Chapter 220: Meet the Empress Again (Part )

More than a year later, the empress finally met again the rouge reviewer who praised her as the most beautiful woman in the world, or in other words, she met again the aggressive and seemingly foolproof Xiao Yan of the Tang Dynasty in Fengxiang.

But up to now, Xiao Yan of the Tang Dynasty seemed to have become a different person.

The young warrior who was guarding in the middle was wearing a purple robe, but he was only riding an ordinary mount. His skin had turned bronze, and he had stubble on his chin. He looked tired and thin, as if a huge pressure was pressing on his shoulders, making him depressed and no longer as elegant and majestic as before.

The empress stood at the railing with her hands behind her back, frowning slightly, but she did not move her eyes away immediately. She kept her eyes on Xiao Yan for a long time before slowly looking at the infantry following behind the generals who were responsible for protecting Xiao Yan.

However, these infantry phalanxes were countless times more orderly than the neat and dazzling white-robed knights in front.

At this time, there were several generals on horseback in front of each square formation, and it was this speed that just suppressed the pace of the infantry formation behind. Therefore, even from her perspective, these infantrymen seemed to be a line, with spears like a forest. There were no other weapons in the whole team. All the soldiers just held their spears straight up and walked, but their pace was extremely consistent, which made people feel particularly pleasing to the eye.

The empress frowned again. As the King of Qi, she had spent quite a bit of time in the military camp and naturally understood the habits of these military strategists very well. Not to mention in such an atmosphere of being admired by the people, even during ordinary marches or even when fighting in battle formations, there would be many people looking around, not to mention in this prosperous city of Bianjing.

As far as she knew, this so-called Guide Army should be composed entirely of men from Yan. According to common sense, these soldiers should have come to Bianliang for the first time in their lives. However, even so, these soldiers did not even make any extra movements. They just stared straight ahead with their burning eyes from beginning to end. Occasionally, a few people could not help but glance around cautiously because of the atmosphere, but they would quickly retract their glance to maintain their square formation from being disrupted by it.

The military quality of this army is very high, even the best in the world...

The empress couldn't help but feel amazed, but subconsciously turned her eyes to Xiao Yan again. From a year ago to now, she had to admit that she knew too little about this young man. From the beginning to the end, there was a sense of mystery about Xiao Yan that made it difficult for her to see clearly, but it was this sense of mystery that could easily attract a woman's curiosity.

Whether it is the King of Qi or the empress who should be in the prime of her life, even if these two identities are all attached to one woman, no matter which identity it is, it is inevitable to produce an irresistible sense of exploration.

Beside her, Ji Ruxue held a glass cup filled with snow, her eyes fixed on Xiao Yan. From the beginning till now, her mind was almost only on Xiao Yan. No matter the tragic and gloomy spirit tablet cavalry formation in front of her, or the mighty and orderly infantry formation behind her, they were not as important as that one person.

A girl's mind has always been simple and stubborn.

They all said that they were in love with this young man who had been honored as the Champion Marquis, but deep in their memories, they only remembered the young man on that snowy night from beginning to end.

In her eyes, she didn't care whether this young man was truly a man of perfect plans, a rare talent, or a famous man in the world. What she cared about was only the young man himself.

Young here, yet haggard here.

After the trip to Hebei, she no longer hid her feelings, nor did she have the intention to hide them. If she liked someone, she liked him; if she loved someone, she loved him. Hiding her feelings would make her act like a little girl.

She is not a little girl.

So even in front of the empress and the three holy maidens, Ji Ruxue showed her worry without disguising her face. It was not only because Xiao Yan had become darker and thinner, but also because of his haggard temperament, which made her subconsciously feel uncomfortable.

In fact, after Ji Ruxue came back from Hebei, she had been staying in Bian Jing with Miao Chengtian. Because Tiansuxing Duan Chengtian and Shangguan Yunque were in Anle Pavilion together, they knew that there were many people in the Daliang court who hated Xiao Yan, so they could not help but think that Xiao Yan was so haggard because of the intrigues, and naturally they would feel distressed.

But she understood Xiao Yan. Even if it was extremely difficult, this person would just keep going forward. So all she could do was to follow him unwaveringly.

No matter if the road ahead is full of dangers or not.

She didn't want to drag him down because of herself.

So in the next moment, Ji Ruxue took a long breath, retracted her gaze, turned around to separate the ice in the glass cup in her hand, and then inadvertently, a faint bright blue glow emerged from her fingertips, and then the glow flowed like water on the ice that had already melted a little, and actually condensed it again.

The 'Three-Point Return to Origin Qi' that Xiao Yan taught her has rapidly increased her internal strength by two large steps in just half a year, from the lowly small star position to the middle star position, directly reaching the big star position, and has even faintly touched the threshold of the small heaven position in the Qi training period.

She couldn't wait to share the news with Xiao Yan.

……

Even the empress could not help but admire the Guide Army, not to mention the common people in the field, especially after seeing those neat steps, and the whole team was advancing like a steel torrent. Except for the heavy "Horse Trampling Yanran" at the beginning, there was no sound at all. Even when they were just marching, the sound of continuous footsteps could be heard.

The people, who had just been frightened and felt sad by the countless spirit tablet cavalry formations in front of them, were immediately hypnotized and dazzled by this neat, silent yet majestic formation. Everyone was so shocked that they didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

This is a deterrent force different from that of an ordinary military formation. Everyone present subconsciously feels excited and their blood boils. This feeling of showing off one's might is different from the simple display of force by the Bianliang Imperial Army before. This is a kind of deterrence, a display, and a kind of oppression.

What it brought to the people was indescribable excitement and encouragement. Even though it was the first time they saw these northern men, they couldn't help but feel that they were the most powerful army in the world, one that would not harm the people and would be invincible against the enemy.

With such a strong army defending Bianliang, why worry that the war will spread here?
For a moment, the people who had been silent were all excited, and subconsciously felt a sense of reverence for this army, especially the champion Hou Xiaoyan who showed himself to the people for the first time.

If the rumors were true, this Marquis of Champion was not 1.2 meters tall, nor did he look like a god of death whose official robes were dyed red with the blood of millions of people. Instead, he was just a young man, a handsome young man with sharp facial features like a knife, and a tall but slightly thin figure.

But what is particularly noteworthy is that although this young man is dressed like a civil official, he has a Tang sword on his waist, a handsome Saker Falcon on his shoulder, and a calm face with a slightly frowned brow, which makes him much more stable than his peers. But he also seems to show a sense of pride for being famous at a young age. He sits upright on the horse, with a golden belt awarded by Zhu Wen tied around his waist, a black gauze hat awarded by the emperor on his head, a bee waist and broad shoulders, and sharp eyes staring straight ahead, with an outstanding temperament.

This young man clearly doesn't look like a world-class commander who can command tens of thousands of people to conquer Hebei, annihilate Mobei, and defeat armies and kill generals. However, he seems to be like the champion marquis who was rumored a thousand years ago.

It seems that this is what a champion marquis should be like.

It seems that only the commander who placed the spirit tablets of the soldiers who died in battle in front, invited the deceased soldiers to go first, and then himself, could be worthy of the three words "Marquis of Champion".

It seemed that only this rare young commander could lead a world-class army to defend the capital and intimidate all the rebellious people in the world.

The hearts of the people were excited and they all bowed in submission.

Wherever the army passed, wherever Xiao Yan passed, the city of Bianliang, which was originally restless due to the hot weather, began to calm down. The people on both sides of the road either bowed their heads to salute the tablets of the northern heroes, or were stunned by the strict military appearance. Even the restless hooligans mixed in the crowd were stunned at this moment, and they actually had the illusion of wanting to join the army.

The imperial guards on duty along the way were all in silence, their eyes fixed on the spirit tablets and on the young man who was passing by calmly on horseback.

The imperial guards, imperial troops and cavalry present were clearly meeting their immediate superior for the first time, and they had clearly not even heard him utter a word, yet they were already filled with admiration.

It has nothing to do with anything else, it's just that I admire this person because he is my boss.

Meanwhile, the ladies on the Bian River along the way watched their long-awaited husband and dream lover riding his horse across the avenue, across the Longjin Bridge, and across the Suzaku Gate. Their figure was getting farther and farther away, and they subconsciously forgot to speak, to smile sweetly, and to forget all their previous arguments. The ladies who had originally fought with each other gathered together, staring blankly at the figure going farther and farther away, having forgotten everything.

Everyone was oppressed by the strong masculine aura, and got goose bumps. Could they really let him take a look at such a man?

……

Compared with the common people of Bianliang, those dignitaries in high positions were even more frightened.

Recently, there have been rumors and attacks against Xiao Yan in the court. The Ghost King faction already has a huge foundation, so they are trying their best to exaggerate Xiao Yan's achievements and suppress the importance of the Guide Army, so as to completely destroy this emerging general and annex this army without any foundation.

But at this moment, they finally realized that this so-called star general with no foundation did not need a foundation! Because he himself was his own foundation!

If the king does not hold such a general in his hands, wouldn't he have to wake up in the middle of the night with liver pain?
On the Drum and Horn Gate, the Ghost King's eyes were almost about to burst, sweat broke out on his forehead. He subconsciously wanted to do something, but found that he could do nothing at all. He could only watch as the unstoppable army crossed the Suzaku Gate and came along the Imperial Street.

Not only him, all the officials who had previously criticized Xiao Yan's actions were terrified and doubtful, with sweat on their foreheads. However, when they saw that their Ghost King also had a look of doubt, they became even more desperate.

It was clearly arranged in advance. Kang Huaiying's troops should have entered the city first, and they should have pushed Xiao Yan down...

What is the reason……!?

Not far to Zhu Wen's left, Jing Xiang was stroking his beard slowly, his demeanor normal and his face calm.

But behind him, the Minister of Revenue Zhang Wenwei had an expression of admiration on his face, and his admiration for this respected prime minister had reached its peak.

After seeing this scene, it was impossible for Zhu Wen not to use this powerful army, and it was even more impossible for him not to use Xiao Yan, a lone minister who seemed to have become haggard because of the attacks on him because he had no foundation.

As someone close to Jing Xiang, he naturally knew that Jing Xiang had personally gone to the palace to advise Zhu Wen last night, and his words were full of advice on the merits of Xiao Yan, so the Chongzhengyuan announced Kang Huaiying's imperial edict just now.

After seeing the Guide Army's appearance, Zhang Wenwei could see how capable Xiao Yan was. This general, who was well versed in military affairs, happened to receive Jing Xiang's favor, which was a great help. The reward he would get in the future would surely be a hundred times greater!
But with this strong army and this talented general, Jing Xiang's position can be as stable as a rock, and he can even form his own faction and fight against the Ghost King and others openly or secretly. This bet is obviously the right one...

Even as Zhang Wenwei was thinking this, he was still lost in thought when he suddenly heard a cry of surprise from the ministers around him.

He was shocked and looked up suddenly, only to see Zhu Wen standing up from the throne with an excited look on his face.

When they looked up, they saw that after the Guide Army crossed the Suzaku Gate, the cavalry suddenly split to the left and right, and the infantry phalanxes behind them were completely revealed to the eyes of the ministers.

At this moment, all the infantry phalanxes that had been marching at a walking pace suddenly, at the sound of a horn, suddenly tucked their long spears held straight in their hands under their armpits, then raised them diagonally at a forty-five degree angle, and finally, holding the spear shafts in their hands, they suddenly raised their steps, which were originally not very long, in an orderly and strange manner, and then stepped down heavily, and suddenly a neat and dull sound of footsteps rang out in the field.

And from their perspective, they saw that every time this army raised its feet, it was like a neat wave rising up, and then another neat wave followed closely, without interruption.

In front and behind the Imperial Street, apart from the sound of countless white flags waving, the only sound was the orderly footsteps that enveloped the sky and the earth, shocking people's hearts and terrifying overhead.

At this moment, not to mention the Ghost King, even the Hades Emperor who had been holding back suddenly changed color and his eyes widened, as if the army in front of him that appeared to be in a straight line no matter how far he looked was just an illusion and could not be believed at all!

But it was not over yet. Soon, they saw a rider suddenly rushing out of the group, then suddenly drawing his sword and roaring loudly.

"I am a brave man of the Guide Army. How can I not report this to you in front of the emperor today? Whose clothes should I wear?"

The next moment, a thunderous roar sounded: "Your Majesty!"

The Ghost King's scalp tingled and he looked at Zhu Wen uncontrollably, only to find that the latter ignored him, or even everyone else. His pair of tiger eyes just stared at him, and the fat on his face trembled, turning red. Even at such a long distance, he could even sense that the old man's breathing had become rapid!

"I will return to the German army, whose food will I eat?"

"His Majesty!!"

"I will return to the German army, and I will receive my salary from whom!"

"His Majesty!!!"

In the thunderous roar, before the ministers and Zhu Wen could react, the cavalryman had already shouted again: "Then, how can our warriors returning from the north be loyal to us!"

boom--

The next moment, the army, which was less than a hundred steps away from the city wall, suddenly stepped forward, and then knelt heavily on one knee. Countless spears were raised straight to the sky, and the responses from below were uniform and deafening.

"I will be loyal to you and repay your kindness. I am willing to die for you!!"

Then, all the spears shook in unison on the ground, and all the generals and soldiers suddenly lowered their heads and shouted.

"Long live, long live, long live your Majesty!"

The sound of horse hooves rang out, and Xiao Yan rode his horse alone in front of the battle formation. He then dismounted, knelt on one knee, saluted, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, Xiao Yan, brings back the brave soldiers of the German army and the spirit tablets of the loyal souls who died in the battle, and returns to the court to offer his loyalty! Please review it, Your Majesty!"

The Ghost King suddenly closed his eyes. At this moment, he could no longer think of anything.

I just know that all my preparations have gone to waste...

Xiao Yan was able to suppress him in Bianjing...

As for Zhu Wen, he had already walked quickly to the edge of the city wall and slapped the battlements with his big hands. His blood was rushing to his head for a moment, and he could not utter anything. He just felt very ambitious and kept slapping the city wall.

Before, he only knew that being an emperor was extremely satisfying, but today he realized that there was such a situation where the satisfaction he got from it was even greater than that from sitting on the throne!
At this moment, he could only excitedly utter three words to the lone minister who was kneeling on one knee under the city.

"Good, good, good!"

(End of this chapter)