I, who disguised myself as a woman, turned out to be a queen! ?

Chapter 1266 The Butcher Enters Shu
Within the territory of Shu, two riders rode side by side, following the road they remembered, branching off from the relatively wide official road and turning onto a mountain path.

But when the horse entered the narrow path, it was not too difficult to walk, and its speed remained unchanged.

The sun is high in the sky, it's so hot.

Fortunately, the two men were riding on fine horses, imported from Ferghana in the Western Regions.

"Uncle-Master, is it too late?" The young man's name was Lu Yuanzhi, and he was ranked second on the Young Generation Mountain Peak Ranking.

Normally speaking, she should be third, but unfortunately, Sheyue and Yanruyu are tied for first place.

The young man did not come here voluntarily; rather, he was summoned here by a letter from Fang Wenhe.

However, for the past few months, the young man has been traveling around Liuzhou, following his master's instructions, and making more contact with passing merchants and the people of Liuzhou. Not long ago, he received a letter from his master and found Wen Daoji and Zhu Huang, and joined their army to learn from them.

Fang Wenhe, still dressed as a refined scholar, turned to Lu Yuanzhi and said, "We're still in time. Maybe when we get back, we can resolve a lot of troublesome issues."

Lu Yuanzhi looked at Fang Wenhe. His martial uncle hadn't told him much, but he had heard a lot from his martial uncle recently, so he had made many guesses.

Seeing his uncle's expression, he couldn't help but ask, "Uncle, will Shi Jingtang really open the gates of Jian Ge himself to let General Zhu and Lord Wen enter Shu?"

Fang Wenhe was about to turn around when he looked at Lu Yuanzhi: "You mean he can't drive?"

Lu Yuanzhi nodded without hesitation, “Although I don’t know much about the situation in Shu, from the time I’ve spent with Lord Wen, as well as from your conversations with the two other officials and Shi Jingtang, I can tell that Shi Jingtang has probably been colluding with the people of the Western Regions for a long time.”

Fang Wenhe didn't speak, but looked at Lu Yuanzhi and said, "Continue."

Lu Yuanzhi didn't waste any time and continued, "I think that Shi Jingtang is occupying Jian Ge because he is smuggling with the people of the Western Regions and enriching himself. Judging from his appearance, he is not afraid of being discovered to be making money through smuggling. But I feel that the goods he is smuggling are probably salt, copper, iron, and even armor from Jian Ge."

At this point, Lu Yuanzhi frowned and added, "Even, people!"

After slightly controlling the horse, Lu Yuan looked directly at Fang Wenhe: "Regardless of whether he intends to participate in what the King of Shu wants to do, the crimes he has committed are enough for me to confiscate his property and exile him. So it's better to take a gamble, which is why he won't open the door."

Fang Wenhe asked with a smile, "You figured all of this out, but what about what he didn't say when he was talking to me?"

Lu Yuanzhi paused for a moment, then said, "When he spoke to you, it seemed to me that he was determined to hold out because the prince hadn't given him any orders, but it also felt like he was planning to open the gates and surrender."

After saying that, Lu Yuanzhi frowned.

Fang Wenhe said, "Doesn't it seem contradictory?"

Lu Yuanzhi nodded.

Fang Wenhe then asked, "What did I look like back then?"

Lu Yuanzhi said without hesitation: "My uncle followed his words, and even after saying what he was about to say, he remained silent and did not..."

At this point, his expression froze.

Fang Wenhe then said, "When I took you to see him, I specifically told you something."

Lu Yuanzhi replied, "I will not say a word."

Lu Yuanzhi looked surprised and immediately said, "Is Uncle-Master trying to force him not to open the city gate?"

Fang Wenhe said with a smile: "Back then, Yang Guofu accepted bribes from the Japanese. As a result, in the red-light district, the Japanese offended the Empress and were all killed by Yan Ruyu, one of the Empress's subordinates. Afterwards, Yan Ruyu was instructed by the Empress to sit in Yang Guofu's mansion without saying a word."

At this point, Fang Wenhe pulled on the reins, slowing the pace considerably. He continued, "Yang Guofu couldn't hold back any longer. Yuanzhi, you've already said that Shi Jingtang's smuggling activities were so rampant, so I don't need to say anything more to him. When people are desperate, the two types of people they fear most are: one type who remains unmoved no matter how eloquently you speak or how confidently they swear; and the other type who won't waste words on you, will just draw their knife, cut you, and drive away."

Lu Yuanzhi was inherently intelligent; otherwise, he wouldn't have been groomed by Zhuge Jia to be the next White Chess Master of Yizixuan. He immediately understood, "Uncle-Master is calm and collected, letting Shi Jingtang overthink and lose his composure. General Zhu is the one who will draw the knife, and Shi Jingtang knows that Zhu Huang will definitely draw the knife!"

Fang Wenhe said, "Shi Jingtang won't open the door, but his men will."

Lu Yuanzhi was taken aback.

Fang Wenhe laughed and said, "Silly boy, he's afraid of death, but aren't his men afraid? So many cannons, muskets, and palm grenades, how powerful are they? I won't show you. I'm afraid even at the Zhijing realm, let alone those soldiers."

Lu Yuanzhi suddenly understood.

No wonder my uncle made a special trip to Shi Jingtang's place in full view of everyone, so that so many soldiers could see it clearly.

Fang Wenhe shook his head with a laugh and a scolding tone: "What will you do when you see your junior sister? That girl will probably sell you out, and you'll still have to say 'Junior sister sold you for a fair price'."

Lu Yuanzhi felt ashamed.

But seeing Fang Wenhe's speed getting slower and slower, he immediately asked in confusion, "Uncle-Master?"

Fang Wenhe said, "I've been riding all morning, and my butt hurts. Let's take it easy and not rush. Once Dian Junming makes his move, Zhang Zi will surely die. Once he's dead, those officials will be even more chaotic. Ideally, two more leaders would die, but I reckon the King of Shu will kill Guo Fu. If that happens, and the news of Zhu Huang entering Jiange today spreads, then things will be completely chaotic."

Lu Yuanzhi immediately slowed down his horse and looked at Fang Wenhe with a puzzled expression, because it was completely different from what he had guessed.

Seeing the boy's expression, Fang Wenhe laughed and said, "If you don't ask me and just guess, how can you not guess wrong? It's only because your grandmaster understands you that he says you are smart. You are smart, and you can scheme more than your master and I at your age when it comes to chess. But your master has protected you too much, so you don't have a single trick in your heart! Your junior sister is not good at chess, but when it comes to scheming, ten of you can't compare to her!"

After saying that, Fang Wenhe took off his water bag and tossed it to Lu Yuanzhi: "You'll understand when we get to Shu. The one playing chess has never been me, nor your advisor."

After taking a sip of water, Lu Yuanzhi dismounted, poured some water into his palm, and presented it to the horse. "Junior Sister?"

Fang Wenhe shook his head again: "That girl Tingyu is a terrible chess player."

Lu Yuanzhi was puzzled, but seeing his uncle's expression, he didn't press the matter. Instead, he said, "Zhang Zi, wouldn't it be too early for him to die now? After all, we still need to use him for many things later."

Fang Wenhe said, "If he doesn't die now, he'll be much harder to kill once that person's plan is complete. To kill him, I specifically asked someone to tell that Sword Saint to take action. He's not as easy to kill as his disciple Yao Xisheng."

As he spoke, Fang Wenhe looked at Lu Yuanzhi: "So, when Dian Junming makes his move, that will be his death day. If he can still escape, I have no objection, but most likely that Commander Yan will leave the capital to kill him personally. He shouldn't be alive, especially in this world."

After saying that, Fang Wenhe looked at Lu Yuanzhi: "Alright, there's nothing to talk about with these matters. But I heard that you seem to have a bit of a crush on that Prime Minister Li's daughter, Li Xingyue? That girl is a bit slow and not very good at studying, but she's perfect in music theory, just like her mother. However, if you want to arrange a marriage for her, you'll have to ask your master or your junior sister to go to the Empress and ask her to go to Li Jiulang. Otherwise, this Prime Minister Li will be in a lot of trouble, especially with his daughter."

Seeing Lu Yuanzhi's expression, Fang Wenhe raised an eyebrow.

Lu Yuanzhi immediately said with a bitter face, "Uncle-Master, my relationship with Miss Xingyue is not what you think."

Fang Wenhe smiled slightly: "Is that what we didn't think of?"

Having said that, he laughed heartily and mounted his horse.

……

There was something that the generals of the Great Xia Dynasty only competed against each other in private.

Number of people killed.

It wasn't about killing surrendered soldiers.

Instead, they actually led their troops to kill the enemy soldiers.

At first, Zhao Wuxu had the most, but later Zhu Huang became number one.

But then, it was Zhao Wuxu again.

Zhu Huang was displeased and started to act unscrupulously, directly killing the surrendered soldiers.

In terms of numbers, no one can suppress Zhu Huang anymore.

So, which general in the Great Xia Dynasty killed the most people?

That mad dog, Zhu Huang.

But this mad dog also has a nickname.

[Human Butcher].

On the Jianmen Pass, Shi Jingtang, one of the five great generals of Shu, was a tall, thin middle-aged man. However, at present...
This great general, who hadn't fought a war in many years, stood atop the formidable city wall of Jiange, known as the northern gate of Shu, and looked up, unconsciously swallowing hard.

It has been many years since I have seen an army of this size advance.

And why is it that a large army has suddenly marched into their area?
What a huge impact!

So majestic!

A line of uniform iron cavalry stretched out, followed closely by infantry formations, especially the black iron lumps being dragged atop the powerful packhorses and carts.

How to defend a strategic pass and how to plan its layout are all governed by established rules.

Set a good example at the start, and adapt to changing circumstances during the battle.

Especially at major passes like Jiange, the iron crossbow barrels dug into the city walls and the large crossbows set up at the pass were impressive.

Scary, isn't it!
But the soldiers standing there were looking at the suddenly appearing army with panic on their faces.

Judging by the numbers, there are definitely more than 10,000 people.

Suddenly, a scout returned on horseback, and Shi Jingtang immediately ordered the city gates to be opened.

Soon, the scout, pale-faced, ran up the city wall, knelt on one knee, and said in a trembling voice, "General, the leader is General Zhu Huang's wolf cavalry with halberds. I don't know the exact number, but there should be about five thousand wolf cavalrymen, followed by several thousand infantrymen. It looks like there are no more than fifteen thousand men in total."

Shi Jingtang's face remained normal, but the knuckles of his fingers gripping the knife turned white.

Five thousand wolf riders wielding halberds!

Too few?

too much!

Wolf riders wielding halberds!

The Great Xia's top-ranking cavalry is very small in number, but it can be compared with those cavalry with large numbers. Its combat strength is self-evident.
With a determined look, Shi Jingtang immediately said, "Have everyone get ready!"

The scout continued, "General, there are about forty of those black iron lumps, and I noticed that some of the infantrymen are carrying strange long spears and have small round balls tied around their waists. Could it be... could it be the weapon that destroyed the Western Regions of the Northern Desert?"

Upon hearing this, everyone on the city wall turned pale.

Are you afraid of Zhu Huang?
Scared!
But I'm even more afraid of that weapon!

Shi Jingtang wanted to speak, but his lips were bitter. He turned his head to look at the approaching army and could clearly see the large flags fluttering in the wind.

Shi Jingtang swallowed hard: "Tell them to come directly. If Sword Pavilion is destroyed, we're finished! Pass down the order to send troops! Gather troops at the pass!"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding captains hesitated, but then immediately clasped their hands in a fist and left.

Shi Jingtang looked around, wondering what to do!
Just because they are guarding a pass doesn't mean they are no longer elite troops.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the massive army, in formation, had already taken their positions.

At the forefront, Shi Jingtang rode his horse forward. If they could reach an agreement, that would be best, but if they had to resort to violence...
His troops slowly followed Shi Jingtang.

Shi Jingtang dared not think too much about it.

Shi Jingtang took a deep breath and turned to his trusted general: "Who do you think will lead the troops as the vanguard?"

Upon hearing this, the captain pursed his lips before speaking.

But just then...
The vast army in front of them suddenly stopped in their tracks.

A lone rider emerged from the formation, moving slowly forward.

This mad dog actually brought his troops here personally!
This is not a joke, and it's not a threat!

Is this the start of something serious?!
Shi Jingtang, who had initially thought it was just a training exercise or a way to scare them, went completely blank the moment he saw the armored fat man!
Emperor
The Emperor is really going to take action against Shu!

Everyone stared at the lone rider with astonishment on their faces.

[Human Butcher]

Many people here have seen or heard about what he has done.

Given the current situation...
Are they about to confront the Butcher?

Zhu Huang held a spear in one hand, with a short gun hanging at his waist.

They rode on horseback all the way.

A few meters away, Zhu Huang stopped, looked up at Shi Jingtang, and glanced at the large group of people behind Shi Jingtang, a grin spreading across his face.

Shi Jingtang tried hard to control her emotions and looked at Zhu Huang: "Zhu Huang, why did you lead the army here?"

Zhu Huang exclaimed "Huh?" without even glancing at Shi Jingtang, but instead looked at the several deputy generals beside him, a smirk playing on his lips.

Before he could speak, one of the lieutenants dismounted and knelt on one knee, saying, "Greetings, Grand Marshal!"

Shi Jingtang looked at these people, about to start cursing.

Zhu Huang laughed and said, "That's more like it. My soldiers, even if they're against me, will kneel down and call me 'Damn it' if they see me. Alright, get back on your horses, draw your swords, and let's have a fight!"

Upon hearing this, the group looked at each other, none daring to make a move.

Shi Jingtang naturally knew that these people used to follow Zhu Huang, even he...
He used to be a vanguard under General Meng Qin.

But looking at these people now, Shi Jingtang's expression turned ugly, and then he looked at Zhu Huang.

Swish!
Zhu Huang raised his spear with one hand and pointed it at Shi Jingtang: "They don't dare, so you come and try? Back then, I beat you like a dog. Only Wang Mang and Dian Junming could play with me. Now you're all high and mighty?"

Shi Jingtang looked at Zhu Huang, and the hand holding the knife hilt trembled for no reason as he looked at Zhu Huang.

Zhu Huang sneered and looked at the soldiers behind Shi Jingtang: "Don't worry, I just want to go over there. As long as you don't interfere, I won't kill anyone. We're all brothers, why would I kill you? I just don't know if you're interested in coming with me to slaughter those Zoroastrians who have entered Shu."

Zhu Huang planted his spear in the ground, raised his eyes to look at the pale-faced soldiers: "But if you want to kill me, then do it!"

Shi Jingtang looked at Zhu Huang, wanting to draw his sword, but after glancing at the wolf rider, he looked at Zhu Huang again: "Zhu Huang, we..."

Shi Jingtang finally spoke.

Blood splatters!

Subsequently
Looking down, he saw the blade piercing through his body.

Then he turned his head to look.

But he was one of his trusted confidants.

The man spoke up: "General, we all have wives and daughters. We don't want to die, nor do we want to follow you in rebelling against the King of Shu!"

Say it!

The man drew his knife immediately!

He then dismounted and knelt on one knee before Zhu Huang: "This humble general, Xu Gongming, pays his respects to the Grand Pillar of State!"

boom!
The moment Xu Gongming uttered those words, Shi Jingtang collapsed to the ground.

Zhu Huang looked at Xu Gongming: "I know you. You're one of the Six Valiant Guards of Shu, aren't you?"

As they were talking, Zhu Huang didn't say anything, but grabbed Xu Gongming and said, "From now on, work for me! Come on, General Xu, let's go kill the traitors and make a great contribution!"

One man and one horse entered the battle.

And it's unclear who first called out "General Zhu."
In an instant!
The thousands of soldiers who emerged from Jian Ge were densely packed together, all kneeling on one knee!
A sword without bloodshed.

Zhu Huang's army.

Enter Sichuan!

And it's right in the distance!
Wen Daoji smiled and shook his head: "It really worked. Looks like I'll have to buy him three big jars of wine when we get back."

……

P.S.: I was probably too tired during the day yesterday and fell asleep last night, so I didn't update. Here's a big chapter to make up for yesterday's word count.

(End of this chapter)