Wen Hu

While eating a glutinous rice ball, Li Fan watched this grand spectacle unfold, but he didn't rush to make a move.

He didn't really harbor any resentment towards these rebels; after all, they were just former vassal states who had defected to warlords, nothing to criticize. As for Captain Niu and Grand Tutor Commandant Wang, they had nothing to do with him. On the other hand, there was Military Counsellor Wei —no, Censor-in-Chief—and if he remembered correctly, wasn't he the apprentice of the former Imperial Censor Wen Jin? So, this man might have some old grudges against the Ink Bamboo Mountain faction.

However, since these defecting soldiers didn't kill the Li Country or waiter, but only drove them to the stables for safety, and since there were still glutinous rice balls to eat, Li Fan decided not to argue with them.

Of course, it's also possible that the Nangong Family, while plotting this scheme, completely forgot to check if there were any bystanders listening in, and that they were just lucky to escape with their lives...

So Li Tangyuan ate two more bowls of glutinous rice balls. After eating and drinking his fill, he tossed his head, drooling, and lay down in the basket for a nap.

Li Fan settled the bill, and seeing that the Xiaoyu was gradually stopping, he slung his basket over his shoulder and followed the clearly visible hoofprints on the ground towards the eastern foot of Peach Blossom Mountain, following the traces left by the border rebels.

As expected, although the Nangong Family's army in the south had banners stretching to the sky and camps extending for hundreds of miles, seemingly an impregnable fortress, it was still these patrol guards who had long been stationed on the border who knew the surrounding terrain best. Li Fan followed the mountain path, traversed the dense forest Plank Road under the ridge, and quickly bypassed the southern army, slipping through the gaps to bypass the numerous military camps and sentries.

Even the scouts and light cavalry went unnoticed, so naturally no one discovered Li Fan's whereabouts. He passed through Peach Blossom Mountain territory safely and arrived in Li Country.

Sigh... Look at the Nangong Family's utterly flawed level of competence. It's one thing to be ignorant of geography, but people are walking right under their noses, and they don't even think to ask a single question. How the hell have they managed to survive for so many years without being wiped out? Does being a little stupid really give you a stroke of luck?

The first border town to be affected by the Li Country was Bianzhou Beizhen. This military town was basically similar to the Hebei vassal states, and belonged to the border defense forces stationed to guard the border.

Although there were distinctions between the imperial and vassal states, and the official titles of the local vassal states were all over the place, the personal guards and imperial troops directly under the rulers of the Twelve Countries and the warlords of each vassal state were basically based on the principle of "the more the better," with as many as possible being supported, and generals with miscellaneous titles being given haphazardly. However, when it comes to the local garrisons and garrisons, the basic organization and structure of the army were basically the same across the Twelve Countries, with only minor differences.

For example, the seven divisions of the Four Guards of the Three Enclosures each consisted of five thousand households, with the commander of each household being a captain. Of course, this captain of the Guards appointed by the Immortal Palace is not the same as the captain of the Mountain Patrol Guard surnamed Niu. The position of captain of the Guards is even hereditary, with ranks above it being Yulin Lang, Lieutenant General, and even General Feng. In contrast, a local vassal state with a thousand soldiers under its command can call itself a captain.

Therefore, the garrison system in Li Country was not composed of 5,000 households, but 5,000 people, with one commander. Larger prefectural cities had five or six garrisons, while smaller border towns had three or four garrisons, with one protector-general. Prefectures and counties also had several prefectural cities and passes, with one Jiedushi.

Moreover, unlike the combined military-agricultural and land-reclamation model of the Imperial Guards, the Li Country recruits soldiers, and the land belongs to powerful landlords, so there is no land to cultivate. However, in recent years, the Li Country has become wealthy, and in theory, military supplies and provisions can be coordinated by the imperial court and provided by the local government. Nevertheless, there are still those who embezzle funds, falsely report troop numbers, and fill positions without real personnel. Therefore, in the inland garrisons, although the garrisons appear to have hundreds of thousands of troops on paper, when it comes time for roll call, it is considered good if only 30% of the troops are present.

However, as a major northern town of the Li Country, Bianzhou has been guarding the border for many years, preventing the incursions of refugees and demons. In addition, there have been frequent rebellions by remnants of the Black Lotus Sect in recent years, so there is no shortage of soldiers. Bianzhou North Town alone has two patrol guards and two garrison guards, as well as many refugee bandits and mercenaries from the Central Plains and Kunlun that can be recruited. Judging from the numbers alone, it is probably not much less than the Nangong Family, so it really cannot be called a 'lone army'.

Of course, if we compare cultivation levels, the Li Country's army is at a disadvantage. After all, the production of Divine Essence Pill Divine Infant Pill was all used by the Nangong Family. There wasn't even enough for the Li Country's powerful clans to go around, unlike the northern warlords who faced constant calamities and had dragon meat to replenish their strength. At this time, most of the soldiers in the city were Qi Foundation Establishment, with only a hundred or so at the Golden Core stage, and not a single one at the Nascent Soul Stage. It's clear they've really been abandoned.

While the Nangong Family may be considered trash, they are still a large-scale form of trash—literally, a celestial army. Moreover, the peerless Crown Prince of the Nangong Family is leading an elite force on this expedition to Kun Country. There are at least three to five thousand low-level Golden Core cultivators among them, and the Immortal Palace has fire phoenixes, flying horses, and divine weapons and talismans. Even if the commander is a bit mentally challenged, it doesn't matter. The strength of the two armies is vastly different. If they were to fight head-on, the Nangong Family would most likely win completely.

However, Li Fan didn't see any Nascent Soul Stage Transformation Stage cultivators in Nangong, and there weren't many either, maybe seventeen or eighteen. It seemed that Nangong Wushuang wasn't in the army; he probably saw the meteor shower and went to the Central Plains to hunt for treasures.

Originally, Li Fan didn't want to meddle in the affairs of the Northern Garrison Army. Since he had easily bypassed the Nangong army at Peach Blossom Mountain, he could have simply flown back to Ink Bamboo Mountain. However, he caught sight of those rebel soldiers entering the city and, on a whim, decided to see what kind of person Wei Hu, who was so highly praised and arrogant, really was. What qualifications did he have to be the leader of the younger generation? Would he fall for the Nangong Family's brainless scheme?

So he concealed himself and slipped into the city, following behind Captain Niu, Northern Town Protector to see what was going on.

The Northern Town Protector is not a henchman of Wang E and has been dismissed from his post. The one in charge of the city now is Wei Gao, the former military advisor, now the Censor-in-Chief and the military supervisor of the Five Wei Gao.

Although Nangong's army was stationed nearby on Peach Blossom Mountain to the north, the northern town was surprisingly orderly, showing no signs of chaos. The city's defenses were also quite rigorous, with patrols and guards proceeding as usual, so there was nothing wrong with it. However, what was absurd was that when Li Fan arrived at the Duhu Manor, he only saw long queues outside the mansion, with people coming and going, and carriages flowing by. Moreover, it didn't seem like they were organizing troops for defense; it appeared they were distributing rations...

It really was a severance payment. Li Fan mingled in the crowd for a while and saw that the Duhu Manor's warehouses had been emptied, with piles of silk and gold and silver stacked in the courtyard. The secretary and his personal guards were checking the list and disbursing the money.

Those veterans who had served on the border for many years, those with elderly or weak only sons, those who were injured or ill and lacked money, or those who needed money for weddings or funerals, all had their needs registered and verified. They were all given rice, grain, money and silk, and were rewarded according to their merits. Those who did not want to defend the city when the army approached were also allowed to leave the army and return home by letter from Wei Gao.

In a short while, hundreds of soldiers took their money and left, but most of them stayed. After all, the world was not peaceful these days, and being a soldier and getting paid was better than farming, right? Besides, the land wasn't yours. You'd work yourself to death and still suffer hunger and beatings. If people called you useless, it was because you weren't hardworking enough. At least you had a knife in your hand, and no fool would dare to say that to your face.

Li Fan seemed thoughtful, while Niu Yunguang and the others were completely bewildered. Although they didn't understand, they were deeply shocked.

"Joining the army... what is the supervising officer doing?"

Niu Yunguang was clearly not one to play dirty tricks. He reeked of alcohol and was probably drunk, so he simply brought a sharp blade to assassinate the mansion. But he never expected to find such a scene in the Duhu Manor.

"The military supervisor has already calculated and clarified the salary owed by Duhu Zhu. Now that the court has bestowed upon him the title of military supervisor of the Northern Garrison, this matter should be settled first before discussing anything else. Do you also want to calculate this? Then go to the back and line up."

The gatekeeper pointed with his baton, and everyone turned to look, only to see the long queue circling around several times.

Niu Yunguang hesitated for a moment, "We're just returning from a patrol, and we have urgent military intelligence to report."

The guard nodded. "Remove your armor and weapons, and come with me into the mansion."

So the captain and the Military Commander discussed it for a moment, then took off their armor and went inside. The other soldiers hesitated for a while, not wanting to force their way in, so they went to line up to collect their money.

The two followed the guards into the Duhu Manor, only to be led to a side hall where several soldiers were eating, drinking and eating heartily.

"The supervising officer has instructed that there are many matters to attend to now, and military intelligence should be given priority. You will wait here for your summons. If you are hungry or thirsty, eat your fill first."

Seeing that there were so many people queuing for military supplies, the two had no choice but to go in and eat and drink as well.

Li Fan had been following behind them, but even he, slow to notice, realized they were there and stood at the doorway without moving.

As expected, as soon as Niu Yunguang and Su Yu sat down and picked up the wine jar, before they could even take a sip, they were swarmed by the soldiers dining around them, who tackled them and captured them!

Even though Captain Niu had some courage, he couldn't withstand the force of so many strongmen holding his hands. He was bound hand and foot before he could struggle for long. In no time, the two of them were covered in dust and dirt and were escorted to the Duhu Manor's office to kneel down!

Li Fan was momentarily speechless at how easily the two had been defeated, so he picked up his basket and followed them.

On either side of the main hall stood four guards, all of whom were warriors protected by protective qi, and were not ordinary ordinary fighters.

At the head of the rear seat sat a scholar dressed in Confucian robes. He possessed the cultivation of the Golden Core stage and was indeed quite handsome. A dignified seven-foot-tall man, he was broad-shouldered, with high eyebrows and deep-set eyes, a leopard-like head and round eyes, and a beard that covered his cheeks. He exuded a righteous and awe-inspiring aura. Even without revealing his voice or expression, his authority was self-evident. Although he was a scholar, he was far from being poor and weak. He could probably easily take up his pen and join the army.

This man must be Wei Hu Wei Gao, the infamous leader of the Four Evils of Changsi City. However, although he claimed to be busy with official duties, he was holding a collection of poems and appreciating them, looking quite leisurely, and it didn't seem like he was pretending.

Because in the side hall to his right, there was a desk piled high with scrolls, documents, and account books, and a young female official, about fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed as a boy, was engrossed in writing with a brush.

So you want your secretary to do everything, huh...?

Niu Yunguang and Su Yu glanced at the man, their imposing manner immediately diminished, and they remained kneeling with their heads down, saying nothing.

Wei Gao didn't even look at them, and simply said calmly, "Brother Yun Guang and his brothers left without saying goodbye. What are you doing back? Is it because you think the gold and silver outside isn't enough, and you want to take my head?"

He closed the poetry collection, looked up at the two men, and his gaze was indeed like that of a tiger, exceptionally majestic and bright. Those with wicked intentions felt a cold sweat break out under his gaze.

The military commander, Su Yu, shrank back, speechless with astonishment.

Niu Yunguang's forehead was also covered in cold sweat. He dared not meet the eyes of the person in the hall, and only stared at the floor tiles as he read, "It is... it is because I was worried about being implicated by Zhu Zi and was undecided. But when I heard that Lord Ming had set things right and was fair in rewarding and punishing, I returned. I am willing to work together with you and share life and death!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Gao burst into laughter, tossed the poetry collection he was holding into the desk beside him, and personally stepped forward, pulling Niu Yunguang to his feet. "Oh dear! Brother Yunguang, you have such intentions! Please don't be offended! It's not that I harbor suspicion, but rather that the situation forces me to be cautious. The city is fraught with hidden dangers, and we must take precautions! With Brother Yunguang's help today, our Northern Town will be as solid as a rock! Hahahaha! Please come with me! There is something I cannot do without you, so please lend me a hand!"

Niu Yunguang chuckled along, but before he could finish, a group of warriors swarmed around him, grabbed him, and dragged him away.

Su Yu fared even worse; her mouth was covered, and she was punched in the temple, causing her to faint instantly. No one knows where she was taken.

Li Fan frowned as he watched Wei Gao's men drag Niu Yunguang to the outside of the Duhu Manor's courtyard, but he didn't rush to follow them out.

Did that guy secretly slip a talisman onto Niu Yunguang just now?

Xuan Tian: "Yes, there should be one more."

So Li Fan turned his head to look at the side hall.

Sure enough, the female official disguised as a man, who had been writing furiously and frantically doing her homework, suddenly got up, picked out a talisman from the collection of poems that Wei Gao had just thrown down, swallowed the talisman with a hand seal, and then closed her eyes and sat quietly.

Xuan Tian, "I am a curse."

As if he had a sudden realization, Li Fan also went outside the courtyard, jumped onto the roof, and looked around. He saw that the Duhu Manor was packed with soldiers, three layers deep.

The soldiers gathered in the courtyard bowed and saluted Wei Gao and his entourage. Some addressed him as "Military Advisor," some as "Supervisor," some as "Minister," and others simply called him "Lord Wei." It seems that his efforts over the past few years have not been as simple as just sitting quietly and reading poetry and books.

Meanwhile, the guards around them had already started running around, quickly piecing together tables to build a high platform.

Wei Gao was the first to step onto the stage, while Niu Yunguang was held between two burly men on either side, unable to move. He looked completely bewildered as Wei Gao's personal guards dragged him to the high platform and forced him to kneel down.

The local soldiers naturally recognized Niu Yunguang's face, and many whispered among themselves, wondering why this captain had been tied up and paraded in front of everyone.

Then they heard Wei Gao, his voice like thunder, loud as a bell, whether from innate talent or some secret magic, truly like the roar of a tiger, pointing at Niu Yunguang,

"Niu Yunguang! Tell me why Zhu Zi was dismissed from his post!"

Niu Yunguang said, "The Protector-General and the Nangong Family had a secret agreement to launch a rebellion. Niu Yunguang secretly planned to capture five border towns to welcome the Nangong army. This plan was discovered by the Grand Commandant, who was subsequently dismissed from his post."

Wei Gao then said, "You were patrolling the mountains yesterday! Why were you nowhere to be seen? Where did you go? Tell me the truth!"

Niu Yunguang shouted, "Nangong's army is within reach! Our army is doomed to defeat! Brothers, you should make plans now and surrender! General Nangong told me that everyone who surrenders will be rewarded with a thousand gold pieces! And whoever kills Wei Hu will be ennobled as a marquis of ten thousand households!"

The entire audience erupted in uproar.

"Coward!" Wei Gao roared, drew his sword, and beheaded Niu Yunguang. Silence fell upon him.

Wei Gao, holding Niu Yunguang's head, pointed his sword at the soldiers below the platform and shouted, "Men who want to leave! Settle your wages and go! Anyone who wants to take my head for a reward, come and fight!"

The soldiers below fell silent for a moment, then someone shouted, "Soldier, don't joke around! We're grown men, and we're not weak-willed yet!" "Why choose Nangong of all people?" "Exactly! Where will we get paid if we work for Nangong? He beats and scolds us all the time; he doesn't treat us like human beings at all!"

"Ha! A true man is born between heaven and earth, and dies only once! Whatever you want, earn it with the knife in your hand! How dare you kneel and beg for your life! Bring me wine! Those who have the guts to stay and do great things with me, then swear an oath of blood!"

Wei Gao roared, threw down Niu Yunguang's head, washed the knife with wine, filled a bowl with blood wine, and raised it high to pay homage to Heaven!

"Heaven has not been kind to us, and the nation is in dire straits. Rebellious ministers have seized the opportunity to usurp the palace! The traitor in the Southern Palace has also incited thugs to overthrow cities and towns. Their cruelty has extended even to this envoy. Since they do not serve their superiors, how can they care for their inferiors!"

Gao was filled with righteous indignation and had no time to calm down. He vowed to join forces with all the nobles and serve the royal family wholeheartedly. All my allies, let us work together to eliminate evil!

The spirits of our ancestors will surely praise us from beyond the grave. Sincerity leads to unity of purpose, and righteousness unites our hearts; even if it means our bones are ground to powder and our bodies crumble, we will have no regrets!

May those who harbor such a will be punished by the gods, and may their descendants also be spared. Heaven and Earth, behold, witness to this!

He drank the bowl of blood wine in one gulp, his mouth covered in drops of Yin Hong's blood, like a tiger just whetted its appetite.

"Wei Hu ..."

Li Fan stood on the rooftop, looking at the large group of rough, southern barbarians in the Duhu Manor. Although they didn't understand much, they were stirred up by his words, their blood boiling, and they rushed forward to kill animals and swear an oath to work together to serve the country. He sighed.

Tigers, after all, will eat people...