A long time has passed.

Shang Mo Bookstore is still arranged as before.

It seems like it has never changed since the day it opened.

Hua Chao is not in her room, but sitting quietly in the study.

The light is bright and clear.

After hearing footsteps, she puts down her book and looks up, catching a glimpse of Ying Wuji through the window.

There is a gentle smile on her face, no different from the memories, as if nothing has happened in the past. Wuji has not become a marquis, and this is still the place where they rest together.

In a trance.

Wuji seems to have returned to the time when Shang Mo Bookstore just opened, when the backyard was lively, always gathering with the Mohists or other comrades, drinking and grilling meat together.

In the quiet times, there are only two people in the courtyard, sometimes sitting quietly reading books with a chair each, sometimes sitting face to face chatting about plays until late at night.

"Wuji, come over here!"

Hua Chao smiles and waves at Wuji.

Wuji smiles and responds, "Okay!"

Turning around and looking at Bai Yi, he finds that the mother has already disappeared.

Taking a deep breath, he steps into the familiar study.

There is a chair opposite the desk, and a steaming cup of wine on the table.

It must be prepared for him.

"Drink it quickly, it's still hot!"

Hua Chao smiles and purses her lips at him, then continues to transcribe the play script beside her.

"Okay!"

Wuji sits down and drinks the wine in his cup, quietly watching Hua Chao.

Although she has lost some weight, her complexion is still good. Perhaps it is because Bai Yi has taken good care of her.

Feeling Wuji's gaze, her eyes also show some fluctuations. She can no longer pretend to be calm and places her pen diagonally on the inkstone.

Wuji holds her hand. "Hua Chao, let's go back!"

Hua Chao smiles and asks, "Do you miss me?"

"I do!"

"Then do you miss her?"

"..."

Wuji pauses for a moment, takes a deep breath, and says, "I do! Hua Chao, I am sincere to her, and I am sincere to you too. I know you don't believe it, but..."

Hua Chao suddenly interrupts with a smile, "I believe!"

Wuji is stunned for a moment, and a feeling of joy arises in his heart.

He tightens his grip on Hua Chao's hand.

Hua Chao does not avoid it, and her smile on her face remains unchanged. "Actually, during this time, I have figured out a lot. You are different from Luo Yan, and I am different from my mother.

Luo Yan is unwilling to give up his ambitions, so my mother took me away from Jiangcheng.

But you, in order to keep me, endured the pressure from the royal family and exchanged achievements to let me stay in the Minister's Mansion.

I know, I have always known!"

While speaking, her eyes become slightly red.

In her eyes, there is no longer any blame.

Only loneliness and self-blame.

Wuji feels a little heartache. "Then come back with me! I will treat you the same way as before!"

Hua Chao does not respond, but asks another question, "Wuji! If I had returned to the Minister's Mansion early and had a position to protect you, would I have already had you all to myself?"

Wuji ponders for a moment and does not answer.

Hua Chao sighs softly, "So I feel that I am really greedy. I can't give you the security you need, but I want to have your love that belongs only to me.

Looking back now, except for the seven thousand taels when we first opened the bookstore, it seems that I have always been making things difficult for you.

Clearly, you are the one who understands me the most in the world. Clearly, as siblings, I can stay by your side for a lifetime with peace of mind.

But I am just so greedy.

I foolishly thought that if Princess Yuanang didn't love you, I could be your true wife.

But I am also so cowardly.

Clearly, I could have asked more that night, but I was afraid of hearing a negative answer, which led us to the current situation.

The new land is busy, the Capital of the Great Ming is dangerous, and the academy is also under construction.

You are already tired, but you still worry because of me.

I, I am not a qualified wife, am I?"

She speaks until the end.

Her voice even carries a hint of crying.

Wuji thought that he would be met with cold words.

But he did not expect it to be her self-blame.

After hesitating for a moment, he bypasses the table and embraces her directly, "No! You are qualified, it's my fault."

"You don't need to comfort me!"

Hua Chao does not resist, and just leans against his shoulder quietly, "This world is just like this, everyone is living so tired. I think I have lived a miserable life, but actually, I had my mother protecting me when I was young, and after my mother passed away, Luo Xiang sheltered me. Later, I met you.

Except for that person who poisoned me, no one can harm me.

I have clearly seen those women who were forced into the dust or became mistresses and were looked down upon by the powerful.

But I never thought that if I didn't have my status, I would be no better than them.

I am still so greedy.

Greedy to always think that you will belong to me alone.

But I am really scared.

I have advised myself to accept that you can have multiple wives and concubines, that you, as a good man, deserve it!

But whenever I think of your care for me, your love for me, and the same love you have given to another woman.

I feel like I am falling into an icy hole!

If I could choose again, I would definitely not move into the Minister's Mansion, and I would not use the aphrodisiac on you.

I really regret it!"

She becomes more and more upset as she speaks.

She sobs on Wuji's shoulder.

Wuji doesn't know how to comfort her, so he can only gently place his hand on her shoulder.

He can feel that Hua Chao is trying to become "mature".

In fact.

She has always been a gentle person to the core.

Never thought of causing herself any trouble.

But the shadow left on her in her childhood is too heavy.

After a long time.

Hua Chao breaks free from his embrace, takes a deep breath, and says, "Let's pretend that nothing has happened, okay? Let's pretend that I never entered the Minister's Mansion, and pretend that those absurd things never happened.

I won't leave, I will stay obediently in Jiangcheng.

I won't wander around, I won't cause trouble for you all.

You don't need to come to see me, but I will let you know that I am doing well.

I won't marry anyone, but I also don't want to be your wife.

As long as I see you happy, that's enough.""You have already been my hero. From now on, go and be the hero of the world."

Ying Wuji: "......"

He lowered his head and glanced at the scattered papers on the desk.

At first, he thought Hua Chao was copying a script. After finishing the task, she left Jiangcheng.

Now he realized that she was transcribing the letters sent by the Mohist Guild from Xindi.

Wu Dan had once told him that since the construction of Xindi began, the Mohists there liked to record what the local people said and send it back to the guild as letters, many of which praised themselves.

And what Hua Chao liked to do the most was to go to the Mohist Guild and get these letters, then transcribe them and send them back.

She would collect the letters every seven days.

He had pretended not to know about Hua Chao's little action before.

But he didn't expect that after a few months, she had bound the transcribed letters into a book.

He held Hua Chao's face and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. "If you pretend that nothing happened, why haven't you married?"

"If I meet a hero, maybe I will marry!"

Hua Chao, with tears in her eyes, said, "But in this world, where can I find a hero like you?"

Ying Wuji sighed lightly. "Hua Chao, come back with me. I still..."

Hua Chao lowered her eyes. "Don't force me, okay?"

Ying Wuji heard her trembling voice and felt extreme pain.

After hesitating for a long time, he smiled gently. "I won't force you! But don't make a decision so early, okay? After I come back from the Capital of the Great Ming and remove your demonic seed, we can think about the future."

Hua Chao bit her lip. "But! You are risking your life to go to the Capital of the Great Ming. You can do more meaningful things. I asked around, and this time it's very dangerous in the Capital of the Great Ming. Even you may not come back unscathed.

I won't willingly degrade myself. It's not worth it for you to risk your life like this.

Even if you want to risk your life, you should pursue something that can benefit the people."

Ying Wuji shook his head. "But you are more deserving!"

"I am not deserving!"

Hua Chao took a deep breath, broke free from his embrace, and pushed him out of the door. "Compared to me, there are more important things for you to do. Just like compared to me, the Crown Prince is the one who should accompany you for life."

After saying that, she closed the door directly.

Ying Wuji felt extremely annoyed and wanted to knock on the door, but his wrist was held by Bai Yi.

Bai Yi shook her head. "She doesn't want to hurt you, she will only torture herself. It's already very difficult for her to understand these things and control the demonic seed from erupting. Let her take a break, I will take care of her. Go and find a way to remove the demonic seed. You can persuade her when the time comes."

Ying Wuji's right hand, which was about to knock on the door, stiffened, and in the end, he put it down.

After much deliberation, he took out pen, ink, paper, and inkstone from another room and wrote a letter, slipping it through the crack of the door.

He deeply bowed to Bai Yi. "Thank you for your hard work!"

After speaking, he turned and left Shangmo Bookstore.

When he returned to the Marquis Mansion, it was already late at night.

Unexpectedly, the lights were still on inside.

Pushing the door open, he found Zhao Ning sitting inside.

Zhao Ning heard the sound of the door opening, raised his head and looked at Ying Wuji, and smiled faintly. "Wuji! I will lead the troops to Xindi tomorrow."

"So soon?"

Ying Wuji sat beside her and directly lay down on the bed, taking a long breath.

Zhao Ning glanced at him and a strange smile appeared on his lips. "If Ying Wuque knew that you, who were beaten into a grandson by a private affair, could beat him into a grandson, I wonder if he would be angry enough to die again?"

Ying Wuji grinned and sat up. "Are you mocking me?"

Zhao Ning smiled and asked in return, "I have arranged the backyard for you, and you still think I'm mocking you?"

Ying Wuji was stunned. "Huh?"

Zhao Ning smiled. "Cai Mei never blamed you from the beginning. She just felt wronged. After all, who in this world treats her better than you?"

Ying Wuji asked, "Then why doesn't she see me?"

Zhao Ning shrugged and said, "She couldn't help but want to see you a long time ago, but she was afraid that her temper would hurt you. Later, she thought she could control herself, so she asked me about your recent situation. I casually said that your cultivation is progressing rapidly, and she was afraid of affecting your cultivation, so she stopped."

Ying Wuji grinned. "Are you trying to comfort me?"

Zhao Ning pursed her lips and smiled. "Don't you understand her yet?"

Ying Wuji couldn't help but smile.

It was true.

Although Tang Tang had a bit of a temper, she had always been kind.

It was also quite pitiful when you think about it.

But.

The main wife here should have played a big role as well.

Ying Wuji bumped her shoulder. "Thanks, Ning'er!"

Zhao Ning turned her face to look at him. "Without you, the Zhao family wouldn't know what to do. It's just a small favor, of course, I will help you. But Wuji, have you noticed something?"

Ying Wuji asked, "What?"

Zhao Ning couldn't help but smile. "Actually, you are more suitable to be a hero! When you are a hero, you shine. Although you are also good as a husband, sometimes you are so annoying that people want to beat you up! This is not what I said, it's what Cai Mei said."

Ying Wuji: "......"

He choked for a moment.

After a while, he pointed to his own nose and said, "So, I am more suitable to be a hero?"

Zhao Ning nodded. "Cai Mei said that when you are bright enough, she feels embarrassed to care about your shortcomings.

She said she doesn't understand Hua Chao, but she thinks that Hua Chao is willing to follow you because you are a hero.

In Hua Chao's heart, the blade that beheaded Chen Shimei is definitely more prestigious than the Hanguang Sword.

So, just go and be a hero!"

When he heard Hua Chao's name, Ying Wuji's heart sank.

But when he heard the rest of the words, he felt strangely familiar.

He raised his head. "Ning'er, what about you?"

Zhao Ning looked at him deeply and smiled. "I strongly agree!"

Ying Wuji: "......"Zhao Ning smiled and said, "Wuji! You once said that I might become a saint, but you can't! At that time, I also thought you couldn't, but now I think you can!

There has always been a wildness in your nature!

It's just that this wildness has been restrained by personal emotions.

Now this wildness has been awakened.

Love affairs should not be a constraint for you.

Don't think that doing so will neglect the person by your side.

Having a saintly husband is also a very happy thing, isn't it?"

Ying Wuji asked with a smile, "Did Tang Tang say this too?"

Zhao Ning shook his head, "Cai Mei thinks so, but I said this! I also hope from the bottom of my heart that you can crush everything you dislike in this world, just like you crushed Ying Wuque."

She turned her face to the side, "This time I will go to crush the Ji Clan, and you will go to crush the Wei Clan for me. When we return victorious, love affairs will no longer be a problem. If necessary, I will ask my father to teach you the external incarnation as soon as possible. If the people in your heart want exclusivity, we can give it to them."

"No, no, no!"

Ying Wuji quickly shook his head, "We should crush as soon as possible. I can handle the matters in the backyard. There's no need for such a big fuss. But you must be careful this time. Mingdu is not a good place. The Ji Clan has sent their elites, and there will definitely be a fierce battle!"

The Battle of Andu in Mingdu was indeed extremely dangerous.

Usually, everyone gets along peacefully because they are bound by the laws and etiquette of the mortal world.

But Mingdu is a lawless place where people don't care about their reputation.

If necessary, they can pretend not to know anyone after the battle.

The elites sent by the Ji Clan this time are not easy to defeat.

But it's not impossible.

Zhao Ning smiled and said, "We have prepared one hundred thousand glass mirrors. What elites of the Ji Clan? We are the elites!"

She laughed heartily.

She has been learning military strategy since she was young and has always thought that war is difficult to fight.

The most difficult part is logistics.

The army cannot move without provisions.

But this time, she didn't have to worry about logistics at all.

There was no shortage of money for the war, and she even had a hundred thousand glass mirrors, which the Ji Clan considered precious.

She was already enjoying the war before it even started.

In the heat of the moment, she grabbed Ying Wuji's chin and said, "When I return victorious, you will be mine!"

As soon as the words came out, she felt something was wrong.

She quickly withdrew her hand and laughed, "Just kidding!"

Ying Wuji grinned.

If they win the battle for the country's fate this time, no one will dare to question her status anymore.

It's time to have a child while her father-in-law can still support her.

Thinking of the passionate and restrained scene in the stone room before.

He felt a little embarrassed.

But after experiencing such a thing, he couldn't get excited anymore.

He said in a deep voice, "But you still have to be careful. Zhao Ying, that old man, has long sensed the crisis, but he has been suppressed all this time. Luo Xiang has been suppressing the interests of the Zhao Clan in the new land, and he has been stirring up dissatisfaction among the royal family members.

When you lead the troops to attack Andu in Mingdu, the news will definitely spread.

As long as you show signs of victory, it is very likely to be the last straw that breaks the camel's back.

The problem of the Zhao Clan is likely to erupt completely."

Zhao Ning smiled resolutely, "If he dares to make a move, I dare to completely wipe out his lineage. This tumor has lived for too long and it's time to settle the score."

Ying Wuji nodded, "It's not difficult to kill him, but the turmoil within the royal family is the real challenge."

This problem is indeed tricky.

In fact, Zhao Ying's influence within the royal family has been gradually declining.

His mistakes in the battle of Zhongpan caused the entire young generation of the Zhao Clan to suffer a crushing defeat, and it was Zhao Ji who saved them with the Blood Source Gu.

After that, he was suppressed by Zhao Ji in the new land.

In the hearts of the younger generation of the royal family, his prestige has long been diminished.

But...

The Zhao Clan has not gained much benefit in the new land. The Li Kingdom has gained such a large piece of cake, but the royal family, which is the foundation of a country, has not even tasted a drop of oil. The feeling of dissatisfaction has been brewing for a long time.

There is no doubt that even if Zhao Ying is driven to desperation, he will use the banner of the royal family's interests.

Killing him will definitely cause panic within the Zhao Clan.

But the interests cannot be given up too much.

So, how can we calm the people without giving up too many interests?

Zhao Ning said in a deep voice, "Luo Xiang is ready!"

Ying Wuji: "..."

To be honest, he felt a little suffocated in his chest.

But Luo Yan had long been prepared for this.

It can be considered as seeking retribution.

But this result may not be as expected by everyone.

Zhao Ning sighed softly, "Do what you can and leave the rest to fate."

In the depths of the vortex, who can say for sure what lies ahead for the Zhao Clan.

She stood up, leaned down and gently embraced Ying Wuji's shoulder, "Be careful!"

After speaking, she turned back into the appearance of Princess Yuanyang and hurriedly left the Marquis Mansion.

Ying Wuji let out a sigh of relief and walked slowly into the courtyard.

July was coming soon.

Although the end of Mingdu was unpredictable.

But starting from tomorrow, he must enter Mingdu.

Mainly because this place is disgusting. Only in the evening can he enter and leave, but the end of Mingdu may not appear in the evening.

So if he doesn't enter in advance, he will lose the opportunity when the end of Mingdu appears far from the evening.

As for what he needs to do when he enters the end of Mingdu this time, Ying Wuji is still uncertain.

According to the Ji Clan and Jiang Clan, this is a good opportunity to comprehend the rules outside the rules.

And according to Brother Juanzi's explanation of Mingdu, if he can sever all the rules, it is equivalent to severing the bond between Mingdu and the mortal world, and then holding all the strings in his own hands, naturally becoming the ruler of Mingdu.

But there is one annoying thing.

Last time, he completely severed the Muye Monument and should have grasped a part of the rules.But in reality, the bloodline rules of the Muye Monument in Mingdu have completely lost their restraints and returned to their original form before the formation of the Muye Monument. As a result, Jiang Taiyuan's operation to revive the bloodline has completely lost its effectiveness in Mingdu, and the genius of the Jiang family must occasionally leave Mingdu to cultivate.

In other words.

It's really broken.

But whether the broken thread is still in his hands...

Hilarious!

I can't feel it at all.

So how should I handle this?

"Brother Ying! What are you daydreaming about?"

A woman's voice sounded.

Ying Wuji didn't need to recognize the voice to know who it was.

Because now there is only one woman in the Marquis Mansion, and that is the freeloading Mi Xingli.

He raised his eyelids, "What's the matter, Miss?"

Mi Xingli pouted, "Nothing, I just saw Brother Ying's love life in a slump. Although he has countless beauties, he lives like a widower. I'm afraid Brother Ying will be lonely for too long and go crazy, so I took the opportunity to come and offer myself."

Ying Wuji smirked, "Stop talking nonsense. If you have something important to say, just say it!"

He definitely wouldn't talk about this with Mi Xingli.

But this girl is very smart and has been teasing him all the time, so she almost realized something was wrong from the first day.

It's impossible to hide it from her.

But there's nothing to hide.

Ying Wuji has been busy cultivating recently and basically has no chance to communicate with her. At most, they would meet occasionally and flirt a little.

Mi Xingli sighed with a pretended sadness, "Ah! Isn't this what life is like? Many sincere words are said in a joking manner. Unfortunately, the Marquis doesn't understand. It's a pity that I mustered up the courage, but it turned out to be a self-deluded beauty."

"Stop it!"

Ying Wuji glared at her. Mi Xingli's mouth, if you believe a word she says, be prepared to be teased for a lifetime.

Mi Xingli helplessly spread her hands, "Not talking about feelings? If we're not talking about feelings, then I can only talk about business. What are your plans for this trip to Mingdu?"

"No plans!"

Ying Wuji denied, "With the Zhao family fighting on two fronts this time, we can't spare any hands. What else can we do? Are we really going to fight with those bastards from the Wumei Sect for food?"

Mi Xingli asked back, "Then why has Brother Ying been working so hard to cultivate recently?"

Ying Wuji sneered, "I'm preparing for the battlefield, working hard to improve my strength for the upcoming battle, is that not allowed?"

Mi Xingli chuckled, "Last time when Zhao Ning took over the new territory, I didn't see Brother Ying working so hard to cultivate. Brother Ying, you're not being honest. Just take me with you once, I can be useful. If we succeed, maybe I can reward you."

As she spoke, she casually tugged at her clothes.

And blinked at Ying Wuji.

Trying to make a seductive expression.

But unfortunately.

Ying Wuji's mouth twitched, "Other women have charming features, but your features are all over the place. Do you really think you can seduce me with this level?"

"Ugh!"

Mi Xingli was somewhat embarrassed and tugged at her clothes even more messily, "But I've seen you staring at me! Give me a straightforward answer. Take me with you this time, and when we come back, I'll take you somewhere fun. I, the noblewoman of Chu, am also a reserved person. There are so many men in the world, but I will only give you this opportunity."

Ying Wuji rolled his eyes and pressed her against the wall.

Mi Xingli was startled by the sudden change and looked at Ying Wuji in shock.

She bit her lip, her heart pounding.

Ying Wuji smiled, "Now you want me to take you with me, is it unreasonable for me to ask for payment in advance? What if you change your mind later?"

As he spoke.

He made a gesture as if he was about to kiss.

Mi Xingli was frightened and her face turned pale. Her body stiffened for a moment, and she quickly closed her eyes, but she didn't resist.

She just waited for a while, but nothing happened.

She opened her eyes.

And saw Ying Wuji's teasing and helpless expression, "It's not that I don't want to take you, but this time, most of the people going to Mingdu are powerhouses in the Martial Realm or even the Enlightenment Realm. At worst, they are experts who can break through the Martial Realm immediately. I still have to hide when I go there..."

"You think I'm too weak!"

Mi Xingli gave him a disdainful look, her eyes somewhat resentful.

She pushed Ying Wuji away and dispelled the nervous or regretful emotions in her heart.

Ying Wuji spread his hands, "It's not that I think you're weak, but I'm afraid you'll be in danger. Don't you think I want to bring a genius with me, someone who can comprehend the rules as soon as they encounter them and share their insights afterwards?

It's too dangerous, people will die!

I'll tell you the truth, this time I will be accompanied by Thirteen."

Based on Thirteen's evaluation of me, he should have already reached the average level of the Martial Realm, or even surpassed it.

But if we encounter multiple powerhouses in the Martial Realm or even the Enlightenment Realm, Thirteen still can't guarantee that he can get me out of trouble.

Especially with his mastery of the painting technique and his unique magic weapon, he can only break through from the inside.

If I accidentally get trapped alone, Thirteen won't be able to rescue me in a short time, and it will almost certainly be a deadly situation.

With Thirteen's strength, it's not a problem to go straight in.

Protecting one person is already a stretch.

Protecting two people is even more difficult.

Moreover, I have a big grudge with Danqing.

Once he discovers my whereabouts, he will definitely bring people to find me.

You said if we encounter danger.

Will he protect you or protect me?"

But Mi Xingli smiled and shook her head, "Brother Ying! If I need to be absolutely sure about everything before I do anything, then I might as well not do anything at all. We also have many experts in Chu, my father has someone who can rival Thirteen by his side, but he can't send him over. Now, I have almost no experts by my side, do you understand what I mean?"

Ying Wuji pondered for a moment.

The situation in Chu is indeed like this.

The secret battles between the royal family and the aristocratic families have reached a white-hot stage.

The Chu King has always valued Mi Xingli, and at the last Sword Immortal Conference, this girl showed extremely terrifying talent.

There's no reason not to send someone to help her.

If no one is sent, it can only mean one thing.

That is, the Chu King is in such a bad situation that he can't spare anyone.

The current Crown Prince of the Kingdom Chu is a privileged noble, whether he is truly a blood relative or just pretending is unknown.

But it is certain that once he ascends the throne, there will be no chance for reform within thirty years.

Now, there is a strong voice in the court hoping for the Crown Prince of Chu to ascend the throne early.

This girl is also anxious.

Ying Wuji pondered for a long time, "Alright! I will do my best to protect you."

Mi Xingli finally showed a smile on her face, "Thank you, Brother Ying! Here, take this!"

After speaking, she handed Ying Wuji a small booklet and hummed a tune as she left.

Ying Wuji opened the booklet and found that it contained her recent insights, mainly about changing the rules.

It was obscure and difficult to understand.

But at the end of the booklet, there was a secret technique that made Ying Wuji's eyelids twitch.

Touching the rules?

What the hell?

Is this even possible?

Of course.

Touching is just an analogy.

Rules are intangible and cannot be directly grasped like a whip.

But they can be used by people and can affect the physical body through backlash and other forms.

This secret technique can manifest the rules.

For ordinary people, it is useless.

But for Ying Wuji, it can be of great help.

No!

I have to quickly discuss countermeasures with Brother Juanzi.

...

To the south of Jiangcheng.

Zhao Ji.

This is the largest subsidiary city of Jiangcheng and the stronghold of the Zhao clan. It is now heavily armed, with two hundred thousand elite soldiers ready to set off at any time.

The commotion caused by the Kingdom Di is not small.

Although they had just driven away the Kingdom Di half a year ago.

But no one dared to take it lightly.

Because half a year ago, the Kingdom Di had no fighting spirit strategically, but even so, the individual strength of the Di Kingdom's cavalry made them feel extremely difficult to deal with.

Now the Kingdom Di is making a comeback.

Strategically, they definitely have ambitious plans.

After being neighbors for so long, they cannot be unaware of how terrifying the Kingdom Di is.

Especially now, besides a few fortresses, the new land is still flat.

There are newly cultivated fields and half-built towns everywhere.

Once the Di Kingdom's cavalry enters, the consequences would be unimaginable.

In this battle.

No one thinks they will lose.

But what they want is not just victory.

They must completely block the Di Kingdom's cavalry outside the gate.

Otherwise, with so many people just settling in the new land, if they are massacred, it will inevitably cause panic, and then a large-scale return to the Kingdom Wei and Kingdom Han.

In that case, the new land will be ruined.

"We can only fight with all our might!"

Zhao Ying sighed deeply in the Zhao clan's council hall, but added a sentence intentionally or unintentionally, "It's a pity that this new land has not raised a single child for our Zhao clan, but it requires the young people of our Zhao clan to fight desperately. It pains me!"

With that, he leaned on his cane and stood up tremblingly.

He bowed to the crowd, "But this is a matter of national importance. You must not be confined by selfish desires. You must fight desperately and trust the Prime Minister. The new land can support more people for our Great Li! Regardless of whether the people are surnamed Zhao, it is worth it for us, as courtiers, to protect them with our lives!"

He glanced at the crowd with a complicated expression.

Then, with the support of his son, he left the council hall.

Leaving behind the Zhao clan members who looked at each other.

They felt a bit suffocated.

When they first decided to go to war, the Zhao clan's internal fighting spirit was high.

This novel is available on "pawread dot com".

And it is still high now.

But there is also a feeling of frustration.

Everyone knows that what Zhao Ying said was deliberate. Because of several wrong decisions, this elder in the clan has already incurred the dissatisfaction of many young people, so they subconsciously reject his words.

But if you think about it carefully.

There is nothing wrong with what he said!

Among the many clans, the Zhao clan has indeed benefited the most, but compared to the vast potential of the new land, it can only be described as meager.

We have conquered so much vast land, but can only drink soup.

The military ranks have been promoted.

The military pay has become more generous.

But the administrative power of a city has not fallen into the hands of the clan, and they can only get a small part of the dry tax revenue.

In the long run, even this small part of the revenue will inevitably be gradually compressed.

The actual benefits that the Zhao clan has obtained are not even as much as those of ordinary people.

Those low-born Mohists can obtain official positions just by building houses and constructing city walls.

The common people have also obtained good farmland and residences. They can also receive generous rewards for repairing roads during their leisure time.

But the descendants of the Zhao clan.

To obtain the position of a military officer in the city, they not only rely on military merits, but also need the approval of the academy?

How is this any different from begging?

Everyone has to admit.

There is a fire burning in the hearts of every Zhao clan member. After this battle, if the Zhao clan still does not get a share of the largest piece of meat, they must demand an explanation.

There are factors instigated by Zhao Ying, but it is also the true thought in the hearts of every Zhao clan member.

Zhao Ying's footsteps were slow. Although he had already left the council hall, he could still hear the commotion inside.

Listening to the angry discussions of the crowd, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

With the support of his son.

He returned to his residence.

The moment he stepped through the door, his hunched figure, which had always been bent in the eyes of others, quickly straightened up.

His murky eyes regained their clarity and flickered with a chilling light.

The old and feeble appearance instantly turned into that of a determined old general.

"Dad! You are still so capable!"

Zhao Ben smiled lightly beside him.

Zhao Ying sneered, "It's not that I am capable, but Zhao Ji and his son are too foolish. They only think about reform, but completely disregard the lives of the clan's descendants. What's even more ridiculous is that some of the clan's young people are actually foolish enough to help them implement the reform.

But it's not too late for them to wake up now!

Zhao Ji and his son should also face the backlash!"

Zhao Ben nodded in agreement, but after a moment of silence, he said, "But I feel that the current situation is not enough!"

Indeed, it is not enough.

Just like the rotten wood piled up on the mountain.Although the internal temperature was already high, it still needed a bolt of mountain thunder to ignite it.

Zhao Ying's expression slightly stiffened as he heavily patted his son's shoulder, "Ben, this time you are Zhao Ning's deputy. Zhao Ji wants to establish Zhao Ning's prestige, but isn't this also a good opportunity for you to establish your own prestige?

Remember! You must go all out this time!

You must not let a single cavalryman from the Kingdom Di enter our new territory.

But under this premise, the more brutal the battle, the better!"

Zhao Ben's expression changed, "But this time, we have to follow Zhao Ning's command. If he doesn't give me this opportunity..."

Zhao Ying shook his head, "Impossible! The army of the Kingdom Di is not weak. They are coming with great momentum. Can a few mud walls stop them? Once they reach the open terrain, there will only be life and death battles, no sophisticated tactics to speak of.

This time, not only you have to fight brutally.

The Zhao elites who go with you, they all have to fight brutally.

The more brutal, the better!

When necessary.

It's okay to lose a few lives!

In such a situation, even if there are slight tactical oversights, as long as you don't let the cavalry of the Kingdom Di enter, no one will blame you.

If Zhao Ji is sensible, he will reward you and the entire Zhao family generously.

If he still insists on his damn reform.

Then he should be prepared to bear the wrath of the entire Zhao family!

Fight well!

As long as you perform well this time, the title of Marquis Changping will be yours in the future!

And it is... a Marquis Changping who still has real power and territory!"

These words.

Made Zhao Ben's heart surge with excitement.

Ever since Zhao Ji prepared to promote the reform, there has been a lot of panic among the Zhao family's high-ranking members.

Because of the precedent set by the Kingdom Qian, ever since the Kingdom Qian implemented the county system, the real power of the nobles has been gradually weakened.

With the administrative power gradually weakened.

The territory also gradually became nominal.

In the Zhao family, there is a total of one marquis and two earls, all of whom have their own territories. They don't want to repeat the same mistakes and completely become subjects of the royal family from being local powerhouses.

Zhao Ben is Zhao Ying's eldest son, but not the legitimate son.

He shouldn't have to consider the issue of succession.

But Zhao Ying's legitimate eldest son is already dead, leaving only a legitimate young son, Zhao Kuo. Originally, even if he was a young son, he should succeed to the position of marquis. But this Zhao Kuo, because of the tomb exploration, began to question Zhao Ying, his father.

Therefore, Zhao Ying had the idea of abandoning the legitimate line.

He himself, is his most favored successor.

Zhao Ben also started to slowly develop hostility towards the reform from that time.

If he can succeed this time.

Then he would be the Marquis Changping with real power.

How could he not be excited?

Zhao Ying patted his shoulder, "Perform well!"

Zhao Ben quickly bowed, "I will not let down my father's trust!"

Zhao Ying smiled.

Then he waved his hand to let him go, and he went to the secret room.

Here, two people were already waiting.

Zhao Ying smiled faintly, and sat leisurely opposite the man, "King Ji, you have been looking for me over and over again, what is it for?"

The visitor was none other than the charming Uncle Ji Tong, and his aborted girl.

Ji Tong did not get angry because of his arrogance, his smile was still very gentle, "Marquis Changping is extraordinary, just like in the past! Everyone says that Zhao Ji, even among the past kings of the Kingdom Li, is outstanding. In my opinion, he just had a good reincarnation. If the throne were given to Marquis Changping, I'm afraid the Zhao family would have swallowed the Wei and Han families long ago and become the unparalleled strong Li."

Zhao Ying snorted coldly, "Stop talking nonsense, just say what you have to say!"

Ji Tong's smile did not diminish, "Just now, I heard what Marquis Changping said to your son. I think, Marquis Changping, although you are bold, your ambition is a bit too small."

Zhao Ying frowned, "Oh? What does King Ji have to teach?"

Ji Tong smiled faintly, "The crown prince Zhao Ning, is a woman!"

Zhao Ying couldn't help but feel a throb in his temples. This Ji Tong... is he trying to persuade me to fight for the throne?

But Zhao Ji's influence is too great. Even if I succeed this time, I will only regain the power I should have. To shake the position of the royal family, I am still far behind.

He sneered, "Rumors and hearsay, you want to provoke internal strife in the Zhao family based on this, isn't it too naive?"

Ji Tong, however, smiled and waved his hand, "Since I dare to say this to the Marquis, I must have more than 90% certainty. The current Princess Yuanyang is actually Zhao Ning, who used the technique of fetal transformation to disguise herself.

If Marquis Changping doesn't believe it, you can go and investigate the people sent out secretly by the royal family before the grand wedding, and you will definitely gain a lot.

Why would a crown prince major in fetal transformation, and why would he disguise himself as a princess?

Isn't this meaning clear enough?

I have a method that can break the fetal transformation!

When the fire of the royal family burns to its peak, throw out this news.

This move!

Whether the royal family accepts it or not, there is only one way to die!"

Zhao Ying's pupils shrank, and his breathing became a bit heavier.

If what King Ji said is true, then the royal family of the Kingdom Li is indeed in a dead end.

Accept!

Zhao Ning's identity as a woman is exposed, Zhao Qi is not a promising candidate, and it is a foregone conclusion that the Marquis Changping line will succeed.

Don't accept!

The fire of the royal family burns more and more vigorously, and this move will also be regarded as a sign of guilt, and it is not impossible to forcefully overthrow it.

The royal family originated from the royal family, so what's wrong with establishing another royal family?

But...

Zhao Ying hesitated a bit.

"As for what will happen to the Zhao family, Marquis Changping doesn't need to worry at all. The Zhou Emperor has ruled the world for a long time. When has he ever killed the lords of different surnames?"

Ji Tong smiled, stood up, his voice was gentle, but full of bewitching meaning.

In the end.

He added the last piece of firewood.

"I see Brother Zhao, you have the posture of a Zhao King!"