Chapter 560: Chapter 148: Adviser Ma Liangcai (Two in One)
The Emperor decreed:
Mu Lan, you are loyal, brave, and highly skilled in martial arts, with a distinguished reputation. Since donning armor and entering battle, you have repeatedly achieved extraordinary feats, including the ambush in Thousand Peak Forest where you demonstrated your bravery and timely support, contributing significantly to our cause.
Recalling the past, when the frontlines were critical, General Mu volunteered to take charge, passed the General Validation Map, gathered the remaining troops, reorganized the forces, and bravely fought the enemy.
Subsequently, your forces grew stronger, your military might became renowned, and finally, you independently commanded an army, known as Red Flower Camp.
Thereafter, General Mu personally engaged in many battles, establishing illustrious military achievements, intimidating the enemy, and ensuring the people’s safety. Truly, you are a pillar of Liangzhu Country and a role model for its citizens.
Hearing that General Mu Lan is severely wounded, I deeply regret this. You have devoted your heart to the country and fulfilled your duties with both loyalty and filial piety, truly a pillar of Liangzhu Country. I am greatly comforted.
The affairs of the state are challenging, and the situation in Thousand Peak Forest especially requires attention. Currently, as you are still recovering from your injuries and cannot personally lead Red Flower Camp, to provide you with comfort and to leave a successor for the Upper General Mansion, I have specifically appointed Ma Liangcai as the adviser to Red Flower Camp, to oversee all major matters.
You should focus on healing and recuperate quietly. Once recovered, you may resume your duties and assist anew. The affairs of Red Flower Camp will be managed by General Ma, rest assured.
This I decree.
After the envoy finished reading the imperial edict, he scanned the room, frowning, “Where is General Mu Lan? Why is she not receiving the decree?”
Zhang Zhongyi busily responded, “General Mu Lan is still unconscious and not lucid.”
The envoy nodded, “In that case, General Ma Liangcai, please promptly take control of Red Flower Camp and serve the country.”
Ma Liangcai nodded, shouted lightly, and his voice swiftly spread throughout Red Flower Camp.
The soldiers of Red Flower Camp quickly assembled, but instead of following Ma Liangcai’s orders, they gathered around General Mu Lan’s command tent, united and hostile towards Ma Liangcai.
This scene stunned Ning Zhuo and Liu Er!
Without the Main General, despite Ma Liangcai being at the Nascent Soul Level and holding the King’s Order, the attitude of the soldiers of Red Flower Camp was clear proof of their loyalty.
Ma Liangcai’s expression was cold and somber, and the envoy also scolded, “What is the meaning of this? The imperial edict is here; are you intending to defy and rebel?”
Some soldiers had expressionless faces, others sneered, all showing resolute expressions.
“Just a single imperial edict thinks to replace our general? That is impossible!”
“Changing commanders before a battle is a taboo. It is common practice for a general to have autonomy on the field. We request the envoy to be understanding.”
“Our Red Flower Camp was established by General Mu, and General Mu Lan is his only daughter. Although you, Ma Liangcai, are a Nascent Soul, you are merely one of the three generals under the King’s hall, how can you compare to the grand Upper General Mansion?”
The soldiers of Red Flower Camp voiced their opposition loud and clear, refusing to comply with the decree, infuriating the envoy.
Ma Liangcai’s face was icy, his eyes sharp under his white brows.
Watching these united soldiers, he couldn’t help but recall the scene when he was ordered by the Emperor—
In the beautifully decorated royal hall, curtains gently swayed, and the hall was filled with a rich aroma.
The Emperor lay on his throne, embracing the Consort.
The Consort, alluring and enchanting, dressed in a splendid palace outfit, was as beautiful as a blooming flower, a feast for the eyes.
“Your Majesty, try a grape,” cooed the Consort, picking up a peeled grape with her delicate fingers and placing it to the Emperor’s lips.
The Emperor opened his mouth, taking in both the grape and the Consort’s fingers, savoring them with a look of enjoyment.
“Subject Ma Liangcai pays respects to Your Majesty,” Ma Liangcai kneeling respectfully, his head bowed, noticing the reflection of his figure on the crystal-clear marble floor.
The Emperor hummed, still holding the Consort, glancing at Ma Liangcai, “Stand and speak.”
“Your servant thanks you,” Ma Liangcai stood, still bowing his head.
The Emperor said, “I summoned you here for Red Flower Camp.”
“The current Main General of Red Flower Camp, Mu Lan, is severely injured and unconscious, unable to lead the troops any longer. Go and take over.”
Ma Liangcai was startled, lifting his head, “Your Majesty, what capabilities do I have to take over and lead Red Flower Camp? It is…”
The Emperor impatiently interrupted, “It’s the personal army of the Upper General Mansion.”
“How long has Old General Mu been bedridden? The position of the Upper General takes up so much national power annually! It should be given to the younger generation.”
“Taking over this army will undeniably be challenging. That is precisely why I summoned you for this task.”
“Remember, Red Flower Camp is an army of our country; even though you are a Nascent Soul Cultivator, you must not freely slaughter.”
“Continue.”
The Emperor lightly tapped the armrest of his throne, shooting out a brilliant light.
Ma Liangcai hastily reached out both hands to catch the light.
“You should be well aware of the old affairs of Red Flower Camp. This treasure will assist you in your duties, make good use of it.”
“If you take over Red Flower Camp, bring it back with you. If not, then join the Main General, accept his dispatch, and redeem your faults.”
Ma Liangcai bowed, “Your servant obeys!”
The Emperor waved impatiently, Ma Liangcai quickly exited the hall.
The Emperor looked at the Consort in his arms, “My beloved Consort, I followed your advice this time. You should know by now how deeply I cherish you.”
The Consort flirtatiously smiled, pressing her soft, flower-like cheek against the Emperor’s chest, “The King loves his servant the most, your servant knows.”
“Ha ha ha,” the Emperor laughed heartily, embracing the Consort tightly, “It’s good that my Consort understands my heart!”
Red Flower Camp.
Ma Liangcai’s eyes flashed, he pulled himself from his memories, reassessing the situation before him.
He smiled coldly, not angrily like the envoy, but spoke deliberately, “Indeed, it is Red Flower Camp. Though a defeated army, it still possesses a defiant spirit, very good, very good.”
“Do you realize, by acting this way, you are compromising your general’s righteousness?”