, tell me honestly, if I died, am I allowed to remarry" Ye Li asked with a raised eyebrow.Mo Xiuyao didn’t object and nodded, saying, "Yes, that's what I mean."Ye Li looked up at the sky and rolled he...414. West City Southern Prince Wang

414. Shu Quèwǔshēn West City Southern Prince Wang

West City Imperial Capital Ancheng

Since the Northern Royal City of West City was forced to yield to Mo Xiurao, the emperor of West City moved the capital to present-day Ancheng. Fortunately, Ancheng had been developed by the Murong family for hundreds of years and although it did not match the grandeur of the West City Imperial Capital, it was still one of the most prosperous cities in West City. After two years of major reconstruction by the emperor of West City, it could勉強算是不負皇城之名了。

Speaking of which, it's no wonder that all parties across the country looked unfavorably upon Mo Xiurao. Let alone Northern Rong—apart from a small stone city where the Northern Rong king lived, other nobles still lived in tents. Originally two major powers, West City and Great Chu lost their imperial capitals one after another. Great Chu had to settle for Nanjing while West City relocated to Ancheng. Meanwhile, Ding Wang, who held two enormous royal cities, paid no attention to the matter of ascending the throne, so it's not surprising that others envied him.

In the Southern Prince Wang Manor in Ancheng, Léi Tengfēng sat at the head seat and stared absent-mindedly at the empty hall below. Once he had yearned immensely for this position; from his childhood, he was always proud of the Southern Prince Wang Manor. In his mind, the title of Southern Prince Wang was more prestigious than that false imperial throne. After all, his father was much stronger than an emperor who hid in the palace indulging himself in eating and drinking. So, his dream had been to gain his father's approval and become the master of the Southern Prince Wang Manor. But when he truly sat on this position, what he felt was only desolation and coldness.

"Young Master, how should we proceed" Below him, three generals and several officials sat, one of whom asked with some concern.

In fact, their worries could not compare to Léi Tengfēng's. They rushed back to West City on horseback, so the news from Flying Hawk Pass had yet to come in. But Léi Tengfēng knew clearly that his father... was no longer there.

Without the Southern Prince Wang, Léi Tengfēng's heart trembled, feeling cold all over.

A long while later, Léi Tengfēng opened his eyes calmly and looked at everyone seated. He raised his hand to reveal a golden token with a golden four-clawed dragon coiled around it in the center of which were engraved the heavy characters for "Southern Prince."

Aside from three generals, everyone else was shocked. This was the most important token of the Southern Prince Wang Manor, representing the identity and authority of the Southern Prince Wang. Seeing the token was like seeing the prince himself; "Your Excellency!"

The more experienced people immediately turned pale upon seeing this token, knowing that something must have gone wrong. It was already odd for a young master who had been fighting outside to suddenly return, but now he appeared with a token representing the authority of the Southern Prince Wang Manor that the prince would never give anyone, how could they not feel uneasy

"Everyone rise," Léi Tengfēng said solemnly: "My father has commanded that from now on everything in the Southern Prince Wang Manor is under my command." The people looked at each other hesitantly. If it had been the Southern Prince, they would naturally follow him; after all, compared to the impotent West City Emperor, everyone could see that the Southern Prince was much stronger. However, if it changed to the young master of Southern Prince Wang Manor, things were different—not because Léi Tengfēng wasn't good, but because he was too young and his reputation couldn't compare with his elder brother's.

"Your subordinate will follow Your Highness's command." The three generals bowed in unison.

Taifeng Lei finally understood the purpose behind his father deliberately picking these three generals to return with him. Naturally, there were more capable and excellent officers within the army than them. However, those individuals had been serving beside his father for many years; their military achievements were outstanding, making it difficult to suppress them. There were also powerful figures who might harbor ulterior motives. These three individuals, however, were all promoted by his father from ordinary soldiers and had served under Taifeng Lei before; they also had good private relations with him. Therefore, he did not need to worry about any wavering of their loyalty in the short term.

"Minister Wu, what do you think" Taifeng Lei nodded as his gaze swept towards a man who had yet to make a declaration. Minister Wu looked at Taifeng Lei and respectfully said, "Your Highness… what are your plans"

Lei’s expression darkened as he stared at the people before him; suddenly, a faint smile curled at his lips, "This Prince plans to try out that chair in Yongan Hall. What do you think of this idea"

Minister Wu's face changed slightly as he accompanied with a polite laugh: "Your Highness… is this not too hasty"

Taifeng Lei was about to speak when an attendant outside reported, “Reporting Your Highness, the Emperor has summoned you.”

Taifeng Lei snorted and said, "This Prince understands. You may retire."

Lei stood up from his seat and walked down; the people below immediately advised him: "Your Highness, the Emperor summoning at this time might not have good intentions. Your Highness should be cautious." Taifeng Lei smiled faintly and said, “This Prince’s sudden return to the capital would be strange if he wasn’t summoned. Besides, there are some matters that shouldn't be delayed.”

Walking casually towards Minister Wu, Taifeng Lei smiled and said: "Minister Wu, what do you think"

The color drained from Minister Wu's face as cold sweat trickled down his hairline; he stammered, “Y… Your Highness…” Lei snorted lightly. A glint of cold light flashed across his eyes;眾人隻聽見寶劍入鞘的聲音，雷騰風已經往殿外走去。the crowd only heard the sound of a sword being sheathed as Taifeng Lei walked out of the hall. The people bowed their heads and saw Minister Wu lying on the ground with wide-open eyes, a thin line of blood slowly spreading across his neck.

"We swear to serve Your Highness until death!"

Taifeng Lei turned around and said calmly: "No need for everyone to be tense. All of you are my father's trusted confidants. As for Minister Wu… my father has already made it clear that he is not one of our people. The items are here; you can have a look." Taifeng Lei took out a memoranda and placed it on the table, then walked away without looking at their reactions.

Taifeng Lei briskly walked through the imperial palace—though called an imperial palace, it was more like several connected mansions rebuilt into courtyards. After all, constructing an entire imperial palace within such a short time wasn't feasible.

"The Prince of Zhen Nan and Marquis Lei Tengfeng requests an audience with the Emperor."

The sound of music from inside the grand palace quickly ceased, and soon a servant cautiously emerged: "Marquis, the Emperor has summoned you." Lei Tengfeng nodded and was about to step in when a eunuch blocked his path. The eunuch smiled nervously at the guards and several military officers following him, saying, "Your Excellency, is it not inappropriate for them to enter with you"

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow: "I have brought three generals back to the capital to report. What's wrong with that"

The eunuch, with a troubled expression, was at a loss; he knew that generals returning to the capital to report would certainly need to see the Emperor, but the Emperor had also ordered only Lei Tengfeng himself to enter.

Lei Tengfeng said sternly: "Don't worry. If the Emperor reprimands me for this, I will take full responsibility." The eunuch, seeing how resolute Lei Tengfeng was, did not dare to stop him further; after all, people from Prince Zhen Nan's王府一向不太客氣。

彆說是他們這些做下人的，就連皇上都習慣了。 Lei Tengfeng entered the grand hall. The overpowering smell of alcohol and perfume immediately made him feel dizzy.

Even though outsiders might not yet know what had happened, seeing this scene when his father died on the battlefield made a coldness flash in Lei Tengfeng's eyes.

"Minister Lei Tengfeng greets the Emperor."

The three generals who followed him also bowed: "Subordinates Feng Li, Zhang Yi, and Shangguan Qing greet the Emperor."

Western Jing's Emperor, with his blurry eyes, looked down from above and said with a smile: "Ah, it's Tengfeng. Come here and sit down." Lei Tengfeng got up and sat at the front position on the right side, saying gratefully to his imperial uncle: "Tengfeng thanks Uncle Emperor."

The Western Jing Emperor had become thinner compared to two years ago in the Imperial City of Western Jing. Years of indulgence had taken a toll on his health; his smiling eyes seemed dim and lifeless. However, when looking at Lei Tengfeng now, it was hard not to feel that there was something meaningful in those eyes: "Tengfeng, weren't you fighting the Mo army with your father Why are you back"

Lei Tengfeng replied: "Uncle Emperor, my father received news that Nan Chu has betrayed our alliance and switched to the side of Duke Ding. With thirty thousand Nan Chu soldiers led by Duke Ding's Mu Cheng and Southern Lord crossing Yun Lan River to invade us, Father ordered me back to handle it."

"Oh" The Western Jing Emperor looked at Lei Tengfeng with some surprise: "Is this true"

Lei Tengfeng said resolutely: "Uncle Emperor, what I've said is absolutely true. If you don't believe me, send someone to investigate. But it's possible that fighting has already begun by the Yun Lan River." The Western Jing Emperor nodded and asked: "If so, then what are your plans" Lei Tengfeng looked at him and said decisively: "I plan to dispatch Shangguan Qing and Feng Li with fifty thousand troops to confront Mu Cheng and Southern Lord."

"500,000 troops" Emperor Xi Ling looked at Lei Tengfeng and asked, "Where do we have so many troops left" When Lei Zhen霆 went to battle the Mohist army, he took most of the elite soldiers in Xi Ling. Moreover, there were already a large number of troops stationed along Yun Lan River. It was no wonder that Emperor Xi Ling felt uneasy about sending out such a huge troop from Xi Ling.

Lei Tengfeng lowered his head and said coolly, "Otherwise, what do you think Your Majesty should do"

Emperor Xi Ling was speechless. He had been suppressed by Lei Zhen霆 all his life and never involved himself in military or political affairs. Even geniuses would eventually run out of talent and ingenuity, let alone someone who wasn’t a genius to begin with. His ability to compete openly and covertly with Lei Tengfeng for so many years relied entirely on his legitimate status as emperor and his natural understanding of palace intrigue due to his royal blood. However, this approach was obviously useless when it came to military strategy and warfare. For his entire life, Emperor Xi Ling had only thought about how to reclaim the power he felt was rightfully his but never pondered what kind of ruler he should be once he regained that authority.

Lei Tengfeng hid his disdain in his eyes and said coldly, "Both Mu Songshen and Nan Hou are experienced generals who have fought hundreds of battles. Since Father is not here now… If we do not dispatch a large army to block them, the Mohist army will likely besiege our city once more."

Emperor Xi Ling frowned and let out a sigh. He instinctively reached for his wine glass on the table but waved impatiently at Lei Tengfeng instead and said, "Forget it, you go ahead then. Do as you say." Just as Lei Tengfeng breathed a sigh of relief, a eunuch-like figure hurried in from outside and whispered something to Emperor Xi Ling. The emperor’s expression changed, and his gaze toward Lei Tengfeng became filled with probing curiosity.

Waving the eunuch away,

Emperor Xi Ling frowned as he pondered for a moment before asking, "Tengfeng, you haven’t told me about how our troops are faring against Prince Ding’s army."

Lei Tengfeng said calmly, "Your Majesty is right. I was just preparing to report it."

The emperor nodded approvingly and said, "That’s good. I’m a bit worried too. You mustn’t… deceive me." Lying to the emperor… was punishable by death.

A hint of coldness flashed across Lei Tengfeng’s brows as he replied solemnly, "Tengfeng would never dare. Reporting to Your Majesty, our troops may not stand a chance against the Mohist army and will likely be defeated!"

"What !" Emperor Xi Ling exclaimed in shock. Although he was incompetent, he had no grudge with his own kingdom. At first, when he heard that Lei Zhen霆’s troops were defeated, there was a tinge of schadenfreude. However, upon hearing the heavy tone of certain defeat from Lei Tengfeng now, he couldn’t help but feel alarmed. He really didn’t want to experience again the feeling of the Mohist army besieging the imperial city. Moreover… if they had already moved from the north to An City last time, where could they go this time if Mo Xiyaoyao laid siege to the city once more

For the first time in his life, Emperor Xi Ling realized that losing Lei Zhen霆 might not be a good thing for Xi Ling.

"Tengfeng… your father…

Ley tengfeng also did not hide it, and said solemnly, "Yes. If my speculation is correct, Father King has already... sacrificed his life for the country."

Hearing this, Xi Ling Emperor was stunned. He had lived his entire life trembling in fear under Lei Zhen霆's威壓 (pressure/intimidation), though he always wanted to find a way to kill Lei Zhen霆 at any moment. But when he really heard about Lei Zhen霆's death, his first reaction wasn't joy but rather bewilderment.

"Now... What should we do" asked Xi Ling Emperor.

Ley tengfeng lowered his eyes and said calmly, "These three generals were all talents left by Father King for Xi Ling. I plan to send two of them with troops to resist Mu Song慎 and Nan Hou侯. If Mo Xiuyao personally leads troops to attack Xi Ling, then I am willing to share the fate of Xi Ling."

There was no other way now; Xi Ling Emperor didn't beat around the bush either. He nodded and said, "Alright, I will immediately appoint you as the new Zhen Nan王 (Southern Commandery King) in place of my younger brother to guard Daling. As for Generals Feng, Zhang, and Shangguan, I will bestow upon them the titles of National Defender General, Pacifying State Grand General, and Safeguarding State Grand General." With Xi Ling Emperor's words, these generals, who were originally only deputy commanders, instantly became first-rank grand generals in Xi Ling.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Ley tengfeng said with his head bowed.

"Thank you for the imperial grace."

After Lei tengfeng left the hall, the lavishly decorated palace once again returned to silence. A eunuch-like figure walked out from behind and cautiously looked at Xi Ling Emperor sitting on the dragon throne with closed eyes, softly saying, "Your Majesty, why... don't you..." Originally, they had already set everything up so that as soon as Lei tengfeng arrived, he would be captured. Without Lei Zhen霆 around, although Lei tengfeng was formidable, he was still young and inexperienced. But if given a few more years to grow his power base, then it wouldn't necessarily be the same.

But they never received any signal from Xi Ling Emperor, so the assassins hiding in ambush could only watch helplessly as Lei tengfeng left.

Xi Ling Emperor waved his hand and said, "Lei Zhen霆 is already dead... If we kill Lei tengfeng now... What will become of Daling" In recent years, he had lost all his remaining children—some were dead while others were married off. Besides the sycophantic concubines in this vast palace, there was only him left; truly an isolated emperor without kin. Now that even his lifelong enemy was gone, but Daling still remained... He still needed to leave something behind for it.

"Forget it, go ahead then. Announce my order to appoint Lei tengfeng as the Zhen Nan王 (Southern Commandery King). The previous Southern Commandery King, Lei Zhen霆, sacrificed his life for the country and received posthumous title 'Loyal and Martyred'. Furthermore, I... am not feeling well. Then let the Southern Commandery King oversee the state affairs first."

The eunuch was stunned for a moment, clearly somewhat confused by how quickly Xi Ling Emperor's thoughts changed. But he had no choice but to follow Xi Ling Emperor's orders, "Your servant obeys your command, Your Majesty. I will withdraw now." It seems that in the future... it would be up to the Southern Commandery王府 (Kingdom) to decide.

After Ley tengfeng left the imperial palace, although he successfully obtained full command over Xi Ling's army as wished, his face remained somber. Just now, he really intended to kill Xi Ling Emperor. He knew that Xi Ling Emperor had set up assassins in the hall, but he didn't expect that the usually incompetent and incapable Xi Ling Emperor would suddenly make such a decision at that moment. A moment of hesitation lost the previous killing intent. Ley tengfeng couldn't help but苦笑 (smile bitterly), comparing to his father king, he was still far behind.

"Ley tengfeng..."

...

"Who is it" Suddenly, a deep voice faintly entered his ears. Le Tengfeng's expression changed as he suddenly turned to look at the source of the sound. He saw a middle-aged man in blue clothes standing up straight just a few steps away, staring at him with indifference.

"Ling Tiehan!" Le Tengfeng gritted his teeth. The voice he had heard was clearly from far away, yet Ling Tiehan had silently appeared before him. However, after such a short period of time apart, Ling Tiehan’s martial arts had improved even further.

Ling Tiehan nodded and threw something at Le Tengfeng with one hand. Le Tengfeng reflexively wanted to dodge but suddenly thought of something when he turned sideways and reached out to grab what Ling Tiehan had thrown over.

It was an ordinary white porcelain jar wrapped in a layer of cloth, though upon touching it, Le Tengfeng instantly knew what was inside. He also guessed why Ling Tiehan would throw this object at him.

"This… This is…" Holding tightly onto the object, Le Tengfeng stared at Ling Tiehan.

Ling Tiehan said indifferently, "These are the ashes of Prince Thunder."

"You burned my father!" Le Tengfeng felt a surge of rage as he glared angrily at the man before him. Ling Tiehan glanced at him with indifference and sneered, "You should be grateful that Mo Xiuyao allowed me to burn what Prince Thunder brought back."

Le Tengfeng was speechless. He knew all too well how enemies treated their slain commanders, especially when the status of such a person was quite significant. But at least… he had preserved his father’s final dignity as the Prince of Southern Peace.

"The Southern Peace王府 will remember this matter," said Le Tengfeng earnestly.

A mocking smile played on Ling Tiehan's lips, and without another glance at Le Tengfeng, he turned around and left.

Outside the gates of the Southern Peace王府, on a street, Le Tengfeng held the ashes thoughtfully, "Father… I will not let you down…"

--y to care about them, while his elder brother truly disciplined him severely. Mo Xiuyao didn’t think he was being overly strict with Xiaobao at all. Compared to how he used to get up before dawn in wi...