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Chapter 194 : Balance of Power on the Steppe
To the west of Qian-Yuan and Northern Lie lies a desert, and further west are the grasslands of some nomadic peoples.
These Xiongnu were inherently cruel, uneducated, and uncivilized, and would from time to time raid the borderlands.
Seventy years ago, they had launched a large-scale invasion of the Central Plains.
But their luck was bad. They happened to encounter Ling Yu's master and were crushed in one battle by Hou Buchen, who slaughtered a hundred thousand of their cavalry.
The Xiongnu were beaten into a wretched retreat and never recovered. The border was peaceful for several decades.
Ẇеb́ n̂öv̌ e l̃ Е̇ṅ ū ṁ â
On the Qian-Yuan side, a succession of fatuous emperors ascended the throne. The court became increasingly corrupt, and with natural disasters and man-made calamities, the national strength declined.
These nomadic Xiongnu in the west, however, gradually recovered.
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Recently, they felt they were capable again and would from time to time harass the western border, plundering supplies.
Now, Qian-Yuan was beset by troubles from within and without. The Blood-Clothed Army had carved out a territory and declared themselves kings, Dong the Traitor had usurped power, and the country was split into three.
The other side was naturally happy to strike while Qian-Yuan was weak.
As early as before the capital was established in Jiqu, when Ming Chen mentioned the new dynasty's grand strategy, he had spoken of the Xiongnu problem.
Е n̈ ů m̀а̀
Xiao Xinyue had seen intelligence reports of the Xiongnu harassing Ling Province in the west more than once, but she just hadn't had the time to deal with it yet.
With the high-pitched call of the messenger,
Three sturdy, dark-skinned men with painted patterns on their bodies strode into the court.
Meeting the gazes of all the ministers, he brought his hand to his chest and bowed slightly in salute.
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In broken Central Plains common tongue, he said, "Greetings, respected new Qian-Yuan emperor. I am the Left Worthy Prince of the Liling tribe, Huyan Shuofenglie. I have been specially sent by my king, the Sheng Luo Great Khan, Borjigin Tielehun, to congratulate the emperor on his ascension to the great lineage."
"We are willing to offer a thousand sheep, a hundred warhorses, and ten thousand catties of wool and leather. We wish to establish eternal friendship with Qian-Yuan and open trade."
Ёn ú_m̀ а .id
"Oh?"
Xiao Xinyue raised an eyebrow.
This envoy's language was not fluent, but to say such a long passage showed some sincerity.
Opening trade was not impossible. On the contrary, Ming Chen supported and encouraged the development of trade and interaction.
Several ministers also nodded to themselves upon hearing this.
They had long heard that the Xiongnu were rude, ignorant of etiquette, and committed all sorts of atrocities like burning, killing, and plundering.
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But they didn't expect that the other party would be so reasonable this time.
Xiao Xinyue nodded upon hearing this, "It is possible."
However, the Xiongnu man then said again, "Your Majesty the Emperor is wise. My tribe was born in the wind and sand and longs for fertile land. I hope the emperor will cede the land of Ling Province to my tribe, for my tribe to settle down and use for trade and marriage alliances."
Xiao Xinyue's eyes narrowed upon hearing this, "En?!"
The ministers present also frowned.
Qian-Yuan was now like a stranded whale. Everything wanted to come up and take a bite of the fat meat.
Е̂nù m̂ a
"Impossible!"
Before Xiao Xinyue could speak.
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A general in the court stared with wide eyes and snorted coldly.
His hometown was Ling Province. He knew very well how much suffering these barbaric demons had brought to his hometown.
This group of barbarians had not come for a friendly alliance at all. They had come to invade and plunder.
The Xiongnu man just glanced at him, his expression as usual, and continued, "If ceding land is not possible, then so be it. My king has long admired the Central Plains and especially adores the celestial maiden of the holy Qian-Yuan dynasty. I hope the emperor will grant a marriage to a princess, to establish a marriage alliance with my tribe and eternal friendship."
Еn̆ úm̄ а.ĭd
Xiao Xinyue's expression was composed, "My dynasty has no princess."
She was not yet married and didn't even have a proper heir. Where would a princess come from?
A kind-faced minister stood up and said, "Our dynasty is willing to appoint a noble lady, enfeoff her as a princess, and send her to the Western Regions to form a good marriage with the eagle of the steppe. How about it?"
Who knew that the Xiongnu man would shake his head, "My king only wishes to unite with the noble bloodline of the Qian-Yuan imperial family. Now, there is still one in Qian-Yuan. I hope the emperor will grant his grace."
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"Audacious!!!"
As soon as his voice fell, the quick-witted ministers instantly understood.
È nu̇ ḿa . і̇ d
The Qian-Yuan imperial family had been completely wiped out by Dong Zhenghong's men in the palace coup that day.
Who was the one left?
It couldn't be more obvious!
Xiao Ling roared with furious eyes, only regretting that he had no sword in his hand.
In an instant, the court was filled with righteous indignation.
But the Xiongnu man was not nervous, "Your Majesty, my king is a heroic wolf king blessed by the sky and the steppe. Your Majesty is also a hero. It is truly a match made in heaven."
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"What's not to like?"
Now, Qian-Yuan was beset by troubles from within and without, a complete mess.
No one would think they were inferior. They would only think they were noble.
The Xiongnu's way of thinking was different from that of the Central Plains. They didn't feel they were lowly.
In his view, this was a very normal thing.
"My tribe has already gathered tens of thousands of cavalry outside Ling Province, just to congratulate the two kings on their beautiful marriage and becoming one family."
Wѐ b̆ nо́ v̀ ĕl Е ňŭ m̆ а̇
This foreigner chattered on.
However, Xiao Xinyue's face was composed, showing neither joy nor sorrow.
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The originally relaxed atmosphere of the court seemed to have dropped to freezing point at this moment.
An invisible pressure descended, as if the entire world were roaring. Everyone present felt a sense of an impending mountain collapse and tsunami.
"In the future, my tribe can also send troops to help Your Majesty in battle. Our good men of the steppe are brave and skilled in battle. With an army of one hundred thousand, we will surely open up the east and west, help Your Majesty unify the world, and create a name for ten thousand generations..."
The Xiongnu man was still self-righteously reporting his beautiful blueprint to Xiao Xinyue.
Wе̂ ḃ n о v̂ e l̃ Е̊n umã
However, the next moment, his eyes went wide, and his voice suddenly stopped.
"Swish!"
A flash of green light shot past, accurately piercing the Xiongnu man's neck.
"Pfft!"
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Blood splattered three feet.
The whole event happened too quickly. No one had time to react.
Ẁeb̌ nо̂ v̌е_l Е̇ n ü_m̈ а
They were somewhat dazed, staring blankly as the long jade staff slowly retracted into the hands of a young man.
The jade staff was stained with blood. The dashing and handsome young man was dressed in a white robe, a strange smile on his face, like a jade-faced Asura.
Someone was killed!
In this court, the envoy from the Xiongnu was killed.
Everyone stared blankly at the strange young man.
He had just been enfeoffed with the highest position a subject could achieve, but now he acted without any regard, without even saying a word, and brazenly made a move in the court.
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He was clearly a delicate scholar, yet he was more unrestrained than those generals.
"What's all this chirping nonsense!"
"Barbarian fool, if you don't kill him quickly, what are you keeping him here for?!"
"Listening to him pollutes the ears!"
A person full of youthful vigor, when he made a move, he did not hesitate at all.
Ming Chen flicked the bloodstains from the jade staff with a look of disgust, his voice cold.
W е̄ b nо̄vѐ l̈ Е ń ŭ m а
He couldn't even be a proper dog, yet he was still thinking of reaching his paws onto the dining table.
"You!"
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"￥#...&...# You don't kill envoys...%*"
"We...￥&#￥ will trample you flat with our horses #@%￥#"
The Xiongnu envoy was quite straightforward.
Only when Ming Chen's cold words came did the remaining two Xiongnu men react.
W̆е_b̆ǹ о̂ v̌ ӗ l̀ Ё nũ m̊a
They stared with wide eyes, roaring at Ming Chen in a language that was half Xiongnu and half common tongue. They raised their fists and were about to charge at Ming Chen.
Blood was shed in the court, and it was as noisy as a vegetable market.
"Enough!"
Suddenly, a low roar came from the throne.
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In an instant, a biting cold wind blew.
A strong pressure, as if it could shake the soul, pressed down on their shoulders.
Ẇêb n õv ẽ l Е̌ ǹ ūm а
The two Xiongnu men trembled, their eyes full of fear.
"Crack!"
They were directly forced to their knees, and the powerful force shattered their kneecaps.
"The Xiongnu have insulted me."
Anger erupted like a volcano. On the throne, the female emperor wore a dragon robe, her long hair flowing. Her eyes seemed to glow with golden light, the power of the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers adding to her, exuding an endless might, like a deity. "Zhen will surely destroy your country, enslave your people, for generations to come, never to rise again!!!"
A tyrannical power rippled out in circles. This was not a magic technique cultivated by a cultivator, but an indescribable power, as if it should be so, as if the entire world were listening to her command.
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The two Xiongnu envoys were not very proficient in the common tongue and didn't even quite understand Xiao Xinyue's words.
But meeting her gaze, it was as if a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, a human hell, the steppe tribes all slaughtered, a world-destroying calamity, swirled in their minds.
One of them was so terrified that his face was filled with panic. He shook his head constantly and fell directly to the ground.
He stared with wide eyes and an open mouth, and his breath ceased.
The female emperor's voice was like a clap of thunder, shaking the ministers present into silence.
Xiao Xinyue's expression returned to calm, and she said faintly, "Drag these people out for Zhen."
Ẇéb̈ň оv el Ĕ n̂ umа
A few guards came and carried out the corpses and the terrified Xiongnu envoy.
On the very first day of court, someone had died in the court.
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For a moment, the great hall was strangely quiet.
The ministers' expressions varied, and no one spoke first.
Killing the Xiongnu envoy had basically sealed their path. What should they do next?
Go to war?
Е̂n um̊ а
If they went to war, how would they fight?
How would they divide the troops?
Would Qi and Chen in the east take advantage of the chaos to invade?
Xiao Xinyue's words were domineering, but in reality, their conditions were not very good.
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Just now in the court discussion, Xiao Xinyue had already dispatched one hundred and seventy thousand troops. They still had to guard Jiqu, and there were also some miscellaneous uses.
The remaining troops seemed to be insufficient for a western expedition to annihilate the Xiongnu.
Wе bǹ о v еľ Еnum̌ а
Moreover, the Xiongnu steppe was vast and difficult to grasp. It was not easy to succeed by sending a large army into their territory. The desert climate of the steppe made it difficult to distinguish directions, and the consumption would be huge.
In recent years, the Xiongnu had repeatedly invaded the border, and were well-versed in the essence of guerrilla warfare. After fighting, they would plunder and run.
In the vast steppe, it was impossible to organize a large army for pursuit.
Annihilating them would require a huge cost.
Xiao Xinyue leaned against the throne, "What do you all think?"
The ministers were silent for a moment. No one spoke up to criticize Ming Chen for his brazen action, which had blocked their path of retreat.
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Xiao Ling spoke up, "Let's fight, Your Majesty. This humble general is willing to be the vanguard."
With him starting, the ministers in the court also began to speak.
"The Xiongnu are provoking us. We must respond in kind. This subject believes we should fight!"
Yun Zheng's expression was cold as he said, "Those who are not of our race must have different hearts. Not only should we fight, this subject believes we should dig up their roots, leaving no women, children, or elderly."
"Kill!"
The chilling words made one's blood run cold.
Е̂ nûm a . іd́
"Your Majesty, how should the troops be dispatched?"
Ling Yu's expression was composed as she asked Xiao Xinyue, "Should we give up Lu Province first and turn to annihilate the Xiongnu?"
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The envoy just now had said that tens of thousands of cavalry had gathered on the border of Ling Province, saying it was to congratulate them, but it was actually a threat.
If the negotiations were not smooth or the envoy died, these tens of thousands of cavalry would ride down and burn, kill, and plunder the border.
So they needed to quickly send troops to resolve this matter.
In that case, a choice had to be made.
W̆ е́b̌n o.v е́ l̊ Ė ǹ.ŭm̄ ȧ
The simplest strategy was for Ling Yu to give up attacking Lu Province and go to the border to repel the Xiongnu.
Compared to fighting Lu Province, she actually wanted to fight the Xiongnu more.
After all, the Xiongnu were not of their race. Just like fighting Northern Lie, she could fight as she pleased, kill as she pleased, without being constrained.
Xiao Xinyue frowned upon hearing this and turned to look at Ming Chen.
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She wanted to unify the previously planned territory in the shortest possible time and actually didn't want to divert her troops.
But the Xiongnu threat had to be dealt with.
Е̇.n̊um̊а
Ming Chen had said before coming here that he wanted to annihilate the Xiongnu. He must have a plan.
Meeting Xiao Xinyue's gaze, Ming Chen nodded and said, "There is no need for a large army to enter the border. We only need twenty to thirty thousand troops to fight one battle."
"This..."
Several generals were stunned.
This person had just brazenly killed the Xiongnu envoy. Why was he so conservative now that it was time to fight?
What's the use of fighting one battle with so few people?
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Even if the Xiongnu were defeated, they could still flee back to the steppe and come back after some time. It would be completely painless.
"Everyone, Chen believes that our dynasty's strategy towards the Xiongnu has always been somewhat problematic."
Either they were left alone, or a large army was assembled to crusade against them.
Unless the Xiongnu gave up the steppe and invaded the Central Plains in large numbers, this move was too crude and barbaric, treating the symptoms but not the root cause, and wasting resources.
"The Xiongnu are a nomadic people. Their form of state is different from our dynasty. It is a confederation of various tribes."
"Even if there is a great khan who unifies the steppe, it is impossible to change some fundamental disadvantages. The nomadic nature has great uncontrollable factors. Each tribe is highly autonomous, and even the great khan cannot interfere with the operation and will of a specific tribe. The difficulty of taxation is extremely high. The nature of a confederation's bureaucracy is destined to have a decentralized rule. The troops of a tribe can only be commanded by the tribe itself."
W е b̊ n о̌ v̀ еľ E num ӓ
"The Xiongnu are not a monolithic bloc internally. There are many contradictions. If we send a large army to suppress the bandits, it will only make each steppe tribe feel insecure, put aside their frictions, and unite to fight us to the death."
"Even if our combat power is stronger, it will inevitably cause a large waste of resources."
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Since he had already chosen to set the tone here, it was impossible for Ming Chen not to consider this blatant threat. He had studied a lot of information, even the relationships between the various Xiongnu tribes, and had more or less come up with some countermeasures.
He just didn't expect that the other party would come looking for trouble.
Ming Chen's miraculous abilities had already left a deep impression on the ministers.
This person was extremely intelligent and had outstanding talent. He could always find the best way to solve problems.
Е̇n̈uḿӑ
Hearing what Ming Chen said, even Yun Zheng, who advocated for complete annihilation, also lowered his eyes slightly, pondering, and turned to ask him, "Then according to Lord Ming's idea, what should we do?"
Ming Chen smiled and said to the ministers, "On a macro level, I have a concept of a balance of power on the steppe. I wonder if you all agree."
"I want to create a divided steppe."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was a smart person and seemed to understand something.
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"Chen believes that the best way to deal with the steppe regime is not to send a large army and expend a large amount of manpower and material resources to annihilate them. Having no room for maneuver will only make these barbarians unite and fight to the death."
"Instead, it is to support the weak to defeat the strong, a technique of supporting, suppressing, and balancing."
En û m̊а̄
"There are no eternal enemies, no eternal friends, only eternal interests."
"Support the weak to fight the strong. When the strong become weak, they will also be timid. When the weak become strong, they will also become arrogant. Then we will support the weak again to fight the strong."
"Constantly unite, constantly instigate, constantly cause internal strife."
"Help the weak in exchange for their cattle, sheep, and warhorse resources, and squeeze out their value."
"When the two sides are at war, we will not extend a helping hand until the last moment."
"In this way, we will cycle back and forth, trapping them in a cage of their own making, consuming themselves, while we nibble away at them from the outside, expanding our territory."
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"Always hold the initiative in our own hands, always leave room for maneuver, and always be prepared."
This was the most effective way to deal with such a confederation system.
A strategist's mouth was more deadly than a fierce general's sword on the battlefield.
Hearing these words, everyone in the court couldn't help but shiver.
They stared blankly at this person.
For some reason, they felt a little fortunate that such a person was on their side.
Ẅ.е̃.b_n.о̌ v̂е̊ l̃ Е̊ n̈ũ mа
If he were on the enemy's side... secretly plotting these schemes, how would they deal with it?
Xiao Xinyue looked at this person who was speaking eloquently in the court, and for some reason, she felt a sense of pride, as if her own treasure were shining brightly.
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Her anger dissipated, and she couldn't help but smile at him, "Lord Ming, please continue."
She liked to see him like this, high-spirited and bright, confident and proud, full of charm.
Ming Chen smiled and continued, "Putting it into practice is actually not difficult."
"The Xiongnu are not a monolithic bloc internally. The previous great khan, Tiege Khan, inherited his brother's position. When he was about to die, he wanted to issue a decree to return the position of great khan to his brother's son, called Hunye Khan. But after Tiege Khan died, a rebellion broke out below, and they refused to let Hunye Khan sit on the throne of the great khan, and instead supported Tiege Khan's son, Borjigin Tielehun, as Sheng Luo Khan."
Ě n ù m̂а̃
"In addition, there are other tribes with their own thoughts."
"The steppe tribes attach great importance to immediate interests. Under such conditions, our diplomatic maneuvering space is extremely large."
"We can send envoys to establish contact with Hunye Khan, form an alliance with him, give him benefits, and promise to help him regain the position of great khan."
"At the same time, on the main battlefield, we will lead an army to break through the tribe led by Sheng Luo Khan, relieve the siege of Ling Province, and that will be enough."
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"If Sheng Luo suffers a major defeat, it will surely damage his prestige. Sheng Luo and Hunye are already at odds, with constant friction. Plus, if he hears that Hunye has established contact with our army, he will surely suspect him of betrayal. We only need to send some gifts to corrupt their internal affairs and create some small frictions, and we will surely be able to make them fall into chaos and kill each other."
"When both sides are exhausted, we can send troops to assist, but not let one side be completely defeated. While sending troops, we can also demand rewards."
W е̌b n̆.о̂ v̈ е̃ l̇ Ӗ n̊ um̀а́
"In the future, we can act according to the situation. Whoever is strong, we will help the weak to fight them."
"After the steppe tribes' power weakens, they will surely recognize our Qian-Yuan as their master, and we can also extract their rich warhorse resources."
"What do you all think?"
The despicable Central Plains people had set the tone for the straightforward steppe tribes to be enslaved in advance.
Otherwise, why did Britain instigate the second to fight the first all over the world back then?
Their goal was also to create a divided Europe.
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Looking at the beaming Ming Chen, everyone trembled.
"Lord Ming's words are extremely reasonable. This subject believes we can do this."
It was unknown who spoke first.
"This subject also agrees."
"This subject agrees."
If you want to oppose Ming Chen, then please propose a better strategy, one that consumes less and yields more benefits.
Е̇ ńŭ ḿ_а .іd̂
The ministers pondered for a moment, but it seemed they couldn't think of any better way.
Ming Chen had formulated the future strategy for them from both a macro and a specific perspective. They just needed to implement it step by step.
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Many newcomers who didn't know Ming Chen very well now had a clearer understanding of why this ridiculously young fellow could sit on the pinnacle of what a subject could achieve. He was truly a monster.
As the supreme ruler, Xiao Xinyue sat on the throne and made the final decision for Ming Chen, "Good! We will do as Lord Ming says."
"Your Majesty, who should be sent to fight the Xiongnu?"
No matter what, a battle had to be fought.
Ŵеbno v_ĕ l̀ Ën ùmа̃_
Ling Yu looked up and asked Xiao Xinyue.
She had a faint feeling that if Ming Chen said this, he would have to go to the western Xiongnu's territory.
She wanted to go on this business trip with Ming Chen.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to go!"
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Xiao Ling, whose arm had recovered, seemed a little unromantic. He directly cupped his fists towards Xiao Xinyue and requested to go to battle, "I am willing to be the vanguard and will surely avenge today's humiliation."
Ling Yu: ...
Еn̊ú m а
She decided that after the court session, she would have a sparring session with Xiao Ling.
Xiao Xinyue shook her head upon hearing this, "Attacking Lu Province in the north, and guarding the Shen River, both generals have important matters to attend to. It's better to have someone else do this."
Ming Chen, however, raised his head and said to Xiao Xinyue with a beaming smile, "Your Majesty, it's better to let Chen go."
The new dynasty was established, and there would surely be a lot of complicated matters next.
His dazed sister was going north to command the army. If he stayed here, he would just be a laborer.
He had to find an opportunity to go out and wander around. He was extremely curious about this strange world and wanted to go out and see more, to see if there were any demons, immortal ghosts. He was destined not to stay in one place and be a workhorse.
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Not only was he going to the western Xiongnu's territory.
After coming back, he was also going north to see what was going on with that Jinglan Alliance that had suddenly appeared on the northern border.
Xiao Xinyue raised an eyebrow, "Can Lord Ming also command an army in battle?"
"Lord Ming is a scholar. It's better not to get involved in the battlefield slaughter. Swords have no eyes. If Lord Ming is injured, Zhen's loss would outweigh the gain."
This person!
He wants to slip away again!
Е n ūm а. і̂d̃
Xiao Xinyue finally understood.
Why did this fellow say he wanted to negotiate with the Blood-Clothed Army when they had just arrived in Linguang?
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After the matter was almost settled, he lightly floated back and traveled with the team.
Damn it, this fellow just wanted to use the excuse of a business trip to be lazy!!!
Ming Chen smiled, "I know a little, I know a little. Your Majesty, rest assured. Although I can't compare to General Ling, Chen still has some confidence in dealing with the mere Xiongnu."
"This strategy was proposed by Chen. I know best how to operate it and how to negotiate."
Е̄ n u ḿ а
"If Your Majesty is not at ease, you can dispatch General Wang Hanbo to accompany me."
This General Wang was the general who had previously been the first to oppose the Xiongnu. He was from Ling Province and was also familiar with fighting the Xiongnu.
As soon as these words were spoken, Xiao Xinyue also knew that she couldn't stop him. After all, the chief designer of the project knew best how to execute the project.
She glared at Ming Chen, "Then you may go!"
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"If you don't succeed, Zhen will have to punish you."
These words, falling on the ears of the ministers, did not sound like a warning at all, but rather like acting spoiled.
É n um̃а̌ . і̇ d
"Chen will not fail Your Majesty's trust!"
(End of Chapter)
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