Martial Arts: My achievements in Beiliang were so great that they threatened the lord's positio

Lin Yunqin smiled and said, "In my opinion, young master should at least be granted the title of marquis."

"Perhaps."

Mu Qing'er softly echoed, "With your merits, young master, it is only right that you be granted a title and appointed prime minister."

"It will be clear in a few days."

He waved his hand.

By the time the memorial was submitted, the emperor should have understood his intentions.

Lin Xuan looked out of the courtyard and saw Jiang Ni practicing her swordplay in the snow, her figure darting about, her sword skills becoming increasingly refined.

Without any guidance, she practiced on her own, relying solely on the sword manual. Her white clothes fluttered in the wind, and her sword intent flowed freely. Her level of swordsmanship was comparable to that of someone who had practiced swordsmanship for four or five years in the martial arts world.

Jiang Ni had been practicing swordsmanship for less than three months.

This is natural talent.

A gift that others cannot obtain, either you are born with it or you are not.

Ordinary martial artists can reach the Vajra Realm by relying on diligent training day and night, supplemented by a little bit of luck and talent.

However, the realms of pointing to the profound and celestial phenomena are beyond the reach of mere diligence.

As for terrestrial immortals, they are even more distant.

Looking across the world, within the territories of both the Northern Python Kingdom and the Central Plains, very few people openly set foot in this realm.

Lin Yunqin followed his gaze, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes.

Knowing her martial arts talent was limited, she had no choice but to turn to handling government affairs and share the burdens of the young master.

After the Lunar New Year holidays.

It was the fifth day of the first lunar month.

The eunuch who was supposed to deliver the imperial decree finally arrived, but instead of a promotion edict, he summoned Lin Xuan, the second-rank General Who Guards the North and Prefect of Yanzhou, to the capital for an audience.

Inside the Listening Flower Palace, after the eunuch finished reading the imperial decree, he asked with a smile, "General, did you understand?"

"I understand."

Lin Xuan nodded slightly and, while receiving the imperial decree, casually slipped a stack of silver notes into the other party's hand.

The latter glanced down, his smile deepening, and subtly tucked the silver note into his sleeve.

He waved to his entourage: "You may all step back and rest."

Uncle Zhang.

Lin Xuan summoned the limping old butler: "Take them to have some food and wine, and settle them in the guest rooms."

"Yes."

Zhang Bo responded and led the palace attendants away.

"Eunuch Wang, please have some tea."

He handed the imperial edict to Mu Qing'er to put away, and gestured with his hand.

"General, you're too kind."

The old eunuch smiled broadly, secretly admiring the generosity of this General Zhenbei; that stack of silver notes must have been worth at least three to five thousand taels.

"Father-in-law, when shall we depart?"

Lin Xuan asked.

** It's obvious that troublemakers are the real problem.**

If the palace eunuchs are not properly tidied up, they may cause trouble when they return home.

Instead of going through the trouble of maneuvering, it's better to use money to smooth things over, which will not only build goodwill but may also be useful in the future.

"Within two or three days."

The old eunuch said, "His Majesty is in a hurry to expedite this mission."

"General, you are unaware that your memorial has been delivered to the palace, and His Majesty was delighted upon reading it."

The old eunuch was well aware of the principle of taking money to do things, and he knew that the necessary information had to be leaked.

If you only take the money and don't do anything—

Don't be fooled by the smiling face of this General Zhenbei; he might just turn around and start plotting against you.

Being kind to others is being kind to yourself; showing more kindness opens up more paths for others.

These palace eunuchs always saw things clearly.

It's best not to offend a powerful official like Lin Xuan, who commands a large army and guards a prefecture.

The old eunuch took a sip of tea and continued, "Before I left the capital, His Majesty was still discussing with the civil and military officials at the court meeting how to bestow titles and rewards upon the Grand General."

Having said that, he fell silent.

Lin Xuan took out a thousand-tael silver note from his sleeve and placed it on the table: "Eunuch, take this and have some tea."

"The General is truly thoughtful."

Even so, the old eunuch was extremely quick in taking the money, and in the blink of an eye, the silver notes were already in his pocket.

He then raised his eyes and glanced at Mu Qing'er behind Lin Xuan, seemingly casually.

"Father-in-law, please speak frankly."

Lin Xuan spoke up.

The old eunuch lowered his voice even further: "This matter must not be publicized. It seems that His Majesty intends to bestow a title and rank upon the Grand General."

"really?"

His eyebrows twitched slightly.

"About 50% certainty."

The old eunuch nodded.

He continued, "However, His Majesty is concerned about criticism from the civil and military officials and has not yet made it clear. I only overheard a few words by chance."

The general must seize the opportunity.

"Thank you for your trouble, sir."

Lin Xuan cupped his hands in greeting.

"No, no."

The old eunuch smiled and nodded: "Perhaps we will need the General's help in the future."

"At that time, please give me your instructions, and I will do my best."

Upon receiving this response, the old eunuch's face lit up with pleasure, and he then took the opportunity to reveal to Lin Xuan many recent rumors circulating in the court.

E.g

His adoptive father, Xu Xiao, was impeached again, and numerous officials submitted memorials, which almost piled up like a small mountain.

NATURE

There were also comments criticizing Lin Xuan, the General Who Guards the North, for wielding too much military power and being disobedient.

However, most of them were suppressed by the emperor and never issued.

"Qing'er, go to the kitchen and tell them to prepare more delicacies and wine. I want to have a few drinks with my father-in-law."

He raised his hand in greeting.

"Yes."

Mu Qing'er withdrew.

The old eunuch watched her figure disappear into the distance, then his expression changed, and he said solemnly, "General, there are some things that I shouldn't be saying."

But since the General has treated us with such great kindness, I will make an exception and say a few more words today.

"Please speak, sir."

Lin Xuan's expression also became serious.

"There are two people who may hinder your journey to the capital."

"Who is it?"

He frowned.

"Grand Secretary Zhang and the Iron-Blooded Marquis".

The old eunuch said, "These two have repeatedly criticized the Grand General in court."

Some time ago, during the discussion of rewards and honors, it was they who were the first to oppose the Emperor's will.

"That's all I can say. General, please be careful."

"Thank you for your guidance, Father-in-law."

Lin Xuan cupped his hands in greeting again: "If you ever need my help in the future, just send someone to let me know."

Saying something agreeable will not only avoid making enemies and causing no loss, but will also leave a good impression.

As for whether to grant the request if the old eunuch comes to us for help in the future, we still need to weigh the pros and cons.

"It's not appropriate for our family to say anything more."

The old eunuch said, "The General can decide for himself."

After chatting for a while, the wine and dishes were ready. Lin Xuan led the old eunuch to the back hall, where they drank and ate. They exchanged pleasantries until the old eunuch was drunk.

"Help them to their guest room to rest."

He gave an order, and two maids helped the old eunuch to the back room.

Interior

The fire in the stove was blazing, filling the air with warmth, and several strategists had already gathered in the general's mansion.

"The Emperor has summoned me to the capital. Do you all think I should go?"

"Of course I'll go."

Zhuge Qing said excitedly, "Such a golden opportunity must not be missed."

"I also believe we should go."

Prince Qing stroked his long beard and said slowly, "There are still more than 100,000 iron cavalrymen stationed in Yanzhou, and the court would never dare to act rashly."

Moreover, His Majesty most likely intended to use this opportunity to test the general's intentions.

"If we don't go, we will not only be guilty of disobeying the imperial order, but we will also be ostracized by the court."

"Exactly."

Zhuge Qing echoed, "At present, Yanzhou still needs the support of the imperial court. Cooperation will benefit both sides, while division will harm both sides."

"Qing'er, what do you think?"

He looked at Mu Qing'er.

"go."

After a moment's thought, she nodded gently: "The world is not yet in chaos, and you still need the protection of the imperial court."

"Then let's go."

Lin Xuan laughed and said, "It's been more than ten years since I've been to the capital. This general will take this opportunity to broaden my horizons."

In fact, he had already made up his mind.

This trip to the capital is a must.

There is no reason to refuse.

"During my absence from Yanzhou, all affairs were handled jointly by Ziyuan, Zhuge the Registrar, Meng Jiao, and Qing'er."

"Yes, ma'am."

Wang Qing and the others bowed and clasped their hands in unison: "Please rest assured, General."

With a solid foundation in place and such strategists and generals in charge, it is sufficient to oversee the entire Yan Province.

After dismissing all the irrelevant people, leaving only Mengjiao and Wang Qing by his side, he carefully instructed them on many matters before finally making proper arrangements.

Three days later

As dawn broke, snow was falling heavily.

Lin Xuan led Po Jun and set off from Yanzhou City with the palace guards, heading south.

The group passed through Qingyou Pass and headed further and further away towards the capital.

The snow was still heavy in the first month of the lunar calendar, falling thick and fast, turning the world white and obscuring the view to only a few feet.

However, as we headed south, the snow gradually subsided.

Once outside the border of Qingzhou, only scattered snowflakes were seen falling, but the chill did not lessen at all.

On the official road

More than a hundred men and horses moved forward at a leisurely pace, the imperial guards' banners fluttering in the wind.

Lin Xuan and Po Jun rode at the front of the group.

That year, the old eunuch couldn't stand the cold and had already gotten into the carriage; otherwise, the journey could have been much faster.

Unlike now, where one can only travel a little over a hundred miles a day.

After passing through Qingzhou and entering Yanzhou, it took more than twenty days to travel, and we were still hundreds of miles away from the capital.

"That old eunuch is really troublesome."

As dusk approached, the old eunuch ordered them to slow down and find an inn to rest.

Po Jun's face was frosty, and he held a swallow-shaped blade in his hand, complaining in a low voice.

Lin Xuan simply shook his head slightly and did not reply.

After another half month of travel, the convoy finally came into view of the capital.

Looking out at the majestic city standing tall amidst the wind and snow, one can see banners fluttering and soldiers standing at attention.

Below the city gate, rows of black-armored soldiers stood in neat and solemn formation, while many figures could be seen moving about deep within the gate.

Those were the officials of the capital, who had been waiting there for some time.

"It's quite a scene."

Lin Xuan said calmly.

A rider behind him, holding a large banner, suddenly spurred his horse forward and shouted, "The General Who Guards the North has arrived!"

Flags fluttered as they headed straight for the main gate of the capital.

Behind the imperial guards, a middle-aged man in a dragon robe sat regally atop a magnificent carriage.

His gaze was distant, a smile playing on his lips, as he looked at the hundred or so riders in the distance, while his peripheral vision swept over the expressions of the civil and military officials.

Some were delighted, some were indifferent, some frowned, and some looked contemptuous.

All of this was observed by the emperor, who secretly sneered inwardly.

Having ascended the throne for only two years, the new emperor urgently needed to cultivate his confidants and also needed outstanding achievements to intimidate the veteran officials in the court.

There were so many things to do: suppressing Northern Liang and consolidating imperial power, none of which were easy tasks.

However, neither Xu Xiao, the King of Northern Liang, nor the old officials in the court were willing to easily relinquish their power.

Lin Xuan, who was personally promoted by the emperor to the rank of Second-Rank General Who Guards the North and Prefect of Yanzhou, has achieved remarkable military exploits and gained widespread fame in recent years.

The more merits Lin Xuan made, the more it demonstrated the emperor's discerning eye for talent.

Yanzhou and Linxuan are the sharp blades in the emperor's hands.

One side points towards Northern Liang, while the other faces the noble families and officials of the court.

This is why the Emperor arranged such a grand reception for the General Who Guards the North—deliberately to make the entire court see clearly:

I also have capable generals and elite troops under my command, which cannot be easily controlled by you old ministers.

A sharp glint flashed in the emperor's eyes.

As the Imperial Guards approached the main gate, the officials who had been waiting below the city walls began to stir.

"Hmph, just a mere warrior."

A civil official from the Censorate scoffed, his face full of disdain, and even spat on the ground: "Relying on brute force, he is no different from that cripple Xu, and will surely become a disaster in the future."

Be careful what you say.

A colleague whispered a reminder: "Words can be dangerous."

"What are you afraid of?"

The civil official raised his head and said, "This is the capital city, under the emperor's feet, a place of great importance, unlike the bitter cold borderlands of Yanzhou."

"This official is neither a barbarian nor a member of the Hu, Qiang, or Northern Barbarian tribes."

His few words drew agreement from many civil officials.

They mostly came from aristocratic families, respected Confucianism and Taoism, and always looked down on warriors who wielded swords and rode horses.

Moreover, this man is the adopted son of Xu Xiao, the King of Northern Liang, and is known as "The Butcher".

Infamy.

Historically, prominent families have often been closely connected, and despite internal conflicts, they have always been exceptionally united in their dealings with outsiders.

"A warrior is ultimately just a warrior; he can never be considered refined."

Others watched coldly, such as the Cabinet's Chief Minister Zhang and Shenhou, who remained calm, silent, and motionless.

"The General Who Guards the North has arrived!"

The soldiers carrying the flags rode their horses and galloped around the city gate once.

"play music."

On the dragon chariot, ** parted her lips.

"Waaah—"