Chapter 383

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Xin Tong thought for a moment, nodded in approval, then said, "Eunuch Qiu, you've done well. The nation is currently in turmoil, and news of Huangdi's passing should not be known to too many people for now.

Thus, begin preparing the Ascension Ceremony tomorrow. After I ascend the throne, I will personally lead the army to attack Dachang and avenge this humiliation!"

Hearing this, Eunuch Qiu, as if granted a great pardon, hurriedly knelt on both knees, kowtowed like pounding garlic, and shouted, "Yes, Your Majesty! This servant will go at once and absolutely dare not delay in the slightest!"

Seeing this, Xin Tong nodded with satisfaction, then immediately said, "Speed is crucial now. Dachang's army has already charged over like a hungry tiger pouncing on food; we must race against time!"

He paused, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes, then continued, "This campaign of mine is entirely justified, so that all under heaven will know that I, Xin Tong, am the only one truly qualified to ascend the throne!"

After speaking, Xin Tong curled his lips slightly, as if he had already seen the day he would rule the world. He secretly calculated in his heart that the first step was to hold onto Nan Liang and absolutely not allow Dachang's iron hooves to tread upon this land;

the second step was to take Dachang in one strike and incorporate it into his territory; as for the third step... it was naturally to unify the world and achieve a hegemony lasting a thousand autumns!

Just thinking about it made Xin Tong feel his future was bright, and the joy in his heart became impossible to suppress, causing him to laugh out loud.

Fortunately, there was no one else around at this time; otherwise, his appearance might make people think he was somewhat mad.

However, Xin Tong soon came back to his senses. He knew time was urgent, and the most pressing matter was to quickly formulate a detailed battle plan.

Thus, he turned to the Anqi beside him and instructed, "Go to the army camp at once, bring the Jade Seal and the imperial edict together, summon all the officers and soldiers. After I ascend the throne tomorrow, lead the army out immediately. We must drive all of Dachang's army out of our borders and reclaim every inch of our lost land!"

The Anqi received the order and left. Xin Tong remained where he was, pondering the next strategic deployment. But just then, he suddenly realized a problem—where was the Tiger Tally?

After some thought, Xin Tong finally remembered that Huangdi had sent Xin Hong to lead two hundred thousand troops to resist the enemy, and he must have given the Tiger Tally to him.

After everyone had left, he slowly closed the study door, shutting himself in this small space called Shufang. He sat quietly at the desk, the battle to come tomorrow constantly appearing in his mind.

According to the intelligence received earlier, Dachang's army numbered nearly three hundred thousand, while his side, after Xin Hong took away two hundred thousand soldiers, had only one hundred fifty thousand left. Such a vast disparity in troop strength made him feel pressure as heavy as a mountain.

Just as he was pondering, a light knocking sound interrupted his thoughts. He knew it must be the soldiers guarding outside Shufang knocking. He softly replied, "Come in."

The door opened, and Eunuch Qiu's figure appeared at Men Kou. Not only that, but someone followed beside him. Eunuch Qiu first saluted Xin Tong, then said, "Your Majesty, this servant has specially brought the captain of the Royal Guard to pay respects to you."

Xin Tong looked at the familiar Eunuch Qiu before him, and at a middle-aged man who looked somewhat familiar but whose name he couldn't recall at the moment, feeling some doubt. Seeing this, Eunuch Qiu hurriedly explained, "This Royal Guard was left to Your Majesty by Xian Huangdi."

Xin Tong then suddenly understood. He nodded to show he understood.

At this time, the man also stepped forward and performed a standard Great Gift to Xin Tong, saying, "Subject Zhong Kai pays respects to Your Majesty."

The two spoke one after another, and the repeated "Your Majesty" made Xin Tong feel very comfortable hearing it.

Thus, Xin Tong stepped forward without hesitation and said loudly, "Grand Councilor, rise quickly! Tomorrow's battle is crucial. I hope Grand Councilor will do your utmost to protect me. If I suffer any mishap, the army's morale will surely fall into chaos, and fighting spirit will also be greatly affected."

Hearing this, Zhong Kai hurriedly knelt and kowtowed, vowing, "Subject will surely protect Your Majesty to the death, with absolutely no slack!"

Seeing this, Xin Tong was very pleased, his lips curling slightly. Just then, Eunuch Qiu interjected at the perfect moment: "Your Majesty, Xian Huangdi once had an edict ordering this servant to convey it to you. This Royal Guard is the loyal guard of the Nan Liang royal family and will absolutely not have the slightest intention of betrayal. They are highly skilled in martial arts, one man worth ten. Your Majesty can use them with complete peace of mind."

After hearing this, Xin Tong couldn't help but laugh heartily, praising, "Haha, Eunuch Qiu, no wonder Huangdi favored you so much when he was alive.

I was just troubled because there was no one to use, and your arrival is like sending charcoal in snowy weather! You are truly my confidant, like a parasite in my belly!"

Hearing the emperor's praise, Eunuch Qiu was overjoyed and hurriedly replied respectfully, "Your Majesty flatters me. This is all within this servant's duty."

Xin Tong now had someone he could use, and his mood was naturally pleasant. He continued making arrangements. He first had Eunuch Qiu prepare some exquisite food for him to replenish his strength.

Then he turned to Zhong Kai and instructed, "Grand Councilor, tomorrow you must make sure everyone in the Royal Guard is fully spirited, with absolutely no slack."

After nodding, Zhong Kai first bowed slightly, then cupped his fists with both hands, performing a standard salute to the other party, then said, "Subject will now go to prepare." After speaking, he turned and left, the whole movement flowing like clouds and water, without the slightest dragging.

Meanwhile, news about Xin Derui was blocked so tightly it seemed this person had never existed in this world; no one knew his whereabouts or situation.

The next day, the sun shone brightly, the sky was azure as if washed, with not a cloud for ten thousand li. All the ministers, following convention, gathered early outside Jinluan Hall, waiting for the court session.

Meanwhile, at the Shangyi Bureau, last night had been spent working through the night, with lights blazing. To rush the new Dragon Robe, everyone at the Shangyi Bureau was busy working overtime.

Since the craftsmanship of making the Dragon Robe was extremely complicated and usually required a great deal of time and energy, logically speaking, one day and one night was simply not enough to complete it.

However, due to Xin Tong's urging, the people at the Shangyi Bureau had to grit their teeth and rush the work desperately. More than ten young women were divided into several groups, each responsible for part of the embroidery work on the Dragon Robe.

Their fingers danced between needle and thread, movements skilled and swift. Despite being exhausted, they still dared not slacken in the slightest.

After fighting through the whole night, the Dragon Robe was finally completed at dawn. Although time was urgent, the quality of this Dragon Robe was not discounted in the slightest. Every stitch and thread was embroidered extremely finely, the patterns on the Dragon Robe were lifelike, as if they were about to soar into the sky.