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墨書 Inktalez
However, only Lu Chen understood that what seemed like a prosperous era of Unstable was still far from the true Unstable, as the Central Plains had yet to be unified and remained divided into three parts. Only after eliminating Korea and the Daiwa Dynasty would the real era of Unstable arrive, which Lu Chen eagerly anticipated. However, this matter had been delayed repeatedly, and after two or three years, no results had emerged, especially after experiencing the significant event during Sun Zizhao's time, which brought about mourning.
Later, Lu Chen submitted a memorial to the Young Emperor, expressing his desire to eliminate the bandits. This was not only Lu Chen's wish but also the unfulfilled dying wish of Sun Zizhao. In his final moments, he grasped Lu Chen's hand tightly and expressed his heartfelt plea with a trembling voice: it was imperative to eradicate those bandits from Korea and the Great Qi Dynasty before he could rest in peace.
In front of all the officials, Lu Chen criticized their proposal to focus on recuperation and strongly advocated for war. His main argument was: "The Former Emperor's enterprise was cut short before it could be completed; now we are divided into three parts, and Yi Province is exhausted. This is indeed a critical moment for survival. Yet, the loyal ministers within do not relent, and those who forget themselves outside do so out of gratitude for the Former Emperor's special favor, wishing to repay it to Your Majesty. It is truly appropriate to open your ears to their counsel in order to honor the Former Emperor's legacy.
The spirit of ambitious scholars should not be belittled; invoking misplaced principles only serves to block the path of loyal advice.
The palace and court should function as one entity; rewards and punishments should not differ. If there are those who commit crimes or act loyally and righteously, they should be judged by the authorities according to their merits and punishments, so that Your Majesty's principles are made clear; favoritism should not lead to differing laws for insiders and outsiders.
Imperial Guard Deputy Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, and others are all capable individuals with pure intentions; thus they were selected by the Former Emperor to serve Your Majesty. I believe that matters within the palace should be consulted with them before implementation; this will surely help fill gaps and bring benefits.
General Xiang Chong has good character and is knowledgeable in military affairs; in past trials, the Former Emperor praised him as capable, hence he was recommended for command. I believe that matters in the camp should also be consulted with him; this will ensure harmony in formations and proper allocation of roles.
To favor virtuous ministers while distancing oneself from outsiders is how the former Han thrived; to favor relatives while distancing oneself from virtuous ministers is how the later Han fell. When the Former Emperor was alive, he often sighed in lament over Huan and Ling with me regarding this matter. The Imperial Attendant, Minister of Works, Chief Clerk, and Military Advisor are all loyal ministers who have died for their principles; if Your Majesty trusts and respects them, then the revival of the Han Dynasty can be expected soon.
I am originally a commoner who tilled the fields in Nanyang; I sought only to preserve my life during these chaotic times without seeking fame among lords. The Former Emperor did not regard me as lowly or base; he humbly visited me three times in my humble abode to consult me on current affairs. This moved me deeply, leading me to promise my service to him. Later, during times of upheaval, I accepted responsibilities amidst defeat and served during crises; it has now been twenty-one years since then.
The Former Emperor knew I was cautious; thus he entrusted me with great matters before his passing. Since receiving this mandate, I have worried day and night, fearing that I might fail his expectations and tarnish his reputation. Therefore, I have crossed rivers and ventured into barren lands. Now that the south is settled and our forces are sufficient, it is time to reward our troops and march northward to stabilize the Central Plains—this is my duty to repay the Former Emperor and remain loyal to Your Majesty. As for weighing benefits against losses and offering loyal advice, that responsibility lies with Youzhi, Yi, Yun.
I hope Your Majesty entrusts me with the task of eliminating bandits and restoring order; if I fail, let me bear punishment for my shortcomings before the spirit of the Former Emperor. If there are no words of virtue offered by others, then hold Youzhi, Yi, Yun accountable for their negligence as a demonstration of their faults; Your Majesty should also plan wisely by consulting good paths and discerning noble words while deeply pursuing the Former Emperor's last wishes. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your kindness.
Now as I prepare to depart, tears fall as I write this memorial; I do not know what else to say."
The nearly thousand-word edict against bandits filled dozens of bamboo slips and took Lu Chen most of the night to complete; he presented it immediately upon attending court.
The edict against bandits not only expressed Lu Chen's intentions but also encompassed significant matters frequently discussed between him and Former Emperor Sun Zizhao during his reign: eradicating rebels without returning until they were defeated. Lu Chen's stance in this edict was clear: he would not return until those rebels were eliminated.
In the end, Lu Chen insisted on his proposal, which was personally reviewed by the Emperor and approved. In his memorial, Lu Chen had already made a Military Pledge: if he did not eliminate the rebels from Korea and the Great Qi Dynasty, he would present his head.
This demonstrated Lu Chen's determination and expressed his desire for unification. After the Emperor's approval, Lu Chen resumed his position and was appointed as the Western Conqueror General, leading six hundred thousand troops to battle, scheduled to commence three months later. This news shocked everyone.
The Crown Prince Grand Tutor of the Daiwa Dynasty was appointed as the Western Conqueror General, restarting the war and beginning the campaign against Korea and the Great Qi Dynasty. Among those who supported Lu Chen were many close associates, while those who opposed him were primarily individuals fearful of war and its casualties, most of whom were students. They submitted memorials to impeach Lu Chen, but all were suppressed and did not reach the Emperor.
With war imminent, the entire Central Plains would soon be engulfed in flames of conflict, a fact that had become unchangeable.
The Daiwa Dynasty began to widely summon troops, with military drills occurring much more frequently than in previous years, and there was a significant mobilization of supplies and warhorses.
All of this indicated that the Central Plains would once again fall into chaos, an undeniable reality. The two countries being targeted, Korea and the Great Qi Dynasty, also took corresponding actions, mobilizing troops and training soldiers in preparation for defense.
During these months, Lu Chen was heavily involved in domestic affairs, taking charge of many matters personally. He devoted himself entirely to the country; however, this did not mean others viewed him in the same light. Among them, Yin Boqing sent messages to Lu Chen.
The gist of these messages was insults and personal attacks against Lu Chen, calling him worse than a beast for reigniting war and plunging everyone into great injustice. Lu Chen merely smiled coldly at this; suddenly feeling a surge of anger, he realized that instead of seeking trouble with Yin Boqing, he had inadvertently set a trap for himself. This was likely due to the incident with Tang Wuqing, which he had yet to let go.
Tang Wuqing was someone he had trained specifically to deal with Lu Chen but had repeatedly failed in battle without any victories. This fact must have greatly disappointed Yin Boqing. Moreover, Tang Wuqing's death caused him considerable grief; Lu Chen never expected someone like Yin Boqing could feel sorrow.
"It seems it's time to pay a visit to the Five Element Sect. Such an unprincipled teacher will not be spared by morality even if I wish to let him go."
After receiving the news, Lu Chen changed his plans on short notice; visiting the Five Element Sect had become an unavoidable task for him.
Since escaping from the Five Element Sect and breaking free from Yin Boqing's control, Lu Chen had already resolved that there would be a conclusion between him and Yin Boqing in this lifetime. He believed that one of them must fall between master and disciple; this was fate.
Since it was already destined, it might as well come sooner rather than later. Lu Chen's visit to the Five Element Sect was meant to settle matters with Yin Boqing once and for all; it could also be considered a decisive battle. However, over these years, Lu Chen's cultivation had improved significantly; as a Qi Master, he had entered the Elysium of Longevity and was not far from becoming a War God. Meanwhile, Yin Spirit had reached the Five Realms of the Void Immortal. Yet he knew that Yin Boqing's cultivation would not have stagnated either; with his god-like talent and unscrupulous methods, he should now be at the seventh level of Void Immortal. This was merely Lu Chen's speculation but based on solid reasoning; he believed it wouldn't be too far off.
In a decisive battle against a Void Immortal at the seventh level, the outcome of life and death was uncertain. Lu Chen understood this well, so he made arrangements for his aftermath in advance.
Even if a Yin God Practitioner could undergo Corpse Dissolution Reincarnation and start anew, he could leave behind his legacy and continue his endeavors after reincarnation. However, Lu Chen dismissed this idea because he understood Yin Boqing's methods. If he were to be defeated, Yin Boqing would ensure that his Yin Spirit fragments would not escape, let alone give him the chance for Corpse Dissolution Reincarnation.
In his arrangements, Lu Chen entrusted everything to his favored disciple, Lian Chengbi. Although Lian Chengbi had devoted himself to martial arts, under Lu Chen's strong insistence over the years, he had to start learning again, studying the Four Books and Five Classics thoroughly and mastering ethical principles. After years of transformation, Lian Chengbi was no longer the reckless warrior he once was.
Now, Lian Chengbi could be described as someone who could kill enemies on horseback and govern a nation on foot. He held the position of a first-rank military general, attending court with a sword at his side. He had deeply inherited Lu Chen's teachings. Lu Chen entrusted him with all important matters, including dealing with Korea and the Great Qi Dynasty, as well as taking care of the Former Emperor's affairs. This meant that if anything were to happen to Lu Chen, the heavy burden on his shoulders would fall to Lian Chengbi.
At this point, those who knew Lu Chen became sorrowful. In their perception, Lu Chen had never been serious; he never panicked regardless of whom he faced. But this time, Lu Chen was too serious—he even made arrangements for his aftermath.
It was precisely because of these unusual signs that they felt the gravity of the situation and began to worry for Lu Chen.
Among them was Lu Chen's wife, Princess Yuanzheng from the grasslands, who insisted on accompanying him no matter what. She declared that if anything were to happen to Lu Chen, she would follow him into the afterlife.
Many others also expressed their desire to accompany Lu Chen, believing they could lend a hand in critical moments. Even if it meant facing death together in the end, they felt there was nothing to fear.
As expected, Lu Chen rejected them all. No one could help him in this matter; he could only rely on himself. Moreover, if they followed him, they might become burdensome and distract him from focusing on the battle ahead.
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