The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 362

Ding Badu marched westward with tens of thousands of horses, and his military supplies were raised by Zhang Quanyi, the prefect of Henan Province in Luoyang, so his speed was extremely fast. He was the real main force for Xiao Yan to intimidate Guanzhong and fight against the Shu army. He marched westward, first arriving in Zhengzhou with a sharp posture, and then, under the order of Tiance Mansion, controlled all the passes in Luoyang along the way to welcome Xiao Yan and the two emperors to the western capital Luoyang.

With such a configuration and the fact that they are Xiao Yan's personal army, the speed of conquering Badu cannot be slow. They marched yesterday and did not stop at night. Today, a military report came saying that the vanguard commander Tian Daocheng had led his troops to station in Hulao. At the same time, the Shenwei, Gongchen and Zhuosheng armies were ordered to station in Gongxian and Yanshi counties.

During the time when the military reports were being delivered, Tian Daocheng continued to send troops into Beimang Mountain to control the ferry crossings along the Mengjin line as soon as possible, and did not forget to send people south to take over the command of Huanyuan Pass.

However, in just three days, all the defense lines east of Luoyang were completely under Xiao Yan's control.

When the imperial army arrived at Yanshi, it was almost like they were at the gates of Luoyang. The prefect of Henan, Zhang Quanyi, was very cooperative. Not only did he not show any resistance at all, he even sent envoys with food and fodder to reward the Shenwei Army that had rushed all the way to Yanshi.

This time the eastern gate of Guanzhong was wide open, and with Zhang Quanyi's unconditional obedience to the court, the imperial army moved swiftly and arrived at the city of Luoyang without anyone noticing.

After all, no one in the entire south of the Yellow River would have expected that Xiao Yan would have tens of thousands of war horses. The mobility was far beyond everyone's expectations. In addition, Zhang Quanyi deliberately blocked the news from Chang'an. When Yang Shihou, who was in charge of Chang'an, received the news, it was two days after the Shenwei Army arrived in Yanshi. In this way, no matter what he was thinking, he could only remain silent.

However, Xiao Yan didn't care what Yang Shihou would think at this time, because his main target was not Yang Shihou.

Early that morning, the Circular Mound in the southern suburbs of Bianjing was completed, and from the Forbidden City to the outside, the roads, bridges, and post stations were all brand new. The emperor's chariot, which was said to have been brought from the Tang Chang'an City, was also reinforced and painted. The imperial streets were also carefully swept, and the people of the city bowed in front of the incense table. As for the new emperor Zhu Youzhen, he changed his clothes early before dawn and prepared, excited and worried.

There was no other reason. It was because today was the day of departure. With Xiao Yan's approval, Zhu Youzhen could perform a suburban sacrifice before leaving to consolidate the authority of the central government. After the suburban sacrifice, Xiao Yan would take Zhu Youzhen and Zhu Wen, the new and old emperors, west to Luoyang to conquer Qi and Shu.

Zhu Youzhen knew that he could only satisfy his emperor's desire in these matters, so he was extremely excited. However, he became worried when he thought about going into battle in person after the suburban sacrifice. However, he had no close friends around him. He used to have Zhong Xiaokui, but now there were only old people from Prince Jun's Mansion around him. Zhu Youzhen even didn't know if any of these old people from the Prince Jun's Mansion had been bribed by Xiao Yan.

No one cared about his thoughts as the new emperor. Although it had only been five or six days since the coup, under the auspices of the Tian Ce Mansion, it was still carried out meticulously and all the ceremonies were complete. This was because the suburban sacrifice not only established Zhu Youzhen's status as the new emperor, but also established the majesty of the court rule led by Xiao Yan.

When the auspicious time arrived, more than a thousand Guide Army soldiers who had stayed in the capital escorted the emperor's procession southward. All the officials who accompanied them were dressed in formal attire and followed in order. Drums and trumpets sounded, and the procession was like clouds. The tiger guards escorted the procession. At that time and place, the majesty of the imperial court was truly a grand occasion.

Zhu Youzhen was sitting in the carriage, looking around excitedly, and wanted to see what the common people who were prostrating on both sides of the avenue looked like. But when he glanced up, he saw the ceremonial guard of King Song in the imperial procession, which seemed even more magnificent than the ceremonial guard of the Emperor. His heart sank again, and his mood became bad.

Xiao Yan followed behind the emperor. He was not wearing an ordinary purple robe, but a Ming Guang armor carved with dragon, phoenix and cloud patterns. It looked very gorgeous. In addition to gold and silver decorations, it was even inlaid with gems. There was a white feather tassel on his helmet. He was very eye-catching in the queue. He held the reins in one hand with a calm expression, but there was a murderous aura within him without any anger.

Xiao Yan's ceremonial procession as King of Song was actually very ordinary, far inferior to that of the Emperor. He didn't even ride in a carriage.

But he was surrounded by brave soldiers from Hebei. More than a hundred members of the Song Wangzhi army, who were made up of Ye Bushou, all wore dark black armor skirts with patterns of treasures that could ward off evil spirits. They all had their hands on the Tang swords at their waists and silently followed the emperor to guard him. Their elite aura was visible to the naked eye.

Not to mention the Tiance Mansion staff members who accompanied Xiao Yan. Each of them had extraordinary demeanor. Although not all of them were high-ranking officials wearing purple or red official robes, they all surrounded Xiao Yan tightly, showing the demeanor of an emerging military aristocratic group.

This kind of vigorous energy started from Xiao Yan and seemed to be possessed by every member of Tiance Mansion. How could it not attract people's attention? And how could it not make people understand who was the core of this court?
Therefore, Zhu Youzhen's frustration and resentment were not groundless, but even if he was jealous, he could only hold it in his heart and comfort himself the next time.

This world, after all, belongs to my Zhu family. I am just pretending to be nice to Xiao Yan. Once I rely on him to stabilize my throne, I will have plenty of time to slowly accumulate strength and take back power. Let's see what happens in the future, let's see what happens in the future...

Thinking of this, Zhu Youzhen became excited again, and completed the suburban sacrifice ceremony according to the procedures with great enthusiasm.

Since the mid-Tang Dynasty, most etiquette was no longer observed. Xiao Yan would not give Zhu Youzhen time to fast for a day, and directly asked the Ministry of Rites to change his clothes for him so that he could communicate with heaven. At the same time, he led the civil and military officials to greet him in shifts at the foot of the Circular Mound, waiting with their eyes closed for Zhu Youzhen to walk up to the Circular Mound alone. The officials of the Ministry of Rites burned incense, and then Zhu Youzhen recited an article to report to heaven, indicating that Zhu Youzhen was the new emperor of Daliang, who would receive the mandate of heaven and command the four directions.

The reign title was changed to Qianhua.

The long river of history was ultimately completely deviated by the existence of Xiao Yan. A year later, Zhu Wen's second reign title came into being ahead of schedule and fell on Zhu Youzhen. As for the Secretariat and the Privy Council, after they agreed on this reign title and presented it to Xiao Yan, Xiao Yan had no objection. After all, he was willing to let Zhu Youzhen satisfy his desire with such a small matter.

As for Zhu Wen, who would want to have anything to do with this retired emperor now? Even at today's suburban sacrifice, Zhu Wen only showed up in advance to show that he was fine. But in just a few days, Zhu Wen's hair had turned black and white, and he looked ten years older. He was specially protected by Yebushou, and the ministers only knew that the old emperor was still alive.

It’s not that there aren’t people who want to go to Zhu Wen and complain about Xiao Yan’s dictatorial tactics, but these people are usually confiscated and dismissed from their posts. It’s not known if the rest have the courage to do such a thing that could cost them their lives.

After the whole process was completed, it was already noon. The central army and the rear army composed of the four armies of Shenwu, Longhu, Longwu and Luoyan were also ready to leave the city. After burning the article that was read to the sky, Zhu Youzhen finally turned around with satisfaction.

With the new king on the throne, a general amnesty is necessary. Gongyang Zuo has wiped out most of the branches of the Xuanming Sect, and the purpose of deterrence has been achieved. After letting Shi Yao go, Xiao Yan wanted to guard against the former Meng Po who would use the remnants of the Xuanming Sect to fight against Ye Bushou, so he pardoned them all today, with no other request, just to divide the hearts of the remnants of the Xuanming Sect.

In addition, Chi Li, the King of Raojianggu, was promoted to the King of Yunnan, Liu Yin, the King of Nanping, was promoted to the King of Nanhai, and Zhang Quanyi, the Prefect of Henan, was given an additional title of King of Wei and concurrently the Jiedushi of Heyang.

After Jing Xiang, the chief civil official, heard the imperial edict which was obviously instructed by Xiao Yan, the only thought in his mind was whether Emperor Jian of Shu and King Ma Yin of Chu would feel a chill down their spines after hearing the news.

The ministers would naturally have no objection. The only thing worth mentioning is that Li Xingyun, who was said to be a descendant of Li Tang, was promoted to King of Wei by Jin Prince Li Keyong. Now Xiao Yan promoted Zhang Quanyi, who held a high position of power in Daliang and worked hard for the court, to be King of Wei. I wonder if it was to reduce Li Xingyun's limelight.

But it didn't matter anymore. The suburban sacrifice was over. Zhu Youzhen turned around eagerly, waiting for the ministers' congratulations. However, the ministers only cast their eyes on Xiao Yan, who was at the head of the group, and just held their tablets in their hands without saying a word.

Xiao Yan was silent for a while, then stepped forward. The white feather tassel on his helmet swayed slightly in the wind. He just saluted with his hands crossed, but did not kneel.

"Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long, long live the emperor."

As soon as he made a move, Jing Xiang, Han Yanhui and other ministers followed suit, but they had no right not to kneel. At least Xiao Yan was wearing armor and had an excuse that it was inconvenient to kneel, so they all danced and bowed on the ground, shouting "Long live the emperor". The countless Guide soldiers standing around him did not kneel on the ground either, but just leaned on their ceremonial spears and lowered their heads in silence.

Zhu Youzhen's eyelids twitched when he saw Xiao Yan standing alone in front of the ministers, but he didn't dare to say anything. He quickly asked Xiao Yan to excuse himself.

By the time Xiao Yan stood up again, at that moment, Daliang had changed from the fourth year of Kaiping to the first year of Qianhua. Zhu Youzhen was the new emperor, and Xiao Yan was the chief minister and the General of Tiance.

At this time, Xiao Yan was in power, but under this power, there were still undercurrents in Daliang. Outside Daliang, there were still many heroes standing side by side in the world, and smoke of war was rising everywhere.

Li Keyong deployed his troops in the north, enjoying the strategic advantage of mountains and rivers, and had the help of Yuan Tiangang, Li Cunxu, Li Siyuan and others, just like a dark cloud rolling down his head.

The princes in the south, Wang Jian, Ma Yin, Yang Wo, Qian Liu, Gao Jixing... some were ministers while others were rebels. They were all ambitious people, hiding in the darkness and drooling over the Central Plains.

In addition to this list, there is also Li Maozhen who is missing. In Hebei, there are Wang Rong, the Prince of Zhao and the governor of Chengde, and Wang Chuzhi, the Prince of Beiping and the governor of Yiwu, who are both in Liang and Jin, and their relationship is unclear.

Although Xiao Yan already has 100,000 brave soldiers, he has to go alone to fight against all the enemies in the world and to settle this turbulent world.

Xiao Yan stood calmly in front of the steps of the Circular Mound, looking up at the sky with open eyes, watching the clouds rolling on the horizon, watching the bright sunlight illuminating everything.

He did not make any movement, nor did he say a word, but his bearing was far beyond that of the emperor on the Circular Mound. Countless brave generals, counselors and politicians only fixed their eyes on him, looking at this General Tiance who had risen all the way and stepped on countless bones to get here.

No one knows what this young general of Tian Ce is thinking. No one knows what his final outcome will be on the chessboard of the world. No one knows whether they are part of the game in the general's plan.

Or could it be that the whole world has already been included in this chess game?

Xiao Yan looked at the blazing sun and suddenly smiled.

In front of such a chess game, he had done his best to win the great situation from the general, although the situation was as dangerous as a stack of eggs. But he could finally look beyond the general and focus on this magnificent world.

"In obedience to the Second Emperor."

Xiao Yan turned around and looked at the ministers, holding his sword with one hand, looking very heroic, but his halberd was pointing to the west.

"The troops are dispatched to Fengxiang!"

------

West of Zhengzhou, Xingyang.

The army advanced on horseback and on foot, and the road was filled with smoke and dust, as if it covered the sky and the sun.

Although they were carrying the two emperors westward this time, because Xiao Yan had given orders in advance, all the ceremonial guards were kept simple. Although Zhu Youzhen and Zhu Wen still rode in horse-drawn carriages and shock-absorbing measures were arranged, the marching speed was fast and riding in a carriage was not much more comfortable than riding a horse.

Zhu Youzhen was still okay, at least he was young, but Zhu Wen was different. He was over sixty years old and had been taking the so-called elixir without restraint for a year. His body had long been hollowed out. In addition, Xiao Yan cut off his addictive elixir, so he was in excruciating pain during the march. However, apart from a few necessary palace servants, only Ye Bushu accompanied Zhu Wen's carriage, and they turned a deaf ear to his tossing and even wailing.

"It's really going to be a mess."

In a carriage which was more spacious than the emperor's, Jiang Chen rubbed his shoulders with a delicate look on his face. However, after waiting for a long time, no one responded to him, so he glared at Xiao Yan, who was sitting at the desk, frowning and reading the memorial documents. His lips were pouted, but after a turn of his charming eyes, he did not disturb Xiao Yan, but looked down at Ba Ge, who was kneeling beside Xiao Yan's desk.

"Hey you, come over here and give me a shoulder massage."

Bago, who was also feeling uncomfortable due to the jolting of the carriage, could not help but feel very annoyed. However, after looking at Xiao Yan who was still unmoved, he had to suppress his annoyance and walked over to kneel behind the surrendered minister.

The surrendered minister was satisfied. Although the carriage was still bumpy, she had been looking for trouble by bullying Bago during the past two days of marching, and it actually added some fun.

Among the women around Xiao Yan, she only allowed Ji Ruxue, the little girl, to be qualified to tie his heart.

"Here, here's something I prepared for you."

After holding her face and admiring Xiao Yan's serious look in handling official business, Jiang Chen finally stretched gracefully, waved away Bago, asked the latter to prepare the horse, and said she wanted to ride a horse, then took out a small bottle from her arms and placed it on the table in front of Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan put down a report from Hebei, picked up the small bottle, and thought: "What is this?"

Jiang Chen raised his chin slightly and observed Xiao Yan's expression. There was a bit of pride in his eyes, but he just said nonchalantly: "Although you stopped Zhu Wen's pills, it can only prevent him from dying suddenly. But if you stop the pills so suddenly, I'm afraid that old man's time will be even shorter. According to my guess, Zhu Wen could live another half a year before stopping the pills, but after stopping the pills, I'm afraid he can't even last three months."

As she spoke, she propped up her arm, supporting half of her face, and snorted, "You led your men on the road all day, letting Zhu Wen howl in agony. Not to mention the impact on the people below, just this torment alone will at least reduce Zhu Wen's life span by a month."

Xiao Yan chuckled, shook the small bottle, and said, "Could this thing have miraculous effects?"

"It calms the mind, consolidates the essence, and replenishes the qi. The effect is not great, but it is enough to keep him alive for half a year." Jiang Chen smiled slyly and blinked at Xiao Yan: "It also has a little aphrodisiac effect~"

Xiao Yan suddenly realized, then looked grateful and waved to the surrendered minister.

Jiang Chen put his finger on the corner of his mouth and pretended to be confused: "What are you going to do?"

"Of course I'll try out this miraculous aphrodisiac effect." Xiao Yan said calmly.

Jiang Chen was startled, then he chuckled and glanced at him. Of course, he didn't believe that Xiao Yan would dare to do anything bad here. But after hearing the voice of Ba Ge outside, he stood up like a proud swan, holding his chin high: "Humph, from now on, my aunt is the woman you will never get. Xiao, you are just dreaming!"

Xiao Yan smiled, and when the curtain of the carriage was opened by Bago from the outside, he slapped the surrendered minister on the buttocks as he was about to go out, and even pinched it lightly, twisting the skirt with his fingertips, as if he was about to lean in.

The curtain of the carriage was opened, and Jiang Chen and Bago looked at each other. However, due to the angle, Bago could not see Jiang Chen's hand behind his waist. He just looked at Jiang Chen's instantly red face in surprise, and at the same time glanced at Xiao Yan who was smiling faintly. He coughed dryly in confusion and said, "Girl, the horses are ready."

"You go out first." Jiang Chen said with gritted teeth and blushed.

Ba Ge responded, but before he left, he heard Xiao Yan's indifferent voice: "Wait a moment, I want to tell you something."

"Yes." Bago naturally respected Xiao Yan's order first and knelt at the entrance of the carriage curtain. She never paid much attention to etiquette. Although she was very afraid of the two people in the carriage, she just raised her head and looked at the surrendered minister who suddenly knelt beside Xiao Yan for some reason.

She saw the surrendered minister biting his lip, his cheeks blushing terribly, holding a memorial in both hands and reading it, but his shoulders were shaking slightly, as if he was enduring something terrible.

Ba Ge was frowning in confusion when he heard Xiao Yan suddenly say, "Send someone to ask if Li Sian, the governor of Xiangzhou, can come to the front of the army?"

Baguo responded and immediately went out to call Ye Bushou for questioning.

Jiang Chen's tense shoulders suddenly relaxed. He immediately turned around and glared at Xiao Yan, gritting his teeth. He really wanted to bite Xiao Yan's neck and leave a mouthful of tooth marks.

"The surname is Xiao!"

"Hmm?" Xiao Yan smiled and withdrew his hand, looking calm.

"You, you..." Jiang Chen smoothed her wrinkled skirt, his chest heaving with anger, and was about to reach out to capture Xiao Yan's spirit under the table.

But before she made any move, she saw Xiao Yan suddenly come closer. Noticing the wetness between her lips, Jiang Chen was suddenly stunned. When she came to her senses, Xiao Yan had already stood up and walked to the curtain of the carriage. Before leaving, he turned back and smiled: "Madam Jiang, your lips are really moist."

"Run you..." The surrendered minister was very angry. He grabbed a memorial and threw it, but he was a step too late. Not only did he not hit Xiao Yan, but he hit Bago who was coming in from outside.

"You!" Bago's forehead was hit and it hurt. He couldn't suppress the anger he had been holding back for a long time. His face turned cold and he clenched his fists: "They are all women he slept with. Don't go too far!"

"This little thief." Jiang Chen ignored her and was still angry. However, after hearing these words, his eyes lit up and he smiled instantly, then he folded his arms across his chest and looked at Bago.

"Hey, have you ever learned dual cultivation?"

Bago was suddenly startled, his anger was extinguished, and he just said blankly: "What, what do you mean?"

"Is it possible that I can only be slept with by him?" Jiang Chen clenched his fists and said angrily, "Next time, you will drain him dry!"

(End of this chapter)