Therefore, Mu Qing immediately gave the order.
Some people returned to Beixiang Kingdom to fetch reinforcements and provisions.
Another group of people went around inquiring about the bandits, preparing to "borrow grain".
Mu Qing walked to the map, looked towards Shannan Prefecture again, and a sinister glint flashed in his eyes.
Lu Yan, you just wait, I'll make you pay the price sooner or later!
He slammed his hand hard on the location of Shannan Prefecture on the map, leaving a clear palm print.
At this moment, Lu Yan's state was completely opposite to his.
He was lounging comfortably in a rocking chair, humming a little tune, with a half-eaten chicken leg in his hand.
"My lord, our scouts report that that old codger Mu Qing hasn't withdrawn his troops; he's still camped nearby!"
Li Kui rushed in excitedly, carrying two jars of wine in his hands.
Lu Yan lazily opened one eye:
"Oh? That old bastard hasn't run away yet? Looks like he's going to stick with me."
"My lord, should we take advantage of their unstable foothold and wipe them out without leaving a single survivor?"
Li Kui rubbed his hands together, eager to try his hand at it.
"No rush, no rush."
Lu Yan waved his hand and said slowly.
"That old bastard is a stray dog now, nothing to fear."
"Let him run wild for a few days, and once he lowers his guard, we'll give him a real beating!"
"Hehe, you're still the wise one, sir!"
Kui smiled憨厚ly and handed a jar of wine to Lu Yan.
"Sir, this is some fine wine that I found in a village at the foot of the mountain. Please have a taste!"
Lu Yan took the wine jar, tilted his head back and took a gulp, praising it:
"Hmm, not bad, this liquor is strong enough! Little Kui, you're getting better and better at handling things!"
"Hehe, it's all thanks to the adults' excellent teaching!"
Li Kui scratched his head and grinned foolishly.
"Burp~" Lu Yan let out a burp and patted his round belly contentedly.
"Xiao Kui, your wine is quite good. Get some more next time."
Li Kui chuckled sheepishly and scratched his head:
"If you're happy, I'll arrange it right away!"
After saying that, he turned and ran out.
"Wait!"
Lu Yan called out to him.
"You impulsive brat, what kind of behavior is this!"
"Anyone who didn't know better would think that Shannan Prefecture was raising a bunch of monkeys!"
Li Kui chuckled, slowed his pace, and stood obediently to the side, waiting for Lu Yan's instructions.
Lu Yan took another sip of wine before slowly saying:
"That old bastard Mu Qing is still loitering around nearby; he's definitely up to no good."
"Have someone keep a close eye on him, and don't let him cause any trouble."
"Yes, sir! Don't worry, I guarantee I'll keep a close watch on him so he won't even utter a fart!"
Li Kui patted his chest and assured him.
Just then, a guard's voice came from outside the door reporting:
"My lord, General Li Mu of the Imperial Guards in the capital requests an audience."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yan raised an eyebrow and stopped swirling the wine glass in his hand.
From the capital? The Imperial Guard? Li Mu?
These keywords swirled in his mind.
This made him somewhat puzzled.
Could it be that the Empress sent them to provide support?
But I didn't request any support from the imperial court...
"Let him in."
Lu Yan put down his wine glass, sat up straight, and pondered Li Mu's purpose in coming.
A moment later, a burly man wearing silver armor walked in.
He walked with a steady gait, his eyes were sharp, and every gesture exuded the dignity of a soldier.
"This humble general, Li Mu, pays his respects to Lord Lu."
Li Mu clasped his hands in a salute, his voice loud and clear.
Lu Yan looked him up and down and nodded inwardly.
Li Mu seems to be a formidable general, but I wonder what his purpose is in coming here.
"General Li, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."
Lu Yan pointed to the chair next to him, a formal smile on his face.
Li Mu thanked Lu Yan, took his seat, and got straight to the point:
"Lord Lu, I have come here on His Majesty's orders to support Shannan Prefecture and protect your safety."
Protect security?
Lu Yan's doubts deepened.
His Shannan Prefecture is as solid as a rock, what need is there for protection?
Lu Yan exchanged a few pleasantries with Li Mu without making a sound, secretly observing his expression.
Li Mu was quite cautious in his speech, only saying that he was acting on imperial orders and remaining silent about other matters.
But Lu Yan still caught a glimpse of something unusual in his flickering eyes.
After a few rounds of conversation, Li Mu lowered his voice and said:
"Lord Lu, please forgive my bluntness, but there are some people in the court who are quite dissatisfied with you and want to use the Mu Qing incident to frame you."
"I hope you will act carefully, sir, and not give others a handle to use against you."
Lu Yan sneered inwardly.
Of course he knew who was behind it all.
Who else could it be but that old fox Liu An?
However, he didn't point it out, but instead asked in feigned surprise:
"Oh? Is that so? Who is so audacious as to frame me?"
Li Mu shook his head, not saying anything explicitly, but giving Lu Yan a meaningful look.
Lu Yan understood immediately and didn't press the matter further.
He knew that Li Mu had come here not only to provide support, but also to do other things.
To avoid any further complications, Lu Yan decided to change the subject.
He smiled casually and said:
"General Li's support this time has been somewhat delayed."
"The army of 100,000 men of Beixiang Kingdom has now been reduced to less than half by me."
"They're probably hiding in that ravine, trembling with fear!"
Li Mu smiled slightly:
"Lord Lu's military strategy is brilliant; I had already anticipated this."
"Oh? General Li, how can you be so sure?"
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