Chapter 428: Xie Yuan's Migraine

Isn't Golden Radiance City our city?

Yeah, Shaodang took it, His Highness plans to take it back, and on the way get revenge at their hometown.

Xie Yuan: … Seems fine.

But, wasn't it said Commander Chang already reached Wing Province and is almost back? Who is His Highness taking to attack Shaodang? Inspector Tang?

Inspector Tang is at the foothills of Heavenly Mountain; His Highness can't wait that long, this time he's personally taking the four hundred snow cavalry stationed beside him.

Xie Yuan felt dizzy.

Four hundred!

He couldn't imagine it—how could the Western Qiang be a good place to go?! And only a mere four hundred people!

The Grand Steward was calm, "Right, His Highness asked me to tell you: once Commander Chang brings the Lu clan back, please receive and settle them. If the Lu clan has any talent fit for office, just arrange it directly."

Xie Yuan took a deep breath, "Does he still have the leisure to worry about this?"

The Grand Steward spread his hands casually, and Xie Yuan began to have a headache.

Everyone says the early teens are a hated age, but he always thought the Great King was a different kind of fireworks—skipping class and fooling around with him never seemed like a big deal; who's childhood isn't mischievous? He never imagined the Great King's true ferocity lay here.

He dares to do anything!

He dares to lead four hundred men to attack the Qiang tribe!

Xie Yuan's heart pounded; he knew nothing of war and had no time to urge the Great King's return. He turned back to summon the few generals stationed in You Province, and sent someone to Shanggu Pass to recall the Marquis of the Eastern Capital, urgently needing someone versed in military affairs to assess the Great King's campaign against the Qiang and make contingency plans.

The Great King didn't charge ahead blindly either; that guy isn't stupid, he first wrote a letter to Tang Qian.

The Great King ordered Tang Qian to send troops to Golden Radiance City for support, as per the usual practice; after he takes Golden Radiance City, he'll need a period of military administration to establish new order, plus a series of follow‑up work.

After Shanggu Pass, they also plan to make Golden Radiance City a border patrol outpost; the Great King intends to set up a watchpost at the junction of the Northern Border and Western Qiang to keep tabs on their movements.

The Wei family in the southwest is too far to reach; the parts of the Northern Border that adjoin it still have to rely on their own vigilance, and Golden Radiance City serves as a cautionary example.

Even if we retreat ten thousand steps, Shaodang's terrain advantage is enormous; if a lightning strike on Shaodang goes wrong, we'll still need Old Tang's support.

At this point the Great King somewhat regrets placing the last pass on the Luoshui River; compared to foreign tribes, what's Baili Jin?

The Great King wrote the letter all night, then went to shake Lord Zhetian awake.

He was squatting by the night light, sleeping soundly, and the Great King seized him without a word and began tying the letter to his leg.

"Zhetian, it's time for me to use you again!" Huh, why 'again'? I haven't had you deliver a letter in ages." Hearing the words 'send a letter', Zhetian's little eyes lit up, almost rivaling the Great King's night light.

After tying the letter, the impoverished Great King opened the map to show it: "This time it's to be sent to Shanggu Pass for Tang Qian—do you remember? Big Beard…… nobody's around here at midnight; you just need to know the spot. To Shanggu Pass, Tang Qian—got it?"

Zhetian pulled back his head to show he understood—quick, give the travel funds!

He looked utterly impatient.

The Great King delayed pulling out his purse, then began to ramble: "…Look at this map—we're here, Tang Qian's here, isn't it close? Our home You Province is by the sea here—see, if you go to Yang Pass to find Tang Qian you'd save half the journey, just need to fly this short stretch…… So, after all this, do you get it at all?"

Bai Ze: …

"What did you understand? This trip's only worth 1,500 taels?"

The Great King delighted, flashing tonight's first smile, "Buzz‑in correct!"

Bai Ze: …

"You'd better be able to explain it clearly to the thugs too."

Zhetian didn't get what, but he flapped his wings at the Great King—travel funds! Travel funds! Hurry up and give the travel funds! He can't wait to deliver the letter!

Great King: …