You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 140 Liu Ye, Dian Wei?
The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

Zhou Chen sat on the dragon throne, looking at the basic information about Northern Xinjiang and Western Liang that the Eastern Factory had just sent to him.

His expression was serious.

Zhou Chen knew that the two marquises guarding the northern border and the western Liang held great power, but he did not expect it to be this powerful.

The Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army have practically become the private armies of these two marquises. No wonder they obey orders but not commands, and dare to evade the decrees of Emperor Zhou Chen.

"Did you think that with a large army at your command, far away on the frontier, I couldn't do anything to you?"

Zhou Chen put down the messages in his hand, his eyes gleaming.

Zhou Chen has zero tolerance for border garrison commanders who disregard the emperor's orders and obey orders but not commands; he will not let this go unchecked.

However, it's not so easy to take action against someone like that.

One wrong move could cause chaos on the border.

If foreign tribes seize the opportunity to attack, that would be troublesome.

Therefore, removing border generals is no easier than eliminating powerful ministers like General Wu Jin.

At this moment, a palace eunuch guarding outside the hall walked in.

"Your Majesty, Minister Du has arrived," a palace eunuch reported as he entered.

"Let him in."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The eunuchs and guards bowed and withdrew.

Soon, Du Ruhui entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your subject Du Ruhui greets Your Majesty." After entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Du Ruhui respectfully bowed to Zhou Chen on the dragon throne.

Zhou Chen waved his hand; "Kemin, no need for such formalities."

"These are some reports I've gathered from the Eastern Depot's investigations into the Northern Frontier and Western Liang over the past two days. Kemin, take a look."

Zhou Chen picked up the two documents he had just put down and handed them to Cao Zhengchun, who was standing beside him.

Cao Zhengchun, who was standing nearby, immediately presented the two messages to Du Ruhui.

Du Ruhui took the two documents from Cao Zhengchun and opened them to read them.

The reason Zhou Chen had been suppressing the memorials from the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang demanding payment in the past two days was to allow the Eastern Depot to investigate the situation in the Northern Frontier and Xiliang.

Now that the situation in Northern Xinjiang and Western Liang has been clarified, the issue of military pay for the troops in Northern Xinjiang and Western Liang must also be resolved.

Therefore, Zhou Chen summoned Du Ruhui to the palace.

After Du Ruhui finished reading the messages, Zhou Chen continued, "The Northern Frontier and the Western Liang border regions urged us to pay their salaries a couple of days ago, and I temporarily suppressed it. But this matter cannot be suppressed indefinitely."

"This has to be resolved, otherwise there might be problems at the border."

"But I don't want to just spend money to support a large army that obeys orders but not commands. Kemin, do you have any suggestions for me?"

Zhou Chen looked at Du Ruhui.

Du Ruhui pondered for a moment and naturally understood Zhou Chen's meaning.

"Your Majesty, matters concerning the border are of paramount importance and should not be rushed."

"Otherwise, if there is even the slightest mistake, it could lead to chaos on the border."

"In my humble opinion, Your Majesty should prioritize internal affairs over external ones. Only by eliminating internal obstacles can you focus your efforts on dealing with external matters."

"Otherwise, we may find ourselves in a predicament both internally and externally."

Du Ruhui said with a solemn expression.

Dealing with such important border generals is no small matter, and even Du Ruhui had to be careful with his words.

Because if something goes wrong and causes chaos on the border, it's a responsibility that not everyone can bear.

Upon hearing Du Ruhui's words, Zhou Chen frowned slightly.

Zhou Chen naturally understood Du Ruhui's meaning.

Du Ruhui wanted to play it safe, but Zhou Chen didn't want to approve their military pay so easily after the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang had already disobeyed orders.

That would make Emperor Zhou Chen and the central government seem too easy to bully.

Seeing Zhou Chen frown, Du Ruhui immediately continued, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang did not urge the payment earlier or later, but only after the rebellion in the four northern prefectures was quelled."

"Isn't this also a test of His Majesty's intentions regarding their previous failure to obey orders?"

"Now, among the generals in the border army, these two are the leaders. How many of them still have the court in their hearts?"

"If His Majesty were to take action now, it would certainly cause unrest among the border troops."

"Your Majesty might as well take advantage of this opportunity to transport military supplies and send some generals into the Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army."

Du Ruhui said, his eyes gleaming.

The Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang are different from General Wu Jin. General Wu Jin is in the central government. Although he commands the Southern Camp of the Divine Martial Guard, the Southern Camp of the Divine Martial Guard is located outside the capital and is deeply influenced by imperial power.

Therefore, after dealing with General Wu Jin, they were able to easily suppress the Southern Camp Divine Martial Guard.

However, the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang were different. They were both important generals on the frontier, and the Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army were far from the central government and located on the frontier.

Even if we deal with the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang, it doesn't necessarily mean we can control the border army.

Upon hearing Du Ruhui's words, Zhou Chen raised an eyebrow and immediately understood what Du Ruhui meant.

Du Ruhui wanted to first plant spies in the Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army to prepare for a smooth takeover of them later.

In the past few days, besides signing in and getting the Imperial Guard, Zhou Chen has also signed in five generals: Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, Hou Cheng, Song Xian, and Hao Meng.

All five of them are currently in a military camp outside the city.

Sending these five men to the Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army is not difficult; the difficulty lies in the fact that the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang are not fools and could not possibly fail to see this.

When the time comes, if the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang want these five people to die on the frontier, they will have plenty of ways to do so.

There were plenty of reasons that could be given to the imperial court.

"Is Your Majesty worried that the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang might harm the generals sent by the court?"

"Your Majesty can rest assured about that."

"The Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang must also know the court's intentions. As long as they do not openly rebel against the court, the court will not easily take action against the people it sent."

Seemingly sensing Zhou Chen's thoughts, Du Ruhui wisely spoke again.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen's brows relaxed, realizing that Du Ruhui's words were correct.

The purpose of sending generals to the Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army was naturally not hidden from the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang.

However, as long as these two do not openly rebel against the court, the court will not easily take action against the people it sent.

They will maintain this tacit understanding with the imperial court.

"Does Kemin have any other suggestions?" Zhou Chen then looked at Du Ruhui.

"Your Majesty, with the year-end approaching, it is only natural to summon senior generals from the border regions back to court for questioning."

"Why doesn't Your Majesty issue an edict summoning the two marquises back to court to report on their affairs?"

As soon as Du Ruhui said this.

A glint immediately flashed in Zhou Chen's eyes; "Kemin is right, the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang have not returned to court for a long time."

"It is time for me to summon the two marquises back to court."

Zhou Chen nodded.

Zhou Chen thought Du Ruhui's suggestion was excellent.

Whether the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang will obey the imperial decree and return to the capital is not important.

The important thing is to lay the groundwork for what comes next.

Of course, it would be best if the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang could return to the capital, which would save a lot of trouble.

"Kemin, do you think the Prince of Kaoshan can hold off the Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army?"

Zhou Chen suddenly asked a question.

Upon hearing this, Du Ruhui nodded without hesitation; "Both the Prince of Kaoshan and the Grand Tutor are pillars of our Great Zhou, veterans of three reigns, and enjoy great prestige in the army."

"With the prestige of the Prince of Kao Shan in the army, it shouldn't be a big problem to stabilize the Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army."

Du Ruhui said somewhat cautiously.

Like Grand Tutor Wen Zhong, Prince Kao Shan was one of the two pillars of the Great Zhou Dynasty, a veteran of three reigns, and held great prestige in the Great Zhou.

Especially in the military, he wields considerable influence.

With the influence and prestige of the Prince of Kaoshan in the army, it shouldn't be difficult for him to stabilize the Zhenbei Army and the Xiliang Army.

However, nothing is absolute.

There are exceptions.

Therefore, Du Ruhui spoke very cautiously. Zhou Chen nodded; he could understand Du Ruhui's caution.

Nothing is absolute.

Especially with things like this, things could easily escalate into chaos, so it's always good to be cautious.

Afterwards, Du Ruhui offered some suggestions and opinions before leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

……

After Du Ruhui left, Zhou Chen was deep in thought with a profound gaze.

Zhou Chen would only take Du Ruhui's suggestions and opinions as a reference, and would not necessarily adopt them.

After all, Zhou Chen was the emperor, and he often had to consider many more things than his ministers.

"Cao Zhengchun, send someone to the Northern Frontier and Western Liang to deliver the imperial edict!"

"Send the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang back to court to report on their affairs."

"At the same time, it also allows them to personally escort the military pay allocated to them by the imperial court back to the border."

After pondering for a moment, Zhou Chen glanced at Cao Zhengchun, who was standing beside him, and said.

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun immediately bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

……

"Sign in."

While Cao Zhengchun was away sending someone to deliver the imperial decree, Zhou Chen began signing in for the day.

Zhou Chen is currently lacking not only civil officials, but also military generals who can stand alone.

Once the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang are dealt with, both the Northern Frontier and Xiliang will need generals capable of standing alone to guard them.

Otherwise, the border cannot be defended.

Besides Lü Bu, Zhou Chen only has Zhang Liao as a capable opponent.

In the past few days, apart from the Imperial Guards, Zhou Chen also signed in with Cao Xing, Song Xian, and the other five generals.

However, these five men were all Lu Bu's eight generals, and could only be considered the most ordinary generals.

Let alone guarding a region, he can't even stand alone in a situation.

Therefore, Zhou Chen is currently lacking both civil officials and military generals.

"I hope today's monthly decree won't disappoint me!"

Zhou Chen secretly looked forward to it.

That's right, Zhou Chen has checked in for a full month again today.

【bite…….】

[Check-in successful.]

[Congratulations, host, on completing a full month of sign-in! You have received the monthly sign-in gift pack.]

[Open the monthly sign-in gift pack?]

"Open."

Zhou Chen silently recited in his heart.

Last month's monthly sign-in gift pack contained Cao Shaoqin; the rest were all troop types.

Zhou Chen wondered what he would get from this month's sign-in gift pack.

[Ding... Congratulations, host, you have gained the loyalty of the character Liu Ye.]

[Ding... Congratulations, host, you have gained the loyalty of the character Dian Wei.]

Liu Ye?

Dian Wei?

Zhou Chen's spirits lifted.

Zhou Chen was surprised to find that he was lucky this time, as he actually received two outstanding individuals from the monthly sign-in gift pack.

Furthermore, both of these outstanding individuals came from the Three Kingdoms period.

Although there were only two people who signed in this time, fewer than the last time, these two outstanding individuals are worth more than a thousand troops.

Liu Ye was a famous figure in the Three Kingdoms period, and was praised as a man of great talent who could assist the world.

What's most impressive about Liu Ye is his ability to judge people, and his strategic thinking is also quite good.

It can be said that Liu Ye was no less capable than Fang Mou and Du Judgment.

Unfortunately, Liu Ye was never given an important position in his life and died in frustration.

As for Dian Wei, needless to say, he was a man whom Emperor Wu of Wei called "Evil Lai." He chased a tiger across a stream, and his strength was unmatched.

In the Three Kingdoms, apart from Lü Bu and the Changshan Martial God, no one else could suppress this Evil Lai.

Unfortunately, this evil man died young, and because of a woman, he ultimately died in battle in Wancheng.

"This humble subject, Liu Ye, greets Your Majesty."

A figure appeared in the Hall of Mental Cultivation and knelt down before Zhou Chen on the dragon throne.

Before Zhou Chen could even take a good look at Liu Ye, this outstanding figure from the Three Kingdoms period, he was struck by a series of thunderous booming sounds that made his ears tingle.

"I, Dian Wei, greet Your Majesty."

As the thunderous voice rang out, a majestic figure appeared beside Liu Ye.

The figure was not handsome; in fact, one could say he was ugly. He wore a tiger-skin jacket, revealing his chest hair.

His tiger-like eyes were wide open, and although he tried his best to restrain his aura, it was still somewhat frightening.

As soon as Dian Wei appeared in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he knelt on the ground, just like Liu Ye.

Dian Wei?

"What a burly man."

"The sound was so loud and powerful."

"He truly lives up to his reputation as an evil man."

Zhou Chen looked at Dian Wei, his eyes shining slightly.

Although Dian Wei did not have Lü Bu's handsome face, he possessed Lü Bu's terrifying aura.

Needless to say, this is another powerful expert who is half a step into the Celestial Realm.

"who?"

"How dare you be so loud and presumptuous in the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

At that moment, Cao Zhengchun appeared beside Zhou Chen in the blink of an eye.

Cao Zhengchun stared intently at Dian Wei kneeling on the ground, his expression grave.

Cao Zhengchun sensed a dangerous aura emanating from Dian Wei.

Zhou Chen waved his hand, indicating to Cao Zhengchun that he didn't need to be nervous.

Cao Zhengchun then stepped aside, still keeping a close eye on Dian Wei below.

Zhou Chen glanced at Dian Wei and Liu Ye; "Liu Ye, Dian Wei, you two don't need to stand on ceremony, get up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Liu Ye and Dian Wei stood up.

However, after Dian Wei stood up, he glanced at Cao Zhengchun with wide, tiger-like eyes.

Clearly, Dian Wei also felt threatened by Cao Zhengchun.

"Cao Zhengchun, draft the imperial edict."

"The emperor appointed Liu Ye as Minister of Works, and he was ordered to take up his post immediately."

"By imperial decree, Dian Wei was appointed Commander of the Imperial Guards to guard the Imperial Palace."

Now that Minister of Works Cui Yongyuan has died in the Eastern Depot prison, the position of Minister of Works has remained vacant.

Now that Liu Ye has appeared in the sign-in event, Zhou Chen can conveniently appoint Liu Ye as the Minister of Works.

Anyway, Liu Ye has a lot of experience in this area.

As for Dian Wei, he was the best bodyguard and the most suitable person to serve as the commander of the Imperial Guards and guard the palace.

With Dian Wei around, Cao Zhengchun wouldn't have to be constantly in the palace, thus avoiding delays in the affairs of the Eastern Depot.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Cao Zhengchun replied.

Liu Ye and Dian Wei immediately bowed and said so.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

(End of this chapter)