Chapter 182: The Four Kingdoms in Turmoil: The Shaobao Has Ordered the Capital!

You stared at Feng Haiping, the man you had personally shaped from a naive youth into a capable "Commander of Zhenbei Army."

Back then, he had just stepped out into the world, still awkward before large gatherings, even afraid to speak loudly.

Now, he could strategize from afar, command with calm authority, and lead a hundred thousand troops.

You smiled with satisfaction and whispered, "You've truly begun to show the bearing of a commander."

Feng Haiping stood amid his troops, usually impassive and famed for his strict discipline, yet now his face flushed faintly.

The generals ahead, seeing this, smiled.

They were all men you had personally selected and trained, yet you had not seen them in many years.

You glanced again at Jia Fu, Dou Gu, the sword-wielding monk, Chai Zhong—each one you looked upon showed signs of deep emotion.

You smiled.

To treat others sincerely, to offer help in times of need, to entrust your life—these are among the hardest things in the world, for human hearts are the most easily tested.

Yet, nothing in this world is more resilient than the human heart.

It is harder than iron, hotter than fire, and softer than water.

It is harder than iron, hotter than fire, and softer than water.

Your gaze fell gently upon the Lu Family Army soldiers, weary from their journey, and you bowed deeply, saying:

"Lu Shenzhou thanks you all!"

The voice was quiet, yet all heard it.

The veteran soldiers who had fought alongside Lu Chen for years wept uncontrollably.

Even Jia Fu, famed for his iron-blooded ruthlessness, known in the north as the "Flying General," called "one who kills without blinking."

On Jia Fu's dark face, his tiger-like eyes filled with tears.

You smiled faintly and whispered:

"None of you kneel. Stand up."

The generals rose, their expressions brimming with inspiration.

Then you kicked Jia Fu lightly and laughed, "Crying like a woman—what kind of discipline is this?"

Jia Fu hurried forward to help you mount your horse.

You settled onto the saddle and slowly closed your eyes.

At that moment, Feng Haiping's voice came clearly—he detailed the Lu Family Army's troop deployments, supply preparations, and every step of their southern advance.

He reported that multiple gates of the capital had been peacefully seized, with no resistance; the entire capital was now under control.

Dou Gu added that the capital's major armory depots had been secured in advance by Liu Wen, and the thirty thousand naval troops of Yue Tang River were fully armed and ready to respond at any order.

He reported the northern deployments: how many troops remained, who was left behind.

You nodded slightly—you could not have done better even if you had done it yourself.

Feng Haiping continued: "Moreover, the Eighth Prince personally mobilized twenty thousand troops, stationed in strict readiness west of the capital, to ensure absolute safety."

The Emperor of Daqing had ordered the border garrisons to enter the city, believing it would be done unseen—but this border force had long been infiltrated by the southern aristocratic clans.

Emperor Zhou Zhen's reign had never been smooth—he gained power through the southern clans, and now he was bound by them.

You nodded slightly, mentally mapping out a complex web of forces.

Clearly, many factions vying for control of the capital were watching, waiting, ready to strike.

"What's the movement from Beifeng?" you asked, voice low.

Of all concerns in this capital incursion, Beifeng was the most critical.

Feng Haiping looked uneasy. "Beifeng appears to be aligning with Qianyuan. The Qianyuan Empress reportedly met Tuoba Shuyi in Xiangcheng—this was too covert; even Shuiyin deduced it from scattered clues."

"And Tuoba Shuyi met the envoy of Han Chu the next day—intent unclear."

"Shuiyin's recent urgent reports indicate Qianyuan has massed troops in Daqing's Hexi region."

"The Eastern and Western Depots should have sent secret reports too—but now that both are destroyed, we have no word. The army in Hexi, totaling roughly three hundred thousand, departed the night before last and is advancing straight toward the capital."

The Eastern and Western Depots should have submitted secret reports as well, but since both have been destroyed, there is no information. The Hexi region has assembled a massive army—over three hundred thousand troops departed the night before last, heading straight for the capital.

This mighty nation, standing atop the five states, inspired deep dread in all its neighbors with its overwhelming military strength.

Not merely because of its vast territory and eight-hundred-year reign, but because of its warrior spirit—every citizen trained for war.

The Qianyuan imperial family had always revered the military; from the emperor down to commoners, all were skilled in horsemanship and archery, proud to have won their empire through bow and sword—even merchants carried swords at their waists.

For eight centuries, every emperor had dreamed of unifying the land.

Yet Qianyuan, despite its strength, had once been crippled by a succession war—its imperial authority plunged into chaos, halting its foreign expansion.

Had it not been for that, Beifeng might have been swallowed long ago.

The Qianyuan Empress ended a twenty-year civil war and reunified Qianyuan. The next year, her armies turned south toward Han and Chu.

The Empress of Qianyuan ended two decades of war and reunified Qianyuan. The following year, her armies turned their blades toward Han and Chu.

The Qianyuan Empress chose this moment—after the autumn truce among the three states—to secretly ally with Prince Zhou Xuan of Hexi and launch an invasion against Daqing.

Prince Zhou Xuan, who held immense power in Hexi, his alliance with Qianyuan had plunged Daqing into deeper peril.

Beifeng seized the chance and moved south!

Daqing, already beset by internal strife and external threats, now faced enemies on both flanks—its situation dire.

Each of Daqing's princes was no ordinary man; their hidden rivalries often decided the fate of the entire nation.

Dou Gu, the general in white scholar's robes, smiled faintly. "Qianyuan's intentions may still be unclear—but if Beifeng has not received confirmed word of the Shaobao's death, they would never dare march south."

The general in white Confucian robes, Dou Gu, wore a faint smile. "It's uncertain what Qianyuan might do, but if the North Wind hasn't received confirmed word of the Shaobao's death, they dare not march south so lightly."

Beifeng had been terrified—fifteen years had passed since their last southern incursion.

You gently withdrew your gaze and looked toward the majestic imperial palace.

You spoke calmly: "First, deal with today's matter."

Then you issued your orders:

"Today, the capital is under lockdown. Announce it to all citizens."

Then your tone turned cold, unyielding:

"Fly black banners. Any military force within the capital that resists today—kill on sight."

Mercy does not command armies. The capital's situation is volatile, and foreign forces lurk in the shadows.

Now is the time for decisive ruthlessness.

At these words, the air seemed to freeze. The generals stiffened, bowed sharply, and departed at once.

You tugged the reins: "Follow me into the palace."

All rode toward Wumen!

All forces head for Wumen!

…………

At that moment!

The people of the capital had just seen the Lu Family Army flood into the city.

At first, they were curious.

Some, sensing unrest, shut their doors and windows, peering only through narrow cracks.

From the streets came the sound of:

Squadrons of tall cavalry riding through, striking bells and announcing:

"Shaobao's order: Today, no one may leave their homes."

The people whispered among themselves, puzzled.

Some from powerful clans grumbled:

"Which Shaobao?"

"Since when does a Shaobao's order apply to the capital?"

(End of Chapter)

(End of Chapter)