The Monarch was speechless.
Duke?
Shen, you think too highly of me.
In the Great Yan Empire, those with different surnames could not be conferred the title of King.
In the lower kingdoms, those with different surnames could not be conferred the title of duke. This was practically an iron law.
Don't you, Shen, forget that a few decades ago, the eastern countries were still dukedoms. It wasn't until Emperor Jiang Li rose to power that the Emperor conferred titles of kings in order to restrain Jiang Li that there were a few big kingdoms.
In the entire State of Yue, there was only one duke with a different surname, and that was Bian Xiao.
Even Zhong Yao was only a marquis.
However, Bian Xiao was already a Marquis when he was in the State of Wu. What kind of meritorious service was that? He had practically saved the entire State of Yue.
It directly changed the fate of the State of Yue and the State of Wu.
Not only did the State of Yue win the battle that toppled the nation, but I also defeated Ning Yuanwu and ascended the throne. The State of Yue gained nine counties and millions of people.
Basically, it was unlikely that there would be a second duke in the State of Yue.
If it appeared, it wouldn't be far from the end.
Of course, the Monarch knew that Shen Lang was just spouting nonsense.
"You want the title of duke for Ning Zheng?" Ning Yuanxian asked.
"Of course." Shen Lang said, "Even the fourth prince, Ning Zhen, is a duke, and the fifth prince is only a marquis. It's too ugly."
Ning Yuanxian sighed inwardly, "Ning Zheng is so lucky to have you as a friend."
Shen Lang said, "Your Majesty, if Prince Ningzheng wants to fight for the throne, he should at least be on equal footing with the other two princes."
Ning Yuanxian said, "You are too impatient. Ning Zheng has just been promoted to a marquis. It has only been a few months. If he becomes a duke all of a sudden, the balance will be broken. Change your condition. As long as it's within my capabilities, I'll definitely satisfy you. You can't do it for others, you have to do it for yourself. "
Your Majesty, you are too direct.
Within my ability?
When did you ever say such modest words? Weren't you invincible before? All that was missing was a declaration of supremacy in the heavens and earth.
For my own benefit?
Shen Lang racked his brains.
What do I want?
After thinking for a long time, he gave up.
He really couldn't think of what he wanted.
It was also a sin to be too awesome. He actually couldn't find anything that he wanted.
I, Master Lang, have money, power, and influence if I want it. Glory, splendor and wealth, surrounded by beauties.
Otherwise, I still want world peace.
The Monarch was speechless.
Shenlang had made so many contributions that he really wanted to bestow something to Shenlang.
In the end, Shenlang couldn't find what he wanted.
He couldn't find anything to give.
"How about I grant a marriage to Jin Mucong?" Ning Yuanxian said, "Tell me who you like. No matter who she is, I'll let her marry Jin Mucong."
Shen Lang was stunned, but it seemed like it was possible.
Fat Otaku was almost 20 years old, and he still didn't have a girlfriend. Sometimes, he had to stay in bed and watch the painting version of "Endless Romance". It was too tragic.
As the brother-in-law, I have the obligation to introduce a partner to my brother-in-law.
Otherwise, how can I explain it to my father-in-law and mother-in-law?
It was said that Zhu Hongzhu had a granddaughter named Zhu Ning, who was gentle, beautiful, and virtuous. She was a top talented woman.
She was 19 years old and still unmarried, but there were so many suitors.
So, Shen Lang said, "Your Majesty, what do you think of Zhu Ning?"
The monarch sucked in a cold breath.
Zhu Ning was the real most talented woman in the capital.
She was Zhu Hongzhu's lifeblood, the real pearl in his palm, and the chief supervisor of his study room.
Moreover, the title of the number one talented woman was not self-proclaimed, nor was it created by hype.
This girl was very low-key. She almost never went out of her house. She never participated in any messy gatherings, and she didn't publicize any articles or poems.
So how did she get the reputation of being the most talented woman in the capital?
First, many of Prime Minister Zhu Hongzhu's letters and articles were written by her. Wasn't that awesome enough?
Second, she was 19 years old this year, and she was definitely a descendant of a famous family. The number of people who wanted to marry her was like a fish in a river. Who knew how many had come to ask for her hand in marriage. She had rejected at least dozens of candidates, including one who was the top scholar.
Zhu Hongzhu said that she had to make her own decision about her marriage.
If she didn't like a man, the family wouldn't force her.
Many young scholars went to visit her in high spirits after they became scholars, but they were defeated in less than two hours.
Huh?
Why did that sound so strange? If it was about that matter, then two hours was already very awesome.
Then it had to be more precise.
Everyone competed with Zhu Ning in talent, but they were all defeated in less than two hours.
In other words, she had defeated dozens of scholars.
Of course, this didn't mean that if she participated in the imperial examinations, she would definitely become the top scholar.
But this girl had read countless books and had a wide memory. The breadth and depth of her knowledge were astonishing.
It was also because she had defeated dozens of scholars that she became famous and became the most talented woman in the capital.
With regards to this title, the Zhu Clan was indifferent.
For others, the so-called most talented woman in the capital was a reward, but for the Zhu family, it was a humiliation.
Just like if you called darling Mulan the most beautiful woman in Xuanwu, Shenlang would also fly into a rage.
You were the most beautiful woman in Xuanwu, and your whole family were the most beautiful women in Xuanwu.
In short, this Zhu Ning was very difficult to deal with. She was almost 20 years old this year, but she still hadn't married.
The Zhu family wasn't in a hurry.
Of course, they really didn't need to be in a hurry.
To put it bluntly, the daughter of the Monarch was somewhat worried about marriage.
But the daughter of the Zhu family definitely didn't need to worry about marriage.
The people in the world wanted to win the daughter of the Zhu family more than they wanted to marry the daughter of the Monarch.
The other members of the Zhu family were very close to the royal family. Zhu Hongxue and Ning Han had the same teacher, and Zhu Hongping was even praised by the Monarch as the family's thousand-mile steed. But this Zhu Ning kept a distance from the royal family and rarely entered the palace.
When the Monarch heard that Shenlang wanted to marry this extremely proud most talented woman in the capital to Jin Mucong, his scalp went numb.
Fortunately, Shenlang didn't mention world peace. Otherwise, the Monarch would probably say, "Why don't we talk about world peace?"
He wanted to ask for another condition.
But Ning Yuanxian was also a person who wanted to save face. He was now like an elder who wanted to show off his ability in front of his child, desperately trying to give Shenlang a reward.
He couldn't say no to the first condition raised by Shenlang.
He still couldn't say no to the second condition raised by Shenlang.
That would seem insincere.
"Fine, I'll give it a try." Ning Yuanxian said, "After returning to the capital, I'll personally visit Prime Minister Zhu and propose for Jin Mucong."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Monarch felt a chill on his back.
He really regretted talking too much just now. Now he was getting into trouble for himself.
He would definitely lose face if he went to propose this time.
What kind of person was Zhu Ning? She didn't even like the top scholar.
What kind of person was Jin Mucong?
Well, love me, love my dog. The Monarch now had a good impression of Jin Mucong.
But to be honest.
If Jin Mucong was successful enough, Shenlang wouldn't have been able to become the son-in-law of the Kim family.
Probably a hundred Jin Mucong couldn't compare to Zhu Ning.
Of course, Jin Mucong was still quite cute.
It was a pity that no one loved him!
… …
The small talk was over.
The Monarch's expression became slightly serious. He said, "Shenlang, this Nirvana Army is so powerful. How many people can they train?"
Shenlang said, "Your Majesty, do you want to hear the truth?"
"Of course!" the Monarch said.
Shenlang said, "Super Mo Bladed Soldiers can no longer be trained. I've used up all the top steel of the Kim family. For this Nirvana Army of more than two thousand people, I've spent about hundreds of thousands of gold coins. "
The Monarch knew that this army was expensive, but he didn't expect it to be so expensive.
Shen Lang said, "Although the Kim Clan's steel workshop belongs to my family, every single piece of steel that is produced needs to be recorded in the accounts, and all of them require real money. We can't just take it just because it belongs to my family."
Of course, the Monarch understood this.
It was the same for every family. For example, the Royal Army was his, and the royal workshop also belonged to him.
But the equipment of the Royal Army also needed to be bought from the royal workshop.
The accounts must be clear, and the rules must be clear. Otherwise, there would be shocking hidden dangers.
Shenlang said, "On average, each of them has five lead knives for training. In total, more than one million catties of lead have been consumed. I borrowed this batch of materials from the Heavenly Association. Also, they have to soak in medicinal baths every day, which also costs a lot of money. The Heavenly Association has almost bought all the precious medicinal materials in several provinces. His Highness Ning Zheng's fight for the throne has just begun, but he already owes the Heavenly Association 530,000 gold coins. “
This money was borrowed by Shenlang, but the creditor is of course Ning Zheng. He can't let Shenlang pay the money back.
Therefore, although the trump card of Shenlang's army only has more than two thousand people, the money spent can equip tens of thousands of troops.
Shenlang said, "Of course, if there is enough time, I can train another three thousand heavy armor Mo Bladed Soldiers. But Your Majesty, you want to use this army to face the next super war, right? "
Ning Yuanxian nodded.
Shen Lang said, "That's impossible. My Kim Clan's workshop needs at least another year to be able to produce such a large amount of top-grade steel. Moreover, this Nirvana Army is powerful in the plains, but it will be greatly reduced in the battlefield of Nan 'ou. "
Monarch Monarch nodded.
Nan 'ou is full of forests and ravines, and the terrain is narrow and cramped. A super heavy armor army like this can't fight freely.
That place is most suitable for mountain troops.
The Mo Bladed Army of the Nirvana Army relies on the collective strength of thousands of Mo Bladed Soldiers at the same time, so it needs an open area.
"But Your Majesty, I have already prepared to train the next batch of Nirvana Army," Shenlang said, "This second batch of Nirvana Army is still very powerful, but they are no longer Mo Bladed Soldiers. Instead, they will be the most suitable army for the battlefield of Nan 'ou. They are highly mobile and agile archers. There are about three thousand of them. "
Ning Yuanxian said, "Isn't three thousand archers a little too little to change the situation of the war?"
Shenlang said, "Your Majesty, what if everyone uses a two-stone bow and can shoot hundreds of arrows with great accuracy?"
Ning Yuanxian's eyes widened.
That … that's impossible.
Currently, the most elite archers in the entire Great Yan Dynasty only use a one-stone bow.
A one-and-a-half stone bow is already used by marksmen.
A two-stone bow, and all three thousand of them use two-stone bows?
The effective killing range of a one-stone bow is about 150 steps. The effective killing range of a two-stone bow is at least 250 steps.
Moreover, they can shoot hundreds of arrows with great accuracy?
Ning Yuanxian didn't know about special forces.
That's right!
Shenlang wants to train special forces that are suitable for jungle warfare.
And three thousand of them at once.
Ning Yuanxian said, "Shooting hundreds of arrows with a two-stone bow requires amazing strength. I'm afraid even the Mo Bladed Soldiers of the Nirvana Army don't have such strength. Moreover, they can't mass-produce two-stone super strong bows."
Indeed!
Even if the strength of one's arms is 500 pounds, one can't shoot hundreds of arrows with a two-stone bow. That's a super strong bow that weighs more than 200 pounds.
Moreover, the bows in this world are all made of wood, so it's difficult to achieve such great strength.
In history, the longbows of England were directly made of a whole tree of purplewood. The shortest ones were about 1.5 meters long, and the longest ones were even more than 2 meters. Generally, they weighed about 100 pounds, and very few of them exceeded 200 pounds.
Moreover, for a normal bow, the more strength is needed to pull the bow.
After pulling the bow to its fullest, the strength needed would reach the extreme. At this time, it would be difficult to maintain and aim.
But!
Shenlang designed and manufactured modern compound bows.
He couldn't make aluminum alloy now, but he could make high-toughness steel.
A strong bow forged with low-carbon steel could provide great strength, and a mere two-stone bow would be no problem at all.
A compound bow with a pulley mechanism was highly labor-saving.
Because the pulling force of a compound bow would fluctuate. When the force reached the peak, the force used would decrease until the bow was fully drawn. At this time, there would be enough time to stabilize the bow and aim.
This would be of epoch-making significance to archery.
Shenlang knew that these people with zero or blank bloodlines were extremely focused. This was their nature.
When they devoted themselves to the training of the Mo Sword, they could specialize in practicing the move "Cut in Two" for more than a million times within a few months.
Then this second batch of Nirvana Army, once their bloodlines were transformed, would be put into archery training. They would be guaranteed to be like the Mo Sword Team, practicing shooting for more than a million times within a few months.
These people's hearts were like still water, extremely focused and sensitive.
Once they concentrated on practicing archery, what kind of effect would there be?
Moreover, all of them were equipped with two-stone super strong bows, using high-carbon steel arrowheads. The lethality would be amazing.
Such a group of 3,000 archers was almost a nightmare for any army.
The Mo Sword Team of the Nirvana Army was used for close combat, while the super archers were used for long range.
When the two armies worked together, they were almost invincible.
Even Shenlang's expectations for the 3,000 super archers were higher.
In history, the English longbow archers shot the shit out of the French army.
In the Battle of Agincourt, the English army of 6,000 people fought against the French army of 30,000.
There were 5,000 longbow archers in the English army of 6,000.
As a result, more than 10,000 French soldiers were killed in this battle, and their own casualties were no more than 300.
It created an unprecedented brilliant victory.
And the second Nirvana Army that Shenlang wanted to train, although the number was not large, their combat power was definitely far superior to the English longbow archers.
So what kind of performance would they have on the battlefield? It was completely unimaginable.
Monarch Ning Yuanxian couldn't help but enter into a reverie about this army.
Suddenly, he couldn't help but say, "Shenlang, you have done so much, why not train this army into the army of the Kim family?"
Shenlang: "And then? My Kim family rebelled and claimed to be king. Do you want my father-in-law to be king, or do you want me to be king, or do you want Jin Mucong to be king? "
Uh!
Shenlang claimed to be king?
Thinking of this possibility, Monarch couldn't help but tremble.
If such a scourge claimed to be king, then … then the people would really suffer.
Moreover, Shenlang's goal was to eliminate the Crown Prince, the Xue family, and the Third Prince.
Supporting Ning Zheng was the most cost-effective process.
Even in Shenlang's heart, the Kim family really didn't have the disposition of a king.
Of course, Master Lang didn't either. He just wanted to enjoy power and didn't want to fulfill his obligations. He only wanted glory and wealth, but was unwilling to be diligent and love the people. He would kill whoever he didn't like, and he was not willing to delay for a day. He had no tolerance at all.
Ning Yuanxian could tolerate many people he didn't like. Not to mention Ning Zheng, he was so magnanimous that it made people's hair stand on end.
And Shenlang's magnanimity was probably a little narrower than a sewer.
"Besides, you are also my father-in-law," Shenlang said.
Monarch was speechless.
He Zhe, in your heart, I am not as good as Jin Zhuo, right?
Don't be so biased. Ning Yan is also with you, and she will have children for you in the future. Besides, she doesn't have an official title. You should be fair to her.
"Shenlang, how long will it take for the second Nirvana Army to come out?" Ning Yuanxian asked.
Shenlang said, "At least half a year."
Ning Yuanxian nodded and didn't continue.
He knew that Prince Jin probably wouldn't give him half a year.
In a few months at most, the super war that would decide the fate of the country would break out.
Suddenly, Shenlang said, "Your Majesty, I heard that you refused to borrow money from the Yinyuan Association for me."
"Oh!" Ning Yuanxian answered casually.
Shenlang asked, "How much money do you need?"
Ning Yuanxian said, "Three or four million!"
Shenlang wasn't surprised to get this astronomical figure.
He even knew that it was not enough.
Because the war that would break out next would be a war that could topple the country with hundreds of thousands of soldiers.
Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty used more than 200,000 soldiers in the Jinchuan Wars, which cost 70 million taels of silver.
And this time, the State of Yue would have to face two powerful enemies at the same time, Prince Jin and the State of Chu.
The scale of the war would only be bigger.
So three or four million gold coins were definitely not enough.
But the Monarch didn't ask Shenlang for help.
Because he knew that every organization and individual had a bottom line.
For example, the Tiandao Association!
So far, the money that the Tiandao Association had lent to Shenlang and the Kim family was already an astronomical figure.
The training of the second Nirvana Army still needed a lot of gold coins, which Shenlang still borrowed from the Tiandao Association.
So it was better not to ask the Tiandao Association for this military expenditure of millions of gold coins.
If the Tiandao Association refused to lend the money, the relationship between the two parties would crack.
If the Tiandao Association was willing to lend the money, it might not be able to get so much money at once, or it might affect the strategic deployment of the Tiandao Association.
And the most important thing was …
How much benefit did you bring to others?
If you asked for more than the benefit, the strategic alliance between the two parties would collapse.
After all, the Tiandao Association was different from the Yinyuan Association. It had just been revived for less than a year, and it was in the period of crazy expansion, so it really didn't have much gold coins in storage.
Shenlang jokingly said, "Your Majesty, how about I make you three million gold coins in half a month?"
Ning Yuanxian said, "Shenlang, don't ask others to do things beyond their limit. It's very difficult for the Tiandao Association to get the money, and this is just the first military expenditure."
Shenlang said, "I'm talking about making money, not from the Tiandao Association or the Yinyuan Association. I will make you three million gold coins in half a month. If I can do it, will you confer the title of duke on His Highness Ning Zheng? "
Making three million gold coins in half a month?
Not from the Yinyuan Association and the Tiandao Association?
How was it possible?
Except for these two organizations, no one in the world could come up with so much money in a short time.
No matter what business it was, it was impossible to make three million gold coins in half a month.
It was really harder than reaching the sky.
Seeing that Shenlang was joking, Ning Yuanxian of the Monarch didn't take it seriously.
He had to find a way to get the military expenditure himself.
He couldn't let Shenlang do everything. That wouldn't be good for the relationship between the two parties.
… …
When the Monarch was still a few hundred miles away from the capital.
The result of the hunting at the border had already spread all over the world.
Then, the whole world was completely silent.
Especially the capital.
Everyone was shocked to the point that their hair stood on end.
At first, both the officials and the people didn't believe it at all.
How was it possible?
The two thousand new soldiers of Shenlang were completely useless. They had only trained for a few months and only learned one move.
How could they defeat the five thousand elites of Chu State?
Later, the news of the victory was confirmed.
Everyone began to wonder if Shen Lang had used some sort of trick. Did he ask the king of Chu to deliberately let them win?
Otherwise, even if the river flowed backward and the sun set in the east, they still couldn't win.
But the news that came was more and more certain and accurate.
The two thousand new soldiers under the command of Shenlang not only won.
They also almost killed the two thousand most elite soldiers of Chu State and the three thousand heavily armored cavalrymen.
Then, the whole capital began to doubt their lives!
Was Shenlang a god?
He had created a miracle in the previous civil and military examinations.
Had he created an even greater miracle in the hunting at the border this time?
How did he do it?
It was simply driving people crazy.
The crucial point was that everyone thought that the so-called border hunting competition was a deliberate attempt by the Chu Country's King. Shen Lang and Ning Zheng were merely sacrificial pawns. Even the Chu Country himself didn't think that they would win.
This person was not human at all.
In the future, if you say that Shenlang can have children, I will believe it!
And after the news spread, the most direct reaction was that the conflict between the Crown Prince and the Third Prince Ning Qi stopped instantly!
The so-called reselling of military provisions and embezzlement of military expenditure stopped completely.
In the court, the two immediately put on a look of respect for each other.
… …
A few days later!
Monarch Ning Yuanxian returned triumphantly.
The army entered the capital from the Vermilion Bird Gate in a majestic manner!
This was because Ning Yuanxian had decreed that no one was allowed to leave the country.
Otherwise, the Crown Prince and the officials would probably be more than five hundred miles away.
Monarch Ning Yuanxian's carriage had just arrived at the Vermilion Bird Gate.
The Crown Prince led all the civil and military officials and knelt down neatly.
"Welcome back to the capital, Your Majesty!"
Everyone had their foreheads on the ground and shouted in unison, almost breaking their throats.
Although they knelt low, all the officials wished that they could grow a pair of eyes on top of their heads to see what the Monarch looked like.
Was he sick?
Or was he as spirited as the rumors said?
The door of the carriage opened and the Monarch slowly walked out.
Ha!
His hair, which had previously been dyed grey, was now dyed black again.
Taking advantage of the ten days on the road, he had eaten his fill and returned.
He looked heroic and seemed a few years younger than when he was at the border.
He looked exactly the same as before he fell ill.
A brand-new royal robe and a brand-new golden crown.
He probably didn't even look forty years old.
He was extremely majestic and awe-inspiring.
"Raise your heads and take a good look at me!"
Ning Yuanxian's voice wasn't loud, but after injecting his internal energy, his voice was very penetrating. The hundreds of officials present heard him clearly.
"Raise your heads."
All the officials carefully raised their heads.
They saw a young and powerful king.
Damn!
Who said that His Majesty had a stroke?
He must be pretending to be sick!
Does he look like he had a stroke? Stop joking!
His Majesty and Shen Lang teamed up to trick people again. They originally planned to trick the King of Chu, but in the end, they tricked all the civil and military officials.
Who spread this rumor first?
They had ulterior motives!
From everyone's eyes, Ning Yuanxian saw awe once again.
Even awe that made them tremble.
At this moment, in the eyes of these officials, Ning Yuanxian was definitely mysterious.
Too awesome, too ruthless.
In order to trick the King of Chu, he actually pretended to be sick so well without any flaws.
The Crown Prince and the Third Prince didn't notice.
His Majesty's imperial schemes were too terrifying.
Ning Yuanxian felt great again.
Everyone knelt in front of him again, trembling.
The haze of falling ill had been completely swept away from this moment on.
His reputation had once again returned to its peak.
"Ever since I fell ill, many people have been lazy. Previously, I couldn't manage you when I was sick. Now that I'm slightly better, I can't ignore you anymore." The Monarch's voice was sarcastic and cold.
The officials trembled.
His Majesty, stop pretending.
You're not sick at all. It's all an act.
Then, the Monarch waved his hand!
Instantly, hundreds of imperial guards rushed out.
They arrested the officials according to the list.
A total of thirty people were arrested.
Fifteen people on the Crown Prince's side. Fifteen people on the Third Prince's side.
They were the ones who had been the most active in this clique fight. The highest rank was Rank-3, while the lowest was Rank-6.
Then, the eunuch Li Sun read out one decree after another.
It sounded like every one of them was guilty of heinous crimes.
Convicted and sentenced on the spot!
Beheaded!
Beheaded!
Beheaded!
Confiscated!
"Swoosh swoosh swoosh!"
He raised his hand and slashed!
The heads of thirty officials fell to the ground.
Blood Qi soared to the heavens!
All the officials present were scared out of their wits, and their bodies trembled.
Ning Yuanxian did not continue to reprimand him.
He only stared coldly at these officials.
Silence spoke louder than words!
When he stared at a certain minister for too long, that minister actually fainted.
He was so scared that he almost went crazy.
The Monarch glanced at the Crown Prince and Third Prince Ning Qi.
"Crown Prince, you've worked hard during this period of time."
Crown Prince Ning Yi kowtowed and said, "I dare not! Father defeating the King of Chu in the border hunt and raising the prestige of our country is the real hard work. "
Ning Yuanxian said calmly, "It's all thanks to Ning Zheng that we won the hunting competition at the border. Li Sun, draft a decree to remove Tianyue Commandery Zhang Zhao from his post and confer the title of Marquis of Changping, Ning Zheng, as Tianyue Commandery Commander. Marquis of Changping's Residence shall expand the army by five thousand! "
The moment these words came out!
Like a sudden clap of thunder!
It was so shocking that the hearts of all the officials were turned upside down.
What did this mean?
This meant that His Majesty had openly allowed Fifth Prince Ning Zheng to participate in the fight for the throne!
… …
Note: Today's two chapters cost 15,000 yuan. It's not easy to write late because I went out for the Full Moon Banquet! Please give me monthly votes and support. Please kowtow and thank me!
Thank you, Mi 1216, the magician who cast the forbidden spell.
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