Well, let's leave those good-for-nothing at home in Shengjing.
Many officials have already given up.
They decided not to cause any trouble for General Xie!
Just then, a middle-aged official stepped forward and said loudly,
"My lords, please do not give up so easily. General Xie has dedicated his life to the country and its people. This expedition will surely be fraught with difficulties. If we retreat now, we will truly fail the general. I am willing to send my good-for-nothing nephew with me so that he can gain some experience under the general's command."
These words startled everyone, and many people showed hesitation.
Shen Mingzhu's expression also changed.
Guagua, who is this official?
Host, this is Pei Sibang, a distant relative of General Pei Siyan!
Guagua, I must say, this guy is really something. He doesn't send his own son to the North, but he sends his good-for-nothing nephew there instead. What is his nephew in his way?
Shen Mingzhu then said something that surprised all the officials in the court.
Goodness, this is a real talent!
Sending his own nephew there!!!
Doesn't he have a son?
Everyone looked at General Pei Siyan.
General Pei also felt deeply ashamed, but this person had always been like this since childhood...
Why...
What a misfortune for our family!
Unexpectedly, the system's voice sounded at that moment.
Host, congratulations, you guessed right this time! His good-for-nothing nephew is really getting in his way. To be honest, he really wants to kill his nephew, but since he considers himself a good uncle, he can't just kill him outright.
Guagua, what happened?
Host, this Lord Pei's elder brother and sister-in-law, unfortunately passed away while doing business, leaving behind a son. The vast family fortune fell into the hands of his nephew, who wants to seize the property but doesn't know how. This trip to the Northern Lands for training is such a good opportunity! But if something unexpected happens and his nephew dies in the Northern Lands, then...
He will end up with all that enormous wealth?
Shen Mingzhu glanced at Pei Siyan, her eyes seeming to say, "Your family has produced such a person?"
Pei Siyan clenched his fist and then relaxed it, clenched it again, and relaxed it again.
If he could, he wouldn't want to share an ancestor with someone like that.
That's absolutely outrageous!
That was his elder brother's only bloodline.
Why...
What does family ties matter when faced with self-interest?
Have a look! ! !
The person who had just been praising Pei Sibang was now looking at him with disdain.
Shameless!!!
At this point, several officials who had originally planned to send their children to the north gave up.
Things should be done within one's capabilities.
Sending a child to the North without any preparation is practically sending them to their deaths.
Not only could they not help General Xie, but they also needed General Xie to protect them.
It's actually more of a hindrance than a help!
At this time, snow was falling all over the north. General Xie Yan and his generals were roasting sweet potatoes around the stove.
"General, the northern lands are so warm this year with heated brick beds and walls. We can finally have a mild winter."
"Yes, but we can't let our guard down. The Hu people have been unruly in previous years and often come to rob us. Especially this year, the weather is colder than usual, so their cattle, sheep, and horses have probably suffered a lot of losses."
"Rest assured, General, if they dare to come, we will make sure they don't leave alive!!!"
"Yes, we have enough food, medicine, and winter clothing this year. The soldiers have nowhere to vent their anger towards the barbarians!"
Everyone spoke passionately, one after another.
General Xie Yan listened to everyone's words, but instead of feeling relieved, he felt even more worried.
I've heard that the Great Yan is about to enter a Little Ice Age, and relations with the Hu people will only become more and more tense...
Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the tent
A scout rushed in, knelt on one knee,
"General, we have learned that the Hu people have amassed a large force and are heading towards our border. We estimate that they will launch an attack soon."
The tent fell silent instantly, and everyone's expressions turned solemn.
Xie Yan stood up, his gaze resolute.
"Good timing! Let them see the might of the men of Great Yan. Issue the order: the entire army must be on alert and fortify the defences."
The generals rose one after another to receive their orders and depart.
The entire northern region has also entered a state of high alert.
A tense atmosphere permeated the entire city.
Meanwhile, in Shengjing, Shen Mingzhu observed the reactions of the people in the court and came up with an idea.
Guagua, what do you think of Pei Sibang?
Host, he has a little bit of basic knowledge, but otherwise, it's so-so.
No embezzlement?
Host, Pei Sibang's elder brother and sister-in-law own many shops, as well as other businesses such as silk, tea, and porcelain. His family is not short of money. He doesn't embezzle; he just wants to get promoted and make a fortune.
Of course, he only started thinking about getting rich after his older brother passed away!
Oh oh~~~
So that's how it is. He was well-fed and clothed before, and his elder brother and sister-in-law treated him well. But after their deaths, he harboured evil intentions towards the young heir!
Yes, host!
Guagua, there's a saying that goes, "The human heart cannot withstand testing." Look at Pei Sibang. His brother and sister-in-law were always very good to him, but what happened? After they passed away, he set his sights on their family business. I wonder if his nephew knows about it?
Host, let me tell you a secret, his nephew knows! His nephew has safely stored the money and has already written the necessary paperwork with the clan, donating a large sum of money to the clan every year. This is one of the reasons why Pei Sibang doesn't dare to act, because if something happens to his nephew, this money will be lost!!!
Good, good, good! This kid's got potential!
Yes, he has brilliant strategies, and I have my clever tricks! The uncle and nephew are locked in a battle of wits!
Hahaha~ No wonder Pei Sibang spoke so casually.
That's right!
At this moment, the officials looked at Pei Sibang with even more disdain.
Pei Sibang: What happened?
I clearly followed the suggestion to go to the North, so how did it turn out like this?
That shouldn't be the case.
This left him completely baffled.
After gossiping about Pei Sibang, Shen Mingzhu asked about Lin Yuhui.
Guagua, I'm really looking forward to the return of the transformed Lord Lin.
All the officials: We are also looking forward to it.
They wanted to see what kind of transformation the eldest grandson of the Lin family had undergone after a trip to the north.
Lin Xiang: It's a good thing that Xiao Hui knows how to make good use of the resources at his disposal!
Prince An: Hehe~~~ "
I'm really looking forward to it!
Host, don't worry, I guarantee you'll be amazed when the time comes.
[Yeah? ]
"Absolutely. He's taller, thinner, and darker-skinned, and he's also become much more resilient and worldly-wise. Prime Minister Lin and Lord Lin will definitely be quite surprised."
Lin Xiang: I am not surprised.
As long as he returns safely, that's good.
Emperor Jingyuan: Yu Hui has gained a lot this time. I hope he can forge his own path to success in the future.
At this time, Lin Yuhui, who was on everyone's mind, was very unlucky. He encountered a group of bandits on the road, and the two sides were deadlocked.
"I planted this tree, I opened this road. If you want to pass, leave some money to pay for the road."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yuhui's expression immediately changed.
"Brothers, we are just passing through. We hope you will be kind enough to let us leave."
What a joke! Lin Yuhui had no money on him at all.
He used all his money to support the people and children in the north, thinking that there were post stations along the way and that he would not lack food and drink. He never expected to encounter bandits who robbed him.
"Oh my, young man, you're quite handsome. No money? You'll come up the mountain with us and become our bandit husband? Hahaha~~~"
After he finished speaking, everyone burst into laughter.
Lin Yuhui's face turned red with anger.
"You, you all, have gone too far! I am an official appointment by the imperial court!"
"Very well, you are an official appointed by the imperial court. You are a high-ranking official!"
"You're the best!!!"
How could they not know?
They have very good information networks!
Lin Yuhui: I feel like they're laughing at him!
What's so funny? He's just telling the truth.
Ahhh, host, warning, warning! Lin Yuhui has been robbed and has unknowingly been surrounded by bandits.
Guagua, doesn't Lord Lin have a guard? Plus, the Lin family should have secret guards. Nothing should happen!
Host, under normal circumstances, there shouldn't be any problem! The key issue is that they are colluding with the officials, and Lord Lin was too eager to return home, leaving too quickly. The government even warned the bandits, and Lin Yuhui ended up getting caught in the crossfire!
Lin Xiang was sweating profusely with anxiety; his grandson was in danger.
Grandpa is in Shengjing now, and there's nothing he can do!
Lin Xiang: Lord Shen, and then what?
Just as Lin Yuhui was extremely anxious, suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar.
A group of men in black rode up at breakneck speed and arrived in the blink of an eye.
At the command of the leader in black, the group quickly surrounded the bandits.
Lin Yuhui looked closely and saw that it was the Lin family's guards and secret agents.
So this is the person his family prepared to protect him.
He had kept a low profile and hadn't let them show up at all.
Now he's not afraid of bandits anymore.
Seeing that things were not going well, the bandits tried to resist, but they were no match for the well-trained guards.
After several rounds, the bandits fell to the ground and surrendered.
Lin Yuhui breathed a sigh of relief, deeply grateful to the guards.
He straightened his clothes and headed back.
He was taking the bandits with him so he could make an example of them.
He also wants to find out those government officials who collude with bandits!
Of course, these officials were soon uncovered by Prime Minister Lin in secret and received the punishment they deserved.
Yes, it means going to the mines to mine.
They became members of the mining army.
Having gone through this ordeal, Lin Yuhui understands even more the complexities of human nature and looks forward to returning to Shengjing to share his experiences in the North with his family.
At this moment, Lord Wang looked at Lin Yuhui, his forehead covered in sweat.
Why is our ancestor back again?
Weren't they already sent away?
Lin Yuhui looked at Lord Wang, smiled slightly, and said calmly,
"Lord Wang, please don't panic. I have returned with important matters to discuss with you all."
Lord Wang wiped his sweat, forced a smile, and said...
"Please speak, Lord Lin."
Lin Yuhui then informed everyone about the situation in the north and the bandit robbery.
The government office was immediately in an uproar, with everyone discussing it animatedly.
Some advocated sending more troops to suppress the bandits, while others worried that the bandits were too fierce and should not be provoked.
Seeing their anxious and pretentious behaviour, Lin Yuhui was very angry.
Hateful!
What a show-off!
Do you think he's stupid?
He had thought everything through on this journey!
Lin Yuhui sneered, slammed his hand on the table, and stood up.
"My lords, the people of the north are suffering terribly because of the bandits. As officials of the court, how can we hesitate like this? The bandits are rampant. If they are not eradicated in time, they will become a great scourge."
At this moment, Lord Wang wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Why would you do that? Why would you do that?"
At this moment, an official he didn't recognize spoke up in a sarcastic tone.
"Lord Lin makes it sound so easy. Sending more troops is no simple matter. Our yamen only has so many people. You can see for yourself. Sending them to suppress bandits is just sending them to their deaths."
"Furthermore, if the bandit suppression fails and casualties occur, who will take responsibility?"
Lin Yuhui looked at him intently.
"My lord, if everyone were as timid and hesitant as you, the North would never have a day of peace. I am willing to personally lead an elite force to suppress the bandits. If I fail, I am willing to atone with my death!"
Everyone was shocked, never expecting Lin Yuhui to be so bold.
Why would they want his life?
They just wanted him to leave as soon as possible!
Hurry back to his capital, Shengjing.
What are you doing lingering here every day...?
Lord Wang frowned and said,
"Lord Lin's courage is commendable, but this matter needs to be considered carefully."
Lin Yuhui said urgently,
"Lord Wang, the bandits in the north are so rampant that we can no longer afford to delay."
Just as everyone was at a stalemate, Lin Yuhui took out his token.
This token was given to him by his grandfather when he left the capital, who said it was a gift from His Majesty to the Lin family when the relationship between His Majesty and his aunt, the Empress, was at its strongest.
Seeing the token is like seeing His Majesty in person.
Alright, this time, we have no choice but to fight the bandits!
After Lin Yuhui produced the token, Lord Wang immediately began to mobilize troops as Lin Yuhui requested.
Lin Yuhui knew that this bandit suppression mission was arduous. Not only did he have to face the fierce bandits, but he also had to be wary of the officials who were making trouble behind the scenes.
But he was determined to go and suppress the bandits.
He believed he could do it!
Because he had a guard team and secret agents, he believed there would be no problem.
Since we have the ability, we should naturally do something for the people.
This time, he was determined to eradicate this bandit gang completely.
Lin Yuhui's troops entered the mountains and soon arrived at a flat area.
After setting up camp, they immediately sent people out to gather information.
By the afternoon, he had learned most of what was going on with this group of bandits.
As expected.
These corrupt officials, just wait!
At this moment, in the Golden Palace of the Imperial Palace.
The entire court was deeply worried.
Please, Mr. Yuhui, be sure nothing bad happens to you.
All the officials looked at Shen Mingzhu expectantly, hoping she would say more.
Shen Changyuan looked at Lin Xiang and waved his hand, indicating that he should handle it himself.
Everyone knows what Shen Mingzhu is like.
They couldn't say it; they could only wait until Shen Mingzhu wanted to speak.
Guagua, are the bandits powerful?
Host, that's pretty impressive. Lord Lin went, and they just ran away, hahaha...
Shen Mingzhu: ...
Okay, it's obviously collusion between officials and bandits.
I hope you can hold on, Yuhui!
In fact, Lin Xiang didn't care much about any of this; he was just an old man who worried about his grandson.
His heart was pounding with anxiety.
Shen Mingzhu didn't say much.
Lin Xiang: This is a matter of life and death, speak quickly, what do you care about anything else?