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

Chapter 319 A Fierce Tiger Sniffs a Rose, Heading North

"The Northern Lie have declared war on the Qian Yuan?"

"One hundred thousand elite cavalrymen, stationed on the north bank of the Liehe River?"

In Bailing City, Hong Ling Shuang, wearing a cloak, stood in front of the city lord's mansion, looking at the intelligence report in her hand with great interest.

It's winter now, but the weather has been warmer this year, and the rivers haven't frozen yet.

During this period, the Jinglan Alliance was very stable, conducting business and developing its economy peacefully, and steadily drawing resources from the mainland.

The three passes of the northern border of Qian Yuan were exchanged for a piece of land in Bei Lie that she had always coveted, and she has been digesting and controlling it during this time.

At the same time, she had been waiting.

We await changes in the international situation.

She was very clear about her current position; neither Qian Yuan nor Bei Lie would seek to start a war with the Jing Lan Alliance.

Her only chance was to seize the opportunity presented by the conflict between the two countries, maneuver around the situation, and seek victory.

Normally speaking, with the least power, it would be impossible for her to take the initiative to dominate the world.

However, she can gamble on Qian Yuan and Bei Lie giving her a chance.

In any case, if you win, you make a fortune; if you lose, you can still absorb a lot of resources.

Now that the canal in Beilie has been repaired, Qianyuan has begun to recover lost territory.

The wind began to blow, and the situation was about to change. The two countries, which had long harbored resentment, were about to settle their old scores.

"Hey~"

"Using Mingchen as an excuse! Hahaha~"

"The envoy from Beilie was so frightened that he fainted in the court!"

She seemed to have noticed something amusing and chuckled softly, "Who is this envoy? Is it the same person who came to Bailing back then?"

Her subordinate stood respectfully beside her and nodded slightly: "Yes, it's Liu Zhonggu."

"Tsk, this guy isn't a complete idiot..."

Upon hearing this, Hong Ling Shuang sighed softly: "That Emperor Qian is not someone to be trifled with."

The rivals of this era are all quite formidable...

She paused for a moment and then said, "Lai Yong, while the weather is still fine, hurry back to the archipelago and transfer some more men. Have Su Junyou bring the seven thousand men he commands."

"kindness?"

The subordinate hesitated for a moment, then asked, "General Su is also going to sea? Alliance Leader, what are these people being transferred for? Where are they going?"

"Head north! Garrison troops at Laichong Port."

The land that was just exchanged with Bei Lie was not considered prosperous, the population was average, and the resources were not abundant.

However, one good thing is that it is located by the sea and has a huge port.

Hong Lingshuang planned to station troops here, using this as a base for both advance and retreat.

At any time, the third brother wanted to live and seek an opportunity to dominate.

Then the only option is to instigate the eldest and second eldest to fight, slightly help the second eldest, and take the opportunity to develop and absorb the eldest eldest's resources.

In Hong Ling Shuang's view now, Bei Lie is stronger than Qian Yuan.

Although the Qian Yuan dynasty was developing well, it was revived by wise rulers and virtuous ministers.

But in terms of strength, Bei Lie is still superior.

No matter how stealthy Xiao Xinyue's development was, or how wise and virtuous she was in governing the world, she had only managed to cultivate a little over a third of her territory over the years, at most two-fifths.

In the rest of the Qian Yuan era, war raged and the land was in ruins.

Although the resistance forces had already collapsed.

However, a significant amount of energy and military resources still need to be devoted to cleaning up the mess left behind by the Blood-Clad Army and the Chen Kingdom.

Many cities and counties are now ghost towns.

Land and resources are still manageable, but the chaos has severely damaged the population base of Qian Yuan, which is not something that can be restored in a year or two.

In contrast, although Beilie spent a huge amount of manpower and resources to build the canal, its people did not suffer from war-related persecution.

On the contrary, during this period of rest, food supplies and population were consolidated and developed.

With the irrigation canals repaired, the saline-alkali land was transformed into vast tracts of fertile farmland, and even with the harsher environment, the growth rate was greatly increased.

The ruler of Beilie is a powerful and virtuous leader. The country reveres military might, and its soldiers consider dying in battle an honor. They are already formidable warriors, and now they have reached an even higher level of strength.

He is undoubtedly the strongest overlord of our time.

Therefore, it has the initiative to start a war and can initiate a war first.

Under such circumstances, it was impossible for Hong Ling Shuang to help Bei Lie annihilate Qian Yuan as she had previously promised with a smile.

That would undoubtedly be squeezing out any chance of victory.

With Bei Lie gaining the upper hand and eliminating the second-in-command, there's even less chance for her, the third-in-command.

For now, she needs to prepare and garrison troops on the mainland.

At the height of the war between the two countries, he pulled out a cold knife and ripped a large chunk of flesh from Bei Lie's body.

This is very clear, and everyone knows it.

Qin Lou also knew Hong Ling Shuang's thoughts.

Bei Lie stationed 30,000 troops in a fortified city on the border with the Jing Lan Alliance to guard against Hong Ling Shuang's sneak attack.

Hong Ling Shuang was like a buzzing fly, annoying and bothersome, but Qin Lou couldn't spare the time to deal with her.

This is the only way to maintain a superficial balance for now, so that everyone can be at peace.

The subordinate, unaware of Hong Ling Shuang's thoughts, simply nodded respectfully and said, "Yes!"

Hong Ling Shuang rubbed her temples, feeling somewhat tired: "When Su Junyou comes, please bring Wei Tong along too."

The Jinglan Alliance seems very flexible and can escape at any time, which is a headache for Qin Lou.

However, operating on two fronts is not easy in reality.

While scheming against the mainland, Hong Ling Shuang also had to manage and command the islands.

If she hadn't laid a solid foundation, the archipelago would have been in chaos long ago.

Now, forces and subjects are being continuously drawn from the archipelago, putting pressure on the archipelago as well.

But there was no way around it. As her territory expanded, she couldn't possibly appoint all her talents from the local area, especially in the North, where the people's loyalty was extremely high.

The subordinate paused for a moment, then replied, "Yes!"

"go a head."

The subordinates left, and everything returned to calm.

Hong Ling Shuang stood quietly in front of the door, looking at the sky and sighing softly: "Zhu You... Chen Jun..."

The biggest loss from coming to the mainland was that chaotic mistake, which cost her one of her most trusted and capable assistants.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be so tired.

Ultimately, it was because she was too arrogant and self-righteous.

He thought he had everything under control, but he was outsmarted by a scoundrel.

She has already reflected deeply on her actions.

However, she did not think going to sea was wrong.

The world is magnificent and beautiful, full of heroes and talented people. If we don't compete here and leave our names in this magnificent history, wouldn't it be a waste of our lives?
Snowflakes fluttered down from the sky, and she reached out her hand to catch one of them.

In a daze, she seemed to see that annoying, nagging old man again.

"Old man, why don't you just stay in the sea and watch..."

Look how big the waves are when a whale shark leaps out of the sea amidst the turbulent winds and clouds.

……

In the Northern Lie court, all the civil and military officials remained silent.

"Your Majesty, I...I will be punished with death!"

"thump!"

The envoy who once stood proudly in the enemy court, engaging in fierce debates without diminishing the prestige of the Northern Fierce.

At this moment, his eyes were dark and his face was full of vicissitudes. He knelt down on the ground and cried out to his monarch in grief.

What a huge loss of face he made!

He actually fainted in the imperial court, which became a legend and a source of ridicule for the people of Qian Yuan.

His personal face is insignificant, but as an envoy, he represents the face of Bei Lie!
On the way back, he didn't sleep well all night, filled with endless regret.

To have done something so shameful, one should truly atone with death.

There was no need to investigate; thanks to Qian Yuan's deliberate efforts, the news had already spread widely.

"capital offense?"

The imposing king sat on his throne, his robust frame and commanding presence exuding an aura of authority. Looking down upon his ministers, their faces contorted with grief and remorse, his eyes were slightly lowered, his voice calm, and no one could discern his true thoughts.

The imperial court was somewhat quiet.

Although the outcome was indeed a breakdown in negotiations and war between the two countries, it was within Bei Lie's expectations.

However, the process was not pleasant; it boosted the morale of the enemy and was somewhat embarrassing.

Qin Lou suddenly stood up from the throne, walked down the steps, and came to the minister who was bowing his head in grief.

"What crime have you committed?"

A voice came from beside Liu Zhonggu's ear. He shuddered and numbly raised his head, staring blankly at his king.

"Did you fail to properly convey my meaning?"

"Did you not express our dynasty's willingness to engage in friendly negotiations?"

"Over the years, you have worked diligently, traveling far and wide, crossing countless mountains and rivers, and made numerous contributions to the prosperity of our Northern Lie. Now, the three passes of the Northern Border have been brought under our control entirely thanks to your silver tongue. What crime have you committed?"

He bent down and helped Liu Zhonggu, who had fallen to his knees, to his feet.

Qin Lousheng was tall and imposing, exuding a sense of intimidation.

He was not a good person, and was even somewhat harsh. He would not tolerate any mistakes made by his close ministers.

But at this moment, these words, spoken in a stark contrast, sent shivers down one's spine.

At least Liu Zhonggu, the person involved, felt a surge of emotion and a sore throat.

"It is clearly Qian Yuan who is being rude and unreasonable, and mistreating our envoys."

“He neither gave them food nor allowed them to sleep peacefully, and openly threatened our important officials in the court.”

"He caused you to faint on the spot." "What crime have you committed? It was clearly Qian Yuan who was rude and arrogant! And he even dared to publicize it..."

"How can we allow our pillars of the dynasty to be bullied and humiliated?!"

The previous kindness vanished in an instant. Qin Lou clenched his fists, his eyes wide with rage, his face contorted with rage. His gaze swept over the assembled officials: "I will not let this matter rest with Qian Yuan! I will send someone to issue a proclamation to the world, announcing that my Northern Fierce Iron Cavalry will trample through the enemy's territory and bring that Emperor Qian here to beg for forgiveness from you."

Liu Zhonggu trembled and stared intently at the king before him.

He had imagined that his king would be furious and punish him.

He also thought that his hard work and merits over the years might save him from death.

But he never expected that His Majesty would stand in front of him and say such a thing.

"His Majesty!!!"

His face was filled with grief, tears streaming down his face, and he cried out incessantly, "Your subject... Your subject..."

"Your subject is willing to repay your great kindness even unto death, by repaying the debt of grass and carrying a jade ring in his mouth..."

I was initially somewhat disheartened.

Even if he survives this time, he is prepared to resign and retire.

However, hearing Qin Lou's words today stirred his blood and filled him with boundless gratitude, making him willing to die to serve his monarch.

All his original thoughts were thrown to the back of his mind, and he swallowed his words.

He would be willing to be a lowly soldier on the front lines.

Liu Zhonggu's sorrowful and moving voice echoed throughout the hall, and all the officials were visibly agitated.

Ninety percent of Qin Lou's words were just for show; however, ninety percent of monarchs could not actually put on such a show.

Whether Qin Lou's feelings were genuine or feigned.

However, given the current atmosphere in the imperial court, it's hard not to be moved by such a scene.

Some people may unconsciously identify with Liu Zhonggu's character.

As a subject, who can guarantee that they will never encounter a predicament like Lord Liu's in their lifetime?

How could one not repay such a ruler with death?
When leaders provide the best treatment and understanding, how can employees not work hard?
Qin Lou stepped down from the throne, exuding a human touch.

He gently patted Liu Zhonggu's shoulder: "Lord Liu, you must be tired from your journey. Don't think too much. Go and rest."

"We've declared war on Qian Yuan!"

"war!!"

"war!!!"

In the Northern Lie court, the officials also shouted in unison.

Xiao Xinyue can inspire the morale of her ministers, and so can Qin Lou.

A fierce tiger gently sniffs a rose.

While maintaining their own reputation, they also garnered a group of loyal followers.

……

"Hmm... Mingchen, maybe I should ride it myself~"

The world was in turmoil, with upheavals and uncertainties.

In the northern border of Qian Yuan, two seemingly inconspicuous and thin people sped past on the main road.

Unbeknownst to anyone, these two were the very people at the center of the shifting balance of power in the world.

The horse galloped along the road, the surrounding scenery flashing by.

Ling Yu was held in her husband's arms, feeling the wind rushing past her ears.

Whether from the cold or embarrassment, her ears were a little red.

Mingchen embraced his wife and said with a grin, "What's wrong? Even His Majesty rides with me, yet my wife is embarrassed?"

With the northern border finally recovered, General Song Mingzhe, whom Xiao Xinyue had appointed, led 8,000 troops and successfully completed their mission. It was time to move on to the next stage of the plan.

Mingchen and Lingyu set off.

Whether they can seize the opportunity to steal back the three passes in the north depends on this one move.

On the surface, Ling Yu has already gone south to suppress bandits, and Ming Chen, the Duke of Anguo, has always been idle...

The couple's itinerary was kept strictly confidential; the fewer people who knew, the better.

So they didn't bring any subordinates with them, only the two of them traveled together.

Even Mingchen didn't ride the flamboyant white wolf, but only a simple galloping horse.

"Humph!"

"What are you embarrassed about?"

Ling Yu glared at him, forcibly finding an excuse for her shyness, and said, "I'm afraid you're not good at riding and will throw me off the horse."

Mingchen: ...

Very good. Ever since listening to the story in Yueyang City, Sister Dai has become more and more mischievous.

They're getting better and better at being two-faced!

"General Ling, you're talking nonsense!"

"Who said I'm not a good horseman?!"

"Tsk tsk tsk~ Our Duke Anguo's horsemanship is so superb, he must have scored several goals in polo, right?"

Mingchen said fiercely to her, "I think you've gotten bolder again! It seems I still need to assert my authority as your husband!"

"Hey~ What are you doing!!!"

"Mingchen, we're riding horses!"

The two were just like ordinary people, bickering and arguing all the way, without any scruples, using business trips to date on company-funded pay.

No one expected that two of the four most esteemed dukes of the Qian Yuan dynasty would be such a person.

Ling Yu was actually very happy.

Upon closer inspection, this seemed to be the first time since their marriage that only the two of them had gone out together.

The clamor of the world seemed to fade away, and only the two of them could see each other.

Of course, the few light bulb animals can be ignored.

Ling Yu relaxed completely, gently leaning against her husband's chest, whose horsemanship was not very good, feeling the scenery rush by and the horse's swaying.

A great battle is imminent, and she is about to command the battlefield, facing the legions of her sworn enemy.

She felt unusually calm at that moment.

"Snowing."

Before we knew it, another year was about to pass.

As the horses galloped, a cool breeze swept across my cheeks; snowflakes landed on my skin and vanished instantly.

Ling Yu looked up at the snowflakes falling from the sky and sighed softly, "It seems we won't be celebrating the New Year this year."

Once this war begins, it's impossible to know when it will end.

Not only this year, but perhaps next year, the year after... we won't be able to have peace either.

Mingchen smiled and asked, "Why can't I pass?"

"Is the holiday more important, or the people?"

"Having you by my side is like celebrating the New Year for me~"

This person's mouth is truly a gift from heaven.

He can talk the dead back to life.

The sweet taste seemed to spread and ripple across the lake of her heart, and Ling Yu smiled unconsciously.

Then, as if joking, she asked Mingchen, "What about His Majesty? He won't be able to celebrate the New Year!"

Mingchen: ...

Damn it, his adorable, tongue-tied older sister is probably gone forever.

Where did you learn to be so eloquent?!

He forgot who his silly sister had been watching over all these years, and who she could have learned from.
"What's wrong? My silly sister wants me to spend the New Year with His Majesty?"

"That won't do~ You must come with me!"

The horses galloped across the flat plain, and the two laughed and joked for a while.

Suddenly, a cold, desolate wind swept through the hall, bringing a chill from the inside out.

Ling Yu looked around and couldn't help but sigh, "This place has truly become a dead zone."

"When I first went north, although this place was incredibly difficult, at least I could still see signs of human habitation. Now, however, there isn't a single person left..."

Snowflakes drifted down, landing on deserted villages and desolate farmlands.

She has never had high personal desires, and even in a high position, she is not obsessed with money and power.

Mingchen's initial assessment of him was that he was sincere, a person with faith and ideals.

The desolate scene, devoid of human trace, inexplicably evokes a sense of melancholy.

Back then, her home was just a village like this, an ordinary family with no grand ambitions, only hoping to have enough to eat and wear, and to have her children and grandchildren around her.

Where have all the people gone?

This problem is heartbreaking to think about even for a moment.

Conflicts between nations, struggles between ambitious individuals, power struggles and conquests...

Ultimately, it's these people struggling to make a living who will pay the price.

"..."

Mingchen also sighed softly.

A few years ago, when I went north, I saw people displaced, starving dead everywhere, and bandits running rampant... so I thought that the country had reached the extreme of poverty and ruin.

Little did they know, an even more despairing scene awaited them.

For miles around, there was no sign of human habitation; the paths were deserted; the villages were empty; the fields were overgrown with weeds; and the skeletons were faintly visible.

Everyone is dead; the endless desolation is perhaps even more despairing.

Human desires are the root of chaos and disorder.

Yet, we have no choice but to fight for it.

Even now, only halfway through the game, this land will continue to experience war and endless death.

(End of this chapter)