ebookslot Chapter 135 Conferring of a Kingship
Chapter 135 Conferring of a Kingship
Inside the Yunhui Hall of the Imperial Palace, Lady Xiao was already seated.
On the table in front, a variety of delicacies were laid out.
This is not a place for court officials to gather. On ordinary days, it is just where Xiao and her son eat, so today can be described as a family banquet.
Apart from an old eunuch, there was no one else in the hall.
"Da da!"
As crisp footsteps sounded, Xiao Hua pulled Lu Yuan inside.
Looking up at the young man before her, Madam Xiao couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "He has indeed grown up and is much more composed than before."
Lu Yuan bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Ah Yuan is finally back. Sit down and eat." Madam Xiao smiled.
However, Lu Yuan could see the lingering weariness in her eyes.
Clearly, becoming the empress of the Northern Barbarians was not an easy task.
Lu Yuan nodded, and after he and Xiao Hua sat down on either side of Xiao Shi, the meal began.
An old eunuch poured wine for the three of them.
At this moment, seeing the rare smile on Xiao's face, he was also very happy. His Majesty had not been so genuinely happy in a long time.
Since ascending the throne, everyone has said that Xiao is ruthless and merciless.
They even established the Observatory to monitor the world, using them as their henchmen. In two years, countless people died at the hands of these lackeys.
But the old eunuch understood the bitterness in Xiao's heart.
The orphan and widow ascended the throne. Although they had the support of the royal family, many people still coveted the position and outwardly complied but inwardly defied it. If they hadn't acted more forcefully and ruthlessly, they would probably have been devoured long ago, leaving not even bones.
Therefore, ruthlessness, cruelty, and bloodthirstiness became the best disguise for the Xiao family.
Because she wanted to protect her daughter and the Xiao family's court.
Over the past two years, this persona has been very successful, at least in stabilizing the situation in the capital and its surrounding areas.
But only when the night was deep and quiet would Xiao's face show unconcealed worry.
"Ah Yuan, have some of this. It's made by stewing ancient spirit grass with beast meat. Not only is the meat delicious, but it also greatly helps in enhancing spiritual energy." Xiao placed a piece of meat into Lu Yuan's bowl.
Lu Yuan didn't stand on ceremony and swallowed it in one gulp. Sure enough, he found a rich spiritual energy spreading throughout his body, making him feel more comfortable than ever before.
Seeing his uninhibited demeanor, Madam Xiao smiled with satisfaction.
The child is indeed still the same as before.
They weren't unfamiliar with each other.
Then he continued, "I've been keeping an eye on what's been going on in Dayong these past two years. It must have been tough on you. But you can rest assured now that you're in Beiman. No one can hurt you here."
The Xiao family now certainly has the resources to do so.
Its own strength has reached an extremely high level after the seal was broken.
Moreover, she has a million-strong army at her command.
It is no exaggeration to say that...
She is already one of the strongest people in the world.
Only a few emperors and a handful of sect leaders could rival him.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lu Yuan said, somewhat moved.
Madam Xiao looked up at him and said, "You should still call me aunt. There are no outsiders here now."
"Alright, thank you very much, Auntie," Lu Yuan said with a smile.
"Well, from now on in the Northern Barbarian lands, you and Hua'er will help me handle state affairs. Tomorrow I will officially issue the decree, so remember to attend the court assembly," Madam Xiao gently instructed, just like an elder.
Lu Yuan nodded.
After arranging things for him, Madam Xiao looked at Xiao Hua and slowly said, "Now that you're back, continue handling the matters on the Shengman side. As for Guhe Pass, what are your plans?"
"There is no other good way but to send people to fight them. The barbarians are fierce and savage, they eat raw meat and drink blood, they fight wild beasts all year round, they have a violent temper and strong fighting power. The leader of this team is a chieftain of a barbarian tribe."
"He's said to be very brave and fierce, with strength at the Divine Origin Realm. Although his army isn't considered elite, it has reached the Bone Forging Realm, similar to our elite cavalry," Xiao Hua said, her head bowed.
Since his mother ascended the throne, he had never truly won a foreign war.
This is also why many people below are dissatisfied, if they can really put on a beautiful battle.
The Xiao family's growing prestige is definitely of great benefit to their rule over the northern barbarians.
However, he lacked suitable generals. Although there were many skilled members of the imperial family, none of them were capable generals, limiting the effectiveness of the army. But war is never a one-man show.
Although the barbarians didn't have any particularly powerful military formations.
But they were fiercer and more fearless than the northern barbarian warriors, and were like wild beasts on the battlefield.
"What are your chances of winning?" Mrs. Xiao asked her daughter.
"Less than 50%, the number of people on both sides is about the same. Although the general leading the army, Xiao He, is at the Divine Origin Realm, his understanding of battle formations is extremely low, and he is not as good as fighting head-on."
"In that case, it's inevitable that we'll be at a disadvantage," Xiao Hua said slowly.
She is much more mature now than before, and she speaks about things on the battlefield with great knowledge and understanding.
Xiao nodded and said nothing more.
She could only sigh inwardly, "So be it. I've never won a battle against the barbarians since I ascended the throne."
It's not a big deal if we do it this time.
Therefore, he simply nodded and said, "Let's try our best to minimize the losses. The Manqi tribe is very unstable right now, and they are not far from the capital."
Having gained control of several major cities, he became increasingly reckless in his actions.
If they can barely hold their ground in this battle, that would be fine. But if they lose, these warlords will likely become even more unscrupulous.
The generals of the Northern Barbarians are all high-ranking officials in the court, and some of them have established their own independent regimes. Relying on their status, position, and strength, they are not very obedient to orders.
After all, the court has only just stabilized. When Xiao's father took the throne, the court was already in chaos, and he died not long after ascending the throne.
Xiao Shi ascended the throne in a hurry, and before he could accomplish anything, it would be difficult for him to keep the generals obedient.
Lu Yuan, who was standing to the side, had also finished eating and drinking. He had overheard the conversation between the two of them.
After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Should I go?"
His voice rang out.
Both Xiao Shi and Xiao Hua looked over, the latter showing reluctance on her face: "You've only just arrived and you're already going to war? It's too hasty. Let's stay in the capital for a while before we talk about it."
After a moment's thought, the former gazed at Lu Yuan and asked, "Are you confident?"
"If we're talking about battle formations against the enemy, it should be around 60-70%," Lu Yuan said.
After pondering for a moment, Xiao nodded: "Alright, then Ayuan will go."
She did not doubt Lu Yuan's strength, because everything he had done in Dayong had already been well-documented.
"Then I want to go too," Xiao Hua said stubbornly, a rare occurrence for her.
Madam Xiao shook her head: "Alright, go if you want to. Anyway, you're in charge of that area. A-Yuan just went there, and I'm afraid he won't be able to keep the others in check."
With you, the Crown Princess, by my side, my subordinates dare not act recklessly.
However, you're not the commander this time, so remember to listen to A-Yuan.
"Yes, Mother." Xiao Hua smiled.
After chatting for a while, Lu Yuan was taken away by Xiao Hua, who had arranged for him to rest in the inner palace today.
Such treatment made Lu Yuan sigh inwardly.
Am I now considered a member of the elite, and perhaps even a top-tier one at that?
At the same time, I also experienced what it's like to have connections in high places.
He's truly extraordinary; he's only just arrived, yet he's already leading a large army into battle and officially becoming a regional commander.
Then, he began to practice military strategy.
The army is now in a strong position. If we can reach the fourth rank in combat techniques before the battle begins, there shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Overnight, it's all over in the blink of an eye.
When Lu Yuan opened his eyes again, it was already the next morning.
My proficiency with the formation increased by nearly a thousand after a night of reflection.
Just then, Xiao Hua's voice rang out from outside: "Brother Yuan, Brother Yuan, are you awake?"
She was wearing a dragon robe, and was followed by a large group of palace maids and eunuchs.
He poked his head out and shouted from outside.
It felt as if we had returned to the Icefield Fortress.
Lu Yuan, who was about to leave, immediately said, "I'm here."
As he spoke, he walked out of the courtyard and was astonished to see Xiao Hua's grand display of power.
As expected of the Crown Princess of the Northern Barbarians.
Then, the two headed towards the Chaotian Hall.
As soon as they entered the main hall, many of the Northern Barbarian officials turned their gazes toward them.
They naturally knew that His Majesty had exchanged the Peerless Marquis for a young man.
This must be the one in front of me.
Even the Grand Master of the Imperial Clan couldn't help but cast his gaze upon it.
This was an elderly man with white hair and beard, and a tall stature, but his eyes were very bright.
He looked at Lu Yuan with a kind expression.
As the Grand Master of the Imperial Clan, he naturally knew about Lu Yuan's care for the Xiao family mother and daughter in the Icefield Fortress.
They also knew that the other party had saved their lives more than once.
Especially in the wilderness, if it weren't for Lu Yuan, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Therefore, he felt very grateful to Lu Yuan.
The other courtiers, aside from their curiosity, all showed goodwill.
The main reason was that they knew this young man would definitely have an extraordinary status in the Northern Barbarian lands in the future.
Putting everything else aside, just looking at the Crown Princess's attitude towards Lu Yuan is enough to tell a lot.
Those nobles and officials who were able to remain in the capital are now considered to be part of the Xiao family.
Those who disobeyed have been killed.
Therefore, he felt a natural affinity for Lu Yuan.
As soon as they entered the main hall, Xiao Hua openly took Lu Yuan's hand and walked to the front.
The implications of this are self-evident. Although the women of the Northern Barbarians are not coy or shy, their relationship would never be like this in an ordinary setting.
A life-saving favor might be rewarded with a promotion or a higher rank, but if a deeper relationship is involved, things get complicated.
A moment later, Empress Xiao walked in, trailing her long imperial robes, the hall shrouded in a golden beaded curtain.
As soon as she sat down.
The courtiers bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Rise, all of you. Do any of you have anything to report today?"
The sound rang out, followed by silence below.
A few individuals stepped forward a moment later, but they were only discussing matters related to Guhe Pass.
After all these matters were discussed, Madam Xiao looked at Lu Yuan and said, "As you all know, when I was in trouble, I was saved by a young man many times."
In my heart, he is like a son or nephew.
"Lu Yuan, come out and let these officials see you."
Upon hearing Xiao's introduction, Lu Yuan quickly stepped forward and said, "Greetings, esteemed officials."
The others quickly bowed in return, saying they dared not accept such a greeting.
After all, everyone knows that this young man's future identity will definitely be different.
Sure enough, at this moment, Empress Xiao said calmly, "As I have said, I have long regarded Lu Yuan as my nephew, so from today onwards, his name will be included in the Imperial Clan's Golden Register."
Lu Yuan was appointed King of Qin, a hereditary title.
The reward includes a royal palace, ten pastures, a spirit stone mine, and a hundred imperial horses.
He was rewarded with a python robe and jade belt, a thousand tiger-skin guards, and five hundred beast-riding cavalry.
He was concurrently appointed General of the Imperial Guard and General Who Conquers the North, and was given full authority over this war against the ancient barbarians.
After the sound was heard.
The entire hall fell silent for a moment.
The land where the King of Qin and his people lived was known in the past as the Qin region.
Back then, the Great Zhou Dynasty ruled the world. The ancestor of the Xiao family was enfeoffed in Qin because of his great contributions to the court. At that time, he was only a marquis.
After thousands of years of evolution, the Great Zhou Dynasty collapsed, and the Xiao family intermarried with the barbarians, eventually evolving into the Northern Barbarians of today. Now, Lu Yuan has been enfeoffed as the King of Qin, a very prestigious title.
The rewards, in particular, were incredibly generous. Putting aside everything else, just the spirit stone mine alone was enough to make anyone envious.
In the Northern Barbarian lands, even the royal family doesn't have many members who can independently own spirit stone mines.
Most importantly, he also commands the Imperial Guards. You should know that the 50,000 Imperial Guards are the most elite troops in the Northern Barbarians. This is more than just pampering Lu Yuan; it's spoiling him.
It is also about boundless trust.
However, we won't go into the details of what happened before, since their relationship is quite special. But the General Who Conquers the North is a major figure in the court right now.
We need to confront the barbarians head-on.
If we lose, the internal situation of the Northern Barbarians will be even worse, as everyone knows.
Grand Master of Ceremonies Xiao Gu finally stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Lu Yuan has rendered great service to our Northern Barbarians and is also a junior whom you treat like a son or nephew. I will not comment on other rewards, but the General Who Conquers the North is of great importance."
One wrong move could cause turmoil in the court, and Lu Yuan has just arrived and should rest for a while. Isn't it a bit too hasty to send him to the battlefield now?
He didn't have any issues with Lu Yuan; in fact, he quite thought highly of the young man.
But war is not child's play; it means people will die.
Moreover, the imperial court is already unstable. Even if we don't win this battle, we can at least not suffer a crushing defeat.
Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Those nobles who hold sway in the provinces might take the opportunity to cause trouble.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!" The Imperial Preceptor, Abbot Xiao Mie of Prajna Temple, who never spoke in court, also said softly.
Looking at Lu Yuan, a hint of a junior's distrust of his elder was revealed in his eyes.
Empress Xiao said calmly, "You may not know about A Yuan's past experiences, but I have been paying attention to him. I believe he can handle this battle."
Moreover, as you all know, there is currently no one in the court who can be of use.
When it comes to experts, our imperial family stands out, but when it comes to leading troops in battle, they are inferior to those generals who have established their own independent regimes. This is why they dare to act so recklessly.
A-Yuan has a real talent for military formations, so I've decided to let him give it a try. This matter no longer needs discussion.
After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.
Although Lu Yuan was shocked, he couldn't care less about anything else at the moment and stepped forward, saying, "Thank you for your reward, Your Majesty."
"Don't be so polite with me. Tonight, a banquet will be held in the Jiying Hall to celebrate the Prince of Qin. Court is adjourned." After saying this, Lady Xiao walked outside.
At this moment, Xiao Hua walked over and said with a smile, "Greetings, Brother Wang."
"His Majesty's reward puts a lot of pressure on me."
"Do you think anyone who saves my daughter and me gets such a reward? I've said it before, we're family, so don't overthink it. This is a gift from family, it's what you deserve."
Xiao Hua glanced at the sky outside and continued, "It's still early. The banquet won't start until tonight. Let me take you to see the Prince's Mansion and your personal guards first."
Mother is really biased; she gives you more guards than I do.
The imperial horses are far more numerous than mine.
Although she said that, she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.
Clearly, Xiao Hua was happier that her mother treated Lu Yuan so well than she treated her.
"Alright, let's go then."
As Lu Yuan spoke, he followed Xiao Hua out of the hall.
He was quite looking forward to it at that moment.
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