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

Chapter 353 The Situation in the South, The Strange Monk
Time passed slowly, winter passed and spring came, and the wind and snow gradually melted away.

News of the victory in the defense of Yueyang City also spread.

Ling Yu, who was stationed at the two passes of the northern border, breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving the news; it was good news. If Yueyang had fallen, the northern border would have been in a precarious situation.

When Alliance Leader Hong Ling Shuang, who had been watching the show, received the news, she couldn't help but laugh and scold, "That flirtatious fellow, he's cheating again."

The bet she made with Mingchen meant that Mingchen wouldn't interfere with anything, and Xiao Xinyue would have to turn the tide and protect Yueyang all by herself.

As a result, this unlucky guy turned around and found a loophole to help Yueyang.

Although I haven't heard of him playing any major role, he still had some influence.

She knew that if this guy dared to put himself at the gambling table, he basically had no hope.

The Northern Emperor, the instigator, naturally knew the news. Upon hearing this, he could only sigh inwardly. Qian Yuan was not destined to die, and he would not complain about Tian Hong. He knew that this trip was dangerous, and his elder brother had obviously risked his life. He could not criticize him anymore.

In addition, the news also reached the ears of other interested parties.

In the south, south of Xiaoyao City, lie the three prefectures of Ping, Ji, and Ze, which were the first territories occupied by the Blood-Clad Army. The Blood-Clad Army had been entrenched here for more than ten years. After Emperor Qi, Wang Huai, died in a coup, the entire southern region fell into great chaos.

The people and the army have lost their faith, and ambitious people have jumped out to fish in troubled waters, with bandits running rampant.

A few days ago, Qian Yuan sent troops to reclaim lost territory and eliminate various stubborn separatist forces.

War broke out again, and in the midst of chaos, these separatist forces struggled to find a way to survive, banded together, and eventually formed the current situation.

They elected Du Yun'an, the most powerful former subordinate of the Blood Robe, as commander, and Wang Yuyang, the posthumous son of Emperor Qi Wang Huai, as the new Emperor Qi. They established a regime in the south and absorbed all forces that hated Qian Yuan.

This group includes not only the remnants of the Bloodstained Army, but also some bandits who roamed the chaotic world, some ambitious schemers, and even some foreign forces...

After Qian Yuan returned to aid Yueyang, some remnants of the regime, having witnessed Qian Yuan's military strength, united and joined the new Great Qi.

In short, this alliance was formed by a motley crew of people.

The Qian Yuan's overwhelming momentum is unstoppable, leaving no room for these people in this chaotic world to survive.

They had been on the verge of defeat, but the return of Yueyang gave them a chance to catch their breath.

If everyone is scattered in different places and does not unite, they can only be defeated and eliminated one by one by Qian Yuan.

Only when everyone comes together and works as one can we have the right to compete for survival.

"Reinforcements arrived, Yueyang City was successfully defended, and Tian Hong led the Northern Fierce Army to retreat to Chengjin City."

When the bad news arrived, the hastily assembled court fell silent.

They originally thought that even if they didn't kill Xiao Xinyue, they could still seize Yueyang City, deal a heavy blow to the Qianyuan government, and keep them busy and unable to wipe out these people.

Unexpectedly, General Tian Hong, with such a prestigious reputation, accomplished nothing and instead brought fame to Emperor Qian.

"Yueyang City is safe and sound. Emperor Qian will surely raise an army to march south again and attack us."

A young prince sat on the throne, looking down at the ruthless ministers below, and shrank back somewhat: "What brilliant ideas do you gentlemen have?"

Their current, rudimentary regime can only hide and fend for itself in the south.

They were no match for Qian Yuan at all.

Yueyang City has been saved, but it's clear that the enemy will send a large army to attack it next.

Those people will have an even harder time then.

"Why should we be afraid of them?"

Not far from Wang Yuyang stood a tall, extremely robust, and fat general. His expression was sinister, and he snorted coldly, "Our Great Qi is not to be trifled with. If they come, we will start a war."

He is the current Marshal of the Great Qi, named Du Yun'an. He was once a general under Wang Huai, commanding the Southeast Military Region during Wang Huai's northern expedition, responsible for defending the rear base. Wang Huai was shrewd and did not let him hold all the power, but instead assigned his brothers and subordinates to share the authority. However, these people were either transferred away due to the war or were unable to defeat him and were squeezed out and killed by him.

When Wang Huai was campaigning against Xu Zhongling, he ordered Xu Zhongling to send troops, but Xu Zhongling refused due to banditry. Now that Wang Huai is dead, Xu Zhongling has seized control of the south with his powerful army, becoming the largest separatist force.

On the surface, they support Wang Yuyang as the leader, calling him Emperor Qi, but in reality, the one who truly holds power is the Grand Marshal who holds the official position of Prime Minister and controls the army and real power.

"They're nothing but a bunch of cunning and deceitful people. How can I let Mingchen, who secretly harmed the late emperor, get away with it?"

To unite forces, the first thing needed is a common slogan and a common enemy.

Under the propaganda of people like Du Yun'an, Wang Huai did not die in a mutiny, but was assassinated by Ming Chen's conspiracy. The Blood-Clad Army should not be in turmoil, but should concentrate all its efforts on supporting the new master and resisting Qian Yuan.

This was the slogan he promoted in the south, to appease the people, to reap the political legacy of Wang Huai, and to establish a regime in Xinhe City, south of Xiaoyao City.

Do everything possible to quell the chaos and, by leveraging Wang Huai's reputation, consolidate your forces.

The makeshift court, though nominally an imperial court, was actually ruled by a Grand Marshal who held no real power.

The rest of these powerful figures were nothing more than various separatist forces that had come to join them. Each of them had their own ulterior motives and they had formed a simple alliance that seemed united but did not have the same cohesive power as Qian Yuan.

"Your Majesty, the Northern Lie have not yet withdrawn their troops."

“We can send envoys to Chengjin City to establish an alliance with Tian Hong. We can then unite against the common enemy and fight together against Qian Yuan.”

The new Daqi has now become a complete interest-driven group, devoid of any faith whatsoever.

This is completely contrary to the ideal state established by Wang Huai.

The righteous are long dead; all that remains are those corrupted by power.

If Wang Huai were alive, even if he surrendered to Qian Yuan, he would never have done something like uniting with Bei Lie to resist Qian Yuan.

Family matters are family matters.

……

The sun shines brightly; the south is a warm place, and winter is gradually receding, with no more wind or snow in sight.

In the most magnificent and wealthy mansion in the city.

Carved beams and painted rafters, magnificent and splendid, with doors adorned with gold, silver and jade.

This place must have amassed countless riches during those chaotic times to build such a mansion.

It was far more magnificent than the palace where the new Qi emperor resided.

After finishing his court duties, Grand Marshal Du Yun'an hurriedly returned home, plopped down in a sandalwood chair, and looked rather unpleasant.

The dignified and imposing manner he speaks to superiors is merely for show.

He knew full well that once the Qian Yuan army marched south...
What will he face? What kind of ending will he get? All the wealth and glory before him are but fleeting clouds.

Suddenly, a gentle male voice rang in his ear: "Marshal, should we send someone to General Kita Ryakuta Hiroshi's place to discuss the alliance?"

He looked up repeatedly upon hearing this.

As my gaze fell, a strange monk appeared, having walked in from outside the door at some unknown time.

He found it very strange; he took one step, but it felt like he had already covered ten steps.

In an instant, they were right in front of him.

"This humble monk has been wronged and has met with the Marshal."

As the monk looked up, a strange face came into Du Yun'an's view.

The rather fair-skinned monk, wearing a monk's hat, made a Buddhist gesture with one hand.

However, strangely, his left eye was closed and his right eye was open.

His lips were split in two, and only the left side of his lip moved when he spoke; he was indeed a strange person.

Several years ago, when Wang Huai went north, this monk knocked on Du Yun'an's door.

Wang Huai was ruthless, killing meritorious officials... The spread of these events and the internal rebellion were actually orchestrated by him behind the scenes, leading to many subsequent events and ultimately his current status and position. "You've finally arrived!"

"Tell me, what should I do now?"

"The troops under my command are absolutely no match for Qian Yuan."

Wang Huai was incredibly brave; he even gave up after witnessing Ming Chen lead his army to attack Xiaoyao City.

Not to mention Du Yun'an.

He stood up and spoke urgently to the strange monk.

He trusted this partner very much.

He knew this person possessed great wisdom and talent.

The monk narrowed his eyes and said to Du Yun'an, "Marshal, rest assured. Qian Yuan may seem valiant, but he is actually facing enemies on three sides and is not having an easy time. Most of his troops are probably stationed at various strategic passes and locations, and he is not invincible. Moreover, Yueyang City has just suffered a major disaster, and the military deployment is in disarray."

"This humble monk is unworthy, but I am willing to make this trip for the Marshal and join forces with the Northern Fierce Army."

The monk's eyes gleamed, and he spoke only of the interests of the court, yet he showed no trace of the wisdom and pursuit of a monk who is free from desires, wants, forms, and ego: "Our dynasty, together with the Northern Lie, will launch a pincer attack, drive the Qian Yuan back to the southwest, grant them land and titles, and establish a new dynasty."

The monk's words struck a chord with Du Yun'an. His eyes lit up, and he repeatedly asked, "Really?!"

The monk parted his right lip slightly and smiled warmly at Du Yun'an: "Really!"

"Good good!"

Du Yun'an seemed to have found his pillar of support, nodding repeatedly and saying happily, "Then I will do as you say."

"Our army cannot hold its ground and wait for the enemy to attack. Marshal, you must take the initiative to strike. I hope that you will send troops north to capture Xinhuoling and coordinate with General Tian Hong. This will connect Qi and Chengjincheng, draw the Northern Lie army in, and facilitate an alliance between the two sides."

"When the Northern Fierce army marches south, our army can coordinate from within and without to capture Qianyuan. The Northern Fierce will control the north, and the Marshal will control the south; the overall situation is already set."

Ultimately, Bei Lie and Qian Yuan are the true great powers; these makeshift groups are just that—makeshift groups.

Deep in Du Yun'an's heart, he held great power in awe.

With Bei Lie's support, it seems that they have the resources to contend with Qian Yuan.

Du Yun'an nodded repeatedly, praising, "Good, good, good!"

"I will now muster my troops."

The monk nodded slightly, clasped his hands together, and smiled: "Marshal, you are quick-witted and decisive. I admire you."

He paused, then opened his left eye, which had been closed the whole time. The light in his pure white pupils shone as he looked at Du Yun'an and said, "Marshal, those in high positions are easily envied and hated. I fear that something ominous may befall you soon."

Du Yun'an frowned: "Huh?!"

Here, he was indeed in a high position of power and was arrogant and domineering.

The emperor was merely an excuse to appease the people; in reality, Du Yun'an was the one who called the shots in this vast southern territory.

It's possible that someone was jealous of him.

"This humble monk offers the Marshal an item that will ensure his safe passage through this calamity."

The monk looked around, flicked his sleeve, and tossed two small stones onto the roof beam.

"This……"

Du Yun'an was taken aback upon seeing this.

This monk was rambling and often did things that defied reason.

Will throwing two things onto the roof beam really break his curse?

The monk didn't say much, but simply gave him a Buddhist salute and left.

Time passed slowly, and before you knew it, it was evening.

As the news spread, people in Xinhe City were filled with anxiety, and everyone had their own thoughts.

Du Yun'an was unusually clear-headed today, not sleepy, and had no interest in pampering his beautiful wives and concubines.

My eyelids kept twitching, as if I had a bad feeling.

He sat in the main hall, quietly looking at the two stones the monk had left behind during the day.

It looks like something you picked up randomly on the roadside, nothing special.

Suddenly, a gust of wind rose, and he stiffened, raising his head abruptly.

Two figures appeared at the doorway, their eyes sharp as knives.

"Du Yun'an, why?!"

He was met with a barrage of questions.

"Whoosh!"

The spear moved with lightning speed, its force brushing against Du Yun'an's face, and struck him precisely next to the head, startling him so much that he broke out in a cold sweat.

"It's you...it's all of you!"

Turning his head to look, his eyes narrowed, and he exclaimed in surprise.

The newcomer angrily questioned, "Du Yun'an, why are you using my elder brother's name? Why are you falsely claiming him as my elder brother's son?!"

"Exploiting the people and squandering their wealth."

"The Blood-Clad Army was destroyed by people like you!"

What came into view were two cold-looking young men, their faces flushed and their eyes bloodshot.

The Nine Blood-Clad Ghosts had all perished, and Wang Huai sadly withdrew from this chaotic world, leaving the mess behind to his two remaining brothers, the Lustful Ghost and the Gambling Ghost, to handle and hand over the reins to Ming Chen.

After completing Wang Huai's instructions, the two refused to surrender to Qian Yuan and chose to travel the world, living a carefree life as two chivalrous heroes.

They were unwilling to get involved with the Blood-Clad Army anymore.

Unexpectedly, Du Yun'an has set up such a large operation in the south.

Not only did they tamper with Wang Huai's aspirations, but they also promoted a so-called "new Qi emperor," a supposed descendant of the common people, to continue to exploit Wang Huai's faith, fool the people, win over heroes, gather a group of unjust people, do despicable things, deceive and oppress, enjoy wealth and honor, and devour the bones and blood of Wang Huai's legacy.

They disliked Qian Yuan and were unwilling to serve him.

However, history is written by the victors, and since the elder brother had given up, they had nothing to say.

They hated traitors like Du Yun'an even more.

Wang Huai had already intended to stop; if the remaining people wanted to put up a stubborn resistance and fight a losing battle, then so be it.

What does it mean to bring Wang Huai, who is already 'dead,' back into the spotlight?
They also need to create a random descendant for him.

"Du Yun'an, have you forgotten the oath of my Blood-Clad Army?!"

"Come on, come on!"

Seeing the two men's angry expressions, Du Yun'an, feeling guilty, knew the reason for their actions.

He has long since become the kind of people that the Blood-Clad Army hated the most.

He didn't bother to explain himself; he just dodged awkwardly, drew his weapon to defend himself, and shouted loudly.

(End of this chapter)