Chapter 199 Chaos in the Northern Border
In the palace, Emperor Zhou looked at the two people in front of him.
Dou Zhan and Dou Beiming!
Dou Zhan said, “Your Majesty, although Xue Qianxun has already been expelled from the sect, she is still the daughter-in-law of my Dou Family. Furthermore, after we came to the capital, we asked around and learned that Su Wen did not send Xue Qianxun to court. Instead, he detained her privately and left her in the residence to commit adultery! We request Your Majesty to punish such an illegal criminal!”
Emperor Zhou narrowed his eyes. He had long known of the news about Xue Qianxun being detained by Su Wen. After Feng Baichuan returned, he had reported it to him.
However, in the eyes of Emperor Zhou, this Xue Qianxun being privately detained by Su Wen himself, was not a big deal.
But now, to think that Dou Zhan would come to complain!
After pondering for a moment, Emperor Zhou looked at Dou Zhan and said, “Do you have evidence for this matter?”
Dou Zhan was stunned before shaking his head. “No. But as long as His Majesty sends someone to Su Wen’s residence to search, it’s obvious at a glance if the person is residing there!”
Emperor Zhou said in a deep voice, “Since there’s no evidence, we can’t forcefully search! Fu An, let Su Wen enter the palace. I’ll ask him first!”
As soon as Emperor Zhou finished speaking…
Fu An immediately left the palace. However, he had followed Emperor Zhou for many years, so he naturally understood what was going on
here.
Under normal circumstances, Emperor Zhou would definitely have asked the eunuch to make a report instead. However, since he was allowed to leave the palace, it meant that he wished to interfere in this matter.
It was especially easy to tell his attitude from his tone when one was familiar with him.
He wanted to ask… and then do something about it later! It was obvious that he had no intention of punishing Su Wen. It seemed like he did not say anything, but Fu An understood what Emperor Zhou wanted him to do.
When he arrived at Su Wen’s residence and saw Su Wen, the first thing Fu An said was, “Dou Zhan and his son have entered the palace to sue you for detaining Qianxun and keeping her in the residence. If you have done so, quickly transfer her away!”
Su Wen narrowed his eyes upon hearing this.
Hehe…
Unexpectedly, this father and son were not stupid. They knew that they could not use force and went to complain to Emperor Zhou instead.
“Slave Xue! Come with me! Let’s enter the palace together!”
Su Wen shouted.
Not long after, Xue Qianxun arrived.
Fu An frowned and said, “Is this woman really here? If you bring her into the palace, His Majesty won’t be able to show favoritism in front of them!”
Including Fu An, the way the Emperor handled things still had to follow some sort of procedure and law.
Su Wen looked at Xue Qianxun before smiling. “Don’t worry, there won’t be a problem.”
Seeing his attitude, how could Fu An not know that he had something up his sleeve?
However, Fu An had his own considerations. He leaned closer to Su Wen and whispered, “If this woman falls out with you and bites you, His Majesty will punish you!”
Su Wen smiled. “Don’t worry!”
Seeing Su Wen’s confident attitude, Fu An could not persuade him anymore!
Not long after, the three of them entered the palace to meet Emperor Zhou.
When Emperor Zhou saw Xue Qianxun, he frowned and looked at Fu An unhappily.
What should he do? Why did he bring her in as well?
Fu An felt wronged as well. He didn’t want to do this, but he could not explain it now.
Dou Beiming looked at her in excitement.
At this moment, one could even see red marks on Xue Qianxun’s bare skin, such as her neck and the back of her hand. Obviously, she had been beaten up.
This made Dou Beiming’s heart ache even more.
Emperor Zhou looked at Su Wen and asked calmly, “Su Wen, let me ask you, why did you bring Xue Qianxun back to your residence and not send her to the government office?”
Su Wen cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, according to the laws of the Great Zhou, if the perpetrator of the theft is not pursued by the owner, they can be exempted from punishment. After I brought Qianxun back to the capital, I suddenly felt that since the Blue Cloud Tiger had already recognized her as its owner. Even if I pursued it further, it would be impossible to reobtain the cub, so I gave up on pursuing the crime!”
At this moment, Dou Beiming asked excitedly, “Then why did you force Qianxun to stay in the residence? Look at her body! What has she become?”
Su Wen shrugged and said, “What force? Who told you that she was forced to stay? Slave Xue followed me willingly and became my maidservant. What does that have to do with
you?”
Dou Beiming said angrily, “Stop spouting nonsense! Why would Qianxun willingly serve you? And even be tortured by you?”
nonse
erve
At this moment, Emperor Zhou said unhappily, “Insolence! What place is it that you have to shout?”
Dou Zhan was shocked and hurriedly pulled Dou Beiming to his knees. “Your Majesty, the son of this commoner was agitated when he saw his unwed wife being humiliated like this. I hope Your Majesty can forgive him.” “Hmph!” Emperor Zhou snorted.
He looked at Xue Qianxun and asked, “This lady, can you tell me what’s going on?” Dou Beiming was overjoyed. As long as Qianxun spoke, wouldn’t she definitely side with him?
However, he was in for a shock. Xue Qianxun looked at him and said in a light voice, “Your Majesty, Xue Qianxun went back with Master willingly and became Master’s slave. As for this Young Master Dou, he was originally just a fellow disciple of mine and we never had an engagement! I don’t know why he said these words to frame Master!”
Dou Beiming was stunned. His jaw dropped, and he didn’t even know what to say.
Was Xue Qianxun crazy? She kept calling herself Slave Xue and even addressed Su Wen as her master?
This was his goddess!
She was once the goddess in the hearts of countless people in the sect. Xue Qianxun, who was held up high by everyone, was actually so easy? “Qianxun! Qianxun! Don’t be afraid! As long as you tell the truth, His Majesty will definitely seek justice for you!” Dou Beiming called out urgently.
Emperor Zhou watched coldly from the side, while feeling extremely shocked innately. What method did Su Wen use?
Unfortunately, he could not see any clues. Xue Qianxun’s eyes were bright, and she did not look like she was being controlled at all. Xue Qianxun looked at Dou Beiming and sneered, “I’m telling the truth. Dou Beiming, don’t disturb Master anymore. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude!”
“You… you’re being forced!” Dou Beiming looked at Emperor Zhou excitedly. “Your Majesty, Qianxun must have been forced. Look at her injuries!”
Xue Qianxun walked to Su Wen’s side and said in a coquettish voice, “Slave Xue’s injuries were naturally because she made a mistake and was punished by Master. However, Slave Xue accepted the punishment willingly. She has no regrets even if she is beaten to death!”
Pa!
Su Wen slapped Xue Qianxun in front of everyone and reprimanded coldly, “Who asked you to come over here? Go back and kneel!”
“Yes, Slave Xue knows her mistake!” Xue Qianxun returned to the spot and knelt down obediently.
on
Su Wen looked at Dou Beiming and smiled. “Little brother, do you like this woman? It’s a pity that she would rather be my slave than marry you. How much of a failure are you?”
“Ah!” Suddenly, Dou Beiming let out a loud roar as he teared up!
He felt as though his heart was being ripped apart!
Su Wen’s words could be said to be murdering one’s spirit.
Even Emperor Zhou looked at Dou Beiming with pity.
How sad was it that the woman a man loved would rather be a slave to another man than be his wife?
Dou Beiming also did not expect such an outcome.
This was not just a matter of having a woman! It was downright humiliating! An extremely strong sense of humiliation washed over him.
This was akin to Su Wen trampling on his dignity.
Su Wen sneered in his heart at the scene.
This was the consequence of being a bootlicker.
Suddenly, Dou Beiming raised his head. His eyes were filled with tears and anger as he looked at Su Wen. “I want to duel you!”
Su Wen raised his eyebrows.
A duel?
This was the first time Su Wen encountered such a challenge.
Dou Zhan sighed and did not stop him. He knew very well that if he did not fight this battle, Dou Beiming’s Martial Heart would be completely finished.
This matter would become a huge rock that would ruthlessly press down on him.
Emperor Zhou smiled and said, “That’s fine as well. The disciples of the Bright God Sect should compete with the elites of the younger generation of my Royal Court. Su Wen, don’t be too harsh on him. It won’t be good if someone dies.”
Emperor Zhou agreed on Su Wen’s behalf.
Su Wen smiled bitterly. Good fellow, it’s one thing if you don’t allow me to kill, but from your words, you actually mean the opposite of what you say, and don’t want me to go easy on him?
You might as well just say to leave the guy with one last breath!
To be honest, Su Wen did not have much hatred for Dou Beiming.
At the end of the day, although he looked like a bootlicker, it had nothing to do with Su Wen.
It was normal for him to come to the capital since he liked Qianxun. It was understandable for him to complain about her.
However, since the emperor had given the order, they had to fight even if they didn’t want to.
Within the martial arena of the Royal Palace…
Su Wen and Dou Beiming stood on opposite sides.
Emperor Zhou sat on the edge of the martial arts arena and chuckled. “Just in time to see the martial advancements this brat has made!”
A long sword appeared in Dou Beiming’s hand.
However, Su Wen had no intention of using a weapon.
They faced off, staring down at each other. Suddenly Dou Beiming moved!
The sword unsheathed, and a silver light exploded!
The Qi flowed like a dragon, and a silver frost-like Sword Qi hung in the sky before it descended!
The technique this brat practiced was quite the strong one.
Roaming Dragon Wind Sword!
But…
The moment Su Wen moved, everyone could feel it!
What was speed?
It was as if a phantom had appeared.
The ground of the martial arts arena instantly split open under Su Wen’s strength. Before Dou Beiming’s Sword Qi could completely slash down, Su Wen had already arrived before him.
It was a complete replay of the day Wu Kunhu attacked Su Wen. Su Wen then pointed out!
His finger directly hit Dou Beiming’s wrist. Compared to Su Wen who always used powerful moves in the past, Su Wen now only used a normal attack!
However, the sword in Dou Beiming’s hand instantly flew out.
Emperor Zhou’s expression was solemn.
He clenched his fists tightly.
By his side, Dou Zhan was shocked!
He could clearly sense that the True Qi Su Wen used was only in the 6th Grade.
However, Dou Beiming was unable to withstand a single move!
“There’s no need to fight anymore… it’s meaningless,” Dou Zhan said.
Dou Beiming watched blankly as his sword spun in mid air before landing on the ground. For a moment, he didn’t know what to do.
Emperor Zhou muttered, “Wu Kunhu?”
The old eunuch nodded. “That’s right. It should be a path, but… how did this Lord Su consolidate his foundation so deeply in such a short period of time? Without years of practice in the martial arts, one will not be able to see the effect of Wu Kunhu’s technique.”
Emperor Zhou frowned and said, “It’s just that Wu Kunhu hasn’t even reached the Heaven Rank himself. What if Su Wen goes down the wrong path with him?”
The old eunuch smiled and said, “It can’t be considered as going the wrong way. It’s just that Wu Kunhu didn’t manage to push through the path.”
“Hmph!” Emperor Zhou didn’t say anything else.
However, he was also a little dissatisfied with Su Wen.
This was not ruthless enough. This brat had been shouting from just now, and Emperor Zhou already bore a grudge. That was why he hinted for Su Wen to be more ruthless.
Just as he was considering how else he could resolve his grievances, an urgent report sounded
“Report!!!”
Upon hearing this voice, Emperor Zhou knew that something big had happened. “Your Majesty! Bad news! At the Northern Border, the Yan Country has sent out 300,000 troops to attack Fort Boulder. General Yan Ze requests reinforcements!”
When Emperor Zhou heard this, he suddenly stood up and reached out to take the battle report, reading it carefully.
He then shouted coldly, “Su Wen, stay behind. The rest of you, go down! Also, summon all officials for a meeting!”
After saying that, he added another sentence to Fu An, “Send Qianxun back!”
“Yes!”
Fu An nodded.
Clearly, the urgent report from the border did not confuse His Majesty.
He had still considered the possibility that Qianxun might be snatched away by the Dou father and son after leaving the palace, so he sent Fu An to escort her. Not long after, officials gathered in the main hall.
Su Wen stood in a corner.
Emperor Zhou said in a low voice, “Yan Ze reports urgently that the Yan Country has mobilized 300,000 troops to attack Fort Boulder. The leader of the troops is the Yan Country’s An Shun King, Lu Zhen! It seems that the Yan Country has made up their mind this time! Currently, Yan Ze is leading the army to defend to the death, and his defenses might be broken at any time. What do you think we should do?”
They had to fight, but how they fought was a problem.
If Wu Kunhu was said to be the number one general of the Great Zhou Dynasty, then Lu Zhen could be said to be the number one general of the Yan Country. Back then, the destruction of the Qi Country was Lu Zhen’s doing, and he was also conferred the title of King because of this!
After so many years, he had helped the Yan Country expand its territory and had accumulated many military achievements!
He could be considered a God of War.
This time, he was the commander.
Hearing this news, Su Changqing frowned.
Wu Kunhu also remained silent.
The atmosphere in the royal court was a little strange. What was going on with these two heavyweights from the civil and military side? After a moment, Wu Kunhu spoke up, “This subject believes that this battle has already been lost! Your Majesty should immediately organize the army and set up defenses along the Huai River! We should prevent the Yan Army from heading further South!” Su Changqing sighed. “This subject agrees.”
Emperor Zhou looked at the two of them and said in a low voice, “We don’t even stand a fighting chance?”
Wu Kunhu said, “This time, there’s a major problem with our intelligence system. There was actually no news of the 300,000-strong army before this matter. Furthermore, Lu Zhen is leading the army again! It will take at least eight days for any messenger to travel from Fort Boulder to the capital at full speed. His Majesty will also need time to mobilize troops from all over the country, along with rations and supplies. At the fastest, it will take at least 15 days for them to arrive at Fort Boulder. If everything goes according to their plan, Yan Ze won’t be able to hold on for much longer.”
“Even if we can continuously reinforce them, we might encounter enemies along the way. At that time, it will be disadvantageous for us to fight in the wilderness. Now, the best method for us should be to stabilize the situation and slowly counterattack.”
“Damn it! Damn it!” Emperor Zhou gritted his teeth and said, “Why was there no news of the 300,000-strong army this time?”
Su Changqing said, “It must be a spy who slipped up. The intelligence network has probably been controlled by someone. It’s even to the extent that during this period of time, the person who was sending us the information was probably not our spy.”
At this moment, Su Changqing sighed and said, “From the looks of it now, Yan Country has put in a lot of effort for this war. Even that Beast Spirit Armor should be just bait. It’s to stall for time and lower our Great Zhou’s guard. Thinking about it this way, when we were scheming to obtain the secret of the other party’s Beast Spirit Armor, the other party should have already begun to set up a trap. We placed all our attention on how to transmit the information back, so we definitely had to use the network of spies. It should be because of this that the other party caught the loophole. It’s even possible that the other party might have deliberately made us send information time and time again so as to completely eradicate the intelligence network. This time, I miscalculated!”
Due to the fact that they had prioritized benefits above all else, Su Changqing and Emperor Zhou did not expect that although the negotiations seemed to be the Yan Country giving a compromise, they actually had their own schemes.
Only after everything had fit in place that the entire scheme had been revealed. When Su Wen heard this, he secretly clicked his tongue. If they were to put it like this, then would this entire matter be considered to have started because of him?
If he did not mention this matter… While everyone would not be able to obtain the Beast Spirit Armor, if he were to reject the other party, things would not turn out like this.
But no matter what, things had already come to this.
At this moment, Su Wen belatedly realized, what would happen to Yan Ze?
That was his father-in-law!
From what his father and Wu Kunhu were saying, they were going to give up on defending the fort. Could he then live?
Emperor Zhou gave the order!
“In accordance with the wishes of the General and the Prime Minister, we will order Wu Kunhu to lead the troops. The troops of the Qi Prefecture and the Zhou Prefecture will be stationed at the front line of the Huai River… We will order Xiao Zan to lead the troops…”
Su Wen’s attention was no longer on this matter.
Finally, the court dispersed.
Su Wen came to Su Changqing’s side and asked in a low voice, “Father, what should we do this time? Yan Ze can’t die!”
Su Changqing shook his head slightly, “Yan Ze is as good as dead!”
“Why so?” Su Wen was stunned.
“Because Yan Ze doesn’t know that he doesn’t have any reinforcements at all!” Su Changqing sighed. “Yan Ze has a large army under his command to guard Fort Boulder. If you were him, what would you do?” “Defend and wait for reinforcements!” This was Su Wen’s first thought.
“That’s right!” Su Changqing sighed and said, “90% of people will find it difficult to directly give up in such a situation. However, the more they guard, the more despair they will feel in their hearts. At the same time, they will have more hope! They will constantly hope for reinforcements to arrive. Because of their hesitation, the only outcome is death!”
Su Wen frowned. “Could it be that Yan Ze really can’t hold on?”
Su Changqing looked around and saw that there was no one around. He then said in a low voice, “That might not be the case, but the probability of us not being able to hold on is 70%! If you were His Majesty, what would you choose? Once the Fort Boulder is destroyed and Yan Ze’s main force is annihilated, how will we be able to resist the Yan Country’s army in the future? In such a hurry, His Majesty mobilizing the troops of two prefectures is already the limit, but there are still less than 300,000 troops. If we fight in the wilderness, we will lose more than we win. If we lose again, the gates to the capital will be wide open! At that time, the battle amongst the Heaven Ranks will begin. The calamity of the country will be imminent!”
“Although Yan Ze is in danger now, the more time he can hold on, the more time His Majesty will have to prepare. He will set up defenses at the front line of the Huai River and mobilize his troops before slowly pushing forward. Although there will be losses, it will ensure that he won’t be defeated.” Su Wen was enlightened.
“So His Majesty won’t even send someone to tell him that there are no reinforcements!”
Su Changqing said, “That’s right! Why do you think His Majesty wants to gather all the officials to discuss this? His Majesty can decide this matter with a single sentence, but he just wants me and Wu Kunhu to bring this up in front of everyone. Now, look, in the eyes of everyone, it was Wu Kunhu who proposed to give up Yan Ze, and I second his suggestion. However, the actual situation is not like this. Wu Kunhu only said the plan His Majesty wanted him to say! Because he knows that this is the plan His Majesty wants to hear the most!”
Su Wen did not know how to respond at all.
Was it wrong?
If he stood in the position of Emperor Zhou, it was hard to say that this decision was wrong.
However, Su Wen could not accept this decision. He said in a deep voice, “I want to save Yan Ze.”
Su Changqing shook his head slightly again. “It’s going to be difficult!”
“I want to try!” Su Wen said in a deep voice, “No matter what, this matter is ultimately caused by my idea. If I didn’t come out with that idea, His Majesty and you might not fall for it! I feel bad that Yan Ze died because of this! No matter what, he is Luoying’s father.”
Su Changqing said coldly, “No! It doesn’t matter if Yan Ze dies or not, nothing can happen to you! Now that the chaos in the northern border has been settled, I don’t agree for you to go! Stop this and go home!”
Seeing Su Changqing’s determined expression, Su Wen did not say anything else.
After exiting the palace, Su Wen got into the carriage while Zhao Jin drove the carriage. Su Wen said in a low voice, “Now, drive the carriage back alone and tell the ladies that I’ll be going out for a period of time!”
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