Killer Queen: Tyrant, prepare to die!

Chapter 78 Great Victory in the Northern Border! Xiao Jue is appointed General, but the Liu family's marriage proposal is rejected: "The Xiongnu have not been destroyed, how can we have a home?"

November 7th.

The first snow fell in the North.

Outside Zhenbeiguan.

Corpses are everywhere.

The offensive of 100,000 iron cavalry in the northern desert finally collapsed after holding out for forty-seven days.

Xiao Jue stood on the gate wall.

The wound on my shoulder has scabbed over.

The armor was stained with blood.

His eyes, however, were burning brightly.

"Report—!"

The scouts rushed up to the city.

"The enemy's main force has retreated to within thirty miles! They have abandoned countless siege weapons!"

"Chase!" Xiao Jue drew his sword.

"etc."

A deep voice came from behind.

Xiao Jue turned around.

Prince Xiao Zhenbei, dressed in armor, walked in.

The old prince was still recovering from his injuries, and his face was still somewhat pale.

But his eyes remained as sharp as an eagle's.

"Father."

"Don't pursue a defeated enemy." Xiao Zhenbei pressed his son's shoulder. "The people of the northern desert are not in disarray after their defeat; there may be an ambush."

Xiao Jue sheathed his sword.

He understands.

The victory in this battle was due to favorable timing, geographical advantage, and popular support.

and also……

Those grains and medicinal herbs sent from Jiangnan.

"What about the casualties?" Xiao Zhenbei asked.

"Our army suffered 3,700 dead and over 5,000 wounded," Xiao Jue said in a low voice. "In the northern desert... 30,000 were beheaded, and countless others were wounded."

Xiao Zhenbei remained silent.

Looking at the bloodstains on the snow outside the pass.

for a long time.

"It was worth it."

---

The good news was sent to the capital.

Urgent dispatch.

Seven horses died at the post stations along the way.

Five days later.

early morning.

The Minister of War held the victory report, his voice trembling with excitement:

"Your Majesty! A great victory in the north! The Prince of Zhenbei and his son, with combined forces, utterly defeated 100,000 iron cavalry from the northern desert! They killed 30,000 enemies and captured countless weapons and provisions!"

The entire court was in uproar.

Nangong Ye stood up from the dragon throne.

"really?!"

"Absolutely true! Great news!"

The eunuch presented the good news.

Nangong Ye quickly flipped through the pages.

The more I looked, the more complicated his expression became.

Xiao Jue.

The Prince of Zhenbei, whom he had watched grow up since childhood.

It actually happened...

They launched a raid with 5,000 light cavalry.

They used tunnels to launch a surprise attack and defeat the enemy.

He even personally led three hundred guards to the Xiling tribe to meet them—to ambush and capture the tribe's leader.

"Good." He put down the report of victory.

"deliver an imperial order."

"Xiao Zhenbei, the Prince of Zhenbei, has rendered meritorious service in defending the borders. He is hereby granted the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and awarded ten thousand taels of gold."

"Young Master Xiao Jue is brave and skilled in battle, and his military strategy is divine. He is hereby appointed General of the Valiant Cavalry, leading 30,000 iron cavalry in the northern border, and is rewarded with 1,000 taels of gold."

"Soldiers of the North, reward your troops!"

The imperial decree was issued.

The court officials offered their congratulations.

Only Liu Chengzong.

He stood at the head of the civil service.

He was smiling.

But his eyes were cold.

The Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion...

His military achievements are too numerous.

---

After the court session ended.

Liu Chengzong did not return to his residence.

He went to a secluded teahouse in the west of the city.

In the private room.

Liu Chengming was already waiting.

"Father."

Liu Chengzong sat down.

Pick up the teacup.

But he didn't drink it.

"A great victory in the northern border. Xiao Jue was appointed General of the Valiant Cavalry, leading 30,000 iron cavalry."

Liu Chengming's hand trembled: "So fast?!"

"His Majesty needs generals who can fight battles," Liu Chengzong said calmly. "Especially now, with the Jiangnan salt scandal just over, there are quite a few criticisms of the Liu family in the court."

Liu Chengming gritted his teeth: "It's all because of that Ye Huang..."

"We'll talk about Ye Huang later," Liu Chengzong said, putting down his teacup. "Right now, the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion is the priority."

"What Father means is..."

"Win him over." A glint flashed in Liu Chengzong's eyes. "Xiao Jue is twenty-three and still unmarried. There are three eligible women in a collateral branch of the Liu family. Choose one and marry her off to him."

Marriage.

This is a common tactic used by powerful and influential families.

Liu Chengming frowned: "Xiao Jue... is arrogant. I'm afraid he wouldn't be interested in our Liu family's daughters."

"Whether you look down on them or not is unimportant," Liu Chengzong sneered. "What matters is that once this marriage is finalized, the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion will be tied to the Liu family. In the future..."

He didn't finish speaking.

But Liu Chengming understood.

If something happens in the future.

The 30,000 iron cavalry of the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion are the Liu family's greatest asset.

"Son, I'll take care of it right away."

---

Ten days later.

The proposal for a marriage alliance was sent to the North.

Zhenbei Palace.

Xiao Jue looked at the letter sent by the Liu family.

Also included with the letter were portraits of the three girls.

beauty.

They are all beauties.

She had willow-leaf eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, and a slender figure.

But he only glanced at it.

So I put it down.

"Father," he looked at Xiao Zhenbei, "what do you mean?"

Xiao Zhenbei said calmly, "You can decide for yourself. If you like her, marry her. If you don't, refuse."

Xiao Jue smiled.

I pick up my pen.

reply.

Only eight characters:

"With the Xiongnu not yet defeated, how can I think of a home?"

---

The news reached the Liu residence.

Liu Chengzong smashed his favorite inkstone.

"What a cunning strategist!" His face was ashen. "What a 'How can I have a home when the Xiongnu are not yet defeated!'"

This is a blatant rejection.

Even their excuses are so grand and respectable.

"Father, please calm down," Liu Chengming advised. "Since Xiao refuses to marry, we still have other options..."

"What method?!" Liu Chengzong's eyes widened. "Give money? Does the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion lack money? Give power? He's already a General of the Vanguard!"

Liu Chengming was speechless.

Yes.

Xiao Jue is now.

Military merits are awarded.

If you want military power, you can have military power.

Those who desire divine favor will find it.

Why should I marry a girl from the Liu family?

"Then..." A ruthless glint flashed in Liu Chengming's eyes, "Destroy him."

Liu Chengzong looked up.

"Isn't there a rumor circulating in the army about the Xiling Wizard incident?" Liu Chengming lowered his voice. "Let's help him... confirm the rumors."

"He's accused of colluding with the enemy."

"He is said to be the Prince of Xiling."

"The Prince of Zhenbei's mansion has long harbored ulterior motives."

Liu Chengzong remained silent.

a long time.

"Go do it," he said coldly, "but be careful. Xiao Jue is riding high right now; don't get yourself into trouble."

"My son understands!"

---

Jiangnan.

Qihuang Garden.

Ye Huang received two letters at the same time.

A letter from the North.

It was written by Xiao Jue himself.

"Night Phoenix:"

"The northern border is now secure. The desert has been defeated and will not dare to invade again in the near future."

"I hereby appoint you as General of the Valiant Cavalry, leading 30,000 iron cavalry."

"The Liu family wanted to arrange a marriage alliance, but I refused."

"After the handover of military affairs is completed, I will proceed to Jiangnan."

"Is the snow lotus still there?"

"Xiao Jue".

Another letter came from the capital.

It was a secret report from Xiao Luzi.

"girl:"

"His Majesty's bestowal of honors upon the Prince of Zhenbei's residence has caused a stir throughout the court and the country."

"The Liu family was furious when their marriage proposal was rejected."

"They are now secretly spreading rumors that Prince Xiao is a prince of Xiling who has colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country."

"His Majesty has not yet expressed his opinion, but has ordered Xuan Ying to investigate in secret."

"I hope you will make plans soon."

Ye Huang put down two letters.

I walked to the window.

The snow lotus is still there.

It is kept in a white jade bottle.

Although dry.

Yet it still maintains its blooming appearance.

"The Liu family..." she said softly, "They're really courting death."

"Miss," Mo Shisan asked, "should we help Young Master Xiao...?"

"Yes," Ye Huang turned around, "but not now."

She looked north.

His gaze grew cold.

"Wait for Xiao Jue to return to Jiangnan."

"Let the rumors circulate for a while longer."

"Wait until His Majesty... begins to have doubts."

She paused.

"At that time."

"Let's make another move."

"One strike."

"Dead."

outside the window.

The wind was biting cold.

Winter has truly arrived.

But some people...

I'm afraid they won't make it through this winter.

---

[Next Chapter Preview: Xiao Jue Returns Triumphantly to Jiangnan! Ye Huang Cooks Personally, and Bao'er Calls Him "Daddy Xiao"?]