Chapter 105: The Grand Army Presses the City, the Court in Uproar, My Rules Are Rules!

Jiangling County Shan Kui Military Camp.

It is one of the nine great Da Xia military camps.

It lies near Jiangling County.

This place is a crucial hub for north‑south traffic and trade, requiring a garrison and holding great strategic importance.

If trouble arises in the north, the Shan Kui camp can provide immediate aid, deploying troops, horses, food and logistics here.

Naturally, this garrison is extremely important.

Within ten li of the camp, sentries patrol and no idle persons may enter.

But as two figures appeared, raising swirling yellow sand, a squad of elite troops rushed forward to block them.

"Ahead is a Da Xia military camp; private individuals may not trespass without permission."

"Who comes?"

The leading young officer shouted loudly.

He halted the two from advancing.

His eagle‑sharp gaze examined their appearance and attire, recognizing they were not ordinary, so he did not act overly harshly.

Otherwise, with any other person, he would have already drawn his bow.

"I am the grandson of the Lord of the State, Gu Jin Nian."

"Accompanied by great‑grandson Li Ji, acting on His Majesty's decree."

"There is unrest in Jiangling County; by order we mobilize troops."

"Dispatch a hundred thousand troops at once to suppress the unrest with me."

The voice rang out.

It was booming as a bell.

Not far away, the elite squad's expressions changed dramatically.

Jiangling County in revolt? They did not know the specifics, but "unrest" essentially meant rebellion.

That is a matter of heaven‑sized importance.

"Grandson of the Lord of the State?"

"His Highness the Crown Prince?"

"His Highness the Great‑Grandson?"

The leading commander, not daring to be careless, hurried to Gu Jin Nian and dismounted at once.

"I pay my respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."

"I pay my respects to His Highness the Great‑Grandson."

"May we see the orders?"

The young commander spoke; he dared not overstate, and dismounted respectfully.

However, Gu Jin Nian gave no idle words, tossing a pile of orders before him.

"Da Xia Golden Order, Lord of the State Silver Order, Qin King Order, Suspended Lantern Department Secret Order—enough to prove this Crown Prince's identity."

Gu Jin Nian was blunt; he carried many orders, but none of his own, since he had not yet been crowned and did not need them.

As for Li Ji, recalling something, he immediately tossed a golden token and said,

"This is my father's Crown Prince Order; you should verify it quickly."

Li Ji spoke, saying thus.

Seeing the multitude of orders on the ground, the soldiers gaped one by one.

"Goodness, so many orders? Any single one is formidable."

A few picked them up, examined them briefly, and could confirm without doubt.

No one dared to forge such orders.

At once, the young officer, without chatter, said,

"His Highness the Crown Prince, the troop‑deployment matter requires a discussion with the general."

"The General of Shan Kui Camp was once a subordinate of the Lord of the State; His Highness the Crown Prince follows me."

The latter added, specifically noting the garrison general's connection to the Lord of the State.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian nodded, said nothing more, and followed.

Soon, the group ceased idle talk and rushed toward the camp.

They stepped into the camp.

A solemn killing aura spread; the entire Shan Kui camp housed three hundred thousand troops, not counting logistics staff—if included, the number would roughly double.

"Hey!"

"Hey!"

"Hey!"

Shouts of "Hey!" rang out; not far away, thousands were training, each clad in battle armor, practicing martial arts without a hint of laziness.

The camp.

The nation's foundation.

Training is extremely strict, intended to protect the country.

Under the opponent's lead.

Finally arriving at the great camp.

However, Gu Jin Nian and Li Ji could not yet enter; they needed to report.

After standing outside the camp for a brief moment.

A bright, hearty laugh rang out.

"Is it Jin Nian who has arrived?"

The laugh rang out, accompanied by a figure, who walked out of the camp.

It was a middle‑aged man, broad‑shouldered, clad in iron armor, like an iron tower.

He moved with a dragon's stride and a tiger's step, exuding a powerful aura; his square‑shaped face was supremely imposing, and even with a smile he gave an overwhelming sense of pressure.

He is the garrison commander of Shan Kui Camp, General Wu Wang Zhi.

"Jin Nian, I have seen the general."

Seeing the newcomer, Gu Jin Nian clasped his hands in a bow and said.

But Li Ji beside him did not bow; he is the Taizun, a superior, and cannot bow to subordinates.

"Jin Nian, nephew."

"Never imagined I would one day see you in the camp."

"That truly is beyond imagination."

"I have seen His Highness the Taizun."

Wu Wang Zhi looked at Gu Jin Nian, let out a hearty laugh, and upon seeing the Taizun, respectfully called out a title, without any overstepping.

"General Wu."

"By the Emperor's decree, I have come to requisition troops."

Gu Jin Nian did not chatter; he needed troops, and he needed them quickly, without hesitation.

With those words spoken,

Wu Wang Zhi's expression did not change, but he invited the two to enter the main camp.

At once, Gu Jin Nian and Li Ji walked into the main camp.

As the two entered,

Wu Wang Zhi's voice rang out immediately.

"Jin Nian."

"Who has bullied you?"

He asked directly, looking at Gu Jin Nian as he spoke.

"None."

"Uncle, the nephew is merely acting on the decree."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"Alas."

"Jin Nian, your order is wrong; the matter of moving troops cannot be done with a single imperial edict."

"It requires half of the Emperor's dragon talisman and half of the Ministry of War's tiger talisman to mobilize a great army."

"One imperial edict cannot mobilize a hundred‑thousand troops."

"I see anger in your eyes, likely you've run into trouble; how about this: I will dispatch a thousand elite to protect you, then give you my command, and within Jiangling County there should be no one to trouble you."

Wu Wang Zhi spoke.

It is not that he refuses to help Gu Jin Nian; rather, Gu Jin Nian's actions completely break the rules.

How could a single imperial edict mobilize a hundred‑thousand troops? Moving troops requires half of the Emperor's dragon talisman plus half of the Ministry's tiger talisman; otherwise, relying on one edict, a forged edict would cause chaos.

Of course, he believes Gu Jin Nian would not forge an edict, but the rules are the rules.

"General."

"The imperial edict is placed here; this is the Emperor's will."

"A hundred‑thousand troops, not a single one may be missing."

"If the court blames you, General, the nephew will guarantee with his own head, and will absolve you."

"Moreover, the Taizun is also here; if anything happens, it is our problem, not the General's fault."

Gu Jin Nian remained steadfast.

He needs a hundred‑thousand troops.

Not a single one may be missing.

"Jin Nian, nephew, this is not about absolution; arbitrarily moving troops is a capital crime. You and the Taizun have not yet been crowned, and you have made a grave mistake; the unlucky one is the uncle."

He said.

This matter is too difficult for him.

"Then, I will send an additional three thousand iron cavalry to follow you; how does that sound?"

The other side replied.

With Gu Jin Nian's authority, providing a thousand iron cavalry as protection is no problem; he also has that power.

If the imperial edict is added, three thousand is also no problem.

At least it can solve part of the trouble.

However, Gu Jin Nian said little, instead placing the imperial edict on the other's desk and speaking slowly.

"Uncle, please first look at the edict's contents."

Gu Jin Nian said lightly.

He knew that trying to mobilize a hundred‑thousand troops with a single edict was almost impossible.

But since he dared to come, he also had confidence.

The latter frowned slightly.

But he still unfolded the edict; he knew it was indeed an edict, and also knew one thing: since the Emperor allowed Gu Jin Nian to move troops, he would certainly hand over the dragon and tiger talismans.

Otherwise, relying on a single imperial decree to mobilize a hundred thousand troops, that would be impossible to justify no matter what.

But, when the imperial decree was unfolded.

Wu Wangzhi's facial expression changed instantly.

The content of the imperial decree is very simple.

Cooperate with Gu Jin Nian to apprehend Jian De.

Yes, apprehend Jian De.

If it were written about Jian De's remnants, his expression would not have turned so grim.

But Emperor Jian De is different.

This is someone His Majesty has been wanting to capture day and night.

Not to mention a hundred thousand troops; even if it were two hundred thousand, as long as they could capture him, they would spare no expense.

"Is this imperial decree genuine?"

Wu Wangzhi looked at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes full of questioning.

If this imperial decree is genuine, then he really needs to consider it carefully.

After all, for any reason, he would not dispatch troops.

But if it's Emperor Jian De who's involved, then it's hard to say.

If it's genuine, and he doesn't dispatch troops, delaying time, His Majesty will blame him, and he will have nowhere to die.

If it's fake, and he dispatches troops, although he will be punished, the main issue is still Gu Jin Nian and the Heir Apparent; for them to extricate themselves is not difficult.

Even the Duke of the State will not stand by idly.

So, he dare not gamble.

But the person who came is different—it's Gu Jin Nian.

If it were the Duke of the State, he would not say a word and would directly dispatch troops.

"General Wu."

"We, the Heir Apparent and the Heir Apparent's Highness, have personally appeared; could it still be false?"

"Imperial decrees can be forged, and our two identities can be forged as well?"

"General, I have come to Jiangling Commandery; it is a special dispatch from His Majesty to capture Jian De and deliver him to the capital."

"If the opportunity is delayed, then even if my nephew wanted to speak well for my uncle, it would be useless; you know His Majesty's temper—Emperor Jian De is the person His Majesty most wants to see."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, each word firm, his gaze resolute and spirited.

One imperial decree.

Cannot mobilize a hundred thousand troops.

That's right.

But we also need to see what kind of imperial decree this is.

Jian De.

He is the person the Da Xia emperor most wants to see, and this is something all officials know.

Whoever can capture Jian De could even be ennobled as a marquis.

This is no joke.

At this moment.

Wu Wangzhi's expression changed slightly.

He was weighing things.

He was also torn.

After a moment, Wu Wangzhi took a deep breath and said.

"Could we wait a day? I will have someone make an urgent inquiry to His Majesty over a thousand li."

"Within a day, there is enough time to go and return; if we obtain His Majesty's consent, we will dispatch troops immediately."

Wu Wangzhi spoke up.

Although he still did not directly agree, he had already wavered.

"Opportunity must not be lost, for it will not come again."

"There and back."

"It would also be enough time for Jian De to escape; I cannot bear this responsibility."

Gu Jin Nian did not give the other party any time to consider.

He placed the pressure on Wu Wangzhi.

Having received this reply.

Wu Wangzhi finally exhaled.

Then he spoke.

"Come here."

As the voice sounded.

In an instant, two soldiers walked in.

At this moment.

Wu Wangzhi threw out a tally of authority, his expression solemn as he said.

"Emergency mobilization of a hundred thousand troops."

"Follow the Heir Apparent on campaign to suppress Jiangling Commandery."

"Led by the Heir Apparent, obey the Heir Apparent's orders."

Wu Wangzhi shouted loudly.

Two soldiers received the tiger tally, without any hesitation.

"Will obey."

Having said that, the two turned and left.

Meanwhile, Li Ji's eyes showed even greater shock.

As for Gu Jin Nian, he appeared completely calm.

"Thank you, General."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, expressing his thanks to the other party.

"Jin Nian."

"The Duke of State has shown me kindness; I will not investigate this matter further."

"But with a hundred thousand troops mobilized, the court will surely learn of it immediately."

"You must make all preparations."

Wu Wangzhi spoke up.

He said no more; if this truly is the Emperor's edict, then he would have earned merit; if not, the misfortune would fall on Gu Jin Nian and the Crown Prince.

"He himself will be punished, but not severely."

Jian De

That is enough to offset everything.

"Thank you."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, realizing he was playing with fire.

But he intended to set this fire ablaze completely.

Burn it until the court cannot help but pay attention to this matter.

Boom—boom—boom.

Soon, the entire camp sprang into action, batches of soldiers donning iron armor, groups of warhorses gathering.

Many soldiers did not understand what had happened, but faced with military orders, no one dared to act rashly.

All the soldiers, fully equipped and ready to depart.

Fortunately, time was not pressing.

Within half an hour, the hundred-thousand-strong army had fully assembled.

Thirty thousand cavalry, fifty thousand infantry, ten thousand archers, and ten thousand armored soldiers.

Because their destination was Jiangling Commandery.

The baggage and logistics could be suitably reduced, after all, this was not a distant expedition.

All preparations were complete.

Ten deputy commanders entered the main tent.

"Jin Nian."

"These two are my most capable assistants, Xu Jin and Wang Peng; for any matter, you may directly order them."

As the ten deputy commanders arrived, Wu Wangzhi immediately began introductions.

"Greetings, Heir Apparent."

"Your Highness the Heir Apparent, the troops are ready and can set out at any moment."

The two immediately bowed to the Heir Apparent.

"Good."

"As your nephew, I'll skip the pleasantries and simply thank you, Uncle Wu."

With the arrivals, Gu Jin Nian also saw no need for further pleasantries; after thanking Wu Wangzhi once more, he took Li Ji and left.

And Wu Wangzhi's voice followed shortly after.

"Everything shall be under the Heir Apparent; no one may defy military orders."

He spoke.

He added a note of emphasis.

"Everything is led by Gu Jin Nian; the hundred-thousand army must obey his arrangements."

Upon saying that,

The ten deputy commanders responded in unison.

And as the crowd departed,

Within the camp,

Wu Wangzhi found himself sitting in the chief seat, his expression contemplative.

At that moment, a figure entered—the military advisor.

"General."

"Mobilizing a hundred-thousand army is no trivial matter; it cannot be done merely with a single imperial edict."

"Should we send someone to the capital to verify the seal?"

"I suspect that the edict has been privately forged."

The military advisor approached, his face somewhat grim.

"Mobilizing a hundred-thousand army is unheard of; in peacetime, how could such a force be needed?"

"No need."

"Gu Jin Nian and the Crown Prince, together with this edict, are sufficient to mobilize the troops."

If we ask, it'll only add trouble.

If we don't ask, it's a crime of ignorance, and Gu Jin Nian is truly clever, using Jian De to press me.

We shouldn't intervene in this matter.

Whoever interferes, dies.

Wu Wang Zhi spoke up, his face looking very grim.

The military advisor heard this and his expression also turned sour.

"General, should we inform the commandant?"

He continued to ask.

"No."

"We must not intervene in this matter at all."

"The officials of White Heron Prefecture are truly beyond foolish; they have many ways to hinder Gu Jin Nian, yet they insist on this method."

"And they think they're clever."

"The great army has already set out; leaving everyone untouched is the proper way."

"However, Jiangling Commandery is about to run red with blood."

He said.

In his mind, Gu Jin Nian's unyieldingly resolute gaze flashed, and he knew something big was about to happen.

"A river of blood? Could the Crown Prince dare to kill the prefect?"

The military advisor frowned and said.

"Prefect?"

"Do you believe he would dare to kill the commandant?"

"Do you know what I, the general, am most worried about now?"

Wu Wang Zhi took a deep breath. Killing a prefect is nothing; with a hundred thousand troops, killing a prefect really isn't a big deal.

"What do you mean, General?"

The military advisor seemed curious.

"A vassal prince is leading troops into the fray."

Wu Wang Zhi's hands trembled slightly.

This is what he worries about most.

He already knows what exactly happened in Jiangling Commandery and who is behind it.

If Gu Jin Nian continues to investigate, he will inevitably uncover a shocking case.

And some people won't be able to sit still.

When that time comes, truly terrifying events will occur.

That's what he most wishes to avoid.

"Vassal prince entering?"

"Then General, why did you agree to redeploy troops?"

The military advisor seemed confused.

"You didn't see Gu Jin Nian's gaze; if I didn't agree, he would have more ways and would expose me."

"I could only agree."

"What we must do now is ignore everything, send a hundred soldiers to monitor constantly; Gu Jin Nian's actions must be watched by me at all times, understand?"

He spoke, and after saying that, fell silent.

Meanwhile.

Outside the camp.

A hundred thousand troops filled an empty plot completely.

On warhorses.

Gu Jin Nian stared at the army, feeling deeply moved.

In the past, reading history, when a million troops marched or clashed, he felt little.

But now, looking at these hundred thousand troops, an indescribable shock hit him.

The feeling is beyond words.

One hundred thousand.

The number seems small, but when it stands before you, you realize how terrifying a hundred thousand troops are.

Thirty thousand iron cavalry generate a soaring killing aura.

Fifty thousand infantry, all with resolute gazes.

Ten thousand crossbowmen, melee swords and ranged bolts.

Ten thousand armored soldiers, under the sun, appear as an invincible legion.

Gu Jin Nian felt shocked.

Li Ji was equally overwhelmed; at that moment he fully understood why his grandfather wanted to go to war.

Damn, this is so hot‑blooded!

In front of the troops, ten deputy generals guarded him on both sides.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, the army is fully prepared, awaiting your command."

Left deputy general Xu Jin spoke, addressing Gu Jin Nian.

"Give the order."

"Forty thousand infantry head straight for White Heron Residence at top speed."

"Leave ten thousand infantry to blockade the capital of Jiangling Commandery; no free entry or exit; anyone without orders who enters or exits on their own will be killed without pardon."

"Dispatch another five thousand elite troops into the city, detain all officials, thoroughly investigate their backgrounds, seize control of the capital's archives immediately, and forbid any unauthorized entry; violators will be killed."

"If the archives are burned, the supervising officers will be beheaded publicly, and all accomplices will be punished together."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His expression was cold; he issued the first command.

When these words were spoken, a flash of astonishment passed through the eyes of the many rogue generals.

No one expected Gu Jin Nian to be so ruthless.

Anyone who enters or leaves, kill!

Anyone who disobeys, kill!

Those who fail to protect, also kill!

And it is collective punishment, utterly brutal.

But indeed, compassion does not command troops.

"Obey the order."

A rogue general spoke without hesitation, leading ten thousand elite infantry straight to the capital of Jiangling Commandery.

The rest of the army

went straight toward White Heron Residence.

The army set out on campaign.

Yellow sand stretched to the horizon, the earth rolled and mountains shook.

Thousands of troops and ten thousand horses created an overwhelming momentum.

At this moment,

the road from Jiangling Commandery to White Heron Residence.

Hundreds of iron cavalry were entangled in battle with Su Huaiyu and others.

Because they could not harm people, the three were heavily restricted.

They could only retreat, not advance.

Fortunately, the three were exceptionally strong, so the problem was minor; they were tasked with buying time.

However, at this very moment,

Boom—

Boom—

Like an earthquake.

Everyone halted the fighting, turned their gazes there, eyes full of curiosity.

Yet,

The next instant,

Yellow sand filled the sky as dense iron cavalry appeared, exuding a terrifying killing aura.

In an instant, the hundreds of iron cavalry were stunned.

Before they could react, a thunderous voice rang out.

"Capture all of you."

The voice sounded.

It was Gu Jin Nian.

No idle words.

Under such a massive army, how could there be safety? The elite sent by Xu Ping could not possibly resist such a terrifying force.

They lacked even the courage to fight and surrendered outright.

After the people were captured, the army set out again.

And Su Huaiyu and the other two were completely shocked.

They knew Gu Jin Nian had left abruptly for a purpose, but they didn't expect him to be this fierce—bringing a hundred thousand army?

What is this for? "How many troops did you mobilize?"

Su Huaiyu swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

He had seen madmen before.

But he had never seen anyone as crazy as Gu Jin Nian.

At a glance, the iron cavalry alone numbered tens of thousands, right? This force, if deployed to the border, could fight the Xiongnu for three months. "One hundred thousand."

Gu Jin Nian calmly replied, informing Su Huaiyu.

Upon receiving the answer, Su Huaiyu nodded and then said slowly,

"Then I must inform Lord Lin Yang again."

That was Su Huaiyu's reply.

Mobilize a hundred thousand troops?

He knew Gu Jin Nian certainly lacked the Tiger Talisman and Dragon Talisman.

Although he didn't know the method used, Gu Jin Nian was playing with fire.

The Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, and all civil and military officials would be forced to die for Gu Jin Nian's cause; even the emperor might not survive.

This is no longer merely playing with fire.

This is outright chaos.

But what he couldn't understand most was why the garrison general would agree to Gu Jin Nian.

He couldn't figure it out.

Regardless of what Gu Jin Nian said, moving a hundred thousand troops without Dragon or Tiger talismans would inevitably bring him to account.

But for now, there was no need to think about it.

The troops had already been dispatched; overthinking was useless.

Thus.

A hundred‑thousand‑strong army rushed toward Bailu Mansion.

Meanwhile.

The capital of Jiangling Commandery.

Inside the lord's residence.

A figure came running in sheer panic and burst straight into the Commandant's study.

"It's bad, it's bad, a great disaster!"

"Lord, a great incident has occurred."

The steward stumbled into the study, startling the Commandant who was practicing calligraphy.

"What has happened?"

"All this panic—what decorum is this?"

The Commandant of Jiangling Commandery frowned.

He felt displeasure toward the steward.

What great incident could occur in Jiangling Commandery? Such panic is truly disgraceful.

"Lord."

"The men from the Shan Kui army camp have surrounded our Jiangling residence; every city gate is heavily guarded, thousands of elite troops have entered the city to search and have taken all officials under control."

"There is also a small group heading toward the residence now."

The steward spoke, and the Commandant turned pale.

"The camp is besieged?"

"That cannot be."

"How could such a thing happen without cause?"

"Did you see wrong? Is it the Shan Kui camp?"

The Commandant of Jiangling Commandery widened his eyes, showing a lapse.

But before he could speak,

some voices rang out inside the residence.

"What are you doing? This is the Commandant's residence."

"What do you intend to do?"

A noisy voice rose.

Soon, dozens of people appeared outside the study.

It was a Deputy General, leading a hundred men, coming into the residence.

"Deputy General Zhou."

"What exactly has happened?"

Seeing who had arrived, the Commandant of Jiangling Commandery couldn't help but frown; he knew who it was.

"Please forgive, Commandant."

"We act on military orders."

"We hope you will not blame us."

The latter spoke, his face stern.

"Military order? Whose order?"

"Why have I received no information?"

His expression darkened as he asked directly.

"The Duke of the Nation's grandson, Gu Jin Nian, the Duke's military order."

The other side replied.

In an instant, the Commandant's complexion grew even worse.

"Is it him?"

"How could he mobilize the Shan Kui army camp? Isn't this nonsense?"

"Send Wu Wang Zhi over; I will personally ask him how he became a general."

"To dare to move troops and block Jiangling Commandery—such audacity! Is this a rebellion?"

The Commandant felt some anger.

If it were Wu Wang Zhi's order, he would be solemn and fearful, but hearing it was Gu Jin Nian's order set his blood boiling.

What sort of person is Gu Jin Nian? What can the crown prince do?

Can a crown prince even arrange troop movements like this?

"Lord."

"His Highness the Crown Prince has issued a decree."

"The general has already handed the troop talisman to His Highness the Crown Prince."

"Therefore, whatever the case, we will act on the order."

The latter's complexion clearly grew colder for a moment.

They are soldiers, are military men, carrying out orders; no one can cause them trouble.

"Carrying out orders for what?"

The county magistrate spoke coldly.

"This is not something an adult can manage; in short, before the Crown Prince arrives, or before any other military orders."

"Please, sir, honestly stay within the manor."

He spoke.

"What if I, an old man, must leave?"

The county magistrate's expression also grew cold.

He is a dignified county magistrate; when has he ever been spoken to like that? "Then we can only follow orders."

"The Crown Prince commands: seal off all officials' residences; anyone who disobeys shall be killed without mercy."

"County magistrate, I do not wish conflict; please make a concession."

The latter spoke.

But his tone grew colder, especially his eyes, which still showed the murderous aura.

The county magistrate is formidable.

A celestial official of a region.

But so what? We soldiers really aren't afraid of local officials.

Military orders are like a mountain.

That is what matters.

Hearing this, the Jiangling County magistrate fell silent.

He didn't know how to answer.

"Fine."

"Then I shall see what the court's attitude is."

"The Crown Prince has gone mad, Wu Wang Zhi has also gone mad; I will just wait to see his misfortune."

After saying this, he sat back in his seat, his expression dark and terrifying.

The latter was unperturbed, speaking lightly.

"Search the correspondence, guard all exits and entrances; anyone who dares to leave shall be killed without mercy."

After saying this, he turned and left, giving no face at all.

Thus.

The next day.

Morning.

At the third quarter of the Mao hour.

The scorching sun was overhead.

Inside the White Heron Residence.

A scene of tranquility.

At the city gate, the soldiers stood guard as usual; some stretched lazily, their eyes a little dazed.

After all, they had just woken up, appearing a bit sluggish.

But at that moment.

Suddenly.

Boom—

Boom—

Like an earthquake.

The sound grew louder.

Looking up.

In the distance.

Yellow sand filled the sky.

The city‑guarding soldiers were stunned.

Upon closer watch, the next moment each one's complexion turned pale.

"Enemy! Enemy! Attack, enemy attack!"

Finally, when countless troops appeared, someone realized and shouted with a trembling voice.

Dong—dong—dong—

Dong—dong—dong—

War drums sounded.

It meant an enemy attack.

The war‑drum sound rang through the city; in an instant, drums sounded at the four gates—east, south, west, and north.

Inside the White Heron Residence hall.

Xu Ping and others were handling official business.

However, as the war‑drum sound rose.

Everyone's expression changed involuntarily.

"What is that sound?"

"It's the sound of war drums. Is there an enemy raid?"

"Impossible. How could there be an enemy raid when everything's fine? If there truly is a raid, the first target should be Jiangling Prefecture, not our White Heron Prefecture."

"Go, hurry and take a look."

"Stop babbling, go."

The officials grew curious, and for a moment thought they had misheard.

But Xu Ping's complexion turned extremely grim.

In an instant, he entertained a bold conjecture.

"Quickly go inform Mr. Kong to come."

Xu Ping spoke, inhaling deeply; he knew trouble was coming.

But he was unclear what exactly was happening.

Soon, all officials of White Heron Prefecture rushed to the city wall.

Without hearing the soldiers' chatter, Xu Ping and the others went straight up the city.

Quickly, a scene that turned their faces pale appeared.

In the distance.

A massive army surged in from all directions.

The ground trembled slightly.

Black iron cavalry, terrifying in the sun like killing‑god Asuras, surged toward White Heron Prefecture.

"These are people from the Mountain Chief Military Camp."

"Yes, people from the Mountain Chief Military Camp. How did they get here?"

"What is going on?"

"The Mountain Chief Military Camp folks shouldn't be related to Gu Jin Nian, right?"

"Definitely not. Such a huge force isn't something Gu Jin Nian could mobilize."

Everyone answered one after another.

At first they thought Gu Jin Nian had returned, since the recent events in White Heron Prefecture were tied to him.

Now seeing the Mountain Chief Camp people, they breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, they didn't think Gu Jin Nian could command so many troops.

"Watch first and speak."

"Close the city gate; without an order from this prefecture, the gate must not be opened."

Xu Ping frowned, saying so and issuing the order.

Thus.

Two quarters of an hour later.

The army appeared three hundred steps outside the city gate.

A mass of black iron cavalry loomed beyond the city.

Every soldier's gaze was filled with coldness.

These are Da Xia iron cavalry.

Valiant and invincible.

And the leader at the front made everyone's complexion grim.

It was Gu Jin Nian.

"Is that really Gu Jin Nian?"

"How could he mobilize so many soldiers?"

"At a glance, there must be over a hundred thousand."

"Deploy a hundred thousand troops?"

"Why would the Mountain Chief Camp agree?"

"This is inconceivable."

"It's over now, it's over…"

The officials' faces turned grim one by one, surprised that Gu Jin Nian truly brought so many soldiers.

This is absurd.

It's simply unbelievable.

"Don't panic."

"Even if troops are being moved, we haven't done anything wrong; let's first see what he intends to do."

Xu Ping spoke.

He was deeply shocked inside, yet his face remained composed.

Outside the city gate.

Gu Jin Nian lifted his head, looking at Xu Ping and the others atop the city gate.

His gaze was utterly calm.

"May I ask, Prince Heir, what does this mean?"

The next moment, a voice rang out—a White Heron Prefecture official standing on the city wall asked Gu Jin Nian.

"Open the city gate."

Gu Jin Nian ignored it, speaking lightly.

"Open the city!"

"Open the city!"

"Open the city!"

A roar rose, the sound of a hundred thousand troops shattered the clouds, gathering a terrifying, unparalleled momentum.

On the city wall.

The defending soldiers each wore a grim expression; they could endure such pressure, yet their hearts were still uneasy.

As for Xu Ping and the others, their faces turned ashen, not knowing how to reply.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Why have you dispatched troops here to encircle the White Heron Mansion?"

"Is there anything that cannot be settled through proper negotiation?"

Xu Ping spoke.

He had not expected Gu Jin Nian to be so ruthless.

Deploying a hundred thousand troops to suppress.

This is too insane.

It was also entirely beyond his expectations.

"Relay my orders to the army."

But Gu Jin Nian gave no reply.

"Within half a quarter hour."

"Do not open the gates; breach the city, and behead all officials."

Gu Jin Nian said.

His expression was icy.

Leaving aside everything else, if the gates aren't opened, stop babbling here.

Sure enough, the moment those words were spoken, in an instant all the soldiers gripped their spears, ten thousand archers even nocked crossbows and stared.

As soon as the appointed time arrives,

a rain of arrows will fall.

Ruthlessness to the extreme.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"I, an old man, do not know what you, Crown Prince, intend to do, but raising troops to attack is a grave crime. I hope you will calm your anger; whatever the matter, I will certainly negotiate with you properly."

Xu Ping spoke up.

He naturally did not want to see both sides' weapons clash; to put it bluntly, if a real slaughter broke out, the gates would be breached in less than a quarter hour.

Moreover, should any problem arise, Gu Jin Nian would surely be punished, and he would certainly die without a burial place.

There is no other reason.

Gu Jin Nian dispatched the army; regardless of the methods used, as a local official he should investigate the situation and minimize casualties as much as possible.

If he were to fight his own camp, that would be a grave crime, unless the other side were to raze the city.

After all, the Shan Kui army answers directly to His Majesty and is not a feudal prince's force.

Even if someone forged an imperial edict, it must not be forcibly imposed.

But Gu Jin Nian gave no answer.

He just watched silently.

It gave the impression that once the time arrived, he would strike mercilessly.

Quiet.

Quiet.

Everyone was very quiet.

Yet this silence created an indescribable pressure.

"Lord, what should we do? Looking at the Crown Prince, if we don't open the gates, he will truly breach the city."

"Indeed, Lord, perhaps we should let the Crown Prince in. Our conscience is clear; even if he acts tyrannically, he should not slaughter the innocent."

"Lord, Gu Jin Nian's actions will surely be reported to the capital; he won't dare act recklessly. Perhaps we should open the gates and see what Gu Jin Nian intends."

"Yes, open the gates."

In an instant, the officials began speaking one after another; they were truly frightened.

Xu Ping also couldn't help but take a deep breath.

He felt somewhat torn.

If the gates remain closed, he believes Gu Jin Nian would dare to breach the city.

If the gates are opened, many things would indeed become unspeakable.

After a while.

Finally, Xu Ping inhaled deeply, almost gritting his teeth as he said.

"Open the gate."

He spoke.

He issued the order.

At once, the massive gate slowly opened.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing else and entered the city with his iron cavalry.

Five thousand iron cavalry followed Gu Jin Nian into the city.

The remaining soldiers surged from all directions into the White Heron Mansion.

"Transmit the Crown Prince's command."

"Guard all streets within the manor, control the archives, the government office, and the officials' residences."

"If any suspicious persons are found, arrest them on the spot."

Wang Peng's voice rang out.

He issued the military order that Gu Jin Nian had previously given.

And the city gate opened.

Gu Jin Nian rode his iron cavalry slowly into the gate.

At that moment.

His aura instantly became extremely terrifying.

It was the aura brought by a hundred‑thousand‑strong army.

Xu Ping and the others appeared again at the city gate, just as before, to welcome Gu Jin Nian.

Only this time, there was no smile like before.

In its place was solemnity.

"We have seen the Crown Prince."

When Gu Jin Nian appeared again, the officials of White Heron Manor all spoke in unison and bowed toward him.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"The manor has never received any imperial orders; we wonder why Your Highness, Crown Prince, has brought troops to besiege White Heron Manor?"

"May I ask, Your Highness, Crown Prince, whether you have an official document?"

Xu Ping looked at Gu Jin Nian and asked thus.

The other side had a hundred‑thousand army; this time he dared not act recklessly.

Hearing this,

Gu Jin Nian remained calm, ordered a small booklet, and wrote two characters on it with a tiny brush.

He then tore it off and threw it onto Xu Ping's face.

"This is the official document."

"Do you need this Crown Prince to write another one?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Xu Ping's complexion turned sour upon hearing this, and when the paper fell and the words 'Road Guide' appeared, his face grew even more displeased.

Arrogant.

This is too arrogant.

But what can be done? They have come with a hundred‑thousand army.

Do we have any means to counter them?

And at that moment,

a figure hurriedly approached.

It was Kong Zhen.

He quickened his steps, glancing at the iron cavalry with a displeased expression.

When he reached Gu Jin Nian,

Kong Zhen's voice rang out immediately.

"Unauthorized troop movements are not permitted by law."

"Your Highness, Crown Prince, you have entered the city with troops; this does not conform to regulations."

"Please, Your Highness, Crown Prince, provide an explanation."

Kong Zhen stepped forward.

Although he holds no official post, he is a Great Scholar, the Great Scholar of the Kong family, and his status is extremely high.

Having been summoned by Xu Ping, he naturally had the confidence to question Gu Jin Nian.

Snap.

In an instant, a horsewhip swung, and a streak of blood instantly appeared on Kong Zhen's face.

It was Gu Jin Nian who struck.

Gu Jin Nian harbored no goodwill toward Kong Zhen; he already bore a grudge against the Kong family and did not expect the man to dare cause trouble.

Gu Jin Nian then let it be.

He cracked a whip.

Kong Zhen let out a horrendous scream instantly.

The officials trembled, some showing anger in their eyes, yet they dared not speak further.

"Does not conform to regulations?"

"My rule is the rule."

"Kong Zhen, what are you? You have no office, no status, yet you dare question this Crown Prince?"

"Xu Ping."

"Is the lord of White Heron Manor you, or this Kong Zhen?"

Gu Jin Nian's voice was icy.

After he finished striking Kong Zhen,

his gaze was exceedingly cold.

With those words, the latter swallowed, then spoke.

But he remained silent.

Under the authority of the army.

He truly dared not say anything.

"May I ask, His Highness the Crown Prince, what exactly you intend to do with such an action?"

"Whether we are right or wrong, please inform us, His Highness the Crown Prince."

However, Xu Ping did not speak; other officials spoke up, questioning Gu Jin Nian.

Only Gu Jin Nian ignored them.

Instead, he sat on his horse, quietly waiting for something.

After one incense stick burned.

Xu Jin's figure appeared.

Behind him followed dozens of soldiers, bringing a woman forward.

That woman was the one who had broken into the banquet a few days ago.

However, when he saw this woman—

Gu Jin Nian's complexion instantly changed.

Because the woman's hair was disheveled, her body covered in filth, her eyes vacant, her stare dazed, and she even muttered nonsense.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, the person has been found."

"Only, the person has already gone mad."

Xu Jin spoke; before arriving, Gu Jin Nian had instructed him on a matter, mainly to locate this woman.

He searched for a long time, asked around, and only then discovered this woman.

But the difference was that she was already mad.

Upon hearing Xu Jin's words,

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but take a deep breath, his gaze as sharp as a blade, staring at Xu Ping and the others.

"It seems Lord Xu truly does not take the Crown Prince's words to heart,"

"I said, if she gets into trouble, I will certainly not let you off."

"Men!"

"Take Lord Xu of the White Heron Mansion down for me."

"Give me a hundred lashes on the spot."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his voice a little cold.

When those words came out, Xu Ping could no longer hold back.

"His Highness the Crown Prince."

"I am an official appointed by the court, I have no fault; you cannot punish me."

"Moreover, she has lost her mind; it has nothing to do with me."

Xu Ping spoke.

He was completely panicked.

A hundred lashes—that's a death sentence.

However, these soldiers cared little about that; the command was like a mountain. They dismounted at once, fetched the execution tools, pinned Xu Ping to the ground, and carried out the punishment.

(End of chapter)