Chapter 1 The Spacious Carriage

Inside the spacious carriage, a charcoal brazier burned, occasionally emitting a soft crackle.

A middle-aged man sat beside the brazier, warming his hands over it.

Du Juan sat on the other side, using tongs to roast sweet potatoes, a sweet aroma gradually filling the carriage.

The carriage was moving, but inside, there wasn't the slightest bump.

"Confirmed?"

"Lord, it's confirmed. Among all the fortresses in Silverwave Prefecture, only Willow Fort is short four hundred riders."

"It's that brat?"

"Yes, it is."

"So, after the incident at Huaiya Academy that day, he didn't return to Willow Fort."

"That's right, Lord. Based on the information from our contacts in Qian, we can roughly deduce that he went directly to Qian with his men after the Huaiya Academy affair."

"Heh."

"Lord, why is he doing this?"

"Why? Youngsters are just unwilling to accept things. He took the blame for the academy incident, feeling aggrieved, but not daring to vent at me, who arranged it for him, so he's thinking of taking his anger out on the people of Qian."

"Is that all?"

Marquis Jingnan shook his head,

and said:

"Of course, that's not all. There are indeed fools in this world who do things on impulse, and quite a few of them, but fools can't do garrison duty.

I think this brat probably sees where the wind is blowing.

We've purged so many people in Silverwave Prefecture and dealt with so many noble families. He's probably seen that we intend to use force against the South. He's thinking of seizing the first merit and betting in advance."

"Lord, I don't think it's that simple."

"Did you find something? Oh, right, who helped him build his fortress? Did you find out?"

"Lord, you'll be very surprised."

"Alright, then let me guess. To surprise me, it certainly isn't related to the Zhenbei Marquisate. Although that brat shamelessly said in front of me that he was a dog of the Zhenbei Marquisate, I think Li Liangting probably has too many dogs at home, so many that he can't even remember them all.

At least, the leash on that brat's neck certainly isn't held by Li Liangting himself. He doesn't have a face big enough for Li Liangting to personally leash him.

It also shouldn't be his own money. He just came to the South from the North to take office, even if he has money, he doesn't have the connections to procure everything and take care of everything so quickly.

It also can't be any noble family. It wouldn't be surprising for a noble family to fund a local warlord, valuing his development prospects and absorbing him for their own use."

Saying this,

Marquis Jingnan looked at Du Juan,

flipping his palm to continue roasting the charcoal,

and said:

"A prince."

"Lord, you are wise."

Marquis Jingnan reached out and took a roasted sweet potato from Du Juan. It was too hot, so he tossed it back and forth in his hand.

"The eldest controls the Heavenly Completion Prefecture army, so it can't be the eldest; the second nominally controls the capital's imperial guards, so it won't be the second.

Neither of them has managed to sort out their own military affairs, so they wouldn't be so greedy as to branch out elsewhere.

The third follows the path of literature, has a reputation for scholarship, and is the most literary of all the princes. He won't touch military matters. If he touches military matters, the persona he previously created for himself will collapse.

The fourth's mother's family is the Deng family of Three Stones, who are originally military men. If he wants to intervene, the Deng family will naturally provide support, so he won't seek someone outside.

The fifth was punished by His Majesty at the beginning of the year for misconduct in front of the palace and ordered to reflect behind closed doors for a year. During this year, he won't make any moves externally. He's not that stupid.

The seventh is still young,

so that leaves

the sixth."

"It is indeed the Sixth Prince."

"Heh, it's also difficult for him. I don't know what bewitching potion that Zheng brat fed the Sixth, actually making the Sixth unable to help but break his cover."

"Lord, do you think the Sixth Prince..."

"When the Sixth was only seven years old, His Majesty ordered me to enter the palace to accompany him for a drink. The Sixth Prince was also present. His Majesty said one sentence to me;

His Majesty said, among all the princes, the Sixth is the most like him."

Du Juan lowered her head.

"Actually, I think so too. The Sixth has been clever since he was little. I can indeed see the shadow of our current Emperor when he was young.

It's just a pity that the Sixth isn't as lucky as our Emperor. The late Emperor was a mediocre ruler. Perhaps the most proud thing the late Emperor did in his life was to emerge victorious in the struggle among the princes, but that was it.

Therefore, our Emperor doesn't have that much pressure. But the Sixth is different. He's too much like the Emperor. But our Great Yan, as a country, cannot accommodate two Emperors."

Marquis Jingnan tore open the sweet potato skin, brought it to his mouth, took a bite, and said:

"Sweet."

"The Sixth Prince's actions were not concealed. Isn't he afraid?"

"He's not afraid. This brat knows that his imperial father trusts me, entrusting me with the management of all affairs in Silverwave Prefecture. He naturally knows that the Secret Intelligence Division of Silverwave Prefecture is in my hands. If he wants to investigate him, he can certainly find out. But he's sure that I won't make a fuss, and will even help him conceal it."

"Why?"

"I owe him."

"Lord, are you saying?"

"In the autumn of the third year of Wu'an, the Min family was suspected of treason, and the imperial court issued an edict to punish them. It was I who led a thousand Jingnan soldiers and flattened the Min family, which is the maternal clan of our Sixth Prince."

"That was an edict from His Majesty, and has nothing to do with you, Lord."

Marquis Jingnan took another bite of the sweet potato, slowly chewing it in his mouth, and said:

"In the winter of the third year of Wu'an, Consort Min, who had been cast into the cold palace due to the Min family's treason, was given a white silk and committed suicide."

Du Juan opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.

"It all originated on the evening of the Beginning of Autumn in the third year of Wu'an. His Majesty brought the Sixth Prince into the imperial study. It is said that he asked the Sixth Prince for some views on our Great Yan and the matters of the barbarian tribes and the Qian country. His Majesty was greatly pleased, rewarding the Sixth Prince with gold and silver utensils and increasing his princely stipend.

The next day, I received His Majesty's edict, ordering me to exterminate the entire Min family."

Marquis Jingnan put the last bit of sweet potato in his mouth, even licking the sweet potato skin, before discarding it.

He contentedly sucked on his fingers twice, then took a hot towel from Du Juan and wiped his hands and mouth.

"Perhaps, that evening in the imperial study, His Majesty was indeed happy, because the Sixth Prince's performance pleased him greatly. Any father, when he sees a son who is very much like himself, must be filled with joy and satisfaction in his heart."

"Then why..."

"Why? I said before, His Majesty has his layout and ideas for the present and future of Great Yan. His Majesty has already designed the path for Great Yan and will not allow anyone to change it, even if that person is his son.

His Majesty is not only a father, he is also the Emperor of Great Yan.

Therefore, after being happy, the next day, His Majesty ordered me to exterminate the Min family, cutting off the Sixth Prince's maternal support;

Then he imprisoned and finally ordered the death of Consort Min, cutting off the Sixth Prince's support from the harem.

Since the third year of Wu'an, the Sixth Prince began to like sensual pleasures and began selling roast duck."

"Then this time, the Sixth Prince isn't afraid of you?"

"He's clever, so he understands me. He knows that even if I know about this, I will help him conceal it. First, I do indeed owe the blood debt of his maternal grandfather's family,

Second, he knows that I have no interest in participating in the struggle for the foundation of the country."

"Lord, the Second Prince is your own nephew."

"My own nephew? Yes, the Second is indeed my own nephew, the child of my own elder sister, and also the current Emperor's son. His Majesty's intention to make the Second the Crown Prince is already very obvious. It is estimated that the Second will enter the Eastern Palace next year.

But so what?"

"Lord, aren't you considering it for your nephew?"

"You really dare to ask anything."

"It's because you, Lord, dare to say anything to me, making me ready to be ordered to die as soon as I leave this carriage."

"Hahahaha, I'm not like our Emperor. I can't do this kind of thing..."

Suddenly,

Marquis Jingnan fell silent.

"Lord, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

At this moment, a report came from outside the carriage:

"Lord, a letter has arrived from home."

"Hand it in."

"Yes."

A letter was handed through the curtain.

Du Juan reached out to take the letter. Before she could hand it to Marquis Jingnan, Marquis Jingnan opened his mouth and said:

"Read it."

Du Juan took a deep breath, opened the letter,

"Read it through first, then tell me."

"Yes, Lord."

After Du Juan read the letter, she put it down and said to Marquis Jingnan:

"Lord, this is the Old Master's letter."

The Old Master is naturally the head of the Tian family. The Tian family is not the first-class noble family in Great Yan, but in terms of honor, even the Zhenbei Marquisate cannot compare with the Tian family.

The Tian family head's daughter is the current Empress, and she has given birth to a prince for His Majesty, who is very likely to enter the Eastern Palace soon. His son was granted the title of Marquis Jingnan and commands the five thousand Jingnan army.

In the current dynasty, unless the Zhenbei Marquisate's Princess marries the Crown Prince in the future, the honor of the Tian family cannot be matched.

"Mm, tell me, what does my old man want to say to me in the letter? Don't bother with the nonsense."

Du Juan hesitated for a moment and then said:

"Lord, the Old Master said that the Zhenbei Army and the imperial court are becoming increasingly strained. The Old Master wants to know your opinion and attitude."

"What else?"

"The Old Master also said that he heard that there has recently been a Secret Intelligence Division woman by your side, Lord. The Old Master said that you can play with that woman, but the Secret Intelligence Division of Silverwave Prefecture, as a subject, should have some restraint, even if His Majesty allows you to hold it, you shouldn't really hold it."

"Heh."

Marquis Jingnan smiled, reached out to take the letter from Du Juan, and burned it in the charcoal brazier without even reading it a second time.

"Lord, aren't you going to reply?"

"No hurry, it won't be long before I go back and have a good talk with my old man in person."

"Report!!!!!"

"Lord, the scout reports that a large-scale deployment of Qian army cavalry has been detected at the Qian border fortress ahead."

"Yo-ho, Du Juan, do you think that brat is still alive?"

"That depends on whether you want him to live, Lord."

"He's quite an interesting brat, and he has a relationship with the Sixth. He was able to make the Sixth not hesitate to use the favor he owes me on him. If he really dies, I'll really have trouble explaining it to the Sixth."

"You never used to think about things this way, Lord."

"Oh, really? Then let's change it to a simpler reason."

"Mm."

"Even if our Yan soldiers poke a hole in the sky, it's not up to the people of Qian to point fingers!"

After saying that,

Marquis Jingnan stood up, opened his arms,

"Armor me."

Du Juan got up and personally helped Marquis Jingnan put on his armor. The gilded armor on Marquis Jingnan set off his whole person so heroic and extraordinary.

"Lord, it's on."

After a short while, Du Juan took a step back and said.

Marquis Jingnan reached out and hugged Du Juan in his arms,

Du Juan let out a soft moan, but didn't resist.

"The old man has already agreed to our marriage."

"Lord, the Old Master only said, play with her."

"Isn't life just about playing while living it? The old man has agreed."

"Lord, you're joking. How could the Old Master agree to you marrying a female spy from the Secret Intelligence Division."

"What's so impossible about that? Or is the Qian Emperor more generous, the imperial court distributes women. I think our Great Yan should learn from this excellent tradition.

As for the old man's side, you can rest assured, I'll take you home with me next time, and the Old Master won't say anything."

"This concubine will leave everything to you, Lord."

"That's right."

After saying that,

Marquis Jingnan lifted the curtain of the carriage. His pixiu beast had already taken the initiative to approach the carriage and welcome Marquis Jingnan onto its back. The two eagles that had been standing on top of the carriage flew into the sky and began to circle.

The next moment,

Marquis Jingnan raised his hand,

and said in a deep voice:

"The world all knows that my Great Yan's northern army is unparalleled in the world. Today, let the people of Qian see that my Great Yan's southern army is also a first-class elite of this era!"

The order was issued,

The tens of thousands of cavalry of the Jingnan Army began to accelerate, and the warhorses began to gallop.

"My Great Yan soldiers swear to never surrender!!!!!"

"Long live the Emperor of Great Yan!!!!!"

"Long live Marquis Jingnan!!!!!"

From afar, these voices could be heard.

A smile appeared on the corner of Marquis Jingnan's mouth,

and he ordered:

"Form ranks!"

"Tiger!"

"Tiger!"

"Tiger!"

Because of the sudden appearance of the Jingnan Army, the Qian army was immediately thrown into chaos.

In battle formations, the aura and momentum really play a big role.

The Jingnan Army's solemn and murderous aura, from the moment it appeared, gave people a sense of unstoppable oppression, while the Qian army's command system reacted much slower.

The Qian cavalrymen didn't know whether they should form ranks to prepare for the Jingnan Army's charge or continue to maintain the encirclement of the three hundred or so Yan soldiers in front of them. At the same time, because the Qian cavalrymen here belonged to three garrisons, let alone cooperate with each other, there were even many disagreements among them.

Also panicked were Grand Commandant Yang on the platform cart and the three military commissioners behind him.

Grand Commandant Yang, no matter how calm and composed, no matter how beautiful his beard was, he was, after all, a eunuch without balls. When he really encountered something, he immediately revealed the defect of insufficient yang energy.

And the three military commissioners were all civil officials. It was no problem for them to write border poems. Anyway, every now and then, even if they didn't write them themselves, they would have their scribes write some poems about serving the country and dying on the battlefield, sending them back to the capital. Of course, these poems would definitely be credited to their names;

The benefit of doing this was that, firstly, they could continue to brush up their literary reputation, and secondly, they could express their loyalty to the emperor and the hardship of defending the border for the country.

But the border of Qian had really not fought a war for nearly a hundred years. Even those real soldiers, those military officers, were extremely rusty in battle formations, let alone these civil officials.

At this time, Grand Commandant Yang's first reaction was to order the rear army to become the front army, first escorting the platform cart where he was safely back.

Fortunately, Grand Commandant Yang still maintained some rationality. He knew that if he really did this, the Qian army on the battlefield might collapse in an instant. At that time, as long as the Yan army casually ambushed them, it would be a complete rout!

"Someone, go and convey a message from this commissioner to the Yan army commander on the opposite side, asking him if he wants to disregard the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and if he dares to bear the consequences of the two countries going to war!"

Grand Commandant Yang almost roared the last sentence.

The messenger's face was a little bitter, because he had seen clearly how the civil official who had gone to convey the message earlier had been shot into a hedgehog.

These Yan people didn't seem to have the rule of not killing envoys in a war between two countries at all.

But there was no way, the military order had been issued, and this messenger could only ride out, first passing through the side where Zheng Fan and others were, and then continuing north.

Grand Commandant Yang clenched his fists tightly. He turned around and found that the three military commissioners behind him were also looking terrified.

Wastes, wastes, what a bunch of wastes!

Grand Commandant Yang frantically despised these civil officials in his heart, who usually boasted that they had all the civil and military strategies in their stomachs. When they really encountered something, they were not as calm as this eunuch.

Damn it, this commissioner was originally sent by His Majesty to restrain these civil officials, thinking of pulling their legs, making some troubles, and alienating their relationships. Who would have known that at the critical moment, he would have to bear the burden himself?

After a while, the messenger returned on horseback.

"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, the other side is the Yan Kingdom's Marquis Jingnan himself."

"Marquis Jingnan?" Grand Commandant Yang's lips twitched a few times, and he continued, "What did that Marquis Jingnan say?"

"Marquis Jingnan said that he demands that we withdraw the encirclement and let that Yan army go back."

"How is that possible? That Yan army trespassed into our Qian territory, killed our Qian people, and slaughtered our Qian officials. How can we let them leave like this!"

"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, these humble ones have already told that Marquis Jingnan."

"Good, then how did Marquis Jingnan reply? This commissioner doesn't believe it, he's just a marquis, not the Yan Emperor, how dare he tear up the century-old peace treaty between Qian and Yan so casually!"

When the messenger heard these words from Grand Commandant Yang, a look of embarrassment suddenly appeared on his face, as if he didn't know how to speak.

Grand Commandant Yang immediately glared at him and scolded:

"Speak, how did that Yan Kingdom's Marquis Jingnan answer!"

"Marquis Jingnan said, said, he said that since the century ago when his Yan Kingdom was resisting the barbarians and our Qian Kingdom launched a sneak attack;

His Yan Kingdom has never concluded any peace treaty with our Qian Kingdom.

From a century ago to now,

Great Yan and Qian have always been in a state of war."

"..." Grand Commandant Yang.

"That Marquis Jingnan also said, also said..."

"What else did he say?"

"He said that his Yan Kingdom's Emperor has been reducing palace expenses in recent years, and has not taken in any new eunuchs for several years. The eunuchs in the palace are already insufficient;

If our side doesn't release the people within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he will invite, invite you, Grand Commandant, to the Yan Kingdom's imperial palace to resume your duties."

"Impudent!"

"The Yan bandits are arrogant!"

Military Commissioners Meng Changqi and Wu Yingwu immediately shouted angrily.

Grand Commandant Yang opened his mouth,

took a deep breath,

and slowly exhaled,

reaching out and pressing down, signaling the military commissioners not to speak.

Grand Commandant Yang pointed at the messenger,

and said:

"You go and convey the message again, saying that we will release the people immediately.

Also, say one more sentence to that Marquis Jingnan:

This old servant is old and weak and fears that he will not be able to serve the Yan Emperor well; I will wait for this old servant to return to the capital to select a batch of clever young servants, castrate them, and send them to the Yan imperial palace to replace this old servant and await orders."

Four updates, 21,000 words completed. chun jie di xiao long is going to sleep, before going to bed, calling for monthly tickets again.