Chapter 477: Ma Liangcai Enlists in the Army
By the Mandate of Heaven and the command of the King:
Mu Lan, you are loyal, courageous, and valorous in arms, your illustrious name shines bright. Since donning armor and stepping onto the battlefield, you have repeatedly achieved great merit. In the ambush battle at Thousand Peaks Forest, your fearless bravery and timely reinforcement brought great service.
Looking back on that year, when the frontlines were in peril, Elder General Mu took the initiative to request a mission, passed the Commander’s Trial Map, gathered the remnants of the defeated, regrouped the forces, and valiantly slew the enemy.
Thereafter, the forces grew in strength and reputation, and ultimately you came to command your own army—thus was the Red Flower Camp born.
Following that, Elder General Mu led every campaign personally, earning numerous brilliant victories. The enemy troops trembled at your name, the people lived in peace—you are truly a pillar of the nation, a model for the people.
Now, hearing that General Mu Lan is gravely wounded, We are deeply saddened. You have offered your heart for the country, balancing both loyalty and filial piety. You are indeed a cornerstone of Our Liangzhu Kingdom. We are greatly comforted by your devotion.
The nation’s affairs remain dire, the situation at Thousand Peaks Forest requires utmost attention. Now that your wounds have not yet healed and you cannot personally lead the Red Flower Camp, to comfort your heart and to leave a successor for the Grand General’s Mansion, We specially appoint General Ma Liangcai as the Staff Officer of the Red Flower Camp, to oversee all major affairs within the camp.
You must rest and recover in peace. Once healed, return to your post and support our cause. The matters of the Red Flower Camp shall be overseen by General Ma—be at ease.
Thus decreed.
After the envoy finished reading the Royal Decree, he swept his gaze across the surroundings and frowned: “Where is General Mu Lan? Why has she not come to accept the decree?”
Zhang Chongyi hurriedly replied, “General Mu Lan is still unconscious, her mind unclear.”
The envoy nodded. “Since that is the case—General Ma Liangcai, please take swift control of the Red Flower Camp and serve the kingdom.”
Ma Liangcai nodded, then gave a light shout, his voice swiftly spreading throughout the entire Red Flower Camp.
The soldiers of the Red Flower Camp assembled quickly, but they did not follow Ma Liangcai’s orders. Instead, they clustered around the main tent of General Mu Lan, united in solidarity, and glared at Ma Liangcai with hostility.
This scene shocked Ning Zhuo and Liu Er!
There was no commanding general present. Ma Liangcai was a Nascent Soul-level cultivator and carried the King’s Mandate—yet the soldiers of the Red Flower Camp still behaved this way. It clearly showed where their loyalties lay.
Ma Liangcai’s face darkened, the envoy also shouted, “What’s the meaning of this? The Royal Decree is here—are you defying the King and rebelling?”
Some soldiers remained expressionless, others sneered coldly—all had firm and unwavering expressions.
“A mere decree, and you think you can replace our General? Not happening!”
“Changing generals on the eve of battle is a major taboo. A general on campaign does not always obey royal commands—this is only natural. We ask the envoy not to take offense.”
“Our Red Flower Camp was built from the ground up by Elder General Mu. General Mu Lan is his only daughter. You may be Nascent Soul, Ma Liangcai, but you're just one of the King’s three generals. Can you compare to the Grand General’s Mansion?”
The soldiers of the Red Flower Camp each voiced their stance, making it plain that they would not obey the decree—enraging the envoy to the extreme.
Ma Liangcai’s face turned icy. Beneath his pair of white eyebrows, his eyes were deep and piercing.
He looked at these united and defiant soldiers before him, and couldn’t help but recall the scene when the King issued the order—
In the lavish Royal Hall, the curtains swayed gently, and a thick fragrance filled the air.
The King of Liangzhu lay on his throne, embracing the Consort Hu.
Consort Hu was enchantingly beautiful, dressed in resplendent palace attire, like a blooming flower, breathtakingly gorgeous.
“My King, try this grape,” Consort Hu giggled, picking a peeled grape with her delicate jade fingers and bringing it to the King’s lips.
The King opened his mouth and took in both the grape and her fingers, savoring them, showing a look of enjoyment.
“Your servant Ma Liangcai greets the King.” Ma Liangcai knelt on one knee, respectfully bowing his head, seeing his own reflection on the mirror-like jade tiles.
The King grunted, still holding Consort Hu, and glanced at Ma Liangcai sideways. “Speak standing.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Ma Liangcai rose but kept his head bowed.
The King said, “I called you here for the Red Flower Camp.”
“General Mu Lan is seriously injured and unconscious. She can no longer lead that army. You will take over.”
Ma Liangcai’s heart trembled. He couldn’t help but raise his head. “Your Majesty, what virtue or ability do I possess to take over and command the Red Flower Camp? That camp is...”
The King cut him off impatiently, “The Grand General’s personal troops.”
“Elder General Mu has been bedridden for how long now? The position of Grand General consumes enormous national strength every year! It should be passed to the younger generation.”
“Taking over that army will undoubtedly be difficult. Precisely because it is difficult, I summoned you to do this.”
“Remember, the Red Flower Camp is the army of our kingdom. Even as a Nascent Soul cultivator, you must not slaughter them recklessly.”
“Take this.”
The King gently tapped the armrest of the throne, and a beam of radiant light shot out.
Ma Liangcai hastily reached out with both hands and caught the radiant light.
“You should know the Red Flower Camp’s old secrets. This treasure can help you accomplish your task. Use it well.”
“If you manage to take over the Red Flower Camp, bring it back with you. If you fail, then go submit to the General-in-Chief and await orders—earn merit to atone for your failure.”
Ma Liangcai cupped his hands, “Your subordinate obeys!”
The King waved him away impatiently, and Ma Liangcai quickly withdrew from the grand hall.
The King looked at Consort Hu in his embrace. “Beloved consort, I am following your plan this time. Now, you should know how much I dote on you, yes?”
Consort Hu smiled sweetly and pressed her soft, flower-like cheek against the King’s chest. “My King loves me most, I know.”
“Hahahaha.” The King of Liangzhu laughed heartily and held her tightly. “As long as my beloved understands my heart!”
Back in the Red Flower Camp.
Ma Liangcai’s eyes flashed. He had withdrawn from the memory and re-evaluated the situation before him.
He gave a cold smile and, unlike the furious envoy, spoke slowly and deliberately: “As expected of the Red Flower Camp. Even as a defeated army, you still bear a fierce pride. Very good, very good.”
“Do you not understand that your actions place your General in a position of disloyalty?”
“Refusing to obey the King’s summons will lead outsiders to believe that the Grand General’s Mansion harbors disloyalty. You all should know—the Grand General’s Mansion has many enemies at court.”
“If those people use this incident to manipulate the King, cause a misunderstanding, and enrage him into removing the Grand General from office—you will all be criminals!”
These words caused a stir among the soldiers. Each of them grew uneasy and uncertain.
Ma Liangcai continued, “The Grand General’s Mansion has fallen into decline—you should strive forward, earn merit, and restore its reputation!”
“General Mu Lan collapsed due to long toil and accumulated strain. As her subordinates, do you not know her aspirations?”
“Without a commanding general, can you alone go to battle? Another defeat will only tarnish the name of the Grand General’s Mansion!”
“Only under my leadership, with battle merits achieved, can we stabilize the situation. Then, when General Mu Lan awakens, your performance will surely bring her comfort, no?”
The soldiers of the Red Flower Camp grew increasingly hesitant.
Ma Liangcai’s words struck at the core of their deepest fears—without a general, stepping onto the battlefield was the same as walking into death. How could they earn merit and restore former glory?
General Shuangjing descended from the sky: “General Ma speaks with great reason.”
“I agree as well.” Sun Gan also descended.
“However,” Sun Gan suddenly changed his tone, “Compared to General Ma, I, Sun Gan, have spent far more time with General Mu Lan, and understand the Red Flower Camp better. I am more suited to command this army!”
Shuangjing said, “Before falling unconscious, General Mu Lan had once entrusted me—if anything were to go awry, I would be the one to take over command of the Red Flower Camp.”
Everyone was momentarily stunned.
Ning Zhuo suddenly nudged Liu Er with his elbow.
Liu Er jolted and, as if divinely inspired, cried out, “Strange! General Mu Lan had also told me the same thing before!”
Everyone froze once more.
Ma Liangcai’s expression turned even darker. He looked at Shuangjing and Sun Gan, then glanced at Liu Er, his gaze pausing on the hybrid markings of his demon bloodline, revealing undisguised disgust and contempt.
Ma Liangcai turned to the envoy and transmitted a message through spiritual sense.
The envoy shouted, “What nonsense are the three of you stirring up? General Ma Liangcai was appointed by the King himself to take over the Red Flower Camp! Do you have the King’s mandate?”
Liu Er gritted his teeth.
Sun Gan immediately said, “The decree stated only that Ma Liangcai is to serve as a staff officer and join the Red Flower Camp—how does that amount to taking over command?”
Shuangjing added, “Though the Red Flower Camp is part of the official army of our kingdom, it was founded by Elder General Mu himself and belongs to the Grand General’s Mansion. You, Ma Liangcai, are an outsider—how could you possibly take command?”
Ning Zhuo transmitted a message via spiritual sense, guiding Liu Er.
Liu Er clenched his teeth and said, “There’s something you all may not know—General Mu Lan and I are kindred spirits, and nearly at the stage of discussing marriage. In terms of closeness, I count as half a member of the Grand General’s Mansion.”
“The King is wise and favors the loyal. If he knew the details of our bond, he would never have sent Lord Ma here.”
Once those words left his mouth, everyone turned to glare at Liu Er.
One gaze after another, filled with shock and fury, as if they were about to spit fire.
Ning Zhuo subtly moved a few steps away, distancing himself from Liu Er.
Liu Er’s breath faltered slightly, feeling an immense pressure in the air.
Whether it was Ma Liangcai, the envoy from the royal capital, Shuangjing, Sun Gan, or even Zhang Chongyi and the Red Flower Camp’s soldiers—every one of them wished to grind Liu Er’s bones to dust.
Who the hell did he think he was?
A mere human-demon hybrid dares to sully the purity of General Mu Lan?! Dares to meddle in this political power struggle? Dares to covet the Grand General’s Seal?!
Utterly absurd!
Where did he get this confidence?
In the frozen atmosphere, Sun Gan suddenly looked up and laughed heartily, “General Liu Er is sharp-witted—I understand now. To be frank, General Mu Lan has admired me since childhood, and wished to marry me in exchange for me joining the Grand General’s Mansion, to restore its former glory.”
Shuangjing refused to be outdone: “Everything you two spoke of only happened recently. In truth, I had already been exchanging letters with Mu Lan long ago. At first, she sought my guidance on cultivation, but over time, we shared our hearts. Our relationship is far deeper than outsiders could imagine.”
“Now that Mu Lan lies unconscious, I—being her beloved, and half a member of the Grand General’s Mansion—am naturally the one to lead the Red Flower Camp.”
“Ma Liangcai, you come by royal mandate. I won’t make things hard for you—just fulfill your role as a staff officer obediently.”
As the situation unfolded to this point, the soldiers of the Red Flower Camp and Zhang Chongyi finally began to realize the underlying currents.
Ma Liangcai, backed by the King’s mandate, had the upper hand in terms of legitimacy. The reasoning in the royal decree was clear and proper—for the sake of victory in war, for the bigger picture!
Anyone who defied this command would stand on weak ground and face harsh punishment.
Those who follow the righteous path must adhere to order.
But if Liu Er, Sun Gan, and Shuangjing all had intimate ties with Mu Lan—effectively making them half members of the Grand General’s Mansion—
Then according to the moral order of family, state, and world—family comes first, then the state, and lastly the world. That would place Ma Liangcai behind Liu, Sun, and Shuang.
The soldiers of the Red Flower Camp understood this point and started to believe that the three generals were merely trying to help their own cause—fabricating intimate ties with Mu Lan to block Ma Liangcai’s advance.
Their gazes toward the three generals no longer held hostility, unaware that each of the three was nursing private ambitions.
They did, indeed, seek to lay hands on the Grand General’s Mansion!
Ning Zhuo observed the situation and pondered, “The King of Liangzhu gave the order to take direct control of the Red Flower Camp. His timing was too ‘perfect’. Mu Lan had barely fallen into a coma, and Ma Liangcai arrived.”
“This suggests that those who acted against Mu Lan weren’t Shuangjing or Sun Gan—but the upper echelons of Liangzhu Kingdom itself.”
“What is the true intention of the King of Liangzhu? Is he the mastermind, or merely an accomplice?”
Ning Zhuo speculated silently.
He tried to view the matter from the King’s perspective.
If the Red Flower Camp was absorbed, and the Grand General’s Mansion dissolved—it would all benefit the King.
The King had strong motives to act.
Ning Zhuo also discreetly observed Sun Gan and Shuangjing: “These two likely caught wind of something, learned of the plot, and acted ahead of time to pressure Mu Lan.”
“They wanted to seize the Red Flower Camp and Grand General’s Mansion before the King could.”
“So when Ma Liangcai arrived, they stepped in to obstruct him.”
As Ning Zhuo calculated the whole situation, Sun Gan and Shuangjing both secretly sighed in relief and looked at Liu Er with newfound respect.
Thankfully, Liu Er had reacted quickly and come up with this scheme!
Liu Er, on the other hand, looked at Ning Zhuo with admiration in his heart: “Having a strategist beside me is truly wonderful. I’ve gained so much! Now that Mu Lan is unconscious, the three of us can freely make claims, blocking Ma Liangcai from advancing.”
“The brilliance lies in this—if Ma Liangcai wants to expose us, he must awaken Mu Lan and have her deny the private relationships face-to-face.”
“Yet if Mu Lan wakes up, Ma Liangcai will never truly take control of the Red Flower Camp. He’ll be reduced to a mere staff officer—Mu Lan would be above him, and he’d have no real power!”
As for why the King of Liangzhu didn’t just appoint Ma Liangcai as the commander of the Red Flower Camp directly in the decree?
Obviously, it would violate the norms of the righteous path.
If the King of Liangzhu had done that, he would have alarmed many noble families, lost public favor, and faced endless admonitions from elder statesmen.
And even if he tried, it would certainly have failed—this much was clear from the soldiers’ reaction.
The standoff remained unresolved.
Ma Liangcai stared daggers at Liu Er, and his hatred toward this Golden Core–level human-demon hybrid surged tenfold.
Liu Er, seeing things had progressed this far, simply met Ma Liangcai’s gaze without fear.
Shuangjing and Sun Gan, witnessing this, regarded Liu Er with slightly more respect. This hybrid did have a reckless kind of bravery.
The two of them also fixed their eyes on Ma Liangcai, silently exerting pressure.
Neither side retreated in the slightest. Just as a deadlock was about to erupt—
The curtain of the command tent was suddenly lifted.
Mu Lan walked out!
Everyone’s eyes widened once again. Even Ning Zhuo’s expression changed, deeply shocked. In that instant, he understood:
“What a cunning Mu Lan—she was pretending to be unconscious all along!”
Mu Lan smiled gently at the astonished crowd: “Everyone, come into the tent. Let’s talk.”