Late Ming Dynasty: Summoning players from Liaodong to support the Ming Dynasty

Author Uesugi Ryuka personally recommends: I hope you enjoy the story of "Late Ming Dynasty: Summoning Players from Liaodong to Support the Ming Dynasty" on Cola Novels.

On the charred ruins, the wind suddenly became sharp, howling and swirling up the fine black ash on the ground.

Lu Jian's questioning stripped away all the supernatural phenomena and military achievements, directly piercing the core of Chu Ze's power.

This problem is more deadly than anything we've seen before.

The air seemed to be sucked out instantly, becoming heavy and suffocating. The players who were arguing around the red cannon in the distance seemed to sense the strange atmosphere and cast curious glances over, but Wang Erniu's body silently blocked them.

Chu Ze met Lu Jian's scrutinizing gaze, which seemed to dissect him completely, but his face remained completely calm.

He seemed to have anticipated this question, and even had been waiting for it.

He simply shook his head slowly, letting out a long sigh. His expression was a mixture of a mortal's awe of divine might and a sense of helplessness.

On the charred ruins, the wind suddenly sharpened, sweeping across the desolate land. The black ashes, the last traces left in this world by two thousand elite warriors in white armor, were swirled in the wind, blurring everyone's vision.

Lu Jian's question stripped away all the supernatural abilities and military achievements, striking directly at the core of Chu Ze's power. This question was more fatal than anything he had seen before.

The air seemed to be sucked away in an instant, becoming heavy and suffocating.

Wang Erniu's burly figure silently blocked the curious gazes from afar, turning this scorched hell into a trial ground for just the two of them.

Chu Ze met Lu Jian's almost piercing scrutiny, but his face remained completely expressionless. He had long anticipated this question, and had even been waiting for it.

He didn't answer, but slowly shook his head.

The movements were slow, carrying a weary, involuntary quality. He let out a long sigh, a breath as cold as a grave, which dissipated in the biting wind.

"Lord Lu, you've asked the wrong question."

One sentence caused Lu Jian's already taut nerves to relax for a moment. His brows furrowed, and the cold aura of a deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard on his body not only did not diminish but increased, and the cold light in his eyes intensified.

"Oh? What's wrong with it?"

Chu Ze didn't look at him. Instead, he turned around and looked again at the vast, scorched earth of hell, at the twisted, carbonized beams, and at the earth that had been burned to a glassy texture. His voice became low and solemn, each word echoing as it told a secret that did not belong to the human world.

"The Heavenly Soldiers are neither my private army nor the imperial army."

"They are natural disasters born of the calamities of heaven and earth, the most severe punishment sent down by heaven for the Jurchens' perverse and cruel actions."

He paused, letting the wind fill the space between each word, amplifying the shock.

"I, Chu Ze, am but a mortal who has been fortunate enough to be favored by Heaven and able to understand its intentions and guide its actions."

These words resounded like a thunderclap in the hearts of Lu Jian and all the guards behind him!

Natural disaster!

He actually used the word "natural disaster" to describe that immortal legion!

This definition is utterly absurd, yet its precision is chilling!

Floods, earthquakes, locust plagues—these are natural disasters. Human effort cannot resist them; mortals can only adapt, avoid, and guide them. But those fearless, resurrected, and unheard-of heavenly soldiers—aren't their appearance itself a human-made natural disaster aimed at the Later Jin Tartars?

He is not the controller; he is merely a chosen messenger capable of interpreting the will of Heaven!

Chu Ze slowly turned his head and calmly met Lu Jian's scrutiny. His calmness was genuine and clear, like the surface of ice in winter.

"Lord Lu, do you think mortals can truly control a natural disaster?"

He asked rhetorically.

This problem returned all the pressure to Lu Jian.

"I can guide them to defend the city and to kill the enemy because it is in accordance with the great cause of their birth: to protect our China and safeguard our culture! This is the will of Heaven and the foundation of their existence."

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear and resounding.

"But if I harbor evil intentions and allow them to wage that unjust war, to slaughter innocent civilians, to point their blades at the comrades of the Ming Dynasty..."

Chu Ze paused, a cold, unsmiling smile curving his lips, a self-mockery that sent chills down the spines of everyone who saw it.

"I'm afraid the first one to be torn to pieces by the backlash of this natural disaster will be myself, Chu Ze."

These words, half true and half false, possess an undeniable truth against the backdrop of this scorched earth.

The real issue lies in the fact that the player community does indeed have its own mainstream values ​​and free will. If Chu Ze were to issue a mission that would send them to slaughter Han Chinese civilians, it would inevitably cause a huge uproar and could even lead to the collapse of the entire faction.

But for Lu Jian, these words were like a key, instantly unlocking all the knots in his heart!

He finally understood why those heavenly soldiers acted madly and had no military discipline, yet they were still steadfastly carrying out Chu Ze's strategic intentions in the big picture!

He finally understood why Chu Ze, despite his brilliant achievements, always maintained a cautious and detached attitude towards this power!

That's it!

This is not an army that can be completely controlled!

This is a destructive force that needs to be followed, guided, and even appeased!

Chu Ze's loyalty no longer needed his own explanation; it was firmly bound to him by the nature of this force!

If he is loyal to the Ming Dynasty and to this land, then the Heavenly Soldiers are divine soldiers, the sharpest sword in his hand.

If he harbors rebellious intentions, then the heavenly army will be a calamity, and will be the first to tear him, the guide, apart!

This explanation, while full of mystical and esoteric elements, also carries a cold, unquestionable internal logic, perfectly closing the loop.

Lu Jian fell silent.

His worldview, built on intrigue, torture, logic, and common sense, was finally and systematically reshaped by this last set of narratives about destiny after being bombarded by Chu Ze.

Lu Jian's brows furrowed into a tight knot, and the battle-hardened guards behind him looked as if they had swallowed a block of ice. Chu Ze saw this and knew perfectly well that all the buildup and shock had to come to an undeniable end at this moment.

The persuasive power of words is ultimately limited.

He needed a stance that would leave even the suspicious emperor in the Forbidden City unable to question him!

Boom!

A heavy, muffled thud.

As Lu Jian's pupils suddenly contracted, Chu Ze abruptly took a step back, his entire center of gravity plummeting. Facing the capital city a thousand miles away, towards the Forbidden City that represented the power of the realm, he slammed one knee down heavily!

The jet-black iron knee guards and the scorched, glassy earth resounded with a deafening crash. That sound, clear as a war drum, echoed in the hearts of everyone in this desolate ruin that buried two thousand souls!

He didn't bend over, nor did he lower his head. He held his head high, his chest ramrod straight, unyielding. He poured all his energy into his throat, and the sound he produced resonated like a great bell, echoing across this scorched earth!

"I, Chu Ze, am deeply grateful for the Emperor's favor and receive a salary from the Ming Dynasty!"

"From the day I set foot in Liaodong, my only thought and desire has been to sweep away the Jurchens and wipe out the barbarians to repay the Emperor's kindness!"

"The power of the heavenly soldiers is not of my ability; it is truly due to His Majesty's boundless blessings and virtuous conduct that moved Heaven to summon them, bringing blessings upon the people of Liaodong!"

Every word he spoke was powerful and resonant, every phrase he uttered was weighty and clear!

Finally, that proud head slowly lowered, the iron armor on its forehead almost touching the ground, and its voice carried a resolute and unquestionable killing intent.

"If you harbor disloyal intentions, may you be punished by both Heaven and man!"

"To be condemned by both heaven and man!"

These four words, like a vow forged with blood and souls, and like the most vicious curse, lingered in the air above this graveyard, refusing to dissipate.

The wind, the next chapter is even more exciting: Chapter 82 The Schemes and Undercurrents of the Emperor's Sword (Bonus Chapter 4), we look forward to your visit. At this moment, it eerily stopped.

Lu Jian and the dozen or so guards behind him stood quietly, watching the tall young man kneeling on one knee on the scorched earth.

This kneeling gesture was the epitome of posture.

These words, in turn, firmly branded him with the most scorching hot iron, nailing him to the golden plaque of a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty.

He attributed all the credit, all the miracles, and all the incredible feats to His Majesty, who was far away in the capital, for his boundless blessings.

He fit himself perfectly into the position of an executor of divine punishment.

A whip is used to strike an enemy.

And the one who holds the whip, from beginning to end, can only be the emperor!

This statement is impeccable, absolutely impeccable!

Lu Jian stared intently at Chu Ze, who was kneeling on the ground. His eyes, which had seen all the darkness in the world, were now churning with turbulent emotions.

The sharp scrutiny and suspicion in his eyes, which had seen countless schemes and deceitful acts, finally slowly, little by little, subsided.

Did he believe it?

No, he didn't believe a single word.

The Imperial Guards never believed anyone's words; they only trusted their own eyes and the knife in their hands.

But he knew he had to believe this story.

This explanation is the only perfect answer that can currently explain all the bizarre and fantastical things in Guangning City while maintaining the supreme status of imperial power.

He could simply write this explanation verbatim into his secret memorial to the emperor.

The emperor would certainly believe it too.

What the emperor needed was not an incomprehensible, potential threat, but a definite, loyal, and auspicious omen blessed by Heaven.

for a long time.

On the scorched earth, only the wind howls.

Lu Jian finally moved.

He didn't let his subordinates do it for him, but instead took two steps forward himself, and with his hands stained with countless blood and conspiracies, he steadily and powerfully helped Chu Ze, who was kneeling on one knee, up from the ground.

Upon touching it, one finds cold, hard armor, beneath which lies the sturdy skeleton of a young man.

"General Chu, please rise!"

Lu Jian's voice had lost its previous sharpness, becoming hoarse and low, filled with too many indescribable emotions.

"General, your loyalty and courage, and your patriotism are as clear as the sun and moon! I will certainly report everything that has happened here to His Majesty in detail!"

He emphasized every word, as if he were giving an official, politically correct definition to this visit that had overturned his entire understanding of life, rather than offering words of comfort.

Chu Ze stood up with the help of his strength, casually patting the black ash on his knees with a relaxed gesture, and put on that humble, even somewhat harmless smile again.

"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Lu."

Lu Jian's hand, which was supporting Chu Ze's arm, did not immediately loosen its grip. His gloved hand tightened its grip, as steady as an iron clamp.

He stared at Chu-Ze and said, word by word, "However, this matter is far too important to be taken lightly. I need to stay in Guangning City for several days to get a thorough understanding of the military situation, so that I can petition the court for the general's reward."

The words were spoken in a grand and dignified manner.

Merits must be verified, and miracles must be confirmed.

The implication is that your city, your men, and all your secrets will be under the watchful eye of my Imperial Guard.

The tour has ended.

Next, it was time for the Embroidered Uniform Guards to conduct their own investigation.

He had already planned in his mind that his elite guards would transform into a pack of the most greedy wolves, pouncing on this frenzied city. With their eyes and ears, they would thoroughly investigate every corner and every idle conversation within the city.

He wanted to personally verify how much truth and how much falsehood Chu Ze's narrative of destiny held.

"That's how it should be."

Chu Ze nodded frankly, showing no awareness of being monitored, but instead revealing a sincere look of fully cooperating.

"The entire city of Guangning will fully cooperate with you, sir. If you require anything, please come to me at any time."

"it is good."

Lu Jian finally loosened his grip.

He turned to the side and gave a wink to the leader of the elite guards behind him, who remained silent but whose aura was the most composed.

That look in his eyes was cold and devoid of any emotion.

"Someone come here."

"Present!" The leader stepped forward, the armor plates clashing together, producing a crisp, chilling sound.

"First, escort General Chu back to his residence to rest. The general has been working hard for days and should not overexert himself."

"Yes, sir!"

Lu Jian's arrangements were meticulous, yet they exuded a coldness that kept people at a distance.

He paused, then added, "We can rest at the inn ourselves; there's no need to trouble the general."

This arrangement already clearly defines the boundaries.

From this moment on, they were no longer guests to be entertained, but rather the eyes of the imperial power residing here.

Chu Ze didn't point it out, but simply cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Lu Jian, still the respectful attitude of a subordinate to a superior.

"Then, I shall take my leave."

After saying that, he didn't look at Lu Jian again and turned to leave.

The jet-black iron armor outlined a tall and imposing figure behind him. His footsteps clattered on the charred, glassy surface, making crisp, unhurried sounds. He was more composed than a border general about to be closely monitored; he seemed like a chess player who had just finished a perfect performance and was preparing to retreat behind the scenes.

Two guards followed expressionlessly, one on the left and one on the right, at a distance that was neither too close nor too far. Ostensibly, they were escorting the prisoners, but in reality, they were keeping watch over them.

Lu Jian stood still, motionless.

He watched Chu Ze's retreating figure, walking further and further away in that hellish ruin, until the black figure completely disappeared around the corner of the city's buildings.

The wind howled again, stirring up the ashes on the ground and blinding people.

"Boss..."

A trusted guard approached, lowered his voice, and looked on with lingering shock and confusion.

"This Chu Ze... what he said about natural disasters, do you... believe it?"

Lu Jian did not turn around.

He simply raised his hand and caught a piece of black ash blown by the wind.

The ash left a tiny, insignificant stain on his leather glove.

He gently crushed it with his fingers.

After a long while, he slowly opened his mouth. His voice was somewhat ethereal due to the wind, but it carried an undeniable coldness.

Whether he believes it or not is not important.

Whether I believe it or not is not important.

"The important thing is..."

Lu Jian's gaze passed over this hellish scorched earth and landed on the gray-white, majestic city that lay prostrate like a giant beast.

Looking out over the tens of thousands of people in the city, bustling with activity and brimming with vitality, they saw the natural disaster.

"Your Majesty, do you believe it or not?"

These few words, though seemingly light, are heavier than any twisted piece of steel on this ruin.

The trusted guard stiffened for a moment, instantly understanding the deeper meaning behind his superior's words.

Yes, the truth doesn't matter at all.

The important question is whether this explanation can reassure the supreme emperor in the Forbidden City.

Could this power, capable of overturning the world, be brought under the legitimate control of the Ming Dynasty, even if only nominally?

Having figured this out, he felt a chill run down his spine, a coldness even more biting than the one he had felt in the dungeon.

Lu Jian released his grip, letting the black powder be blown away by the wind and return to the earth.

He turned around, and his cold, stern face no longer showed any surprise or confusion. It had regained the ruthless, chiseled look that a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard should have.

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