159: Chapter 0159 Initiation

By the time they arrived outside the yamen, Wei Hai and several transport officials had already been beaten to a pulp.

The screams were so piercing that the surrounding commoners were terrified.

The crowd pointed and gestured, with many laughing and cheering.

Those who were originally filled with deep resentment had now quieted down, feeling greatly vindicated!

Clearly, the commoners trying to make a living at the Lincang docks had long suffered under these incompetent transport officials.

Lin Xiao couldn't help but marvel; a fallen empress is still an empress, and she certainly knows how to handle public grievances professionally!

If he had handled it himself, he might have just killed them outright, but that wouldn't have been as effective as a public beating.

Once the half-dead officials were dragged away, Lin Xiao walked to the center of the scene.

"Everyone, I, Lin Xiao, have failed the good people of Lincang by not discovering the cargo ship interception sooner."

"However, please rest assured. In the coming days, the Zhenbei Army will be serving porridge and setting up heated tents at the docks."

"Within three days, I, Lin Xiao, will give you all an explanation regarding the cargo ship interception!"

Lin Xiao's words were projected by his internal energy, reaching the ears of thousands.

Instantly, the entire crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

Although life remained difficult, as long as they could survive, they wouldn't have many complaints.

Coupled with Lin Xiao's previous actions, which had already earned their deep trust, everyone went about their business happily.

Returning to the Generals Mansion.

Lin Xiao immediately summoned General Wu Jinzhe and the other officers, along with Prefect Cai Heng, to discuss a strategy.

"General, I think we should just launch an attack on Qinshui Prefecture. Once we take Qin Water, Inspector General Jiang Shengyuan's orders will be nothing but dog shit!"

Commander Bai Buhei said excitedly.

"That's easy to say, but Qin Water is at a high elevation, and there are no concrete roads leading there. Our infantry would take at least two days to march through the snow!"

Wang Chong shook his head, thinking it was inappropriate.

General Wu Jinzhe pointed to the waterway and said, "Lin Xiao, look. Upstream from Qin Water is the prefectural capital, Yangquan."

"Inspector General Jiang Shengyuan has at least five thousand troops at his disposal, and we cannot rule out the presence of the White Kings Army."

"Once we embark on a long-distance march to attack Qin Water, we are highly likely to encounter the prefectural army and the White Kings Army coming downstream."

"Inspector General Jiang Shengyuan dared to close the gates at Qin Water because he most likely calculated that we wouldn't dare to launch an attack at this time."

Lin Xiao pondered for a moment and then looked at Prefect Cai Heng, who was standing to the side.

"What do you think?"

Prefect Cai Heng cupped his hands and said, "This subordinate is not as experienced in military campaigns as you generals."

"However, war requires favorable timing, terrain, and unity of the people. Currently, the timing and terrain are not on our side, so launching an attack is indeed inappropriate."

"Furthermore... General, you promised the commoners results within three days. If we start a war, we must prioritize provisions, which might take too long."

Lin Xiao smiled. This guy claimed to lack experience, but his analysis was spot on.

"Wang Chong, you are steady and reliable, so you will remain in Lincang. General Wu Jinzhe, Qin He, and Commander Bai Buhei, you three will take the Golden Scale Guard and assemble five thousand troops."

"Depart tomorrow morning and head straight for Qin Water City!"

The generals were taken aback, thinking they had misheard.

Didn't he say launching an attack was the worst strategy? Why were they still attacking?

"General, if we are going to attack, why not leave tonight?"

"Exactly, we are well-equipped; we can travel at night just as well!"

Lin Xiao waved his hand. "Just do as I say. You don't need to bring much in the way of provisions; enough for three days will suffice."

"In two days, I want to see the Zhenbei Army appear outside Qin Water City!"

Military orders are like mountains; the men immediately acknowledged the order loudly.

Once the meeting dispersed, only Xiao Qingxuan and Mu Wanying remained by his side.

"Husband, you ordered the army to break camp tomorrow, but you surely don't intend to use the Zhenbei Army to forcefully storm Qin Water City, do you?"

Xiao Qingxuan guessed, "Is there some other plan?"

"My wife understands me well."

Lin Xiao smiled. "Just as they analyzed, without concrete roads to transport troops and supplies, a forced siege in winter would be too costly."

"I know!"

Mu Wanying's eyes lit up. "Husband, do you want to use your specialty, 'capture the leader to capture the bandits'?"

"Are you going to storm into the enemy camp and wipe out those lackey officials of Prince Bai in Qin Water?"

Lin Xiao said playfully, "Wanying, you seem to have become quite a bit smarter lately."

"What are you talking about!"

Mu Wanying pouted playfully. "I was never stupid; it's just that Qingxuan is too smart, okay?"

She had been a bit nervous lately; she wasn't involved in government affairs or intelligence.

There was no war in winter, so she had no chance to shine. Would she fall out of favor with her husband?

"I do indeed intend to storm straight into Qin Water."

"But... this time, it won't be me doing the fighting; it will be for the eldest daughter of the Mu Family to show off her might!"

Lin Xiao said, gently caressing the woman's smooth cheek.

Not only was Mu Wanying stunned, but even Xiao Qingxuan looked surprised.

Although Mu Wanying's martial arts were quite good, to single-handedly storm an enemy camp and take the gates of Qin Water City...

"Husband, I know you want to find an opportunity for Wanying to restore the prestige of the Mu Family Army, but isn't this a bit too rushed..."

Xiao Qingxuan had long treated Mu Wanying like a sister, so she was naturally worried.

"I will go!"

Mu Wanying's pretty face tightened, her gaze firm. "If my husband wants me to go, I will go. I trust my husband!"

Lin Xiao was moved and chuckled, "Silly Ying'er, how could I bear to let you go and face danger all by yourself?"

"I will definitely accompany you, and before you go, we still need to make some preparations."

Hearing this, Xiao Qingxuan breathed a sigh of relief. Since Lin Xiao would be accompanying her, it would surely be fine.

She knew all too well just how terrifying her husband's martial arts were.

Mu Wanying, on the other hand, was curious. What kind of preparations could they make?

Practice martial arts? It was too late for a last-minute effort!

Lin Xiao dismissed the servants in the backyard and led the two women to the training ground.

"Wanying, this Heavenly Empowerment Pill, once consumed, can increase your internal energy by at least sixty years in a short time."

Lin Xiao handed the pill over and said nonchalantly, "Eat it."

He hadn't decided who to give this pill to before, but now, Lin Xiao had made up his mind.

In any case, it certainly wasn't for his own use; he would just have his women take turns consuming them.

If nothing else, nurturing them into Martial Arts Grandmasters and extending their lifespans was the priority.

Although Mu Wanying's Mu Family mental cultivation method and Iron Painting Silver Hook spear technique were only mystic grade martial arts.

Lin Xiao did not intend to have her start practicing something else.

Because the increased internal energy could not be guaranteed to apply to a specific technique.

Since the woman possessed Earth Grade aptitude, as long as her internal energy was sufficiently profound, even with a mystic grade technique, she could step into the realm of a Martial Arts Grandmaster!

Moreover, Lin Xiao always felt that these two martial arts should be more than just mystic grade.

After all, they were created by the ancestors of the Mu Family and the founding emperor of the Great Gan, so they shouldn't be that weak, right?

Who knows, maybe they could evolve once her internal energy increased?

This damn system had hidden things more than once or twice before.

"Heavenly Empowerment Pill?!"

Mu Wanying's face changed drastically. "This... this is a legendary spirit pill! It is said that only a peerless expert can refine it using their entire life's internal energy. Husband, where did you get this?!"

Lin Xiao actually didn't understand these things, but he smiled and said, "I naturally have my ways. You just have to trust me."

"This... this is too precious... I..."

Mu Wanying panicked. Such a treasure could no longer be measured by money!

She was certainly touched that her man was willing to give it to her, but she didn't dare to accept it!

"Wanying, your husband is giving it to you because he loves you. Don't let his good intentions go to waste."

Xiao Qingxuan held her sister's hand and said gently and calmly.

She herself had witnessed Lin Xiao's "miracles," so she was not surprised that he could produce such a treasure.

Upon hearing this, Mu Wanying's wildly beating heart slowly calmed down.

"Then... I will accept it. Thank you for your love, Husband!"

She took a deep breath and solemnly accepted the spirit pill.

After looking at Lin Xiao and Xiao Qingxuan, she made up her mind and swallowed the spirit pill in one gulp!