I am a soldier in the border army

Chapter 595: See you again, old friend! Second son Yu!

Li Jin arrived faster than expected.

The ten years that passed by so quickly did not seem to leave too many traces on this loyal dog of the royal family, but Han Shao still saw some fatigue and depression between his brows.

He smiled and said hello.

"Li Zhongchang, how are you?"

Han Shao spoke with a smile, and Li Jin quickly bowed and put on a smiling face in response.

"There's nothing wrong with my family, but I was born to be a hard worker, and I can't rest for a moment..."

Han Shao laughed and joked about Li Jin's self-mockery.

"It is my fault that I troubled Li Zhongchang to make such a long journey. I will apologize."

Li Jin, realizing that he had spoken out of turn, waved his hands and said.

"No, no, Lord Yan, that's not right. Other people's affairs are fine, but it's our honor to work for Lord Yan. How dare we have the slightest complaint? I'm so embarrassed! I'm so embarrassed——"

The two of them can be considered old friends.

Although we haven't had many opportunities to meet in recent years, and even had some unpleasant experiences in the early years, we are still familiar with each other after all. Conversations like this are probably just a few pleasantries without any sharp words to exchange.

After a few simple words, he just laughed it off.

On the other hand, Li Jin, who was pulled into the study room by Han Shao holding his arm, felt somewhat flattered.

Hedong in thirty years and Hexi in thirty years.

All the careful flattery that was once put in place is now gone.

The one standing in front of him now is the Duke of Yan of Dayong, a high-ranking official of the dynasty who has hundreds of thousands of soldiers under his command, and whose own cultivation has reached the highest level in the world.

If Li Jin did not have the endorsement of the royal family and some past friendship with such a majestic being, he would not even be qualified to look him in the eye. How could he dare to accept such courtesy from the other party with peace of mind?
Seeing that Li Jin looked rather reserved, Han Shao couldn't help laughing.

"After not seeing each other for so many years, has Li Zhongchang become estranged from me?"

Li Jin smiled awkwardly.

"Lord Yan has treated us with such generosity, I, a eunuch, am really overwhelmed..."

Seeing this, Han Shao finally didn't force it.

After entering the study, she waved her hand and motioned for him to sit down wherever he wanted.

At this point, Li Jin did not continue to be polite. After bowing to Han Shao again, he found a seat and sat down.

But just as he raised his eyes and his gaze fell on the tea serving waitress, his eyes froze slightly.

After hesitating for a moment, he still asked.

"Madam, what's your name?"

Faced with Li Jin's sudden question, the beautiful waitress in front of him did not panic at all, and spoke very calmly.

"My name is Zhen Niang. I am just an ordinary maid in the mansion. I don't deserve to be called an angel lady."

With such demeanor and bearing, how could she be an ordinary maid?

The most important thing is——

"Like, so similar..."

Li Jin muttered to himself in a daze.

The waitress in front of him looked and acted very much like Fairy Yun, who was now famous in the martial arts world and was known as the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world.

If this waitress didn't lack some of the unique and ethereal charm of Fairy Yun, he would almost have thought that Fairy Yun herself was present.

"Why? Li Zhongchang also likes this beauty?"

Hearing Han Shao's teasing voice, Li Jin withdrew his gaze from Zhenniang and his old face turned red.

"Mr. Yan, you are joking. We are rootless people, so how can we have such thoughts..."

I wanted to test it out with some words, but after thinking it over I decided not to.

The government is in high places, while the martial arts world is in the wild.

The trivial affairs of the underworld are really not worth mentioning compared to the turbulent world affairs today.

Li Jin doesn't have the energy to spend too much effort on this.

After saying "excuse me" to Zhenniang, he didn't take the matter to heart anymore.

He turned his gaze to Han Shao and then started talking about business.

"Your Majesty has seen what Lord Yan sent to the Divine Capital, and an imperial decree has been issued..."

"But before that, I still want to ask Lord Yan a question—"

Having said that, Li Jin paused for a moment, stared at Han Shao without blinking, and said seriously.

"Lord Yan, are you really ready?"

It was pretty much what Han Shao expected.

The so-called evidence of crimes he sent to the capital was not important in itself.

Emperor Taikang only cared about whether he could get things done.

In response to this, Han Shao also did not rush to answer, but asked with a smile.

"I heard that Yuan Feng was once a close minister to Your Majesty. Now this old villain has betrayed Your Majesty and joined the enemy. What do you think?"

On the surface, he was asking about Li Jin, but in reality he was asking about Emperor Taikang's attitude.

Li Jin was not a stupid person, so he naturally understood what Han Shao meant.

After a moment, he let out a long sigh and looked quite helpless.

"I have heard that Lord Yan once wrote a poem, 'If life could always be like the first time we met, it is said that the hearts of old friends are easily changed.' This is generally the case with things in this world."

"The Yuan family has been a noble family for generations. Yuan Feng was indeed trusted by Your Majesty in his early years, but he ultimately disappointed Your Majesty..."

"Ah, Your Majesty, it's really... not easy for him!"

At this point, there was even a hint of distress in the eyes of this loyal dog of the royal family, but it quickly disappeared.

After slowly exhaling a breath of foul air, he continued.

"Don't worry, Lord Yan. His Majesty has long lost his friendship with Yuan Feng. Lord Yan can just do what he wants without any scruples."

Yuan Feng had been in Youzhou in the north for a long time, and Han Shao was too lazy to find out what had happened between him and Emperor Taikang.

The reason for going through all this circle is just to confirm some things.

Now that some of the connections have been sorted out, Han Shao no longer needs to dwell on this aspect.

After nodding slightly to show that he understood, Han Shao responded with a smile.

"That's good."

"As for preparation..."

Han Shao's expression straightened and he spoke solemnly.

"I have been blessed by your majesty and have been given a chance to breathe for ten years. Now, whether it is me or the three hundred thousand men under my command, we are all ready to fight at any time, just to sweep the world for your majesty and kill all the disobedients!"

Perhaps influenced by Han Shao's tone and expression, Li Jin's fair face flushed a little and he said "OK" several times.

"Duke Yan is indeed worthy of being a loyal and good man of Yong State and the right-hand man of Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty did not misjudge the person, nor did you trust the wrong person!"

After saying that, he suddenly stood up, and with a wave of his hand, a red-gold imperial edict wrapped in dragon energy appeared.

"In this case, please accept my order, Lord Yan!"

Han Shao has been waiting for this "license to kill" for so many days, so what else can he say?

He immediately bowed in respect.

"Your Highness, Duke of Yan of Dayong and General Shao of the Northern Expedition, respectfully listen to the Holy Spirit's instructions!"

"The Emperor, by the Will of Heaven, decrees:

I have received the favor of Heaven and the trust of the ancestral temple. I have been vigilant day and night, thinking only of the safety of the country and the salvation of the people. However, there is now a traitor Yuan Feng, who has no loyalty, no moral conduct, no regard for the grace of the emperor, and has rebelled against the way of Heaven. He has joined forces with the Yellow Heaven thief to disrupt the world. His crimes are obvious and countless!
Although I am kind and benevolent, the villains are vicious and stubborn and will not repent of their evil deeds. If I tolerate them, how can I thank the people of the world?
Now I order the Duke of Yan to conquer the north and General Shao to lead the loyal and brave soldiers to pacify Liao and eliminate the evil spirits..."

The imperial edict was written in a lengthy and eloquent manner, but its words were neither ornate nor could it be called a magnificent piece of writing.

But for Han Shao, this was enough.

With this imperial edict in hand, the Liao-suppressing troops marching southwards would have a legitimate reason.

What’s more crucial is that the second half of Emperor Taikang’s imperial edict to punish the rebels was written very vaguely, leaving a large blank.

For example, the imperial edict did not clearly specify what to do after conquering and destroying Yuan Feng.

After handing the imperial edict to Han Shao, Li Jin felt a lot more relaxed, perhaps because the mission was completed.

"I'm sure Lord Yan knows how much your majesty trusts him."

Having said that, Li Jin looked at Han Shao and suddenly said.

"It's just... Lord Yan, do you still remember what you promised back then?"

Back then, Your Majesty risked the world's disapproval and used the dignity of the Son of Heaven to privately cast the royal seal to help Han Shao suppress the calamity and heavenly punishment. Han Shao promised at the time that if he was allowed to recuperate for ten years, he would definitely help Your Majesty recover the eight states.

Now that the ten-year period has come...

"I wonder if Lord Yan's words still count?"

Looking at Li Jin's expectant eyes, Han Shao smiled.

"If it was just for that old dog Yuan Feng, why would I waste all my time and effort?"

As he spoke, he raised the imperial edict in his hand and said with a hint of joking.

"You, just do your job well. As for the rest, I and His Majesty have a tacit understanding. You don't need to worry about it."

If someone spoke to Li Jin in this tone, even if he didn't get angry on the spot, he would still take note of it in his heart.

But in response to Han Shao's words, Li Jin could only smile with joy.

"Okay! That's good!"

"We all know that Lord Yan is a trustworthy person! He will never break his promise and gain wealth!"

"Duke Yan is the white jade pillar that supports the sky and the purple gold beam that spans the sea for our Great Yong! With the help of Duke Yan, everything in the world will be decided by Duke Yan..."

Faced with Li Jin's free flattery, Han Shao waved his hand to interrupt.

"Since I have agreed to do this, I will naturally do it."

"But I have said before, war is a matter of life and death, and the lives of the men under my command who guard Liao are also their lives, so I don't want any hindrance in the next battle. Do you understand what I mean?"

Han Shao's words were very impolite, but Li Jin nodded repeatedly.

"Don't worry. Although we are not familiar with military affairs, we know the importance of it. We will never allow anyone to ruin Lord Yan's plan!"

Once the thief Huang Tian starts a rebellion, disaster will spread to the whole world.

Many things are naturally not as simple as they seem. His Lantai Pavilion and even the ancestors of the officials in charge of offering sacrifices will be needed. All of this will require Li Jin, the loyal dog, mouthpiece and arm of His Majesty, to adjust and coordinate.

But before Li Jin could get excited for too long, Han Shao poured a basin of cold water on him again.

"By the way, I remember that what I promised was... to restore the mountains and rivers of the Eight States, right?"

Li Jin's face froze.

Eight states was the number that Dayong lost to Huang Tiandao ten years ago.

But in the past ten years, many unexpected events have taken place, and the world has undergone drastic changes. Now, it is more than just eight states.
It looks like we are heading to the Eighteen States...

"This...this is..."

Li Jin was so anxious that sweat appeared on his forehead. He looked up and saw Han Shao looking at him with a playful look, so he quickly smiled bitterly and said.

"Mr. Yan, if you have anything to say, please speak up. I will convey it to His Majesty on his behalf..."

Han Shao narrowed his eyes and smiled.

"What I mean is——"

"You have to pay more!"

There are some things that Han Shao would definitely do even if Emperor Taikang didn't exist, but that doesn't stop him from taking the opportunity to extort some money.

As expected, Li Jin was obviously relieved after hearing what Han Shao said.

He was not afraid that Han Shao would raise the price and reveal a greedy face, but he was afraid that Han Shao would not try his best.

The same must have been true for Emperor Taikang.

After all, compared with the continuation of the Yongji clan's country, what do a little wealth, fame and fortune count for?
So Li Jin then pretended to be mysterious and sent a message to Han Shao.

"The people of Yan are at ease. Your Majesty once told our family that if anyone can stabilize the world and achieve great success in the restoration of the country, Your Majesty will completely break the ancestral rule that only the Ji family can be king, and reward him with the throne!"

Split the land and become king!

This is a huge temptation for any ambitious person in the world.

But after hearing this, Han Shao shook his head without even thinking about it.

"It is not my wish to be crowned king."

Li Jin was stunned.

"Then Lord Yan wants..."

Han Shao narrowed his eyes and snorted coldly.

"What do I want? Don't you, a dog slave, know it?"

Faced with Han Shao's sudden change of expression, Li Jin subconsciously shrank his neck, and then he thought of something and spoke in embarrassment.

"This... that... our family has no say in this matter!"

Seeing him pushing things around like this, Han Shao was really annoyed.

"I can't make the decision? I just want my son back. Is that too much? Do you think that's too much?"

Yes!

Han Shao also has a son!
As it turned out, his premonition was indeed accurate.

That crazy woman Ji Yan really played a big trick on him.

After a night of pleasure, the father left and the son was kept, and the son ran away with the ball.

This crazy woman is really trendy!
If Han Shao hadn't sensed something was wrong and tampered with the batch of precious medicines sent by Li Jin, he would have almost been fooled by that crazy woman.

And this is not what made Han Shao most angry.

What made Han Shao even more angry was that when Han Shao activated the divine consciousness left on the precious medicine and appeared in front of Ji Yan, before he could say a few words, the crazy woman actually killed his temporarily condensed Dharma body without saying a word!

What on earth does she want to do!
It’s totally outrageous!
For a moment, he almost used his true body to descend on the capital and give her a good beating.

But after thinking it over again and again, he gave up.

There was no way, who made him so 'haunted' at that time?

besides……

Well, he actually still felt a little guilty.

Let’s put aside that shameless old man Shangguan Ding for now.

Mainly Emperor Taikang...

If all the trouble he and Ji Yan had caused were to happen in the Divine Capital, he would really not know how to face Emperor Taikang.

If the old dragon gets furious, even with the blessing of Dayong's luck, he would not be able to get away with it, and the situation would even get out of hand.

So after all this time, the matter was delayed.

Now that he finally got the chance, Han Shao would naturally not give up and try his best.

If for no other reason, he was afraid that his good son would fall into the hands of that crazy woman Ji Yan and be raised astray.

As for Han Shao's persistence, Li Jin, who was caught in the middle, was naturally in a difficult position and could only try to persuade him with a shameless face.

"Lord Yan, there's actually no need to worry. Princess Di is also the young master's mother, and she will treat him well..."

Han Shao, who didn't want to listen to his nonsense at all, looked gloomy.

"No need to waste time talking nonsense. I have already put forward my conditions. How to make the decision has nothing to do with me."

"Your Majesty is a wise ruler, kind and benevolent. I'm sure you won't bear to see your loyal subjects suffer such misfortunes, right?"

The truth is this.

But what are you and Diji?
Having an affair without a matchmaker and giving birth to a child in secret!
How can you be so confident about such a thing?

But of course Li Jin didn't dare to say these words in front of Han Shao and could only blush.

“This…this…ah——”

……

While Li Jin was feeling very uncomfortable in front of Han Shao, the palace of Princess Zhaoyang in the Divine Capital, thousands of miles away, was peaceful.

Ji Yan, who had rarely appeared in public over the years, was wearing a fiery red phoenix robe that covered most of the soft couch.

As she leaned against the wall with her arms folded, her demeanor was less sharp than before and more laziness typical of a woman, and...motherly.

At this moment, her phoenix eyes, which used to be majestic and solemn, fell on the small figure not far in front of her, with a gentle and loving look.

"Chang'an, come and tell your mother, what did your royal grandfather tell you?"

Ji Yu, whose nickname was Chang'an, walked up to his mother, stared at Ji Yan for a while with his clear eyes that were filled with the charm of Taoism, and suddenly asked.

"Mother, is my father not dead?"

Hearing this, Ji Yan's aura became disordered and he spoke in a nonchalant manner.

"No, he is dead."

"My mother killed him herself."

……

(End of this chapter)