Chapter 125: Mandated By Heaven, With Eternal Longevity And Prosperity—who Can Stand In The Way?
Several days later.
Haifang County Town.
Lin Fan led the Iron Cavalry into the city grandly.
“With Qin Li’s informants, he should have received news since this general left the Imperial Capital. Why does he seem to have no reaction?” Lin Fan looked at the common people living their lives peacefully in the city, with no atmosphere of oppression.
He still had some doubts in his heart.
Wang Shi Guan said, “Perhaps Qin Li understands that the situation has come to this, and there is no chance of turning things around, so he surrendered willingly.”
Lin Fan shook his head, “Minister Wang, you underestimate Qin Li. He is a significant figure, by no means comparable to a straw man.”
In his youth, Qin Li served the Imperial Court with his abilities, aiming for progress. But after reaching middle age, holding the highest official positions and controlling military and political power, his inner thoughts must have changed.
Wang Shi Guan was quite satisfied with the harvest from accompanying the Great General on this trip.
The content he recorded would be quite noteworthy in any dynasty.
In the fifty-third year of Yonghe, the Divine Martial Great General, personally appointed by His Majesty, led thirty Iron Cavalry and seized military power in Liaodong, and is now heading directly to the barracks where Qin Li, the Left Commander of the Five Military Headquarters, is stationed.
He knew that the most critical moment was yet to come.
Once Qin Li is apprehended, the generals of his faction will understand that their patron has fallen, and their fate will have only one option: to return to the capital to confess their crimes and beg His Majesty for leniency.
The common people in the city looked at the mighty Lin Fan.
Discerning commoners recognized the flag and whispered among themselves, telling others that this was the Divine Martial Great General. The local common people had a very good impression of the Divine Martial Great General.
After all, the Monument to the Pacification of the Japanese Pirates was built for them.
Shared glory.
The Great General brought them fame, and their repayment to the Great General was reverence.
Not long after, Lin Fan and the Iron Cavalry arrived at the training grounds. A chilling aura enveloped the area. At the entrance to the training grounds stood soldiers holding spears, with spirited and alert expressions.
As Lin Fan appeared, the soldiers at the entrance turned their gaze towards him.
“We respectfully welcome the Divine Martial Great General.”
The soldiers knelt on one knee and said respectfully.
Lin Fan held the reins and slowed his pace, “Where is your Governor Qin?”
“Replying to the Great General, Governor Qin is currently in the field arranging troops and training soldiers,” the soldier replied.
Lin Fan said no more. Upon entering the training grounds, on the vast sandy area, sounds of combat could be heard continuously. The soldiers were training in an orderly fashion. Any general who saw this scene would have to praise them as the elite of the elite.
Each and every one of them was valiant in battle.
And not far away, at the command platform, Qin Li sat composedly, his gaze calm and sharp as he looked at Lin Fan and his entourage slowly entering.
He waved his hand.
The general beside him shouted, “Halt!!!”
*Clatter!*
The soldiers quickly returned to their positions, clearing a path to the command platform. Their gazes were fixed on Lin Fan.
As soldiers, they knew very well that the one who had arrived was the Divine Martial Great General.
Renowned for his military achievements.
Heard to be superhuman, brave as a god, skilled at single-handedly infiltrating enemy camps, entering thousands of troops as if no one was there, and beheading enemy generals.
Lin Fan and Qin Li were separated by a distance. Their eyes met, and neither person looked away. An invisible impact seemed to be colliding.
The soldiers clearly felt a great sense of oppression.
It was the clash of the distinct auras of Governor Qin and the Divine Martial Great General.
The generals beside Qin Li looked at Lin Fan with anger in their eyes. They had followed Governor Qin until now, their minds filled with the desire to achieve great deeds, not for the current Emperor, but for their Governor Qin.
But for their Governor Qin.
At this moment.
Qin Li said, “May I ask the Divine Martial Great General what important matter brings you here?”
“Qin Li, are you asking what you already know, or are you feigning ignorance?” Lin Fan asked, then tugged the reins. Ye Zhao, his horse, took a step towards Qin Li.
Lin Fan’s gaze fell upon the soldiers on both sides.
He dared to come with thirty Iron Cavalry, meaning he wasn’t afraid of Qin Li’s army. Of course, his not being afraid didn’t mean Wang Shi Guan wasn’t. For Wang Shi Guan, the current situation was very uncertain; conflict was imminent and could escalate at any moment.
A confidant of Qin Li’s angrily shouted, “Insolent! Is that how you speak to Governor Qin? This is our territory. Even if you are the Divine Martial Great General, you must behave yourself, or my brothers here are not to be trifled with?”
“Hahaha…” Lin Fan laughed, then his expression suddenly turned stern. The iron rod behind him transformed into a stream of light and shot through the air, as fast as lightning. With a *thud*, it pierced Qin Li’s confidant.
Blood splattered.
Qin Li’s eyes widened. He clearly hadn’t expected Lin Fan to act at this moment.
And the speed was too fast; even he hadn’t reacted.
The surrounding soldiers stirred.
Lin Fan shouted angrily, “What are you all trying to do? Do you all want to rebel? You must remember, you are soldiers of the Central Plains Dynasty. You protect every inch of the Central Plains Dynasty, you protect your parents, wives, and children, not these rebels who wish to rebel!”
This shout was as loud as thunder, shaking the hearts of the surrounding soldiers.
They dared not move rashly.
Ye Zhao continued forward, lifting its hooves and stepping onto the command platform. Lin Fan looked down at Qin Li from above, “Qin Li, Chen Liang in Liaodong has confessed that you conspired to rebel. Do you have anything else to say?”
“You say I rebelled? Is it based on someone else’s word alone?” Qin Li said coldly.
Lin Fan said, “If you are still a man, you will take responsibility. Chen Liang was indeed loyal to you, not even heeding His Majesty’s imperial decree, only thinking of holding military power to instigate your rebellion. Truly loyal.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Li’s expression changed slightly.
“What did you do to him?”
“Naturally, his entire clan was executed,” Lin Fan said.
Qin Li suddenly stood up, his eyes fixed on Lin Fan, “How could you do this? Even if he defied the decree, he should have been dealt with by His Majesty. What right do you have?”
Lin Fan waved his hand and said, “Qin Li, this general is not here to waste words with you. The matter of your conspiracy to rebel is ironclad evidence. Do you wish to return to the capital with dignity, or do you want me to ‘make you’ dignified?”
With these words.
The generals beside Qin Li suddenly stepped forward and said angrily, “Governor, he is clearly trying to corner you. With our brothers here, I don’t believe he can kill us all.”
“Where are the brothers of the Iron Camp?”
This general shouted loudly, looking at his brothers.
“Here!!!”
A thousand soldiers from the Iron Camp responded loudly.
This general pointed at Lin Fan and said, “Lin Fan, others may fear you, but we do not. You rely on His Majesty’s trust to do as you please. The Grand Tutor of the Imperial Court was ostracized by you, and now you don’t even want to let our Governor Qin go, arbitrarily imposing charges of rebellion. You merely want to control the Imperial Court. I tell you, these brothers of ours have fought alongside Governor Qin in countless battles.”
“Don’t think of arbitrarily imposing charges on our Governor.”
Lin Fan ignored this general and calmly looked at the many soldiers of the Iron Camp. The soldiers who had been shouting moments ago now lowered their heads nervously and fearfully under the gaze of the Divine Martial Great General.
In an instant, they lowered their heads in nervousness and fear.
The Divine Martial Great General’s reputation was immense here. Many soldiers had discussed him privately.
The most discussed were the soldiers who had accompanied the Great General to pacify the Japanese pirates.
Their luck was truly boundless.
Truly achieving great feats.
They envied him greatly.
Lin Fan slowly said, “Soldiers present, do you truly intend to follow Qin Li in rebellion and treason, thus being nailed to the pillar of shame? Do you want your families, wives, children, and elders to feel ashamed of you?”
“The Historian is present now. Every word and action here is being recorded.”
“This general does not wish for you to choose the wrong path.”
“Lay down your weapons, and this matter will have nothing to do with you. You will remain good soldiers of the Central Plains Dynasty.”
Lin Fan genuinely did not want them to make the wrong choice.
He did not want to slaughter soldiers of the Central Plains Dynasty, but he also knew that some soldiers might have been thoroughly brainwashed and might not change their minds with just a few words from him.
The soldiers of the Iron Camp looked at each other, their eyes revealing confusion.
To be honest.
They didn’t know how to choose now.
It wasn’t that they wanted to rebel.
But they were Governor Qin’s soldiers. Years of training had taught them that they were Governor Qin’s soldiers, and Governor Qin’s orders were paramount.
As soldiers, they believed that the Emperor was supreme.
But when the generals said so, they certainly couldn’t say that the Emperor was supreme. That was definitely not allowed. Over time, they had become accustomed to it.
If you say the Governor is supreme, then he is supreme.
Now, with such an event occurring, their inner thoughts and the ideas they had been fed were in a fierce collision.
As a result, their minds were in a state of stupor at this moment.
“Enough,” Qin Li said angrily, stopping his confidant, who was trying to escalate the situation, and said instead, “Lin Fan, I can accompany you to the capital, but can you grant me one condition?”
“Speak,” Lin Fan said.
Qin Li said, “Can you spare them?”
Lin Fan smiled, “Qin Li, I didn’t act against you not because I feared your soldiers, but because of your past contributions to the stability of the Central Plains Dynasty. The rebellious intentions of these men are probably stronger than yours. Do you think they can be spared?”
With these words, Qin Li took a deep breath. He was very agitated at the moment.
If it were another general leading thirty Iron Cavalry.
He wouldn’t have taken them seriously at all.
He could rally everyone and raise an army in rebellion; who could stop him?
But the key was Lin Fan. This person’s individual strength was too terrifying. Qin Li believed he himself possessed divine strength, but compared to Lin Fan, it was like a drop in the ocean.
He had investigated carefully.
The information he obtained was almost unimaginable to him.
Immense strength, impervious to blades and spears.
One man against an army, thousands of cavalry unable to match him, power that was definitely not human.
He did have many soldiers on his side, but it was useless. He believed that if he resisted, the generals present, including himself, would be killed in the blink of an eye.
“Governor, what are we afraid of him for? The soldiers should charge and capture him directly, and everything will be fine,” a confidant general said urgently.
Qin Li shook his head. Facing Lin Fan, he couldn’t muster any fighting spirit.
“Lin Fan, I surrender and will return to the capital with you. I will truthfully explain the situation to His Majesty.” Qin Li knew that the soldiers present did not have a strong will to resist.
He thought about it and understood.
Resist what?
Although the current dynasty had many problems, ordinary people could still eat their fill. Soldiers also had families. Joining the army, besides serving the court, was merely for military pay to support their households.
Moreover, Lin Fan’s reputation as the Divine Martial Great General was now too resounding.
If they really rebelled, it would be considered good if several thousand soldiers were determined to rebel with them, but were these several thousand people enough? Clearly not.
Furthermore, the most crucial point was Chen Liang in Liaodong.
The main army was there.
Who would have thought that Lin Fan also learned of the situation in Liaodong and did not come to him first but went to Liaodong and apprehended Chen Liang.
No hope.
There was truly no hope left.
Lin Fan smiled, “Qin Li, you are a wise man. You know how to choose.”
With the words falling.
The confidant general who followed Qin Li said in disbelief, “Governor, what are you doing? The brothers risked their lives following you, merely to seek a future. If you return to the capital to see the Emperor now, what will happen to the brothers?”
Qin Li looked at these confidants, then at the soldiers present.
It was too late.
Everything was too late.
Lin Fan waved his hand and said, “Guards, arrest them.”
The accompanying Iron Cavalry dismounted and walked towards the generals, but these generals would not be captured without a fight. They drew their swords, looking as if they would kill anyone who dared to approach.
“What are you all standing around for? Kill him for this general!” This general roared, ordering the soldiers present.
The soldiers dared not move, their eyes towards the Divine Martial Great General filled with intense fear and reverence.
More importantly, Governor Qin himself didn’t dare to move, so how could they dare?
Lin Fan narrowed his eyes slightly. The Wild Goose Feather Dagger was drawn, and with a flash of cold light, it severed the head of the shouting general. As the head fell and rolled, the scene fell silent.
The remaining generals trembled.
They dared not make any further moves.
“Arrest them.”
The Iron Cavalry, without a word, apprehended all the remaining generals.
…
Several days later.
Imperial Study.
The Emperor was handling memorials when suddenly, he heard Eunuch Wang’s voice blocking, “Consort Zhuang, His Majesty is busy. Without His Majesty’s permission, you may not enter.”
The Emperor put down his memorial and said, “What is all the commotion? Let her in.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Consort Zhuang entered the Imperial Study and knelt, with a tearful voice, “Your Majesty, this concubine implores Your Majesty to send troops to save my father.”
The Emperor looked at the beautiful Consort Zhuang before him and asked, “What happened to your father?”
“Your Majesty, this concubine’s father sent envoys, saying that the Beili tribe has raised an army and invaded, and my father is finding it difficult to resist. He hopes Your Majesty will send troops to his rescue,” Consort Zhuang pleaded.
The Emperor looked at Eunuch Wang, “Did the envoy arrive?”
Eunuch Wang replied, “Replying to Your Majesty, the envoy arrived in the capital yesterday and met with the Grand Tutor and several officials from the Ministry of War. However, considering the current situation, the officials did not give a reply, so the envoy then approached Consort Zhuang.”
The Emperor pondered. He had heard of the Beili tribe; it was not a country but a tribal regime, very skilled in cavalry, and a vassal state of Ding An Country.
His Consort Zhuang was a princess of the small country of Lai Mu, sent to the Central Plains Dynasty by the King of Lai Mu.
The small country of Lai Mu was a tributary state of the Central Plains Dynasty, paying tribute every two years. However, because Consort Zhuang was obedient and had borne the Emperor a daughter, she was favored. Thus, the annual tribute often saw the Central Plains Dynasty giving benefits to Lai Mu.
“Your Majesty…” Consort Zhuang’s eyes were tearful.
The Emperor’s heart was heavy. Currently, the Divine Martial Great General was still dealing with the matter of Qin Li’s military power, and it had not yet been resolved. The possibility of sending troops to help Lai Mu repel the Beili tribe was not high.
The key was that the Beili tribe was a vassal state of Ding An Country.
If the Central Plains Dynasty sent troops, Ding An Country would definitely also send troops. Given the current situation, it would be difficult to gain the upper hand.
The Grand Tutor and the old officials from the Ministry of War had not given a reply.
They were merely considering this matter.
“Consort Zhuang, you should return first. This matter will be discussed further,” the Emperor said.
“Your Majesty.”
“Return.”
Consort Zhuang left the Imperial Study with sadness.
After she left.
The Emperor asked, “Has my beloved minister returned?”
Eunuch Wang shook his head, “Replying to Your Majesty, there is no news from the Great General yet. However, this old servant believes that the Great General is divinely valiant and will surely achieve victory by personally leading the charge.”
The departing Consort Zhuang did not return to her chambers but went to the Imperial City gate. She could not leave the Imperial Palace, and the envoy could only wait at the city gate.
When the white-haired envoy saw Consort Zhuang, he asked with expectation, “Your Highness Princess, how was it?”
Consort Zhuang replied, “His Majesty said it needs further discussion.”
The envoy despaired, “Your Highness Princess, the King is truly on the verge of collapse. This invasion by Beili is no small matter; they have the momentum to destroy Lai Mu. If we cannot obtain His Majesty’s support, Lai Mu will truly be lost.”
The envoy was anxious, and Consort Zhuang was even more so.
She also wished for His Majesty to send troops to rescue them, but His Majesty said it needed further discussion. Even if she pleaded with all her might, it would be useless. If she continued to pester His Majesty, she might anger him.
The envoy said, “Your Highness Princess, you are favored by the Emperor. Can you think of a way? If the suzerain state does not send troops to assist, this old servant will have no choice but to hang himself in the Central Plains. What face will I have to return and see the King?”
Just as Consort Zhuang was about to persuade the envoy and dissuade him from this thought.
She was suddenly stunned. Looking from afar, she saw a group of Iron Cavalry slowly approaching. Everyone in the capital now recognized the one leading them.
While she was stunned.
Lin Fan stopped in front of Consort Zhuang. He had met her once before and had a strong impression of her, mainly because she was too young among the many consorts. The old Emperor was also not discreet; it was indeed human nature.
But he was in a hurry to bring Qin Li to meet the Emperor and didn’t intend to greet Consort Zhuang.
However…
“This concubine greets the Divine Martial Great General.” Consort Zhuang performed a curtsy.
This forced Lin Fan to stop his horse. He smiled, “Consort Zhuang, why are you here?”
For some reason, Consort Zhuang’s knees weakened, and she knelt, saying, “Great General, this concubine implores the Great General to save my life.”
Lin Fan dismounted and helped Consort Zhuang up. “Your Highness, such a grand gesture is unnecessary. May I ask what you mean by saving your life?”
The Empress had knelt before him.
He accepted it calmly.
However, this was the Imperial Palace, with many eyes and ears around. If seen by others, it would have bad implications. What if it spread that the Divine Martial Great General wielded such immense power that even the Emperor’s concubines had to kneel before him?
How bad would it be if such rumors spread?
Consort Zhuang recounted the matter of the Beili invasion of Lai Mu Country to Lin Fan in detail. Lin Fan frowned slightly upon hearing this, while Consort Zhuang observed the Divine Martial Great General’s expression.
Who didn’t know now that the Divine Martial Great General was the Emperor’s most favored minister? If the Divine Martial Great General agreed to this matter, then the situation his father faced would change drastically.
However, seeing the Great General’s frown.
Consort Zhuang felt despair in her heart.
Was there truly no way?
“Beili, so this kind of tribe is a vassal of Ding An Country?” Lin Fan asked.
“Yes, this concubine implores the Great General to help my father. This concubine will never forget your kindness and will repay your favor by being a bull and horse in the next life.”
With that, she was about to kneel before Lin Fan again.
“Your Highness, please do not kneel. This general is aware of this matter. Rest assured, I need to lead Qin Li to meet His Majesty now, so I cannot say more to Your Highness. Be at ease.” After Lin Fan finished speaking, he moved the reins and entered the palace.
“Thank you, Great General.”
Consort Zhuang was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.
After Lin Fan left.
The envoy said, “Princess, does this person truly have a solution?”
“Yes, rest assured. The Divine Martial Great General is the most valiant person in the Central Plains Dynasty and is deeply trusted and favored by His Majesty. As long as the Great General agrees, all will be well. Hurry back to Lai Mu and inform my father to hold on, do not engage directly, and await the Great General’s reinforcements,” Consort Zhuang said.
The envoy was very puzzled, “Princess, this old servant cannot return. Even if the Divine Martial Great General agreed, His Majesty the Emperor must still agree.”
Consort Zhuang replied, “You don’t understand. The Divine Martial Great General is extraordinary in the Central Plains Dynasty. The words of everyone from the dukes to the hundred officials combined are not as useful as his alone. Just go back and be assured.”
“This… this.”
The envoy said no more, bowed to Consort Zhuang, and turned to leave.
His figure was slender and looked very pitiful.
He did not follow the princess’s advice to leave the Imperial Capital but continued to seek an audience with the Grand Tutor. If the Grand Tutor had retired, the only ones who could see him and convey his message were the Grand Tutor and the Grand Protector.
Not long after he left, he saw the carriages of the Ministers of War, Works, and Revenue parked outside the Imperial City. Then, supported by their attendants, they alighted from their carriages and entered the palace on foot.
The envoy, without thinking, rushed over and knelt with a *plop* before the three ministers, “Your Excellencies, please stop!”
The Minister of War knew who he was and said, “What are you doing? Didn’t the Grand Tutor also say it needs further discussion? Just wait for the news.”
The Ministers of Works and Revenue looked on indifferently.
Their dynasty was currently undergoing a major event.
They had no leisure to concern themselves with what was happening in Lai Mu.
The envoy said tearfully, “Your Excellencies, please help my King. Our Lai Mu is loyal to the Central Plains Dynasty without any reservations. Beili is about to destroy Lai Mu. If troops are not sent soon, it will be too late.”
“Alas, did you see Consort Zhuang when you came here? What did the Consort say?” the Minister of War asked.
The envoy replied, “The Consort replied that His Majesty said it needs further discussion.”
“Then it needs further discussion.”
“But just now, a Divine Martial Great General said to reassure the Consort that he would handle it properly,” the envoy said.
With these words.
The Minister of War frowned, “I asked you what the situation is. Since the Divine Martial Great General said he would handle it properly, why are you still blocking our way? Go back and tell your King of Lai Mu to prepare.”
He thought the envoy’s brain might be problematic.
Since the Divine Martial Great General said he would resolve it, why did he insist on blocking them?
The envoy was a bit stunned.
He didn’t quite understand.
“But… but.”
“But what? The Divine Martial Great General said he would help your Lai Mu, so he will help you. Who do you think the Divine Martial Great General is?”
The Minister of War rebuked.
The envoy was not stupid. He suddenly sensed that something was wrong; it seemed this Divine Martial Great General was truly extraordinary.
The Minister of War flicked his sleeve, too lazy to bother with the envoy, and strode into the palace. The Great General had sent someone to notify them to enter the palace for an important matter.
He naturally knew that Qin Li had been apprehended and needed to be interrogated.
The Minister of Works followed closely behind.
Only the Minister of Revenue, seeing the bewildered envoy, felt a bit sorry for him. He walked over, stopped, and said softly, “The Divine Martial Great General is the most valiant person in our dynasty. His word is his bond, and what he says will be done. If he said he would resolve it, he naturally will. Go back and tell your King of Lai Mu to hold on for a while longer; reinforcements will arrive.”
After speaking, he hurried away.
The envoy watched the backs of the three as they left, remaining stunned in place for a long time, then hurried away.
…
Imperial Study.
The Emperor was very pleased to see his beloved minister return, but upon seeing Qin Li, his mood became very heavy.
“Your guilty subject Qin Li pays his respects to Your Majesty.”
The Emperor said, “Qin Li, did you truly intend to rebel?”
Qin Li buried his head and remained silent. After a moment, he slowly said, “Your guilty subject dares not.”
The Emperor said, “You dare not face me, or you never dared from the beginning?”
“Your guilty subject has committed a crime,” Qin Li said.
The Emperor sighed softly, understanding Qin Li’s meaning, which was that he had dared to rebel.
“You achieved fame at a young age and were known throughout the capital for your innate divine strength. I, valuing your talent, granted you high office and generous emoluments. Were these not enough for you? Did you have to think of rebelling?”
The Emperor was truly heartbroken by this.
He threw the memorial from Liaodong before Qin Li, “Look at this yourself. What kind of formidable Iron Cavalry did you wish to forge? Did you intend to march your army into the capital and drive me from this throne?”
“In Liaodong, you command seventy thousand troops, ten thousand heavy Iron Cavalry, and the rest can form armored infantry. With such terrifying military might, it would not be difficult to seize my position. Why didn’t you act sooner? Or were you perhaps wary of Mengye Country?”
Facing the Emperor’s questioning, Qin Li remained silent.
The Emperor’s words were all related.
Mengye Country was his hidden danger. Tudan’s military skill was no less than his. He was good at seizing opportunities. Once he moved troops, the forces in the capital would be able to resist him for a while.
At that time, Tudan would seize the opportunity and trap him from both sides. Who Tudan wanted to kill the most was obvious; it would naturally be Qin Li.
Therefore, he would inevitably negotiate with the court and form an alliance to attack from both sides.
The situation would then become precarious.
Moreover, he had never found an opportunity, as timing was equally important.
“Your Majesty, your guilty subject has committed a crime. I beg Your Majesty to grant me a death sentence,” Qin Li said.
The Emperor said gravely, “Do you truly have nothing to say to me?”
Qin Li said, “Now that His Majesty has the assistance of the Divine Martial Great General, your guilty subject understands that the great trend of the Central Plains Dynasty has arrived. However, for His Majesty to make the Central Plains Dynasty even stronger, it is far from enough for the Divine Martial Great General to secure military power for Your Majesty.”
“The Song family of the Wei River is a noble clan that has been passed down for five hundred years, longer than the founding of the Central Plains Dynasty. Fortunately, the founding emperor had foresight and implemented the Imperial Examination System. But this is still far from enough. His Majesty might as well look at how many scholars from humble families are officials in the court today.”
“From the Grand Tutor to the lowest-ranking officials, who is not influenced by the Song family.”
“Most of the books read by scholars across the land come from the hands of the Song family. They are considered saints in the hearts of scholars.”
Just as Qin Li was about to speak again.
Lin Fan heard footsteps approaching nearby, “Qin Li, that’s enough. You should tell me why you intended to rebel.”
As he finished speaking, the Ministers of Revenue, War, and Works hurried in.
Qin Li turned to look at the three ministers and couldn’t help but smile.
The Minister of War rebuked, “Qin Li, you have great audacity to plot rebellion. You have failed the imperial grace.”
Qin Li ignored him and said, “Mandate of Heaven, eternal prosperity. No man can resist the allure of these words. The Emperor is also human; why can’t I, Qin Li, become such a person?”
Lin Fan said, “You are quite frank.”
Qin Li said, “The victor becomes king, the vanquished becomes a bandit. It has always been this way since ancient times. I lost, so I lost, which also signifies that the Central Plains Dynasty’s fortune has not yet ended. Just as I was preparing sufficiently, you appeared.”
He looked at Lin Fan, his eyes holding no fear, only the composure of someone who accepted defeat.
The Emperor, seated there, his brow trembled slightly.
“Qin Li, you have disappointed me greatly.” The Emperor’s voice was very low. His former Left Commander, whom he had personally promoted, had actually harbored intentions of rebellion.
Qin Li lowered his head. At this moment, he had nothing more to say.
Lin Fan asked, “Qin Li, I want to ask you something. Is the brothel in Yong’an your arrangement?”
Qin Li looked at Lin Fan, his gaze calm, “I don’t recognize it.”
“Oh.”
Lin Fan did not press further.
At this moment.
Qin Li looked up at the Emperor, “Your Majesty, your guilty subject knows that the crime committed is a capital offense. Your guilty subject implores Your Majesty to grant him a cup of poisoned wine, so that your guilty subject may drink it and die, unwilling for rumors of ‘crossing the river and demolishing the bridge’ to spread among the populace, which would tarnish Your Majesty’s reputation. I also hope Your Majesty will grant me dignity.”
“Granted!” the Emperor said.
“Your Majesty, may I ask if you could give my son, Qin Xiang, an opportunity? He is a good child, loyal to the Emperor and patriotic. He has always been unaware of my affairs,” Qin Li requested.
The Emperor replied, “You need not worry about that. Qin Xiang grew up under my watch. I understand his situation better than you. You have failed to live up to his expectations.”
Qin Li felt ashamed, then looked at Lin Fan.
“Divine Martial Great General, everyone says you are the most valiant in the world, but I, Qin Li, also possess innate divine strength. I wonder if you could grant me some guidance, so that I may die with clarity.”
Qin Li understood the great gap between himself and Lin Fan.
But at this point.
He just wanted to have a clear understanding.
“Come,” Lin Fan said.
Qin Li slowly rose and said respectfully, “Your Majesty, forgive my presumption.”
Then, he took a deep breath, clenched his fists, tensed his arms, and facing Lin Fan, who stood with his hands behind his back, he let out a low roar and threw a punch.
The power of this punch was fierce.
The momentum was astonishing.
The three ministers standing by felt that if this punch landed on them, it would likely shatter them.
Lin Fan did not evade, nor did he even make a move.
With a *bang*.
A punch landed squarely on Lin Fan’s chest.
*Crack!*
A crisp sound was heard.
Qin Li looked at Lin Fan in astonishment, his facial expression very complex. His fist was stained with blood. It was not Lin Fan’s blood, but his own.
[Truncated: Max tokens]
Lin Fan said calmly, “Alright, do you still want to compete?”
Qin Li was relieved, shook his head, “As expected of the foremost in the world, as conferred by His Majesty. I, Qin Li, am convinced.”
Soon, the Imperial Guards escorted Qin Li away. There was no need to fear Qin Li resisting or escaping, as he had voluntarily entered the capital, so escape was out of the question.
The three Ministers repeatedly praised Lin Fan’s prowess.
Lin Fan saw that the Emperor’s mood was clearly displeased, obviously due to Qin Li’s matter, so he took the initiative to change the subject.
“Your Majesty, I have heard of a tribal regime that is exceedingly arrogant, even daring to invade Lai Mu Country. This Lai Mu Country is a vassal of the Central Plains Dynasty, and I am willing to lead troops to annihilate the Bei Li regime.”
Lin Fan still preferred leading troops, using military strategies he was proficient in, to sweep through all the regimes surrounding the Central Plains Dynasty, as they were all too arrogant.
There was no scene of all nations paying tribute.
In that case, the weight of his title as Divine Martial Great General would, to be honest, be somewhat diminished.
This was something he absolutely could not tolerate.
“Beloved Minister, you have just returned from your labors, and now you wish to lead troops on a campaign. I am reluctant to part with you.” The Emperor was truly reluctant, and was currently saddened; only seeing his beloved minister could make him feel a little better.
But now, his beloved minister was again requesting to lead a distant expedition, how could he bear to let him go?
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, our Central Plains Dynasty is a dignified heavenly court. How can we tolerate our vassal state being trampled upon without sending troops? If other small nations were to know of this, they would think our Central Plains Dynasty lacks the strength.”
“I only wish to lead troops to destroy this regime and let those small nations with intentions understand that the Central Plains Dynasty is not to be offended.”
The thought of leading troops to the center of the regime made him tremble with excitement.
Staying in the Imperial Capital was making him incredibly bored.
The Divine Martial Department was currently operating normally.
With Ning Yu and the others watching over it, he didn’t need to do much.
It was just that he had been too ruthless in his actions recently, causing all the government offices to fear the Divine Martial Department, and no one dared to cause trouble.
“Very well, since it is your request, beloved minister, then I shall permit it. However, you must take more men, and I shall also arrange for some imperial chefs to accompany you. Marching and fighting are arduous enough, how can we let you suffer from poor food as well?” the Emperor said after some thought.
The three Ministers of War looked at the Emperor in astonishment.
What?
Was this a military campaign, or a leisurely outing?
Bringing imperial chefs along, could he be any more excessive?
Lin Fan smiled and did not refuse. Instead, he asked, “Your Majesty, do we have a map?”
“Yes.”
The Emperor ordered Eunuch Wang to fetch the map and spread it out on the table.
Lin Fan pointed to a location and said, “Your Majesty, what is this place?”
The Emperor looked closely, “This is Ding An Country.”
“No, that’s wrong.”
“Hmm? You say it’s wrong? Could it be that this is not Ding An Country?”
“It’s not that it isn’t, it’s just that it is now, but in a while, this will be the territory of the Central Plains Dynasty. And this place, and this place, will all be the territory of the Central Plains Dynasty. I intend to conquer all of these places.”
For the Emperor, his beloved minister had spoken of this matter on the night of Yang Ming’s wedding.
He had been very excited at the time.
Now that the map was spread out, and the territories of various regions appeared before him, seeing such a vast territory to be brought under the dominion of the Central Plains Dynasty, to be honest, the impact on the Emperor was quite significant.
The three Ministers of War leaned in to look at the map.
They were dumbfounded.
This was beyond anything they could have imagined. If they truly conquered all of this, how vast would the territory of their Central Plains Dynasty become?
Seeing the Emperor’s joyous expression, Lin Fan turned to the three Ministers of War and asked, “Esteemed Ministers, do you think this territory is vast?”
“Vast, extremely vast.”
“Indeed. Think about it, if all of this is conquered, how will history record it? You don’t need me to tell you; you can understand. But to conquer such a large territory will require your full support, esteemed ministers.”
Lin Fan’s words seemed to possess a magical quality.
They drew the three Ministers of War into a beautiful fantasy.
If it truly came to pass, the three of them would definitely be recorded in history, and even establishing temples in their honor after death would not be impossible.
In this era, officials cared most about their reputation.
Everyone wished to leave a name for eternity.
When future generations read history and saw their deeds, they would exclaim, “This official is truly a divine person!”
“Great General, rest assured, we three will do our utmost.”
The three Ministers of War made solemn promises.
No one could hinder their actions.
…
Leaving the Imperial Palace.
“Great General!”
Qin Xiang intercepted him halfway. Qin Xiang arrived in a hurry and saluted.
“Did you go to see your father?” Lin Fan asked.
Qin Xiang replied, “I did, but I didn’t see him.”
Lin Fan said, “Your father’s outcome was his own choice. Your Majesty has never been disappointed in you. You should serve His Majesty well and do not follow your father’s path.”
“Great General, I understand.” Qin Xiang nodded.
Lin Fan continued, “Coincidentally, I have a matter that requires your attention. Lai Mu Country is being invaded by the Bei Li regime and is finding it difficult to hold on. Go to the Capital Garrison and mobilize a thousand iron cavalry for me. Meet with the three Ministers of War and prepare all strategic supplies as soon as possible.”
“Yes, Great General.” Qin Xiang took the order.
He now also wished to have something to do, so that he would not feel distressed. Since no imperial decree had been sent to the Qin mansion, it meant his father’s affairs had not implicated their family.
Of course, it was also possible that the decree had not yet arrived.
But regardless, he did not wish to dwell on these matters.
He knew his father was certainly going to die, and he lacked the face and the ability to beg His Majesty to spare his father’s life.
The only thing he could do was collect his father’s body.
Lin Fan watched Qin Xiang’s departing back. There were not many military generals who could be used currently. Aside from Qin Li, Qin Xiang was the one most skilled at strategizing and commanding large armies in battle.
For the expedition to Ding An Country,
he had originally planned to hand over command to Qin Xiang. As for himself, he would be an army of one, using various surprise attacks to deliver fatal blows to the enemy.
In any case, he would only focus on fighting; the subsequent cleanup work would be left to the Imperial Court.
Two days later.
The thousand iron cavalry had been mobilized, and all supplies were ready.
The common people stopped to watch as the thousand-strong iron cavalry paraded by. They knew the Divine Martial Great General was about to lead his troops out on another campaign, but all the common people felt that the number of soldiers the Great General brought with him for war was too few.
And the common people noticed.
Each of the iron cavalrymen seemed very excited.
They were about to go to battle.
Were they all this excited?
