You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 151 My two marquises have certainly found a good excuse.
"Surround it."

The prefect of Jiexiu Prefecture had not yet left the prefectural office.

At this moment, a general in armor led his soldiers into the government office and surrounded it.

The prefect of Jiexiu Prefecture was shocked to see that the prefectural soldiers dared to barge into the prefectural government office and even surround it.

Immediately, the face of the prefect of Jiexiu turned extremely ugly.

The prefect of Jiexiu looked at the armored general with a grim expression; "Captain Fan, do you know what you're doing?"

"You actually dared to lead the guards to surround the government office. Do you even respect this government office?"

"What does your Fan family want to do?"

"Private soldiers entered the city, seized the military power of the government office, and even surrounded and imprisoned the government office."

"Could it be that your Fan family intends to rebel?"

The prefect of Jiexiu Prefecture angrily questioned the armored general.

The magistrate of Jiexiu Prefecture never expected that the Fan family's private soldiers would enter the city, not only taking control of the city guards and the prefectural soldiers, but also directly surrounding his prefectural government office.

They were utterly unscrupulous and incredibly audacious.

Even if the Fan family were the local tyrants of Jiexiu Prefecture, one of the seven great families of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

But if the imperial court finds out that they dared to besiege the government office like this, they would be in deep trouble.

"Master of the Palace."

"What the Fan family wants to do, the adults will soon find out."

"My lord, please stay in the government office for now. The head of my Fan family will come to pay his respects to you shortly."

The armored Captain Fan glanced indifferently at the prefect of Jiexiu and spoke.

They didn't take the prefect of Jiexiu Prefecture seriously at all.

In Jiexiu Prefecture, the Fan family was the most powerful.

Even if the prefect of Jiexiu is furious, what can he do?
Previously, out of consideration for the imperial court, this military officer would have at least put on a show for the prefect.

But now?
There is no need for that anymore.

Since the Fan family has become a target for extermination by the imperial court, they will not sit idly by and wait for their doom.

"Very well, then this manor will await the visit of your family patriarch, Fan."

The prefect of Jiexiu changed his expression, said nothing more, and turned to walk back to the main hall of the prefectural government office.

The prefect of Jiexiu Prefecture had already seen through the clues; the Fan family was probably really going to commit a heinous act.

"This is trouble."

The prefect of Jiexiu returned to the main hall with an extremely solemn expression.

If the Fan family really intends to commit such a heinous act, then he, the lord of Jiexiu, will likely be dragged down with them.

……

The Fan family of Jiexiu is a behemoth, one of the seven great families of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

After the decision was made by the clan leader Fan Zhou and more than a dozen other members of the Fan family, the operation started as quickly as a machine.

Not only did they take control of Jiexiu Prefecture, but they also immediately notified all of the Fan family's private soldiers and experts outside the prefecture.

Even the various branches of the Fan family outside the main clan received the urgent message from the main clan and began preparations.

Meanwhile, some of the younger members of the Fan family were secretly sent away.

It can be said that the Fan family, one of the seven great families of the Great Zhou Dynasty, entered a state of true explosive growth from this moment on.

……

Northern Xinjiang.

Zhenbeihou Mansion.

Today we have a special guest.

Marquis Xue Shaowen of Zhenbei sat in the main seat, looking at the special guest below, and said, "The young master of the Fan family is indeed quite bold, daring to come to my Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion so openly."

"His Majesty has already issued an edict to exterminate the Fan family. Aren't you afraid of being arrested by me?"

Xue Shaowen looked at the special guest in front of him and said calmly.

Indeed, this special guest was none other than Fan Shaohe, the young master of the Fan family.

Fan Shaohe shook his head and smiled; "The Marquis's information network is indeed impressive, but I believe the Marquis is not a short-sighted person."

"Nowadays, Lord Hou and my Fan family are actually in the same boat."

"Even if you arrest me, do you think that person in the palace will let you go?"

Fan Shaohe looked at Xue Shaowen in the main seat with a faint smile.

Xue Shaowen's face remained expressionless; "Fan Shaohe, I am not in cahoots with your Fan family."

"I am the Marquis of Zhenbei of the Great Zhou, responsible for guarding the northern border and defending against foreign tribes beyond the pass."

"Then what's the point of discussing whether His Majesty will let me off the hook or not?"

"And your Fan family are traitors whom His Majesty has ordered to be executed."

"How could I possibly be in the same boat as you!"

Xue Shaowen said calmly.

Fan Shaohe shook his head noncommittally; "Your words are not entirely true, Lord Marquis!"

"Let's stop beating around the bush and just speak frankly!"

"The Marquis holds military power and acts independently, obeying summons but not orders. In this northern frontier, it can be said that the emperor is far away and the sky is high."

"They even directly refused His Majesty's decree before."

"This would be intolerable for any emperor."

"Your Excellency should know better than I do what has happened to such people throughout history, so I don't need to say more!"

Some things don't need to be said. Fan Shaohe knew that Xue Shaowen, the Marquis of Zhenbei, understood things much better than he did.

Xue Shaowen wanted to play dumb with Fan Shaohe, but Fan Shaohe had no time or inclination to beat around the bush with Xue Shaowen.

Therefore, Fan Shao spoke frankly without any reservations.

Upon hearing Fan Shaohe's words, Xue Shaowen's expression remained unchanged, still as calm as ever.

"Fan Shaohe, your words are alarmist and slanderous."

"Considering that I have some connections with your Fan family, I will not hold it against you."

"You should just tell me why you're here!"

Xue Shaowen was very curious to see what Fan Shaohe was doing at his Zhenbei Marquis's residence at this time.
The emperor in the palace has issued an edict to exterminate the Fan family of Jiexiu, a piece of news that Xue Shaowen had just received.

If the Fan family came to him, the Marquis of Zhenbei, because of this matter, then Xue Shaowen would have no choice but to see them off.

Even Xue Shaowen, the Marquis of Zhenbei, was powerless to do anything about this.

"My lord, my purpose is very simple."

"Then we've come to ask the Marquis for passage. We would be grateful if the Marquis would grant us this favor."

"And while I'm at it, I'll act as a messenger and deliver three letters to the Marquis."

As Fan Shaohe spoke, he took out three letters and handed them to Xue Shaowen.

Xue Shaowen took the letter, tore it open, and began to read.

After reading the three letters, Xue Shaowen frowned and remained silent.

Fan Shaohe glanced at Xue Shaowen and said, "My lord, the letter has been delivered, so I shall take my leave now."

Fan Shaohe dared not delay too much; his main task was to lead some members of the Fan family out of the pass.

The news that the imperial court has issued an edict to exterminate the Fan family must have already reached local government offices across the country. The longer these people delay, the greater the danger they will face.

It would be best to leave the pass as soon as possible.

As for what decision Xue Shaowen will make after reading the letter, that's not something Fan Shaohe should worry about; someone else will take care of that.

Upon hearing this, Xue Shaowen, who was in the main seat, nodded; "Your Fan family also has connections in the Zhenbei Army, so you can go directly to them."

"They will help you get through customs smoothly."

The terrifying thing about powerful and wealthy families is that they have connections and manpower in all directions.

Even the Northern Frontier Garrison Army was no exception.

……

Xiliang.

The Marquis of Xiliang's residence.

The Marquis of Xiliang was also receiving a middle-aged man from the Fan family.

This middle-aged man from the Fan family also brought three letters to the Marquis of Xiliang.

After reading the three letters, the Marquis of Xiliang pondered for a moment, then looked at the middle-aged man from the Fan family and said, "You may leave the pass, but you can go find your Fan family's connections in the Xiliang army." "I will not stop you."

"However, there is one thing you must remember."

"I know nothing about you, and I've never even seen you before."

"You've never been to the Marquis of Xiliang's residence either."

The Marquis of Xiliang looked at the middle-aged man from the Fan family and said.

Upon hearing Xi Liang's words, the middle-aged man from the Fan family immediately understood what the Marquis of Xi Liang meant.

"Don't worry, my lord, I understand."

"The letter has been delivered, so I'll take my leave now."

After finishing his sentence, the middle-aged man from the Fan family left the Xiliang Marquis's residence.

Like Fan Shaohe, this middle-aged man from the Fan family also brought some members of the Fan family and a portion of the Fan family's accumulated wealth with him when he left the pass.

However, one exited through the pass in the northern frontier, while the other exited through the pass in the western Liang region.

This is also the survival strategy of wealthy and powerful families, known as "a cunning rabbit has three burrows."

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

……

royal palace.

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

After Zhou Chen finished processing the memorials, he opened the intelligence report that the Eastern Depot had just sent and began to read it.

The intelligence records everything that happened in Luoyang.

In particular, news about officials and ministers in the imperial court was recorded.

This also included Chancellor Yuan Bo and the Minister of Justice.

In addition, there are also some local news reports from Monday, which are also recorded above.

Since Cao Zhengchun left Luoyang, news from the Eastern Depot has been delivered to the Hall of Mental Cultivation every day.

Zhou Chen looked at the intelligence sent by the Eastern Depot and nodded secretly.

The Eastern Depot was the emperor's eyes and ears, monitoring the entire country on his behalf.

Nowadays, the Eastern Depot, besides Luoyang, is gradually spreading to all the prefectures and counties of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Although the Eastern Depot has not yet spread throughout the entire Great Zhou Dynasty, Zhou Chen believes that day is not far off.

Just then, the eunuchs and guards who were waiting outside the hall walked in.

"Your Majesty, the Minister of War is requesting an audience outside the palace."

After the eunuchs and guards entered, they bowed and reported.

Zhou Chen sat on the dragon throne and nodded slightly.

"Xuan!"

The eunuchs and guards bowed and left.

After a while.

The Minister of War then entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your Majesty, I have come to pay my respects." The Minister of War entered and bowed respectfully.

Zhou Chen put down the messages sent by the Eastern Depot and looked up at the Minister of War; "How are the preparations for the imperial examinations going?"

Currently, the Great Zhou Dynasty is facing a severe shortage of capable officials.

Previously, Du Ruhui had reported on the scientific expedition.

Zhou Chen had already ordered that the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian and the Minister of War be appointed as deputy examiners to assist Du Ruhui in preparing for the imperial examination.

"Your Majesty, preparations for the imperial examinations are still underway."

“All the memorials from various localities recommending people for official positions were also rejected.”

"The news that the imperial examinations are open to students from all over the country has been sent to inform local officials."

The Minister of War bowed and said.

Zhou Chen nodded after hearing this.

"What brings you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to see me, my dear minister?"

Zhou Chen looked at the Minister of War and asked again.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty previously decreed that Marquis Zhenbei and Marquis Xiliang should return to Luoyang to report on matters at the end of the year."

"The Marquis of Zhenbei reported that his old injury had relapsed and he was unable to travel far back to Luoyang to report on matters."

"The Marquis of Xiliang reported that the Western Rong have invaded the border. The Marquis of Xiliang is currently stationed at Yumen Pass to defend against the Western Rong invasion and is temporarily unable to return to Luoyang to report on the matter."

"These are the memorials from the two marquises. Please take a look, Your Majesty."

The Minister of War presented two memorials to Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen took the memorials from the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang, opened them, and glanced at them.

Almost all of it was just empty talk and excuses.

"A recurrence of an old injury?"

"To be stationed at the border to defend against the incursions of the Western Rong?"

"My two marquises have come up with some good excuses."

Zhou Chen sneered and casually tossed the two memorials aside.

No one, not even a ghost, would believe such a flimsy excuse.

Furthermore, the Eastern Depot has already deployed personnel in both the northern frontier and the western Liang region.

Whether the Marquis of Zhenbei had suffered a relapse of his old injuries, or whether the Marquis of Xiliang had resisted the Western Rong, others might not know, but how could Zhou Chen not know?

Upon hearing Zhou Chen's cold laugh, the Minister of War lowered his head even further.

Although he was the Minister of War, ever since Emperor Zhou Chen fully recovered, he had almost no right to offer advice on important border matters.

It became just a decoration.

"What do you think about the matter concerning the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang?" Zhou Chen looked at the Minister of War below.

The Minister of War was taken aback upon hearing this.

The Minister of War was surprised that Emperor Zhou Chen would suddenly ask him for his opinion on the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang have been stationed at the border for many years and have long been influential there."

"If Your Majesty pushes too hard, it may backfire."

"As for me, Your Majesty, if you want to resolve the matter of the two marquises, you must proceed slowly. First, find a way to divide their power, and then proceed with your plan."

"If we could bring back Prince Kao Shan to plan this matter, that would be ideal."

The Minister of War immediately spoke up without the slightest hesitation.

The Minister of War had long considered this matter.

However, Zhou Chen never asked the Minister of War for his opinion, and the Minister of War never offered any advice.

Now that Zhou Chen had asked the question, the Minister of War didn't even need to think; he simply voiced his thoughts.

Zhou Chen listened to the Minister of War's words without agreeing or disagreeing. Instead, he said directly, "The Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang have been dutifully guarding the borders of our Great Zhou for many years. They have made great contributions."

"Now, the Marquis of Zhenbei's old wounds have recurred, and the Marquis of Xiliang is stationed at Yumen Pass to defend against the Western Rong."

"As the emperor of the Great Zhou, I cannot fail to provide any support to these meritorious officials and discourage the soldiers on the border."

"Minister of War, immediately allocate half of the military pay to the border."

"At the same time, the Ministry of War transferred five generals, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, Song Xian, Hao Meng, and Hou Cheng, to serve in the border army to assist the two marquises in guarding the frontier."

"The military pay sent to the border was also escorted by these five men with their own troops."

Zhou Chen watched as the Minister of War issued his orders one by one.

Upon hearing this, the Minister of War's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he immediately understood Emperor Zhou Chen's intention.

"The minister obeys the order."

The Minister of War immediately bowed and said.

"Go!"

Zhou Chen waved his hand.

Zhou Chen could only make these arrangements for the time being regarding the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang.

We'll make further plans after we've dealt with the schemes of the three powerful families and the King of Shu.

Then, the Minister of War left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

(End of this chapter)