Chapter 989: The Zheng King of Youzhou

Youzhou.

Since ancient times, it seems to have been excluded from the political center of Longyan.

Because it is simply too far away.

However, in the history of Longyan, Youzhou is by no means an obscure place; it can even be considered a vital military stronghold of Longyan. During the Han Dynasty, Youzhou was a place that frequently fought against the Xiongnu; after all, Youzhou was the frontier region of Huaxia civilization. It was precisely the long-term warfare between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu that forged a world-renowned force: the Youzhou Sudden Cavalry!

Whether fighting against the Xiongnu or Goguryeo, Youzhou has always been an indispensable military stronghold.

In Liu Zheng's world, every time Sui Yangdi went on an expedition to Goguryeo, he would assemble troops and horses, and coordinate provisions and Weaponry and Equipment in Youzhou.

If saying it this way is not straightforward enough.

Then, at the end of the Tang Dynasty, An Lushan launched his rebellion here, which shows what kind of place this Youzhou is.

The folk customs here are fierce and tough; the people of Youzhou have since ancient times valued both literature and martial arts. The lands of You and Yan produce many heroes, which shows how many capable people and men of vision there are in Youzhou.

It is just that.

Under the rule of Zheng King Xie Sheng, Youzhou is very low-key, extremely low-key.

It is almost low-key to an outrageous degree.

Let's put it this way: ever since Xie Sheng inherited the title of Zheng King from his father, he has never once been to Jinghua.

Not even once.

No matter what the Emperor had going on, or what the Imperial Palace had going on, Xie Sheng would always say one thing: I am in poor health.

And so.

In this era where communication is not well-developed and news is sufficiently blocked, everyone believed that Zheng King Xie Sheng was just a sickly ghost, and no one took him seriously.

But this time.

For the Crown Prince's State Funeral, Xie Sheng could not refuse no matter what.

And...

He actually did not want to refuse in his heart.

"Thirty years..."

Inside the simple Horse Carriage, Xie Sheng laughed heartily: "Thirty years, it is indeed time to take a trip to Jinghua. Tell me, will our Emperor still recognize me?"

The people around him laughed one after another.

This man Xie Sheng was in his forties, neither fat nor thin; it could be seen that he had always been careful about his physical training, and his aura as a military commander was very strong. Speaking of this, he gave a cold laugh: "The world says that Xie Tianyao can endure; he has been hiding in the Imperial Palace for over thirty years, but I, Mandarin, think I am not inferior!"

Others immediately flattered him: "Zheng King, your words are wrong; our land of Youzhou is much larger than that Imperial Palace, and Zheng King is living much more comfortably than that Emperor!"

Everyone laughed again.

"Xie Tianyao, Xie Tianyao..."

In Xie Sheng's eyes, a fierce fighting spirit flickered.

This time.

Longyan will be in great chaos, and Xie Sheng believes his opportunity has arrived!

Yes.

It has arrived.

As the Zheng King, he is a die-hard member of the Old Aristocrats. In the north, he is on the same front as the Han King of Jizhou, the Zheng King of Xuzhou, and the Feng King of Yan Province. In terms of political stance, the Old Aristocrats have always supported the Crown Prince Xie Fang; this is beyond doubt. However, this time... Xie Fang is dead!

The Crown Prince is dead!

The other members of the Old Aristocrats are all in a state of panic, but Xie Sheng has become excited.

Why?

Because he feels that his family's opportunity has arrived!

Since the Old Aristocrats can no longer find a spokesperson... then, Youzhou naturally will not decline the responsibility!

Look at these Feudatory Kings of Longyan at this time; which one has stronger troops and sturdier horses than their Youzhou?

His three hundred thousand Youzhou Sudden Cavalry are howling and waiting for battle!

He has three sons, each one a dragon among men!

Since...

Xie Tianyao's branch of the Xie Clan could defeat the Tang King hundreds of years ago and successfully take the throne, then... why can't he?

This thought

Once it emerged, it could no longer be suppressed in his heart.

Over these years, although he had not been to Jinghua, his operations in Jinghua had never stopped.

Even his son who was a natural eunuch, his favorite eldest son, Xie Chen, was serving as a eunuch in the palace...

Serving as a eunuch.

Thinking of this, a flash of sadness crossed Xie Sheng's eyes. How could his son be a natural eunuch! But this is no longer important; he has already decided that if he can seize the throne, he must first let his eldest son have his fill of it! Yes, he must first pass the throne to his eldest son!

"How did those old fellows reply?"

Xie Sheng thought for a moment before asking indifferently.

The Strategists and generals around him looked at each other.

"Your Highness..."

"They..."

Seeing these people stammering, Xie Sheng immediately sneered: "They must think I am crazy, right?"

The group of people stopped talking.

Xie Sheng laughed heartily: "Do you all think I am crazy too?"

"Hmm?"

He suddenly shouted: "A bunch of losers! My three hundred thousand Youzhou Sudden Cavalry are invincible, and with that equipment from Liangzhou, even if the Liangzhou Army comes, I am not afraid! A bunch of guys without vision! If they were willing to send troops to me, a million-strong army—why worry about not being able to trample over the rivers and mountains of Longyan? Why worry!"

He spoke with an awe-inspiring air of dominance.

It was all because for so many years, he had kept too low a profile and hidden himself too deeply! He had been so low-key that he was practically stifled!

Looking at the so-called Qingzhou Armored Soldiers, looking at the so-called Liangzhou Iron Cavalry, looking at this and that, at some Vice Minister Liu, at the Imperial Examination, and looking at the ever-changing Longyan, he could no longer hold back; he finally could not hold back any longer!

He wanted to prove his existence to the world!

The existence of his Youzhou!

"Your Highness, these scoundrels, though timid as mice, are in reality all just fence-sitters."

Beside Xie Sheng, a Strategist with tiny, shifty eyes chuckled.

Xie Sheng shook his head: "But I want to use their troops."

The Strategist continued to chuckle: "Your Highness, looking at the current Great Trend of the world, the Liangzhou Army is the strongest, followed by the Qingzhou Army... Your Highness, please calm your anger for now, let us not discuss our Youzhou Sudden Cavalry for the moment. Therefore, what these Feudatory Kings actually fear most in their hearts is still the Liangzhou Army."

The crowd nodded one after another.

The Liangzhou Army of these past few years had been truly too powerful.

Xie Sheng looked toward the Strategist.

The Strategist continued: "However, although the Liangzhou Army is powerful, it is too scattered, and coordination is extremely difficult. Furthermore, it relies too heavily on the prestige of Vice Minister Liu..."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness, if His Highness's scheme succeeds this time, and you can successfully assassinate Vice Minister Liu at the funeral! These old fogies will definitely follow your lead, Your Highness! Just think, Your Highness, if Vice Minister Liu dies, the Liangzhou Army will surely be left without a leader, and the entire Liangzhou will collapse! When a tree stands above the forest, the wind will surely destroy it; by then, this collapsing Liangzhou will be like a piece of fat meat waiting to be carved up—who wouldn't want a bite! Your Highness, the great undertaking can be achieved!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd also became excited.

"Your Highness, the great undertaking can be achieved!"

"Congratulations, Your Highness!"

"Good!"

Prince of Zhao Xie Sheng also happily slapped his thigh hard.

The great undertaking can be achieved!

He believed that the time had come to prove that he was the true Son of Heaven!

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