exceptionally prominent in the North.

Shen Tulan dotes on her brother, allowing him free access to the Royal Palace, eventually letting him reside there.

With Beichen King long stationed as the Dingtian Guardian, essentially all domestic and foreign affairs are dictated by this sibling duo.

"The bright doors graciously open, welcoming with smiles from beyond the curtain."

"The beauty's face adorned with dew-kissed flowers, the jade tree glowing, illuminating the rear courtyard."

Within Jinhua Palace, Shen Tuming was leading close ministers in enjoying dance music.

He and the ministers each had four maids by their sides, chosen with great care, each possessing unique qualities, slender and robust.

Two of them held dishes, standing beside them, and every so often, these two maids would rotate positions.

As Shen Tuming did not set a table, meals were served by maids functioning as human tables, ensuring every minister could sample more dishes, making the maids mobile.

Two maids were in the lap, one on each side, responsible for pouring wine and feeding dishes, their attire minimal, with wide collars and sleeves for easy play by the noble officials.

In the center of the great hall stood three jade-carved trees, their surfaces smoothly transitioned, with beautiful women flying with colorful ribbons around the trees.

This was the classic Jade Tree Dance of Beichen Country, with one creed: the more vigorous the twist, the minimal the dress.

Shen Tuming recited poetry, a realistic portrayal, the brilliance of the jade tree casting the dancers' private parts into tantalizing shadow, exciting the spectators, even stimulating their appetites.

"A splendid poem by Lord Shen Tu!"

"The current prosperity and glorious scenes of Beichen Country are indeed thanks to Lord Shen Tu's efforts!"

"Lord Shen Tu's literary and martial prowess makes him a great talent of the age!"

"..."

Flattery poured in like a tide, making Shen Tuming, this military-origin Prime Minister, feel elated.

"Hahahaha, gentlemen, you flatter me. Come, drink this cup!" Lord Shen Tu laughed heartily, eyes hazy, appearing intoxicated.

This is how life should be lived. What use is such a life as his brother-in-law Beichen King's, knowing only cultivation and warfare? 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

However, at this moment, an eunuch hurriedly entered the hall, quietly whispering in Shen Tuming's ear.

"Hmm? Grand Minister of Agriculture Zhao Xing? He has arrived in the King City?" Shen Tuming cleared his mind slightly.

"Yes, Prime Minister, King City Garrison Commander Cheng Tianyou just reported."

"Grand Minister of Agriculture Zhao Xing... Why is he here?" Shen Tuming mumbled, "As a Grand Minister, is he here for some official business?"

"Sir, have you forgotten that our Beichen Country has not paid the Golden Fragrance Medicine Tax for fifty years?"

"Really? Just for a Golden Fragrance Medicine Tax, why would he come in person to demand it?"

"How many did he bring? Is there any explanation of his intention?"

"No, the Grand Minister of Agriculture is above the King City and refuses to come down; Cheng Tianyou said he lacks the qualifications to invite him down."

"Hmph, such a showy pretense." Shen Tuming grumbled, "Just newly appointed, yet so pretentious; even Cheng Tianyou, a first-rank official, can't move him?"

The guard wanted to say that this feudal state's first-rank garrison position is a nominal title, not actually recognized by Great Zhou. However, he knew Shen Tuming was ignorant, probably unable to distinguish even this.

"Forget it, summon Shen Tuli to prepare the ceremonial chariot, and ready my Prime Minister's chariot; I will invite him down." Shen Tuming was reluctant to leave this highly enjoyable banquet, but he knew there was no way to offend the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

So he ordered the musicians in the side hall to stop: "Gentlemen, an urgent matter has arisen, forgive me for being unable to continue; I will invite you again on another day."

"Ah? Lord Shen Tu, why is this?"

"What urgent matter in Beichen Country requires Lord Shen Tu's personal attention?"