Starting as a centurion, he fought his way through the chaos of the world.

Chapter 91 Recognizing the Son and the Incident at the Execution Ground

After Lu Ming and Bai Yan traveled more than ten miles outside the city, they saw a large group of people approaching.

With just one glance, the former could tell that this was a truly elite force.

His soldiers were quite good, but compared to this army, not to mention their cultivation level, their morale was far inferior.

The imperial guards before him wore golden armor, their blood surging with energy.

There was also a faint, inexplicable force at work.

His gaze was firm and profound.

It was as if nothing in the world posed a threat to them.

"Legend has it that when the Great Yu Dynasty was first established, the million-strong Imperial Guard, empowered by the power of the mortal world, was able to rival the immortals within the Great Yu territory. Now, the people are suffering and the spirit of humanity is declining. If this continues..."

"I'm afraid all sorts of demons and monsters would dare to come in."

Bai Yan's voice was tinged with regret.

There was still a hint of longing in his eyes.

It seems to be reminiscing about the past.

Lu Ming looked surprised; he hadn't expected such a statement.

"The Prime Minister is here, let's go and greet him." Bai Yan dismounted and slowly walked forward.

Lu Ming also jumped off his horse, threw the reins to the guard beside him.

He went to meet him, his armor clanging as he walked.

Upon arriving at the front of the group, he bowed and said...

"Lu Ming, the garrison commander of Hongdu Prefecture, greets the Prime Minister and the General!"

"Bai Yan greets the Prime Minister and the General."

After the two voices rang out.

The carriage stopped, and just then, Marquis Hongshan's gruff voice rang out.

"With the Imperial Guards arriving, local officials have an auxiliary duty; you may prepare food for them!"

His voice was like thunder.

Lu Ming could vaguely see that sound waves were being propelled out of his mouth.

He raised an eyebrow; this person's cultivation was definitely above the Innate level.

Moreover, this is a deliberate attempt to intimidate them.

Indeed, that is the case.

The imperial court was certainly aware of the situation in Yunzhou, so it had prepared ample provisions when the imperial guards were dispatched.

After all, although the Great Yu Dynasty had begun to decline, the Imperial Guards had never been wronged.

In addition to the monthly salary, there were also supplementary elixirs distributed each month.

Marquis Hongshan did not inform him in advance.

They simply didn't want to give Hongdu Prefecture a chance to prepare, so they could take the opportunity to launch an attack.

After reforming the local officials, they will be able to contribute on the battlefield.

This was something the Imperial Guards often did.

After all, they had never taken the local city guards seriously.

Therefore, at this point, it's natural to need to make a careful decision.

However, just as he finished speaking...

"Whoosh!" The carriage curtain was pulled open.

Li Yan's voice rang out, "Alright, Marquis of Hongshan, this is my hometown. You should put away your tricks."

Then she looked at Lu Ming and said, "Aren't you going to come and help me out of the car? You child, it's only been half a year since we last met, and you're already acting like we're strangers."

"Okay, sure!" Lu Ming was clearly surprised that it was Li Yan who got out of the car.

A fleeting look of surprise crossed his face, and then he stepped forward and helped the other person down.

Seeing the old man again, even with his current resolute mind, he couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Li Yan patted his hand and then continued to look at Marquis Hongshan.

"This is one of my closest juniors. Let's have a good drink together when we get to the city."

This is clearly a way of telling the other party about her relationship with Lu Ming, so that the other party won't feel awkward.

After all, this prime minister was known for protecting his own, and he wouldn't allow anyone to bully his students, let alone Lu Ming.

The portly Marquis of Hongshan showed surprise on his rugged face.

He knew that Li Yan had many disciples, but he had never been so close to anyone before.

"I'll listen to Prime Minister Li."

After learning about Lu Ming's relationship with Li Yan, he knew that he couldn't use this show of force.

Although Li Yan has no cultivation, he is the closest to His Majesty.

Moreover, he has made tremendous contributions to Dayu over the years.

The civil and military officials in the court still held him in high regard.

“Mr. Bai, I have repeatedly asked you to come out of retirement, but you have always refused. I never expected that you would be working in Hongdu Prefecture now. I really didn’t expect that.”

"I really received a lot of guidance from the garrison commander, and I couldn't refuse," Bai Yan said with a wry smile.

Li Yan was clearly preparing to get down and take a walk.

At this moment, while looking at the ridge of the field, he said, "In the current year, to be able to govern Hongdu Prefecture to this state is truly remarkable. If the Great Yu had more people like you, how could humanity not prosper!"

"Prime Minister, you misunderstand. This is not my achievement, but the garrison commander's. The well, the waterwheel, and the digging of wells to irrigate the fields were all orders given by the garrison commander. I was merely the one carrying them out," Bai Yan said solemnly.

"Oh?" Li Yan turned his gaze to Lu Ming beside him.

A look of surprise flashed in his slightly cloudy eyes.

Although he was very pleased when he saw the scene in Hongdu Prefecture.

However, it was only believed that Lu Ming, as a military officer, did not, like others, interfere with the prefect's actions.

This is a very wise move for a town guard.

But he didn't expect that.

This was actually created by Lu Ming, a military general.

"I've only read a few ancient books; it's all theoretical. Without Prefect Bai's actual implementation, it would be difficult to accomplish this," Lu Ming said, rubbing his nose.

"Not arrogant or impatient, very good!" Li Yan was even more satisfied at this moment.

Not only was his martial arts skill formidable, but he also knew how to govern the people.

I never imagined that I would meet such an outstanding junior in my old age.

Heaven has been quite kind to him.

At this moment, after seeing the relationship between Lu Ming and Prime Minister Li, Marquis Hongshan's attitude became more amiable. "Governor Lu, what is the current situation of the rebels? Has Yunmeng Prefecture been breached?"

The army's scouts have already been sent out.

But the time is too short, and they can't come back yet.

Marquis Hongshan is in charge of suppressing the rebels this time.

He was most anxious about this matter, especially if Yunmeng Mansion were to fall.

What follows will be very troublesome.

Li Yan also turned his attention to the matter, as he was equally concerned about it.

If Yunzhou is to be governed well, the rebels must be suppressed.

"More than ten days ago, I led a large army to attack the rebels' supply depot. They ran out of food and, after lingering outside Yunmeng Prefecture for several days, they have withdrawn and should now be retreating back to Zhelong Prefecture!"

Lu Ming spoke up.

This made Marquis Hongshan pause in surprise.

I originally thought that Hongdu Prefecture would be lucky if it could hold off the rebels from attacking.

As for Yunmeng Mansion, he was prepared for it to be destroyed.

Unexpectedly, Lu Ming launched a drastic move, seizing the rebels' supplies.

If that's the case, then Yunmeng Prefecture is not only safe.

Even the rebels in Zhelong Prefecture are already preoccupied with their own problems.

"Is this true?" Marquis Hongshan asked in a deep voice.

"It's true, of course. The left ear of the rebel who was beheaded is now in the garrison headquarters. And Yunmeng Prefecture must have received the news as well. Who would dare to lie about something that happened in the army?"

Lu Ming straightened up and said.

A smile appeared on Marquis Hongshan's face. "Good, good. If this is true, you will be credited with a great service."

After saying that, he actually clasped his hands in a fist and said to Li Yan, "Prime Minister, the military situation is urgent. If that is the case, I will not enter the city. The army will set off directly and enter Zhelong Mansion first."

The high-ranking officials of the imperial court were naturally aware that there were members of the Immortal Sect among the rebels in Zhelong Prefecture.

Now that they are short of food and supplies, and so much time has passed, their morale must be low, making it the perfect time to attack.

If the other side comes up with a solution and solves the problem of lacking food supplies...

That would mean missing a good opportunity.

Li Yan also realized the seriousness of the matter. Although he did not understand military affairs, he knew that Marquis Hongshan was one of the most valiant generals in Dayu.

He is not comparable to Tuoba Hao.

"General, please do as you please, but remember not to kill indiscriminately. Most of the rebels are good citizens of our Great Yu, who were forced into this situation."

"I'll listen to the Prime Minister!" Marquis Hongshan replied.

He then turned to his deputy and said, "Pass down the order: the army will not enter the city, but will instead detour through Zhelong Prefecture!"

The next moment, a messenger rushed out.

After bowing to Marquis Hongshan, Lu Ming helped Li Yan continue towards the city.

A moment later, only a few hundred guards remained behind him.

These were all Li Yan's retainers, and they were quite powerful.

As he walked along, Li Yan observed for a long time, his eyes growing increasingly satisfied.

Especially after entering Hongdu Mansion and seeing its bustling scene.

He smiled and said, "Not bad, really not bad."

Finally, around noon, everyone returned to the garrison headquarters.

But after a group of officials formally paid their respects...

Li Yan did not attend the banquet prepared by the prefectural city.

Instead, she looked at Lu Mingdao and said, "Let's go to your house for dinner, and while we're at it, let's see how that girl Xirou is doing. This time, I brought her quite a few gifts."

The other person's words.

This left the officials in the prefectural city speechless.

They hadn't expected that the Prime Minister and Lu Ming were so close.

When someone goes to your home for a meal, it's practically like they're family.

"I'll do as you say," Lu Ming said with a smile, and then led the way.

Heading towards his own residence.

At this moment, Li Xirou was idly tending to the flowers and plants.

Recently, it seems that her cultivation has encountered a bottleneck.

"Xi Rou, look who's here." Lu Ming's voice rang out.

When Li Xirou turned around, she saw Li Yan.

A look of surprise appeared in his eyes.

He immediately stood up and walked over in two quick steps.

"Uncle Li, you're back! Where's Auntie?" As she spoke, she looked back.

“My wife isn’t in good health, so she can’t keep traveling long distances. Besides, this is a business trip, so it’s not appropriate to bring her along.” Li Yan said with a smile, looking Li Xirou up and down.

It was as if he were looking at his own daughter.

Only after noticing that the other person's complexion had improved significantly did he show a satisfied expression.

"The old master is the prime minister of the Great Yu. He's not just coming back this time, he's here to oversee the battle. Hurry up and prepare the meal. Let's have a good drink with the old master today."

"Ah!" Li Xirou exclaimed in disbelief.

"Hehe, no matter what my status is, I am still your elder. It's been so long since we last met, we should have a good drink together."

Li Yan said with a smile.

He was clearly very happy to see the two of them today.

After Li Xirou nodded, she ran off to prepare lunch.

Lu Ming helped Li Yan sit down under the tree.

The latter sighed and said, "When we, the old couple, left so abruptly, didn't you feel any discomfort?"

"How could I feel uncomfortable? I know you two have your reasons. In fact, you are my saviors. It's just a pity that I don't know your address and can't visit you. I've regretted this for half a year and have cried countless times."

Lu Ming poured tea for Li Yan himself as he spoke.

Li Yan smiled and said, "You and Xi Rou are sensible. I can see that the reason you left in such a hurry was because I had made many enemies in the court, and now that my energy is depleted, I don't have many years left to live."

So I don't want others to know too much about our past entanglements, and I'm worried that you'll be targeted after I die.

I just wanted to help secretly.

But I didn't expect you to be so capable, making such a great contribution in such a short time. Now that you have this ability, I have nothing to worry about.

"Before I die, I can still ensure you have the ability to protect yourself."

When it comes to this.

He gently patted Lu Ming's shoulder.

This touched the other party deeply. He didn't doubt Li Yan's words at all, because someone in that position had no need to lie to him or explain anything.

The fact that she could say such a thing shows that she truly considers him family.

"I have no children, and it is fate that I met you two juniors before I die. I have a favor to ask, I wonder if you would be willing?"

When Li Yan got to this point...

Try to make your expression more kind.

Lu Ming replied without hesitation, "Please speak!"

Only then did he realize why he could have such a smooth life in Hongdu Prefecture, and why even the eldest son of the Baili family was so polite to him when he was just a mere centurion.

In retrospect, it was all because of Li Yan.

"I'd like to adopt you as my godson, so that the family line will continue. Would you be willing?"

His voice was very soft, and unusually, he seemed somewhat insecure.

It might be hard for anyone to believe, given that Li Yan is now saying he wants to acknowledge his son.

Those willing to go could probably line up from Yunzhou all the way to the capital.

But things change once people develop feelings.

Because they care, they become insecure.

Lu Ming was taken aback; he hadn't expected Li Yan to make such a request.

However, he immediately knelt down on the ground.

"Godfather, please accept Lu Ming's bow!"

As he spoke, he kowtowed.

"Good, good, my son, get up quickly." Li Yan said excitedly, and tears welled up in his cloudy eyes.

For many years, he had longed to have a child of his own.

Hopefully, there will be successors.

I hope that everything I have will be inherited by the other person.

But for the sake of his wife, he kept quiet and never even mentioned adopting a child.

Lu Ming and Li Xirou's connection with the two elders was a matter of fate.

Both Li Yan and Zhang Shi highly approved of them and treated them like children.

That's why the former had the idea of adopting the child.

Looking at Lu Ming now, the fatherly love that had been building up over the years burst forth in an instant.

At this moment, the other party stood up and called out to his wife who was busy in the distance.

"Xi Rou, come here quickly."

Now that he's already acknowledged Li Xirou as his godfather, it's only natural that he should come and pay his respects.

And on the other side at this time.

The execution ground in the capital was surrounded by people.

The Imperial Guard was responsible for maintaining order.

Prince Yong and He Song, dressed in white prison uniforms, were pushed onto the guillotine.

The scorching sun shone down on the two of them.

The executioner had already raised his gleaming longsword, which was covered with runes.

"Pfft!" A mouthful of strong liquor sprayed onto the knife.

He raised the demon-headed sword above his head.

Prince Yong remained calm, while He Song's eyes were filled with fear.

He was a member of the immortal sect, and he had a long lifespan; he did not want to die here.

"Execute!" The executioner's token fell to the ground.

The executioner's blade swung down swiftly.

"Hurrah!"

But at that moment, a black hurricane swept across the entire execution ground, and even the imperial guards could not stand steadily.

"How dare you cause trouble at the execution ground!" a general roared angrily.

The golden armor on his body clanged as his qi and blood surged, and he steadied himself.

He picked up a long spear and hurled it at Prince Yong.

The sharp spear emitted a startling whistle as it pierced the air.

Faint white marks were left on the tail.

This is a general in the Imperial Guard, whose cultivation level has reached the peak of the Innate Realm.

But just as the spear pierced through the hurricane and was about to strike Prince Yong.

A whisk emerged from the wind.

He pushed the spear aside.

An aged figure appeared, accompanied by a woman in a white dress.

The two of them survived the hurricane without even their clothes being pulled up.

"Alas! Prince Yong was destined by Heaven; he should not have died at the hands of a tyrannical ruler." The old man, with an air of otherworldly wisdom, spoke in a calm voice.

The sound traveled through the hurricane and reached the ears of everyone in the execution ground.

The people who were blown down nearby heard it all clearly.

Then, with another flick of his whisk, he lifted Prince Yong and He Song up and flew away into the distance.

Moments later, he disappeared from the execution ground.

The hurricane then dissipated.

"Chase!" the Imperial Guard general roared at his subordinate, who had recovered.

Then he leaped onto his warhorse.

Inside the palace, the Empress sat on the dragon throne, looking down at her ministers.

They had been in the Chaotian Palace for three days, but still hadn't figured out a way to defeat the rebel army of Zhelong Prefecture.

At this moment, he lowered his head and dared not make a sound.

The entire hall was eerily silent.

"Dengdengdeng!"

The sound of crisp footsteps rang out outside the hall, and a young eunuch ran in.

As soon as he entered the main hall, he knelt down and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, members of the Immortal Sect have stormed the execution ground. Tuoba Ye and He Song have both been rescued, and the Imperial Guards have already dispatched troops to pursue them."

After he finished speaking, he lowered his head.

Sweat dripped down his cheeks.

The ministers' lips twitched involuntarily.

His Majesty was already on the verge of exploding with rage, and then one piece of bad news after another came.

This is absolutely terrible.

"Bang!" The jade pendant that the Empress was playing with was crushed in her hand.

"Clatter, clatter!" The beaded curtain rustled incessantly.

The assembled officials immediately knelt down.

The military officers were alright, but some civil officials couldn't take it anymore; they had to kneel countless times over the past three days.

Just then, there was another commotion outside.

"Report! The garrison commander of Yunmeng Prefecture has sent a battle report!" Another eunuch rushed over.

At the same time, it let out a sharp roar.