nownovels Chapter 121: Another Chapter on the Northern Frontier
Chapter 121: Another Chapter on the Northern Frontier
After leaving the palace, Lu Yuan and Meng Tuo randomly found a restaurant, sat down, ordered a few dishes, and a jar of wine.
The three sat facing each other.
Meng Tuo raised his wine cup and said, "Brother Lu, you are one of the strongest young people I have ever met in Dayong. You should be no worse than the previous generation of geniuses."
Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow: "I don't know the others."
He was telling the truth; he had absolutely no access to the disciples of those powerful clans.
They usually just fight on the battlefield.
"Oh? Brother Lu, weren't you born into a noble family in the Great Yong Dynasty? You're so strong." Ling Ku said, drinking his wine.
Lu Yuan discovered that this guy was a complete glutton; when ordering food, he only picked meat dishes, and now he was even more enthusiastic about drinking.
Meng Tuo also looked over. Clearly, in their minds, these powerful disciples of Dayong must all come from noble families.
It's really not something that can be trained in ordinary people.
Lu Yuan shook his head: "I was born into a border army, and I was only able to enter the capital this time because someone recommended me."
Upon hearing this, Meng Tuo couldn't help but grin. He had heard of the border army of Dayong before, after all, the Western Rong also had a similar class.
However, in this way, Lu Yuan's value is even higher.
How could an ordinary border soldier have reached this level? His talent is truly extraordinary.
After glancing around, he lowered his voice and said, "Brother Lu, I'm not trying to be mean, but if that's the case, it's a waste of your talents for you to stay in Dayong. Otherwise, come with me to Xirong."
Given our relationship, I definitely won't let you suffer any losses.
Meng Tuo's tone carried a hint of confidence, clearly indicating that he held a high position in the Western Rong.
If Lu Yuan were a nobleman, he wouldn't have said such things, but the other party is a border army captain, so losing such a position is no big deal.
Ling Ku also looked up and said, "Actually, regardless of whether it is the Eastern Yi, the Western Rong, the Northern Man, the Dayong, or the Dayu, they all belonged to the Great Zhou Dynasty in the past. It was just that this huge court later experienced internal strife, which led to it being divided into several parts for thousands of years."
That's how so many dynasties gradually evolved. In the past, everyone was one family. As long as Brother Lu went to the Western Rong, no one would treat you as an outsider.
Then, before Lu Yuan could speak, he continued, "I am the Holy Son of Lingjiu Temple. As long as Brother Lu is willing to go, I will definitely not let you suffer any injustice."
When they heard that Lu Yuan was just a border soldier, both of their eyes lit up.
This is definitely an opportunity for them.
Lu Yuan's talent is definitely worth recruiting, and most importantly, his personality suits my taste.
Hearing them say this, Lu Yuan understood that these two men clearly held a high position in the Western Rong.
That's why I dared to make such a promise to myself.
But he still shook his head and said, "Thank you both for your kindness, but I have no intention of going anywhere else. I've lived in Dayong since I was a child and I'm used to it."
After hearing his response, Meng Tuo and the other man did not continue to persuade him.
After all, it was just a casual remark on a whim; they had only just met Lu Yuan, and he might not even believe it.
We can figure out a solution later when we're more familiar with the situation.
Therefore, Meng Tuo raised his wine glass and said with a smile, "I'll listen to Brother Lu, but remember, if you're ever unhappy, you can come to me anytime. Meng Tuo's door is always open for you."
"Once you go to the Western Rong, I will ensure you become one of the nobles."
Lu Yuan nodded, and after the three of them had a drink, they started talking about other things.
They dispersed about an hour later.
After leaving the restaurant, Lu Yuan headed towards the villa to pack his things and go home.
The martial arts competition is over, so there's no need to stay in the capital any longer.
However, just as he returned to Courtyard No. 5, he saw the former Ministry of War officials.
Upon seeing Lu Yuan, the man first smiled, then stepped forward and said, "Captain Lu Yuan, you've finally returned. The martial arts competition is over, and I've come to reclaim the courtyard."
Although the voice was much more polite than before, it carried a sense of distance and a hint of urging.
It was obvious that they didn't want Lu Yuan to stay in the capital any longer.
After all, now that he has become the winner of this competition, everyone knows that the Seventh Prince had rejected Lu Yuan on the Western Rong battlefield. Keeping him around would only make the Seventh Prince unhappy.
Even if those above don't say it, those below will consider it.
The martial arts competition had just ended when someone from the palace came and subtly reminded this Ministry of War official, which led to today's events.
Even though Lu Yuan was prepared, he couldn't help but feel a chill at this moment.
However, he didn't say anything. Since the court was like this, he felt even less guilty about developing his own power.
Now, his mindset has completely changed.
At this moment, Dayong had become a place in his mind for him to accumulate his strength.
Some of the original sense of identity is gradually being eroded away.
Therefore, he wasn't annoyed and said with a smile, "Alright, I'll be going now."
After speaking, he entered the courtyard, packed his things, and headed straight outside.
In fact, he had long been tired of staying outside.
Now, I'm thinking of going back to northern Xinjiang.
After taking the items, he mounted the Crimson Scale Horse and headed straight out of the villa towards the northern frontier.
This time, he saw the scenery of various places near the capital of the Great Yong Dynasty along the way.
It's incomparable to places like the border.
The concentration of spiritual energy exceeded my expectations.
Ordinary people are mostly at the entry stage in terms of strength.
"In the eyes of the imperial court, these people are probably the true citizens of the Great Yong Dynasty."
As Lu Yuan watched the scene unfold before him, he couldn't help but think to himself.
In the days that followed, he simply focused on getting on his way.
The Crimson Scales continued their relentless advance, finally reaching the northern frontier a month later.
Another two weeks later, they returned to Icefield City.
As soon as he entered the city, he saw Zhou Hongling already waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing him, she let out a long sigh of relief and said, "Welcome back."
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Lu Yuan nodded: "Home is still the best."
"Let's go, the family has prepared a meal. Your aunt has been talking about you countless times," Zhou Hongling said softly.
She hadn't changed much; she was still wearing the same close-fitting soft armor as before.
He was wearing a scarlet cloak on his back.
Sitting on the horse, he looked dashing and heroic.
Lu Yuan accompanied her, riding side by side.
After returning to the General's Mansion and dismounting, Zhou Hongling said to Lu Yuan, "I heard you won first place in the Imperial City Martial Arts Competition. That's amazing! In the blink of an eye, your strength has surpassed mine."
She had a smile on her face, seemingly happier than if she had made a breakthrough herself.
Lu Yuan glanced at Zhou Hongling and said, "General, you have also broken through to the Innate Realm. Congratulations."
The latter rolled his eyes and said, "I reached the Qi Refining stage a long time ago, okay? You were only at the Bone Forging stage back then. Now you've caught up. Am I surprised that I broke through to the Innate stage?"
Then he added, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Come inside and eat."
After saying that, she pulled Lu Yuan into the living room, where the Lu family was already waiting.
When she saw her son return, her face lit up with joy. After all, Lu Yuan had been gone for almost half a year, leaving at the beginning of winter, and now it was almost winter again.
"Mother."
Lu Yuan said softly.
Mrs. Lu said excitedly, "Good, it's good that you're back. Let's eat."
Lu Yuan nodded and then sat down.
The meal was quite heartwarming.
Even the Lu family drank some wine.
After they finished eating, only Lu Yuan and Zhou Hongling remained in the living room.
Madam Lu then went back to her residence to rest.
"I've heard that things are quite chaotic in the northern frontier right now. How is the Marquis of Zhenbian? Is he easy to get along with?" Lu Yuan asked softly.
Back when we were in Xirong, no matter how much we asked Zhou Hongling, she wouldn't tell us.
Now that Lu Yuan is back, there's nothing left to hide. Zhou Hongling said softly, "He's not easy to get along with. Shang Yong had a grudge against our family in the past. Now he's become a border marquis and has been transferred to govern the Nine Passes."
My father was always ostracized, and the power of my subordinates, the Crouching Tiger Fortress, was taken away.
In the Huangsha Fortress of the Helian family, Shang Yong deliberately separated himself from the city.
As the town's commander, I'm practically a lone commander now, and the only place where my words still carry any weight is the Icefield Fortress.
Moreover, recently, the imperial court has transferred a high-ranking official from the Imperial Guard to oversee military and political affairs in the northern frontier.
Things are probably going to get even worse from here on out.
After all, everyone knows that the Imperial Guards have always looked down on the border troops.
Now that they've been put in charge of by the Imperial Guard, it's no wonder they're not going to be treated well.
Not to mention the Zhou family, even Marquis Shang Yong of Zhenbian would probably be feeling uneasy.
"Do you know who it is?" Lu Yuan asked.
"I don't know. I heard that the army has just arrived and set up camp. They even blocked the news. Only the border lords of the northern frontier know. But news has already come that three days later, all officers of the rank of colonel and above will go to Jizhou City, led by their respective state generals, to pay their respects to this important figure of the Imperial Guard."
According to the itinerary, we need to set off tomorrow.
Make arrangements when you get back, and I'll be waiting for you first thing tomorrow morning.
"Be careful when you get there. I suspect the town's lord might take this opportunity to cause trouble."
Zhou Hongling said with some concern.
She had heard that the Marquis of Zhenbian had already sent someone to deliver gifts to this important figure in the Imperial Guard.
The Zhou family has no way of getting in touch with such a person.
One step at a time, one step at a time.
In her heart, she feared that the Zhou family's path would become increasingly difficult in the future.
Lu Yuan nodded: "Yes, I know."
After saying that, he got up and headed towards the military commandhouse.
Zhou Hongling watched the other person's retreating figure, a look of relief appearing on her face. The boy from back then was finally beginning to grow up step by step.
I just don't know when my brain will finally click.
At that very moment, inside Jizhou City, Xiao Heng had just entered his temporary residence.
Marquis Mucheng walked in and said with a smile, "My lord, you have just arrived and the border marquis of the northern frontier is already in a hurry to send gifts. Marquis Shang Yong of Zhenbian sent someone to deliver an ice jade Buddha statue, which I had sent back."
Fortunately, you ordered that news of this trip to northern Xinjiang not be leaked; otherwise, who knows how many more people would have come to pay their respects along the way.
"I know this Shang Yong. He's always been scheming and opportunistic. Now that he's become a nobleman in the capital and a border marquis, he's still the same," Xiao Heng said indifferently.
Then, he took out an imperial edict from the table and said, "This is His Majesty's decree appointing Lu Yuan as the General of the Northern Patrol. His position is now secure."
"How did this imperial decree end up in your possession?" Marquis Mu asked in confusion.
"What else could it be? The people below knew that Lu Yuan had been rejected by the Seventh Prince, and they didn't want Lu Yuan to stay in the capital any longer, fearing that the Seventh Prince would be unhappy, so they took away Lu Yuan's residence in the villa in advance."
"The imperial edict arrived but we couldn't find the recipient, so it was sent to me." Xiao Heng said, a hint of helplessness on his face.
Marquis Mu Cheng showed a hint of resentment on his face, but quickly suppressed it: "I've wronged this child."
"Yes, I reckon he's back these past few days. This time, the border lords from various regions will be bringing officials of the rank of colonel or above. You should appease them properly; we can't let these meritorious officials feel disheartened."
The imperial edict was read aloud as well.
"Oh, and one more thing. How's that border army you brought from the Western Rong?"
Xiao Heng inquired.
When he was in Xirong, he ordered that a group of capable soldiers be selected from the scattered border troops and brought along with the Imperial Guards, to be handed over to Lu Yuan to lead.
This can be considered some compensation for him.
After all, no matter what, Lu Yuan made Xiao Heng look good this time.
You should know, it was he who recommended him.
"They've already been brought over, and they're in good spirits. We've supplied them with some supplies, and now that they're all in the country, it's perfect to hand them over to Lu Yuan," said Marquis Mu Cheng with a smile.
Xiao Heng nodded in satisfaction: "Alright, then let's hand it over to this little friend when he comes over."