Chapter 95 Heading North!
Wang Du led his army north!
As the Lunar New Year approached, the people of the Nine Provinces were busy steaming New Year's cakes, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. Amidst this peaceful atmosphere, a cavalry force, clad in full armor and resembling a torrent of black iron, fiercely broke through the border of Yu Province, achieving a great victory in one battle.
Local powers were only just awakened from their lazy and leisurely holiday season.
It turns out that this governor, who had been entrenched in Jiangzuo, had long harbored deep ambitions. How could those thousands of sets of fine iron armor be assembled overnight?
And the first strike of this Northern Expedition, used to raise the flag, cleanly and decisively severed the head of He Lang, the warlord of Yuzhou.
Although the heroes were unwilling, they could not voice their opinions because of the legitimate emperor in Wang Du's hands.
The talk of a "false emperor," which had subsided slightly due to the severe cold, intensified once again as Wang Du's banner of "punishing the traitors and capturing the false emperor" resounded throughout the north and south.
In the northern lands, inside Zhu Rong's tent.
The warmth of the pepper and cypress wine had not yet dissipated when Zhu Rong embraced the half-naked Xiao Yuanshu, his rough fingers caressing her waist. The intimate moment in the tent was abruptly interrupted by a military report brought by a subordinate.
Xiao Yuanshu covered her collar, her beautiful eyes frosty: "He's far away in Yuzhou, why would he go all the way to attack Liangzhou! The information must be wrong!"
"Absolutely no mistake! Wang Fu led three thousand Xuan Tie soldiers as the vanguard, with thirty thousand troops protecting the emperor and empress's carriage behind them, and they have already arrived at Xiping!"
Zhu Rong, shirtless, leaped from the couch, white breath exhaling from his nostrils. However, overwhelmed by anger and rage, he suddenly felt dizzy. He steadied himself, his gaze piercing Xiao Yuanshu:
Where's your brother?
Xiao Yuanshu's shoulders trembled, and she was on the verge of tears: "Brother... Brother hasn't spoken to me for a long time..."
Not long after leaving the palace and joining Zhu Rong with Xiao Yuanjing, Xiao Yuanshu offered herself to Zhu Rong and became his most favored wife. Zhu Rong, in turn, allocated 10,000 troops to Xiao Yuanjing. However, Xiao Yuanjing felt deeply ashamed and, while frequently away fighting enemies, refused to communicate with Xiao Yuanshu.
Zhu Rongming knew this was the case, but he was still shocked and furious upon receiving this reply: "The frontline deployment is tight, yet they were able to advance so easily! There must be a traitor among them!"
He mustered his strength and sternly ordered, "Erdu, prepare immediately! Move all the wealth in the city westward and prepare to flee to the Northern Kingdom!"
After giving his orders, he swept his fierce gaze over Xiao Yuanshu, then suddenly grabbed her long hair and slapped her hard across the face.
"Drag this wretched woman away! I'll wait here for Xiao Yuanjing!"
Zhu Rong donned his armor, drew his sword, and personally engaged in battle, but found his arm to be heavier than usual. He felt the effects of the alcohol, yet he still led his troops out of the city.
Outside the city, the yellow dust rose high, and a cavalry force in black armor surged towards the city like a flood bursting its banks.
The leading general shouted, "Attack the city—!"
The war had barely lasted ten days when the fierce Jiehu leader Zhu Rong was defeated. He was exhausted in battle and fled west to the north with more than a thousand loyal followers under cover of night, vomiting blood frequently along the way.
Liangzhou City was captured just like that.
When the good news reached Yingchuan County, the soldiers cheered with joy.
In the council chamber, Wang Du tapped the victory report lightly with his knuckles, his satisfaction evident.
"Fei'er has made a name for herself in this battle, and she should be able to secure her position as the young general. However, what about Miao'er..."
In this campaign against Zhu Rong, Wang Du overruled objections and gave the opportunity to his second son, Wang Fu, citing the need to govern the newly conquered Yingchuan, rather than to his nephew, Wang Miao.
A white-haired advisor, trying to discern his meaning, said slowly, "You have always been fair. Why not hand over Qingzhou to Young Master Miao after you take it over? At that time, you will have both prefectures in your hands, and the power and responsibility will be balanced, which will be acceptable on the surface. We are all family, and the flesh will always rot in the pot."
Wang Du nodded slightly; this suggestion was exactly what he wanted.
"However, Fei'er mentioned in his letter that although Liangzhou had fallen, the people there were both Han and non-Han, and their customs were fierce. In order to deter the villains, he had already massacred several groups of stubborn young men, and the people's hearts were still unsettled."
If things continue like this, we won't be able to replenish our troops, there won't be anyone to tend our horses, and we'll even have to pay out of pocket for manpower. It's a losing proposition.
Wang Du surveyed the hall: "If this continues, I fear that all the gains and losses will turn into scorched earth. Does anyone have a good plan?"
"this……"
Everyone looked thoughtful.
After waiting for a long time without anyone appearing, Zhang Bian chuckled and stepped out from the crowd, calmly waving his feather fan.
"What the prince is worried about is absolutely right. The people of Liangzhou have been arrogant since ancient times, fearing power but not appreciating virtue. At the beginning of the founding of the Great Jin Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Yan Chong conquered their territory, and the people of Liangzhou took pride in dying in battle. It was only after Emperor Taizu personally donned armor and defeated eighteen tribal chiefs in battle that he, along with the virtuous empress, bestowed grace and education upon them, and finally won their hearts."
His words drew Wang Du's sharp gaze.
Zhang Bian then revealed his plan in its entirety: "In my humble opinion, why don't Your Highness follow the example of the ancient sages? Please have the young emperor and empress personally go to Liangzhou to inspect the land on behalf of Heaven, reward the army, and pacify the people."
"There are three benefits to this. The emperor's personal presence can, firstly, legitimize the royal army, secondly, appease rebellious hearts, and thirdly, demonstrate to the world that Your Excellency is truly 'serving the emperor to command the disobedient.' Furthermore, this trip also allows us to observe His Majesty's expression in front of the public."
Wang Du stroked his beard, his eyes filled with even greater admiration:
"Sir, your plan is very much to my liking. However, how can we ensure that the young emperor will not be suspicious and will go willingly?"
Zhang Bian smiled knowingly: "There's no need to make him willing. Just promise him that he can use the pretext of rewarding the army to actually avoid disaster. Although Liangzhou is bitterly cold, it has the scenery of the frontier. For him, the royal procession is better than being confined to the camp. Also, promise him that after the deed is done, he can enjoy the prosperity of Yangzhou. If you cater to his tastes, how can he not comply?"
Wang Du clapped his hands: "Excellent! We'll do as you say, sir!"
"He's greedy for comfort; we'll probably have to work things out. We need to find the right opportunity—"
"Father-Master, is Father-Master here? I have come to present this treasure!"
Just then, a boy's clear voice suddenly called out from outside, growing louder as it approached, accompanied by a slight commotion.
Wang Du's expression changed slightly. He quickly gestured with his eyes for everyone to retreat behind the screen, then raised his voice and said:
"Your Majesty, please come in."
Yan Dibai practically burst in, carrying a still-warm rice cake in one hand and brushing non-existent dust off his brocade robe with the other. A few bits of grass still clung to his hair, making him look slightly disheveled.
"Father, you must stand up for me!" He stepped forward, slammed the rice cake onto the table, and looked indignant.
Wang Du knew perfectly well what was going on, but patiently played along: "Is Your Majesty angry with the Empress again?"
Yan Dibai flicked his sleeve: "Don't mention it again! I truly regret making her empress! That shrew! Just because I felt cold and rode a horse to warm myself up, she complained that I smelled of horse manure and wouldn't let me touch her! Tell me, how outrageous!"
This story begins with the greyhound that was hunted back.
The young emperor, fickle as ever, planned to secretly take the gray dog away and abandon it. However, Lady Yang, having grown attached to the dog, resolutely refused and, incredibly, even drove the emperor out of his tent.
That night, Yan Dibai, with disheveled hair, knocked on Wang Du's door.
Wang Du, having no other choice, summoned Yang Shi in his busy schedule and gave her a good scolding before Yan Dibai was finally allowed to return home. After that, they had a small argument every three days and a big fight every five days.
A queen who rose from humble beginnings dared to be so arrogant towards this young tyrant. Truly, every creature has its match.
Wang Du watched coldly, admiring the woman's audacity but also despising her childish attitude, thinking she was destined for mediocrity.
"How rude! Utterly rude! How can such a shrew be fit to be the mother of the nation?"
Yan Dibai nodded resentfully, a fierce glint in his eyes: "I've been getting more and more annoyed with her these past few days! But if I depose the Empress without cause, won't the world condemn me for being heartless?"
Are the words of condemnation directed at him by the world no less ruthless than his cold-heartedness? A glint flashed in Wang Du's eyes, and he feigned sympathy, speaking softly:
"This old minister has a plan that can temporarily extricate Your Majesty from this predicament and open up new possibilities."
Yan Dibai's eyes immediately lit up: "Father, please speak quickly!"
Wang Du lowered his voice and recounted his trip to Liangzhou in detail. Upon hearing this, Yan Dibai's gloomy expression vanished, replaced by an eager and eager look.
"Go to Liangzhou? To reward the army?" He leaned forward unconsciously. "That sounds quite interesting! Being stuck here all day, I'm getting bored to death!"
He then seemed to remember something, sat up straight, and regained some of his imperial bearing:
"However, since it is an imperial tour, the ceremonial procession and regalia must be complete, and all supplies must be provided without shortage."
"As for Qingniang..." he hesitated again.
Seeing that his reaction was exactly as Zhang Bian had predicted, Wang Du felt reassured and readily agreed:
"The proper etiquette cannot be disregarded. The Empress will naturally accompany you. However, once you leave the central army camp, His Majesty will be like a dragon entering the sea. Once you arrive in Liangzhou, His Majesty may ride a horse or go hunting as he pleases, Your Majesty..."
His words were meaningful.
"She is, after all, a woman; how can she possibly control the emperor's actions?"
Yan Dibai finally relaxed his brows, as if a huge burden had been lifted, and left with a smile.
As she left, her eyes seemed to glance almost imperceptibly over the screen.
After he left, a figure appeared.
Zhang Bian strolled forward, picked up a piece of rice cake from the plate and savored it, then poured himself a cup of wine and sighed leisurely.
"It's so much more comfortable for a prince here. I've never experienced such a scene during my years under the Lu family's patronage."
With no outsiders around, Wang Du relaxed and joked with him, "The mere Lu family has wasted a whole year of your time. Has the knowledge taught at the Biyong Academy also faded with age?"
Zhang Bian laughed heartily and raised his cup: "As I get older, my vigor is not what it used to be. It's a good time to see how my good junior brother will assist Xiao Yuanjing in restoring Liangzhou."
"At that time, Young Master Fei will be able to make new contributions, and his foundation will be unshakable."
Wang Du was greatly pleased by his words and raised his glass:
"Come on, drink to your heart's content!"
-
Yan Dibai and Qingqing arrived in Liangzhou at dusk.
As soon as you get off the carriage, the biting wind hits your face like a knife.
Qingqing pulled up the collar of her ordinary-colored fox fur coat and looked back at the long convoy.
The convoy was parked right next to the city wall, completely full.
The attendants who followed stood quietly to the side, as if they hadn't noticed anything.
"..."
The celebratory banquet had been going on for seven days. Wang Fu, full of pride, did not even come downstairs to greet the emperor upon hearing of his arrival. Zhao Xu, having just finished dealing with a group of prisoners, rushed to receive the emperor, his armor still bearing the lingering scent of blood.
The banquet hall reeked of alcohol. Wang Fu, seated high in the main seat, was flushed with drink. Only after being reminded by those around him did he give a perfunctory cupped-hand salute as a greeting.
Yan Dibai didn't care at all. Instead, he happily pulled Qingqing to his seat, as if he was happy to be left undisturbed.
The remaining generals dared not be as presumptuous as Wang Fu, and all offered toasts to the emperor and empress. However, because Wang Fu, the number one meritorious official, was present, everyone's focus quickly returned to him, and flattery poured in, praising his bravery on the battlefield.
Wang Fu, flattered and excited, downed a bowl of wine. His drunken eyes swept across the table, and he abruptly slammed the bowl down on the table, pointing at Helan Rong, who was quietly sipping her wine:
"Your Helan cavalry is indeed exceptional! But so what? You are still barbarian! My Wang Fu has trained troops for three months, and they are no less capable than yours! Don't think that our Wang clan can't do without you!"
Helan Rong's face suddenly darkened, and the veins on the back of his hand bulged. Just as he was about to get angry, he was quickly persuaded to stop. He couldn't help but look at Yan Dibai sitting on the seat, and his eyes met Yan Dibai's. In the end, he swallowed his anger.
Everyone tried to smooth things over with jokes. Wang Fei was indeed completely drunk, and that's how the matter was barely dropped.
After the drinking party ended, Qingqing, under the pretext of getting some fresh air, dragged Yan Dibai out.
Although Zhao Xu was heavily drunk, he didn't forget to stay and comfort Helan Rong. Helan Rong only glanced at him and said calmly:
"Each serves their own master, and I am not angry."
Zhao Xu assumed that Helan Rong meant loyalty to Wang Du, and said:
"It's good that you've figured it out. I used to be looked down upon by them too. But you are wise and virtuous, and you can see our loyalty."
Helan Rong brushed away his hand from her shoulder, saying, "I'm going to check on the brothers of the Iron Cavalry Battalion."
Zhao Xu still had something to say, but he was too drunk to continue, so he had to stop. He was then helped back to the house, swaying unsteadily.
Qingqing stood below the city wall, keeping watch. She saw a slender figure leap from a secondary carriage laden with silk. She pursed her lips, her expression complex as she looked at Yan Dibai approaching her.
"Wouldn't it be too unethical of us to secretly bring Wang Shu here?"
She was quite clever; knowing that the inspection of the emperor and empress's entourage was the most lenient, she hid inside and followed them all the way.
Yan Dibai didn't take it seriously: "Is it immoral for her to force herself on Zhao Xu?"
Yan Dibai glanced at Zhao Xu's bedroom, where the lights were already off, then pulled Qingqing toward the training ground.
"Let's go, Helan Rong must be getting impatient."
As night deepened, the Hidden Scale Guards quietly assembled.
Upon seeing Yan Dibai arrive, Helan Rong immediately stepped forward, kneeling on one knee in front of her former subordinates and confidants, her armor clanging loudly.
"Your subject, Helan Rong, has not failed Your Majesty's command! Today, I lead 194 former Imperial Guardsmen to welcome Your Majesty and Her Highness!"
Behind him, over a hundred soldiers knelt silently like black reefs. Yan Dibai stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over each resolute face, and raised his hand:
"My lords, please rise. I have suffered greatly for you all, enduring this hardship with me until now."
He suddenly lifted his robe and bowed to everyone in unison.
"Even the patience and perseverance of those who endure hardship will eventually come to an end. From this day forward, I and you all shall work together to restore this land!"
The battle-hardened soldiers stood frozen in shock, speechless, their eyes suddenly welling with tears at the bow. Their backs were ramrod straight, their fists clenched tightly. Someone, perhaps the first to imitate the emperor, knelt with a thud on one knee, and then everyone else knelt down in unison, silently, yet with a weight as heavy as a thousand pounds.
"Gentlemen, please don't mind that the wine is weak."
The young empress, who had been quietly accompanying the emperor, brought over two jars of wine with a smile on her face and generously poured the wine for them herself.
Faced with this scene, Qingqing was quite adept at handling it. She smiled and patted the tall soldiers, placing wine bowls into their hands one by one.
The soldiers hesitated at first, but when they saw Helan Rong with red eyes drink the wine after toasting the two men, they followed suit.
Just as Qingqing was feeling pleased, suddenly, [Ding—Recaptured the old troops.]
[Emperor's Aura +1]
[Emperor's Aura +2]
[+0.5, +1.5... The Emperor's Aura value returns to 10. Keep up the good work, host.]
An electronic voice suddenly rang out. She paused, clutching the empty wine jar. So fast? Looking at Yan Dibai again, his aura seemed to have solidified slightly…
A moment of silent weeping passed on the training ground, then the emperor and his ministers spoke frankly. Helan Rong wiped her eyes just then:
"I cannot acknowledge a master in public, but instead must serve the traitors. It pains me to do so. Fortunately, I have fulfilled my mission and captured Liangzhou City, which can serve as a base for Your Majesty's rise to power."
At the governor's mansion, to avoid arousing suspicion, Helan Rong could only communicate with Yan Dibai using a few bamboo leaves as a code. Even when facing the kind and amiable Empress Yang, she could only pretend not to know her and silently use her as a bridge to obtain information.
Finally, the day of clarity arrived. Helan Rong was overwhelmed with emotion and bowed deeply to Yan Dibai and Qingqing.
"General, please don't do this!"
The emperor and empress simultaneously bent down to help him up.
He Lanrong was unwilling to get up, but Yan Dibai remained silent and grabbed his strong arms with both hands.
"I understand the intentions of the Helan tribe."
Helan Rong relaxed, but still kept his head down, not wanting Yan Dibai to see his embarrassing state. After a while, he straightened up in the chilling north wind:
"The refugees, surrendered soldiers, and commoners will all be settled according to Your Majesty's instructions in Yangzhou. Apart from the 20,000 able-bodied men who were ordered to be buried alive by Wang Fu, there are still about 30,000 who can be incorporated into the army."
He Lanrong was certain:
"The Xuan Tie Cavalry has grown to six thousand men under Wang Fu's deliberate expansion. If these six thousand cavalrymen have sufficient food and supplies, it is not impossible for them to charge into the false emperor's territory."
Yan Dibai smiled approvingly at Helan Rong: "There's no rush. Tens of thousands of troops are still insufficient. If I lead the troops out, the city will be empty. We still need to expand."
"Qingniang and I have been secretly raising money and military supplies these days, enough to support 80,000 soldiers for five months."
Helan Rong was startled and asked in confusion, "Your Majesty... is leading troops??"
Yan Dibai nodded calmly: "Following the example of Emperor Taizu, we will pacify the Five Barbarian Tribes. I have long had this intention."
He Lanrong was taken aback, then suddenly clasped her hands in excitement:
"Your Majesty's ambition is as lofty as a swan, and I will follow you to the death! If Your Majesty still desires troops, I have an idea."
Yan Dibai's eyes darkened, and Helan Rong's voice boomed: "Besides Wang Fei's original 30,000 troops, the 20,000 able-bodied men in the city, there are more than 10,000 refugees who can barely serve as soldiers. Add our iron cavalry, and that makes 66,000 men. Zhu Rong also has a force of 10,000 elite soldiers who have been away with Xiao Yuanjing and have not returned."
"Those elite soldiers were acquired by Xiao Yuanjing through the marriage of his sister, and their quality is extremely good. However, since we began attacking Xiping, Xiao Yuanjing has never shown himself. I heard that Zhu Rong showed signs of poisoning when he left, which must have been Xiao Yuanjing's doing all along, waiting to kill Zhu Rong and take the throne. However, his sister Xiao Yuanshu was not taken away by Zhu Rong. Seeing this, Wang Fu wanted to capture Xiao Yuanshu to threaten Xiao Yuanjing into surrendering, but he searched the entire city and could not find any trace of her."
Helan Rong pondered, "The watchtower is staffed every two hours, and the surrounding area is heavily guarded. Xiao Yuanshu is definitely still in the city, though his fate is unknown. But we can still spread the word that we have captured Xiao Yuanshu. If Xiao Yuanjing truly loves his sister as rumored, he will definitely come. Then we can exchange her for soldiers."
He analyzed the situation carefully, and seeing that Yan Dibai was expressionless, he assumed that Yan Dibai disagreed, so he looked at Qingqing beside him.
Qingqing frowned slightly, and asked solemnly, "Xiao Yuanshu?"
He Lanrong was taken aback, and suddenly remembered Xiao Yuanshu's former identity... she was a palace concubine!
Women's matters are no joke!
Helan Rong hurriedly apologized:
"Your Majesty, Rong did not mean it—"
Qingqing was both amused and exasperated. "General, you've misunderstood."
Do you know where she last appeared?
Seeing her clear gaze, Helan Rong blushed, realizing her own petty thoughts, and said insincerely, "I only know that Xiao Yuanshu was dragged into the prison that day, and I don't know anything after that. Is Your Highness looking for someone?"
Qingqing smiled and said, "No."
"I need the general's help to establish a special hospital for the sick and weak, where porridge will be distributed, winter clothes will be provided, and the wounded and sick will be treated."
Helan Rongdun turned to look at Yan Dibai. The young emperor smiled, seemingly agreeing as well.
He immediately said, "I will give orders to do that right away. Does Your Majesty have anything else to attend to?"
Qingqing shook her head, then nodded: "His Majesty wanted to ask on the way whether the soldiers' supplies were sufficient?"
When it came to the most crucial military supplies, Helan Rong immediately became serious: "The cavalry are fine, but the infantry... are becoming increasingly demanding."
Qingqing smiled faintly, and Yan Dibai looked dainty.
Yan Dibai clasped his hands together: "We won't wait until tomorrow; we'll reward the army now."
Military camp.
"General Helan!"
The centurion guarding the gate stepped forward and blocked the way with his arm:
"What is the purpose of bringing so many carriages and horses here in the dead of night?"
Helan Rong brandished the iron tally, declaring, "The Emperor and Empress are rewarding the army; how dare you block their way?"
The centurion was startled and quickly saluted the two men, but still refused to give way.
"Without the young general's orders, no one is allowed to enter or leave the military camp at night. Why did Your Majesty choose to come tomorrow when it is warm? Why are you rewarding the troops in the dead of night?"
Yan Di's pale face instantly turned dark.
"Does this army belong to the Wang or Yan families? When I reward the soldiers, do I need to ask Wang Fu about it?"
"I dare not!" the centurion hurriedly apologized, sounding extremely embarrassed. "Your Majesty, I was only following orders, truly..."
His behavior confirmed a fact for Yan Dibai—these officials indeed only obeyed the Wang family.
Having made up his mind, Yan Dibai gave Helan Rong a look, and Helan Rong immediately took out an iron talisman from her waist:
"The young general is drunk and naturally cannot deliver messages. General Zhao Xu's token should be sufficient to convey some meaning, right?"
The centurion examined the iron tally and confirmed it undoubtedly belonged to Zhao Xu. Only then did he grit his teeth and step back, allowing the caravan to pass.
The commotion at the door could now be heard inside.
Hearing that the emperor had come to reward the army, the soldiers, who had only eaten some cold rice, were bewildered and shrank back, squatting by the tent to peek out. What they saw shocked them all.
These two are truly the legendary emperor and empress, how come they're so frugal? Not a single piece of gold or jade on them. And they only have General Helan by their side. Not a single sycophant to fawn over them.
Moreover, why are they rewarding the army so late at night?
They had to stand in a row during the day, waiting for the generals on the stage to finish their drinking and talking before they could get some cakes and a meal cooked with vinegar and cloth.
The emperor and empress remained very low-key, patiently walking along the military camp despite the cold wind. Yan Dibai personally distributed imperial wine and reward money to the meritorious soldiers. Qingqing, on the other hand, smiled and presented them with rice, flour, and warm clothing.
They had prepared for this day for months, ensuring a sufficient supply for every low-ranking soldier. They even hid two large ounces of flatbread in their clothes.
The soldiers touched the object again and again in disbelief.
This fabric is so thick! And the stitching is so sturdy!
The pancakes are really substantial! The reward money is also quite generous, it feels really solid in my hand!
It's not something they'd actually get their hands on!
Many people stared blankly at the Emperor and Empress's departing figures, stammering, "This... what we received and what the higher-ups received, they can't all be the same, can they?"
Upon hearing this, Qingqing stopped and objected to the soldier, who exclaimed, "Eh? We're fighting the same battle, so why can't we use the same equipment? Otherwise, what's the point of fighting?"
Then he flashed a big smile and continued walking forward.
These infantrymen, who could only eat scraps and had to lead the charge, were all shocked by the shock.
...The difference between the gentry and the common people is like heaven and earth. Not to mention the emperor.
They couldn't understand why the tyrannical and incompetent emperor and the seductive empress were different from the rumors. They didn't put on airs or show off their power, and they didn't look down on them, these lowly commoners, for being so humble as to personally hand out gifts.
Take the young general Wang Fei, for example. After winning a victory, he would invite his confidants to drink and hold a banquet, not even deigning to give them a glance.
It wasn't until the young emperor and empress had walked far away that people realized what had happened.
"Your Majesty and Empress, you think highly of us..."
In an instant, her eyes reddened, and she knelt down in gratitude in the direction the two had left.
In the blink of an eye, a huge number of soldiers were kneeling in the entire camp.
After distributing the supplies to the military camp, Yan Dibai and Qingqing took the items to the place where the able-bodied young people and refugees of Liangzhou were being held.
The group of people were unaware that the emperor and empress were rewarding the soldiers. Seeing that the fierce-looking soldiers were not there, but instead a young man and woman had arrived, they all looked puzzled.
The bolder young men clung to the wooden fence and spat at them:
"You're playing tricks on me again! I said I won't join your Wang family, and that means I won't!"
Yan Dibai pulled Qingqing aside, dodging the spit, and grabbed a still-warm piece of mutton pie, tossing it in his face. Straight to the point:
"I intend to organize you into the royal army to punish the traitors, eliminate the false emperor, and bring peace to the world. I want all people to live in peace and prosperity, and not to be displaced. Those who are willing, step forward, and each will receive a piece of minced meat flatbread."
I?
emperor? ?
The young man, holding the pancake, looked at Yan Dibai suspiciously over and over again. This young man possessed a striking appearance, exceptionally handsome. However,
"Tch! How can you prove you're the emperor? Which emperor are you? The one from the north or the one from the south?"
At this moment, Helan Rong, who had imprisoned them there, entered with a sword at his side and called out "Your Majesty" in a clear and resonant voice.
"Your Majesty, the hospital has selected a courtyard and is being prepared."
Qingqing smiled and said, "I'll trouble you, General Helan."
Yan Dibai nodded, then took a step, his gaze sweeping over the young man: "I am naturally the emperor of the Central Plains."
The moment he moved, the lock on the wooden fence clicked off and fell to the ground. The young man was stunned by the words "Emperor of the Central Plains," his chapped lips trembled, and he suddenly rushed out, kneeling down as he ran.
"Your Majesty, my name is Wu Yinchi Luo! My ancestors and Emperor Taizu Yan Chong were both from the Xianbei. After conquering the world, they volunteered to guard the border for Emperor Taizu and changed their surname to Fang. Your Majesty may also call me Fang Lu!"
A look of surprise flashed across Helan Rong's eyes. She hadn't expected that this troublemaker, who was most likely to cause trouble in prison, was also a member of the Taizu's remnant forces.
No wonder they refused to bow down even at the cost of their lives.
Wu Yinchi crawled a few steps on his knees, turned his hands to the ground, and performed a very elaborate Hu-style greeting:
"Wu Yinchi Luo has been here, waiting for Your Majesty for two hundred years!"
Qingqing clearly felt a fleeting look of surprise on the person beside her.
Yan Dibai turned around, but his expression returned to calm.
"Your surname is Wu Yin?"
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Wu Yinchiluo smiled happily when he saw that he had indeed stopped, completely different from the arrogant and unruly person he had been just moments before.
“My ancestor was named Wu Yinzi. Back then, he and Emperor Taizu were both…both were shepherds.” Wu Yinzi hesitated, but seeing no displeasure on Yan Di’s pale face, he continued, “Emperor Taizu’s grand ambitions and achievements were unparalleled in the past five hundred years. My ancestor deeply admired Emperor Taizu and followed him from the very beginning of his military campaigns—”
"I understand." The young man abruptly interrupted his rambling words, "Helan Rong is a former member of the Imperial Guard, belonging to the same remnant of Emperor Taizu. Why do you not surrender?"
Wu Yinchi Luo was in a panic when he heard this question, and couldn't help but look at Helan Rong, who was also looking at him.
Thinking of the torment he had suffered at the hands of this fellow, Wu Yinchi Luo glared at him with amusement, then laughed helplessly.
"This man surnamed Helan is under the command of the Wang family, working for them, and even captured my people in a surprise attack. How could I possibly give him a friendly look? Besides, everyone says that old scoundrel Wang Du is holding the emperor hostage, but I... I only believe that the Helan tribe was subdued by that old scoundrel in His Majesty's name and has become a traitor. Naturally, we will never submit!"
He Lanrong had always found it strange, and upon hearing this, she couldn't help but laugh, and the two thus buried the hatchet.
Looking at Yan Dibai again, his expression shifted several times before finally letting out a soft sigh.
"Hard."
Wu Yinchi Luo's eyes immediately welled up with tears. "How could I have endured as much hardship as Your Majesty has? I never believed in Your Majesty's reputation as a tyrant, but now that I have seen it, I know I was right!"
He suddenly stood up and waved to the group of young people behind him:
"If you acknowledge me as your elder brother, then come and pay your respects to His Majesty!"
These people, including refugees and locals, were all familiar with Wu Yinchiluo. By this time, they all realized what was going on and, as if waking from a dream, stepped forward and knelt down with a thud.
Yan Dibai suddenly smiled: "Helan, Wuyin, distribute all the soldiers' armor, food, clothing, and money outside. Set up new tents and invite everyone inside!"
Helan Rong and Wu Yinchi Luo exchanged a glance. "Yes!"
The sky was already showing the first light of dawn.
Just as Qingqing stepped out of the dungeon, she was struck by how capable her great-grandfather Yan Dibai was, and a second "ding" sounded in her mind—
[Subduing the people and refugees of Liangzhou, Emperor's Aura +1, +0.5, +3...]
[Congratulations! Your Emperor Aura value has returned to 20. Keep up the good work, host.]
"That's 20 already..."
"What, twenty?"
Yan Dibai suddenly asked a question.
Qingqing shuddered. Yan Dibai had somehow moved to a spot slightly in front of her, where he could block the biting cold wind.
His neatly tied hair was tousled by the wind, looking quite unrestrained, yet also possessing the frivolity typical of youth. His eyes shone brightly in the moonlight, making them very handsome.
Qingqing abruptly withdrew her gaze.
"It's nothing, I was just wondering how long 200,000 gold coins would last. Although Li Si and the others are helping us raise money in Jiangzuo, maintaining an army will still require even greater expenses."
Li Si and the other two did not come along. Instead, Yan Dibai ordered them to guard the warehouse. Originally, all three complained and felt heartbroken that they had missed the opportunity to make a name for themselves like Helan Rong.
Unexpectedly, Cui Xun somehow heard that the three of them had helped Lu Xing build the dike. He ordered Cui An to guard the Tiaoxi Pond, Jinkou, and Xiangdong Garden respectively. They successfully apprehended the men.
Unexpectedly, Cui Xun did not intend to kill anyone, but secretly transferred the Cui family's silk transport business to the past, asking them to quietly deliver it to Yan Dibai.
Silk and brocade generate wealth. This alone accounts for 40% of the Cui family's revenue. Adding the private treasury that Yan Dibai transferred to Yi Fu a long time ago, the total amount is exactly 200,000 taels of gold.
Yan Dibai reviewed the plan again and said, "Don't worry. The Lu family's rice and grain supplies are also a considerable amount of military funds."
"Huh?" Yan Dibai's tone was light and intriguing. "There's more to their business?"
After Wang Du's downfall, the Lu family was utterly demoralized and had no means of resistance. They must hate Yan Dibai to the core; why would they help him?
Yan Dibai curled her lips: "Others hate me, but Lu Xing thanks me. Without my meddling, how could he have become the head of the family? Just think about Zhang Bian."
"..." Qingqing quickly sorted out the details she had overlooked.
Zhang Bian suddenly appeared beside Wang Du on the first day of the uprising. She was surprised, but it was common for strategists to choose other masters, so the surprise was only momentary.
After thinking for a while, the boy gave a nonchalant snort: "Stupid."
She pouted, "Just tell me. My mind is completely occupied with the hospital right now. I can't think about anything else."
Yan Dibai glanced at her, then suddenly sighed with disdain:
"You're so stupid, what will you do if you get bullied while running the hospital? After we deal with Wang Fei these next few days, I'll be leading troops into battle. Who will stand up for you when I leave?"
This guy, with that physique, is always thinking about leading troops into battle… Qingqing refrained from pouring cold water on his enthusiasm, “Of course I’m not as cunning as you. Besides, the hospital is full of the elderly, women, and children, how could they bully a young person like me?”
"So stupid."
“Zhang Bian was originally Wang Du’s man.” A dark glint appeared in his eyes. “He used to be.”
"That won't be the case anymore."
Those who follow the dragon, why would they wish to serve the dragon?
Now that things have come to this, Qingqing is no longer surprised by anything.
"Do you and Wu Yinchi Luo have something to say to each other?"
Qingqing hadn't forgotten Yan Dibai's emotional changes at that time.
Yan Dibai paused, "Okay. Go back and check on Xiao Hui first, I'll be back soon."
Little Grey has been cooped up in the car for days and still hasn't escaped! Qingqing immediately took off running, "Then I'm off!"
He watched her leave, and said, “Emperor Taizu… tell me in detail everything you know about his past with his first wife.”
Wu Yinchi Luo, who had been following behind, hurriedly replied, "Chi Luo will surely tell you everything."
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