Chapter 823

Although Mingzhi previously held the highest command authority, that authority had ultimately been nothing more than a temporary measure granted by Arasaka Hanako while she was imprisoned.

Back then, he had been like a man wearing shackles—holding nominal military command, yet forced to constantly negotiate with the Pheasant Faction’s officers. Every decision had to be discussed under the watchful eyes of the Arasaka Hundred. Every order had to survive the Pheasant Faction’s questioning, probing, and thinly veiled resistance.

But now?