Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

Lighted torches burned in the night before dawn.

The warhorse's figure gradually approached, the cold and hard iron armor reflected the orange-red firelight, and the soldiers in armor had no expression on their faces, but the aura of veterans on their bodies reminded everyone that this was not the kind of guy wearing gorgeous armor.

These are the elite wolf riders, cavalrymen who can charge into the enemy's formation and defeat the enemy on the battlefield.

Dede——

The war horses stopped beside the crowd, many of them snorted and wagged their tails. Some guards dismounted and stood on one side, waiting quietly.

Qiao Lie, Li Zhu and the others hurried forward and saluted: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

Under the light of the fire, the black official uniforms on everyone looked more solemn. Lu Bu raised his hand on his horse and said, "No need to be polite."

Chi Tu moved impatiently on the spot, and the light reflected by the purple gold crown on his hair made Li Ying and Hu Cheng beside him subconsciously close their eyes.

"Let's get ready to leave the city." Lu Bu said with a smile, looking at Deng Fei who was sitting in a wheelchair beside him: "It seems that Mr. Deng is in good spirits. I think he has gained something in the past few days."

Deng Fei looked at Lu Bu unhappily and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Doctor Gao and I get along very well."

The last four words came out almost one sound at a time.

Gao Zhen glanced at Deng Fei who was sitting in a wheelchair from the side and back: "If Censor Deng didn't disappear so often, maybe you and I would get along better."

Deng Fei's face changed in the wheelchair, and he turned around and shouted: "You can think about those criminal law matters by yourself, why did you ask a rough guy like me to do it! If I knew these crooked ways, I wouldn't have been wanted by Officer Song back then."

Gao Zhen took two steps forward with his burly figure and said seriously, "This is not evil, this is a crime."

Deng Fei rolled his eyes, turned to Lu Bu and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you find some people who understand criminal law for Doctor Gao to discuss this with? My experience in the martial arts world is of no use to me."

"Well, let's talk about it later." Lu Bu tried to hold back his smile and said a few perfunctorily. Seeing Deng Fei's red eyes widen, he quickly comforted him, "I've been busy these past two days. I'll issue an edict to find someone who is proficient in criminal law in a few days."

Deng Fei was overjoyed and immediately clasped his fists: "Thank you, Your Majesty." x2
Hearing the overlapping voices, the Fire Eyed Suanni turned around and saw Gao Zhen also bowing to express his gratitude. Before he could ask him, he saw Yang from the Ministry of Rites step forward and bow, "Your Majesty, now that you have been crowned emperor, you should change your name to "I". Since the 26th year of the First Emperor, all emperors have followed this rule. This is a system passed down from generation to generation and a rule followed by the world. I hope Your Majesty will abide by it to show your imperial power."

When Lu Bu saw him approaching, his expression changed. After listening to his words, he felt a headache. The corners of his mouth twitched. Seeing that he could not bow, he could only nod: "This is my fault. Thank you, Doctor Yang, for reminding me."

Yang Pu then stood up and smiled with satisfaction. When Lu Bu was king before, he had wanted to persuade him to call himself "I am the King". Unfortunately, he was busy on a diplomatic mission to Goryeo at that time and did not pay attention to it. When he came back from Goryeo, it was too late, so he simply kept silent about it. Now that Lu Bu can change his self-proclaimed name, he is naturally satisfied.

He was very happy, but the new emperor was a little helpless. However, he knew that this man was very old-fashioned, and what he said made sense, so he could only force a smile and said, "Let's go. The generals in the army are still waiting. Let's go to the military camp outside the city first."

Afraid that he would say something to find fault with him, he quickly kicked Red Hare forward.

Several old brothers in the back watched and smiled. Li Zhu and Qiao Lie came over and patted Yang Pu on the shoulder: "The only one who can make His Majesty run away in disgrace is Doctor Yang's eloquence."

Yang Pu waved his hand nonchalantly: "I just told the truth."

Turning his gaze to scan the two men, the two officials in the Ministry of Personnel looked serious and said, "It would be better for us to catch up with the king as soon as possible and not dawdle here."

He climbed onto the warhorse brought by the guards, kicked his legs, and hurried away.

Yang Pu stroked his beard and smiled at the back, then he casually got on a warhorse and rode away. The people behind him then smiled at each other and followed him.

In the distance, the closed Gongchen Gate opened, and the newly made flag was swallowed by the darkness of the city gate, and then illuminated by the burning torches in the arched doorway. Below, figures on horses swayed away.

……

The army moved quickly.

The place that was originally surrounded by curtains was removed, revealing the towering altar inside. The wooden fences and tents standing around were removed. In the dark night, the place was empty, with only clusters of fire shining under the altar.

It is two meters and three feet high. It was made by craftsmen from the army and Linhuang Prefecture. It has the characteristics of a military item and is not very beautiful, but it is fast and practical.

Du Fu, Xiao Haili, Xi Sheng and Bian Xiang stood below, looking up at the newly built platform. The newly made five-clawed dragon flag with a red dragon on a black background looked solemn. It was hung on the flagpole and surrounded the high platform.

"I almost had a drink today..." Xiao Haili laughed at himself and raised his hand involuntarily to press the eye socket wrapped in a white towel. The wound was aching slightly.

"You are blessed with a long life. Once you get through this disaster, everything will be smooth in the future." Bian Xiang said lightly, pinching his beard.

"Maybe..." Xiao Haili replied softly, pointing to the platform: "You guys built this pretty fast."

"How can it be fast?" Du Yu smiled bitterly. "It took more than a month to draw the blueprints and calculate the angles. If the military advisor hadn't been planning these things since he was in Liaoyang Prefecture, and there were enough craftsmen in the capital and the army, I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to see it now."

"But it was finally completed before His Majesty could use it." Xi Sheng said with emotion, then turned to look at Xiao Haili, seeing his slightly hunched figure, and hesitated: "General Xiao's injury has not healed yet, do you need someone to move a chair over?"

"What do you want that for?" Xiao Haili snorted and tried to straighten his back: "My injury is my eye, not my leg."

The other three could only watch him trying to show off. They were all strong-willed men, so they naturally knew that he didn't want to show weakness in front of others.

Boom boom boom——

I heard the sound of heavy footsteps and turned around to see torches held in people's hands, which made the surroundings much brighter.

Following the shouts, the soldiers and generals outside the city formed two neat square formations on both sides of the altar, stacked up layer upon layer, endless. The armor and swords shone with the cold light of metal under the torches. The light dispelled the darkness and revealed a red carpet leading to the platform.

Scouts kept coming over.

"Your Majesty is still ten miles away!"

"…still seven miles!"

"...Three miles!"

"Let's go to the front to welcome His Majesty!" Du Fu said, and he flicked his white cloak and walked quickly forward with his generals to greet him. Strips of white cloth stretched in the air, making a whirring sound.

Amid the surging figures, a team winding like a fire dragon was approaching. In the sky, the morning star pulled up the last corner of the night, and the faint light sprinkled on the silent earth, as if whispering to awaken all things. The team with red and black flags and the big banner with the word "Qi" erected gradually became clearer and clearer.

"Your Majesty has arrived——"

In the army formation, loud voices rang out almost at the same time. Many nearby soldiers turned their heads to look, but were scolded by the officers next to them to stand up straight and look forward.

The generals who were waiting nearby hurried forward and bowed to Lu Bu, who was leading the way: "We, the generals, are here to see your majesty!"

"Have a good time, generals. Follow me!"

"Yes."

In response, Du Fu and other generals quickly turned around and walked to the back of the red figure with the civil officials who had dismounted. The personal guards and wolf riders at the back dismounted and walked aside with their horses.

Only then did Lu Bu turn over and get off Red Hare, and stepped on the red carpet with his combat boots embroidered with cloud and dragon patterns in gold thread. His majestic figure, wearing beast-faced armor, rested his hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist, which was a precious sword specially found out from the palace storehouse. He strode forward, and behind him, the armor and swords of the generals and officers of the various armies collided from time to time, and the clanging sound was quite pleasant to the ears.

bang -- bang -- bang --

The soldiers passing by clinked their weapons and struck their shields and bowed their heads one by one to show their respect. They only stopped and looked up when the emperor and the civil and military officials passed by.

With a calm expression and slightly pursed lips, Lu Bu walked straight through the two dark square formations, bypassed the stairs of the high platform in front, and walked up step by step with determination.

Du Fu, Xiao Haili, Li Zhu, Fang Xuedu and other civil and military officials did not follow, but stood on both sides of the stage according to their civil and military positions and official rank.

"See Your Majesty!"

Countless voices sounded almost at the same time.

The golden sun leapt above the clouds, casting a ray of sunshine. When Lu Bu reached the top, he was bathed in the light, and his armor flashed with light and shadow.

The army below was silent for a moment, and then an even louder voice swept over: "Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor!"

Lu Bu walked forward, glanced at the thousands of blushing faces below, and raised his hand to press down.

The noise subsided instantly, as if the noise had never appeared. Faces raised with excitement looked at the majestic figure bathed in the light of the rising golden sun, and many soldiers' eyes were filled with fanaticism.

After all, many people here have obtained houses, land and even beautiful wives and concubines on the battlefield, which were properties only available to wealthy nobles in the past.

The sun gradually rose, and everything in the world shed its night clothes. On the high platform, Lu Bu's voice slowly rang out: "Since I fought on the battlefield in Liaodong, how many swords have we experienced, how many lives and deaths? Everyone standing here today is a hero! It is your courage and loyalty that have changed the mountains and rivers and made the enemies surrender."

Lu Bu paused, looked from left to right, and then back again, and said in a deep voice: "We fight not only for our own fame, but also for the people to live and work in peace and contentment..." He paused, and then grinned: "It is also for a wife at home, so that our descendants can enjoy peace and have a family business to pass on."

Someone in the army formation below chuckled, and many soldiers had looks of longing on their faces.

Zeng Nong, with his wrinkled face, chuckled and quickly scanned the generals. His sons had all earned their own fortunes. When he was in Song, he was still worried about his future, but now he was able to sit at home and enjoy family time.

"However, during this period, someone fell for this ideal first..." Tiger's eyes swept over the faces below, his face solemn, and he raised the wine bowl in front of him: "Sacrifice--"

"Although my former comrades died early on the battlefield, their ambitions have not died out. You and I are able to enjoy the glory of today because they used their lives to pave the way for us! We should keep it in our hearts and never forget it!"

The officers and soldiers in the army below had solemn expressions, tightly gripped their weapons, and stood straight.

On the high platform, clear wine was pouring and flowing down from the platform, reflecting the rising sun like a golden line. Lu Bu stood on the edge and stretched out his hand to throw the wine bowl down.

pop-

"But now the world is not at peace, the great cause is not yet completed, the peace we are seeking is still far away, and the struggle with the Liao Kingdom has not yet ended. The Liao Emperor has sent troops to the south from our rear, intending to defeat us and make us spit out the land and cities under our feet, and take away the land and real estate you have obtained. Is there anyone willing to leave in such a miserable way?"

"No!" Many soldiers who had newly acquired land changed color and slammed their swords, and then more voices shouted.

"I don't want to!"

"Let those Liao dogs die!"

Lu Bu shook his arms, and his bright red cloak fluttered. The armor leaves groaned under his movements, and his voice became louder and louder: "I want to keep your property and houses. I want your wives to go out with their backs straight. I want your descendants to no longer have to fight with others! Hold your weapons tightly, put on your armor, and follow me. I will lead you to conquer the Liao Kingdom, and I will lead you to hold this vast land in my hands!"

Under the sunlight, the powerful voice roared between heaven and earth.

"I am willing to fight for your majesty!"

In the troops below, Xu Wen, with a red face, shouted hysterically. The next moment, countless soldiers raised their swords and weapons: "We are willing to fight for your majesty!"

The huge sound waves were accompanied by heavy breathing, and the momentum was suffocating.

The civil and military officials below the platform, as well as the officers and generals in the battle array behind them, all bowed.

"Good! My soldiers should be like this, full of courage and bravery! Then let the civil and military officials of Liao see the difference between them and my Great Qi! My soldiers are not only capable of attacking cities and strongholds, but also of galloping across the grasslands and biting weak lambs to death among the green mountains and clear waters."

Lu Bu narrowed his eyes and looked at the army below which was slowly calming down. "First, eliminate the crisis in our rear. In the future, we will launch an attack to tell the emperor of Liao that the offensive and defensive situation has changed. In the future, when to fight will be decided by us! How do you think?"

One after another, the shining weapons were raised high, and the roars echoed across the earth, then gradually disappeared under the pressure of Lu Bu's arm. The figures standing below had red faces.

A burly general suddenly stepped out of the line, and several voices rang out at the same time: "I am willing to wipe out the northern army for your majesty. I am willing to fight!"

The figure standing on the high platform nodded slowly.

In the early morning of that day, under the sky of the entire Shangjing Road, countless soldiers and horses were running, and all the warriors were gathering. At the same time, people also gathered with evil thoughts and murderous intent towards the enemy.

Then, with the roar of horse hooves, it rushed into the distance. (End of this chapter)