strokinit Chapter 131 The Storm Is Brewing
Chapter 131 The Storm Is Brewing
Upon hearing the messenger's follow-up report, Xiao Heng's expression improved somewhat. Pointing to the location of the Dry Leaf Plain on the map, he said, "Even if the cavalry were to travel at full speed, it would still take several hours to reach the Icefield Fortress where Lu Yuan is stationed."
The person who was furthest away arrived immediately, while the others, who were so close, remained motionless for a long time.
It seems these border troops really need a good overhaul.
As he spoke, a hint of satisfaction appeared in his eyes.
Choosing Lu Yuan back then was definitely the right choice.
Marquis Mu Cheng hesitated for a moment before saying, "My lord, if this is the case, Lu Yuan will be pushed to the forefront completely, and he will likely become a thorn in the side of all the nobles. In the future..."
Xiao Heng waved his hand, interrupting Marquis Mu Cheng: "Some things always have to be done by someone, and Lu Yuan is the most suitable candidate."
After he finished speaking...
Marquis Mucheng shut his mouth. Xiao Heng was known for his loyalty and integrity among the nobles, but that also made his heart colder than others. At the core of everything he did was to protect the court.
Not just one person.
Achieving the goal is the most important thing.
After a moment of silence in the hall, Marquis Mucheng stopped speaking.
However, his back involuntarily bent even more.
After a moment, Xiao Heng said, "I will do my best to protect him when the time comes."
Inside Prince Lie's residence, Prince Lie listened to his subordinate's report with a "bang".
He crushed the teacup in his hand into powder.
Although his face showed no expression, his anger had reached its peak.
Clearly, they already knew that Lu Yuan had refused the Prince's order.
His tone was icy cold: "A mere patrol general dares to disregard the Prince's mansion? When did this world become so unrecognizable to me?"
It's one thing for the bandits beyond the Great Wall to disregard him, but now even the border troops under the imperial court are so rampant.
This was the first time Prince Lie had met him.
"Your Highness, what about Xiao Heng...?"
"I know. It seems that this General of the Northern Patrol has really become a tool of Xiao Heng. With His Majesty's shadow behind him, it's really not easy to make a move now. But just wait and see. The other nobles are not having an easy time either. Once the buffer zone is stabilized, it will be the time for him to be crushed."
Prince Lie interrupted the steward and said calmly.
"Yes, Your Highness." The steward withdrew.
However, after leaving the main hall, his face turned extremely gloomy. As the steward, he naturally knew that the Prince's mansion had enclosed land in the buffer zone.
And they also understood how much the prince valued this matter.
So last year, he sent his youngest son with him, hoping he could make a name for himself.
But who could have imagined that this departure would be their last?
However, since the prince had spoken, he dared not say anything more.
All I can do is wait, wait until Lu Yuan is no longer useful, and then I can take my revenge.
Thinking of this, he clenched his fist tightly.
"How dare he, a mere border patrol captain?" The old steward felt as if he had already torn Lu Yuan to pieces.
His son's move to the buffer zone was planned in advance; he intended to take over Zhang Ke's position and lead the village once the power was stable.
Now, there's nothing left.
The old butler also seemed to have aged considerably.
But his hatred for Lu Yuan only grew stronger with time.
However, Lu Yuan didn't care about any of that at the moment. He had dispatched a large army this time and wouldn't be returning for a while.
He wanted to use this time to allow Tianwangzhai to gain a firm foothold in the buffer zone.
To take our strength to the next level.
Even if they couldn't withstand the Imperial Guards, they could at least hold their own against the border troops in numbers.
Once this requirement is met, one can protect oneself within the buffer zone.
Therefore, in the days that followed, he led the Northern Patrol Army to inspect the border during the day, and at night, he led the Tianwangzhai army to fight on all sides in the borderlands, growing his strength like a snowball.
The disturbance caused by Tianwang Village also threw other noble forces into chaos, forcing them to fight each other to protect themselves and strengthen their own forces.
In this way, Lu Yuan's role as the Northern Patrol General becomes even more significant.
I've also become busier.
After the soldiers from Tianwangzhai who had been driven out of the pass sneaked into the interior, he was needed to suppress them.
He also suppressed the infighting among the other nobles' subordinates, and the defeated soldiers who secretly fled into the pass seeking refuge.
Many nobles came to him to plead for mercy, hoping that Lu Yuan would spare their men, and they made it clear that they would offer him benefits.
But he refused them all.
Their attitude was very tough.
After all, what benefit could compare to the benefit of Tianwang Village wiping out those villages?
The amount of spoils alone is countless, not to mention the expansion of their power.
The Seventh Prince's messenger made a trip to Tianwang Village every few days.
With Lu Yuan absent, the envoy refused to leave the village.
However, no one paid any attention to him; they simply marked out an area for his activities and had someone guard it.
They allowed the envoy to live in the village.
During this period, Lu Yuan offended almost every noble family.
It is said that the emperor received so many memorials impeaching him that they could fill a whole basket.
However, it has been kept under wraps and not released.
As for northern Xinjiang, the chaotic situation in the buffer zone has been resolved after more than half a year of fighting among themselves.
Things gradually settled down.
The most noteworthy is Tianwang Village. After a series of raids, thanks to Lu Yuan's protection and the fact that the Northern Barbarians paid attention to the village because of its excellent development, they received a lot of support and grew bigger and bigger like a snowball.
It has now become one of the undisputed hegemons.
The entire village has an army of 200,000, of whom tens of thousands have already crossed the border due to the accumulation of resources.
They controlled more than a dozen trade routes, both large and small.
The monthly tribute alone amounted to tens of millions of taels of silver.
These resources were ultimately transformed into resources and returned to the military.
It has entered a virtuous cycle.
Besides these, Wu Han and Yang Xiao both entered the Innate Realm one after another.
Because Lu Yuan has been in charge for a relatively long period of time over the past six months, some experts have been recruited.
Apart from the five innate beings, including the Thousand-Year Old Man who was imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison.
After destroying a large number of villages, he accepted the surrender of more than twenty Xiantian masters and recruited more than ten Xiantian experts in succession.
Now, the number of experts in Tianwang Village has reached more than thirty, approaching forty.
There are also eight masters of the Void Control Technique, all of whom are renowned experts from beyond the Great Wall.
There were even two experts at the Core Formation Realm.
Today, Tianwangzhai is renowned.
They are already a top-tier figure in the martial arts world.
Besides Tianwang Village, the only forces in the buffer zone that can rival him are the First Prince, the Second Prince, and a force supported by the Northern Barbarians.
As for the others, they are already far inferior to them.
In short, the most fertile part of the buffer zone has been largely divided up.
Lu Yuan also completed his inspection and led his army back to the Icefield Fortress.
Once the army has set up camp.
Lu Yuan rode his warhorse alone.
As soon as they arrived at the city gate, Zhou Hongling came out to greet them.
Looking at him, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, but there was also a trace of worry; he seemed to have become much more haggard.
"You've had a tough time these past few days," Zhou Hongling said to Lu Yuan.
"Hehe, it's alright, but the gains are not small either," the latter said with a smile.
In fact, he gained a lot from this trip, far exceeding his expectations.
However, Zhou Hongling thought Lu Yuan was referring to military merit, and pursed her lips, saying, "Military merit is not insignificant, but it is hard to earn. Why are you taking it so seriously?"
Lu Yuan smiled and nodded, saying, "I didn't want to either, but I had no choice."
After saying that, he followed Zhou Hongling and headed into the city.
Upon arriving outside the General's Mansion, Zhou Hongling asked softly, "Would you like to come in and sit for a while?"
It's afternoon now, not lunchtime yet.
"Let's wait until tonight. I'll come to your residence tonight, and we'll have a couple of drinks," Lu Yuan said, taking a deep breath.
"Okay, I'll wait for you." Zhou Hongling nodded.
Then they returned to the general's mansion.
Lu Yuan returned to his residence. He had just entered the front hall when, after a short while...
Zhou He rushed in: "Auntie has been arranged to stay at Tianwang Village."
Upon hearing this news, Lu Yuan took a deep breath.
I can finally relax.
Over the past six months, he has offended too many powerful figures, and the buffer zone is now temporarily stable.
Xiao Heng purged all the disobedient border generals and replaced them with his own people, thus completely eliminating the problems in the northern frontier. Therefore, Lu Yuan did not know whether he was safe when he returned this time.
Therefore, before even returning to Icefield Fortress, they secretly arranged for someone to come back and send Lu Shi to Heavenly King Village, concealing his identity.
To the outside world, they said that her mother had gone to visit relatives, and they even kept it from Zhou Hongling.
It wasn't that he didn't trust her, but the Zhou family was a large clan, and he couldn't involve her in this matter.
Zhou Hongling is the eldest daughter of the Zhou family, and her identity is very sensitive; at times, she can even represent the Zhou family.
So involving her in such a big matter would only harm her.
When Lu Yuan returned from the Western Rong, he had already been shaped into a blade, and many things pushed him forward.
In the past, she thought it was because Xiao Heng valued her.
Looking back now, all they needed was a sharp knife.
Perhaps I've been abandoned again this time, but because I'm much stronger than before and have a higher status, I might become the scapegoat.
We cannot remain as insignificant as we have been in the past, and be ignored.
If he's wrong, that would be best; he could bring his mother back after some time. If things are really as he thinks, he could get away with it.
At this moment, the hall fell into a rare silence.
After a long pause, Zhou He finally said, "Are you afraid the court will use you as a scapegoat for those seeking official positions?"
"Hehe, the nobles in the court have been planning in the buffer zone for nearly two years, investing a lot of resources, manpower and materials. Their last hope has been strangled by my own hands."
I have also captured quite a few of the Northern Frontier Fortress Captains who colluded with them.
Now that the buffer zone has stabilized, what do you think I'll do?
Emperor Yong always had to find someone to give an account to these nobles.
Xiao Heng is his most capable and trusted person, so naturally nothing will happen to him. As for me, the General Patrol the North, who is fighting on the front line, if I don't take the blame, who will?
"By taking a mere border general like me, we can appease Xun Gui's anger, and the emperor's goal will also be achieved. Isn't that a great deal?"
Now, after three years of hard work, Lu Yuan is no longer the ignorant border soldier he once was.
Zhou He remained silent, creating a somewhat oppressive atmosphere.
After a moment, he clenched his fist and said, "Since that's the case, let's just rebel. The general certainly won't stop you. Just take the brothers to Tianwang Village."
Lu Yuan shook his head: "I thought about it when I came back. All the men under our command have families to support. On the battlefield, they can take a knife for me and die for me."
But if I leave Dayong, they won't joke about their own little family.
Furthermore, if the imperial court truly harbored this intention, do you think they would let me leave so easily?
In fact, on his way back, Lu Yuan sensed that a powerful aura was locking onto him.
He already guessed that these nobles probably knew he was about to be abandoned, so they sent people over.
Furthermore, it's obvious that the emperor wants him to take the blame. With such a useful tool, would he let him leave so easily?
No one should underestimate just how sophisticated a government apparatus can be once it gets going.
Lu Yuan originally thought that he had made good arrangements.
However, he discovered that he had still underestimated the Great Yong.
Because, after he had finished annihilating the last band of soldiers who had stormed in from beyond the Great Wall and captured a captain who had connections with the imperial family, he had already sensed that he had been targeted.
This person is very strong.
That's why he secretly notified someone to take his mother away quietly.
Fortunately, the court is currently focusing all its attention on him, and his mother has not yet been affected; otherwise...
The situation will get worse.
"What should we do then?" Zhou He roared, trying his best to keep his voice down.
Having risked their lives for the court for so long, are they really going to be discarded as pawns in the end?
"What can we do? Wait for my news. I'll try my best to find a way to get out of the border. What about you?"
"Of course I'll go with you, Wei Yong. Old Huang and the others have already taken Auntie out. You can't leave me behind," Zhou He said immediately.
"You should stay here for now. You can't leave. Wei Yong and the others don't have any families, and your parents are still in Dayong. You can't take any risks." Lu Yuan patted him on the shoulder.
For a moment, Zhou He's eyes welled up with tears.
"Is the imperial court really not giving us any way to survive?"
"Just wait and see. Whether or not we give it to them is not up to you or me. The most important thing now is whether I can get out of the pass. As far as I know, each pass city now has a hundred-man squad of the Imperial Guard stationed there to guard the city gates."
"This system began to be implemented in the city a month ago," Lu Yuan said softly.
Each fortified city is protected by an array, making it impossible to fly there.
Three days ago, when Lu Yuan was returning to the Ice Plains Fortress, he was stopped by a few guards as he prepared to leave the fortress.
The reason was that Xiao Heng had ordered that border generals were not allowed to leave the border without permission.
This might not be targeted at him, but it has blocked his escape route. Lu Yuan thought that the Dayong court would act quickly, but he did not expect it to be this fast.
Zhou He's voice changed from anger to anxiety: "What should we do?"
"You should go back now, and don't come over starting today."
"I......"
Lu Yuan waved his hand to interrupt him: "This is not to sever ties with you, but to hope that you will develop well in the time to come. If I can get through this safely, I will support you secretly with all my might. Take good care of the 10,000 brothers who are left behind. I hope that one day you can become a high-ranking member of the Great Yong."
With the Zhou family's support and his past military achievements, the road ahead should be much easier.
His instructions made Zhou He tremble all over.
I never imagined that I and Lu Yuan would end up like this.
"Alright, you can go now. I'll go keep the general company tonight," Lu Yuan said softly.
Zhou He nodded, said nothing more, and simply turned and left.
In the empty mansion, Lu Yuan drank a cup of tea and then went to his own courtyard.
Next, open the system panel.
On the way back, he was close to breaking through several cultivation techniques, but he did not stop to break through as the army was moving. Now that he has returned.
Naturally, one should strive to improve their level of attainment.
That way, you'll have a better chance of getting out of trouble.
On the other side, in the residence of the Duke of Chengyuan in the imperial city, Xiao Heng sat in the seat of honor, while Marquis Mucheng lowered his head and drank tea, his face expressionless.
The former said calmly, "Did you send the people to Icefield Fortress before coming to the capital? Lu Yuan is quite strong; if a conflict really breaks out, it won't be easy to deal with."
"Didn't you request the Embroidered Robe Envoy's help? You dispatched a deputy governor of the Northern Lands with the cultivation of the Divine Origin Realm. How could he not handle a mere Innate Realm cultivator like him?" Marquis Mu Cheng's voice was filled with resentment.
In his heart, Xiao Heng had always been an upright person who had helped him in the past, but he never expected that Xiao Heng would be so resolute in the matter of Lu Yuan.
"What? Are you resentful? The things in the Northern Frontier always need to be done by someone. If it weren't for him, it would be someone else. Besides, I really can't find anyone who can replace him."
Those with real power have the support of their families and would never agree to let their offspring make this knife.
In the border army, there was no one who could do the job.
I have received word that the nobles will launch a collective attack in court tomorrow, demanding the execution of Lu Yuan. That is why I requested permission to return here specifically. I will do my best to mediate.
Save his life.
"He risked his life countless times for the Great Yong Dynasty. I have seen his military merit record. Every achievement was earned by risking his life."
From the northern frontier to the western barbarians, and now to cutting off Xun Gui's claws that have reached the border.
Set rules for them.
"None of them can be ignored," said Mu Chenghou and the others, their eyes wide.
"You're too excited. Don't go to court tomorrow," Xiao Heng said, looking at him.
"Fine, I won't go. I'm going back to the Northern Frontier." Marquis Mu Cheng got up and walked outside.
"Sigh." As his figure disappeared, Xiao Heng sighed. He didn't want things to turn out this way either.
But for the sake of the stability of the court, there was really no other way.
Inside the Northern Barbarian Imperial Palace, Empress Xiao, now the empress, sat in her bedchamber, her brows furrowing as she looked at the intelligence reports handed to her by her subordinates.
The dim candlelight cast flickering light on her face.
After a moment, he sighed, turned to the maid behind him and said, "Summon the Crown Princess and tell her I have urgent business."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the maid replied and quickly withdrew.
After a short while, Xiao Hua, dressed in a black robe with a dragon design, walked in.
Two years have made her more mature and charming.
Unlike in the past, when malnutrition caused a pale complexion.
Now she has a rosy complexion and a much fuller figure. Even the wide dragon robe cannot hide her curvaceous figure, and she exudes an air of nobility.
Upon seeing Madam Xiao, he bowed and said, "Mother, is there something you need from me?"
Have you been corresponding with Ayuan recently?
"Yes, letters are sent every few days." Xiao Hua's eyes lit up when she mentioned Lu Yuan.
"Didn't he say anything?"
"No, he just told me that things are going well, and that he's a general now. Brother Yuan is really amazing," Xiao Hua exclaimed.
Madam Xiao shook her head. Her daughter commanded countless generals, yet now she was sincerely praising Lu Yuan for finally becoming a general. Madam Xiao felt at a loss for words.
Then he said, "This A Yuan always reports good news and never bad news. According to the news sent back by our spies in Dayong, his situation is very bad. The court has used him as a weapon to cut off Xun Gui's wings on the frontier."
Now that the matter has passed, the entire court of nobles is submitting memorials demanding the punishment of Lu Yuan. Guess what Emperor Yong will do to quell their anger?
"I'll head to the northern frontier to meet them right away." Upon hearing her mother's words, Xiao Hua's face turned pale instantly, and she turned to leave.
"You always lose your mind when you talk about A Yuan. Stop right there. Are you in such a hurry to go to the border? Are you going to start a war with Dayong? You are now representing the Northern Barbarians."
"And even if we go, there's no guarantee we can rescue him," Madam Xiao said.
"Then, what should we do?" Xiao Hua was at a loss.
After pondering for a moment, Xiao said, "We are currently at a disadvantage in our war against the barbarians. This matter is your responsibility. If you suddenly abandon it, the army at the front line will likely be unable to hold on."
Tonight, I'll hand over the reins to Xiao Lie and let him take charge of the battle against the Sheng Man.
Then you will be in charge of A Yuan's affairs. When you leave, take the Great Yong Peerless Marquis, whom your maternal grandfather captured back then, from the Heavenly Prison.
This is a noble marquis; exchanging him for A Yuan should not be a problem.
After all, in the hearts of the Dayong court, A Yuan's status did not seem to be high.
This peerless marquis is hailed as a talent unseen in a thousand years in the Great Yong Dynasty, and is also a member of the imperial clan. He was captured ten years ago and has been imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison ever since.
Every year, the Dayong Kingdom sends people to discuss the exchange of goods; it carries significant weight.
After Xiao finished speaking,
Xiao Hua's face lit up with joy, and she immediately said, "I'll go and make the arrangements right away."
"Yes, but remember, unless absolutely necessary, this Peerless Marquis should not be released easily. His talent is indeed outstanding, and letting him go would be tantamount to releasing a tiger back into the mountains."
Sooner or later, the Northern Barbarians and the Great Yong will have to fight each other.
The best solution is to use supplies to exchange for A-Yuan.
Exchanging people for people is a last resort.
I will have the border troops near Dayong cooperate.
"Okay." Xiao Hua nodded, then hurriedly left.
Watching her daughter's retreating figure, Madam Xiao's hand, which was holding the teacup, turned slightly white.
In her heart, Lu Yuan's status was no different from that of a nephew or son.
Now that the other party is in danger, Xiao is naturally nervous.
However, he couldn't reveal this to his daughter, otherwise Xiao Hua would probably panic even more.
"call!"
After exhaling a breath of stale air, Xiao Shi's body was covered by a black luster. After the light disappeared, she left the palace.
I, the Demon King 2, sincerely present "Starting from the Border Army, Grinding to Become a Martial Emperor", exclusively published by Cola Novels!