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

Chapter 367 The General Returns, the Monarch Weeps

Most people in this world never experience the real world.

As the sun rises, the thunder vanishes.

Everything returned to calm, and the simplest, most ordinary day began anew.

The divine dragon that once roamed the sky bathed in lightning will eventually become an unattainable legend passed down among the soldiers.

No one knows the truth behind it all.

Even Long Lian and the other parties involved wouldn't know who else was playing the game behind the scenes.

Broken walls and ruins, a desolate and dead wasteland.

Mingchen glanced down at the headless corpse in front of him. The ugly head rolled twice on the ground, clearly indicating that it was beyond saving.

There seem to be many more stories behind this person, but they are impossible to uncover.

"Fuyao, let's go."

The dust has settled.

With a flap of its wings, the red bird carried Mingchen away.

The place where thunder roared last night has now completely returned to calm.

……

There was some chaos in Xingtai Pass.

Ling Yu hastily withdrew his troops overnight, having already suffered considerable losses in the disaster.

The army was in complete disarray. She would need a long time to calm the troops, change the defensive strategy, readjust the troop deployment, and stabilize the situation...

She was a general, and duels between cultivators were not within her purview.

Although she was worried about Long Lian's condition, she couldn't help her right now and was too busy to care about anything else.

However, not long after all that busyness, I met someone who was both unexpected and yet perfectly reasonable.

A red bird soared across the sky, and the young man arrived gracefully before the general's tent.

The guard was startled and instinctively gripped his weapon, but relaxed immediately after seeing who it was.

"Master Ming, please!"

"Mingchen...you're back?!"

He was clearly a carefree playboy, but seeing him made me feel inexplicably at ease.

Ling Yu was overjoyed and quickly pulled him into the tent.

"Does my sister miss me?"

Mingchen looked at her with a smile.

The two had the closest relationship in the world, and after two months apart, Ling Yu naturally missed him.

However, at this moment she had no interest in flirting with Mingchen, and simply said to him with a serious expression, "Mingchen, how is Long Lian? She was fighting with cultivators last night..."

She could naturally distinguish between what was important and what was not.

Mingchen gently shook his head: "It's alright, I've already taken care of everything."

Long Lian is sleeping peacefully in his arms right now.

The battle of wits that night was thrilling but ultimately safe.

Although Long Lian was severely injured and almost got taken away.

However, from a purely profit-driven perspective, they still made a profit.

Long Lian was injured, but she can recover.

Having successfully undergone tribulation and transformed into a dragon, it has taken another step forward.

Mingchen fulfilled her long-cherished wish and received a reward.

They also stole their opponent's powerful magic weapon and obtained a sword sheath.

They killed a cultivator who posed a threat to Long Lian.

In other words, from the perspective of the national situation, we suffered a slight loss, having lost a strategic pass.

However, considering the current enemy forces, Libu Pass has already exceeded its mission by holding out until now, until the enemy used its trump card to completely destroy it.

"Is it?"

Mingchen's words finally put Ling Yu's mind at ease.

She let out a soft breath, murmuring repeatedly, "That's good, that's good..."

She knew what kind of person Mingchen was; he seemed carefree, cold-hearted, and ungrateful.

But in reality, they value the people around them very much.

If something were to happen to Long Lian, she wouldn't know how to face him.

Mingchen stepped forward, gently put his arm around Lingyu's shoulder, and said tenderly, "Now, sister, can you tell me if you've missed me?"

He knew the pressure Ling Yu had been under during this time.

He wanted to help his older sister relax a bit.

Just do your best; there's nothing you absolutely have to do.

Even if we take a step back and assume that Qian Yuan loses... so what?

Time stretches on endlessly, yet it is but a drop in the ocean of history.

Only in front of Mingchen could Ling Yu be a little softer. She leaned gently against Mingchen, not hiding her longing: "I miss you."

With Mingchen back, it seems she can finally vent her anger.

They cuddled for a while.

She lowered her eyes, seemingly a little embarrassed: "I'm sorry, Libu Pass is lost."

She knew how much effort Mingchen had put into tricking Libu Pass.

Mingchen simply patted her head and said with a smile, "My silly sister is amazing, she only just lost the challenge."

No one wins all the time.

The pass that was tricked back does not necessarily belong to Qian Yuan.

The same words, spoken by two different people, can have completely different contexts.

Without reinforcements, facing an enemy force ten times their size, and also threatened by the enemy's cunning cultivators.

Even if it were Mingchen, he might not be able to defend the pass.

Only Ling Yu can do that.

We can't be any more demanding of her.

"Well……"

This person, with that mouth, is so good at sweet-talking.

They cuddled for a while, but didn't say anything romantic.

Ling Yu raised her eyes again and asked Ming Chen, "Ming Chen, what is the current situation in Qian Yuan?"

"Can the southern rebellion be quelled?"

"And what about the Northern Lie invading army led by Tian Hong?"

Mingchen held Lingyu's hand and sat down beside her, recounting to her what he had done on his journey south.

Mingchen returned to the Northern Territory.

With the return of their core leader who always creates miracles, the morale of the Qian Yuan Northern Army has also been boosted.

……

"Flooded Chengjin City?"

"Tian Hongjun has been defeated?"

In the Qian Yuan court of Yueyang City.

The news of the victory had only just arrived.

The torrential rain continued, and Mingchen diverted the Qi River to flood Chengjin City. The Beilie Army was defeated, and Tian Hong led his troops to retreat and flee overnight.

This troublemaker, who once reached as far as Yueyang City, has finally been driven away.

For a moment, the imperial court became somewhat quiet.

The courtiers were all somewhat numb.

Everyone seemed to have gotten used to the miracles that monstrous Duke was creating.

He seems to be omnipotent!
If you hand a problem to him, he always has a way to solve it.

He only brought 8,000 soldiers, with the sole purpose of keeping Tian Hong and his group pinned down in one place.

Unexpectedly, the Duke seemed to have divine assistance, as if fate itself was on his side. Taking advantage of the heavy rain, he defeated Tian Hong's 20,000 troops with only 8,000 soldiers, causing them to flee in disarray.

That's Tian Hong!

In Beilie, he was a military god whose reputation was no less than that of Hou Buyen!
How long has it been?

And just like that, he was slunk away by Mingchen?
"This……"

"Master Ming is truly a god!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Qian Yuan Dynasty!"

"..." For a moment, the officials in the court were overjoyed and showered him with praise.

When the gap is too large, it seems that there will be no feelings of jealousy.

This nation's brightest sun will not have its light stolen by anyone!
The rest of you should just do your job well and cheer each other on from the sidelines.

As for the rest, let's leave it to that Duke...

"Hahaha!"

"it is good!"

"Okay!"

"Truly worthy of being my Duke of Anguo!"

Having won once again by doing nothing, Xiao Xinyue sat on the throne, patting the armrest and laughing heartily.

"reward!"

"A generous reward awaits!"

Look, this is the person I've set my sights on!
Whenever she heard about Mingchen's impressive achievements, she felt a sense of pride.

……

In contrast to the joyous atmosphere in the court of Qian Yuan, the scene on the other side was completely different.

In the Northern Lie Qingcang City, a light rain fell and a biting wind blew, as if the entire capital was shrouded in a dark cloud.

The soldiers who had gone to the enemy country finally returned to their homeland. They had walked through the gates of hell, but they had not completed their mission.

In the imperial court, everyone was dressed in mourning clothes, their faces cold and indifferent.

A chilling aura seeped into the very soul through the bones, sending shivers down one's spine.

The once domineering monarch, who sat imposingly on his throne, now rested his head on his hand, his eyes lowered and somewhat vacant.

The court was quiet; no one spoke.

After a while, several soldiers carried a person wrapped in a white cloth into the main hall.

In an instant, Qin Lou was shaken, as if struck by lightning; all his luck was finally shattered at this moment.

"His Majesty……"

Under the concerned gazes of several ministers.

Qin Lou stood up and walked shakily down the steps leading to the throne, a place where he aspired to the highest position.

The crown prince at the front rushed forward to help him, but he was waved away.

He approached the person dressed in white alone, his eyes filled with stubbornness.

He insisted on seeing it for himself!

Tiger King bent down and slowly unveiled the white cloth.

A valiant old general's face appeared before me.

His temples were already gray, and over the years he had traveled all over the country, his face bearing the marks of war and deep wrinkles.

He was sleeping peacefully with his eyes closed.

Even though he was no longer alive, his brows were still tightly furrowed, as if he was worried about the country and its ruler.

Qin Lou swayed his body, tracing his face from a distance.

He seemed to have neglected his elder brother for a long time.

The valiant general who once wielded his broadsword through thousands of soldiers, killing countless enemies, has grown so old.

"Brother...brother..."

A monarch must always possess monarchical authority.

They only address each other as brothers in private.

In the imperial court, people addressed each other as emperor and subject.

This time, however, Qin Lou disregarded everything and stroked Tian Hong's silver hair with trembling hands.

He never imagined that this surprise attack southward would be Tian Hong's last battle.

Tian Hong is older than him.

She'll leave before him sooner or later.

However, Qin Lou was not prepared to welcome the departure of his elder brother, who had assisted him all the way and paved the way for him, so soon.

His daughter was pregnant with the Tian family's child. He had originally thought that he would have a few more drinks with Tian Hong when he returned victorious, but he never expected that this would be the end of the story.

Tian Hong is dead, all hope gone.

If you die, it means you can never come back.

People only realize how precious they were when they lose something.

From then on, no one would ever again discuss national affairs with him late at night in the Tiger Palace.

No one will ever again pat themselves on the chest and promise to clear away all obstacles in his path.

There will never be another minister like him who can get close to the deepest part of his heart.

They were both ruler and subject, and also brothers.

"Brother..."

"Cut off my arm!!!"

Qin Lou's eyes were bloodshot, his body drooped, and he whimpered like a wounded beast. Two lines of tears flowed uncontrollably from his eyes, and he burst into loud sobs.

"Brother...why..."

"Why?!"

This monarch, who ascended the throne amidst chaos, was majestic, domineering, unpredictable, and ambitious, yearning to unify the world. Yet, at this moment, he wept like a fragile boy.

Such a mighty and valiant monarch, yet he sheds such surging tears—there's a subtle sense of contrast.

Is the standard for a hero or a tough guy to never shed a tear or cry?

Must a high-ranking monarch constantly conceal their emotions, forbid sadness, maintain dignity, and never show their joy or anger?

That's not the case.

The entire court heard their Tiger King crying so bitterly, yet not one of them looked down on him or despised him; no one thought he was weak.

He is Qin Lou, he is the Northern Emperor.

Qin Lou had experienced turmoil when he came to power. Along the way, he used an iron fist to govern, eliminate the bad elements, rectify the country, and build canals. Every single thing he did left an impression on his ministers. He was a great ruler.

Everyone knows what kind of person this monarch is.

He has already experienced everything he was supposed to experience.

Its position is secure, and its momentum is magnificent.

It is precisely because of this person's unrestrained and heartbroken weeping in front of the hall that it is all the more moving.

What kind of person was General Tian?
He was loyal and devoted to the Northern Army, making great contributions.

He passed away, and the Northern Emperor wept for him, unabashedly displaying his most sincere emotions.

This is the purest form of loyalty between ruler and subject, the most sincere affection between men.

An unpredictable and ruthless monarch who never shows his emotions can only inspire fear and trepidation, and incite petty scheming and power struggles.

Only a humane and emotionally charged leader can truly move the hearts of heroes and patriots, inspiring them to dedicate their loyalty and even die for their cause to achieve their great ideals and aspirations.

"His Majesty……"

Not far from Tian Hong's body, Cheng Xinqing knelt on the ground, his eyes filled with grief.

"I failed to protect General Tian; I deserve death..."

"On his deathbed, the general waved the banner of the Northern Fierce Army at the bridgehead, leaving behind these last words: 'One day, the iron cavalry of the Northern Fierce Army will break through the three passes and capture Yueyang. My lord will reign supreme over the world, unifying the mountains and rivers. All soldiers, do not forget to give me a jug of strong wine, and tell me about that glorious and magnificent era!'"

Cheng Xinqing's words reached the ears of everyone in the court.

Qin Lou trembled upon hearing this, clenching his fists and growling in a low voice, "Fine...fine! Brother, wait for me, I'll tell you..."

Tian Hong never forgot his ideals from beginning to end.

That was Qin Lou's ideal, Bei Lie's ideal, and their shared ideal.

How heroic, how loyal!
The civil and military officials in the court were also affected, and some unconsciously bit their lips, their eyes blurred, and tears streamed down their faces.

"General Tian..."

"General Tian..."

Outside the main hall, a light drizzle drifted in the wind, reflecting the sorrow in everyone's hearts.

Today, amidst the mourning of the emperor and his subjects, the Northern Lie have lost a guardian.

At the same time, it also inspired the people to unite as one and to work together as the ruler and his subjects.

The spring rain falls softly, amidst a heart full of sorrow.

New green shoots emerged from the decaying, withered leaves.

However, some people who were entrusted with a mission entered Qingcang City on auspicious clouds.

Old people leave, new people arrive.

The national war chess game has entered the second half, and the chess pieces buried in various places have made their appearance.

In this chaotic world, who will rise and fall?
(End of this chapter)