Chapter 564: The Arrival of the Little Heavenly Master (Seeking Monthly Tickets at the End of the Month)
Murder? Because she opened the door in a hurry, Yuxiu, who was only wearing a Taoist robe, was stunned for a moment. She reached out and tied her hair habitually, frowning:
"I won't interfere..."
The female Taoist nun once again emphasized the principles of doing things.
Haha, I hope you’ll still be so stubborn when Lao Zhang’s crane arrives… Zhao Duan interrupted her rudely and said, “I know.”
Yuxiu stared at him deeply for a moment, then nodded: "Please wait a moment, sir."
She closed the door, the lights in the room lit up, and the shadow of the Taoist nun getting dressed was reflected on the window.
A moment later, a graceful Taoist nun, neatly dressed with messy hair tied into a bun, walked out. As she walked into the courtyard, her snow-white cuffs were raised to the sky, revealing a section of her fair forearm.
"call out!"
A ray of emerald sword light rose from the ground and shot straight into the sky.
"The moon is full tonight, and Jin Jian went out to practice. I called her back." Yuxiu explained.
Zhao Duan took the opportunity to find Sun Xiaozhun who was guarding Taicang, and simply informed him that he was going to Yongjia and asked him to stay behind.
When he turned back, he happened to see the emerald flying sword returning like a shooting star in the night sky.
A petite priest figure almost melted into the darkness, wearing a priest robe embroidered with gold thread, with a delicate face and slightly curled hair at the ends, like a night elf.
Slowly falling from the sky.
Jin Jian lightly touched the ground with the tips of his boots, held the staff in one hand, and gently pushed up the gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose with the other hand, staring at Zhao Duan with his dark eyes:
"what happen?"
The female priestess at night exudes a mysterious aura, completely different from the sleepyhead during the day.
Zhao Duan had already ordered his men to bring three war horses, and he stood up and left:
"No time to explain, get on the horse."
…
The group of three rushed out of the city at lightning speed and headed south.
A bridge had already been built across the Yongjia River, with soldiers from the Beijing camp guarding both ends. The three men had a smooth journey and entered Yongjia City when the sky was already bright.
A red sun leaped up, tearing through the darkness of dawn and illuminating the entire Yongjia city.
There was a strange atmosphere in the city. Because Zhao Shixiong opened the city and surrendered, there was no chaos in the city. However, the sudden change of flag and banner still caught the people off guard.
Zhao Duan arrived at the Yongjia government office.
I ran into a familiar officer from the Fifth Army Battalion walking out and was stunned for a moment:
"Governor? Why are you here?"
Zhao Duan dismounted and walked in with two priests, one large and one small, speaking in a dignified tone:
"Send the order, call a meeting of the city's top leaders!"
…
A moment later.
Inside the government office, in a huge house.
Zhao Duan sat upright in the main seat, waiting for his acquaintances to arrive one after another.
The first to arrive were Lang Shiba and Ji Yue, who were sent in advance by Zhao Duan to escort Yuan Feng to accept the surrender.
Then came the square-faced Yuan Feng and the senior officers of the Fifth Army Battalion.
"Governor!" Yuan Feng stepped into the hall and saluted respectfully - the commander was completely convinced of Zhao Duan.
Although he was still dissatisfied when Qingzhou and Su Dan were destroyed, he was completely convinced by the fact that Zhao Shixiong was taken in this time.
"Well, sit down. Let's talk about the situation in the city." Zhao Duan nodded and motioned for them to sit down.
Yuan Feng did not dare to delay and gave a brief report. The process went very smoothly. Finally, he said:
"Last time, my lord, you rescued the Yongjia prefect and other local officials from prison. This time, after retaking Yongjia, you removed all the officials who defected to the rebel king, allowing them to return to their posts. As a result, there has been minimal unrest in the city."
Zhao Duan nodded.
The fastest way to stabilize Yongjia is to have the original local officials take over.
Besides, this place has not been occupied for a long time, so he is not worried about stability.
"By the way, that... Du Ruhui..." He remembered this and asked casually.
Yuan Feng replied, "Du Ruhui has been promoted. He is extremely capable, and it is worth your while to rescue him last time. Would you like to see him?"
Zhao Duan waved his hand: "No need, just asking."
The most urgent task at the moment is to capture and kill King Mu. He has no time to care about trivial matters. The reason why he deliberately asked about Du Ruhui's situation was to send a signal.
After today, when Governor Zhao asks about Du Ruhui, the matter will surely spread locally. His casual words can help the other party reduce countless obstacles and make him rise to prominence.
Today, Zhao Duan has the ability to change the fate of a court official with just his words and actions.
While talking.
There were footsteps approaching in the courtyard. Zhao Duan looked up and saw Zhao Shixiong and his wife Gongsun walking towards him.
The border general nicknamed "Thin Tiger" was the same as the day before. Even though the city had changed hands, he still walked with great momentum.
Can't be ignored!
Gongsun, who was tall and plump with a curvy figure, followed her husband without a sword on her back. She met Zhao Duan's gaze and lowered her eyes slightly.
The couple stopped at the door and bowed their heads slightly: "Greetings, Governor!"
Zhao Duan laughed heartily and stood up to greet them: "General and Madam, there's no need to be polite. Please take a seat."
His attitude also sent a signal to the entire Beijing camp: since Governor Zhao respected the surrendered general so much, the others would not dare to be rash.
This is to help Zhao Shixiong regain his footing in the court.
Zhao Shixiong glanced at him gratefully and exhaled softly, "Thank you, Commander-in-Chief."
Wait for the couple to take their seat.
Zhao Duan got straight to the point: "The purpose of calling a meeting today is to go south to quell the rebellion..."
Yuan Feng was the first to express his views:
"According to your instructions, the army can set out in half a day at most. However, I am worried that reinforcements may arrive from the eastern front..."
Zhao Duan said calmly:
"Don't worry. I've sent a letter to Xue Shence. From now on, he will be responsible for containing Prince Jing. We should seize this window of opportunity and march south to defeat the enemy."
After a pause, he turned and looked at Zhao Shixiong:
"General Zhao, based on your understanding of Xu Jingtang, how would he react now?"
Zhao Shixiong pondered for a moment and said slowly:
"Xu Jingtang appears rough on the outside, but he's actually quite cautious. I'm sure he's already made preparations since my daughter went north. I'm sure the news of my surrender will reach him soon. There are only two possible outcomes."
"First, Xu Jingtang led his army to fight us head-on for control of the Huai River."
"Second, they might abandon the strategy and just send their troops to stop us and buy time to retreat to Yunfu. I personally think this is more likely."
Zhao Duan nodded, which was consistent with his judgment:
"In that case, General, do you think Xu Jingtang will personally lead his troops to stop us, or will he flee?"
Zhao Shixiong did not hesitate:
"If he had any intention of retreating to Yunfu, he would not have joined the battle. However, given his personality, he would not have handed over Jingchuan. He would have to take the trouble to transport the grain, gold, silver, and supplies seized from the Huai River back to the base camp."
Zhao Duan nodded, tapped the table and said:
"Since this is the case, we must act without delay. The entire army must break camp immediately and march south to defeat the enemy head-on. General Yuan, General Zhao, this commander-in-chief is not skilled in military operations, so I will rely on you for this battle."
Xu Jingtang wanted to run, and he wanted to chase him.
Every day of delay increases the chances of the other party withdrawing.
Yuan Feng nodded, rubbing his hands together, and said with a smile: "I will definitely fulfill your mission!"
He had been holding it in for a long time and finally got a chance to show off.
Zhao Shixiong seemed to have tasted the flavor and looked at Zhao Duan:
"The commander-in-chief won't go south with the army? Is he going to stay in the rear?"
Zhao Duan shook his head and smiled:
"No. I will also go south, but I will not accompany the army. Instead, I will lead a group of elite soldiers to try to cut off Xu Jingtang's retreat. Therefore, Lang Shiba and Ji Yue will not go south with the army."
Everyone was stunned.
As if she understood something, Gongsun, who was a woman but also served as a female general of the Southwest Frontier Army, suddenly dissuaded her:
"Sir, are you planning to take a risk? This is not an option. Although Xu Jingtang's cultivation is low, Prince Mu's Mansion has accumulated a lot of experience over the years and must have a solid foundation..."
The others also vaguely guessed what he was thinking, and became nervous and tried to dissuade him.
If the emperor fails here, they cannot bear the responsibility.
Zhao Duan, however, rejected all objections:
"It's decided. You lead the army first, and I will act alone later. This matter must be kept secret... Oh, don't worry. Prince Mu wants to resist the imperial army, so most of the masters in the palace will be sent to the army. There won't be many left by his side.
Besides, if King Mu chooses to lead the troops himself, I might end up with nothing."
This... Although everyone wanted to dissuade him, they had no choice but to obey orders.
Afterwards, they discussed the details and everyone dispersed, preparing to break camp.
Zhao Shixiong left last. Before leaving, he glanced at him, his tiger eyes moving slightly:
"Prince Jing is in collusion with the White Clothes Sect. Those sorcerers can influence destiny. This trip may not go smoothly."
Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"I know, but the scope of influence that a monk can exert is certainly limited. Even if they do influence someone, it would only interfere with the army. Therefore, you are the one who should be careful."
Zhao Shixiong looked at him deeply and said, "With your status, there is no need to take risks."
Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"I'm worried about letting General Zhao go south alone. By the way, the news of General Zhao's surrender has spread to all nine provinces and eighteen prefectures. Your Majesty will also issue an edict to clear the general's name."
This sentence seems to be well-intentioned, but it is actually a reminder: you no longer have room to defect again.
Zhao Shixiong's beard twitched, he smiled heartily, turned around and left, leaving only one sentence:
"I will quickly defeat the Yunfu army, capture Jingchuan, and capture King Mu alive. If you're slow, the credit will be mine!"
…
After watching the other party leave, only Lang Shiba and others were left in the hall.
Yuxiu frowned and looked at Zhao Duan:
"You want to go to Jingchuan Town and hunt down King Mu? Just you?"
Zhao Duan smiled and said, "And you too."
He then told the story of borrowing troops from the old Taoist priest:
"We'll just wait in Yongjia. Prince Mu won't run away so quickly. The army will set out, and the battle between the two armies will take more than a day or two. Once everyone is gathered, we'll set off."
Master agreed?
Yuxiu did not question his words, but was just wondering what kind of magic this guy used to communicate with the capital.
As a neighbor living in the backyard of the government office, Yuxiu didn't know the specific method Zhao Duan used to travel between the two places, but she had long guessed that he often went into seclusion.
So it's not surprising.
"Priest Jin Jian, what are you thinking about?"
Zhao Duan stretched himself, turned his head and looked at the girl beside him who was thinking silently, with a look of great importance on her mind. He jokingly said:
"Did you hear that? Your master wants you to go with me to do something."
Jin Jian raised his head and carefully took out his bulging little purse from his robe. Suddenly, he gritted his teeth and pushed his hands in front of Zhao Duan:
"Last time, you said that as long as I lent you the money, you would pay me back several times more!"
Zhao Duan was stunned, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
It turns out that this girl was thinking about investment in the meeting just now!
This money-grubber is amazing!
Zhao Duan shook his head:
"When I asked you to invest, Zhao Shixiong hadn't surrendered yet. Now he has, and retaking the Huai River is just around the corner. The investment opportunity is gone. Priest, please take the money back.
Haha, the priest wouldn't think that such a good deal would always be available, would he? "
Jin Jian was struck by lightning, her face was stunned, and she was so heartbroken that she couldn't breathe!
She missed the investment opportunity again!
Seeing the girl visibly wilting, Zhao Duan said with a smile:
"However—in this hunting operation, I will give a generous bonus to those who perform well."
Jin Jian's ears pricked up and his eyes were full of fighting spirit.
Yuxiu silently covered her face, unable to bear to look:
Junior sister has brought disgrace to the Tianshi Mansion!
…
…
Following Zhao Duan's order, the two armies of the Beijing Camp and the Southwestern Border Army merged in the entire Yongjia City, and set out with great fanfare that day, heading south straight to Jingchuan County.
Only a small number were left to garrison the provincial capital.
Zhao Duan personally escorted the soldiers out of the city. In the eyes of outsiders, it seemed that he was going to stay in Yongjia and take charge of the rear.
That night, almost early in the morning.
Zhao Duan woke up from his sleep when he heard a strange noise. He walked out of the courtyard and looked up to see a crane flapping its wings, circling and landing in the courtyard.
The crane opened its mouth wide, and a round bag rolled out of its throat, spitting out a brocade bag and a decree.
"Really on time..."
Zhao Duan's eyes lit up. He put away the brocade bag and placed it in his arms like a treasure. He also handed the old Taoist priest's handwritten edict to Yu Xiu and Jin Shu who came out of the next room.
Seeing the letter from the master, asking them to cooperate with Zhao Duan to deal with the White Robe Sect and the Shenlong Temple, Yuxiu sighed softly and said with emotion:
"It's as if we were working for you. When are we leaving?"
Zhao Duan said, "Wait a little longer. Not all the people are here yet."
Suddenly, he noticed that Jin Jian was circling around the crane with a frown on his face.
"What's wrong?" Zhao Duan asked.
Jin Jian shook her head, touched the crane's neck with her hand, and let the bird rub against her affectionately, muttering:
"fine."
She was a little puzzled. How could the crane, after flying so far, look so radiant... and not look tired at all...
No words were spoken that night.
The next day, Zhao Duan still did not move.
Another day, same thing.
Finally, just when he was getting a little impatient, it was the morning of the third day.
A strange carriage appeared in the backyard of the government office.
When Zhao Duan and others walked out of the door, they saw a black carriage parked in the thick fog in the early morning.
A mysterious snow-white horse with a single horn was stamping its hooves and spewing white hot air from its nostrils.
The carriage curtain opened.
A man with a ferocious appearance and wearing a black priest robe sat cross-legged in the carriage.
On his knees lay a broad scarlet sword, with faint patterns engraved on the blade.
The little Taoist priest, Zhong Pan, is finally here!
"Senior Brother!" Yuxiu, who had hurriedly put on a Taoist robe, bowed his head and saluted.
"Big Brother!" Jin Jian followed closely and bowed.
With a scimitar slung across his body and a wine gourd on his back, Lang Shiba instinctively felt a strong sense of crisis and his eyes were sharp.
Ji Yue, with her hair disheveled like a female ghost, floated silently behind Zhao Duan, frightening everyone.
The two of them clearly realized the power of the priest in front of them!
"Senior Brother Zhong, you are finally here." Zhao Duan was shameless and addressed him as senior brother.
The young Taoist priest Zhong Pan stepped out of the car, looking very tired. He glanced at the faces of several people and said in a deep voice:
"I have come from afar after receiving the Master's order. Come on, get in the car. I will take you to Jingchuan."
Zhao Duan and his companions immediately packed up their things and got into the carriage.
Then Zhong Pan said to the unicorn: "Gee!"
Immediately, two streams of scorching air spurted out of the nostrils of the snow-white unicorn. It neighed and stomped its huge hooves on the floor tiles.
The surface of the mysterious black carriage began to ripple, becoming illusory and translucent.
Rushing like lightning, it broke through the morning mist and headed south.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
