As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 197: The Power of the Emperor, Rebellion in the North

Mingchen was talking to the child.

Suddenly, the lazy cat basking in the sun seemed to notice something and sat up suddenly with a start.

It looked up to the east, and its hair stood on end.

After a few jumps, he arrived in front of Mingchen.

The wind blew gently, and invisible magical power flowed. Strange flowers bloomed in the surrounding lawns for no reason.

When Mingchen saw this scene, he narrowed his eyes slightly.

This flower looks familiar to him.

When I went to the south to look for Wang Huai, the old lady I met on the road was growing this kind of flower.

He also taught the secret method of Fuyao, which also used this kind of flower.

When he used this method in the previous confrontation with the Lord Li Huoxing, he was recognized by him and said it was called the Soul-Tipping Flower, and then he retreated.

The soul-pulling flower must be the magic spell used by the fairy lady in the legend to build the flower bridge.

Now... the cat, who had been silent for a long time, also used the same method.

The cat's wish is to break the curse, open the eyes of death, travel between yin and yang, and guide the living and the dead.

The old lady said they were destined to be together, and it seems they really are destined to be together.

"The East Country has become a land of the underworld, the fate of the country breeds ghosts, the ghost gate opens, and the beheaded king leaves the underworld."

The cat never spoke.

There was still nothing this time, but the flowers swayed and the pollen flew in the wind, and the information was automatically transmitted to Mingchen's mind.

"Underworld? Behead the King?"

Mingchen raised his eyebrows and looked towards the east.

Didn't the old man say that gods can't appear in the human world? Are the gods of the underworld not considered gods? Why can they appear in the human world? How do they appear in the human world?

The amount of information is somewhat overloaded.

He thought to himself.

at this time,

"The emperor has arrived!"

The guards' shouts were heard outside the door.

The cat raised its head, jumped out of the yard in a few steps, and ran away to an unknown place.

The strange flowers also withered and disappeared.

Immediately afterwards, a woman in black casual clothes came striding over with her head held high, and her two followers were left at the gate of the yard.

"Mingchen."

Taking advantage of General Ling's absence, Her Majesty the Empress entered Mingchen's yard as casually as if she were entering her own home.

Mingchen cleared his mind, raised his head and smiled at Xiao Xinyue, "Hey, hello, Your Majesty~"

After Xiao Xinyue ascended the throne, he became more and more like an emperor.

However, Mingchen still treated her very casually in private, and even omitted the need to bow.

After all, that night... everything that needed to be said was said.

"you are leaving?"

Xiao Xinyue rarely found time to spare and met this person in private.

"Yes, didn't His Majesty personally allocate some troops to me?"

During this western expedition against the Xiongnu, Mingchen was a civilian official and did not command the army.

In name he was only a staff officer, and the army was controlled by General Wang.

However, Xiao Xinyue still personally selected some soldiers and horses who would only obey Mingchen's orders, a total of 800 cavalry.

In terms of numbers, compared to the tens of thousands of troops, these eight hundred people are not worth mentioning.

However, these eight hundred people had extraordinary origins. They were the three hundred guards who had followed Xiao Xinyue all the way out of the imperial city, plus the three hundred light cavalry given by Zhang Boxing, and the villagers who had witnessed the transformation of the Golden Scale Leaping Sky Gate.

It can be said that Xiao Xinyue handed over her most trusted military force to Mingchen to protect his safety.

"kindness……"

Xiao Xinyue simply looked at him and said, "You are a civil servant. The Xiongnu are often brutal and rude. The battlefield is not something you need to worry about. It doesn't matter if the mission is not completed. Just pay attention to your own safety."

This was Mingchen's first time participating in a battlefield.

Despite having a strange power to protect him, Xiao Xinyue was still worried about his safety.

"Okay, okay~"

Now Xiao Xinyue seems like a nagging old mother.

Mingchen nodded in agreement with a smile.

"Your Majesty, has there been any news from the east recently?"

It was rare for Mingchen to take the initiative to ask Xiao Xinyue about state affairs.

This unfortunate fellow wanted to be sentimental for a while, but he started talking about business again.

Xiao Xinyue couldn't help but secretly criticize this seemingly dissolute man for not understanding romance.

But he still said, "There's a lot of news: the Blood-Cloaked Army's siege, civil unrest in Chen, Kyoto's strategy, the thief Dong's actions... Which one do you want to know?"

Xiao Xinyue is now a qualified independent king.

It is impossible to discuss everything with Mingchen and let Mingchen interfere and make decisions.

She basically handles most things by herself, and she will only tell Mingchen if he asks.

"Let's talk about what Lord Dong did after the establishment of the State of Chen."

Mingchen underestimated the old man who could remain calm even after his son was killed by his own hands. He could actually do this.

Xiao Xinyue thought for a moment and said, "He actually didn't do anything. He sent envoys to the north and killed many court officials..."

Messaging is not convenient.

The forces left behind in the capital had already suffered a heavy blow, and much of the information Xiao Xinyue obtained was delayed and incomplete.

"He's on a mission to the north. So he really wants to ally with the Jinglan Alliance?"

The other party actually did what was expected.

Xiao Xinyue nodded: "Yes."

"General Ling has some business in the northern border. Has he contacted the garrison there to surrender to us?"

The next thing Dong Zhenghong wants to do is definitely to transfer troops from the northern border.

Those were soldiers who died for their country.

Strong and loyal, Xiao Xinyue doesn't want to be their enemy if possible.

I don't want them to die inexplicably in the civil unrest.

"The letter has been sent."

"I guess they will make a choice."

"Your Majesty, please ask General Xiao to send some troops to support us."

"it is good."

Mingchen paused, then asked, "Your Majesty, I want to know if there has ever been any news about gods and ghosts in the State of Chen."

"Gods and ghosts?"

Xiao Xinyue raised her eyebrows.

Unlike Xiao Zhengyang who is very secretive about it, Xiao Xinyue still attaches great importance to this magical power.

She set up a special department to manage these supernatural people and supernatural things, which was temporarily managed by Ji Wen, a lone commander.

"The thief Dong announced to the entire nation that he believed in the Netherworld Religion, built the Tongyou Temple, and worshipped it every day."

"Oh?"

The East has become a hell?
After hearing Xiao Xinyue's words, Mingchen seemed to understand what Maomao meant by the message.

Xiao Xinyue didn't care much about this matter at first, but seeing Mingchen's interest, she couldn't help but ask, "What's the matter?"

"That's all right, Your Majesty. Please send Master Ji to the border. He'll be there to take care of us if something unexpected happens."

"it is good."

After a brief discussion, Mingchen looked up at Xiao Xinyue and asked, "Your Majesty, how is the power of the Human Emperor?"

After the golden scales leaped into the sky that day, Xiao Xinyue obtained a seed of power.

She could hear the countless creatures in the land beneath her feet talking to her. The sky, earth, mountains, sun, moon, rivers, and the heroic spirits of her ancestors were giving her strength.

This power is different from the magic power cultivated by practitioners, but an invisible momentum bestowed by heaven and earth.

In Fuyao's opinion, this force was similar to the evil spirit gathered by the army.

She exudes boundless power. Facing her is like being crushed by a mountain, and the flow of magic power stagnates.

Mingchen and Xiao Xinyue discussed it and named it the Power of the Human Emperor.

In fact, Mingchen feels more like Domineering Haki...

At first it was just an invisible aura, but as time went by and Xiao Xinyue's majesty grew, this force became increasingly powerful.

Especially after he ascended the throne, it was incomparable.

That day when the Huns came to the court, Xiao Xinyue, in a rage, made the two brutal Huns kneel on the ground with just a glance. They were so frightened that their knees were broken.

This is also the confidence that allows Xiao Xinyue, as an emperor, to calmly receive cultivators like Ji Wen.

She has a trump card to deal with it, so she won't be shy.

Mingchen did not advise her to display this power. Because she was too angry that day, she found it difficult to control herself.

When Mingchen asked, Xiao Xinyue unconsciously raised her head. Her expression didn't seem to change, but Mingchen saw a hint of pride in it: "I'm very strong."

"Mingchen, I advise you to be obedient and not offend me."

"otherwise……"

"Yes, yes, yes~ Our Majesty is so powerful! How dare I offend him~"

Mingchen raised his hand, gave Xiao Xinyue a French military salute, and said perfunctorily.

"Humph!"

Xiao Xinyue glared at the guy fiercely.

Sooner or later, she would make this unfortunate guy pay.

"Even if His Majesty farts, I will still treat him well!"

“Mingchen!!!”

How could this person be born with such a big mouth? !

The little bird was hanging on the branch, quietly looking at the two people below.

The small peach blossoms were planted in the yard, the branches swayed, and the flowers seemed to be blooming all year round and never withered.

"Little Bird, the emperor likes our young master!"

Tao Yaoyao's laughter suddenly rang in her ears.

Xiao Taohua has very good eyesight and she can really detect the indescribable emotions between people.

When she was in Beilie, she could see the awkward female general's feelings for Mingchen.

Now, she could also see the feelings of this majestic empress towards Mingchen.

Always on the front line of gossip and gossip.

"..."

The little bird just stood on the branch, with its eyes slightly lowered.

His eyes flickered, and I don’t know what he was thinking.

"Your Majesty, the time has come. Chen should leave."

Time passed slowly, and before I knew it, the midday sun was already high in the sky.

It is very happy and relaxing to be with Mingchen. Whether we are talking about business or chatting privately, time always passes quickly.

Xiao Xinyue came back to her senses.

She looked at him with burning eyes, took a step forward, stretched out her hand, and gently stroked Mingchen's face.

Her bright eyes reflected his face.

"Be safe. I'll be waiting for your triumphant return in Jiqu."

"Good~"

……

"Everyone, the time to make a decision has come."

As the sun sets, the ruined city walls are stained with blood and broken military flags flutter in the wind.

Inside Zhenling Pass, a general in black armor with a solemn expression looked at the tens of thousands of people below, raised his hands and shouted loudly.

"The thief Dong stole the country and massacred the royal family."

"My five hundred years of Qian Yuan have now been cut short by the rebels, who have changed the country's name to Chen."

His eyes were about to burst, filled with anger: "A foolish monarch is in power, obsessed with petty gains and forgetting the greater good. The land that our army fought for four years to preserve, the city that General Ling fought to the death to recapture, were handed over to the enemy with just a touch of his lips and teeth..."

People at the top are gambling over land for their own benefit.

However, they did not know that every inch of land beneath their feet was soaked with the blood of their comrades.

As he said this, a general in front of him suddenly opened his eyes wide, his face full of anger, and cried out in surprise: "General Zhao, what are you doing..."

But before he could finish his words, he said, "Puff!"

The sound of the knife tip entering the flesh was heard, and severe pain came.

He opened his eyes wide, staring blankly at the blade that pierced his chest.

Finally, he fell to the ground and lost his life.

Zhao Rujie was the garrison commander left behind when Ling Yu left. Ling Yu had helped him, and he was also deeply impressed by the courage of the soldiers who fought on the battlefield and led thousands of cavalrymen to resist ten thousand troops.

He didn't care about the commotion below the stage, but continued to speak loudly: "Today I received an imperial edict ordering me to lead my troops south to fight against the Blood-Cloaked Rebellion, but..."

"Is it really necessary for us to die for this incompetent dynasty ruled by a traitor?"

"What are we fighting bravely for? Our country is gone, our home is gone. Is it so that those tyrants and corrupt officials in Kyoto can enjoy themselves?"

"We are warriors, not tools of the powerful to rebel."

"I have received a letter from General Ling. The Second Princess is a benevolent woman who has established a new dynasty in Qingzhou. General Ling has already served her. I wish to follow General Ling and join the new dynasty. What do you all think?"

"When the new dynasty is restored in the future, we will be honored subjects of the old capital."

"If you wish, please follow me. Don't worry, I will be labeled a traitor."

Having said this, he lowered his eyes, looked at the weathered soldiers below, and spoke in a slower voice: "If you don't want to fight anymore, then disband right here, take some money, and go home..."

"If you still want to stay here...that's fine."

Life on the border was tough, wars were constant, and those who managed to survive hadn't returned home for years.

Rationally speaking, he should just lead his troops directly to the southwest.

Saying these things can easily lead to accidents, disrupt military morale, and be inefficient.

However, the bond of brotherhood cannot be forgotten.

The road ahead is ultimately a road of rebellion, and this choice will be a lifelong burden.

Some people's hometowns may be in Chen State, and they may not want to leave.

As he said, they are warriors, not tools.

For the last time, Zhao Rujie returned the power of choice to these soldiers.

"This... has General Ling pledged his allegiance to the Second Princess?"

"General, I am willing to follow you!"

"Go! General, let's go to General Ling!"

"The Chen Kingdom is a traitor, the Second Princess is the legitimate heir!"

"I believe in General Ling!"

"Damn it! Those crooked officials in the capital are no good! General Zhao, I'm still willing to follow you!"

……

Zhao Rujie had finished speaking, and the next decision should be left to the soldiers.

The news was passed layer by layer, and the soldiers guarding the border finally got some complete information about this dynasty.

For a moment, the neat military formation seemed a little chaotic.

The soldiers looked at each other with complicated feelings.

Everyone knows that this decision will change their lives.

Some people had ferocious and angry expressions on their faces, and they kept roaring loudly, venting their dissatisfaction with this corrupt dynasty, and announced that they would follow Zhao Rujie and join the orthodox royal family.

However, there were also people who looked gloomy.

"I miss home..."

"Or, let's go home."

"I don't want to fight anymore."

"I haven't been home for nine years, General..."

"Thank you, General."

……

Some of the older soldiers are more mature and have experienced more.

Tired and exhausted.

Returning to my hometown, even if I die there, is like returning to my roots.

They are very grateful to Zhao Rujie for giving them the power to choose.

Of course, among the tens of thousands of people, there are inevitably some people with evil intentions and some people loyal to the State of Chen.

Zhao Rujie didn't care about these people.

In one night, these people can decide what to do next.

By noon the next day, everyone who should have left had already left.

"Everyone, thank you for your trust."

"I can't guarantee anything else, but I swear I will live and die with you all!"

The number of people who decided to follow Zhao Rujie was much greater than he had expected.

There are about 70,000 people.

Time was running out, and the news would soon reach the capital. He shouted to the passionate troops and made a promise.

That is to lead the army south and march along the route that has been planned long ago.

……

Night, there is no moon or stars tonight, and the sky is dark.

The army broke free from the control of the State of Chen and, led by Zhao Rujie, marched towards Xin Qianyuan.

"General, it's almost there! Based on our current speed, we estimate that we will be able to cross the Shen River and reach the territory of Xin Qianyuan tomorrow."

"it is good!"

"General, is your hometown in Xinqianyuan?"

As they walked, a deputy general beside him asked Zhao Rujie casually.

The reason many soldiers left was because their hometowns were still on the side of Chen State.

However, Zhao Rujie shook his head when he heard this.

"No, I'm from Linzhou, and I'm from the same hometown as General Ling."

"Ah? Then why…"

Zhao Rujie smiled and said to him: "Liu Lin, where the country is, there is home!"

"The battles we fight as soldiers must be meaningful."

"Chen is not on the right path. I don't want to die for a traitor without knowing the truth. I don't want my child to say that his father is a pawn of a traitor who is causing chaos in the country."

Zhao Rujie's eyes sparkled with tenderness. "I want to wait until the new dynasty is restored, and then we can return home in glory. Even if we die in battle outside, I want flowers to fill our graves..."

The younger generals around him were distracted unconsciously when they heard him speak.

Suddenly, Zhao Rujie changed the subject and said with a smile: "Besides... General Ling is in Xinqianyuan!"

"If you stay in Chen, you'll have to face her sooner or later. Liu Lin, do you have the courage to fight that person?"

The deputy general trembled all over when he heard this.

They were all among the survivors of the cavalry who had fought with Ling Yu against tens of thousands of troops that day.

I have a particularly deep impression of Ling Yu.

The man killed thousands of soldiers, and his Shura-like figure appeared before his eyes.

Her eyes were bloodshot and blood was all around her. Just looking at her was enough to make him lose his soul.

monster.

Being a soldier under Ling Yu is naturally exciting and reassuring.

At the same time, being her opponent would be terrifying.

He smiled bitterly and shook his head: "No... I dare not..."

The two men chatted and laughed as the army advanced slowly and arrived at a valley.

But at this moment, a gust of cold wind blew towards us.

Zhao Rujie shivered involuntarily.

"General, please stay!"

Faintly, I seemed to hear a hoarse voice echoing in my ears.

His whole body trembled violently, his eyes widened, and he looked around: "Who?!"

"General? What's wrong with you?"

The deputy general beside him was also aroused by him and couldn't help but ask with some confusion.

Zhao Rujie frowned. In the light of the army's torches, he seemed to vaguely see a human figure looming on the top of the mountain.

"rise!"

Before Zhao Rujie could give any orders.

Suddenly, a hoarse whisper was heard from the distance.

【The Yinfeng Fugui Formation】

"Hoohoo!"

The next moment, the gentle breeze suddenly turned into a strong gale.

The biting cold wind howled, mixed with bursts of ghosts' cries and wolves' howling, which captivated people's souls, pierced people's bones, and blew out the torches used by the soldiers to light their way.

"What...is going on?!"

"What a strong wind!"

"What happened?!"

"This wind is so strange!"

"What's that... It's so dark! Ghost! There's a ghost!"

……

In an instant, the light faded and darkness enveloped.

A strange power blew with the cold wind, and strange humming sounds were hidden in it. The soldiers seemed to have seen something horrible, and the corps fell into chaos.

Black smoke came from all directions, filling the air and deepening their fear.

"Pretend to be a ghost!"

Zhao Rujie's face was solemn, and he roared: "Who is here?!"

"Liu Lin, lead the cavalry and break through. Don't look back! Hurry and reach Xin Qianyuan!"

"Generals, quickly gather your troops and avoid confusion."

"Everyone, listen to my orders! Don't be nervous!"

He shouted loudly, trying hard to control the army which was showing signs of chaos.

"Come on!"

"Sharp Blade Cavalry, listen to my command, charge!"

The deputy general was sent out by Zhao Rujie, who took the lead and shouted loudly.

Leading the army to charge into the black fog ahead.

The Northern Cavalry are warriors who have experienced the hardships of the battlefield. They are brave and unstoppable.

Even though the road ahead was shrouded in a strange black fog that made it impossible to see clearly, they still followed their superiors' orders and charged forward without hesitation.

The entire legion seemed to have transformed into an incomparable military vanguard, directly cutting through the strange black fog that was spreading in front of them.

Rushed out.

"Cough cough!"

From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire valley.

Two figures, one big and one small, stood here, and their faces could not be seen in the darkness.

One of them was wearing a black robe and was smaller in stature.

The other man was headless and tall.

At the moment when the cavalry broke through the front, the figure in the black robe trembled violently.

He knelt on the ground and coughed continuously. With a "wuwa" sound, he spat out a mouthful of blood.

After all, evil techniques are evil techniques, and a united army can break any evil.

When the army broke through the barrier, he also suffered backlash.

He turned to look at the headless giant beside him and said in a low voice, "Please, Beheading King, take action!"

The giant said nothing when he heard this, but just raised the chain axe in his hand.

The blue and red patterns on his body flickered eerily in the darkness.

He wiped the axe blade across his body, and the red blood flashed fluorescently and poured onto the axe.

He swung the chain, and the axe was also swung, but when the axe hit the tree, it went straight through it without causing any impact.

The chain gradually became illusory and transparent. Finally, the axe soaked in blood seemed to turn into powder and disappear.

The eerie and dark aura pressed down, and the strange power spread throughout the valley with it as its center.

【Turning Back and Slashing】

(End of this chapter)