Chapter Twenty-Three: Feint to the East, Attack in the West
"Master Shangguan, with a century of glory, has created a martial arts master and will unify the martial world!"
Shangguan Yanxin said, “Please be seated, everyone. Our Xiantian Sect has been established for twenty years, and we owe our success to you all.”
Long Bailian stood up and said, "Without the leader's command, we are nothing but a bunch of scoundrels in the martial world, nothing to speak of."
Shangguan Yanxin smiled and said, "Left Envoy Long, please sit down!" He then said, "I have gathered everyone here today to announce an important matter. Our sect owns four cities, and its followers include two envoys, twelve generals, thirty-six incense masters, and one hundred and eight land lords. The matter to be discussed today is of great importance, so the land lords have not been informed."
Xi Moguang hurriedly said, "Master! What is it? Tell me quickly!"
Long Bailian roared, "Xi Moguang, shut up!"
Shangguan Yanxin waved his hand and said, "Now that my sect is growing stronger, the four cities can no longer accommodate me. In Dongyue, I have an agreement with the various lords that we shall not fight each other. Therefore, I have decided to conquer the South Seas."
Upon hearing this, the people in the two courtrooms below began to whisper among themselves and discuss the matter.
"Conquer Southeast Asia!"
"Isn't this too hasty?"
"Yes, we don't have the conditions to conquer Southeast Asia yet!"
At this moment, a sect leader stood up and said, “Master, our sect is indeed at its zenith, but a long expedition to conquer Southeast Asia requires a large number of horses, provisions, clothing and supplies. Given our current situation, the people of the four cities may not be able to support us. Please reconsider, Master.”
Xi Moguang stood up and angrily shouted, "Yang Shaoqing, the sect leader says we should attack wherever he wants, so why are you spouting so much nonsense!"
Another person stood up and said, "Master, speaking of territory, there are still many places in our four cities that have not yet been cultivated, and the land is good and very suitable for growing wheat, soybeans and the like. At present, we should encourage the people to produce, and war is not a good strategy!"
Someone else stood up and said, "Master, what Liu Ke said is absolutely right. Not only will we not gain any benefits from war, but we will only suffer losses on both sides."
Xi Moguang pointed at the man and cursed, "Zhang Jinzhong, are you tired of living? How dare you disobey the leader?"
Shangguan Yanxin: "Alright everyone! My resolve to conquer the South Seas is firm, there's no need for further discussion! Now, let Qin Yao explain the situation to you!"
Qin Yao stepped forward and said, "Why are we launching a campaign against the South Seas? First, the South Seas are the closest to us. Second, Yin Qianqiu, the lord of Baiyun City who was stationed on the border, died a violent death last month. Third, Baiyun City has fertile soil and is a bountiful place for peanuts and potatoes."
Shangguan Yanxin: "The conditions for attacking are in place, and we cannot miss this opportunity. Now, let Left Envoy Long give everyone his instructions!"
Long Bailian: "Thirty-six incense masters, listen to my command." The thirty-six incense masters stood up and listened to the command.
Long Bailian: "Fellow incense masters, you have one month to instruct the landowners under your jurisdiction to cooperate in the collection and hunting of the necessary food and supplies. As for the species and quantities that each incense master is to collect, go to the finance office to receive a detailed list. Those who fail to meet the deadline will be executed according to the regulations."
"I will obey the leader's command!"
Shangguan Yanxin: "The order has been issued; everyone, go back and supervise!" After the thirty-six incense masters left,
Long Bailian continued, "The sect leader has ordered that during the preparation for the war, the twelve generals must not leave the Xiantian Sect without permission, and should actively train their subordinates in preparation for the fierce battle."
"I will obey the leader's command!"
Shangguan Yanxin said, "That concludes today. You may all leave." After the twelve generals left, Shangguan Yanxin said, "Left Envoy Long, Right Envoy Qin, now it's time to get some sleep and observe the situation."
Qin Yao: "Master, now is the best time. With this feint, that old Murong fellow will not make any preparations."
Long Bailian: "That's right. I've also learned that his two disciples and Murong Hanchan are not in the manor. This is the perfect opportunity for us to make our move."
Shangguan Yanxin: "Alright! Let me consider it further." The three pondered for a long time, when suddenly a voice rang out.
"Father! Father! I heard you're preparing to conquer Southeast Asia!" The person who came was Shangguan Qinghuan. He was dashing and debonair, with a carefree attitude and a hint of high spirits.
Shangguan Yanxin pointed and cursed, "What business is it of yours where I fight? If you weren't so idle and useless, I wouldn't have to resort to such a desperate measure."
Shangguan Qinghuan said casually, "What does your conquest of Southeast Asia have to do with me?"
Shangguan Yanxin: "You also said that Murong Hanchan is engaged to you, and that as long as you completely defeat her, our two families can be united by marriage. But what about you? You are not good at literature, not good at martial arts, but you are good at indulging in pleasure."
Shangguan Qinghuan: "I really don't understand, what's so good about that Murong Hanchan? She doesn't even smile at me once. She's much worse than the women at Yanyang Tower!"
Shangguan Yanxin was so angry he couldn't speak: "You...you...how could I have a son like you?" After saying that, he stormed off to the back hall.
Shangguan Qinghuan: "Hey! Father~ I'm telling the truth!"
Long Bailian and Qin Yu: "Young Master! We take our leave!"
Shangguan Qinghuan coldly said, "Stop!"
Long Bailian turned around and asked, "What are your orders, Young Master?"
Shangguan Qinghuan: "My father's reprimand of me like this must mean that the war in the South Seas is just a pretense, and the real purpose is to conquer the Murong family!"
Long Bailian: "This..."
Qin Yao: "We dare not speculate on the thoughts of our leader. If there is nothing else, young master, we will take our leave."
Shangguan Qinghuan laughed and said, "Go ahead!" Then she muttered to herself, "So my father really is going to take action against Murong Mingde."
On the road from Longyang City to Xiyu Mountain Villa.
Xiaoyao Lang: "Pingchuan, I didn't expect this road to be so wide, even carriages can pass side by side."
Ma Pingchuan: "Yes, this road is called Tongcheng Road. It is a direct road from Longyang City to Xiyu Mountain Villa. After another hour, you will reach Zhangjiaba, the territory of Xiyu Mountain Villa. The land there is open and the villagers live together. It is a unique place."
Xiaoyao Lang: "Is the jurisdiction of Xiyu Manor larger than that of Longyang City?"
Ma Pingchuan: "There are countless powerful figures in Southeast Asia, large and small. Longyang City is just the most powerful. Although Xiyu Manor has a small jurisdiction, it has the largest population."
Xiaoyao Lang: "It seems that this Drizzle Manor is quite remarkable!"
Ma Pingchuan: "Of course, otherwise how could we dare to call ourselves the number one manor in the world?"
Ahead of Xiaoyao Lang, Murong Hanchan exclaimed excitedly, "Wow! This place is so beautiful, and the houses are so densely packed!"
Yi Mingzhao: "This is now the territory of Xiyu Mountain Villa, and this place is called Zhangjiaba."
Yin Xiaosheng: "Senior Brother, have you been here before?"
Xie Yunfeng: "I came here once, but that was several years ago."
Murong Hanchan: "Senior Brother, what are you doing here? Are you here for a blind date?"
Xie Yunfeng glanced at Chunxiang beside him and said, "Junior Sister, when have you ever seen your Senior Brother go on a blind date?"
Murong Hanchan joked, "Just because I haven't seen you doesn't mean you haven't!"
Everyone burst into laughter, and then continued on their way.
Not far behind, Yu Linglong and Qiu Xia arrived at Zhangjiaba.
Qiuxia: "Palace Master, this place is so spacious and refreshing."
Yu Linglong smiled and said, "Let's cross the river first and rest for a while."
Qiuxia: "Hey! Palace Master, look, there's a group of people in the middle of the riverbank, all riding horses. They all look like rich people."
Yu Linglong said calmly, "It seems so!"
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