152: Conferred the title of King of Qin! Great Snow Dragon Rider! Ink Armor Dragon Rider

Chapter 151: Enfeoffment as Prince Qin! Da Xue Dragon Riders Army! Mo Jia Dragon Riders Army! (33)

Emperor Qing pondered for a moment and rejected Han Xin's request.

Would a prince of a different surname, who could control the territory of Northern Qi, still obey the dispatches of the Southern Qing central government? Wouldn't that be a state within a state?

Moreover, the one hundred thousand soldiers in Han Xin's hands were not worth that price.

To put it more deeply, Li Chang'an, holding one hundred thousand elite soldiers in Langya City, was already somewhat out of Emperor Qing's control.

He would rather proceed steadily, allowing Li Chang'an to first consolidate half of Western Qin's territory, and not rush to subdue Han Xin.

But even so, Li Chang'an had already completed the mission of destroying the Western Qin!

What was supposed to take Li Chang'an ten or eight years to complete, he finished in less than half a year.

"Eunuch Hou, issue an imperial decree to Prince Yong, stating that Han Xin's conditions will absolutely not be accepted!"

Compared to Emperor Qing's complex thoughts, the entire capital city was in a frenzy.

Restaurants, dance halls, and Brothels were open all night, and the common people and scholars were all celebrating the great victory in Ding Province.

Thirty years ago, Southern Qing rose from a small country about the same size as Western Qin.

Step by step, it conquered territories and became the strongest nation in the world under Emperor Qing.

However, since Emperor Qing's third northern expedition failed, he stopped large-scale northern expeditions.

This time, Li Chang'an expanded the territory by a thousand li, deep into the north, how could it not excite the people of Qing Kingdom.

Now, the streets and alleys were all discussing the miracle of Li Chang'an and Ye Wan's three-day march of a thousand li, driving straight into the heartland of Western Qin.

At this moment, the most anxious person was none other than His Highness the Crown Prince.

Ever since the battle report arrived, the Crown Prince had been restless.

More than twenty days later, it was the day the Crown Prince met his aunt once a month.

But this time, the Crown Prince was disinterested and completely distracted.

"A feat of territorial expansion not seen in twenty years, how could it be achieved so easily?"

"Big Brother was so capable in battle, yet he never entered the north. Li Chang'an has only been in Ding Province for half a year!"

Li Yunrui reminded him, "I've heard that some ministers are already restless and want to ask Your Majesty to enfeoff Li Chang'an as Prince Qin."

Hearing the words Prince Qin, the Crown Prince's mood became even more unpleasant.

Li Yunrui continued, "In the classics passed down by the Celestial Vein Holder from a thousand years ago, among the titles of princes, Qin and Jin are the most noble."

"Coincidentally, the state Li Chang'an pacified was named Qin."

How could Li Chengqian not know that the title of Prince Qin was second only to that of the Crown Prince?

"I've also heard of it, but Your Majesty is still hesitating.

After all, Li Chang'an only occupied the capital of Western Qin and controlled half of Western Qin."

"The northern half of Western Qin's territory is still in the hands of Han Xin and Shang Shanhu.

Without completely occupying Western Qin, it is not suitable to be enfeoffed as Prince Qin."

Li Yunrui scoffed, "Crown Prince, don't harbor illusions.

You must be prepared, for a victory report might arrive any day now."

If Li Chengqian successfully inherited the throne, Li Yunrui could still gain a lot of power.

But if Li Chang'an ascended, Li Yunrui could only stand aside and gain no benefits at all.

Li Chengqian said with an air of disbelief, "Aunt, don't be an alarmist!"

"Even if Li Chang'an were an immortal, he couldn't easily take down Han Xin's one hundred thousand strong army!"

"Old General Qin said that Han Xin's military strategy is no less than that of Father Emperor!"

Just at this moment, the Female Official Bai Ling hurried into Guangxin Palace and handed Li Yunrui a note.

Li Yunrui opened the note, and the more she read, the more ridiculous she found it, until she finally burst into insane laughter.

"Giggle, giggle, giggle..."

"Hahahaha..."

"How can there be such a ridiculous thing in the world, such a grand general who is so unskilled in political maneuvering!"

It was as if what he feared most had come true; Li Chengqian had just confidently disbelieved it, and now it had happened.

The Crown Prince looked at Li Yunrui's frenzied expression and immediately felt uneasy.

He took the note and glanced at it, his eyes went black, and he almost fainted.

"Li Chang'an and Gao Yao broke into Han Xin's one hundred thousand strong army camp. With a spy arranged by Zhao Gao leading the way, the two successfully seized Han Xin's general's tiger tally."

"Li Chang'an quickly gained control of the one hundred thousand strong army. Han Xin and Shang Shanhu's Foundation was shallow, and many people in the army were promoted by Gao Yao."

"The entire territory of Western Qin now belongs to Great Qing. Li Chang'an led two hundred thousand soldiers to resist the Northern Barbarians of the snowy regions and achieved a great victory!"

"The Ding Zhou Army and the Western Qin Army have now turned from defense to offense, with two elite cavalry forces penetrating thousands of li deep into the snowy plateau!"

The Western Hu and Northern Barbarians had, for hundreds of years, inflicted countless atrocities upon the people of the Central Plains; their fierce and brutal reputation was known throughout the world.

Both Northern Qi and Southern Qing prided themselves on resisting the Northern Barbarians and Western Hu. This great victory over the Northern Barbarians would undoubtedly raise Li Chang'an's prestige even higher.

Li Chengqian simply couldn't believe his eyes; a dignified grand general had his tiger tally stolen and his military power seized.

This was simply like a joke!

"Since Han Xin is so stupid, why was Gao Yao afraid of him 'cleansing the ruler's side' and still surrendered to Li Chang'an?

He could have just seized Han Xin's military power himself!"

Li Yunrui laughed for a long time before catching her breath, "Because at that time, one hundred thousand Northern Qi troops were pressing down, and Li Chang'an was eyeing them like a tiger. He would have been annihilated if he made a slight mistake."

"Later, he surrendered to Li Chang'an, who also trusted him greatly.

A eunuch finding a good master would naturally serve him with all his might."

"Crown Prince, you see, Li Chang'an has already taken the entire territory of Western Qin.

He has also penetrated thousands of li into the snowy regions, and it's possible he might even slaughter the barbarians' lairs."

Li Chengqian's face grew increasingly grim; he was all too aware of the value of Li Chang'an's achievements.

Expanding territory by thousands of li, half-encircling Northern Qi!

Great Qing was one step closer to unifying the world, which was what Emperor Qing greatly wished to see.

Moreover, with Li Chang'an's military achievements being so splendid, Emperor Qing might really consider replacing the Crown Prince!

"Aunt, we can't wait any longer. I must go find Old General Qin to discuss countermeasures."

"Li Chang'an has achieved great merits, the Ye Family is the primary contributor, and the Qin Family probably can't sit still either."

Li Yunrui teased, "You can wait a bit. What if Li Chang'an can't defeat the barbarians of the snowy regions and returns in defeat?"

Hearing Li Yunrui's teasing, Li Chengqian said unhappily, "Aunt!

You'd best understand that we are in this together; you can only support me!"

Li Yunrui said, "I know, I know. Why are you so fierce? Go quickly."

Li Chengqian's expression softened, "Please, Aunt, lend me the experts of the Junshan Society!"

Li Yunrui complained, "What Junshan Society? I have no income now and am just eating through my savings every day."

"Moreover, Fan Xian hasn't been killed yet, so how can I lend you any experts?"

"You are the Crown Prince. Making good use of the Qin Family is stronger than relying on your aunt."

Western Qin, northern border pass.

Li Chang'an received the imperial decree enfeoffing him as Prince Qin; nominally, the entire Western Qin was Li Chang'an's fiefdom.

However, the Qin Kingdom was not truly enfeoffed, and Li Chang'an still had to return to the capital.

Currently, there were two hundred thousand soldiers within Western Qin's borders, eight hundred thousand of whom were stationed in the capital, and eight hundred thousand were dispersed among various border passes and cities.

The remaining forty thousand were elite cavalry, led separately by Ye Wan and Shang Shanhu, deep into the snowy plateau to sweep clean the area.

Li Chang'an, Zhao Gao, and Han Xin had already stayed at the border pass for over a month.

Han Xin pointed to the map and said, "Your Highness Prince Qin, these forty thousand men are third-grade Martial Artists drawn from the two hundred thousand strong army, absolutely capable of long-distance trekking."

"We have long since ascertained the royal court of the Northern Barbarians of the snowy regions, and this surprise attack will not have any problems."

Li Chang'an said, "There's nothing to worry about. Ye Wan and Shang Shanhu are both the strongest cavalry generals."

"The tribes along the way can sustain themselves through war. As long as they don't get lost, they will surely annihilate the Northern Barbarian royal court."

"Zhao Gao, are there any movements from the Supervisory Council's secret agents in Langya City?"

Zhao Gao replied, "Yes, they are collecting your words and deeds in Langya City, including the situation of incorporating Western Qin's intelligence agencies."

Li Chang'an knew that Chen Pingping must be stirring up trouble.

This time, pacifying Western Qin and then destroying the Northern Barbarian royal court, such achievements would likely make even Emperor Qing restless.

Chen Pingping wanted to gather some incriminating evidence to make Emperor Qing suspicious and wary of Li Chang'an, preferably leading to fratricide.

Whether Emperor Qing discarded him after use or Li Chang'an raised an army to rebel, both were outcomes Chen Pingping would welcome.

"Old Zhao, then reveal to them the matter of this king secretly incorporating the Langya Pavilion of Western Qin."

"Lest they always chase shadows, clinging to some unfounded issues."

"Oh, and this king will also overstep his authority to bestow rewards upon the surrendered generals and officials of Western Qin, letting them grasp more leverage."

All these potential enemies must be forced to jump out, and then they can be dealt with in one swoop.

Otherwise, once his Great Grandmaster identity is revealed, these people will all hide.

Now, he must give them a chance to expose themselves, only then can he deal with them freely.

Chen Pingping, your time is almost up.

Zhao Gao continued, "News from Yang Pass indicates that Gong Dian and Qin Yi are in close communication with the capital."

Gong Dian was Emperor Qing's man, and Qin Yi was very likely communicating with the Crown Prince.

However, Li Chang'an had never put the Crown Prince in his eyes; he didn't believe that drama queen could accomplish anything significant.

Over the next three months, Li Chang'an Cultivated the Black Grade F Tu while awaiting news from deep within the grasslands.

During these three months, Li Chang'an also dispersed the Net members among the tens of thousands of Ye Family soldiers.

It could be said that all the soldiers within Western Qin's borders now followed Li Chang'an's lead.

One morning, Li Chang'an's ears twitched, hearing the distant sound of hooves.

His figure flashed, and he was already on the pass city tower.

In the distant sky, two torrents, one black and one white, surged towards the pass.

The black one was cavalry in black armor and on black horses, and the white one was a vast expanse of snow-white steeds!

The unique Snow Region Divine Steeds of the snowy plateau, also revered as gods by the snowy barbarians!

Behind these white bodies, there was an endless stream of ordinary horses, with various items loaded on their backs.

Li Chang'an looked from afar and saw all sorts of dried meat, medicinal herbs, gold and silver, and provisions.

Soon, Zhao Gao and Han Xin also arrived at the city tower and witnessed the triumphant return of Ye Wan and Shang Shanhu.

The three directly leaped down from the pass city, and the cavalry and horse train also halted.

Ye Wan and Shang Shanhu dismounted first, followed by two to three thousand cavalry who also dismounted and prostrated themselves.

"Greetings, Our King!"

Li Chang'an gently waved his hand, and Shang Shanhu and Ye Wan stood up.

Both were greatly surprised, realizing that Li Chang'an was already a Great Grandmaster!

Ye Wan's face was full of the vicissitudes of life, and his skin was much rougher; Shang Shanhu's appearance was not as noticeable, as he already had a thick beard.

"Your Highness Prince Yong!"

As soon as Ye Wan spoke, Zhao Gao corrected him, "Emperor Qing has already enfeoffed His Highness as Prince Qin!"

Ye Wan immediately corrected himself, "Your Highness Prince Qin, this subordinate and Shang Shanhu penetrated thousands of li deep into the snowy plains and finally completely annihilated the barbarian royal court!"

"We captured the barbarian Khan Ashina Shabbi, and all other royal family members were killed! The royal court was completely massacred by us!"

"We went through more than twenty battles, large and small, eliminating eighteen barbarian tribes, killing one hundred thousand enemies! Our casualties were over five thousand."

"The five hundred thousand head of cattle and sheep captured were all made into dried meat rations, and the gold, silver, and jewels totaled three million taels of silver..."

"In addition, those in the army skilled in exploration discovered three iron mines and one copper mine..."

"We also ventured deep into the snowy mountains and brought back more than twenty thousand Snow Region Divine Steeds!"

Looking at the more than thirty thousand battle-hardened soldiers, Li Chang'an was very satisfied.

The barbarians on the grasslands and in the snowy regions were inexhaustible, like endless cycles of wild grass.

However, each time their royal court was breached, it would bring peace for several decades.

"Ye Wan and Shang Shanhu have rendered meritorious service in annihilating the Northern Barbarians. This king will certainly submit a memorial to request rewards for you."

"Furthermore, from these thirty thousand men, select twenty thousand who are highly Cultivated and rich in combat experience."

"This king wants to form two of the strongest cavalry forces in the world!"

"Those with white horses and white armor, carrying silver spears and long swords, shall be called the Da Xue Dragon Riders Army!"

"Those with black horses and black armor, carrying black spears and great sabers, shall be called the Mo Jia Dragon Riders Army!"

Li Chang'an saw these Snow Region Divine Steeds and thought of the world-renowned Da Xue Dragon Riders Army from a certain world.

In that world, although the Da Xue Dragon Riders Army was very powerful, it did not encounter a good master.

Ye Wan and Shang Shanhu understood the meaning when they heard these two names.

The meaning of the Dragon Riders Army name was self-evident.

After more than half a year of campaigning, these two were now wholeheartedly convinced by Li Chang'an.

Li Chang'an sent the battle report back to the capital city, and after a month of rest, he also received Emperor Qing's imperial decree.

The imperial decree stated that Li Chang'an's annihilation of the Northern Barbarians was cause for universal celebration, and all deployed generals would receive rewards.

It requested Li Chang'an to leave the majority of the army in Western Qin and arrange for capable individuals to guard Western Qin.

As for Li Chang'an himself, Emperor Qing ordered him to return to the capital to receive his rewards.

Li Chang'an chuckled to himself; what else could Emperor Qing offer as a reward to Li Chang'an that was worth taking?

No need for Your Senior to bestow rewards; this prince will go back and take them himself.

Thus, Li Chang'an arranged for Ye Zhong to guard Langya City, fully delegating to him responsibility for all matters in Western Qin.

Zhao Gao and Han Xin were both under Ye Zhong's command, but in reality, Ye Zhong was merely a Puppet on the surface.

The army, finances, and manpower of Western Qin were firmly controlled by Li Chang'an.

Li Chang'an, leading five hundred Shadow Guard, left Langya City and began his return to Ding Province.

Not long after passing Qianlong Bay, there was Hongshan Pass, which was perennially windy and sandy.

It was here that Ye Wan had achieved a great victory over the Western Hu, rising to fame.

This area was now incorporated into the territory of Qing Kingdom and was the best ambush location in this generation.

Li Chang'an's cavalry had just entered Hongshan Pass when he heard movement from the stone mountains on both sides.

What was destined to come, still came!

Li Chang'an knew that Li Chengqian must be restless by now.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

The continuous sound of crossbow bolts piercing the air came, and siege crossbow bolts, like long spears, shot towards Li Chang'an's contingent!

But immediately after, Li Chang'an and the Shadow Guard were enveloped by a colorless and formless True Qi shield!

The siege arrows, capable of piercing city walls, were firmly blocked by the True Qi shield!

The people ambushing in Hongshan Pass were all dumbfounded!

Li Chang'an saw from afar a bearded Hu man, whose mouth was agape in shock!

This ninth-grade Hu man named Hu Ge couldn't even speak clearly.

"G-G-Great Grandmaster!"