"General." As soon as Wang Han returned from the palace, Zhao Fujin couldn't help but ask, "What exactly did Father Emperor summon you to the palace for?"
As Zhao Fujin asked the question, everyone else also turned their attention to Wang Han, all concerned about this issue, which was a major matter concerning their vital interests and even their future.
"It's nothing major, just that I'm being sent to suppress bandits. I'll be leaving tomorrow." Upon hearing this, Wang Han didn't hide anything and told him directly. He knew in his heart that Emperor Huizong and the entire court were still not at ease with him, but Wang Han didn't care at all. It was like a giant arguing with ants that pop up every now and then—it was pointless.
Having the pretext of suppressing bandits would allow him to meet the Liangshan heroes first, which wouldn't contradict his plans. All he needed was a convenient pretext to travel around. If he really wanted to do something, no one could stop him; if he didn't want to do something, no one could force him. Heaven wouldn't allow it, and the emperor certainly wouldn't.
"Wasn't it said we'd be going to the battlefield soon? How did it turn into a bandit suppression operation?" Wang Han didn't care, but Zhao Fujin didn't think so, and the others were also very concerned about the reason. They weren't like Wang Han, whose strength was so great that they could ignore everything. The emperor was the ultimate authority to them, so the reason behind it was naturally very important.
“Everyone has different ideas.” Upon hearing this, Wang Han shook his head and said, “Knowing what others are thinking all the time is tiring and annoying, even if it’s not tiring. In the end, Wang Han didn’t want to waste time and energy on these things, mainly because there was no fun in it.”
Seeing Wang Han's words, everyone assumed he was unwilling to speak, and they each made their own guesses. However, no one lacked confidence in Wang Han, after all, his strength and value were undeniable.
"Aren't you good at fortune telling? Why didn't you tell your own fortune?" After expressing his concern, Zhao Fujin couldn't help but tease him deliberately. Wang Han usually acted like he knew everything and had often made fun of him; this time, he could finally get his revenge.
"I may know how to tell fortunes, but I'm not so bored that I have to consult a fortune teller for everything." Hearing this, Wang Han said with a wry smile, "Even sages don't consult a fortune teller for every little thing that happens to them every day, let alone me."
"Who are you taking with you on this bandit suppression mission?" Zhao Fujin asked. This was a question that everyone was concerned about.
"Yang Zhi, you, Li Shishi, Lu Han, and a few guards and servants, set off early tomorrow morning. The government troops for suppressing bandits are being mobilized in various prefectures and cities, so we won't be open for business today. Let's go back first!" Wang Han said upon hearing this. This was something he had already planned beforehand.
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Weizhou was within the territory of the Military Governor's Office.
"Wow, it's huge!"
"What kind of mount is this? I've never seen one before, it's so majestic!"
"This is the legendary rhinoceros! I never imagined it would be this big!"
"There's also a female general! She's really beautiful."
"That other one is beautiful too!"
"These are all government soldiers, and the guards are wearing infantry armor, specifically designed to deal with Western Xia cavalry. It's said that a single piece weighs several dozen kilograms. These government soldiers must be of high status!"
On the street, people were talking and pointing at Wang Han and the other eleven who had just entered the city. Some of the men were practically drooling, their eyes filled with envy for both the mounts and the beautiful women.
"These people's eyes are so annoying! Yang Zhi!" Zhao Fujin shouted at Yang Zhi in dissatisfaction when he saw the men's blatant stares.
Upon hearing this, Yang Zhi turned and glanced at Wang Han. Seeing Wang Han nod slightly, he and his guards immediately turned fierce and shouted at the people around them, "What are you looking at? Get out of the way!"
"If I keep watching, I'll blind you."
After being fiercely rebuked by Yang Zhi and his men, the people around them immediately became much more subdued. Some who were afraid of getting into trouble quickly hid to the side and only dared to watch secretly.
"Make way, make way, make way..." From the other side of the street, a large group of soldiers rushed over. At the very front of this group of soldiers, the middle-aged Zhong Shidao rode his horse at the very front.
Soon, Zhong Shidao arrived before Wang Han with his soldiers. Zhong Shidao dismounted, took a few steps forward, knelt on one knee, and said, "General Zhong Shidao, the Military Commissioner of Weizhou, pays his respects to the Divine Might General."
"Greetings, Great General Shenwei!" Zhong Shidao and the soldiers behind him also knelt on one knee and shouted.
"It's actually General Shenwei! No wonder he's so majestic; even his mount is extraordinary."
"The legendary Divine General is said to be a master who can subdue demons and monsters and possesses magical powers!"
"Could it be that some demons or monsters have appeared in our Weizhou?"
As Zhong Shidao and his soldiers shouted, the surrounding people immediately began to discuss among themselves.
"No need for formalities! You know I don't like this bowing and scraping." Seeing this, Wang Han said irritably, "You're well-informed, aren't you? We just arrived and you're already here. Tell these soldiers to go back!"
"You may all return!" Upon hearing this, Zhong Shidao stood up and instructed the soldiers following behind him. After the soldiers left, he said to Wang Han, "Thank you, General Shenwei, for not holding a grudge."
"You've got a good plan. Now that I've taken the people away from the capital, Emperor Huizong must be mostly convinced. You owe me two favors now," Wang Han said with a smile, dismounting from Xiaobai's back. Yang Zhi and the others also dismounted and followed behind, leading their horses.
“It’s owed,” Zhong Shidao said with a smile, walking behind Wang Han and following him. He didn’t object to Wang Han addressing Emperor Huizong directly. Since Emperor Huizong had given special permission, they had no complaints. Wang Han was a Grand General, while Zhong Shidao was the Military Commissioner guarding Weizhou, a lower rank than Wang Han. Even his father, Zhong E, was not as high-ranking as Wang Han.
"General, how many troops are needed to suppress the bandits this time?" Zhong Shidao asked. In fact, there weren't many bandits in Weizhou, and they were all minor figures. However, since Wang Han was sent out to suppress the bandits by imperial decree, he would just go through the motions and be happy to take it easy.
“Weizhou is relatively peaceful; thirty to fifty soldiers are enough to collect and bury the corpses,” Wang Han said.
"General, it looks lively over there! Shall we go take a look?" Zhao Fujin suddenly ran up and said. On the other side of the street around the corner, a large crowd had gathered on one side, obviously watching something. In the middle of the crowd, banners, signs, and other items could be seen high up.
"Your Highness." Seeing Zhao Fujin wearing the armor of a female general, Zhong Shidao knew that Zhao Fujin's identity had been exposed, so he bowed softly and said.
"Let's go take a look. It'll be good to wipe out the first bandit to come to Weizhou, and then we can level Shaohua Mountain. General Zhong Shidao, would you be interested in coming along?" Wang Han glanced at the crowd gathered in the distance and said with a smile. He took the lead and walked over. Seeing this, the others naturally followed quickly.
"I would be most grateful for the General's invitation," Zhong Shidao said with a smile. Seeing Wang Han's methods would certainly be ideal.
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