Jiuxi

Chapter 870 868 [Man's Ambition]

The sun was setting, approaching the afternoon.

In the brave camp and the central military position, the atmosphere was extremely solemn.

Except for the thousands of soldiers who were still maintaining their formation in the front, the other soldiers had now become loose. After all, everyone was wearing armor, and it was impossible for them to remain on high alert in the early autumn sun. Even the most elite army in the world could not do this.

Yuan Xingqin came down from a high place and looked at the generals around him who were waiting eagerly, and couldn't help but sigh secretly.

They had been confronting the Jinwu Camp in the south for more than two hours, and the morale of the opposite side seemed to be still high. One had to admit that Chen Lanyu was good at training his troops. No wonder he could stand out among the great generals of the border army and take over Xiao Wangzhi's command of the most powerful Zhenbei Army.

This means that the brave camp cannot act rashly and can only hope for a turnaround.

However, Yuan Xingqin and his generals never waited for that change.

The imperial guards guarding the capital did not show up, so Chen Lanyu would not be attacked from both sides. As time went by, Yuan Xingqin and others finally fell into despair.

In fact, the moment the border cavalry appeared, they had already thought of this outcome. After all, the Rui Shi Camp had already entered the capital, and the Dingbei Army and the Feiyu Army arrived in time. The Imperial Army was obviously unable to take care of itself, so how could they have the spare energy to help the Brave Camp break the deadlock?

They just didn't want to and didn't dare to admit it, and fantasized that the situation would change, because from the moment Yuan Xingqin led his troops out of the garrison, their position had been completely exposed.

Simply put, unless Li Shizhi and Empress Dowager Xu could change their fate and reverse the situation in an extremely unfavorable situation, Yuan Xingqin and others would definitely be liquidated.

"My Lord, what should we do now?"

Dou Chengping, the commander-in-chief of the Zhenwei Army, asked anxiously.

The so-called dilemma is probably the most realistic portrayal of their current situation.

They did not have the confidence to defeat Chen Lanyu head-on, but they were unwilling to withdraw to their base directly. It was even more meaningless to continue to maintain a stalemate - if Li Shizhi was defeated and Lu Chen successfully seized power and gained the reputation of a righteous cause, even if these generals were determined to fight to the death, how could the soldiers under them follow them unwaveringly?
Xie Han, the commander of the Xiongwei Army, said, "Perhaps...if we wait a little longer, there might be a chance of a turnaround."

Yuan Xingqin finally spoke, but ignored the comments of these people. He raised his hand and pointed at Li Jinshan not far away, and said in a deep voice: "Left and right, tie him up!"

All the generals were stunned. The worried Li Jinshan also didn't react. Then several burly soldiers rushed over and tied Li Jinshan up in a moment.

Li Jinshan was Li Shizhi's most trusted confidant. Although he had no official position, his status was not even lower than that of a third or fourth rank official. He was usually treated with enough respect by most people. How could he have ever been treated like this?
He looked at Yuan Xingqin in shock and anger, and asked, "Master Yuan, what do you want to do?"

Yuan Xingqin remained silent.

Li Jinshan looked at the generals again and said sternly, "General Cao, General Dou, General Xie, are you going to betray my master too?"

Several people looked hesitant.

They were either Li Shizhi's confidants who were helped to rise to power, or they were dragged down by Li Shizhi's generosity. They had long been tied to the same rope, and logically there was no possibility for them to change their allegiance.

Seeing this, Yuan Xingqin whispered, "If we don't do something, our families will die."

This one sentence immediately dispelled the hesitation of the generals present. Xie Han strode forward, found a piece of rag and stuffed it directly into Li Jinshan's mouth.

Not long after, an urgent report came from the front: "My Lord, there is movement in the opposite formation!"

Yuan Xingqin was startled and immediately led his generals on horseback to the front of the battle.

Looking around, the positions of the Jinwu Camp were all in battle preparation posture, and a murderous aura rose to the sky.

Yuan Xingqin looked solemn, and immediately ordered his soldiers to cheer up. Although he did not believe that Chen Lanyu would break this tacit understanding and launch an attack rashly, he had to be prepared.

Just one stick of incense later, muffled thunder was heard again in the distant south.

This time, the soldiers of the Brave Camp reacted quickly, realizing that this was a sign of a large cavalry attack. However, having witnessed the terrifying momentum of the border army's cavalry more than two hours ago, they clearly did not have enough courage to deal with it now.

Yuan Xingqin couldn't help but tighten the reins in his hands, and his breathing gradually became rapid.

In the distance, dust was flying, like two giant dragons, one from the east and one from the west, sweeping in from both sides of the Jinwu camp.

On the big flag, the word "flying feathers" fluttered in the wind.

The two cavalry units stopped almost at the same time, obeying orders and acting as one.

Chen Lanyu personally went out to greet them. Looking at the young female general holding the bright yellow imperial edict, he immediately felt relieved and said, "General Li."

Li Bingxue pulled the reins and returned the greeting, "Lord Chen."

Chen Lanyu smiled and said, "It seems that the overall situation in Beijing has been decided."

Li Bingxue nodded and said, "Yes, there are still 50,000 soldiers and horses from the Valiant Camp left to deal with."

"Be polite first and then attack."

Chen Lanyu said calmly: "Please."

Li Bingxue rode forward a few dozen steps without any polite words, and said in a loud voice: "Listen, all the soldiers in the brave camp. The former Minister of Personnel Li Shizhi colluded with others and secretly raised assassins to assassinate the emperor. He deceived the queen mother and attempted to usurp power. Now his conspiracy has been exposed and he has surrendered, and some of his accomplices have been arrested. The queen mother ordered Queen Ning to act as regent, and Duke Qin is responsible for clearing out the rebels and calming down the turmoil. He has the power to make arbitrary decisions. I am here to inform you in accordance with the queen's order and Duke Qin's order."

On the rather quiet battlefield, although her voice could not reach everyone's ears, at least Yuan Xingqin and others as well as the soldiers in the front half of the brave camp could hear it clearly.

Li Bingxue continued, "Where is the commander of the brave camp, Jiangyang Bo Yuan Xingqin?"

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Yuan Xingqin swallowed his saliva and said with forced calmness: "I am here."

Li Bingxue looked at his figure, and rode forward alone for more than ten feet, and said calmly: "The Queen has ordered Yuan Xingqin, Xie Han, Cao Ze, Dou Chengping and six deputy commanders to follow me to the capital. The Brave Camp will be temporarily managed by Linjiang Marquis Chen Lanyu. All soldiers return to their bases. No one is allowed to leave the camp without permission. Those who violate the order will be punished for treason."

Yuan Xingqin looked around and saw that Xie Han and three other men as well as six deputy commanders had pale faces, with a hint of hysteria in their expressions.

As if they had anticipated the reaction of this group of people, the formation of the Jinwu camp was seen pressing forward more than ten feet, while at the same time the Feiyu Army cavalry on both sides made an outflanking move.

On the other hand, in the position of the Brave Camp, when Li Bingxue's two words spread, the morale instantly dropped to the bottom.

Even an illiterate ruffian knew what had happened. Apart from a small number of diehards, who would be willing to risk their lives for the generals at this time?

You must know that this is a serious crime of confiscating property and exterminating the entire clan!
Li Bingxue narrowed her eyes and said loudly, "Master Yuan, generals, Duke Qin has sent people to your homes to protect your relatives. You don't have to worry too much."

After these words came out, Yuan Xingqin smiled sadly and said dejectedly: "Everyone, everything is over."

The generals were disheartened and filled with lingering fear, with despair on everyone's face.

A moment later, Yuan Xingqin and his generals walked towards this side with Li Jinshan, who was tied up.

Huangfu Yu, deputy commander of the Feiyu Army, grinned and immediately led dozens of cavalrymen to gallop forward and take control of all these people.

Li Bingxue turned his horse's head, came to Chen Lanyu, and said with a bow, "Lord Chen, I'll leave the placement of tens of thousands of soldiers and horses on the other side in my hands."

Chen Lanyu said solemnly: "Please tell the Duke, General Li, that I will definitely fulfill your mission!"

Li Bingxue asked Huangfu Yu to lead half of the cavalry to stay and assist Chen Lanyu in controlling the situation. Then he took Yuan Xingqin and more than ten others and led more than 6,000 cavalrymen to gallop towards the capital.

……

The Imperial Palace, and the square outside the Hening Gate.

Shen Yulai has returned to the palace. Following the order of Queen Ning, he ordered the imperial guards to withdraw their battle posture and only maintain the necessary defense. Then he focused his main energy on the palace, and together with Yuan Yuji, he used a tough approach to clean up the confidants of Queen Mother Xu and Li Shizhi.

From this point, it can be seen that Queen Ning has great trust in Lu Chen. She did not even ask why Lu Chen secretly transferred the Dingbei Army and Feiyu Army to the capital in advance, and she did not suspect the cavalry of the Ruishi Camp outside the palace. The civil and military officials can finally leave the palace now. Except for Xue Nanting, Xu Zuo, Xiao Wangzhi, Li Jingda and Yao Chong, who stayed behind to watch, everyone else returned to the palace.

Li Tianrun was unable to stay long due to his health. After having a secret conversation with Lu Chen for a while, he was taken back by Li Liangyu.

Lu Chen stood at the edge of the square, dispatching the Dingbei Army and the Ruishi Battalion to control important locations in the capital, while asking Su Yunqing to launch the first wave of searches. At the same time, he received responses from various places. Even though there were a lot of things to think about, he was always able to be organized and not rush.

"My Lord, Madam Lin is here."

Ye Jitang called out cautiously.

Lu Chen, who was thinking, looked up when he heard the words and his expression suddenly changed.

Then the border soldiers saw their most respected commander, regardless of his manners, running over in a panic. Following Lu Chen's figure, they saw dozens of people coming in the distance, led by a young woman with the demeanor of a master.

Lin Xi looked at Lu Chen's hurried steps and the undisguised concern on his face, then stopped and looked at him with a smile.

When he got closer, Lu Chen looked at the gauze on Lin Xi's shoulder and asked hurriedly: "Senior Sister, who hurt you?"

Lin Xi looked around and said softly, "Cold Sword Yin Qianjue."

Before Lu Chen could get angry, she quickly said, "I have killed him."

"It's easier for him."

Lu Chen gritted his teeth and then, ignoring the hundreds of people watching, he reached out and carefully embraced Lin Xi.

"They are all watching."

Lin Xi felt Lu Chen's strong affection and was naturally happy, but she couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed, after all, this happened in public.

"As if they don't exist!"

Lu Chen shouted confidently, and the soldiers of the Sharp Warriors Battalion and the masters of the Seven Stars Gang tried hard to hold back their laughter, and finally turned their backs. However, someone couldn't help laughing out loud, and the laughter quickly spread to everyone, and cheers rang out all around.

Lin Xi couldn't help but give Lu Chen a blank look, then hid in his broad arms.

"Sister."

"Ok?"

"Thank you."

"fool."

Lu Chen lowered his head, kissed her on the forehead, and then said, "Father-in-law left a sign. He is in Qingping Mountain now. Shall we go together?"

Lin Xi said softly: "Okay."

Lu Chen let go of Lin Xi, left a few orders to Ye Jitong and Li Chengen, and then took Lin Xi south. Dozens of masters and more than 300 soldiers from the Seven Stars Gang followed him.

Less than half an hour later, we reached the top of Qingping Mountain.

As the sun sets, thousands of rays of light fill the world, and the green mountains and fields are covered with a faint halo.

Lin Jie stood with his hands behind his back. Not far away, Cui Yu was leaning against a big tree, with his sword sticking diagonally in the grass nearby.

Cui Yu heard the noise, looked up at the young man and woman standing behind Lin Jie, and suddenly started coughing.

Blood kept flowing out of his mouth.

Seeing this, Lin Xi turned to look at his father, his eyes filled with worry.

Although Lin Jie did not seem to be injured, he had already revealed Cui Yu's identity. How could Lu Chen and Lin Xi not guess how dangerous and fierce this battle would be?
Cui Yu raised his hand and casually wiped the blood from his mouth, then slowly said, "Don't worry, Brother Lin's martial arts are so high and profound that there is no rival in the world. Even if I try my best, I will still be one step behind in the end."

Lin Jie was silent for a moment, then said honestly, "I cannot fight anyone within three years."

Cui Yu smiled and said, "The premise is... there is a second Cui Yu in the world."

Lin Jie nodded and said, "Yes, you are the strongest opponent I have ever seen in my life. If Li Shizhi had not let your relationship continue, you could have made further progress."

"It's just fate. If it weren't for my elder brother's protection, Cui Yu would have long been a pile of bones."

Although Cui Yu was already on his deathbed, his expression was still carefree. He looked at Lu Chen and said, "Is Li Shizhi still alive?"

Lu Chen looked at the second best man in the world whom he had never met before and said calmly, "He's still alive, but he won't live for long."

When Cui Yu heard this answer, a hint of pleading appeared in his eyes: "Can you please help me convey a message?"

Lu Chen nodded and said, "Please speak."

Cui Yu raised his head slightly and looked at the clear sky, and said slowly: "Please tell my elder brother that I have tried my best to repay the kindness of saving you that year, and I don't owe you anything anymore."

Lu Chen said solemnly: "No problem."

But there was no response.

Already exhausted.

Until his death, Cui Yu's face still retained a carefree and calm look, just like the vast ancient spirit he painted with his sword as a pen.

A trace of sadness appeared in Lin Jie's eyes.

Lu Chen also sighed softly, and then said to Lin Jie: "Father-in-law, I will have someone bury him properly."

"it is good."

Lin Jie calmed down, took a look at the injury on Lin Xi's shoulder, raised his hand to help Lin Xi feel his pulse to confirm that there was nothing serious, and then said to Lu Chen: "Let's go back."

Lu Chen was also feeling a little heavy-hearted, not entirely because he witnessed Cui Yu's death, but more because he was moved and felt guilty. His father-in-law traveled thousands of miles to help him block Li Shizhi's final killing move, and his senior sister had been lurking for a long time to help him capture the crucial East Gate of the capital, and was even injured in the end.

Lin Jie seemed to know what he was thinking, and asked gently, "Has the overall situation in the capital been decided?"

Lu Chen replied: "Yes, there are only some aftermaths left."

Lin Jie smiled and said, "Do you still remember what I said to you when we were facing the pressure from the Yanjing coalition forces in Baotai Mountain?"

"remember."

"I said at the time that I don't care how filial you are to me, your father-in-law. As long as you treat Xi'er well, that's enough. I believe you will remember this and won't let me down."

Lin Jie paused for a moment and said leisurely: "Lu Chen, a man should have lofty ambitions. Now that you are standing on a dangerous peak, carrying the expectations of countless people, you can no longer retreat."

Lu Chen looked up at the sunset in the sky, then looked into Lin Xi's eyes with tacit understanding. He took a deep breath and spoke in a calm but firm tone.

"From today on, there will be no retreat."

(End of this chapter)