Although Wang Qing was a strategist, he had followed Lin Xuan since his early years, was highly experienced, and was deeply trusted.
These words were most appropriate and carried the most weight when spoken by him, and only those arrogant generals like Tian Hu and Meng Jiao would listen to them.
"Miss Qing'er, the plaque at the General's Mansion needs to be changed again."
Zhuge Qing picked up his teacup: "From now on, it should be renamed the Marquis of Yan's Residence."
"The plaque was changed twice in three years."
Zhu Duanhe chimed in, "Who made our Grand General rise so quickly?"
"It only took a little over a month from start to finish."
Mu Qing'er took over the conversation and looked at Meng Jiao, Tian Hu and others: "We must strengthen the defenses in all parts of Yanzhou."
In particular, the three passes of Duanlong Pass, Tianxian Pass, and Shangdang must not have any mistakes.
"I have already discussed this with Counselor Wang and Registrar Zhuge. The prefectural government will issue an official document. General Meng, General Tian, and General Xue, you three must work harder and conduct thorough inspections during this period."
"Don't worry, Miss Qing'er."
The three generals bowed and accepted the order.
During the month or so that Lin Xuan was away, Mu Qing'er basically took charge of all the affairs, big and small, in the General's Mansion.
Several hours later, these advisors and generals left one after another, returning to their respective offices or military camps.
As news of Lin Xuan's imminent return spread, several elite cavalry units across the Yan region sprang into action, reinforcing their forces at various passes. Even the number of cavalry patrolling within prefectures, counties, and rural villages increased significantly compared to previous days.
Such commotion naturally did not escape the notice of the Northern Python and the Northern Liang.
Just as the news of Lin Xuan's ennoblement reached Yanzhou City,
Xu Xiao, who was far away in Qingliang Mountain, also received a secret report delivered by express courier from the capital.
"Your Highness, an urgent report from the capital."
The underground level of Tingchao Pavilion was chilly. Xu Xiao looked at the densely packed memorial tablets around him and, feeling a bit tired of standing, sat down directly on the stone platform.
A scribe entered, holding an opened secret letter.
"What is it?"
Xu Xiao asked.
"Lin Xuan has been granted the title of Marquis."
The scholar, with a solemn expression, handed over the secret letter.
The King of Northern Liang showed little change in expression.
It seems that this was expected.
He took the letter, read it, and then casually lit it with the candlelight, burning it to ashes.
"The emperor was quite generous, bestowing upon him a marriage alliance with a fief of 20,000 households."
Xu Xiao gently pressed her temples: "It seems you've made up your mind to promote that person and go against me."
Then he smiled and asked, "How is Princess Lingxi?"
"Both his temperament and appearance are top-notch."
The scholar responded.
"That suits him well."
Xu Xiao sighed softly, "It's just that Zhihu isn't meant to be."
"Your Highness."
The scholar said helplessly, "The imperial court and your adopted son are about to put us under their thumb."
"You actually have the leisure to sit here and lament about talented men and beautiful women."
"A tall tree catches the wind; this has always been true."
Xu Xiao slowly rubbed his knee: "In the early years, Bei Liang was too conspicuous, and the officials of the Censorate relentlessly pursued me."
"Isn't it good that someone is diverting some of our attention?"
"I don't know how many more years my body can hold on. I'll cherish every day I can have some peace and quiet."
"In my opinion, the mere title of Marquis of Yan is probably not enough to satisfy Lin Xuan's appetite."
The scholar said coldly, "If this becomes a major problem that cannot be controlled in the future, let's see how His Majesty deals with it."
"Never mind that for now."
Xu Xiao waved her hand: "Let's just take care of the land in front of us."
"We'll discuss other matters after that kid returns to Beiliang."
Within a month, the news that General Lin Xuan of the Northern Garrison had been granted the title of Marquis spread like wildfire throughout the Central Plains, even shaking the Northern Python court.
The Marquis of Yan, whose fiefdom comprises 20,000 households, was appointed as a first-rank general and commanded the military power of three commanderies in Yan.
He was even to marry a princess of the current dynasty.
In an instant, countless people flocked to Yan.
Anyone with a modicum of knowledge can see that
Lin Xuan, a first-rank general and Marquis of Yan, will undoubtedly be the most prominent figure in the court in the coming years or even decades.
Another king of Northern Liang is quietly rising to power.
Furthermore, the recruitment order was widely issued throughout the land, attracting numerous scholars, strategists, and martial heroes.
Moreover, the Yan region is frequently at war, making it the easiest place to establish merit. If one could join in, one might truly make a name for oneself.
Several days later
A grand procession of carriages and cavalry appeared outside Yanzhou City, where Wang Qing and the state officials were already waiting to greet them.
Tens of thousands of people gathered on both sides of the city gate, but fortunately the criminal police officers maintained order.
When Lin Xuan rode into the city, the deafening cheers almost made the entire city of Yanzhou tremble.
"Welcome back, Lord Yan!"
"General!"
"Lord Yan!"
"My lord!"
The people were so excited that their faces turned red, and they shouted loudly, which confused many outsiders who came after hearing the news.
"Everyone, you can leave now."
"Please return, everyone."
Lin Xuan smiled, but his voice, though loud, could not drown out the clamor of the thousands of people.
Seeing the surging crowd, with more and more gathering, he had no choice but to quicken his pace, leading Po Jun back somewhat hastily to the General's Mansion.
The signboard has now been changed; it should now be called the Marquis of Yan's Residence.
"Close the door quickly."
He urged them repeatedly, fearing that the people of Yanzhou would be too enthusiastic and barge in.
But as soon as he reached the front of his own courtyard, before he even stepped inside, he saw two rows of stunningly beautiful women standing behind the gate.
Mu Qing'er, Da Pan'er, Xiao Pan'er, Lin Yunqin, Tuoba Yu'er, Jiang Ni, and even Nangong Pu She were all carefully dressed up, each with bright and beautiful clothes and radiant appearances.
"What are you doing?"
Lin Xuan looked surprised.
"Sisters."
Mu Qing'er smiled slightly as she opened her mouth.
"Greetings, Lord Marquis."
The seven women bowed in unison.
No need for formalities.
Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly, shook his sleeves, and looked solemn.
"Pfft."
Jiang Ni was the first to burst out laughing.
"Are there any other plans?"
Dressed in white, Nangong Pushe asked softly, "If not, I'll go to the Sharpening Hall to practice my sword skills."
"Of course."
He replied, "Come to my room tonight; I have something to say to you privately."
Nangong Puye glanced at the Marquis of Yan with annoyance, picked up two long swords, and headed straight for the sword-sharpening garden.
"I should go practice my swordsmanship too."
Jiang Ni rubbed her sleepy eyes: "I didn't sleep well last night."
After speaking, he took his sword and walked towards the open space by the lake.
"Congratulations, young master, on your promotion."
Da Pan'er chimed in, "Even His Majesty's most beloved Princess Lingxi was married off with him."
"Everyone, please disperse for now."
Lin Xuan waved his hand: "I've been traveling for more than ten days straight, and I'm really tired. I need to rest for a couple of days."
Several women left one after another.
After entering the house, Lin Xuan took a refreshing hot shower, changed into clean clothes, and fell into a deep sleep as soon as he lay down on the bed.
When I opened my eyes again, it was already dusk the next day. The sky was gloomy, and a cold wind was blowing, carrying scattered snowflakes and withered leaves in the air.
After dinner, Jiang Ni was practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard.
It had been more than a month since I last saw her, and the girl's swordsmanship had improved considerably.
cough.
Naturally, she has also grown significantly in other aspects, and her figure has become increasingly slender and charming, which makes Lin Xuan glance at her a few more times.
As Jiang Ni practiced her sword, she seemed to sense something. With her back to him, her cheeks flushed slightly, and an indescribable emotion welled up in her heart.
Instead, her sword-wielding movements became increasingly graceful and fluid, inadvertently outlining a beautiful silhouette.
"If you wish to see, sir, please look openly. Why hide it?"
Qing'er brought in tea, glanced outside the courtyard, and chuckled, "Even Sister Jiang Ni doesn't mind."
"Ahem, stop talking nonsense."
Lin Xuan casually pulled the person closer and chuckled, "These days without Qing'er by my side, I haven't been able to eat or sleep properly."
"They just know how to say sweet words."
Mu Qing'er's body went slightly weak, and she had to hold onto the long table to steady herself.
Unexpectedly, Lin Xuan flicked his sleeve, and the door closed gently.
About two hours later, the tightly closed door was reopened.
Jiang Ni, who had been slightly lost in thought while listening to the sounds of swords and spears outside the courtyard, immediately composed himself and continued to wield his sword with measured precision.
As night deepened, Mu Qing'er was already fast asleep in the inner room.
Lin Xuan closed the door.
"Practice your swordsmanship diligently and do not slack off."
He put on a stern face and gave his instructions.
"Okay."
The girl turned around and playfully stuck out her tongue.
Passing through the side gate guarded by armored soldiers, we arrived at the small courtyard where the study was located.
The place was brightly lit, and the two attics were filled with documents submitted from all over the country, but this was only a part of the total; most of the files were stored in the back warehouse.
Every document is clearly marked, making it easy to see whether it has been read or not.
Lin Xuan sat down in the chair and began to review the case files that had been piling up for more than a month.
Night deepened.
The candles were never extinguished.
The processed documents were placed in the archive shelf, and a minor official from the government office would come to collect them and put them into storage the next morning.
"Whoosh—whoosh—"
The cold wind rattled against the doors and windows, and the candlelight inside flickered, sometimes bright and sometimes dim.
"Come in."
Lin Xuan put down the file in his hand.
The door was pushed open a crack, and a dark figure silently entered the study.
"Owner."
The black robe was removed, revealing her true appearance; it was Jing Ni.
This leader of the Luo Wang has entered the Celestial Realm and achieved the status of a Grandmaster.
"How are things going with what I assigned?"
He got up and poured two cups of hot tea.
"It's already done."
Jingni looked up, her face charming and her waist slender. No one would have guessed that such a beautiful woman was the fearsome leader of the Luo Wang.
After more than a decade of development, the Luo Wang network has grown increasingly large, especially after Lin Xuan took control of the Yan region.
This network spread almost explosively, but it remains hidden in the shadows and has not yet surfaced.
"Although the ninth level of the Heavenly Prison is heavily guarded, it cannot stop this servant."
Jing Ni frowned slightly: "However, that person is already exhausted and may not be of much use."
"No need for you to trouble yourself with that."
Lin Xuan chuckled: "I have my own way."
Where is he/she?
"Slap, slap."
Jingni clapped her hands lightly, and Luanshen and Zhuanpo carried a heavy wooden box into the house.
"Young master, the person is in the box."
The gods reported this disorder.
"You may all step back."
"promise."
The wooden box was opened, and a thin old man sat cross-legged inside, his eyes closed, as if he were asleep.
280
His silver hair was disheveled like wild grass, obscuring half of his face, yet one could still glimpse the remnants of his youthful, rugged features.
"This man has a very fiery temper; we exchanged blows in the prison."
Jing Ni stated, "His palm strike was extremely powerful. If it weren't for the fact that his qi and blood had been weakened due to his long imprisonment, I might not have been able to subdue him."
"In the end, it was only by sealing his internal energy with nine steel needles that he was able to be taken out of the prison."
"That's enough, you may leave now."
He said calmly.
"Yes, ma'am."
Jingni left the house, and soon her figure disappeared into the deep night, leaving no trace.
Lin Xuan extended his right hand and gently placed his pale palm on the old man's shoulder, his eyelids slightly lowered, and his inner strength slowly circulated.
"laugh"
"laugh"
In the blink of an eye, three steel needles shot out from the old man's Qihai, Tanzhong, and Yongquan acupoints; with another burst of energy, the remaining four needles were also forced out of the old man's body.
The old man, who had been completely lifeless, suddenly opened his eyes, and a terrifying internal force burst forth from his body.
"boom"
A powerful surge of true energy coursed through his body. The old man tried to get up, but found that he could not move an inch.
His internal energy was also firmly imprisoned within his body.
"snort"
The old man scoffed, his entire body radiating dazzling golden light, his aura rising in layers.
He tried to shake off the hand on his shoulder, but no matter how much he exerted his strength, the hand remained unmoved, as if a mountain was pressing down on him.
"Is this the Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill?"
The mocking voice rang in his ears, and the old man's face twisted in pain; the next moment, Lin Xuan felt his own powerful true energy uncontrollably surging into the old man's body.
"Absorption Technique"
He let out a soft surprise, a slight smile playing on his lips, and instantly circulated his Three-Part Returning Origin Qi.
"boom"
The immense internal energy surged violently and poured back into the old man's body.
The old man's eyes were wide open, and his hunched body swelled up rapidly, like an inflated sac about to burst.
"Ancient Three Passes"
Lin Xuan spoke, controlling his own true energy to forcefully suppress the old man's indestructible true energy back into his dantian, and then sealed his vital points, breaking the absorption technique.
Gu Santong's bloated body instantly shrank.
Gu Santong, the Undefeated Mischievous Child
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