Chapter 289 - Chapter 289: Invader

Chapter 289: Invader

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The next morning, the Emperor announced that the Luo Prefecture’s Prefect Yan Lu’s rule was not strict. The local magistrate almost caused an irreparable outcome. The main offender, the local magistrate, was immediately beheaded and his relatives were implicated. Yan Lu was dismissed and his assets were confiscated.

The ministers felt the Emperor’s thunderous anger and did not dare to say anything until the news of the iron mine in Liang City came.

Seeing that His Majesty finally smiled, before the officials could catch their breath, they heard someone report, “Your Majesty, urgent news at the border. The Xiongnu has invaded!”

The atmosphere instantly became very tense.

The ministers scolded the Xiongnu for not following the rules and tearing up the alliance without permission. The Emperor waited for them to finish scolding before asking, “What do you think we should do?”

A tall official with a heroic appearance stepped out of the crowd. “How dare they offend the heavenly might of Great Xia? Your Majesty, I request to fight!” However, a civil official immediately objected. “It’s a waste of money to make a fuss. In my opinion, why don’t we send an envoy to lobby and try to negotiate peace?”

Many people quickly agreed with his opinion. Someone even suggested, “The Xiongnu and Great Xia’s territory are connected. It will be troublesome for both sides if there is a dispute. If we can be on good terms for generations, that will be the best. Why don’t we reconcile?”

The Emperor did not comment. He waited for them to speak a few times before turning to the ministers. “Third Prince, what do you think?”

Rong Yan was very surprised to be suddenly called out. Although he had been allowed to go to court since he turned 14, he was basically an invisible person. This was the first time he was called out by the Emperor.

He had already thought of this problem just now, so he said confidently, “Your Majesty, Official Chen is right. The Xiongnu and Great Xia’s territories are connected. If we fight like this from time to time, it will indeed be troublesome for the country and the people.”

Official Chen was about to reveal a smug expression when he heard him say, “Hence, I’ll be fighting. I’ll beat them until they submit and become obedient. I’ll beat them until they don’t dare to invade the territory of Great Xia anymore.”

“Great Xia advocates peace, but now that foreign enemies have invaded right under our noses, it would be cowardly to retreat.”

“Asking for peace is an act of the weak. We have to make the Xiongnu ask for it.”

The Emperor raised his eyebrows. “Well said.”

“The vast country of Great Xia asks for peace?” He slapped the dragon table. “That’s ridiculous!”

The minister who had raised the suggestion was anxious and did not dare to look up. The general who stood up first requested for the decree again, “Your Majesty, I request to fight!”

The Emperor nodded. Just as the ministers thought that he was going to agree with General Chu, he said, “I understand General Chu’s intentions, but I have other things for you to do.”

Then, his gaze landed on Rong Yan. “I heard from the Grand Tutor that you’re quite talented in setting up troops and formations?”

During the morning court assembly that day, the Emperor mainly issued two decrees. One was the way to deal with the dam incident in Luo Prefecture. The second was to let Third Prince Rong Yan bring 100,000 elite soldiers to the border to defeat the Xiongnu.

On the way back, Rong Yan and Xiao Ran had many guesses about the reason why the Emperor asked them to rush back to the Imperial Capital, but no one expected this.

Xiao Ran was so angry that she didn’t even want to eat. “What’s your stupid father thinking? How old are you? How can he let you go to the battlefield?”

Rong Yan comforted her. “Aunt Xiao, I heard that you were only 15 years old the first time you went to war?”

Xiao Ran glared at him. “Rascal, how can this be the same?”

Rong Yan scooped a bowl of soup for her. “I know. The Xiao Family has been military commanders for generations. Aunt Xiao, you grew up under the guidance of the previous generals. Even when you went to war for the first time, you were not inferior to men.”

He smiled and said, “But I was taught by the most outstanding General Xiao in the Xiao Family. A great teacher produces a great disciple. It’s just a small Xiongnu invasion. How can I be afraid?”

Xiao Ran flicked his forehead, and Rong Yan picked up some food for her.

“Aunt Xiao, I’m not a child anymore.”

“Besides, Father has obviously made a decision long ago. Instead of worrying, why don’t you teach me another set of spear techniques?”

This was a serious matter. Xiao Ran finished her meal and drank the soup in no time. Under her husband’s urging, she endured for an hour to digest it. Then, she immediately went to find Rong Yan to practice the spear.

When she came, she happened to see Rong Yan let the carrier pigeon fly. “Is it for Yun Er or that little girl?”

Rong Yan’s slightly red face was not obvious under the moonlight. “I have to tell her.”

He looked in the direction of Fortune Village. The news from Lord Chen and Lord Shen had already been sent. The repair of the dam was very smooth, so Fortune Village, where Xiaoxiao was, should be safe, right?

What would she be doing at this time? Was she fishing for prawns or studying new dishes?

Xiaoxiao was invited to the celebration banquet. Lord Chen strongly urged her to celebrate the end of the crisis and even firmly forbade her from cooking.

“You’ve been tired for so many days. You should rest.”

Xiaoxiao looked at Furong, who had a wooden face and was obviously not willing to come, and sat down happily.

On the other hand, Furong said that Boss and Lord Chen did not have any protective feelings for the fairer sex, but she entered the kitchen nimbly. Lord Chen brought Xiaoxiao to complete the dam renovation ceremony and came back just in time to eat.

When the drainage channel was withdrawn and the water surged towards the dam again, everyone’s hearts were in their throats, afraid that there would be another change. At this moment, a notification sounded in Xiaoxiao’s mind— [Congratulations to the host for completing the hidden mission—Benefitting The Common People. You have received 100,000 points for outstanding contributions!]

[Current total points: 168,800. Do you want to upgrade?]

That was a must. She was still waiting to take a look at the mysterious door that hid the reward when she leveled up to 20.

[Upgrade successful. Current space level: Level 11.]

[The time flow in the farmland has increased. The current time flow is 11 times!]

[The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current time flow is 11 times!]

[The time flow in the water has increased. The current time flow is 11 times!] [Time Hut’s current adjustable speed is plus or minus 11 times!] [Range Control ability upgraded!]

[The Space Exchange Mall category is updated.]

[New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is 11×11.]

[Current total points are 68,800.]

As expected, it was good to open more shops. Her points soared by themselves.

Xiaoxiao, who was in a good mood, rushed into the cheering crowd and celebrated too. It would be great if Little Big Brother was here when she was happy. Thinking of this, she lay in the carriage again regretfully and returned to Fortune Village.

When they went home this time, Lord Chen specially sent someone to escort them. When the laborers they met along the way saw this familiar carriage, they would wave and greet it in a friendly manner. Unknowingly, Xiaoxiao woke up. Xiaoxiao lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw a familiar courtyard.

Opening the door, the first to rush over was the sad-faced Walnut and Scarf, whose fur had lost its luster.

Only their big brother, who left early and returned late, was at home. They were already grateful that the two of them did not starve to death. Of course, they could not eat and drink well every day like when Xiaoxiao was around. Hence, the two of them showed great enthusiasm when they saw their dear Mistress return..