Chapter 1539: False Accusations

After that glorious victory against Black Wind Stronghold, Liao Hua did not immerse himself in personal glory but instead realized even more profoundly his responsibility and mission as the Great General Protecting the Country. He began to frequently go deep among the people, listening to their voices and understanding their suffering, in hopes of finding more ways to improve the state of the country.

One day, Liao Hua traveled incognito to a remote village, only to see the villagers in rags, sallow and emaciated, living in hardship. His heart ached, and he immediately walked into a household to chat with an old man.

"Old man, I have come from the capital and would like to understand the living conditions here. Why is your life so difficult?" Liao Hua asked with concern.

The old man sighed and said, "The General does not know, but we are located in a remote area with barren land, and coupled with the heavy taxes of the government, it is truly difficult for us to make a living."

Upon hearing this, Liao Hua's brows furrowed. He knew deeply that if the livelihood of the people could not be solved, the foundation of the country would not be stable. Thus, he decided to submit a memorial to the imperial court, requesting a reduction in taxes for this region and the dispatch of agricultural experts to guide farming and increase crop yields.

Not long after, the court's approval came down, agreeing to reduce the taxes in the region and dispatching an agricultural technology team. Liao Hua personally supervised the implementation to ensure that every measure could be put into practice.

Under Liao Hua's efforts, this remote village gradually regained vitality. The villagers' lives improved, they began to have smiles on their faces, and they were filled with gratitude toward Liao Hua.

However, just as Liao Hua was busy improving people's livelihoods, a new threat arrived quietly. This time, it was from the nomadic tribes of the north; they rode fast horses, brandished long swords, and launched a fierce attack on the borders of Shu Han.

Upon learning the news, Liao Hua immediately led a large army to the border to meet them in battle. On the way to the march, he met a young general named Zhao Yunfei. Zhao Yunfei was highly skilled in martial arts, wise and courageous, and was a fierce general under Liao Hua's command.

"General, this time the enemy force is huge; how should we respond?" Zhao Yunfei asked, his eyes flashing with a firm light.

Liao Hua pondered for a moment and said, "Although the enemy force is large, we have the advantage of terrain and human harmony. We can use the terrain to set an ambush while strengthening border defense and increasing vigilance. As long as we are united as one, we will certainly be able to defeat the enemy."

Zhao Yunfei nodded in agreement. He knew Liao Hua's strategy and courage deeply and was full of confidence in this battle.

The two armies met in a valley on the border line. Following the pre-formulated plan, Liao Hua led the Shu soldiers to set an ambush on both sides of the valley, waiting for the arrival of the enemy.

Before long, the enemy cavalry came whistling and rushed into the valley. Seeing this, Liao Hua immediately ordered an attack. The Shu soldiers rushed out from both sides and engaged in a fierce confrontation with the enemy.

The battle was exceptionally tragic, and soldiers on both sides fought with all their might. Liao Hua and Zhao Yunfei fought at the forefront; they brandished their swords and spears, charging left and right, invincible. Under their leadership, the morale of the Shu soldiers soared, and they fought bravely to kill the enemy.

However, the enemy force was huge and numerous, and the Shu army gradually fell into a passive position. Just then, Liao Hua remembered the mysterious pearl obtained from the Dragon Palace. He decided to use the power of the pearl again to lend the Shu army a helping hand.

He gripped the pearl tightly and silently recited a spell. Suddenly, the pearl burst into a dazzling light, and a powerful force surged out from it, instantly enveloping the enemy. Under the impact of this force, the enemy soldiers were thrown into panic, and their morale plummeted.

The Shu soldiers took the opportunity to launch a counterattack and defeated the enemy. After the battle, Liao Hua and Zhao Yunfei looked at each other and smiled; they knew that this victory was hard-won and was the result of the joint efforts of all the Shu soldiers.

After the battle, Liao Hua did not immediately return to the capital. He knew deeply that although this battle was won, the threat of the nomadic tribes had not been completely eliminated. Thus, he decided to stay at the border to strengthen border defense construction and improve the combat effectiveness and quality of the soldiers.

Under Liao Hua's efforts, the borders of Shu Han gradually became solid. After strict training and combat drills, the combat effectiveness of the soldiers was significantly improved. At the same time, Liao Hua also actively engaged in peace negotiations with the nomadic tribes, attempting to resolve the contradictions and conflicts between the two sides.

After a period of effort, Liao Hua finally reached a peace agreement with the nomadic tribes. They promised not to infringe upon the territory and people of Shu Han, and at the same time, Shu Han also agreed to open border trade, promoting economic development and cultural exchange between the two sides.

The reaching of this peace agreement not only consolidated the border security of Shu Han but also brought peace and prosperity to the people of both countries. Liao Hua's achievements were once again recognized and praised by the imperial court and the people.

However, Liao Hua was not satisfied with this. He knew deeply that as a general and guardian, his mission was endless. He continued to lead the Shu soldiers to protect the country, fight on the battlefield, and contribute his own strength to the tranquility and prosperity of Shu Han.

However, in the years after Liao Qin passed away, the political atmosphere of Shu Han changed quietly. With the rise of a new generation of officials, power struggles and factional disputes became increasingly fierce, and the heroic deeds of the past were gradually forgotten, replaced by endless suspicion and mutual defamation.

Liao Qin's descendant, Liao Hui, although inheriting the family's glory, failed to fully inherit the wisdom and breadth of mind of his grandfather and father. Under the temptation of power, he gradually lost himself and began to participate in this endless struggle.

Liao Hui's opponent was an official in the court named Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu came from a prominent family, was talented and outstanding, but had a cunning personality and was good at power maneuvering. He saw Liao Hui's weakness of being young and inexperienced and began to lay out a plan in secret, attempting to topple the Liao family in one fell swoop and thereby monopolize power.

One day, at the morning court session, Zhao Yu suddenly launched an attack, accusing Liao Hui of abusing his power and embezzling military pay, leading to lax border defense and bringing shame to the name of his ancestors. As soon as these words were spoken, the court was in an uproar. Liao Hui was burning with anger; he knew deeply that this was Zhao Yu's frame-up, but he was unable to prove his innocence for the moment.

"Zhao Yu, you are making false accusations!" Liao Hui roared, "My Liao family has been loyal for generations; how could you slander us at will?"

Zhao Yu sneered, took a secret letter from his sleeve, and read aloud, "This is a joint petition from the border soldiers, accusing you, Liao Hui, of withholding military pay, leading to low morale and unstable border defense. The evidence is as solid as a mountain; what else do you have to say?"

Upon hearing this, Liao Hui's heart sank. He knew that this secret letter was likely forged by Zhao Yu, but he could not argue at this moment. He stared wide-eyed, glaring at Zhao Yu, but could not say a word.

The atmosphere in the court became increasingly tense. Other officials either lowered their heads and said nothing or observed in secret; no one dared to come out and speak for Liao Hui. They knew deeply that the power and interests involved behind this struggle were too complex, and a slight carelessness could lead to trouble for themselves.

Just then, an elderly official suddenly stood out. He was an old friend of Liao Hua and the mentor of Liao Qin, named Sun Zhao. He walked tremblingly to the center of the court and said in a trembling voice, "My lords, please listen to me. The Liao family has been loyal for generations and has made great contributions to Shu Han. Although Liao Hui is young, he is definitely not a person who embezzles and breaks the law. I implore Your Majesty to investigate clearly and return Liao Hui to innocence."

However, Sun Zhao's words could not move Zhao Yu. He sneered and continued, "Old Lord Sun, you are advanced in age and I fear you can no longer see the facts clearly. Liao Hui's crimes are manifest; how can a single word from you wash them away? I request Your Majesty to immediately imprison Liao Hui and strictly investigate his crimes." ===== CHAPTER 1540 =====