Someone who brings ruin to a government comes to bear a heavy weight. In fact, a weight like that is enough to crush the soul and leave one damned by myriad tribulations. Someone who survives such an ordeal experiences something like nirvanic rebirth. Having done so, they can soar beyond the highest heavens and become the focus of all eyes.0

As of this moment, Xu Qing, who had trampled thistles on the way to the throne, was now returning. He was that person who had experienced nirvanic rebirth. After experiencing the calamity he did, then returning to be the center of attention, he was like the most dazzling light in existence. His light burned so brightly that it stoked the emotions of all living beings, burning away the pressure that resulted from all the recent hardships.6

Cheering filled heaven and earth. The sound soared along with the wind.2

The events of the past year or more had been difficult for everyone in Sea-Sealing County. The death of the old governor left everyone in a daze. Then war came, seemingly out of the blue. Even as they were still in that daze, the death of Palace Lord Kong struck like tribulation lightning, tearing apart Sea-Sealing County and leaving the survivors deeply scarred. After the war ended, and the reeling Sea-Sealing County finally started to recover, the Lieutenant Governor’s Coup brought despair.4

The people felt apprehensive, confused, bitter, and helpless. They needed...3