Eternal Life as False Emperor-Chapter 169 - 137: Heading South

Xu Xuanwu has rebelled.

When Zheng Yi heard the news, his heart was as calm as a still lake.

After all, with ten of the thirteen provinces in rebellion, one more Xu Xuanwu made no difference, nor did one less.

He wants to attack the Capital City, but it's still far off.

The various dukes, sects, and noble families blocking his way are enough for him to handle.

Many courtiers couldn't believe their ears and looked at each other in astonishment.

It's important to know that Xu Mujun is the Grand General of the Great Yu, holding a position of utmost authority among ministers.

His sister, Xu Qingluan, is a favored consort of Your Majesty and has been titled Noble Consort Xu.

Has he gone mad, choosing to rebel at this time?

"Your Majesty!"

Zheng Xuanyue earnestly said, "Could the Embroidered Uniform Guard have made a mistake? How could Xu Xuanwu possibly rebel? He..."

"Your Majesty! There can be no mistake!"

With a hastily bandaged wound, Shen Xing gritted his teeth and said, "All roads connecting Yunzhou and Yuezhou to Nanyue County have been blocked, and the three major passes have been refurbished."

"The Clan Leader and High Priest of the Baiyue Race have been imprisoned, the Heiyue Tribe has submitted to Xu Xuanwu, and the Nanzhao Country has even recruited Xu Xuanwu as a Prince Consort, making Nanyue County a country within the country!"

"I only survived by narrowly escaping death by jumping off a cliff, while the Tributor Yang Shaoyong unfortunately sacrificed himself for the country. When I left Nanyue County, Xu Xuanwu had already mobilized an army of 300,000 and invaded the areas of Yunzhou and Yuezhou."

"Your Majesty! This matter is absolutely true..."

"Enough, I believe it,"

Zheng Yi said calmly, "Gentlemen, with ten out of thirteen provinces in rebellion, our Great Yu is facing a calamity unseen in a thousand years. We urgently need ministers and warriors of righteousness to restore order and bring peace to the people."

"We obey Your Majesty's orders!"

The ministers shouted in unison. Suddenly, Lu Xiangqing stood and said, "Your Majesty, if Xu Xuanwu has rebelled, as a precaution, you should recall Xu Mujun and strip him of his military authority!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, all the ministers fell silent and quietly looked towards Zheng Yi.

Xu Xuanwu's rebellion undoubtedly affects Xu Mujun and Xu Qingluan the most.

One is a Grand General, the other a Noble Consort.

If all three harbor rebellious intentions...

Zheng Yi calmly said, "I trust the Grand General!"

"Court dismissed!"

"Your Majesty~"

"Your Majesty!"

Ignoring the calls of the ministers, Zheng Yi rose and directly returned to Baiyu City.

"Xu Mujun... what will your reaction be?"

"Your Majesty."

Chen Liancang quietly appeared, "Do you need this old servant to visit Grand General Xu's tent for a talk?"

"No need,"

Zheng Yi said, "Your task is to restart the excavation of the Grand Ancestor's Mausoleum."

"Due to Xu Mujun's presence in the Capital City, that matter has stalled for half a year. It's time to restart it."

"Understood!"

Soon after, Liu Cheng'en walked in quickly.

"Your Majesty, Noble Consort Xu requests an audience."

Zheng Yi had already anticipated this and said calmly, "Let her come in."

"Understood!"

Soon, the still gracefully elegant Xu Qingluan walked in quickly, her eyes red.

"Your Majesty!"

She knelt on the ground, urgently saying, "My brother would never rebel; he must be deceived by traitors. Please, Your Majesty, see the truth!"

Zheng Yi shook his head, "What use is it to say this now?"

"Xu Xuanwu's rebellion is an undeniable fact. But rest assured, my beloved consort, his actions will not implicate you."

"You are a daughter of the Xu Family, but more importantly, you are my consort!"

"Your Majesty!"

Xu Qingluan said with a trembling voice, "Did my brother… really rebel?"

"Yes."

Xu Qingluan was struck as if by lightning, collapsing to the ground, "Why… why?"

"My father is the Grand General, I am a Noble Consort, and there's Xuan'er… My brother has no reason!"

"Who knows?"

Zheng Yi said, "Perhaps he was blinded by power, perhaps enticed by traitors, or maybe for a woman—just another femme fatale."

"A woman? Femme fatale?"

Xu Qingluan's mind raced, and she quickly thought of something.

"Yue Chan?!"

"My brother's letters usually mentioned this woman, Yue Chan..."

"Could it be that my brother rebelled for Yue Chan?"

Zheng Yi coldly smiled, "Initially, perhaps it was due to Yue Chan, but over time, ambition swells. How can one mere woman withstand the allure of an empire?"

"He's been in Nanyue County for a long time, and half a year ago advanced to the Innate realm, drawing the admiration of the Nanzhao Sovereign, who wishes to make him a Prince Consort."

"In Nanyue County, he was like an earthy emperor."

"Seeking to further climb to the pinnacle of ministerial power, is that not normal?"

"Your Majesty…"

"Rise, my beloved consort."

Zheng Yi descended from the high platform and embraced Xu Qingluan.

"I have said, Xu Xuanwu is Xu Xuanwu, the Grand General is the Grand General, and you are you."

"Once, Xu Xuanwu was your brother, the son of the Grand General."

"But now… he is merely a traitor!"

"Your Majesty…"

Xu Qingluan gritted her teeth, "I wish to step down from my position as Noble Consort and no longer hold this title!"

"Very well."

Zheng Yi nodded, "Your heart has doubts. I promise you, once this matter is resolved, you shall again be my Noble Consort Xu!"

"Your Majesty…"

Holding Xu Qingluan's small hand, he led her to the dragon bed and pressed her down.

That night.

Xu Qingluan stayed in Baiyu City, and a strand of Pure Yang Qi was transferred from Zheng Yi into her body.

Ten months later, another prince was born!

The 8th Year of Zhengyong, the eighth day of the eighth month.

Xu Xuanwu of Nanyue County rebelled.

The three major passes were refurbished, Nanyue County officials were expelled, and the Nanzhao Country was allowed to enter, with their sovereign seeing him as an ideal son-in-law. A marriage agreement was set with Nanzhao's Princess, 'Princess Lingyin.'

The 8th Year of Zhengyong, the fifteenth day of the eighth month.

Xu Xuanwu deployed two armies, totaling over 300,000, invaded the neighboring regions of Yuezhou and Yunzhou, and clashed with the dukes of both regions.

The 8th Year of Zhengyong, the twentieth day of the eighth month.

Noble Consort Xu, Xu Qingluan, abdicated her position of Noble Consort and was demoted to Consort Duann, still residing in Xianfu Palace.

The 8th Year of Zhengyong, the twenty-fifth day of the eighth month.

His Majesty decreed to assign Xu Mushi, brother of Xu Mujun, as Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs, allowing his nephews and others to serve as officials, and many other family members received honors.

The 8th Year of Zhengyong, the twenty-eighth day of the eighth month.

Xu Xuanwu, alone, entered Infinite Cave in Yunzhou, defeated the sect leader Linghe Zhenren, and the entire sect pledged allegiance.

The 8th Year of Zhengyong, the first day of the ninth month.

Xu Xuanwu took control of Yunzhou, began purging other small rebel factions, and expanded his influence in Yunzhou.

8th Year of Zhengyong, September 10th.

Consort Duann, Xu Qingluan, is pregnant.

8th Year of Zhengyong, September 12th.

The Xu Mujun, stationed at the border of Binzhou, learns that Xu Xuanwu has rebelled.

"What did you say? Xuanwu rebelled?"

Upon hearing the messenger's report, Xu Mujun could hardly believe his ears.

One of the advisors nearby said, "General! This person must be a spy from Wu Country, here to disrupt our army's morale!"

"Men, arrest this person!"

Several fierce personal guards rushed in to apprehend the man, but Xu Mujun ordered them to retreat.

He carefully observed the expressions of the surrounding advisors and soldiers, noticing that some were avoiding his gaze, and immediately asked, "How long have you been hiding this from me?"

"General, we have not hidden anything."

"Hmm?"

"General! Although the young master has rebelled, it is because..."

"Silence!"

Xu Mujun immediately commanded, "You few, step outside and receive fifty lashes each!"

"Yes!"

The few responded respectfully and exited the military tent.

"Qilin!"

"At your command, sir!"

Xu Qilin, the son of Xu Mujun's elder brother, is skilled in both literature and martial arts. Although slightly inferior to Xu Xuanwu, he is still remarkable.

For many years, Xu Xuanwu led troops independently, while Xu Qilin remained under Xu Mujun's command.

"You are to lead the remaining troops to support Black Mountain Pass and inform General Chen Wannian that if he truly cannot match the Empress of Wu Country, he may abandon Mangzhou and Huangzhou, and retreat to Black Mountain Pass."

"Those two states were initially gained without resistance, and lack defensible terrain. Do not waste troops unnecessarily."

"General!" Xu Qilin's face changed, and he exclaimed in surprise, "You intend to..."

"Xuanwu made a mistake. As his father, I must address this personally."

Xu Mujun said calmly, "No one should try to dissuade me. I have a plan."

He quickly walked out of the tent and shouted, "Where is the Dragon Scale Army!"

"At your service, sir!"

The Dragon Scale Army, elite forces of the Dragon-soaring Army, are also Xu Mujun's personal soldiers.

They have followed Xu Mujun in countless battles for decades, each soldier capable of fighting a hundred foes.

The weakest among them are martial artists at the third-grade realm.

There are also three commanders who have already reached the Grandmaster Realm in martial cultivation!

Five hundred members of the Dragon Scale Army shouted loudly, drawing the attention of numerous advisors, generals, and soldiers toward the scene.

"To receive the state's stipend, to be loyal to the state, to bear the state's worries, what is there to fear!!!"

Xu Mujun declared solemnly, his voice echoing throughout the camp.

"The Xu family has long benefited from the state's bounty, and should naturally repay it like grass and a ring."

"Yet, our Xu family produced someone disloyal, unfilial, heartless, and unjust. I must personally campaign to restore the Xu family's integrity and give Great Yu a clear sky!"

"Gentlemen, do you wish to join me in subduing the enemy!"

"We are willing to die for the General!"

"Good!"

Xu Mujun mounted his horse and solemnly commanded, "Dragon Scale, heed my order: those with parents at home, step forward!"

Over thirty Dragon Scale soldiers led their horses and came forward, looking puzzled.

"Those with wives and children at home, step forward!"

Another twenty soldiers led their horses forward, and those present seemed to realize something.

"Only sons, step forward!"

Ten or so young men, looking just over twenty, hesitantly came forward.

"Those with a wife but no offspring yet, step forward!"

Again, over a dozen young men led their horses and stepped forward.

"Those with both father and son in the military, the son step forward!"

Seven or eight young men, observed attentively by a few elders, slowly stepped forward.

"Brothers serving together, the younger brother step forward!"

A few burly men argued persistently, but were kicked forward by others, causing everyone else to laugh heartily.

Xu Mujun scanned the group, and after this selection, only a little over two hundred soldiers remained from the five hundred personal guards.

However, this was sufficient.

"Those who stepped forward will stay in the camp, those who did not will mount and obey my command!"

Xu Mujun pointed his horsewhip southward and vowed, "Follow this General to subdue the traitor, Xu Xuanwu!!!"

"Junior General?"

"What's going on?"

"The Junior General rebelled?"

"How is that possible!"

"Could the General be mistaken?"

Faced with the whispers among his personal guards, Xu Mujun declared, "Silence!"

"Though you may have doubts, so do I."

"But regardless, it is a fact that my son Xu Xuanwu has rebelled, and my heart is heavy."

"What we must do now is suppress the traitors and capture Xu Xuanwu alive!"

Xu Mujun stated, "His Majesty's order instructs this General to lead the army as far as Black Mountain Pass, but since Xu Xuanwu rebelled, the responsibility lies with me."

"General Xu Qilin will lead you to support Black Mountain Pass, while I will personally lead the guards to suppress Xu Xuanwu and serve the country loyally!"

"Are you willing to follow this General?"

"Willing to die for the General!"

"Move out!"

"Onward!"

Along with Xu Mujun, 296 Dragon Scale Army soldiers charged southwest!

8th Year of Zhengyong, September 12th.

Xu Mujun personally led his guards, rapidly heading southwest toward Nanyue County from the Binzhou border.

8th Year of Zhengyong, September 15th.

Xu Mujun entered Youzhou, assaulted the rebel forces of Gongsun Bo's army, killing 1,565 men and Gongsun Bo's third son, Gongsun Yue.

8th Year of Zhengyong, September 18th.

Gongsun Bo led his army to encircle and fight Xu Mujun, but Xu Mujun charged into the camp alone and killed Gongsun Bo!

Gongsun Bo's second son, Gongsun Tai, led 6,000 Dragon Horse Cavalry seeking revenge, pursuing Xu Mujun but was defeated by him, resulting in Gongsun Tai's death.

In this battle, 3,628 Dragon Horse Cavalry led by Gongsun Tai perished, while the remaining cavalry fled in panic.

Xu Mujun's personal guards lost seventy-six men, causing the collapse of Gongsun Bo's forces and the disintegration of the Youzhou rebels.

8th Year of Zhengyong, September 25th.

Xu Mujun led his army into Jizhou, killing one Protector of the White Lotus Sect and three Altar Masters, scattering 100,000 White Lotus Sect followers.

8th Year of Zhengyong, October 9th.

Xu Mujun led his army into Yuuzhou, where the Great Yu Fortune King closed the city gates and refused to meet, while Xu Mujun marched around the city.

8th Year of Zhengyong, October 15th.

Xu Mujun led his army into Jinggzhou, killing three of the nine Water Kings of Jinggzhou and destroying a hundred ships.

8th Year of Zhengyong, October 28th.

Xu Mujun led his army into Yunzhou!