The day after the incident, Kaidan issued a stern condemnation in the royal palace. He denounced the assassin's brutal actions and expressed his condolences for the death of Grand Duke Maken. Simultaneously, Kaidan personally commanded the Imperial Police Department to solve the case and find the culprit as soon as possible.
While Kaidan made a great show of seriousness, astute noble elders saw through his pretense. Grand Duke Maken's death, in effect, was in vain. As the saying goes, "When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter." Following Grand Duke Maken's demise, the warlord faction he led quickly disintegrated. The glory surrounding Maken's surviving wives and family would inevitably fade with his passing. A once powerful warlord force had thus collapsed.
At Duke Tru's manor, Duke Tru convened an emergency meeting with his subordinates and generals. "Gentlemen," he began, "I'm sure you are all aware of Grand Duke Maken's situation. I now declare that from this moment on, all our generals must strictly discipline their subordinates and avoid provoking Liu Kai Xuan, that bloodthirsty brute!"
"Yes, sir!" the generals responded, pledging their unwavering obedience to Duke Tru's command. Most of the advisors also adopted the same stance. However, one short, stout man voiced a dissenting opinion. "Your Grace, are we just going to let Liu Kai Xuan go? His assassination of Maken has caused a huge stir in the Kingdom of Kaia. Almost everyone is living under a cloud of terror! Since His Majesty the King is turning a blind eye and letting things run their course, we don't need to follow protocol. We can strike first and send someone to kill Count Kai Xuan! If we are discreet enough, no one will be the wiser."
Duke Tru decisively rejected the proposal. "If we attempt to assassinate Count Kai Xuan now, we are certain to fail. Liu Kai Xuan dared to assassinate Maken against all odds, which means he is prepared for the worst possible outcome. I can guarantee that Count Kai Xuan's surroundings are now heavily guarded. He might have already laid a trap for us."
The stout man frowned. Duke Tru's words were unassailable. If he were Liu Kai Xuan, what would he fear most after assassinating Grand Duke Maken? Naturally, he would fear retaliation, as Grand Duke Maken had a large family. With numerous sons and daughters, they might seek revenge and launch assassination attempts. While one can be confident in one's plans, one shouldn't treat others as fools. Conversely, Liu Kai Xuan's ability to kill Grand Duke Maken in such a surprising manner clearly indicated that he was a highly intelligent individual.
At this point, a general inquired, "My Lord, you are aware of the chaotic state of our kingdom. Various factions are intertwined, and the lower ranks have their own ways of enriching themselves. It will be very difficult to completely cut off their income. Even if we issue orders, it's likely that our subordinates will still accidentally harm Count Kai Xuan's convoy. Once an accidental injury occurs, Count Kai Xuan will not be willing to listen to our explanations."
Duke Tru said thoughtfully, "This problem is actually quite simple. Later, I will send a few staff members to set up an office at the oil field. After Count Kai Xuan's convoy transports oil from the oil field, our office staff will escort them. With our own personnel escorting Count Kai Xuan's convoy throughout their journey, they will pass through our territory safely. Once they have left our territory and encounter trouble elsewhere, it will not be linked to us."
A tall general bowed respectfully. "Your Lordship is wise! This method is truly excellent! As long as their identity is recognized, most of the lower-ranking generals do not wish to provoke this bloodthirsty madman. I truly cannot imagine why His Majesty trusts such a bloodthirsty fiend; it's utterly baffling!"
The situation at Duke Tru's manor was merely a microcosm. The death of Grand Duke Maken had sent shockwaves throughout the Kingdom of Kaia. In an instant, Liu Kai Xuan was branded with various negative titles by the empire's factions, such as "bloodthirsty demon," "brainless lunatic," and "bloody butcher." Although Liu Kai Xuan's reckless actions had drawn immense enmity, there was no denying that they had also established his formidable prestige. Imperial noble factions began strictly disciplining their subordinates to avoid provoking Liu Kai Xuan, the "butcher."
On another front, Liu Kai Xuan's work was far from over. He did not admit to ordering the assassination of Grand Duke Maken. Furthermore, Liu Kai Xuan issued a written notice to the 75th Brigade of the Imperial Army, demanding that the current officers of the 75th Brigade arrest and interrogate all soldiers involved in the incident from the Third Battalion. He also required the heads of the 75th Brigade's headquarters and regiments to submit detailed self-criticism reports along with guarantees that such incidents would never happen again, or face severe consequences.
Following the assassination of Grand Duke Maken, the officers of the 75th Brigade were in a state of panic. They were extremely worried that Liu Kai Xuan would once again unleash his wrath and turn his blade upon them. Now that Liu Kai Xuan had finally issued a public statement, the officers of the 75th Brigade were quick to action, convening a military meeting. As soon as the meeting began, a rugged man with a full beard burst out in anger. "Brother, when have our brothers in the 75th Brigade ever suffered such humiliation? Since His Majesty the King is watching idly and indifferent to Grand Duke Maken's fate, let us take matters into our own hands and avenge our superior!"
After Chalai's death, his position was temporarily filled by Fei Ao, the Chief of Staff of the 75th Brigade. The bearded man who had spoken so wildly was named Zhan Biao, a regimental commander under the 75th Brigade. Fei Ao strongly opposed Zhan Biao's suggestion.