"The soldiers of Yunzhou dare to rebel?"
The silver gong immediately raised his eyebrows and shouted, "What's the situation outside the city?"
The soldier rushed over on horseback. His lips had cracked from the cold wind, and his mouth was parched. When he opened his mouth, he said in a hoarse and unpleasant voice, "The southern gate has been closed …"
"Don't rush. Take a breather first!"
Xu Qi 'an went downstairs and poured a cup of cold water for the soldier.
The soldier quickly took it and gulped it down. Feeling much better, he looked gratefully at Xu Qi 'an and quickly said, "The Guard Bureau has gathered three thousand soldiers at the southern gate.
"The guards have gathered an army of three thousand soldiers just outside the southern city gate. The commander of the guards, Xu Huchen, has threatened to enter the city within an hour if Lord Inspector doesn't release the commander and give them an explanation!"
Military remonstrance!
This was the first word that flashed through the mind of Xu Qi 'an, who was well-versed in history. Military remonstrance was to use force to persuade a sovereign or an elder to obey.
To put it simply, it was to use force to force one to submit.
The difference between military remonstrance and coup was that the goal was different, but the action was the same. The two military remonstrances that left the deepest impression on Xu Qi 'an was the death of Yang Yuhuan at Mawei and the young commander taking out a pistol to shoot at Old Jiang.
Both remonstrances were successful. One changed the future of the Great Tang, and the other changed the future of China.
But a military remonstrance was a death remonstrance. Unless absolutely necessary, no one would use it.
"How dare they!"
The silver gongs who had rushed over to investigate were immediately enraged when they learned of the situation.
Such a thing would never happen in the capital. Their shock and anger were indescribable when they heard the news.
"The Inspector has gone to the Command Bureau. It's impossible for him to reach the southern gate in an hour," one of the silver gongs gripped the hilt of his saber and said gravely.
"How many soldiers are there in the southern gate?"
"Less than a thousand," the soldier replied.
They might not be able to hold it …
"How about this. We'll lead the Stalwart Tiger Guard to the southern gate. If those soldiers dare to rebel, we'll cut them down. I believe that we can stall until the Inspector and his reinforcements arrive, "one of the silver gongs suggested.
A few bellicose night watchmen were eager to give it a try.
The Stalwart Tiger Guards were battle-hardened soldiers, and with the help of Qi Refining Stage guards and the City Defense Army, it wouldn't be hard for them to defend the city for a while, even if they weren't absolutely safe.
"What about Yang Chuannan? He's a wanted criminal of the court. We can't just abandon him. "Xu Qi 'an reminded the hot-headed night watchmen.
"Take him with us," one of the silver gongs said.
"Do you believe that Wei Si's soldiers will fight to the death with us?" Xu Qi 'an raised his eyebrows.
"Wasn't that their goal when they besieged the city?" Copper Gong scoffed coldly.
"Do you think that you can force the Imperial Inspector to submit to us? Let these soldiers and barbarians of Yunzhou know what it means to be a night watchman. "
This was the Stalwart Tiger Army. Commander.
They had always been the ones supervising the officials and punishing corrupt officials. Since when did someone dare to bully them at their doorstep? He even threatened to have the Imperial Inspector meet him within an hour. Otherwise, he would charge into the city.
This was a complete disregard for the night watchers, trampling on their faces.
An official could endure it, but a warrior could not.
Warlocks could, but Warrior couldn't.
F * ck them.
Seeing that the situation was not right, Xu Qi 'an quickly knocked on the table and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, please calm down. Violence cannot solve the problem."
The silver gongs who met the soldiers had the worst temper. He looked at Xu Qi 'an and cursed, "I can't stand it. Jiang Jinluo isn't here, so I'm in charge. Brothers, come with me. Take Yang Chuannan with you. "
Li Miaozhen stood at the side and watched.
Bang!
Xu Qi 'an stood up with a loud slam on the table.
The night watchmen who were about to leave came back in shock.
Xu Qi 'an pointed at the silver gongs. "I don't care if you're a silver gongs. Don't use your position to pressure me. Can you? Go and ask that Zhu fellow whether he can suppress them or not!
"What do you expect the Inspector to do if you escalate the conflict? Kill the three thousand soldiers of the Guards Bureau? Let's take a step back. What if you can't defend it and the flames of war spread to the commoners in the city? Can you take responsibility? "
The silver gongs straightened his neck and glared. "Xu Qi 'an, do you think you can take responsibility?"
"At least my shoulders can take it better than yours!" Xu Qi 'an shouted.
No one retorted.
A gong's boastful words actually silenced all the night watchmen in the room … The female ghost Susu looked at this scene in astonishment, finding it hard to understand.
"All of you stay here and guard Yang Chuannan. He's a criminal of the imperial court. Nothing can happen to him. I'll delay the guards outside the city. "Xu Qi 'an said his plan when he saw no one was arguing.
"You?"
Everyone was doubtful.
Xu Qi 'an pinched his brows. He explained clearly, "The Guards Bureau's army is outside the city. Their purpose is not to attack the city, but to ask the Inspector to release Yang Chuannan. There's room for negotiation.
"You rushed over and even brought Yang Chuannan. This is no different from provocation. Instead, it will intensify the conflict and leave no way out for either side.
"Of course, I can't persuade the soldiers of the Guards Bureau, but General Li can."
Xu Qi 'an pushed Li Miaozhen out and smiled. "I believe General Li doesn't want things to be so tense that Yang Chuannan has no way out."
As for letting Yang Chuannan go over personally, he didn't consider it. First, Yang Chuannan might not cooperate. Second, what if he was rescued?
Li Miaozhen seemed to be waiting for this result. She slowly exhaled and no longer looked on coldly. She nodded. "I will do my best to hold out until the Inspector arrives."
…
Li Miaozhen and Xu Qi 'an led two fast horses towards the South City Gate. The paper doll Susu hugged Li Miaozhen's slender waist and sat at the back.
"You, little gong, are quite capable!" Susu tilted her head and looked at Xu Qi 'an, who was walking beside her.
"It's not that I'm capable. It's mainly because …" Xu Qi 'an coughed and revealed a secret. "Actually, Inspector Zhang and I are half-brothers."
Susu caught the main point. "Ah, you're Inspector Zhang's brother?"
"Otherwise, why would I have such a big say?"
"So that's how it is …" Susu had a sudden realization. She felt like she knew a big secret.
The corner of Li Miaozhen's mouth twitched. She really wanted to remind her maid to tell her that Xu Qi 'an's words cannot be trusted.
The reason why he had such a big say was because he was deeply trusted and appreciated by Wei Yuan. His position in the yamen was not ordinary.
But this information came from within the Heaven & Earth Society. What did Number Two's information have to do with Li Miaozhen?
…
Arriving at the South City Gate, they showed their waist tokens. The two of them ascended the city wall and were personally received by the Qianhu of the City Defense Army.
"Why isn't the Inspector here yet?"
The Qianhu with a square face and triangular eyes was holding a military knife. He looked at the empty street and could not hide the disappointment in his heart.
"The Inspector is investigating a case at the Commander's Office. He can't make it in time. General You Qi and I are here to stall for time." Xu Qi 'an explained.
He stood at the top of the city wall and looked down. There were two square formations outside the city. The larger one was the Guard Army. The cavalry was at the front, the infantry was at the back and the artillery was in the middle.
Flags fluttered in the wind. The three thousand soldiers stared at the top of the city wall in silence. An indescribable ferocious aura came rushing at him.
Xu Qi 'an was now half a step into the Spirit Ascension realm. But facing this battle-hardened army, he still wanted to avoid them. He did not dare to face them head-on.
Fighting three thousand miles in one go, using one sword to defeat millions … What kind of martial artist could achieve such a magnificent feat?
He thought to himself.
"The army of Cloud Province is extremely ferocious. They cause trouble whenever they want and are not afraid of death." Li Miaozhen held a silver spear and looked down beside him.
"I rushed to the station last night because I was afraid that the Inspector would go overboard and push things to the point of no return."
Xu Qi 'an nodded. The bandits in Cloud Province were in full swing. It would be strange if a soldier in Cloud Province was not ferocious. Soldiers who fought for years had a strong murderous aura. They usually only recognized the leader who fought alongside them. It was difficult for outsiders to control them.
They were not like the soldiers in the Land of Comfort who cherished their lives.
"That little square over there. Which army is it?" Xu Qi 'an asked.
The army at the foot of the city wall was the Guard Commander under the jurisdiction of the White Emperor, also known as the Guard Commander. The next level was the Station. The little square on the side seemed to have about four to five hundred people. Xu Qi 'an guessed that it was the "Station" of the county level.
Li Miaozhen was a little embarrassed. "It's my Flying Swallow Army."
"Ning is also a traitor?" Xu Qi 'an looked at her with eyes full of distrust.
Li Miaozhen explained, "I did think of using the army to pressure them. It's a bad habit I developed in the Yunzhou Army."
She put the blame on the Yunzhou Army.
"Then what should we do now? Get out of the city?" Xu Qi 'an asked tentatively.
"Yes." Li Miaozhen nodded.
"Can I not go?"
"You represent the Imperial Inspector." Li Miaozhen glared at him. "The Guard Commander Xu Huchen has a bad temper and is headstrong. Since you want to resolve the conflict, you have to endure it."
"Even your face is not enough?"
Li Miaozhen snorted. "If I don't accompany him, he might chop your gong."
"Heh, soldiers are really unreasonable."
The city gates creaked open as the Qian Hu escorted the two of them out of the city. He waved his hand, "Take care."
Xu Qi 'an looked back from his horse. "Lord Commander, why don't you come with us?"
The Commander said, "The wind is strong here. What did Lord say? I didn't hear clearly … Oh, Lord said close the city gate? Okay, I won't open the gate even if you beat me to death. "
The city gate slowly closed.
"…" Xu Qi 'an thought, Damn.
Li Miaozhen didn't go straight to Wei Si. Instead, she turned around and went to her Flying Swallow Army. She called for a few dozen riders to hold the line. Then, she went to meet Wei Si's three thousand soldiers.
"My Flying Swallow Army has the lowest cultivation level of Spirit Refinement. There are four hundred and thirty-seven people. The Sergeant is at the peak of Spirit Refinement, the Sergeant is at Qi Refinement, and the Lieutenant is at Copper Skin and Iron Bone."
Li Miaozhen's voice was clear and melodious. She introduced her private army to Xu Qi 'an with a hint of pride.
Four Level Six martial artists, forty Qi Realm martial artists … Oh my god, this woman is too scary!
Xu Qi 'an swallowed his saliva. "I don't think there is such an army in Yunzhou."
Li Miaozhen hummed and said reservedly, "Everyone followed me to Yunzhou for my sake."
How much face do you have? Xu Qi 'an turned around and looked at the American woman with a ponytail and a silver spear. He had to reevaluate her strength.
Xu Qi 'an's first impression of her was Tenzō Shōnin, followed by Flying Swallow Heroine. But now, it seemed that Flying Swallow Heroine had to be ranked first.
Li Miaozhen's connections in Jianghu might be more unfathomable than he thought.
"Everyone in Heaven & Earth Society is talented. I need to work harder … Hmm, I need to set a small goal first. I need to become Wei Yuan's son …"
"What's Xu Huchen's cultivation level?" Xu Qi 'an asked suddenly.
"Peak of Spirit Refinement," Li Miaozhen answered.
"That's not high." Xu Qi 'an was surprised.
"Wei Yuan is still an ordinary person. But he's the commander-in-chief of the three armies." Li Miaozhen shook her head. "Fighting a war is not about fighting bravely. High-ranked martial artists can fight a hundred or even a thousand. But they may not be able to lead an army of a thousand.
"With my ability, five hundred is my limit. But Xu Huchen can lead an army of three to five thousand. I will definitely lose if I fight him head-on on the battlefield. "
Violence was aesthetics. War was art. They were two completely different concepts.
Li Miaozhen stopped about fifty feet away from Wei Si's army and said loudly, "Commander Xu, come over and talk."
A general stepped out. The leader was eight feet tall. His mount was taller than a normal horse. He held a long lance in his hand.
Anyone who dared to use a long lance was a brave general.
Xu Huchen held a long lance. His eyes were sharp. His dark green chin had just been shaved. He nodded slightly at Li Miaozhen.
"General Li, are you going to rescue the commander with us?"
Li Miaozhen shook her head. "Everything is fine, Master Yang. General Xu is too impulsive. Do you know the consequences of your actions? "
"It's just death."
Xu Huchen was very straightforward. He grinned and said, "My life was saved by the commander. If the imperial court wants to punish him, I will give up my life."
Xu Qi 'an suddenly asked, "How did you know about this?"
Xu Huchen glanced at Xu Qi 'an and sneered. "So it's Eunuch Wei's Eagle Claw."
'I'm fine, but my father is too much …' Xu Qi 'an flicked his thumb. The black-gold changdao at the back of his waist was unsheathed by half an inch.
"General Xu, don't challenge the imperial court's authority. I came here with sincerity. If you don't know how to appreciate my kindness, I would have already taken you down from your horse. "
Li Miaozhen said so much, but what he was trying to convey was one thing: don't reason with soldiers.
Reasoning was for scholars. Soldiers only cared about their fists. Only when their fists were hard would they have dignity.
Xu Qi 'an's idea was to show off his strength first to win respect and intimidate these people who were not afraid of death. Only then would he reason with them.
Xu Huchen was polite to Li Miaozhen, but mocked him directly. This was a sign that he had no dignity.
However, he couldn't just kill him directly. That would aggravate the conflict.
"Clatter, clatter, clatter …"
He turned his horse around and silently went to the other side.
Xu Huchen, Li Miaozhen, and the dozens of Flying Swallow Army soldiers followed him with their eyes.
"Hmph! I want to see the Imperial Inspector. Does a gong like him deserve to talk to me? " Xu Huchen sneered in disdain. "A brat who hasn't even grown his hair. Does he think this is the capital where everyone is afraid of the night watchman?
"General Li, how is the commander?"
Li Miaozhen shook her head and looked at Xu Qi 'an's back.
Xu Huchen was a little impatient. He was a hot-tempered person. He was already very displeased that the Imperial Inspector avoided meeting him and sent a gong to deal with him.
He couldn't even resist the urge to kill the gong to show off to the Imperial Inspector.
He was only willing to talk to Li Miaozhen because of General You Ji, Li Miaozhen.
At this moment, the gong stopped and turned to look at Xu Huchen with a cold smile.
Then, he flicked his left thumb and pushed his saber half an inch forward. His right hand gripped the saber hilt, and after a short moment of charging …
Clang!
The ear-piercing sound of the saber being unsheathed reverberated in the air. In the eyes of Xu Huchen and the thousands of soldiers, they only saw the air distort for a moment, as if something had streaked past.
The next moment, with a dull sound, a thin crack appeared on the ground. It extended from Xu Qi 'an's feet all the way to the front of the army, stretching for more than ten zhang.
The cavalry at the front row became restless. The horses seemed to be startled.
Xu Huchen's eyes widened in disbelief. He … could really dismount me from my horse just now.
This incomparably valiant general who led the army in battle felt a trace of reverence in his heart. He acknowledged Xu Qi 'an's sincerity.
Li Miaozhen stared at Xu Qi 'an in astonishment. Huge question marks flashed in her mind.
Based on her Tenzō Shōnin's judgment, the saber was as sharp as lightning. Even a martial artist who had just entered the Bronze Skin and Iron Bones level would not be able to withstand it with their body.
Could a martial artist in the Qi Refinement level do this?
Then, she remembered what Number One had said. Xu Qi 'an had once killed a Yin Gong, and that Yin Gong was a Spirit Ascension level martial artist.
At that time, he could already kill people above his level. Now, he was half a step into the Spirit Ascension level.
If he was a genius, the Jinlian Taoist priest did not invite him to join the organization. Instead, he chose his cousin. That cousin … was terrifying.
"Wow."
Behind him, the elites of the Flying Swallow Army exclaimed.
Clatter, clatter, clatter …
Little Gong rode back on his horse. Forcing his exhausted body, he said, "General Xu, I am Xu Qi 'an. I am here to discuss with you on behalf of the governor."
"…" Xu Huchen said in a low voice, "Please speak, Sir."
