Chapter 139 - 137: Ambition
In Qinghe County Town, the provisions stockpiled by the Imperial Court were inexplicably burned to the ground overnight.
Simultaneously, the supply line was cut off, delivering a combined blow that left the frontline troops without resupply, causing instant unrest within the army. The situation reversed, and after a major defeat, the remnants of the defeated troops retreated from Donglai Prefecture.
The battle of Donglai Prefecture ultimately resulted in a decisive victory for the Fifth Prince’s side.
Liu Residence.
One must admit, Liu Dingsheng is merely a Jianghu Guest, knowledgeable about many affairs in Jianghu, but when it comes to warfare, how could he foresee every detail as if he were an ancient immortal?
It was understandable that he misjudged the outcome of the battle this time.
"It seems there is a brilliant strategist assisting the Fifth Prince. I’m curious who came up with this plan. Simply igniting a single fire resolved the crisis here. Truly impressive," Liu Dingsheng stroked his beard and said.
That fire did not happen without cause; it must have been orchestrated by the Fifth Prince’s faction in Donglai Prefecture.
If one thinks carefully, even the previous strategy of luring the enemy deeper could be part of this setup.
Though the fire seemed straightforward, implementing it successfully required meticulous planning and attention to detail to finally succeed in burning the provisions.
Saying there is a brilliant strategist is not Liu Dingsheng trying to save face, but it is the truth.
Rather than believing that Young Prince with imperial bloodline is adept at warfare, it’s more believable that there’s a strategist behind guiding him.
With this battle concluded, Donglai Prefecture’s crisis was resolved.
However, the full-blown war between the Fifth Prince and the New Emperor was just beginning.
The newly arrived Young Prince, once in power, intensified his actions, and under the pressure of the Imperial Court’s army, began to conscript and requisition extensively, leaving the people nowhere to turn.
Donglai Prefecture was plunged into unrest, and complaints from the populace were widespread.
In the Nanyang County City, at Gu Residence.
"Because of the Young Prince’s forced conscription and requisitioning in Donglai Prefecture, the local situation has become very dire, and the towns are on the brink of erupting into unrest," Lu Zheng reported to Gu Wenhui.
"Hmm." Gu Wenhui sat at the desk, nodded, then asked, "What about the situation in the other Six Prefectures?"
"It’s similar everywhere," Lu Zheng replied solemnly.
"Then it’s about the right time. Too much of anything is as bad as too little. If a series of major uprisings really break out below, it would indeed be troublesome." Gu Wenhui put down the brush, letting the ink dry on the letter.
"Brother Gu, is it about to begin?" Lu Zheng’s eyes narrowed.
Gu Wenhui neither confirmed nor denied, sealing the letter and handing it to him, saying, "Take it to Governor Li of Donglai Prefecture."
Lu Zheng took the ambiguous letter, just about to leave when he heard Gu Wenhui ask.
"By the way, Song Changming is close to Liu Dingsheng. Ask him about the current remaining strength of Liu Dingsheng in the Extreme Realm; maybe he knows something."
Finally, he suddenly said, "Also, check on Song Changming’s current strength and, if possible, ask if he is willing to assist us..."
"Alright." Lu Zheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
Song Residence.
In the courtyard, Song Ping’an wielded a black wood saber, continuously attacking Song Changming.
Song Changming also held a similar wooden saber, blocking and parrying while occasionally giving pointers on Song Ping’an’s sword skill.
Suddenly, Song Ping’an was struck with inspiration, slashing with a unique gust of chilly wind that brushed past Song Changming’s face, sending a chill.
Smack!
Song Changming exerted a little force with his hand, repelling Song Ping’an, and nodded with a smile, "Not bad."
Song Ping’an, panting heavily, with trembling hands, could not hide his immense joy.
Finally, he had unleashed the mystical Sword Momentum.
After years of diligence and hard work, at this moment, he saw his efforts bear fruit.
It took him over two years to reach this crucial step from mastery to minor achievement. It was indeed a long journey.
But this is the normal pace of cultivation for a martial artist.
They don’t have the daily rewards of ’Heaven Rewards Diligence’, nor can they accumulate experience value continuously.
In their cultivation, even a slight relaxation can lead to stagnation, or worse, regression, unlike Song Changming, who has a smooth journey.
Moreover, practicing martial arts depends on talent. Without Song Changming’s constant guidance, and the spark of inspiration today, who knows how much longer Song Ping’an would take to achieve the Sword Momentum.
"Hold on to that feeling of striking with the blade, unify your spirit, and try again." Song Changming, understanding the importance of striking while the iron is hot, urged on.
"Yes!" Even though Song Ping’an was exhausted, he still responded with enthusiasm, raising his saber to strike at Song Changming again.
Wisps of chilly wind rose and fell, with Yin Ghosts howling mournfully.
This slightly raw feeling touched Song Changming’s heart.
By now, he had been practicing martial arts for more than ten years, and he still remembered when he first unleashed the Sword Momentum of the Soul-breaking Saber, it was just like this.
At that time, the Soul-breaking Saber was merely a low-level martial art, yet Song Changming relied on it to establish his position in the Patrol Armor Bureau, and later gradually shone brightly, standing out.
Now, seeing Song Ping’an reincarnate this sword skill made him sigh, time indeed flies.
"That’s enough, take a rest." Song Changming said after once again repelling Song Ping’an.
Song Ping’an was already sweating profusely, so exhausted that he could barely lift his hand.
At this moment, he finally noticed the slightly open courtyard door, where Lu Zheng had been watching for a while without his noticing.
"Who are you?"
"Ping’an, tidy up and bring a jar of wine." Song Changming said.
"No need, I brought some Nanyang Liqueur." Lu Zheng said, raising the jar of wine in his hand.
"That’s excellent, I have yet to taste the famous wine of Nanyang Prefecture." Song Changming smiled faintly, welcoming Lu Zheng inside.
"Compared to last time, I sense your aura is stronger. Have you perhaps made progress in your cultivation?"
Lu Zheng had been observing the fluctuations of Song Changming’s aura as he sparred with Song Ping’an, noticing it was significantly stronger.
"Yes, I’ve reached level eight." Song Changming nodded, not seeing any need to hide it.
Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng’s eyes flickered slightly.
"What brings Brother Lu here today?" Song Changming asked directly after pouring the wine.
With war erupting everywhere, Lu Zheng, who followed Gu Wenhui, should not have any free time.
"I indeed have important matters to discuss with you." Lu Zheng said solemnly.
Seeing Lu Zheng’s expression, Song Changming realized that today’s discussion was likely not simple, so he invited him into his study for a detailed talk.
"What is Elder Liu’s current strength?" Song Changming was somewhat surprised, not expecting Lu Zheng to start with this question.
He understood this was likely a directive from Gu Wenhui, behind Lu Zheng.
On regular days, Lu Zheng wouldn’t be concerned with these matters.
Song Changming shook his head: "I’m really sorry, Brother Lu, I have received much grace and care from Elder Liu over the years, and I won’t speak of his affairs."
Lu Zheng nodded, not insisting or entangling further.
Since Song Changming didn’t want to talk about it, so be it. In his view, it was merely a matter of visiting the Liu Residence again, a place he intended to go anyway.
Song Changming quietly awaited Lu Zheng’s further words.
If it’s an important matter, it shouldn’t just be about Liu Dingsheng.
"Changming, do you think the Fifth Prince is a wise ruler?" Lu Zheng continued to ask.
Song Changming drank half a cup of strong wine.
The strong wine burned his throat like fire but was also exhilarating.
"Brother Lu, how do you expect me to answer that?"
"Old friends having a reunion today, feel free to speak your mind without any reservations." Lu Zheng expressed.
"Currently, I am just a commoner with no knowledge of the Fifth Prince. All I see is Donglai Prefecture with nine out of ten homes empty, a mass of starving people dying on the streets, hardly a wise ruler.
If Brother Lu wishes for me to join the Fifth Prince today, then forget it." Song Changming stated frankly, shaking his head incessantly.
He merely thought Lu Zheng came on a routine mission for talent recruitment.
"To be honest, I also believe the Fifth Prince is not a wise ruler, so why would I ask you to join him?" Lu Zheng put down his wine bowl, saying this.
This left Song Changming somewhat puzzled and asked: "If that’s the case, why do you and Lord Gu still choose to support this Fifth Prince?"
Lu Zheng looked at Song Changming, eyes blazing, and spoke slowly: "Changming, Brother Gu is convinced that none of the five princes of this era are wise rulers. Neither of us will support anyone!"
"..."
The moment this was said, Song Changming’s hand holding the wine glass froze, feeling Lu Zheng’s words held profound implications.
"Brother Lu, what do you mean by this?"
Not supporting anyone? None of the five princes of this era are wise rulers?
The implication is that, in Gu Wenhui’s view, these five princes with imperial blood are not fit to be Emperor, including the New Emperor seated on the Dragon Throne.
Not supporting anyone also prompted Song Changming to think deeply.
If they ultimately do not support others, does it mean they intend to become the supreme king themselves?!
"Just as you thought." With Lu Zheng’s words, the study became quiet immediately.
An unusual atmosphere brewed in the study.
Song Changming slightly opened his mouth, finding it impossible not to be surprised.
This Gu Wenhui and Lu Zheng truly dared to think.
Are they attempting to overthrow everything and create an unprecedented great upheaval?!
...