As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 305 Returning to Yueyang from the East

"My lord, in a few days, shall we be heading to Yueyang?"

The large boats crossed the river, making a series of whistling sounds.

Zhang Ruier looked at Mingchen with bright eyes and some anticipation.

Mingchen nodded slightly: "Yes."

Speaking of which, Mingchen hasn't been back to the capital for a very, very long time.

I only caught a glimpse of the Battle of Yueyang from afar on the mountain.

The city that I first visited was a place of peace and prosperity, but now, after the vicissitudes of war, I wonder if it can ever regain its former glory.

"I've never been to Yueyang City before!"

Zhang Ruier looked eastward and chattered, "I've heard the wealth there is unimaginable..."

Her status has been repeatedly mentioned in the Ordnance Bureau, and her contributions in recent years are also evident to all. She is qualified to go to Yueyang to participate in the sacrificial ceremony.

The two were talking when, at that moment...

A strong wind suddenly blew in from the north, and everyone was jolted. Even the workers who were working hard on the deck couldn't help but feel a jolt and subconsciously turned their heads to look northeast.

Mountains, rivers, and streams appear on the horizon, and a magnificent tiger with wings stands proudly atop the mountain, roaring to the sky.

Accompanied by thunderous force, its grandeur is astonishing.

"Roar!"

A roar that shook the very soul.

"This...what is this?"

"A strange phenomenon, a wondrous sight!"

"Has some immortal descended?"

"When His Majesty ascended the throne, a phoenix appeared! Before that, I remember a giant fish flying into the sky during the Qian Yuan era!"

What's wrong with this world?

Are there really immortals in this world?

……

The strange sight of a tiger roaring on the mountaintop attracted everyone's attention.

This is not the first time this has happened.

With frequent wars and widespread turmoil, nothing is surprising these days.

Previously, when Xiao Xinyue made a blood oath, fish flew into the sky, and when she ascended the throne, a phoenix, an auspicious creature created by Mingchen, appeared...

Some things are true, and some things are made to believe by people with great abilities.

Inside the Jiqu Palace, Xiao Xinyue seemed to sense something, slightly raising her head to look northeast, her brows furrowing slightly.

She could feel her rivals from the northeast, their hearts pounding, wanting to fight, wanting to snatch.

"My lord, this...this..."

Zhang Ruier was momentarily dazed, staring blankly, speechless for a moment.

Mingchen instilled many ideas in her, and he had the subtle intention of cultivating her into a materialistic war goddess.

Looking at this scene that was beyond her comprehension, she was also somewhat shocked.

An invisible aura swept over him, and Mingchen lowered his eyes slightly, watching the waves rising from the large ship.

A storm is brewing; Qian Yuan's real challenge may be just around the corner.

……

Just like the strange phenomena that Xiao Xinyue had caused before.

The strange phenomenon of a roaring tiger appearing in Beilie has recently become the focus of conversation among people.

When the people of Jiqu were doing well, they had the leisure to discuss these messy things.

People were talking about it. Some said it was a celestial being descending to earth, others said it was an auspicious omen, a sign of divine protection...

People don't have much information and don't know the true nature of the world, so they can only guess and embellish what they see based on what they see.

Some people have also compared the strange phenomena originally caused by Xiao Xinyue with these phenomena.

Time flies by, but it seems that this has not brought much change to people's lives.

Everyone should go about their business.

However, no one knew that as Emperor Qian was about to head east and return to the old capital, a special guest arrived at the Marquis's residence.

"I wonder what you and His Majesty discussed?"

The demon who caused chaos throughout the land, the overlord who was rumored to be dead, appeared in the Marquis's mansion, sitting and drinking with the famous Marquis of Jing'an.

Mingchen poured wine for Wang Huai and asked with a smile.

I'm leaving in a few days. If my older brother had stayed any longer, he might not have seen me again.

When Mingchen saw Wang Huai again and realized that he had let go of everything, he was quite happy.

He also kept his promise to Xiao Xinyue and arranged for him to meet with her.

Mingchen wasn't involved in this part, and he didn't know what they talked about.

However, Mingchen could probably guess it.

Wang Huai simply shook his head and sighed softly, "It cannot be said, it cannot be said."

Wang Huailai never expected that he, a "dead" man, would have a chance to see Xiao Xinyue.

However, this couldn't be better.

This was the first time he had met the empress.

Even though he had anticipated it, he couldn't help but admire the woman's courage and magnanimity.

It’s not unfair to lose.

It's only natural that Mingchen chose her.

The story of Wang Huai and the Blood-Clad Army is coming to an end.

The uprising was a great success, sweeping across the country. It gloriously occupied Yueyang, but after several twists and turns, it fell apart.

This ending... isn't bad, actually.

"Come on, let's have a drink."

Mingchen shrugged, not asking any further questions, but simply poured him a full glass of wine: "What are your plans for the future, brother? Would you like to live in Jiqu?"

Wang Huai shook his head: "I want to walk around and take another look."

Mingchen didn't insist that he stay, and simply nodded: "Okay."

"The surrendered soldiers of the Great Qi were all assigned to different positions in the army or other posts, and none of them were punished except for those who committed crimes."

Mingchen said this to put Wang Huai at ease.

He knew that these people were Wang Huai's last concern.

The blood-clad surrendered soldiers were scattered and dismantled, then reintegrated into Qian Yuan's bones and blood.

Wang Huai glanced down at Ming Chen, then drank the wine in his cup: "I know, the Emperor Qian... told me everything."

"You're going back to Yueyang in four days?"

These days, Xiao Xinyue and the officials are busy preparing for the eastward expedition.

Time is running out; I'll be leaving in a few days.

"kindness."

Wang Huai seemed to remember something: "In Yueyang City, I built one..."

He paused halfway through his sentence and stopped speaking.

He built a monument to the martyrs of the Blood-Clad Army in Yueyang City, a place he cherished and would visit from time to time.

He had previously demolished the Tongyou Palace built by the Chen Kingdom when he occupied Yueyang.

Now that Yueyang has changed hands, he seems to have no right to demand that the new dynasty retain it.

"what?"

"nothing."

Between men, if you don't want to talk about it, don't ask.

Mingchen simply raised his glass and said, "Come on, bottoms up."

"Dry!"

After downing a glass of wine, Mingchen asked again, "Where is my nephew?"

He had met Wang Hongbo before when he was outside Xiaoyao City.

Despite his young age, he possesses an extraordinary demeanor.

Mingchen is quite good at judging people; his older brother has raised a good child.

So young, yet so mature, Mingchen thought this guy had also been reborn and transmigrated.

If the Great Qi can persevere and stabilize, it is not impossible for it to achieve something.

It's just a pity that they were born in the wrong era.

Heroes are rising up everywhere, creating a fierce competition; there are too many and too fierce opponents.

The Blood-Clad Army has played all its cards; there are no more opportunities.

Wang Huai smiled and said, "Kids like that, they love to play and are wandering around Jiqu!"

"Yeah~"

“Brother, I see that Hongbo is intelligent, quick-witted, and ambitious; he is no ordinary person. Why don’t you let him stay with me and become my student?”

Mingchen is very smart. He can think of some things on his own without Wang Huai having to swallow his pride and ask.

The name Wang Huai is destined to bring trouble to his family and descendants.

Even when hiding one's identity, one must be careful at all times.

His ideals were shattered, and he wanted to return to his family.

Now that he has made sacrifices and concessions, he should rightfully receive compensation.

At the very least, it shouldn't affect his child's life.

Moreover, Wang Hongbo is indeed a talented person.

At such a young age, he has already seen many sights that children never see in their entire lives, which means his potential is higher than many others.

Both Mingchen and Xiao Xinyue are tolerant of others.

These shrewd ministers are not necessarily more patriotic than rebellious sons.

With so many seats in the imperial court, there's bound to be one that can be occupied.

Upon hearing this, Wang Huai paused, his hand holding the wine glass momentarily still.

An ordinary person would think this was leaving the child as a hostage.

However, Wang Huai clearly did not have such thoughts at all.

He knew that Mingchen was doing this for his child, and he didn't even need to say it himself.

"Mingchen, is it for me? Or do you really admire Hongbo's talent?"

Wang Huai was well aware of his own destructive power; Ming Chen's suggestion was tantamount to planting a bomb next to him.

He pleaded with a strained expression, at most asking for an equal opportunity, but even then, he was hesitant to speak.

A student of the Marquis of Jing'an!
This title alone guarantees a smooth life and a bright career path, something many people would desperately try to obtain but cannot.

However, without Wang Huai saying a word, Mingchen brought it up himself.

His younger brother is... so incredibly clever.

Mingchen smiled and said, "I guess so." Actually, he felt mostly guilty and wanted to make amends to Wang Huai.

Wang Huai looked at him, his eyes gleaming, and downed another glass of wine.

This younger brother seems aloof, but after spending time with him, you'll find that he's actually very humane.

He has said it many times: he has never complained about Mingchen, nor does he have any right to blame him.

It's all their own fault.

Wang Huai smiled and shook his head: "Mingchen, if possible, I only want my child to have an equal opportunity to ask for something that won't be affected by me."

"He is ambitious, and perhaps in the future he can reach you through his own efforts."

They have privileges but don't use them; they're unwilling to cheat or shirk responsibility.

Wang Huai seems to have always been like this.

Mingchen doesn't actually like this kind of personality.

It's foolish to not use power.

But he still couldn't stop laughing heartily: "Hahaha, what spirit! No wonder you're my brother's son."

He raised his glass and said, "Brother, my promise to you will always stand."

Wang Huai paused again upon hearing this.

That sounds very familiar.

Memories flooded back; he sat on the throne in the City of Leisure, and those same words had once been uttered by him.

He was allowed to stay in Daqi and be treated as an equal.

That promise will always stand.

"Hahahaha~"

Without realizing it, he also burst into loud, wild laughter.

He thought to himself: Mingchen... The luckiest thing in my life is meeting you.

Time flies, and he is very grateful that this friendship has been preserved to this day.

The two raised their glasses and exchanged a glance, everything understood without a word.

With a tilt of the head back, the strong liquor went down the throat and melted into the liquor.

One glass of wine after another was poured, and one glass after another was drunk.

The person sitting in this room is neither the infamous and powerful Emperor Qi, nor the renowned genius Marquis Jing'an.

But Wang Huai and Ming Chen were brothers whose bond transcended blood ties.

They came from all over the country, reminiscing about the past, seemingly having endless topics to discuss.

Hearty laughter could be heard from time to time.

Mingchen has many friends.

However, there are very few people who can drink and laugh with him so uninhibitedly.

The sun was setting.

"Mingchen, let's stay here. There's no need to see me off."

The burly man, dressed like a wandering swordsman, had drunk quite a bit, his face flushed. He waved at Mingchen and laughed heartily, "It's not like we're never going to meet again! Men shouldn't be so sentimental!"

No one could have imagined that this person was the overlord who caused chaos in the world.

"Brother, please take good care of yourself."

Mingchen looked intently into Wang Huai's eyes and said, "If you encounter any trouble, be sure to come to me."

"Haha~"

"I understand, I understand!"

A bold and generous person dislikes the atmosphere of parting, so he simply turns around, walks towards the direction of the setting sun, and waves as he goes: "I'm leaving!"

Mingchen stood quietly at the entrance of the Marquis's residence, watching.

That hero was worshipped and surrounded by countless people.

Alone, he quietly walked towards the setting sun, the golden sunlight shining on him and casting a long shadow.

The hero, now forlorn, returns home, gradually fading into the distance.

Lonely, resolute, and heroically sacrificing oneself.

Mingchen smiled and turned to enter the mansion.

We'll meet again someday.

……

The Emperor Qi is dead; all that remains is a wandering swordsman named Wang Huai.

Wang Huai's arrival and departure went unnoticed by others and caused no impact whatsoever.

Everyone should still do what they should do.

A few days have passed quickly, and today may be a special day.

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, a massive procession gathered outside Jiqu. Under the protection of a large army, hundreds of distinguished individuals embarked on a grand journey eastward.

The old capital, Yueyang, is where they are setting sail today.

Some of them were from out of town, while others were people who had fled Yueyang to follow Xiao Xinyue.

In any case, this day will surely be recorded in history books.

People were excited, expectant, or melancholy, and they couldn't help but look towards the center of the line.

The horse stood with its head held high, its cape fluttering in the wind.

His Majesty the Qianlong Emperor did not wear any elaborate clothing or makeup. He wore a simple black fitted robe and his long hair was casually tied with a rather simple green wooden hairpin. He did not look particularly noble.

However, people can always find her with ease.

Born into wealth, graceful and proud.

Standing out from the crowd of chickens, she needs no external adornment; she is the most noble one.

Spring, summer, autumn and winter have passed, and the seeds planted have grown strong and tall, having been tempered by the years.

The once down-on-her-luck princess has now become a qualified emperor.

And on her left and right sides.

The two marquises, one a scholar and the other a warrior, one male and one female, rode on white wolf steeds, their bearing dashing and their demeanor exceptional.

Behind him, civil and military officials all exuded an imposing aura, while the surrounding soldiers possessed a dragon-like momentum that captivated the heart.

The new dynasty is showing great promise.

"Your Majesty, the time has come."

Xiao Xinyue raised her head, her eyes shining brightly like the sun, and shouted: "Form up the army, march east, and return to Yueyang!"

Head east!

Head east!

Head east!

Go home!
At a single command, the army set off.

……

The plan to return the capital to its former glory has been in the works for a long time.

The passes along the way have all been cleared, the army is heavily guarded, and there are several cultivators protecting them in secret, so there shouldn't be any problems.

Xiao Xinyue disliked riding in the imperial carriage, just like when she fled the capital; she rode a horse herself.

This move was opposed by some ministers, but they could not dissuade the emperor.

How is Your Majesty's mood?

Why?

Riding a horse on the road, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the country.

Also, when I'm bored, I can chat with that special person.

We need to be serious at the beginning, but we can relax once the army sets off.

Ling Yu and the other officials went to maintain order.

Meanwhile, Mingchen rode the white wolf leisurely, chatting idly beside Xiao Xinyue.

"Fortunately."

Xiao Xinyue looked at the wide road protected by soldiers and nodded somewhat absentmindedly.

She's really coming back.

The princess who fled the capital in a hasty and disheveled manner is now going home!

Mingchen lay down on the white wolf, looking at the clear blue sky and white clouds above. He raised his hand, and a little bird landed on his finger. He sighed, "Time flies. It feels like just yesterday when I left Yueyang City."

The journey has been quite smooth so far.

He even achieved his strategic goals before the time he had anticipated.

"yes……"

Xiao Xinyue also lowered her eyes and sighed softly.

Getting to this point was not easy.

She hasn't had a proper rest in the past few years.

It seems that Mingchen is always doing things that shock the world, and it seems that Mingchen has made many contributions, while Xiao Xinyue is just a passive winner.

However, in reality, the new dynasty's progress to this point was inseparable from Xiao Xinyue's tireless work day and night.

Most of the things Mingchen does involve going from 0 to 1, but he's lazy, so he only gets to 1.

The process of going from 1 to 10 required a great deal of effort, yet remained largely unknown. This was accomplished through daily hard work and was done by Xiao Xinyue and her ministers.

This is the result of everyone's joint efforts and construction; no one is a freeloader.

Thinking of this, Xiao Xinyue couldn't help but roll her eyes at the person next to her: "You seem to be having a very easy time!"

Undeniably, Mingchen's contributions are irreplaceable.

But this thing is really living a comfortable life!

This unlucky fellow really knows how to enjoy life; even at this hour, he's still lying on the back of a sentient beast.

Xiao Xinyue has been having some worries lately.

Those who do too much to worry about the country and its people age very quickly.

She's already older than him, and it's not good to keep putting it off... Shouldn't we also put other things on the agenda?

"Harm~"

"Your Majesty, your words are truly hurtful. Chen is always diligent and conscientious in his work, staying up until the wee hours every night, he's exhausted!"

The hardworking little bird and Lingyu also need to sleep at this time.

Everyone is working very hard!

"Your Majesty is well aware that our new steamships are ready for official use. Although Chen wasn't in charge of this matter, he certainly contributed a great deal of effort."

Xiao Xinyue rolled her eyes at him.

What a load of rubbish!
He never goes to court, spending his days walking his dog and birds, acting like a tyrant.

This person is shameless and has a seductive mouth; it's pointless to talk to him.

"Give me some space, I want to try riding your beast too."

(End of this chapter)