Dream of the Red Chamber: After being exiled, I went on a killing spree in Liaodong.

After reading it, the retired emperor sighed deeply and rubbed his throbbing temples.

"This child... why won't he give up?!"

His voice carried three parts weariness and seven parts helplessness.

"Keep a close eye on Prince Yizhong."

"If there is any unusual activity, especially any indication that someone is being sent to assassinate the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor—intercept them immediately."

His fingertips tapped lightly on the edge of the table, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

Silently recite:

My dear grandson, as long as you don't touch Jia Yi... before your dying day, I begged the Emperor to let you live a peaceful life as a prince.

If you dare lay a finger on Jia Yi, don't blame your grandfather for carrying your head to meet our ancestors.

As dawn broke and the morning light was still shrouded in the clouds, the Rongguo Mansion was thrown into chaos.

"My lord! Wake up! Someone from the palace has arrived! Eunuch Xia has brought an imperial edict!"

Yuanyang's voice trembled with anxiety, her cheeks flushed, and she rushed to the bedside, frantically draping Jia Yi's outer robe over his shoulders. The lingering effects of last night's amorous affair hadn't faded, and she couldn't care less about shyness now.

"Damn it! What's wrong with Emperor Yuankang? Why is he issuing an edict so early in the morning instead of sleeping?"

Jia Yi rolled over, mumbled something, and lazily opened his eyes.

Not far away, Xia Shouzhong stood with his hands at his sides, his face as still as an ancient well.

He'd heard this kind of talk countless times—this guy had no self-control when it came to his words, cursing from the late emperor to the current one, yet he was still alive and kicking, it was truly a miracle.

The Jia family members were all dumbfounded, their eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

My goodness... Jia Yi, are you out of your mind? This is an imperial edict! Not some maidservant serving you a meal!

The girls were trembling with suppressed laughter, and they turned away to secretly wipe their tears. Only Madam Wang looked ashen-faced, wishing she could stuff a handkerchief into his mouth.

Just as Grandmother Jia was about to step forward to smooth things over, she glanced at Xia Shouzhong's "deaf and unable to hear" expression and immediately shut her mouth.

"My lord, are you ready?"

Xia Shouzhong finally spoke, a slight smile playing on his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"Alright, alright."

Jia Yi straightened his clothes and knelt down in front of the hall in a nonchalant manner.

The yellow silk unfurled, its gold threads shimmering, and the words thundered:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Loyal and Brave Camp is commendable for its bravery and is hereby expanded by 100,000 men! First-Class Loyal and Brave Marquis Jia Yi is appointed Commander-in-Chief, and First-Class Earl of Zhenguo Prefecture Niu Jizong is appointed Deputy Commander, to lead the troops and guard the northern frontier. So be it—"

After the imperial edict was read aloud, Xia Shouzhong gently rolled it up and looked at Jia Yi as if he were looking at a tiger about to be released from its cage.

"Your Majesty, I receive the imperial decree."

Jia Yi accepted it with both hands, but his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Should we expand our military at this time?

A hundred thousand troops were handed over to him in one fell swoop?

He instantly understood—Emperor Yuankang was about to make his move.

Target: Later Jin in Liaodong!

Although the last battle dealt a heavy blow to the enemy, it was merely a matter of cutting off a finger. The real storm is only just beginning to brew.

And this decree is the first blast of the horn.

Grandmother Jia and the others were completely dumbfounded.

What was initially thought to be a punitive edict reprimanding Jia Yi for his foolishness turned out to be an immense favor granting him military power and command of a mighty army!

Commander-in-Chief of a 100,000-strong army!!!

This isn't just a marquis, he's practically a war god descended to earth!

The women's eyes shone so brightly they could ignite the night, and they looked at Jia Yi as if he were a moving mountain of gold and a halo of light.

"Brother Yi is amazing... He now commands 100,000 men..."

Their whispered conversation was filled with adoration and excitement.

Only Jia Baoyu stood in the corner, his face ashen.

On what grounds?

Why is it that Jia Yi is living a successful life while his older brother died young?

If this guy dies too... will I be the only one left shining brightly in the entire Rongguo Mansion?

The thought flashed through my mind like a venomous snake.

Li Wan happened to catch a glimpse of her brother-in-law's strange expression, and her heart skipped a beat.

This child... I wonder if he's hiding something filthy inside?

She lowered her head and hugged Jia Lan tightly, saying softly, "Lan'er, you must learn from your third uncle and become a great hero who stands tall and upright."

Jia Lan nodded blankly, "Mmm!"

But does he even know what a hero is?

All he knew was that his mother was holding him very tightly.

Meanwhile, undercurrents were brewing in the capital city.

The elite circle was in an uproar—

The Beijing garrison has remained inactive, while the Loyal and Brave Camp has increased its strength from 50,000 to 100,000 in one go. With the military command in hand, their momentum is unstoppable!

What is Emperor Yuankang trying to do?

Is the intention to replace the old guard of the Beijing garrison, led by Su Xing and Luo Hong, with Jia Yi's new army?

Upon hearing the news, Su Xing and Luo Hong, whose injuries had not yet fully healed, rushed into the palace on crutches.

"Emperor Emeritus!" Su Xing's voice boomed, "His Majesty is going to abolish the Capital Garrison and establish a new army!"

Luo Hong was also sweating profusely, his eyes bloodshot.

The Beijing garrison was their last stronghold; once it was destroyed, they would be fish on a chopping board!

"There is no need to panic." The retired emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his tone calm. "I am going to attack Liaodong."

"Jia Yi was ordered to expand the army in preparation for the campaign against the Later Jin. Your Jing Garrison will remain in charge of the capital, and your duties will remain unchanged."

Upon hearing this, the two felt a huge weight lifted from their hearts and quickly excused themselves, citing their injuries.

But as soon as he stepped out of the palace gate, Luo Hong suddenly chuckled softly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes:

"Old Su, your chance has come."

"The imperial court is going to attack the Later Jin. If we secretly send this message over..."

"Let the Later Jin prepare defenses in advance and set up an ambush to kill him—do you think we can use someone else to do the dirty work and get rid of this scourge, Jia Yi?"

Su Xing paused, squinting at him.

This old dog... could he have been colluding with those barbarians outside the Great Wall all along?

But he immediately smiled and lowered his voice: "Brilliant! But... how do we send the letter out?"

"Are you stupid?" Luo Hong sneered. "How many caravans from the capital city travel to Liaodong year-round? With gold and silver paving the way, naturally some people are willing to take the risk."

The two exchanged a glance, and a sinister smile simultaneously appeared on their lips.

Before the wind rises, the killing intent is already stirring.

They could almost picture Jia Yi's blood splattering everywhere and his death.

Thinking of this, all the injuries on my body seemed to be blown away by the wind, and the pain disappeared.

Just do it!

The two immediately dispatched their undercover agents and headed straight for the business circles of Shenjing, quickly searching for reliable candidates.

Meanwhile, Jia Yi was sitting in the command tent of the Loyal and Brave Camp, busy expanding and preparing his army.

The goal is to build an army of 100,000. Currently, there are 50,000 registered elite troops, and the system still has 40,000 Qi Family Army troops that have not been moved.

Just recruit another 10,000 new soldiers, and the lineup will be at its maximum.

"Use a general summoning card!"

Jia Yi tapped his fingertip lightly, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes—which ruthless person could he drag in this time?

However, before he could even finish a sip of tea, a guard rushed in.

"My lord! A man claiming to be Qi Jiguang has arrived and requests an audience with you!"

"Let him in."

Before the words were even finished, a composed figure stepped into the tent, his armor clattering softly, his aura as imposing as a mountain.

"Qi Jiguang greets Your Excellency!"

Jia Yi looked him up and down, and a surge of joy filled his heart.

Entrusting 40,000 Qi Family Army troops to him? It's a match made in heaven! This army was originally an iron-blooded and mighty force that he built himself, and it would be a bit lacking if someone else were to lead it.

"From this day forward, you shall have full command of my 40,000-strong Qi Family Army!"

"Thank you for your trust, Lord Marquis!" Qi Jiguang clasped his hands and bowed, his eyes burning with fervor.

To be entrusted with such great power upon my arrival is a debt I can only repay with my life to live up to your trust!

On the other hand, Wu Sheng, who was in charge of recruiting soldiers, was going crazy.