228: Chen Zhibao succeeded the crown prince, and the miserable Xu Fengnian

Chapter 226: Chen Zhibao Takes Over as Crown Prince, The Miserable Xu Fengnian

Tai'an City.

Emperor Zhao Chun's mood was no better than Xu Xiao's.

Li Chang'an had almost annihilated the Northern Liang Army, the Da Xue Dragon Riders Army was utterly defeated, and the Iron Pagoda was wiped out, while Li Chang'an himself lost less than twenty thousand men.

Moreover, as Li Chang'an's prestige greatly increased, the former Eight Kingdoms' remnants emerged from the passes to pledge allegiance to him.

The letter Li Chang'an wrote to Xu Xiao completely disregarded the Li Yang Dynasty, directly demanding that Xu Xiao exchange Liang Province for Xu Fengnian.

Feudal kings and their states were all enfeoffed by the Li Yang Dynasty; if feudal kings were to privately bestow territories upon each other, what authority would the Li Yang Dynasty still have?

By this point, Imperial Tutor Yuan Benxi, who had initially suggested allowing Li Chang'an to grow powerful, fell silent.

Before the great war between Sha Province and Northern Liang, no one could have imagined that Li Chang'an could decisively defeat the strong and well-equipped Northern Liang, but now it had happened.

Originally, the Northwest only had one Northern Liang as a major threat to Li Yang; now Sha Province had also established a firm foothold, and if Li Chang'an were allowed to occupy Liang Province, then the two sides would be equally matched.

One major threat had turned into two, and Yuan Benxi was helpless.

"Teacher, since things have come to this, what should be done?"

Zhao Chun had no mind to blame Yuan Benxi, as the latter's plan was actually not problematic and very clever.

It was just that everyone underestimated Li Chang'an's development speed and his ability to discover talent; now, the loyal civil and military officials around Li Chang'an already showed a tendency to surpass Northern Liang's.

Yuan Benxi awkwardly coughed twice, "Firstly, dispatch Intelligence Agency elites to assassinate Xu Fengnian."

According to intelligence, Li Chang'an had tied Xu Fengnian up and hung him on the Jinchang city gate, a truly miserable sight.

The common people, who had been oppressed by Northern Liang, specifically traveled to Jinchang City to insult this high and mighty Crown Prince with rotten fish, shrimp, and even sewage.

Since he was not secretly imprisoned like last time, there might be hope for a successful assassination arranged by Intelligence Agency.

As long as Xu Fengnian died, there would be absolutely no possibility of Northern Liang and Li Chang'an uniting.

Yuan Benxi and Zhao Chun had just discussed for a long time; given the current situation, they absolutely could not allow Li Chang'an and Xu Xiao to unite, and any possibility of cooperation had to be nipped in the bud.

Because the cooperation of these two powerful feudal kings could overthrow the Li Yang Dynasty at any time.

"Secondly, issue an imperial decree to Xu Xiao, re-enfeoffing Liang Province to Li Chang'an, so that Northern Liang would henceforth only have Ling Province and You Province, while Sha Province and Liang Province would be Li Chang'an's fiefs."

Zhao Chun nodded helplessly; what else could be done now? They could only continue to stir up trouble between Sha Province and Northern Liang, keeping them in a state of enmity.

"And urge Xu Zhihu to marry Li Chang'an as soon as possible; anyway, this marriage alliance will never lead to true harmony between them, only deeper hatred."

The Li Yang Dynasty's outward strength and inner weakness were once again clearly exposed; they had no way to deal with Xu Xiao, and now that Li Chang'an had grown powerful, they were even more helpless.

"The only hope now is for Xu Xiao and Li Chang'an to fight it out and truly suffer mutual destruction."

The Li Yang Dynasty's forces were too dispersed; currently, the combined forces of Li Chang'an, Xu Xiao, and Prince Yan already exceeded the troops the Li Yang Dynasty could control.

To some extent, Li Chang'an and Xu Xiao were now in a semi-independent state.

As Emperor, Zhao Chun truly had no other recourse besides schemes and stratagems.

Northern Liang Royal Mansion.

Xu Xiao sat in his study, his face grim in the candle's shadow, his wrinkles deepening.

At this moment, a woman's voice sounded outside the door, "Father King."

"Come in."

A pair of jade-like soft hands pushed open the door, and Xu Zhihu, in a red dress, slowly walked into the study.

Xu Zhihu was already twenty-three years old; because the Emperor had bestowed her marriage to Li Chang'an, but Xu Xiao was unwilling, she had been unable to marry.

According to Xu Xiao's plan, once Li Chang'an was eliminated, Xu Zhihu would be free to marry.

But now, Li Chang'an was not only not dead but living more and more comfortably.

"Daughter, you know about Feng Nian's situation, don't you?"

Xu Zhihu said softly, "I know. Such a result was probably unforeseen by even immortals."

Who could have imagined that the renowned Northern Liang Army would suffer a crushing defeat, with even the Iron Pagoda completely wiped out?

Xu Xiao, the myth of the Li Yang Dynasty, had been defeated by a new myth!

"Father, Liang Province is the Foundation of Northern Liang. If we really have to give up Liang Province, I'm afraid the generals will not be convinced."

Xu Xiao said with a dejected expression, "That's true, but if we don't give up Northern Liang, Feng Nian will be gone."

"Yuan ZuoZong led over three thousand Great Snow Dragon Riders to detour through You Province, and another thousand were devoured by Northern Mang."

"Of the one hundred fifteen thousand men who went on this western expedition, only these two thousand Great Snow Dragon Riders returned."

"Now, even if I were to personally lead an expedition against Sha Province, I wouldn't be confident of victory."

What Xu Xiao said was from his heart; if Xu Fengnian couldn't return, what was the point of retaining the three provinces of Northern Liang?

"Moreover, the Li Yang Dynasty has already issued an imperial decree, allowing Li Chang'an to temporarily govern Liang Province, which is simply adding fuel to the fire."

"The Li Yang Dynasty is also urging you to marry Li Chang'an as soon as possible... but that's not a big deal, just ignore him."

At this moment, Xu Zhihu's mood was equally complex.

If Northern Liang lost a province, caught between the Li Yang Dynasty and Sha Province, its situation would worsen day by day.

However, if Liang Province was not given up, given Li Chang'an's temperament, he might really kill Xu Fengnian.

After so many years, she knew very well that Xu Xiao could not abandon Xu Fengnian.

"Father, if we agree to Li Chang'an's terms, how will we explain it to the generals in the army?"

Xu Xiao gave a bitter smile, "Of course... there's no way to explain it."

"Unless we let Chen Zhibao take over the position of Crown Prince, in exchange for his efforts to suppress dissent."

Hearing Xu Xiao's decision, Xu Zhihu stared blankly, stunned.

From now on, the Northern Liang Royal banner... would no longer bear the Xu surname?

At first thought, this matter was unacceptable, but upon careful consideration, it was a helpless move.

Xu Fengnian's disastrous defeat in the western expedition meant that more than half of the generals who supported him had died.

Currently, the majority of the Northern Liang Army supported Chen Zhibao, who already had extremely high prestige; now he was the foremost person after Xu Xiao.

If Xu Xiao insisted on exchanging Liang Province for Xu Fengnian, then he would have to make a deal with Chen Zhibao.

He would use the future position of King of Northern Liang to gain Chen Zhibao and his faction's support for Xu Xiao giving up Liang Province.

Xu Zhihu glanced at her father; the Xu the Butcher (Xu the Butcher) who had wiped out the Six Kingdoms back then now looked somewhat dejected.

The dignified King of Northern Liang was now so humiliated.

Three days later, Chen Zhibao was summoned to the Qingliang Mountain Royal Mansion.

Chen Zhibao, in his white armor and white robe, was known as the White-Clad Military Immortal and was the most prestigious of Xu Xiao's adopted sons.

His arrival this time, he vaguely guessed Xu Xiao's intention.

"Adoptive Father, is your summoning of your child this time for the matter of the Crown Prince?"

Xu Fengnian's capture and Li Chang'an's demand for Liang Province in exchange were known throughout Northern Liang.

Xu Xiao slowly said, "How do you think this matter should be handled?"

Chen Zhibao frowned slightly, and said with a firm expression, "Adoptive Father, for the Foundation of Northern Liang, Liang Province must not be given up."

Although saying this meant abandoning Xu Fengnian, it was also the wisest choice.

Xu Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, his face grim for a long time.

"Your father is old, and Feng Nian is not up to the task; Huang Man'er (Xu Longxiang) only has brute strength. From now on, this Northern Liang... will still need you to shoulder it."

For many years, Xu Xiao had never said such words, not even a hint of such an intention.

But now, Xu Xiao actually explicitly said that he wanted Chen Zhibao to take over Northern Liang!

Chen Zhibao suppressed the surging emotions in his heart, his hands unconsciously tightening, almost crushing the teacup he held.

"Adoptive Father... you..."

Xu Xiao turned around and stared into Chen Zhibao's eyes, as if he had made up his mind.

"Feng Nian will return to live out his days with me; the Crown Prince of Northern Liang is you."

Chen Zhibao knew very well that this was a trade-off of interests!

He would become the Northern Liang Crown Prince and take charge of the Northern Liang Foundation, but in exchange, he had to agree to Xu Fengnian's return.

Exchanging Liang Province for Xu Fengnian—as long as Chen Zhibao did not object to this, the opposition in Northern Liang would be suppressed.

Chen Zhibao's strength was far greater than Xu Fengnian's; even if he left Northern Liang, he could start anew.

The Li Yang Dynasty had also tried many times to sow discord between Chen Zhibao and Xu Xiao using this matter, but Chen Zhibao, mindful of their father-son affection, did not betray him.

A hint of loneliness appeared in Xu Xiao's eyes.

"Bao'er, you should know better than I do that Feng Nian cannot shoulder Northern Liang."

Captured twice, losing an army of one hundred thousand, even if Xu Fengnian returned, he would no longer have the prestige to inherit the throne.

Chen Zhibao was actually very nervous inside; he didn't know if Xu Xiao's words were a delaying tactic or truly sincere.

But he was very confident that his prestige and experience were far superior to Xu Fengnian's; as long as Xu Xiao was willing to let him be the Crown Prince, he would be able to hold the position securely.

Therefore, even if Xu Xiao was using a delaying tactic now, Chen Zhibao was not afraid.

"Adoptive Father, your child will surely not fail his mission!"

"What Li Chang'an took from Northern Liang, your child will make him spit out mouthful by mouthful!"

"Not only will he spit it out, but I will also seize Sha Province to avenge Adoptive Father and Feng Nian!"

Indeed, he was the arrogant White-Clad Military Immortal; Chen Zhibao's reaction did not escape Xu Xiao's expectations.

Actually, Xu Xiao was sincere now, because no one would accept Xu Fengnian continuing as Crown Prince.

It was better to first give the position of Crown Prince to Chen Zhibao and get Xu Fengnian back.

When Xu Fengnian returned, if he still had the ambition, Xu Xiao was confident he could leave him a legacy.

After their discussion, Xu Xiao summoned all the generals and publicly declared Chen Zhibao as the Northern Liang Crown Prince.

Afterward, Chen Zhibao's supporters, persuaded by Chen Zhibao, all agreed to exchange Liang Province for Xu Fengnian.

What if they didn't agree? After all, Xu Xiao was still there, and giving up the position of Crown Prince was already a significant concession.

Jinchang City.

After this great victory over Northern Liang, the city celebrated for three days and three nights.

After this battle, Northern Liang no longer had an overwhelming advantage over Sha Province.

During these days, the most miserable was undoubtedly Xu Fengnian.

Under the scorching sun, Xu Fengnian hung miserably from the city gate, dozens of feet high.

His hands were bound with layers of hemp rope, and beside him were dozens of Brocade-Clad Guards with Embroidered Spring Knife (embroidered spring sabers).

Xu Fengnian's face was pale, his skin was cracked from the sun, his whole body ached unbearably, and from time to time, mosquitoes, insects, and birds landed on him to suck his blood and flesh.

The Brocade-Clad Guards beside him kept reminding him, "The King said you can commit suicide; no one will stop you."

However, Xu Fengnian did not want to die; he hadn't truly lived yet.

"Xu Xiao will save me, he definitely will."

Although his spirit was on the verge of collapse, his gaze was completely dull, muttering like a madman.

A large crowd of common people gathered below the city gate, constantly cursing and spitting at this Northern Liang Crown Prince.

At this moment, there was no hatred for Li Chang'an in his heart, only a deep-seated fear.

If I can go back, I will never provoke Li Chang'an again. He can dominate, he can seize the world, whatever he wants, it will have nothing to do with me, Xu Fengnian.

The first time he was captured, he still wanted revenge.

But the second time he was captured, he had a deep understanding of Li Chang'an's methods; this person seemed to have divine assistance!

Xu Fengnian even fantasized that if he also had divine assistance, or was the Reincarnation of some powerful immortal, only then would he be able to beat Li Chang'an and get his revenge.

But, was there really such a good thing in the world?

In the square in front of the Brocade-Clad Guards, lay a dozen corpses; these were Fushui Bureau spies who had tried to rescue Xu Fengnian.

Just then, a black hidden weapon suddenly shot out from the crowd, heading towards Xu Fengnian.

"Chi!"

A Sword Qi broke through the air, and Wu Liuding, on duty at the city wall, easily knocked away the hidden weapon.

Then he leaped into the crowd and pulled out the person who had fired the hidden weapon.

An ordinary-looking man was dragged by Wu Liuding in front of the Brocade-Clad Guards.

"Speak, are you from Northern Mang, or from the Li Yang Dynasty?"

These days, the Jinchang city gate was not peaceful; Northern Liang spies wanted to rescue Xu Fengnian, while people from the Spiderweb and Intelligence Agency wanted to kill Xu Fengnian.

The man was still stubborn, "What are you saying? I don't understand!"

Wu Liuding didn't waste words and directly threw him to the Brocade-Clad Guards.

The leading Brocade-Clad Guard directly cut down the man with a saber and threw him into the pile of corpses.

Such people had no value for interrogation; whether he was from Northern Mang or the Li Yang Dynasty, death was the only answer.

After this battle, the common people of Sha Province's six commanderies became even more confident in Li Chang'an.

Previously, when Li Chang'an directly confronted the Northern Liang Army, many common people were anxious.

After all, these common people had grown up hearing terrifying stories of Xu Xiao's killings; everyone knew Xu Xiao was a myth of the Spring and Autumn Era.

But now that the battle was over, no one was unconvinced; in the struggle between two kings, King of Tang won!

Night fell.

The bright moon hung high, with sparse stars.

In the backyard of the Royal Mansion, under the moonlight, a white-clad woman danced gracefully, her long dress fluttering, her exquisite beauty captivating.

Huyan Guanyin's face was flushed, as she presented a newly learned dance.

A moment later, after the dance, Huyan Guanyin sat back prettily beside Li Chang'an.

"The Huyan Tribe has finally survived, and can contend with those large tribes, all thanks to Your Highness's assistance."

Huyan Guanyin's red lips moved softly, her long eyelashes fluttering, as she leaned gently against Li Chang'an.

Li Chang'an's deployment of the Huyan Tribe in this battle showed that he already trusted them, and Huyan Guanyin was overjoyed.

She embraced Li Chang'an's arm, her bright peach blossom eyes gazing at him with deep affection.

"Your Highness, this concubine is willing to serve Your Highness."

Li Chang'an was not short of women: Xu Weibear, Hong Shu, Qing Niao, Pei Nanwei, Jiang Si, Xue Songguan, and also White-Robed Guanyin.

But there are never too many beauties, and besides, Li Chang'an's ranking in terms of romantic conquests had not yet reached the top.

Having won this battle against Northern Liang, Li Chang'an was also in a great mood; this victory signified that his power in this world had finally established a firm foothold.

At this moment, Huyan Guanyin's throwing herself into his arms was perfectly timed.

In the night breeze, Li Chang'an picked up the soft and affectionate Huyan Guanyin by the waist; it was time to harvest her great Luck.

The door closed, and rain pattered on the banana leaves.