Chapter 253 - I Can Add More
Chapter 253: I Can Add More
After berating the youths…
Su Wen looked at Zhao Xuanxuan and a cold smile appeared on his face.
He said coldly, “I’ll give you a warning. Don’t play tricks in Great Chu, or else I won’t be polite to you. Wanrou’s mother will be arriving in the capital in a few days. At that time, you guys can leave!”
Su Wen did not stand on ceremony.
This woman was different from Zhao Wanrou.
Her heart was filled with ambition and desire for power.
From the last time she tried to rope in Su Wen, who had transformed into Su Daqiang, in the capital, Su Wen could clearly see it.
Zhao Xuanxuan looked at Su Wen and suddenly asked, “You killed Big Brother?”
Su Wen sneered. “The entire Great Zhou knows about it. Why? Do you still suspect that it’s fake?”
“I thank you on behalf of Second Brother.” Zhao Xuanxuan stroked her hair and smiled, “This way, Second Brother will have a much higher chance of being made Crown Prince.”
Su Wen sneered in his heart.
This woman was trying to pull strings this time.
The second prince had always been close to her.
Thus, after the Crown Prince died, her transfer to the Second Prince was within Su Wen’s expectations.
Or rather, it was possible that she had been stepping on two boats.
“I’m not interested in these things. You can leave now.”
Su Wen stood up and left.
He did not care what this woman thought.
Even if she wanted to use the chaos to ascend the throne, Su Wen did not want to get involved.
Emperor Zhou looked like he would live for at least thirty to fifty years. After all, he was a Heaven Rank expert.
Seize the throne? You can slowly wait!
In Su Wen’s opinion, the person most likely to inherit the throne in the future was the boorish Third Prince.
Emperor Zhou was a Heaven Rank expert. He was strong and healthy, and if things went wrong and the Second Prince died, he still wouldn’t lose out.
On the contrary, the Third Prince had extraordinary martial talent. He might even break through to the Heaven Rank in the future and become the true successor.
Taking a step back, Emperor Zhou could also directly surpass the princes and choose an heir from among the other generations of royal descendants.
Zhao Xuanxuan’s thoughts were most likely futile.
Su Wen did not lie. Emperor Zhou had already sent experts to escort Zhao Wanrou’s mother to Great Zhou.
Five days later, at the border of Great Chu.
Su Wen stood in the wilderness.
He did not dare to be careless and personally came to welcome them.
When he received Zhao Wanrou’s mother, Su Wen immediately brought her back to the capital of Great Chu. This way, their speed would be faster.
The journey that originally required dozens of days was shortened to merely a few days.
After the mother and daughter met, they naturally sighed.
Su Wen had already bought a residence for her near the residence and prepared a maid to serve her.
Finally, one of his worries was resolved.
At the same time, Guan Long had already led his troops to the Southern Border of Great Chu to attack the Yan Country.
When Guan Long started to attack Yan Country, a purge was also carried out in the capital of Great Chu.
Su Changqing was still an experienced fox. He had guessed Cao Jin’s next move.
When he forced Cao Jin to a certain extent, Cao Jin had too few choices left to proceed.
When Cao Jin realized that the spy network that he could contact had disappeared overnight, he immediately understood what was going on.
It was exactly the same as what Yan Country did to Zhou Country.
Su Changqing had created an almost perfect opportunity for Guan Long to launch a surprise attack.
Then… Guan Long’s surprise attack failed! The Yan Country’s General, Gao Zhangsun, used 30,000 troops and troops to forcefully defend Guan Long’s surprise attack.
After a month of fighting…
Guan Long had suffered a crushing defeat!
When the news reached the capital…
The entire country was shaken!
In the golden hall, Guan Long was kneeling in front of Xiang Feiyan. His armor was already shattered.
Blood flowed from several places, and he looked extremely miserable.
The officials also had ugly expressions.
More than half of the 100,000 troops had been lost. Of course, to Great Chu, this was not considered a serious injury. The main thing was that this blow to their morale was too great.
Xiang Feiyan looked at the kneeling Guan Long with a livid expression.
This was her first defeat after ascending the throne!
“General Guan! What else do you have to say?”
Guan Long kowtowed on the ground and wailed, “This subject has nothing to say. It’s all my fault for not commanding well. I was careless and fell into Gao Zhangsun’s trap. This battle is all my fault!”
Xiang Feiyan closed her eyes.
Guan Long had been defeated, but he could not be killed!
After all, he had a Heaven Rank patriarch behind him, so she had to give him some face!
“Hmph! This time, I’ll spare your life and demote you by three levels. I’ll leave you a chance to rise again!” Xiang Feiyan said.
Su Wen did not object to this.
It was normal to reward and punish those who contributed.
Xiang Feiyan swept her gaze across the court officials and asked, “What should we do now?”
The officials present all exchanged glances.
Finally, someone stood out. This person was the Hanlin Academy’s scholar, Tian Cong. He muttered, “In this subject’s opinion, Yan Country is powerful. General Guan has been defeated, and we are fighting against Ji Luo Country. It is unwise to start a war with Yan Country now.”
The Minister of Rites, Chai Wen, said, “Scholar Tian’s words are reasonable. We dispatched our troops this time because we understood the danger the Zhou Country is in. The Yan Country has a fierce general in the northern border, and it’s difficult for us to break through. If we attack again, the damage will be too great and will inevitably damage the country’s capital. Why don’t we first take down Ji Luo Country before we make an enemy of the Yan Country!”
After losing once, he immediately wanted to retreat.
This was very normal.
After all, this war was not necessary for the Chu Country.
Their situation was far from as critical as Zhou Country’s.
At this time, Su Changqing stood up and bowed towards Xiang Feiyan. “This subject believes that this battle should continue.”
Su Changqing said in a deep voice, “Right now, the Yan Country can be said to be filled with talents and the country’s strength is formidable. If we don’t take the opportunity when they are fighting with the Zhou Country to restrain them, once the Zhou Country is defeated, the Yan Country will completely digest the Zhou Country. At that time, my Great Chu will welcome a calamity.”
“Now that Zhou and Chu are allying over a common enemy, please reconsider, Your Majesty.”
Su Changqing spoke, and the important people in the royal court immediately shut their mouths.
There were two reasons for this. Ever since Su Changqing took over the position, he had always been tactful and never made enemies with others. Furthermore, Su Wen was still standing tall!
Everyone knew that even though the Nanli King had ignored government affairs, he was the person with the most authority in the court.
Who would dare to offend his father?
Furthermore, it had to be said that Su Changqing’s words were very reasonable.
Xiang Feiyan smiled and said, “Then who do you think will be the general if we fight with the Yan Country?”
Su Changqing opened his mouth and said, “This subject thinks that we can transfer the Eastern Border’s Yan Ze back and let him attack the Yan Country. He is already familiar with the Yan Country’s generals. With him leading the troops, I believe that even if we lose, we won’t suffer too much losses.”
Xiang Feiyan nodded and said, “Minister Su’s words suit my heart, so let’s do it!”
In reality, Su Wen had already secretly spoken to Old Su about what to do.
This time, with Old Su’s recommendation, once Yan Ze obtained battle merits, Old Su would naturally be considered a person with merit.
Xiang Feiyan swept her gaze across everyone and said, “The position of prime minister has been in the air for a long time. From today onwards, the position will be taken up by the Minister of Appointments, Guo Mian. Su Changqing will be promoted to the Minister of Appointments!”
Sssssss…
The Minister of Appointments was originally Wei Song. After Wei Song died, Guo Mian took over.
His qualifications were relatively shallow among the six ministers. Although the Ministry of Appointments was considered an important department, the speed of promotion was still very fast.
As for Su Changqing… there was no need to even mention it!
But then again, as one of the assistant ministers of the Ministry of Appointments, Su Changqing was most suitable to be promoted.
No one could object.
Most importantly, the other ministers were all eyeing the position of Prime Minister, but not the Minister of Appointments.
Right now, they were all pondering how to bring Guo Mian down.
As for Su Changqing, he was not that eye-catching.
It was also because they could not easily object to such a matter.
They knew very well that they could only listen to the emperor’s orders.
In the end, in a royal society, the emperor was the most supreme, especially when it came to the appointment of prime minister. It was always decided by the emperor. As long as it was not too excessive, no one else would have the chance to object.
Of course, it was not impossible to impeach the official later.
That would involve the specific struggles in the royal court.
After everyone dispersed, Su Wen and Su Changqing slowly walked out of the palace.
They chatted as they walked.
“I think that child, Xiang Yan, has some unusual phenomena. It’s just that I want to be careful not to side with the royal family.” Su Changqing said indifferently.
This was what worried him more.
Su Wen smiled. “Don’t worry, there’s still backup.”
Hearing these three words, Su Changqing didn’t ask further, but he felt relieved.
“This time, Guo Mian’s ascension just happened to attract the attention of the officials of the six departments. Since I’m promoted along with him, I won’t attract much attention.” Su Changqing said softly, “After obtaining the position of Prime Minister, he can be considered an important official in the royal court. This Ministry of Appointments has great authority, so I’m not in a hurry.”
“Let Guo Mian play with them for a few years. Guo Mian’s foundation is lacking, and he will definitely rely on me. This will give me a chance to nurture my henchmen.”
At this point, Su Changqing looked at Su Wen and said seriously, “Remember, cultivate well and don’t slack off. Your cultivation is the foundation of our Su family. This authority can only be icing on the cake.”
“Yes!” Su Wen nodded. The importance of strength was self-evident.
At this moment, two palace maids walked over and bowed when they saw Su Wen. “Greetings, Nanli King. Her Majesty requests your presence.”
Su Wen and Su Changqing parted ways and went to Xiang Feiyan’s bedroom.
When the two of them met, Xiang Yan ran to Su Wen’s thigh and hugged it!
This child’s body was much better than that of ordinary children. Regardless of whether he was sitting or walking, he learned quickly.
“Father… hug hug…”
“Come, let Daddy play something exciting with you.”
Su Wen picked up Little Xiang Yan and left the bedroom with Xiang Feiyan.
Immediately after, Su Wen wrapped Little Xiangyan with his True Qi.
Then… he exerted strength and threw him into the sky!
Whoosh!
The child flew straight up… higher and higher… until he disappeared.
Xiang Ding, who was cultivating, suddenly opened his eyes.
He walked out and looked at the sky!
When he saw that Xiang Yan had already flown 10,000 meters into the sky, he was instantly furious!
Xiang Feiyan looked at Su Wen speechlessly and said anxiously, “What are you doing? Will Yan’er be alright?”
Su Wen smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll catch him from below. Furthermore, I’ve already used my True Qi to form a protective barrier around him. Even if he falls to the ground, he will definitely be fine!”
Even though he had guaranteed it to be fine, Xiang Feiyan was also worried about her son!
“You! Quickly get the child down!”
“It’s fine. Look at how happy the child is smiling!”
“Nonsense. We can’t even see the child. How would we know if he’s smiling or not?”
“I can sense it.”
As he spoke, Su Wen saw a figure flying towards the sky!
It was Xiang Ding!
After a while, he landed with Little Xiang Yan in his arms and glared at Su Wen. “Are you crazy!”
Su Wen pursed his lips. “Look at how happy he is.”
That’s right, Xiang Yan did not know fear at all. Instead, he was dancing around and giggling..
“Father, throw again!”
He wanted to do it again!
Xiang Ding was speechless.
This child’s visible talent was really rare.
Xiang Feiyan looked at Su Wen and said in a deep voice, “I called you into the palace today because I have something important to discuss.”
Business? How formal?
Su Wen looked at Xiang Ding and said, “Fourth Great Grandfather, did you hear that? We need to talk about business.”
“And then?” Xiang Ding raised his eyebrows.
“I don’t know how long it will take, please help to take care of the child!”
“Huh?” Xiang Ding was dumbfounded. He actually had such a job?
Su Wen said in all seriousness, “Look at how much this child yearns for the sky. He will definitely become a Heaven Rank expert in the future. If you don’t want me to throw him up like this, then you can bring him along. After we finish our business, I will activate my True Qi. You can come back then.”
Xiang Ding looked at Xiang Yan, who was pointing at the sky in his arms.
He sighed helplessly and flew up with the child in his arms.
At this moment, Su Wen suddenly felt the Star Disk tremble.
He pondered for a moment and found a corner to connect to the Star Disk. This was to prevent Emperor Zhou from seeing his surroundings.
After the connection, Emperor Zhou appeared.
He looked at Su Wen and said in a deep voice, “You guys have lost!”
Obviously, Emperor Zhou had reestablished some intelligence personnel in the Yan Country.
Such a major event could not be hidden from him.
Su Wen smiled and said, “It doesn’t matter. For Uncle Zhao’s sake, we will bear with it more.”
Emperor Zhou said angrily, “Easy my ass! If you don’t give us enough pressure, we can’t retreat easily!”
In reality… Emperor Zhou was lying. Ever since Guan Long sent out his troops, Lu Zhen had clearly become much more cautious.
Because he had to prevent any accidents from happening behind him as well.
Originally, if he lost, it might just be another tally in his records.
But if he were to lose now, and if his rear also suffered a defeat, the Yan Country, who was fighting on two fronts, would suffer a huge loss!
As for putting on airs, that was even more nonsensical. If he could cross the Heavenly Barrier that was the Huai River, he would have done so long ago.
Originally, he was constantly trying, but now, his methods were even more cautious. This also gave Zhou Country some breathing room.
Furthermore, as the war progressed, some of the generals also began to shine.
After all, many people did not have the chance to stand out, and could only be buried along with their talents.
Yan Ze, Wu Kunhu, Yan Luoying, and Wu Lie left, giving many people in Zhou a chance to show off.
Emperor Zhou found two more good seedlings in the army.
Therefore, during this period of time, the situation in Zhou Country had improved a little.
Of course, after learning that the Yan Country had defeated the Chu Country’s army, Emperor Zhou panicked!
He was afraid that the Chu Country would not send any more troops over.
He immediately contacted Su Wen and tried to pressure him.
Towards Su Wen’s promise to him before, he did not believe a single word.
He said in a deep voice, “I know that the Chu Country’s losses this time are not small. I am willing to support you with 100,000 kilograms of food to invest in the military! I have also produced a batch of Beast Spirit Armor, and I can also give you 3,000 pieces!”
Su Wen touched his chin. Why did this feel so familiar?
Randomly picking up a strategic-grade weapon along the way when one was strolling?
In reality, Su Wen could also let people produce the Beast Spirit Armor.
After all, Ni Hongxiao was originally the person in charge of this project in Zhou Country.
However, Su Wen still smiled.
Old Zhao was a good person, rushing to deliver things.
“Uncle Zhao, look, if I facilitate this matter… shouldn’t you give me some benefits…?”
Su Wen rubbed his fingers with a wicked smile on his face.
Emperor Zhou sneered. “What do you want?”
“Anything is fine. Vicious beast corpses, heavenly materials, and all sorts of energy stones. Uncle Zhao, you can give them to me as you deem fit. I’m not picky. It’s fine as long as the total price is 18 million taels of silver.”
“You!” Emperor Zhou looked at this brat in front of him, wishing he could smash his head with a punch!
“Alright! You can come and get it in five days!”
“Don’t worry! I will definitely persuade Her Majesty to send troops.”
With that said, Su Wen cut off the connection between the both of them.
It was actually quite useful, but it required the True Qi of a Heaven Rank expert.
The pitiful Emperor Zhou did not know that even if he did not give Su Wen anything, the Chu Country would still send troops.
Xiang Feiyan looked at Su Wen and said worriedly, “Will there be an accident between you and Zhou?”
Su Wen smiled. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. Didn’t you say that you have something important to do? What is it?”
Xiang Feiyan said, “I hope that you can be the Heaven Rank expert in charge of leading the way to Ji Luo Country.”
Su Wen understood that most of the time, the two countries would have Heaven Rank experts accompanying them. However, they usually hid in the shadows and did not affect the war itself.
If an enemy Heaven Rank expert interfered in the battle, it would be reasonable to start a Heaven Rank War.
Back then, because he didn’t know this rule, he let the old monk Huiming go and save him, causing Zhou to suffer greatly.
“Why me?” Su Wen asked curiously.
Xiang Feiyan said seriously, “The Southern Border has experienced successive victories, and Ji Luo Country can’t hold on much longer. Fourth Great-Grandfather is overseeing the capital, while the other experts are heading to the Southern Border to prepare for the Heaven Rank battle!
After all, in such matters, they usually have to send out all their forces to give the other party enough pressure. Once the pressure is high enough and the difference in strength between Heaven Ranks is too great, the other party will most likely surrender!”
Xiang Feiyan said, “But these Heaven Rank experts have to have a commander. We can’t be in a state of disunity! I hope you can get closer to them and rope in a few of them.”
Su Wen understood that Xiang Feiyan wanted him to rope in these Heaven Rank experts away from Xiang Ding.
“Furthermore, once Ji Luo Country has been pacified, Luoying will have done a great service. With you there, you can protect her a little. Otherwise, someone might attack her.”
Su Wen narrowed his eyes. He did not expect this.
Thinking about it carefully, was there such a possibility?
Not unnecessarily!
“Is this the proper business you mentioned?” Su Wen asked with a smile.
Xiang Feiyan nodded.
“Then I’m leaving?”
With a wave of her hand, the maid retreated and closed the door.
Xiang Feiyan said in a low voice, “It’s rare that the child isn’t around… We can discuss other matters…”
Xiang Ding carried Xiang Yan and flew in the air for a long time.
Xiang Yan really liked the feeling of soaring through the sky.
Every time he landed, Xiang Yan would cry instead…
Xiang Ding had no choice but to carry him up again.
He flew for more than four hours in one go.
Finally, Xiang Yan was a little hungry.
Xiang Ding landed on the ground with Xiang Yan. Just as he arrived outside the hall, he heard the sounds coming from inside…
‘F*ck! These two bastards! You actually asked me, the dignified number one expert of Great Chu, to take care of your children for you for your so-called proper business?’ Xiang Ding was screaming internally.
At this moment, Xiang Yan said in a childish voice, “Great-Great-grandfather… hungry!”
Xiang Ding immediately lost his temper.
He glared fiercely at the bedroom before turning around and leaving with Xiang Yan in his arms.
“Let’s go, Great-Great-Grandfather will bring you to eat some vicious beasts!”
In the capital of Great Zhou, Su Wen’s figure appeared once again.
At the same time, in the palace, Emperor Zhou received news.
“Spatial fluctuation, and still at his residence?”
Emperor Zhou fell into deep thought. Could it be that Su Wen could only appear from there every time? Otherwise, why would there only be spatial fluctuations every time at that area?
Su Wen returned to the capital once again.
Hmm… who should I ask to collect the stuff from this time?
He definitely could not go by himself.
Su Wen did not know that Emperor Zhou had already figured out some of his movements.
The reason why he did not go and retrieve it himself was to guard against Emperor Zhou. What if this fellow really wanted to kill him?
Su Wen did not believe that this magnanimous Emperor Zhou would really let go of all grudges. It was just that he was forced to do so now.
This time, Su Wen planned to find someone again.
Eastern District…
Ever since Yan Luoying left, the East District Patrol Office Commander had changed.
However, with the presence of the Secret Shadow Guard, the patrolling guards could still be maintained.
Meanwhile, since the gangs in the Eastern District were no longer under Su Wen’s control…
They became even more rampant.
The original rules were also broken.
It was better to do anything that could allow them to get money quickly.
There was no need to collect any more information.
The people that Su Wen organized also dispersed to think of a way to make a living.
This was a very realistic problem. When one left, the tea would turn cold.
Sun Wei was currently drowning his sorrows in wine.
To him, life had to continue.
He no longer had his official position and Su Wen’s identity as a servant.
This period of time had not been smooth for him.
The people from the gangs did not take revenge. After all, they had worked together during this period of time, and their relationship had eased up a little.
However, he had also lost his livelihood.
He could only rely on his savings to maintain his life.
It was just that right now, he just couldn’t let go of his previous status.
“Hehe, no matter what, I was still the deputy garrison commander back then. Later on, I also worked under Su Wen, so how can I become the guard for that merchant?”
He muttered to himself.
At this moment, he suddenly realized that there was another person in front of him.
He looked up and his eyes widened.
“Young… Young Master Su!”
He hurriedly got up.
“Why… why are you here?”
Many people did not know that Su Wen had become the Nanli King in Great Chu.
Emperor Zhou also kept it a secret.
After the delegation returned to the capital, no one dared to go out and talk nonsense.
Su Wen looked at him and smiled. “Why? Are you not happy?”
Sun Wei was silent.
Su Wen casually threw out a stack of banknotes and said, “Most of the time, unexpected situations are not something that you and I can decide. Now, I’ll give you a chance. Those brothers, gather back and do whatever you need to do. Collect those good news and leave it where it is. When the time comes, I’ll go and take a look.”
“I’m afraid those… gang members won’t be listening to you anymore.”
Su Wen smiled. “They will, believe me. In their eyes, I’m more terrifying than the emperor.”
That’s right, the emperor would not care about ants like them, but Su Wen would crush them to death!
In the Nanli King’s Residence within Great Chu.
Zhao Jin’s eyes flashed with fear. He had arrived at the forbidden area in the residence! In front of Ni Hongxiao’s door!
“Madam. Ni! Madam. Ni! Save me, I don’t have much time to rest!” He kept banging on the door and begging.
In his eyes, Ning Shuang was akin to a demon!
Ever since Su Wen told Ning Shuang to monitor his cultivation… his nightmare had begun…
She was completely emotionless. If he even tried to do the slightest bit of slacking off, how could he escape the eyes of the Heaven Rank Ning Shuang?
Brother Jin was not someone who could train himself to death.
After being tortured and trained by Ning Shuang every day, he even had the urge to die. He couldn’t care less about the danger and hoped that Ni Hongxiao could help him take a shortcut.
But could anyone knock on Ni Hongxiao’s door and remained unscathed?
The array lit up!
Pa!
There was a flash of lightning.
Zhao Jin was shocked stiff!
Peng!
He dropped to the ground like a fly.
Inside the room, Ni Hongxiao was still focused on her experiments. She completely ignored Zhao Jin’s shouts.
Three minutes later.
Ning Shuang appeared and kicked the rigid Zhao Jin.
As soon as the Heaven Rank True Qi entered his body, he woke up.
Zhao Jin was at a loss.
“Your resting time is up. You need to carry 500 kilograms of stones and squat 3,000 times!”
“Sister Ning Shuang… isn’t it usually 2,000?”
“Judging by your earlier cry for help, I think you have strength to do more…”