I, the villainous eldest prince, will suppress everything!

Judge Wu and Shadow Snake were almost kissing.

The night owl is truly at a loss; it's filled with questions.

What exactly is going on?

His older brother had never been this nice to him before.

Why is my older brother treating people differently?

At some point, Pei Qingluan appeared beside the Night Owl, giving it a merciless sidelong glance and mockingly saying:

"Are you confused about what's going on?"

Night Owl nodded subconsciously; he really didn't understand.

Pei Qingluan sneered, "Because those two don't consider you one of their own at all. They're not siblings, they're husband and wife. You're such a fool, you still think the three of you are sworn brothers."

Upon hearing this, Night Owl looked at Pei Qingluan in disbelief.

How is that possible?

When did the eldest brother and second sister get together?

Why didn't he know?

Also, why did his older brother and sister keep it from him?

Could it be that the eldest brother was afraid he would steal the second sister away, but he didn't like the second sister at all?

He was too busy wishing them well now that they were together.

After mocking her, Pei Qingluan prepared to leave with Xiao Xue'er.

Judge Wu, not forgetting the purpose of his trip, asked Pei Qingluan's departing figure, "May I ask, Your Majesty, where did you take Prince Jiang?"

Pei Qingluan turned around and said, "What, you want to take it back?"

Judge Wu quickly shook his head and said, "No, no, we beg Your Majesty's mercy. We are only acting under orders. If you take the person away, we will have difficulty explaining ourselves when we return."

Pei Qingluan said, "Don't worry, there are your people everywhere inside and outside this palace. Even if I have great abilities, I cannot send the Jiang King out of the palace. He is currently in my palace."

"The King of Jiang is a prince, he should not be subjected to such cruel torture. I will allow him to recuperate in my palace!"

After saying that, Pei Qingluan left without the slightest hesitation, taking Xiao Xue'er with her.

Judge Wu didn't order anyone to stop it; this was already the best possible outcome.

……

Tangyang City.

This city is located about a hundred miles west of the capital.

On a high hillside outside the city, Zhou Biao and his group observed for a long time.

After a while, their furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and smiles appeared on their faces.

Based on current observations, the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions have not yet arrived in Tangyang City; their arrival is perfectly timed.

They can take over Tangyang City and use it to block the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions.

They looked at Qin Li, who was in the lead, but Qin Li's expression was different from theirs; his brows were always tightly furrowed.

"Why is Your Majesty so worried? The allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions have not yet arrived in Tangyang City. We have taken the lead and gained the upper hand."

Someone asked, puzzled.

Qin Li unfolded the map in his hand, pointed at it, and said, "Don't be too optimistic."

"According to our calculations and plans, this city should be the place where the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions stored their grain and fodder when they attacked the capital. We have come here to burn their grain and fodder, disrupt their morale, and cut off their retreat."

"But now Tangyang City is calm and peaceful. The allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions did not fail to arrive, but rather bypassed them."

"Bypassed?"

"Yes, we bypassed it!"

Qin Li said, "They're not attacking the capital anymore."

"If they don't attack the capital, where will they attack?"

Qin Li pointed south, "Jiangnan!"

The group misjudged the target of the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions. Everyone thought their target was the capital, but 200,000 Liangzhou cavalry were already in the capital. Going to the capital would be like walking into a trap. So they changed their target and went to attack the relatively weakly defended Jiangnan region.

Realizing that the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions were not heading to the capital but to Jiangnan, the generals panicked instantly.

There was no decent resistance force in Jiangnan. If the war in the Southern Buddhist Kingdom was not over, the army under the Seventh Prince could still put up some resistance. However, the Seventh Prince's army had already gone to the capital. Jiangnan was now a fattened lamb, waiting for the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions to slaughter it.

Someone asked anxiously, "Your Majesty, what should we do now?"

Qin Li put away the map, mounted his horse, and shouted, "Chase them! We must catch them!"

Someone else said, "But Your Majesty, the capital is so close, why don't we go and deal with it first?"

"What's the use of taking over the capital? The allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions won't stop there. We must catch up with them. The beauty of Jiangnan is breathtaking; we can't let them destroy it."

"Issue my military order: the entire army, mount your horses, abandon all unnecessary baggage, and pursue at top speed!"

"Furthermore, send a message to General Changsheng and the Seventh Prince, instructing them to abandon the capital and intercept the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions from another direction. Make sure to block them outside of Jiangnan. Go quickly!"

Seeing that Qin Li described the situation as so serious, the generals dared not have any more objections and quickly went off to carry it out.

Qin Li's orders were quickly relayed to the Empress and the Seventh Prince.

Upon receiving the letter, the two immediately prepared their army and chose to bypass the capital from the east, heading straight for Jiangnan, rather than engaging in a direct confrontation with the Liangzhou cavalry stationed outside the city.

It was impossible for tens of thousands of troops to conceal their movements. On the walls of the capital, the soldiers quickly discovered the massive army outside the city, which swarmed like locusts.

Watching them head south from north, with no idea where they were going, the soldiers were extremely puzzled.

Even so, they dared not open the city gates, fearing it might be a trap set by the enemy.

Upon receiving the news, Wang Long led his men out of the palace and personally climbed the city wall to see for himself.

Of course, he was carried up, with Cen Feng accompanying him.

"Your Highness, should I lead the troops in pursuit?"

Cen Feng clasped his hands and asked.

Wang Long did not answer Cen Feng's question immediately, but instead gave Cen Feng a look of undisguised disgust.

Even though he knew perfectly well that Cen Feng wouldn't carry out the order to pursue even if the prince gave the order, Cen Feng still had to ask questions, which showed that he didn't respect the prince at all.

Given time, he will definitely replace Cen Feng, the leader of the Liangzhou Iron Cavalry, with a leader who only obeys him.

"No need, remain still."

After a while, Wang Long raised his arm and said, "Their departure is a good thing for us."

With the Empress and the Seventh Prince's army gone, there was no longer any significant force around the capital to resist him.

During this time, he can manage the capital well and use Emperor Xuan to do more things.

This is a rare opportunity; it seems even the heavens are on his side.

It would be a waste of this divine assistance if he didn't ascend the throne.

"Your Highness, where are they going?"

Cen Feng asked again.

Wang Long narrowed his eyes and said, "Jiangnan."

"What are you going to Jiangnan for?"

Cen Feng asked again, almost subconsciously.

Before Wang Long could answer, Cen Feng immediately understood why they were going to Jiangnan.

After figuring it out, he had mixed feelings.

It was because he led his troops away from Liangzhou that the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions went to Jiangnan and wreaked havoc there.

He is the one who harmed Jiangnan, causing immense suffering and death to its people; he is the sinner of Jiangnan.

Suddenly, Wang Long reached out and patted his shoulder, saying comfortingly:

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. This is not your fault."

Cen Feng was still feeling somewhat uneasy, but outwardly he said:

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I have learned a great deal."

……

Jiangxia!

Yellow Crane Tower.

The river view outside the building is as beautiful as ever.

However, today the Yellow Crane Tower is closed to outsiders and has been booked out by a private party.

"Your Excellency, everyone has arrived."

Pei Yunhe bowed to an elderly man standing upright with his hands behind his back, looking out at the river view from beside the railing.

The old man was dressed in cloth clothes and shoes. Although his hair was all white, no one dared to underestimate him.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell he was a soldier.

The old man was none other than Huangfu Song, who was living in seclusion in Jiangnan.

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Song turned around, reached out his hands, and helped Pei Yunhe up by the arm. "Patriarch Pei, you are too kind. I have not served as Minister of War for a long time. Now I am just a commoner."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yunhe subconsciously looked at a middle-aged man next to Huangfu Song.

The middle-aged man was no ordinary person either; he was Han Zhen, the former commander of the Imperial Guards.

Han Zhen was truly disappointed in Emperor Xuan. After receiving his final beating, he submitted his resignation and went to Jiangnan to follow Huangfu Song.

I've been living quite comfortably these past few years.

Seeing Pei Yunhe looking at him, Han Zhen quickly waved his hand and said:

"Patriarch Pei, don't look at me like that. I'm just a guard now."

Pei Yunhe turned his gaze back to Huangfu Song and said, "I implore Your Excellency to come out of seclusion and save Jiangnan."

"The allied forces of thirty-six kingdoms in the Western Regions, with 150,000 troops, are rushing towards my Jiangnan region."

"Jiangnan has soldiers but no commander. We beseech Your Excellency to lead us in resisting the coalition of thirty-six kingdoms in the Western Regions."

Jiangnan has received news that the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions have abandoned the capital and are heading straight for Jiangnan.

Pei Yunhe, the current ruler of Jiangnan, reacted quickly and immediately sent a letter to various parts of Jiangnan, asking them to contribute manpower and money.

We cannot place all our hopes on Your Majesty. Even if Your Majesty fails to catch up with the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions, they will still have the strength to fight.

Although Pei Yunhe had been the ruler of Jiangnan for so many years, he was not good at commanding troops and fighting battles.

So he thought of Huangfu Song, who was living in seclusion in Jiangnan, and specially invited him over.

However, judging from the current situation, Huangfu Song does not seem willing to take on the role of commander-in-chief.

Just as he was feeling disappointed, a sudden, sharp pain shot through his arm, as if it were about to be crushed. Huangfu Song gripped his arm tightly and asked:

"What did you say? Say it again!"

Pei Yunhe didn't know what was wrong with Huangfu Song, so he simply repeated what he had just said.

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Song seemed like a completely different person. He waved his hand and said:

Where is Han Zhen?

Han Zheng immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and announced, "Han Zhen is here!"

"I hereby appoint you as the vanguard general to establish a defensive line north of the Huai River. I will follow shortly!"

"yes!"

After finishing, Han Zhen looked at Pei Yunhe and asked, "How many soldiers are there?"

"Three hundred thousand!"

"How many?"

Huangfu Song thought he was too old and hard of hearing to hear clearly, so he asked again, raising his voice considerably.

Pei Yunhe held up three fingers: "Three hundred thousand. I only have three hundred thousand right now. Give me some more time, and I can raise at least five hundred thousand!"

Huangfu Song lost his balance and almost fell on his backside to the ground.

Everyone says that Jiangnan is rich, but I never imagined it could be this rich.

They could easily muster 300,000 soldiers.

With 300,000 soldiers, he could easily crush the 150,000-strong allied army of the 36 kingdoms of the Western Regions.

This was truly a costly battle.

Thinking of this, Huangfu Song couldn't help but burst into laughter:

"Alright, alright, three hundred thousand it is!"

"Who are they?"

Huangfu Song looked at the people who came with Pei Yunhe.

There were about twenty people, all young men, each one exceptionally brave and heroic.

Pei Yunhe quickly explained, "They were all sent by prominent families from various regions. They are skilled in martial arts and hold important positions in the army. It's all up to the Minister to arrange things!"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Huangfu Song couldn't help but laugh again.

Rich, truly rich.

For so many years, he had never fought such a rich war.

He had soldiers and generals, but he didn't know how he lost.

I never imagined that he would be able to fight such a rich battle in his old age.

"No need for arrangements, we'll talk about it on the way."

Huangfu Song waved his hand and said with great pride, "Pass on my military order: the entire army shall advance north of the Huai River and form ranks on the north bank to meet the enemy."

"yes!"

With everyone's concerted efforts, the Huai River defense line was quickly established.

Huangfu Song personally inspected the situation several times and really didn't know how he lost.

Even if there were 150,000 allied troops in the Western Regions, let alone 300,000 or 500,000, they wouldn't be able to cross the Huai River and enter Jiangnan.

Inside the central command tent, Huangfu Song had just returned from his inspection tour when a woman stepped forward and took his helmet.

Pei Yunhe asked, puzzled, "General, what is this?"

"oh."

Huangfu Song introduced, "This is my granddaughter, Lu Shushu. She insisted on coming along, so I'm showing her around."

"Lu Shushu? That name sounds familiar."

Pei Yunhe muttered to himself.

The accompanying Pei family member quickly whispered in his ear, "Master, several years ago, His Majesty personally wrote a letter instructing you to take care of him."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yunhe remembered that it was her, and that she had grown into such a beautiful woman.

"Shushu, serve tea to all the generals!"

Before Huangfu Song sat down, he casually gave the order.

"yes!"

After the generals were seated inside the tent, Lu Shushu quickly led people to serve tea.

After inspecting the tea, she stood behind Huangfu Song.

What followed was a long military conference.

Although everyone was confident that they could stop the allied forces of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions north of the Huai River.

But on the battlefield, things change in an instant. Everyone must consider all possibilities and make corresponding contingency plans in order to ensure final victory.

The military meeting lasted from day to night, until everyone's stomachs started growling, at which point Huangfu Song finally allowed them to leave.

After everyone left, Huangfu Song stood up and stretched his muscles.

"Grandpa's health isn't good to begin with, and even though a major battle is imminent, he still needs to be careful," Lu Shushu said with concern.

Huangfu Song waved his hand and said, "It's alright. As long as there's a battle, my health is excellent, and all sorts of minor ailments disappear immediately."

Upon hearing this, Lu Shushu gently shook her head, unsure of what to say.

She knew she couldn't persuade him, and she was too lazy to try anymore.

In any case, this battle will be Huangfu Song's last battle.

Why not let Huangfu Song fight this final battle to his heart's content?

This is also a sign of her filial piety.

While stretching his muscles and bones, Huangfu Song said:

"Now that all the generals are here, is there anyone you find pleasing to the eye?"

Lu Shushu was stunned for a moment, then immediately said in shame and indignation, "Grandpa, what are you saying!"

Huangfu Song laughed and said, "What is Grandpa talking about? You're so smart, how could you not understand? You're not getting any younger, it's time for you to get married. You can't let Grandpa support you forever."

"What, Grandpa, do you think Shushu is a burden?"

Lu Shushu put her hands on her hips and couldn't help but stomp her foot.

Huangfu Song laughed even more heartily and said, "It's not a burden. If you want your grandfather to support you, he'd be willing. But girls eventually have to get married. You're already an old maid, and your grandfather can't stay with you forever."

Lu Shushu pouted and said unhappily, "I'm not an old maid, I'm still young."

Huangfu Song sighed and said, "With all the generals here today, is there not a single one you find pleasing to the eye? I saw several young generals glancing at you the whole time."

Lu Shushu continued to pout: "Let them look at me, I don't care what they look at anyway."

Why?

"For no reason, I just don't like it."

Lu Shushu didn't want to pay attention to Huangfu Song anymore, so she simply turned around.

After thinking for a moment, Huangfu Song said, "Grandpa understands why you look down on them."

Why?

Huangfu Song laughed again: "Because my daughter Shushu already has someone she loves, right?"

"Grandpa is talking nonsense!"

Lu Shushu stomped her foot again in embarrassment and annoyance.

"Still talking nonsense?"

Huangfu Song mimicked Lu Shushu's tone, saying, "Isn't it His Majesty? The reason you came with your grandfather was to see His Majesty, wasn't it?"

Lu Shushu remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement.

She came along to see His Majesty.

Having been in Jiangnan for so long, she still can't forget him.

I think about it while eating, I think about it while sleeping, I even think about it when I'm daydreaming...