Eight hundred thousand troops. Truly, far too many!
In the history of the Raging Wave Kingdom, a war on such a massive scale had scarcely ever occurred.
The most recent instance was the battle twenty years ago for Rouran City and the Yelan Duchy.
In that battle, Count Suo Long led the Dragon Guard Legion to support Rouran City, while Tu Lingtuo led the Southwestern Legion to attack the Yelan capital.
That war of national annihilation had only mobilised a little over five hundred thousand troops!
Therefore, Zhili’s use of the entire nation’s strength to punish Suo Lun was not merely a war for the throne. It was also a great choosing of sides.
All forces under Heaven must demonstrate their allegiance through action. Thus, a full eight hundred thousand troops were assembled.
However, the only forces Zhili could truly rely upon were the three main legions, totalling over five hundred thousand troops.
The remaining forces, whether the allied armies of the nineteen vassals or the allied armies of the ten provinces, could only play a supporting role, adding flowers to brocade.
Despite this, standing amidst the boundless and endless army, Zhili still felt a peculiar sense of security.
Taking a deep breath, Zhili gazed up at the sky!
In merely two short years, there had actually been three campaigns to destroy Suo.
This one was undoubtedly the last, and could be considered a personal expedition by the monarch!
After this campaign to punish Suo Lun, perhaps he would no longer be Young Lord Zhili, but King Zhili!
…
Gazing down upon the earth from the heavens, hundreds of thousands of troops stretched for dozens of li, grand and magnificent, blotting out the sky and covering the sun.
From morning until evening, they marched for five hours, making camp at a place over a hundred li from the royal city.
Fortunately, the six hundred thousand troops were divided into three routes. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to find places to camp along the way. Moreover, it was possible that the vanguard army had already made camp and rested a hundred li away, while the rearmost troops had not yet left the royal city.
Within the splendid central army camp!
Zhili was drinking and making merry with numerous nobles and vassals!
Suddenly, Marquis Jian Yong said: “I wonder how His Majesty the King fares. It is truly cause for anxiety!”
At these words, the hearts of everyone present leapt violently.
A provincial governor suddenly stepped forward, bowed, and said: “A nation cannot be without a ruler for a single day. His Majesty the King has been gravely ill and unable to govern for a full two years. After this campaign to punish Suo Lun returns, Your Highness must make preparations early!”
Zhili’s heart pounded wildly.
This was a petition to advance. Originally, he could not succeed to the throne while the king still lived.
But now, he had already torn all pretence of cordiality with the king before the eyes of the world. Moreover, the nobles, vassals, civil officials, and generals of the world all stood on Zhili’s side.
Once Suo Lun was eliminated, he could indeed directly ascend to the throne as king!
Zhili immediately smiled and said: “His Majesty is blessed by fortune. Perhaps he may recover soon.”
Suddenly, a strange voice spoke from below: “Perhaps he is already dead.”
Instantly, everyone’s gaze shot like lightning towards the speaker. It was actually Fu Qi, grandson of Marquis Fu E.
“Fu Qi, kneel and slap yourself ten times.” Marquis Fu E roared in fury.
Fu Qi sneered and said: “It is the truth. Over a year ago, His Majesty the King stopped appearing. Whether he is alive or dead is entirely up to Gao Yin to say.”
Marquis Fu E flew into a rage and was about to have his grandson caned.
Zhili hastily stopped him and said: “Marquis Fu E, do not be angry. Young Master Fu Qi is young and straightforward. He is not cursing His Majesty the King, but expressing his dissatisfaction with Suo Lun’s deception of the world.”
“Yes.” Fu Qi said: “What is Suo Lun? A lecherous and lascivious petty man. On what basis does he hold the king hostage to command the world? I believe he forcibly violated Princess Zhiyan and imprisoned His Majesty the King! Perhaps His Majesty the King already died at his hands long ago.”
“Enough!” Marquis Fu E roared in fury: “Fu Qi, get out of here!”
Fu Qi walked out of the camp resentfully, yet his face was filled with smugness.
For the remainder of the banquet, the atmosphere grew somewhat heavy. The gazes everyone directed towards Zhili also carried a trace of caution, no longer as unrestrained as before.
Undoubtedly, the double act performed by Zhili and Fu Qi was a reminder to the nobles and vassals present: after returning to the royal city from this campaign to destroy Suo Lun, everyone must remember to petition for his advancement.
Even if King Zhili Bian had not died, they must treat him as dead and desperately urge Prince Zhili to ascend the throne!
Instantly, the civil officials and military officers present stirred restlessly.
Now, Prince Zhili’s ascension was a certainty. But the first to petition, or whoever petitioned most grandly and most tragically, would reap great benefits.
Petitioning to advance had always been the greatest and easiest merit!
After the banquet dispersed, Tu Lingduo’s heart itched somewhat. She was tempted to steal away to Zhili’s camp for secret dalliance.
But this was, after all, a military camp. If even the slightest trace were revealed, she would truly be ruined. Unlike in the Young Lord’s residence in the royal city, where she and Zhili could indulge themselves without consequence.
After a moment’s hesitation, Tu Lingduo still entered her father’s tent.
“Father, what exactly did Fu Lingxi say to you, that it actually dispelled all your doubts and stopped your wavering?” Tu Lingduo asked.
Tu Lingduo glanced at his daughter and shook his head, saying: “This is not for you to know. You are far from qualified.”
These words immediately made Tu Lingduo’s heart very displeased, but also more curious.
“Then daughter shall take her leave.” Tu Lingduo said.
Duke Tu Lingtuo said: “Tu Lingduo, this is a military camp. If you itch below, resolve it yourself. Do not go looking for Zhili. After Suo Lun is destroyed, you may let Zhili have you however you please.”
Tu Lingduo’s face turned cold, displeased by her father’s vulgar manner of speaking.
“I understand.” Tu Lingduo said coldly, then turned and departed.
She decided that after killing Suo Lun, she would certainly place Suo Lun’s severed head beside the bed, to watch as she and Zhili engaged in illicit congress.
Of course, Zhili would certainly do something even more excessive, such as forcibly violating Suo Ningbing, Yan Nai’er, and the like beside Suo Lun’s severed head.
Throughout history, wars between vassals did not bring harm to wives and children. But Suo Lun would be the exception. Zhili would absolutely not spare his wives and children.
When the moment of annihilation truly arrived, whether Suo Ningbing or Yan Nai’er, the fate they would face would truly be a fate worse than death, unable to live or die!
…
Suo Lun and Queen Yan Chuo’er led over thirty thousand Yan people to Tianshang Island!
This island currently had nothing at all. It could only provide the most basic tents. Whether castles or houses, the Yan people would need to build everything from scratch.
But what hardships had the Yan people not endured?
The moment they set foot on Tianshang Island, they expressed their boundless love for their new home with extreme excitement.
They cheerfully distributed fresh water resources and began planning the construction of the Yan clan.
Massive rocks were everywhere on this island, so the Yan clan elders decided to follow their previous tradition and excavate stone caves for dwelling.
Across the entire island, only one castle would be built: the Yan King’s Palace!
The situation was urgent. Suo Lun could not remain on Tianshang Island to build the Yan clan’s new home together with them. He needed to lead the Yan pirates to Tianshui City for reorganisation.
A day and a half later!
Suo Lun and Haigang’s fleet landed at Tianshui City’s docks!
Dealing with the small matters before the great ones, Suo Lun had Haigang’s entire fleet disembark, converting naval forces to land forces. Though they would not directly engage Zhili in battle, they would remain on guard at the Rocky Peninsula!
And dominion over the entire eastern sea was completely handed over to Suo Lun’s fleet!
After the fleet docked, Suo Lun immediately ordered all cannons on the ships to be dismantled. Then he dispatched over ten thousand men to secretly transport these cannons to the Wind Thunder Fortress defensive line and the Heavenly Wolf Pass!
Time was truly too tight!
Suo Lun’s cannon foundry currently had several thousand workers, and iron materials were purchased at any cost. Yet the number of cannons was still far from sufficient.
Therefore, he had no choice but to dismantle the ship cannons and place them on the city walls!
In truth, this was quite unreasonable. Cannons used to defend fortresses were usually much larger, and the gun emplacements needed to be specially constructed. But time was pressing, and he could only make do with what was available!
Suo Lun led over ten thousand Yan pirates ashore, heading towards the temporary Yan pirate camp several dozen li away.
The other thirty-five thousand Yan pirates were all there, having already completed reorganisation!
The reorganisation of the Yan pirates was a very simple matter. This was an army with powerful discipline and powerful honour.
As long as there was an absolute leader, all Yan pirates would follow this leader, executing orders without question, as responsive as fingers to an arm.
“My lord, the latest intelligence!” The one who appeared before Suo Lun riding a griffon was actually Ye Jingyu, filling Suo Lun with pleasant surprise!
Last time, she and her merchant caravan had been detained by Yan Mo. Suo Lun had spent a great sum to ransom her, and she had immediately rushed to the Secret Gunpowder Island to supervise gunpowder production, without even having time to meet Suo Lun.
Counting the days, Ye Jingyu and Suo Lun had not seen each other for nearly half a year.
“Jingyu, how is it you?” Suo Lun said with delight.
“I was escorting a batch of gunpowder from the Secret Gunpowder Island to the Wind Thunder Fortress defensive line. On my return to Tianshui City, the young lady had just received a secret letter from the royal city by flying kite. The young lady sent me to deliver the letter to my lord.” Ye Jingyu said joyfully, her gaze almost greedily fixed upon Suo Lun.
After leaving Suo Lun’s side, she had always been extremely busy.
As the person Suo Lun trusted most, she had always represented Suo Lun in supervising the Suo clan’s most important industries.
At first, she monitored the sorceress Yao Meng, responsible for the magic mirror industry.
Later, the importance of the Secret Gunpowder Island clearly surpassed that of the magic mirror industry, so she went to supervise the Secret Gunpowder Island. Every gunpowder escort mission was personally led by her. Supervision of the magic mirror industry was handed over to her younger sister Ye Jingfeng.
During the days away from Suo Lun’s side, she truly missed him boundlessly.
This longing was mixed with the feelings of master and servant, and also the feelings between man and woman.
“I am sorry to have you travelling so long and hard, your face darkened by the sea wind.” Suo Lun said, then took the secret letter.
“Though it is very hard, I live a fulfilling life. I only miss the young lady and my lord very much.” Ye Jingyu said.
Suo Lun opened the secret letter. It was sent by the Shadow Pavilion, and the content was very simple!
“Zhili’s grand army has left Zhidu, marching towards Tianshui City!”
This was intelligence from two days ago!
Suo Lun glanced at the contents of the secret letter again and sighed inwardly: “It has finally come. The final decisive battle has finally come!”
“My lord, has Zhili’s grand army arrived?” Ye Jingyu asked.
She had certainly not read the secret letter, but the content was something anyone could guess.
“Yes. In roughly forty days, they will enter the territory of the Southeastern Province!” Suo Lun said.
Ye Jingyu said: “My lord must be very busy, so I shall take my leave.”
Suo Lun smiled and said: “Do not rush to leave. Accompany me for a lunch.”
“Yes, my lord.” Ye Jingyu was overjoyed.
…
Suo Lun and Queen Yan Chuo’er led fifteen thousand Yan pirates into the temporary camp!
Instantly, the fifty thousand Yan pirates within the camp fell into wild celebration!
Because all the Yan pirates were once again united, and they once again had their own king!
The Yan Queen had to temporarily leave Suo Lun to attend the Yan pirates’ banquet, receiving the kneeling allegiance of all the Yan pirates!
Meanwhile, Suo Lun dined alone with Ye Jingyu, with Zhuang Zhixuan guarding outside the door!
“My lord, her martial arts are far superior to mine.” Ye Jingyu said. She was referring to Zhuang Zhixuan.
“Mm!” Suo Lun responded casually, eating the venison Ye Jingyu had cut for him.
“She is also more beautiful than me, and has a better figure than me.” Ye Jingyu said.
Suo Lun said: “Her figure is more explosive than yours, but that does not mean it is better than yours.”
“My lord, when the situation is less tense in the future, may I remain by your side?” Ye Jingyu said: “My martial arts are not good, but I can serve as your maidservant, specifically attending to your daily life.”
“Very well.” Suo Lun said: “However, it is best if you still wear the tight-fitting sharkskin outfit. It is a sight for sore eyes.”
Ye Jingyu’s face flushed red, yet she sat even more upright, making the curves of her waist and hips even more explosively alluring.
After finishing lunch, Ye Jingyu was about to leave, to once again set out to sea for the Secret Gunpowder Island. She would only return after the next batch of gunpowder was produced, to escort it to the Heavenly Wolf Pass.
As Suo Lun saw her off, she suddenly bravely stepped forward, hooked her arms around Suo Lun’s neck, and pressed her fiery red lips to his.
A deep kiss, a passionate kiss with tongues intertwined.
After the kiss, Ye Jingyu whispered in Suo Lun’s ear: “My lord, I truly cannot bear it any longer. There is something you must prepare yourself mentally for.”
“What is it?” Suo Lun said.
“At home, a tremendous surprise awaits you.” Ye Jingyu said.
With that, fearing she could not withstand Suo Lun’s questioning, she immediately ran off.
A surprise? Suo Lun was stunned. What surprise?
…
That evening, in the Yan pirate camp, Suo Lun attended the Yan King’s Council!
This was the highest level council of the Yan clan. As the Yan Queen’s liege lord, Suo Lun had the power to attend the meeting, but not the power to speak.
Because it was the Yan King herself who had pledged allegiance to Suo Lun. Therefore, Suo Lun could not easily interfere in the internal affairs of the Yan clan.
In the Yan King’s Council, the Yan pirates elected five new island lords. These five would simultaneously serve as the five commanders of ten thousand in the Yan pirate legion.
These five island lords were the strongest in martial arts, the bravest, the highest in prestige, and the highest in military accomplishment!
Then, fifty cave lords were also elected!
These fifty cave lords would simultaneously serve as the thousand commanders of the fifty thousand Yan pirate legion.
Then, the Yan King’s Council also designated the Yan Queen’s personal legion, totalling fifteen thousand men, comprising one-third of the entire Yan pirate legion.
The entire process of the meeting filled Suo Lun with great emotion!
This highest council of the Yan clan was so democratic, yet also so centralised!
It was democratic because every one of the five hundred Yan pirate warriors present participated actively, fully exercising their power.
It was centralised because regardless of any candidate or any resolution, the Yan Queen could veto it with a single word. Once vetoed by the Yan Queen, all island lords and cave lords had no power to oppose.
And the only body that could restrain the Yan King’s power was the Yan clan’s Council of Elders. In military matters, the Yan clan’s Council of Elders typically expressed no opinions whatsoever.
Suo Lun witnessed with his own eyes that in mere hours, the Yan pirate legion’s command system was completely established, remarkably complete and swift.
Decisive and straightforward, without the slightest dithering!
Truly worthy of being an absolute warrior race. Truly remarkable.
Suo Lun was certain that in a very short time, this Yan pirate legion could be brought onto the battlefield, and would possess astonishing combat power!
…
The next day, Suo Lun and Queen Yan Chuo’er rode a griffon beast back to Tianshui main city.
As for the reorganisation of the Yan pirate legion, the Yan Queen no longer needed to oversee it. The five island lords and fifty cave lords would excellently complete all reorganisation work.
After nearly an hour of flight, Suo Lun’s griffon beast landed in Tianshui main city!
He was indeed very curious. What was the surprise Ye Jingyu spoke of?
The moment he entered the city lord’s residence, Gui Qinshao came flying over, her face radiating boundless happiness and joy. She threw herself directly into Suo Lun’s embrace, exclaiming with excitement: “Husband, I am with child, I am with child…”
Suo Lun was instantly overjoyed!
And Tu Lingsi also could not wait to rush over, embracing Gui Qinshao and Suo Lun together.
She was simply too happy. Her precious daughter’s belly was indeed promising. The moment she became intimate with Suo Lun, she immediately became pregnant.
“Suo Lun, ever since learning of the pregnancy, little Shao has waited here every day, wanting to be the first to tell you.” Tu Lingsi said joyfully.
“I am simply too happy…” Gui Qinshao held Suo Lun, showering his face with kisses as if they cost nothing.
…
Southeastern Provincial capital!
Night fell, and a figure in a black cloak entered a mansion, appearing before Gui Xingfu.
The visitor lifted the cloak, revealing a handsome yet pallid face. It was Ling Ao!
Nearly two months ago, both his legs had been broken by Suo Lun. Who would have thought he would recover so quickly?
Ordinary fractures would be difficult to fully heal in two months, let alone Ling Ao’s legs, which had been broken in several places at the time.
Gui Xingfu said in surprise: “Little Ao, your legs are healed?”
“Healed.” Ling Ao said: “Not only are my legs healed, but my martial arts have greatly improved, because I have obtained a mysterious and powerful force.”
Gui Xingfu discovered that Ling Ao’s voice was somewhat strange, his face pallid and gaunt!
“What have you come for?” Gui Xingfu said.
Ling Ao said: “I have come to save you, Foster Father! Prince Zhili’s eight hundred thousand troops have already set out. In just over a month, they will arrive at the city walls. Suo Lun is already certain to die. This is your final opportunity. As long as you lead the civil officials of the Southeastern Province to collectively turn traitor, declaring allegiance to Prince Zhili, and voluntarily offer up the city, all previous crimes will be completely forgiven. Your crime of surrendering to Suo Lun will also be transformed into enduring humiliation and bearing heavy burdens while in hiding.”
Gui Xingfu said: “If I now re-surrender to Zhili, he certainly will not pursue the matter at this moment. But after ascending the throne, given his character, he will certainly settle accounts with me.”
At this moment, another person walked in!
It was Tu Lingchen!
He bowed and said: “Uncle, my father will personally vouch for you!”
Duke Tu Lingtuo personally vouching for him?
Ling Ao said: “Foster Father, Prince Zhili knows you harbour doubts. But there is one method that will completely remove your worries!”
“What method?” Gui Xingfu said.
Ling Ao said: “This time, because of Haigang’s betrayal, Yan Mo suffered a great defeat. This made Prince Zhili very displeased. Once Suo Lun is destroyed, Prince Zhili will gather the entire kingdom’s strength to campaign against Yingzhou Island. After capturing Yingzhou Island, half of its territory will be enfeoffed to you as the new Linhai City. And the original Linhai City territory will be incorporated as a commandery and county of the kingdom. In this way, your territory will be separated from the Raging Wave Kingdom by several thousand li. Even if Prince Zhili wishes to settle accounts with you, his whip will be too short to reach!”
Tu Lingchen said: “Uncle, half of Yingzhou Island is fully four times the area of present-day Linhai City! That equals your territory increasing fourfold. Moreover, Prince Zhili has promised that as long as you betray Suo Lun and lead all civil officials of the Southeastern Province to surrender to Prince Zhili, he will enfeoff you as a marquis!”
Ling Ao said: “Foster Father, this is a heaven-defying good fortune. What are you waiting for? Will you choose the position of marquis, territory four times the size of Tianshui City? Or will you choose to be buried alongside Suo Lun?”
Gui Xingfu’s heart immediately began to race!
The position of marquis, territory four times the size of Linhai City? Truly a heaven-defying temptation.
And the price for all this was to betray Suo Lun!
What choice should he make?