Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 416 - 414. Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling Town

Chapter 416: 414. Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling Town

414. The Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling Town

「The Royal City of Xiling, Ancheng City」

Ever since Xiling’s northern imperial city was forcefully seized by Mo Xiuyao, the Emperor of Xiling had shifted his capital to the present-day Ancheng City. Fortunately, the Murong Family had managed Ancheng City for hundreds of years. Although it lacked the grandeur of the former capital, it still ranked among Xiling’s most prosperous cities. Furthermore, the Emperor of Xiling had undertaken major redevelopments over the past two years to suit its new status as the imperial city.

It was no wonder all the powers across the land regarded Mo Xiuyao with distaste. Leaving aside Beirong—where, apart from a modest stone city for the King of Beirong, the aristocracy still lived in tents—Great Chu and Xiling, once two great powers, had both lost their imperial cities. Great Chu was reduced to Nanjing, while Xiling relocated to Ancheng City. Meanwhile, Prince Ding, who held two enormous imperial cities, seemed indifferent to ascending the throne, further fueling the envy and jealousy of others.

In the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion in Ancheng City, Lei Tengfeng sat at the head of the table, absently gazing at the empty grand hall before him. He had intensely longed to sit in this position when he was younger. From the moment he understood such things, he had taken great pride in the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion. In his heart, the position of Southern Garrison Prince was far more prestigious than the hypocritical emperor’s throne. After all, his father was infinitely more powerful than the indulgent emperor who merely hid within the royal palace, engrossed in pleasure. Thus, his ultimate dream had always been to gain his father’s approval and become the master of the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion. But when he finally sat in this position, he felt only desolation and a profound chill.

"Heir, what should we do next?" one of the men below—a mix of military officers and civil officials—asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Yet their worries were insignificant compared to the turmoil in Lei Tengfeng’s own heart. They had ridden at top speed back to Xiling, so news from Feihong Pass had not yet reached them. But Lei Tengfeng knew in his heart that his father... was no more.

The thought of the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion without the Southern Garrison Prince sent a chill through Lei Tengfeng.

After a long silence, Lei Tengfeng opened his eyes and calmly regarded the assembled men. Raising his hand, a golden token appeared. A four-clawed golden dragon coiled on its surface, and it was engraved with the imposing words "Southern Garrison."

The sight of the token shocked everyone present except for the three generals. This was the most important token of the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, symbolizing the identity and authority of the Southern Garrison Prince. Seeing the token was like seeing the Southern Garrison Prince himself. "Greetings, Your Highness!"

Upon seeing this token, those with discernment paled, realizing something was gravely amiss. The heir’s sudden return, when he was supposed to be on campaign, had already been suspicious. Now, his appearance with this token—a symbol of the Southern Garrison Prince’s authority, which the Prince would never entrust to another—only deepened their unease.

"Please rise, everyone," Lei Tengfeng said in a deep voice. "By my father’s order, from this moment on, all affairs of the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion are under my command." The men exchanged uneasy glances, hesitating. If it were the Southern Garrison Prince, they would naturally follow him without question. Anyone with eyes could see that the Southern Garrison Prince was far more capable than the incompetent Emperor of Xiling. However, with the title passing to his son, it was a different matter. Not because Lei Tengfeng was unsuitable, but because he was too young, and his reputation paled in comparison to his father, Lei Zhenting’s.

"We pledge our allegiance to you, Your Highness!" the three generals declared in unison.

Only then did Lei Tengfeng understand his father’s intention in specifically selecting these three generals to return with him. Naturally, there were more skilled and capable generals in the army. However, those were veteran officers who had served his father for many years, their military achievements too brilliant for him to overshadow. Those with powerful backing might harbor dissent. These three, however, had been promoted by his father from the ranks of ordinary soldiers. They had served under Lei Tengfeng before and had good personal relationships with him, so he wouldn’t have to worry about their loyalty, at least in the short term.

"Lord Wu, what do you say?" Lei Tengfeng nodded, his gaze sweeping towards a man who had yet to speak. Lord Wu looked at Lei Tengfeng and asked respectfully, "May I ask... what are Your Highness’s plans?"

Lei Tengfeng’s eyes turned cold. Surveying the crowd, a faint smile touched his lips. "I... am considering trying out the throne in Yong’an Hall. What are your thoughts?"

Lord Wu’s expression changed slightly. He offered a strained smile, "Your Highness, isn’t this... a bit too hasty?"

Just as Lei Tengfeng was about to speak, a guard reported from outside, "Reporting to the Heir, His Majesty summons you."

Lei Tengfeng hummed lightly. "This prince understands. You may withdraw."

Lei Tengfeng stood and descended from his seat. The men below quickly advised, "Heir, for His Majesty to summon you so abruptly, he likely harbors ill intentions. Please be cautious."

Lei Tengfeng smiled faintly. "Considering my sudden return to the capital, it would be stranger if he *didn’t* summon me. Besides, some matters... are best dealt with sooner rather than later."

He walked casually to Lord Wu’s side. "Lord Wu," Lei Tengfeng said with a smile, "don’t you agree?"

Lord Wu’s face turned white instantly, and cold sweat trickled from his hairline. "H-Heir..."

Lei Tengfeng let out a soft snort, and a cold light flashed. The others only heard the sound of a sword being sheathed as Lei Tengfeng was already walking towards the hall’s entrance. Looking down, they saw Lord Wu collapsed on the ground, his eyes wide, a line of blood slowly blooming on his neck.

"We pledge our lives in loyalty to the Heir!"

Lei Tengfeng looked back. "There’s no need for alarm, my lords," he said calmly. "You are all my father’s trusted confidants. As for Lord Wu... Father said long ago that he... was not one of his own. The proof is here; you may all examine it." Lei Tengfeng produced a memorialized petition, placed it on the table, and walked out without a backward glance at their reactions.

As Lei Tengfeng walked briskly through the imperial palace, he noted it was more like a collection of interconnected luxurious residences converted into a temporary imperial park. After all, an imperial palace could not be constructed in such a short time.

"Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince, Commandery Prince Rui, Lei Tengfeng, requests an audience with His Majesty!" he announced loudly upon reaching the entrance of a magnificent palace.

The sounds of music and revelry from the grand hall abruptly ceased. Shortly after, an attendant emerged and said cautiously, "Commandery Prince Rui, His Majesty summons you."

Lei Tengfeng nodded and moved to enter, but the eunuch blocked his path. The eunuch, with an apologetic smile, gestured towards the guards and the men who appeared to be generals accompanying him. "Commandery Prince, this... isn’t quite appropriate, is it?"

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow. "What is improper about this prince bringing three generals back to the capital to report on their duties?"

"This..." The eunuch looked distressed, caught in a dilemma. He knew, of course, that generals returning to the capital to report on their duties must see His Majesty. However, His Majesty had also ordered that only Lei Tengfeng be admitted.

Lei Tengfeng said in a deep voice, "You need not worry. If His Majesty assigns blame, this prince will bear it all."

Seeing Lei Tengfeng’s assertiveness, the eunuch dared not insist on blocking him. After all, the members of the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion had always been rather assertive, if not outright disrespectful, within the palace. Never mind the servants like him; even His Majesty had long grown accustomed to it.

Stepping into the grand hall, Lei Tengfeng was met with the dizzying stench of alcohol and heavy perfumes. Even if outsiders were unaware of the true situation, the sight of this scene, particularly when his father had just fallen in battle, caused a cold glint to flash in Lei Tengfeng’s eyes.

"Your subject, Lei Tengfeng, greets Your Majesty," he said, bowing his head.

The three generals behind him also saluted. "We, Generals Feng Li, Zhang Yi, and Shangguan Qing, pay homage to Your Majesty."

The Emperor of Xiling, his eyes glazed with drink, looked down at them and said jovially, "Ah, Tengfeng. Quick, come and sit."

Lei Tengfeng rose and walked to the foremost seat on the right, then sat. "Tengfeng thanks Imperial Uncle."

The Emperor of Xiling appeared somewhat thinner than he had two years prior in the Xiling imperial city. Years of indulgence in wine and women had clearly taken their toll on his body; even his smiling eyes seemed clouded and lifeless. Yet, as this gaze fell upon Lei Tengfeng, it seemed to hold a peculiar weight. "Tengfeng," he asked, "weren’t you with your father, attacking the Mo Family Army? Why have you returned?"

Lei Tengfeng replied, "Reporting to Imperial Uncle, Father received word that Nanchu has betrayed its alliance with our kingdom and defected to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Murong Shen of Prince Ding’s Mansion and Marquis South are personally leading three hundred thousand Nanchu troops across the Yunlan River to invade Xiling. Father specifically ordered Tengfeng back to handle this matter."

"Oh? Is this true?" the Emperor of Xiling asked, looking surprised.

"What Tengfeng says is absolutely true, Imperial Uncle. If you do not believe me, you may send men to investigate. I fear fighting has already erupted along the Yunlan River by now."

The Emperor of Xiling nodded. "If that is so, Tengfeng, what are your plans?"

Lei Tengfeng looked up at the Emperor. "Tengfeng intends to dispatch Shangguan Qing and Feng Li with an army of five hundred thousand to engage Murong Shen and Marquis South."

"Five hundred thousand?" the Emperor asked, looking at Lei Tengfeng. "Where would we find that many soldiers?" Lei Zhenting’s expedition against the Mo Family Army already took most of Xiling’s elite forces. Besides, a large number of troops were already stationed at the Yunlan River. It’s no wonder the Emperor was concerned about dispatching so many more troops from Xiling.

Lei Tengfeng lowered his eyes. "Otherwise," he said calmly, "what does Imperial Uncle propose we do?"

The Emperor was speechless. Having been overshadowed by Lei Zhenting his entire life, he had never involved himself in military, political, or civil matters. Even a genius would eventually exhaust their talents under such circumstances, let alone someone like him, who was no genius to begin with. His ability to contend with Lei Tengfeng, openly and covertly, for so many years, had relied entirely on his legitimate status as Emperor and his innate royal aptitude for courtly schemes. But such skills were clearly useless in warfare. The Emperor had spent his entire life scheming to reclaim his imperial authority, yet he had never once considered how to be a good emperor after succeeding.

Lei Tengfeng concealed the disdain in his eyes. "Murong Shen and Marquis South are both battle-hardened veterans," he said coldly. "Now that Father is... absent, if we do not send a large force to intercept them, I fear the Mo Family Army will be at our city gates once more... and very soon."

The Emperor of Xiling frowned and sighed. He habitually reached for the wine cup on the table, then waved a dismissive hand at Lei Tengfeng. "Enough. Go. Do as you propose."

Lei Tengfeng had just breathed a sigh of relief when an attendant, presumably a eunuch, hurried in from outside and whispered something in the Emperor’s ear. The Emperor’s expression shifted, and his gaze towards Lei Tengfeng became probing and suspicious.

Waving the attendant away, the Emperor of Xiling pondered for a moment, then asked, "Tengfeng, speaking of which, you still haven’t told Us how our war against Prince Ding’s Mansion is faring."

Lei Tengfeng replied calmly, "Imperial Uncle is right. Tengfeng was just about to report on that."

The Emperor of Xiling nodded in satisfaction. "That’s good. We have been somewhat worried. You mustn’t... deceive Us, you hear? Deceiving the Emperor... is a capital crime."

A chill flickered across Lei Tengfeng’s brow. He said solemnly, "Tengfeng would not dare. Reporting to Imperial Uncle, I fear our army... cannot withstand the Mo Family Army... We are facing certain defeat!"

"What?!" the Emperor of Xiling exclaimed in shock. Though incompetent, he bore his own empire no malice. Initially, upon hearing the attendant report Lei Zhenting’s defeat, he had felt a flicker of malicious glee. But now, hearing Lei Tengfeng’s grave pronouncement of "certain defeat," he couldn’t help but be alarmed. He truly did not want to re-experience the Mo Family Army laying siege to the imperial city. Besides... if Mo Xiuyao besieged the city again, where could they flee this time, having already moved from the north to Ancheng City?

For the first time in his life, the Emperor of Xiling realized that Xiling without Lei Zhenting might not be a good thing after all.

"Tengfeng... your father..."

Lei Tengfeng did not hide the truth. "Indeed," he said gravely. "If Tengfeng’s assessment is correct, Father has already... died for our country."

Hearing this, the Emperor of Xiling was stunned. He had lived his entire life cowering under Lei Zhenting’s shadow, constantly dreaming of how to eliminate him. Yet, when he truly heard news of Lei Zhenting’s death, his first reaction wasn’t joy, but helplessness.

"Now... what should we do?" the Emperor of Xiling asked.

Lei Tengfeng looked down. "These three generals are talents Father left for Xiling," he said calmly. "Tengfeng plans to send two of them to lead troops against Murong Shen and Marquis South. If Mo Xiuyao personally leads his forces to attack Xiling, Tengfeng is prepared to live or die with Xiling."

With no other options, the Emperor of Xiling didn’t delay. He nodded. "Very well. I now confer upon you the title of the new Southern Garrison Prince, to defend Great Ling in place of my late Imperial Brother. Furthermore, Generals Feng, Zhang, and Shangguan: I shall enfeoff them as Grand General of National Defense, Grand General of National Peace, and Grand General of National Security, respectively." With the Emperor’s words, the three, who were previously Vice Generals, were instantly elevated to first-rank Grand Generals of Xiling.

"Tengfeng thanks Your Majesty," Lei Tengfeng said, bowing his head.

"We thank Your Majesty for your grace."

After Lei Tengfeng exited the grand hall, the resplendent palace returned to tranquility. A eunuch emerged from the rear of the hall, glanced cautiously at the Emperor of Xiling who sat on the dragon throne with eyes closed in thought, and whispered, "Your Majesty, why didn’t you..." They had already laid their plans. The moment Lei Tengfeng arrived, he could have been apprehended. Without Lei Zhenting, Lei Tengfeng, though formidable, was still young. Give him a few more years to consolidate his power, and things might not be so certain.

However, they had not heard the Emperor of Xiling’s signal, so the death-sworn warriors lying in ambush could only watch helplessly as Lei Tengfeng departed.

The Emperor of Xiling waved his hand. "Lei Zhenting is already dead... If We kill Lei Tengfeng as well... what would become of Great Ling then?" Over the years, his few remaining children had either died or been married off. In this vast imperial palace, apart from the sycophantic concubines, he was utterly alone—a true solitary ruler. Now, even his lifelong adversary was dead. But Great Ling remained... He had to leave something for Great Ling.

"Forget it. Go. Issue Our decree: Lei Tengfeng is to be enfeoffed as Southern Garrison Prince. The previous Southern Garrison Prince, Lei Zhenting, died for the nation; bestow upon him the posthumous title ’Hero of Loyal and Brave’. Furthermore, I... am unwell. Let the Southern Garrison Prince temporarily oversee the affairs of state."

The imperial attendant was stunned, clearly not understanding why His Majesty had changed his mind so drastically in such a short time. However, he had no choice but to obey. "This slave obeys. This slave will take his leave." It seemed that Xiling’s future... would still be dictated by the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion.

Lei Tengfeng emerged from the imperial palace. Though he had obtained full command of Xiling’s armies as he wished, his expression remained as dark as water. Just now... I really intended to murder the Emperor of Xiling. He knew the Emperor of Xiling had stationed death-sworn warriors within the hall. He simply hadn’t anticipated that the Emperor, always seen as muddle-headed and incompetent, would make such a decision at that critical juncture. A moment’s hesitation, and the murderous intent had vanished. Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. Compared to Father, I am indeed still far behind.

"Lei Tengfeng..."

"Who’s there?" Suddenly, a low, indistinct voice reached his ears. Lei Tengfeng’s expression changed, and he whipped his head towards the sound’s origin. Just a few paces away, a middle-aged man in plain blue robes stood, regarding him with an indifferent gaze.

"Ling Tiehan!" Lei Tengfeng gritted his teeth. The voice he’d heard had seemed distant, yet Ling Tiehan had appeared before him soundlessly. In the very short time since they had last met, Ling Tiehan’s martial cultivation had clearly advanced another level.

Ling Tiehan nodded, then raised his hand and threw something at Lei Tengfeng. Lei Tengfeng instinctively moved to dodge. But as he shifted, a thought struck him, and he reached out, catching the object Ling Tiehan had thrown. It was an ordinary white porcelain urn, wrapped in cloth. The moment it was in his hand, Lei Tengfeng sensed its contents and guessed why Ling Tiehan had tossed it to him.

"This... This is..." Lei Tengfeng clutched the urn tightly, his gaze fixed on Ling Tiehan.

Ling Tiehan said indifferently, "These are Lei Zhenting’s ashes."

"You cremated my father!" A surge of fury shot through Lei Tengfeng, and he glared venomously at the man before him.

Ling Tiehan glanced at him indifferently before sneering. "You should be grateful Mo Xiuyao even permitted me to cremate Lei Zhenting and bring his ashes back."

Lei Tengfeng fell silent. He knew, of course, how many treated the remains of slain enemy commanders, especially those of high status. But at least... his father’s final dignity as the Southern Garrison Prince had been preserved.

"The Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion will remember this debt," Lei Tengfeng said solemnly.

A mocking smile touched Ling Tiehan’s lips. Without another look at Lei Tengfeng, he turned and departed with a flick of his sleeves.

On the street outside the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, Lei Tengfeng stood holding the urn, lost in thought. Father... your son will not betray your expectations...