The Devil's Tribulation

Chapter 241: The Old Marshal Takes Off His Armor

Snow City in the North is a very beautiful city with a population of 10 million! Pan Chengfeng and Xin'er traveled for more than ten days and finally arrived. Looking at the vast expanse of white, Xin'er said excitedly: "I didn't feel like appreciating the beautiful scenery when I came here, but now it's really beautiful. Chengfeng, let's go for a walk in the city." Pan Chengfeng nodded and took Xin'er to the city gate, intending to enter the city as a mortal.

Although Xin'er has been in the Beast Taming Sect for many years, she has never gone out to play. This time, taking advantage of the mission, Pan Chengfeng plans to take Xin'er to visit this beautiful city. Try everything that you have never eaten or played in the village before. Seeing Xin'er's happy smile, Pan Chengfeng was also happy. The two of them traveled to every area of ​​Snow City together, and time passed slowly. Finally, on the third day of their play, Mu Xuyou couldn't help but sent a voice message: "Junior brother, if we don't leave now, we will really be too late." Pan Chengfeng looked at Xin'er's pretty face and said: "Xin'er, the time is almost up. I have to go back to the sect to hand in the mission. Otherwise, if the mission is invalid, my work will be in vain."

In fact, the Qiu brothers had urged Xin'er several times, but Xin'er ignored them. The Qiu brothers did not dare to disrespect Xin'er, after all, she was the disciple of the ancestor and the future head of the sect. Moreover, Xin'er would break through the Jindan stage when she returned this time. It would be a good thing for her state of mind to come out for some fun, as it would reduce obstacles when she broke through. Pan Chengfeng stretched out his hand and said, "Heiwu, it's time to go back, and stop pestering Xin'er." Heiwu reluctantly got up from Xin'er's arms, followed Pan Chengfeng's arm, came to Pan Chengfeng's shoulder, and meowed at Xin'er. Xin'er smiled and said, "Don't be sad, Heiwu, go back and practice obediently, and help Chengfeng a lot~"

The two walked slowly to the city gate. Xin'er looked at Pan Chengfeng reluctantly and said, "Xin'er, I will start to break through the Jindan after I go back this time. Master said it will be a little dangerous this time. But after meeting Chengfeng, Xin'er suddenly felt that no difficulties could stop me." Pan Chengfeng scratched Xin'er's nose and said, "That's right~ Xin'er, you have the body of a thousand beasts. What's a mere Jindan? I will break through soon. Let's cheer each other on!" Xin'er nodded and said, "Chengfeng, don't be too radical. Master said that the most important thing in cultivation is the word 'stable'. The foundation is the most important. If you don't have a good foundation, you won't go far on the road of cultivation." Pan Chengfeng smiled and said, "Well, I understand. A tall building starts from the ground. The foundation is the key factor that determines the upper limit."

Pan Chengfeng was in a daze watching Xin'er's back as she walked away. He heard Mou Xuyou's disgusting voice from behind him: "Junior brother, you are so lucky. Each of your Taoist companions is more beautiful than the other." Pan Chengfeng was startled and turned around and said, "Why do you think I am practicing so hard?" Mou Xuyou said sourly, "Shuang'er, Qian'er, Xin'er, all of them are so beautiful. Why do they all fall in love with you?" Pan Chengfeng adjusted his hair and said, "Hey, my damn appearance will eventually become the public enemy of most male compatriots~ Go back and don't let Master wait anxiously."

In the imperial city of the Great Zhou, Zhou Zhixiong looked at the low report and asked gloomily, "What did Wei Qing say about returning empty-handed this time?" The chief eunuch Zhao Quan held the memorial and said cautiously, "General Wei said that after the Chu suffered a loss last time, they said nothing this time and all of them retreated in the city. The three armies are now in a stalemate." Zhou Zhixiong closed his eyes and said slowly after a long time, "It took the eldest prince and Song Lian a year to capture one city, and Wei Qing's central route only captured five cities. The daily consumption of five million troops is an astronomical figure. If this continues, the Great Zhou will definitely not be able to outlast the Great Chu."

Since the beginning of the war, Wei Qing quickly captured three cities in the middle, and then successively captured Yinghua City and Zhongying City. He was blocked by Qi Hong in Yingming City for half a year. Zhongying City can be said to be voluntarily withdrawn by Chu State and given to Zhou State. After all, Zhongying City is too small and not suitable for long-term garrison. Qi Hong decisively gave up Zhongying City and retreated to Yingming City. Yingming City is five times larger than Zhongying City and can store more food and troops. Unless the five million troops of the Great Zhou Dynasty come to attack regardless of the consequences, it is impossible to capture Yingming City where Qi Hong is personally stationed.

Zhou Zhixiong said slowly: "I heard that the Grand Marshal of Chu State, Ji Guozhu, has returned to his hometown to enjoy his children and grandchildren. Does General Wei feel that he has no rivals and wants to retire and return home?" Zhao Quan broke out in a cold sweat. The Grand Marshal of Chu State, Ji Guozhu, submitted his resignation to the Emperor of Chu after returning to the court after his last defeat. After all, this time, due to his mistakes, the Chu State's 500,000 troops were ruined. The Emperor of Chu tried his best to retain him, but Ji Guozhu had made up his mind, and all the civil and military officials in the court could not persuade him. However, that night, a group of special guests came to Ji Guozhu's mansion. Many people know that it was the Emperor of Chu who went to find Ji Guozhu in person late at night.

The next day, the Emperor of Chu issued a new appointment, officially appointing Qi Hong as the Grand Marshal of the Chu Army. Just when many people were puzzled, news came out that Ji Guozhu wanted to marry his daughter to Qi Hong. Since then, Qi Hong has officially stepped onto the political stage of Chu. Zhou Zhixiong thought about the news, and Zhao Quan whispered: "Marshal Wei said that he and Ji Guozhu are old, and it is time to give up their positions to young people." Zhou Zhixiong rubbed his nose and asked: "When will Wei Qing arrive in the capital?" Zhao Quan looked at the date of Wei Qing's memorial and estimated: "It should take another ten days. The third prince will come back with Marshal Wei this time."

When Zhou Zhixiong heard that the third prince was also coming back, he suddenly smiled and said, "Jun'er is back. This time, I will give Jun'er a good reward." Zhao Quan smiled and said, "The third prince followed the expedition this time and was praised by the commander of the guards a lot~" Zhou Zhixiong smiled and said, "I didn't expect Jun'er to have a talent for leading troops. Not only did he make meritorious recommendations, but he also did his job very well. I am very pleased." Ever since the prince's admonition at the court meeting, Zhou Zhixiong was completely disappointed with the prince. It was just that the power behind the prince was too strong, so Zhou Zhixiong could not touch him for the time being, otherwise Zhou Zhixiong would have taken over the prince long ago.

Ten days later, at the gate of the capital, in an ordinary carriage, Wei Qing was leisurely brewing tea. The third prince asked worriedly, "General Wei, it's already this late, why are you still thinking about brewing tea?" Wei Qing smiled, "Your Highness, don't worry, His Majesty won't blame us." The third prince was still worried, "We attacked Yingming City this time, but returned empty-handed and lost 20,000 troops. Can the emperor forgive you and me?" Wei Qing smiled, "His Majesty secretly ordered the attack on Yingming City. As soon as the order was issued, His Majesty regretted it. But the king never jokes, and we have carried out His Majesty's order and kept the casualties to a minimum. Will His Majesty still blame us?"

The third prince was startled and asked hurriedly, "How did General Wei know that my father regretted it?" Wei Qing smiled and said, "If your majesty really wanted to take Yingming City at all costs, when we failed, he would definitely issue another secret decree to let us continue the attack and take Yingming City within a limited time, instead of asking us to return to the capital to report on our work." The third prince fell into deep thought, and Wei Qing continued, "Your majesty is under a lot of pressure. This time he suddenly gave us a secret decree and asked us to capture Yingming City. It must be that something has changed in the court, otherwise your majesty would not make such a mistake."

The third prince asked in confusion, "General Wei, do you mean the crown prince?" Wei Qing nodded and whispered, "When I return to the capital this time, I will retire from my military service. Third Prince, your chance has come. His Majesty must be tired of the crown prince. The old ministers in the court have always opposed Your Majesty's use of troops, and the crown prince followed suit this time. During the grand court meeting, he even recounted the late emperor's achievements in front of Your Majesty. This is what Your Majesty hates the most. Although the late emperor was wise, compared with Your Majesty, hehe~" Wei Qing didn't want to say bad things about the late emperor, so he just said it to the point. But anyone with a discerning eye knows that Zhou Zhixiong is much better than his father. And those old ministers keep asking Zhou Zhixiong to learn from his father. Don't you think it's infuriating?

The third prince said excitedly: "General Wei means that the position of the crown prince..." Wei Qing raised his hand to stop the third prince from saying the next word, and continued: "Not yet, but when the third prince returns to the capital this time, His Majesty will definitely give you some more bargaining chips!" The third prince's eyes lit up, and he bowed and said: "Thank you General Wei for your advice." Wei Qing stroked his beard with satisfaction. He originally didn't want to get involved in the fight for the throne, but he was in the middle of the game and couldn't escape. Since he couldn't escape, he had to choose someone he liked. The third prince satisfied him in all aspects, and Sun Erleng, the son-in-law, was also the third prince's man, so it was self-evident who Wei Qing would choose.

In the palace of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the emperor and his ministers were discussing. Zhou Zhixiong said calmly, "Old man, are you really going to go back to farming?" Wei Qing smiled and said, "I joined the army when I was 52 years old, and I am years old this year. Your Majesty, don't you plan to let me retire and return to the fields?" Zhou Zhixiong was silent. An old general who had served the country for years, was he really going to let him continue to lead the army and die in a foreign country? Looking at Wei Qing's old face, Zhou Zhixiong suddenly smiled, stood up and walked to Wei Qing, patted Wei Qing's hand and said, "It would be best if you can let go, old brother. I am just worried that you can't let go of state affairs."

Wei Qing said with a smile: "Your Majesty is in the prime of life, while I am old. However, the Great Zhou has many talented people. Isn't there another Sun Erleng who will take over my position?" Zhou Zhixiong said: "Although General Sun is brave and good at fighting, he is still far behind in terms of strategic planning." Wei Qing said: "I have even married my daughter to him. What is there for Your Majesty to worry about? General Sun only needs to train for another two years, and he will definitely be no worse than me, and he can even bring surprises to Your Majesty."

Looking at Wei Qing's departing figure, Zhou Zhixiong sighed, "He's really old." He collected his emotions and glanced at Zhao Quan, who understood and said loudly, "Pass it on to the Third Prince, Zhou Shijun is here to see you." The Third Prince strode to Zhou Zhixiong with powerful steps, knelt down and said, "Your son pays respects to the Emperor, long live the Emperor." Zhou Zhixiong raised his hand and said, "Jun'er, get up, come to me, let me see if you've lost weight." The Third Prince stood up and came to the Emperor. Zhou Zhixiong looked him up and said, "You've gotten darker and thinner, but also more mature." The Third Prince bowed and said, "Your son has followed General Wei to the battle this time, and I've gained a lot, and I've also witnessed the cruelty of the battlefield. The soldiers have sacrificed their lives for the country, and the Great Zhou cannot mistreat the soldiers at the front."

Zhou Zhixiong said with relief: "Jun'er has grown up after his trip. Yes, every time I think of the soldiers fighting bloody battles at the front, I can't sleep at night." The third prince said: "I didn't understand your father's good intentions before, but now I understand. I am willing to cut down on all expenses and use the saved money to reward the soldiers at the front!" Zhou Zhixiong stood up, patted the third prince on the shoulder, and laughed: "Good! The first thing I will do when I come back is to seek benefits for the soldiers at the front. It seems that Jun'er has learned a lot on this trip. Zhao Quan, prepare the meals. I want to talk with Jun'er while eating."

In the Eastern Palace of the Great Zhou Dynasty, with a bang, a valuable vase shattered to the ground. Crown Prince Zhou Shijun stood beside the fragments and said angrily: "What the hell! You think you can fight with this crown prince! That old man Wei Qing said he was retiring, but he married his daughter to Sun Erleng! Everyone knows that Sun Erleng is the third prince's man!" The attendant beside him said cautiously: "Your Highness, His Majesty actually invited the third prince to have dinner with him. In the past, no prince had this treatment except Your Highness." What does it mean? Isn't this as obvious as lice on a bald head? The emperor is going to support the third prince to compete with the crown prince. The crown prince ignored him and asked: "Where is Prime Minister Zhang?" The attendant said: "He is already waiting outside." The crown prince flicked his sleeves and hurried out to see the prime minister.

At the court meeting the next day, Zhou Zhixiong suddenly asked the Minister of Revenue how old he was this year, and then the Minister of Revenue submitted his resignation to return home. Zhou Zhixiong did not pretend to keep him, and directly approved it. Then he appointed the third prince Zhou Shijun to take over as the Minister of Revenue, and the whole court was shocked. The prince was almost biting his teeth, the emperor was increasing the power of the third prince. Don't underestimate a Minister of Revenue, that is the department in charge of money in the Great Zhou, and every expenditure has to go through the Ministry of Revenue. In other words, any money has to go through the hands of the third prince, which is a real power but a lack of power. Finally, the emperor ordered the withdrawal of most of the garrisons in Yingming City, and the eldest prince and Song Lian were also recalled, leaving only a small number of troops to defend the city.

Sun Erleng was ordered to garrison Zhongying City, and only 500 of the 50 million troops were left to guard the seven cities. Although Sun Erleng did not receive any other rewards, the emperor's intention was already very clear. As the commander of the newly occupied seven cities, Sun Erleng is already the general with the most military power in the hands of the Great Zhou. The troops he brought with him also legitimately became his personal army, and the persons in charge of each city were all trusted confidants selected by Sun Erleng himself.

Zhongying City, the City Lord's Mansion, is now renamed Sun Mansion. Sun Erleng was sleeping with his new wife in his arms. The new wife was naturally Wei Mingwan, the youngest daughter of Wei Qing. At first, Wei Mingwan was determined not to marry, but in this world, she could not decide on her own. In the end, she was forced to get on the bridal sedan. However, after seeing Sun Erleng, her heart was tied to him. It was because beauties love heroes, and Sun Erleng completely met her yearning for heroes. His resolute face, strong figure, and heroic spirit completely conquered this little hot pepper.

The two of them had been noisy all night last night and were sleeping soundly when the voice of the personal guard came from outside: "General, are you still attending the morning meeting today?" Wei Mingwan frowned and said, "No, without the general, you won't do morning exercises?" Sun Erleng woke up when the personal guard approached, patted Wei Mingwan's shoulders and said, "Xiaowan, you sleep a little longer, your husband is going to do morning exercises." Wei Mingwan clung to Sun Erleng like an octopus and said, "You are not allowed to go! It's only the hour of Mao!" Sun Erleng kissed Wei Mingwan on the face like coaxing a child and said, "We just got married. If I don't even go for morning exercises, those guys will laugh at me. Madam, you don't want your husband to become a lecher in the eyes of others, right?"

Wei Mingwan reluctantly let go of Sun Erleng, turned around angrily and said: "You only know how to train soldiers all day long, you are as annoying as your father!" Sun Erleng had no choice but to get up and prepare to change clothes, but Wei Mingwan was faster than him and helped Sun Erleng put on clothes and shoes, fulfilling the duties of a wife. Sun Erleng looked at Wei Mingwan who was busy running around, and suddenly hugged her from behind and said: "Sun Erleng can marry you in this life, and I will die without regrets." Wei Mingwan was also deeply in love, and said affectionately: "It is also my blessing that I can marry a hero like the general."

On the playground, densely packed soldiers have already started morning exercises. Some are brandishing weapons, some are running around the playground, some are practicing formations, and some are fighting each other. No matter what they are doing, when they see Sun Erleng coming, they immediately put down their work and assemble in formation. Sun Erleng walked to the platform, looked at the team that went from scattered to neat, nodded secretly and said: "The immortal master's training method is really good, it looks like a strong army!" With the slogan of 121, the team below finally assembled. The battalion commander stepped out and reported loudly: "General, one battalion has one thousand people exercising, and the actual number of people exercising is one thousand, and no one is absent!" Sun Erleng said: "Well, continue the exercise. Bring me my axe, this general also wants to exercise."

Four personal soldiers, two of them carried an axe, the right axe weighed 450 jin, and the left axe weighed 400 jin. When the two axes were in Sun Erleng's hands, he began to dance with them, and the wind he created made people's faces hurt. After dancing a set of Tiangang Thirty-Six Axe Techniques, Sun Erleng was also out of breath and his face was red. The soldiers below were all stunned, and Sun Erleng glared and yelled, "Why are you in a daze? Hurry up and practice!" Everyone reacted and hurriedly started to practice.

Sun Erleng returned to the barracks, and a group of young generals followed him in. After they sat down, Sun Erleng said, "The army has already set off to return home, and we are left behind to guard the city. Do you have any suggestions for the defense of these seven cities?" Ren Bin was the first to speak, saying, "General, we don't have much experience in defending cities. I think it's better to attack as defense and take down Yingming City on the opposite side." Sun Erleng slammed the table and said angrily, "Ren Bin! Shut up! All you know is fighting and killing! There are 100 million defenders on the opposite side, what can you use to attack the city?! If you want to fight, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future! What I'm asking now is to defend the city!"

A group of young generals, none of them had ever defended a city. Finally, an older general stood up and answered: "General, there is actually no trick to defending a city. Just remember two words, and that is 'careful'." Sun Erleng was stunned and asked: "Oh? Captain Lu, please tell me in detail." Captain Lu smiled and said: "As long as the soldiers' shifts are arranged, the generals will patrol regularly, and then place more outposts, so that there will be no major mistakes." Sun Erleng touched his chin, thought for a while and said: "Okay, then Captain Lu will arrange the shifts. There must be officers patrolling the tower every hour, and I will be included in the schedule."

The war between the Great Zhou and the Great Chu also came to an end. The Great Zhou took 7 cities from the Chu State. Although it was not much, it also met Zhou Zhixiong's expectations. Now the most important thing is to stabilize the situation in the court. After all, the group of old officials need to be slowly cleaned up. In addition, the crown prince of the Great Zhou, Zhou Shijun, has now completely turned to the conservatives and started a fight with the emperor of the Great Zhou. With the support of Zhou Zhixiong, the third prince also gradually took control of part of the real power of the Great Zhou and secretly began to train another group of body forging warriors. After all, the role of the body forging warriors is self-evident in the fact that they were able to take several cities so smoothly this time.