The Later Three Kingdoms: Slaying Deng Ai, and Reviving the Han Dynasty

Chapter 137 Seizing Power (Part 3)

When everyone heard that Mi Zhao, the Tiger Cavalry Supervisor, had arrived, they all showed joy. In this situation, having more generals is good.

Moreover, compared to the other imperial guards, the Tiger Cavalry Battalion was considered well-trained.

But when they heard about the King of the North and the General of the Coffin, they were confused.

The edict appointing Liu Chen was drafted by someone hired by Huang Hao, and Zhuge Zhan and others are unaware of it yet.

Upon hearing the words "King of the North," everyone except Zhuge Shang frowned.

Needless to say, the others had no liking for the infamous Liu Chen.

Zhuge Zhan and Liu Chen's relationship was originally just so-so, and later, due to his bad reputation, he became even more estranged from Liu Chen.

"Uncle is here." Zhuge Shang's still-childish face lit up with joy. He subconsciously wanted to get up to greet him, but then he remembered where he was and sat down obediently.

"What brings the King of the North here? Has he been informed? And who is General Cai Guan?" Zhuge Zhan composed himself and asked in a deep voice. He should have gone to greet him, but he was not in the mood for it now.

"The King of the North is the General of the Coffin, and the General of the Coffin is the King of the North. General Zhuge, I have been ordered to send the guards of the princes and the crown prince to oversee your army." Liu Chen's cheerful voice entered the hall.

Immediately afterwards, Liu Chen, holding a sword, led Huang Chong and Mi Zhao in from outside, and bowed to Zhuge Zhan and the loyal ministers present.

This time, even Zhuge Shang was stunned, and everyone else forgot to react.

What on earth is going on? How could such an appointment be made? The Prince of the North is appointed as the General of the Coffin and the Supervisor of the Army, leading troops into battle?

Zhuge Shangxian reacted first, looking at Liu Chen with a face full of joy. "My uncle's martial arts are superior to mine, and Lieutenant Zhang is an even more formidable general. They have sent thousands of elite troops into battle, greatly increasing our strength!"

"Your Majesty." Zhuge Zhan and the others still could not accept the appointment, but they composed themselves, stood up, and bowed to Liu Chen.

Immediately, Zhuge Zhan asked Zhuge Shang to get up and sit down, and invited Liu Chen to sit down beside him.

Zhuge Zhan and the others didn't care anymore; in this chaotic situation, anything could happen.

Moreover, Liu Chen, the Crown Prince, and the guards of the princes were indeed very powerful.

Let alone thousands of soldiers, even one more person or one more sword would be better.

However, Zhuge Zhan was still worried that Liu Chen might cause trouble. After thinking for a moment, he said to Liu Chen with a serious expression, "Although General Cai Guan is the supervisor, I am the commander-in-chief..."

"6

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Chen immediately cupped his hands and said, "General Zhuge, rest assured, I will not utter a word."

Zhuge Zhan immediately breathed a sigh of relief; the supervising officer and the commander-in-chief were naturally at odds. It was good that Liu Chen could bring several thousand troops, but it would be terrible if he competed with him for power.

Fighting between generals and commanders is never a good thing.

Mi Zhao and Huang Chong knelt on the side seats to the left and right.

Once the priorities were set, things became much easier. Zhuge Zhan treated Liu Chen as if he didn't exist, and first politely bowed to Mi Zhao and Huang Chong, saying some kind words.

For example, "Now that the country is in crisis, even though many innocent people have fled, the fact that you two have come shows your loyalty."

For example, he praised Mi Zhao's family and also praised Huang Chong for his wisdom and resourcefulness.

He used every means at his disposal to try and win over the people in front of him so that they would follow him to kill Deng Ai.

Mi Zhao felt somewhat ashamed; if Liu Chen hadn't sent him, he would have run away too.

Huang Chong remained calm and composed.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhuge Zhan began to explain the current situation to everyone.

When Huang Chong heard that Zhuge Zhan was short of food and equipment, he couldn't help but turn to look at Liu Chen.

Liu Chen sat upright, gripping his sword without uttering a word. Huang Chong didn't say anything more either.

"According to the news, Deng Ai is currently resting in Fucheng. We will set off tomorrow and speed up our march to reach Mianzhu Pass. Mianzhu Pass is strategically located, and guarding the pass can stop Deng Ai." Zhuge Zhan had a screen brought to the main entrance and hung a map of Shu on it, his expression solemn.

Zhang Zun frowned and said, "General, although Mianzhu is strategically important, there are shortcuts that can bypass it. Deng Ai's entry into Sichuan via the Yinping Ancient Road is a desperate gamble. He will attack Chengdu at all costs. Although we have 30,000 troops, we cannot defend both Mianzhu and the shortcuts."

Zhao Guang nodded and said, "Our troops are weak. Even if we send troops to block the side roads, Deng Ai will wipe them out one by one."

Huang Chong glanced at Liu Chen, who shook his head at him.

Huang Chong had no choice but to suppress his anger. In fact, there were several strategic locations further away from Mianzhu Pass that could be defended.

As long as the team travels through the night, they can reach several strategic locations and set up their formations before Deng Ai.

Then a contingent of troops was left in Mianzhu as backup.

As long as Deng Ai is stopped for a while.

General Jiang Wei would then receive the news and quickly return to Chengdu.

Huo Yi from the south and Yan Yu from the east can also bring their troops. It will certainly be difficult for them to fight Deng Ai, but it will not be difficult for them to protect Shu and drive Deng Ai away.

He had his own ideas, but Liu Chen clearly didn't want to do it, so he had no choice but to obey.

After heated discussions, Zhuge Zhan made the decision. He wanted to march straight to Mianzhu, and then decide how to fight Deng Ai based on the situation upon arrival.

"Gentlemen, my mind is made up. Go back and prepare your troops. Assemble in the north of the city early tomorrow morning."

Zhuge Zhan stood up, gripping his sword in his left hand, his aura fierce and his voice extremely resolute.

"Yes."

The generals bowed in unison and agreed, then stood up, turned around, and left.

Liu Chen also stood up, nodded to Zhuge Zhan, and smiled at Zhuge Shang before leaving with Huang Chong.

After leaving General Wei's residence, Li Qiu immediately stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "What happened?"

He had always found his nephew enigmatic. After much deliberation, he felt that this matter was not so simple.

"We'll talk about it when we get back," Liu Chen said to Li Qiu, gesturing with his eyes, before stepping onto a small stool and sitting in the carriage.

Huang Chong immediately mounted his horse and caught up with the group.

The same applies to Mi Zhao.

Li Qiu frowned, stamped his foot, mounted his horse, and followed Liu Chen with his men.

The group entered Liu Chen's mansion in Chengdu.

Not long after, Li Qiu and Mi Zhao left the Northern Prince's Palace together. Their expressions were remarkably similar.

Shock, surprise, trepidation, nervousness, and excitement.

Mi Zhao was alright; he had already sensed something was amiss.

Li Qiu never expected that his nephew would do so many things after being made a king.

All he knew was that his nephew had fields upon fields and was extremely wealthy.

But now we have soldiers and food supplies.

He even wanted to seize Zhuge Zhan's military power, commit treason, and take the position of crown prince, thus usurping the emperor's authority.

Although he was shocked, he was also excited.

It wasn't for myself, nor for the Li family. It was for the happiness of this country.

If Liu Chen succeeds, he will seize real power in the country.

Huang Hao and Qiao Zhou are doomed.

The state can also set things right.

The old emperor had been on the throne for too long and had become senile.

This country has been crying for too long; it needs a sunny day.

There is still hope for this country!!!

They wanted to borrow Deng Ai's head.

He killed Deng Ai, the general who conquered the west of Cao Wei, and whose head had been inquired about in Yong and Liang for many years, and whose power even shook Ba and Shu.

This was used to consolidate Liu Chen's power.

Otherwise, Liu Chen would not have been able to secure his position as crown prince even with just one coup.

Because people are not convinced. If you didn't come from the rightful place, then prove your ability.

"It will happen tomorrow. When the sun sets tomorrow, I will be able to command these tens of thousands of soldiers. And when the sun sets the day after tomorrow, I will be the crown prince."

"Huang Hao and Qiao Zhou are doomed."

"Deng Ai...kill him if possible."

After everyone left, Liu Chen knelt alone in the study, his expression complex.

At this moment, all pretense was shed.

At this moment, he can speak directly to his true self.

He wanted to inherit the throne, carry on the great achievements of Emperor Zhaolie Liu Bei and Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, and continue the Han dynasty.

He is committing a heinous crime.

He wanted to launch a northern expedition to conquer the Central Plains.

He wants to unify the world.

He wants to be a leader who revitalizes China.

This was the goal he set after he transmigrated. But getting to where he is today has not been easy, and he has been very fortunate to have Huang Hao's help.

Putting aside the process, he didn't make a single wrong move.

The first stage has come to an end. A direct confrontation with Deng Ai, a renowned general of Cao Wei.

This is a necessary step.

Only when Deng Ai enters Shu will he have a chance to seize power.

Only by killing Deng Ai could he consolidate his power.

To set things right.

Deng Ai's head....

It's so dry and hot.

There was a fire burning inside him, and it was making him feel unbearably hot.