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Chapter 342: Storms Rising in One Place (asking for monthly tickets)
Li Guanyi did not take off his armor. He was still wearing his armor and battle robe. When people passing by on the road saw him, they all saluted him respectfully, not to mention the generals and generals in the army led by the Duke.

There is also the Black Armor Army led by Li Guanyi and Li Zhaowen.

After meeting Li Guanyi and Li Zhaowen, he was even more respectful.

Although these black armored soldiers have martial arts skills, they did not have enough military merits before and most of them were at the position of squad leaders. According to Li Zhaowen's promise, they will be treated as a captain of a miscellaneous brand or even a young general after returning after charging into the battle this time, and they are all overjoyed.

The premise is that everything goes well.

Just at this moment, after completing the exhilarating task of charging into the array, everyone temporarily put aside the danger that would follow and enjoyed a brief mental relief.

It was called a family banquet, but in fact, with the current state of Yemenguan City, the food was only slightly better than that of ordinary soldiers. It was only in the original city lord's mansion. The old Duke was still only in armor and battle robes. There was a little wine and meat on the table. He smiled and invited Li Guanyi to sit down:

"My dear friend, you have taken great pains to lead the troops here. Without your help, I am afraid we would be in danger. Come on, in this situation, there is not much to entertain you, please!"

There were some acquaintances accompanying him, including Li Zhaowen.

For a moment, it can make people ignore the current situation outside.

Duke Li said, "My friend, the leader of the foreign army is not an ordinary person. Although we have the strategy of confusing the enemy, he is very suspicious. If we are not careful and let him find out the problem, it will be troublesome."

"There are still more than 70,000 soldiers in the city at this moment, all of whom can wear armor and carry guns."

"I have an idea. I plan to wait until the enemy's morale is most unstable, lead the army out of the city, and rush out under cover. What do you think?"

Li Guanyi said: "It is a choice."

Duke Li said, "It is very difficult to use a formation when a large army is on the march. Although once a formation is formed, it is more powerful, it is not as flexible as a small group of elite troops. A small group of troops can penetrate and break through. If a large army leaves the city, there will inevitably be a big battle."

"Unless someone can hold them back, charge."

He had a reserved demeanor and stopped talking here.

Generally speaking, at this time the generals would stand up on their own initiative, and then, excitedly, issue a military order and so on.

Li Guanyi saw it.

Li Guanyi chose to ignore it.

They were so hungry when they rushed here, and they ate and drank voraciously. For a moment, the only sounds here were the Central Plains merchants who were sitting cross-legged and eating heartily. The reserved and calm Duke Li felt a little embarrassed for some reason.

Looking at Li Zhaowen, Li Zhaowen just smiled and handed the wine to Li Guanyi, saying:

“This isn’t really a good wine.”

"With your physique and strength, it's just water to quench your thirst."

"I have some famous wines stored in my home. I'll have a good drink with you when I get back!"

Duke Li: “…………”

That's my wine.

He coughed and said gently, "To protect my army and the people in the city, someone needs to be at the front. I see that you have superb skills and extraordinary abilities. I wonder if you are willing to help? There will be a big reward!"

The old Duke paused, raised his glass, and said, "Xiahou and I were on the city wall, watching the Western Regions' troops surge in all directions, as if they were endless. We felt sad and swore secretly."

"If someone really comes here to save me, if that is my child, then he is my only heir."

"And if it's someone else."

"Then no matter what his wish is, I will agree to it."

"Zhao Wen, you came to save me. After I return, I will report to His Majesty and ask him to confer you a higher position. And Tian Geer, what is your wish? Just tell me, I can satisfy you!"

This is what politicians do.

Perhaps because of the added veil of father-son affection, Li Zhaowen had a trace of joy on his face, but Li Guanyi could see it clearly, and all the eyes were on him. Li Guanyi slowly swallowed the food in his mouth and said loudly:
"I hope that the world will be peaceful and there will be no more wars in the four seas."

Duke Li was a little embarrassed for the second time and said with a smile: "I can't do such a thing." The generals, nobles, and even counselors around him were all a little unhappy. They felt that what this Central Plains merchant said was too false.

There was a hint of disrespect in his heart, but he never showed it on his face.

One of them laughed and said, "General Tianger has such broad ambitions that we are all amazed. There are not many young people in the world who have such courage. At this moment, I can only think of the Qilin in Jiangnan."

Li Guanyi was shocked, laughed, and said, "Qilin?"

"Oh, I've heard of him, but he's pretty average."

Duke Li laughed out loud, "I think my nephew is brave and knowledgeable, and has great courage. He is not much worse than that Jiangnan Qilin kid. It is a good thing for a young man to have madness and vision."

"However, these four characters, 'Peace in the World', are really too heavy and too big."

"I don't have the ability to give you this. How about changing it to another one?"

Li Guanyi said: "Money, food!"

Li Guogong asked: "How much do you want?!"

Li Guanyi replied: "How much can the Duke give?"

Duke Li said with a smile, "After you and I leave, your Anxi City will be my greatest ally here. Wherever the Emperor of Great Ying marches, the whole world will obey him. How could he be short of your money?"

Duke Li originally intended to continue to keep the matter vague and use this young man's enthusiasm for his own use, but seeing that the merchant was also smiling, Li Zhaowen said: "Father, since we have made a promise, we should abide by it."

Duke Li was somewhat unhappy.

This daughter is too free and aggressive, but she doesn't help herself.

Instead, he helped an outsider.

He drank the wine slowly. Although he was not happy, he knew that this was the time to use people and he could not be stingy, so he said decisively:

"In that case, why not give me a bonus? Ten thousand taels of gold and silver is not a problem. I will give you the reward for a great victory of my army. This time, we have defeated the 100,000-strong coalition army of the Western Regions. The court will definitely reward you, no matter how much gold and silver your Majesty of the Great Ying Kingdom rewards you."

"One hundred thousand taels is fine, one million taels is fine, or even ten million taels is fine."

"You and me, 70% and 30%!"

The noble generals around him all changed color: "My Lord!"

"this--"

Li Guanyi was also a little surprised. He guessed the atmosphere, raised his eyebrows, and said:

"Among the rewards, 30% will be given to me?"

Duke Li's ambition is greater than what Li Guanyi has seen.

He said calmly, "No, 70%."

"You are seven, I am three."

"That 30% is not what I want."

"Give it 30% and give it to my soldiers. Although they were defeated because of me, they shared the hardships and fought bravely. They should be rewarded. As for the rest -"

"All for you!"

"As for the 30% compensation, I can also allow you to enter my treasure house. You can take as much as you want. How do you think?"

Li Guanyi looked at Duke Li.

Duke Li smiled calmly, which showed his "sincerity" - there were many benefits in the treasure house, and now it all depended on Li Guanyi's vision and luck, and no one could say he was wrong.

But Li Guanyi is just one person after all, how much can he take away?
Li Guanyi thought of the big bag that the whale fisherman prepared for Yaoguang.

Li Guanyi said: "Well, now that I have spoken, I will give you a chance to express my feelings."

Duke Li laughed: "It's hard to catch up with him!"

The guests and hosts enjoy themselves.

Both of them felt very satisfied.

Although Duke Li felt very painful and was unwilling to give up so much gold and silver as rewards, he was a rational man and knew that he should not be stingy at this time.

So the performance and disguise are extremely heroic.

It was as if the sword-wielding young man from back then was still alive in this skin.

Duke Li said, "I see that my nephew is wearing this set of armor, which fits him very well. This is something that has been passed down from generation to generation in my generation. Since ancient times, precious swords have been given to heroes. This set of Shanwen armor and the Xuanbing heavy spear are given to my nephew."

"You can use it later. I hope you can be a master on the battlefield."

"If my dear nephew is willing."

"After I return this time, I will report to His Majesty and ask for a position for you. Then I can give you a title for your wife and children, which will be a great honor to our ancestors. What do you think?"

Li Guanyi is no longer the little pharmacist he used to be. He knows that the Duke wants to take this opportunity to completely integrate himself into his camp - a great victory in the Western Region, and then personally report the merits and ask for rewards and official positions.

In the eyes of the people of the world, Tianger of Anxi City is a descendant of the Duke's Mansion.

Li Guanyi said: "Don't bother with that."

He wiped his mouth, and this Central Plains merchant had a light and cunning smile on his face: "Of course, if the Duke is willing, it would be best if you could give me this official position in exchange for money and food."

"If anyone among you wants this credit."

"You can tell me in private. We are all allies and can make a good deal."

"I am not stingy in sharing this official position and merit with you. In exchange for official positions and merits, when the time comes to submit merits, I will share my merits with you. How about that?"

"I can give you a discount."

When these words came out, everyone looked a little strange.

Duke Li was so angry that he laughed. He was so angry that he couldn't even be called furious. He was more of a person who didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The other generals and officials were slightly moved and had some ideas in mind.

It would have been a great defeat, and their merits would have been stripped away if they were not careful. However, if Li Guanyi came this time and then broke through, he could really lead them out and even "repel" the 100,000-strong coalition force of the seven tribes in the Western Regions.

That is no small achievement.

It can be bought with just money, and this person doesn't say anything?
Is there really such a good thing?!

There was a hint of eagerness hidden in their eyes, as well as a hint of contempt.

He is truly a traveling merchant, skilled in martial arts, but unaware of the benefits of official position and power. With his great achievement this time, at this time of war, it is not impossible to promote him to a fifth-rank military general, or even a fourth-rank general.

This is not something that can be bought with money.

What a good traveling merchant!
Duke Li was also somewhat stunned, and said helplessly: "What a money-grubber!"

"However, today is a family dinner, but I have something to tell you."

"I see that you are about the same age as Zhao Wen, and you are also very handsome, with extraordinary martial arts skills and extraordinary courage. You are truly a rare talent."

"Would you like to be a member of my family?"

Li Guanyi looked at Duke Li, stunned: "???"

All the calculations in my mind stopped.

Duke Li had a gentle expression on his face. He looked at Li Guanyi and said:

"I see that you are so strong and powerful, but you don't have any noble family to support you. It's difficult for you to survive in this chaotic world. If you don't mind, why don't you take me as your foster father?"

"When he returns to the city one day, he will rebuild the family tree and include your name in it."

Li Guanyi: “…………”

"what?"

Li Guanyi was a little overwhelmed, but he heard a burst of laughter coming from the side.

Li Zhaowen stood up and declined on behalf of Li Guanyi, saying, "Father, he is a free-spirited person and I'm afraid he is not willing to become an adopted son. Your plan is not a good one. It is better to follow your son's idea."

He paused and smiled, "I'm afraid it won't work if we close the gates at night."

"There is not much food left in the city's treasury, but there is still a lot of gold, silver and copper coins. This city is difficult to rebuild in a short period of time and cannot be defended. Why not give all the gold and silver to my brother?"

Li Guan was overjoyed and looked at Li Zhaowen.

The one who understands me is Erlang!
He saw Li Zhaowen smile and nod.

Duke Li groaned and said, "That's fine, but if that's the case, how about I give you a bigger gift..."

Li Shude looked at Li Guanyi:

"This Yemen Pass is not the border of our Da Ying, but one of the forty-two cities that formed an alliance with us before. If you are willing, these forty-two cities, as well as the gold, silver, food and grass in the cities, and even the control of these forty-two cities, will be given to you!" "How?"

"Do you dare to get off, nephew?"

Li Guanyi paused slightly.

Duke Li is not a good-for-nothing after all.

These cities allied with Xiyi City cannot be actually controlled by him, so they are either destroyed or surrendered. It is better to just do Li Guanyi a favor and give the so-called control of the alliance. As for the gold and silver, if you have the ability, you can take them!

Duke Li said, "Well, nephew, do you have the courage to accept this great gift?"

Li Guanyi said: "Please ask Uncle Li to write a letter."

Li Shude laughed and said, "Good! You are courageous!"

He waved his hand and asked his attendants to bring paper and pen, and wrote on the spot that the alliance of the forty-two cities, large and small, and the power of control would be handed over to Li Guanyi. This meant that Xiyi City would recognize the control of the forty-two cities by Li Guanyi's troops.

Xiyi City will even provide assistance to Li Guanyi's troops in controlling these forty-two cities.

There are many benefits of chambers of commerce and business dealings.

Li Guanyi accepted the thing, on which was pressed the seal of [Duke of Ying State]. He faintly felt that the aura was flowing above the Nine Cauldrons, making a humming sound. Above the Nine Cauldrons, the part representing the entire Western Regions was lit up with golden light.

There is a vague connection with the [souvenir] in his hand, but unfortunately, this souvenir only has a part of the luck derived from the majestic momentum of Ying State. It is not strong enough and solid enough to make any changes to Li Guanyi's Jiuzhou Ding.

Forty-two Cities...

A large area that was previously surveyed by the Duke of Yingguo himself.

These cities are excellent, rich in products, occupying oases, and have salt ponds and other resources.

They just couldn't eat it.

Now the tacit consent was given to Li Guanyi. Li Guanyi knew that Duke Li wanted to use such huge benefits to stabilize him and let him lead the army to break the formation personally. They would lead tens of thousands of troops to press forward from behind, and finally rush out while the enemy's morale was unstable.

but……

Another strategy emerged in Li Guanyi's mind.

If so, we can defeat this army from the Western Regions.

Then, with the power of this great victory, the forty-two cities will be taken down like a whirlwind. In just thirty or forty days, they can all be under control. At present, there is only one big city, which is ultimately not enough to compete with the Wolf King and the Dangxiang.

But the forty-two cities are different.

Li Guanyi's influence and strength in the Western Regions will increase from a city lord who occupies a city and controls the original territory of the ancient Agni Kingdom to a powerful man who occupies forty-two cities in the Western Regions.

Although the population and area of ​​the so-called 42 cities cannot be compared with the big cities in the Central Plains and Jiangnan, the number is still a very impressive force. Moreover...

With forty-two cities under my command and two to three million people, I should be able to try to cast a tripod.

At least we can create a prototype.

Li Guanyi suddenly thought of something very fatal.

Whispering: "Won't the forty-two cities be extremely short of money?"

A city was about to drain all his gold and silver.

Previously, Duke Li said that he would give Jiang Wanxiang 70% of the rewards in the future. That must be a huge sum of gold and silver. However, if all this gold and silver were used to repair and manage 42 city-states, it would be a huge waste.

Li Guanyi's face turned pale.

I felt the same stomachache as Yan Daiqing.

He felt that even if he won a great victory this time, his financial deficit would be even bigger.

poverty!

The more famous you are, the greater the rewards you will gain.

The poorer!

Nangong Wumeng, are you serious about what you said?
Can you really lose thirty years of wealth?
When Duke Li saw him like this, he finally laughed. After the banquet, the generals and staff were itching to think about the meritorious business that the Central Plains merchant had mentioned. Duke Li drank alone, while Xiahou Duan was beside him.

After hesitating for a moment, Xiahou Duan said:
"My Lord, giving him such a huge benefit, isn't it too much?"

Duke Li drank alone and said, "Is it a lot? Not much."

"We originally underestimated the severity of the situation in the Western Region. The situation in the Western Region is turbulent. If we can [force back] the 100,000-strong army in the Western Region at this moment, it will be considered a reward for Imperial Master Jiang Su and His Majesty."

"We can sit high on the stage and watch the world compete."

“Although these forty-two cities are a large area of ​​land, it would be a great benefit if we could take them. However, the intensity of the Western Region is too great. If we want to stand here, unless we can subdue the various tribes in the Western Region, we will face constant invasions from the Western Region coalition.”

"Not a good thing."

"This Tianger is very cunning."

"He has taken the bait time and again, but he has not taken the bait. Why not give him these forty-two cities and let him stand in front for us?"

Xiahou Duan asked, "What if he really gains power?"

Duke Li sneered and said, "Impossible."

"Absolutely impossible."

"With talents like you and me, we are still unable to stand firm, just a traveling merchant."

"Even if they have hidden identities, they are mostly outstanding disciples of some aristocratic family. It is a stroke of luck for them to occupy one city. How can they occupy forty-two cities?"

"I'm afraid I'll die from my own appetite."

"The situation in the Western Region is turbulent and chaotic, and the situation of the thirty-six tribes is complicated, just like a birdcage. People like Tian Geer and even Zhao Wen are all talented and unrestrained young heroes."

“But in this Western Region, they are just two birds trapped by this situation.”

Xiahou Duan was upright, loyal and brave. He said, "As the military strategists say, before you think about victory, you must think about defeat first."

"What if it can gain momentum?"

"You said that if someone came to you, you would make him your successor."

Duke Li said, "So... I said, she and that boy are both trapped in this great situation. How can I make my daughter the Duke? It's just that now facing this situation, I have to rely on the strength of the two of them, so I have no choice but to say so."

Xiahou Duan remained silent.

Duke Li said: "The world is a series of cages. Zhao Wen's cage is my Xiyi City and the family affection. The boy's cage is the complexity of the Western Regions and the turmoil in the world."

"If we can't get out of this cage, we will become two birds with beautiful feathers in this cage."

"And if you go out..."

He paused and said calmly: "Then, those are two phoenixes."

"Just use me as a stepping stone to build their own reputation."

"It's just a matter of accepting defeat."

"Phoenix and phoenix, where do they come from and where do they go?"

"How can they all be in my Western Region?"

"Rather, under this situation, do you think the fight between the Tanguts and the old wolf has reached its peak? Is the Tangut woman hoping that we will be stopped, or is she hoping that we will rush out?"

Duke Li raised his eyes and looked outside.

At this moment, Xiao Yuxue was also looking into the distance from the height of the Dangxiang Imperial Palace, her sleeves twirling as she muttered to herself, "...Li Shude, you never thought that there are also people from my Holy Church in your Xiyi City."

"It's a pity, it's a pity."

"Li Shude was a hero all his life. His eldest son was a conservative and his second daughter was free and easy."

"Your third son is useless. You only used three or five singing girls to make him linger. Even your timing and route map for leaving the city can be easily figured out. It's hard for a hero like you to be defeated by your own son."

The extremely beautiful woman with indifferent eyes stood on a high place and said softly:

"Let [Yemenguan] bury your ambitions, old man. Your third son is a very good chess piece. If we stir up the conflict between your eldest son and second daughter, Xiyi City will be affected by us."

"If you die here, Ying State will have enough reason to send troops..."

"The pressure on Chen State will be reduced."

"He Ruoqinhu, the fourth most famous general in the world, has not yet been deployed."

"He acts in a domineering manner. He entered the Western Regions and wiped out the Western Region tribes that killed you. The thirty-six tribes will not be his opponents, and the Wolf King, who was once the fourth divine general in the world, and is now the fourth divine general in the world."

"Competing in the Western Regions."

"Only in this way can the Tanguts survive, and my holy religion survive."

"Li Shude, use your head to revive this dead end in the Western Region!"

Wu Xuefei bowed her head——

Even she could see it.

Xiao Yuxue is also stirring up the world's situation. Once her plan is implemented, the entire Western Regions and even the world will change accordingly. The Dangxiang Kingdom, which was originally doomed to be destroyed, and the fortune of the Holy Religion will come back to life.

Wu Xuefei didn't know what to say.

She felt that this man was as radical as a demon, and that she was twisted and terrifying, but after all, she was the most outstanding leader of the Holy Church in hundreds of years. She was ruthless and strategic, had a broad vision, and could stir up the world with her identity as a woman of the world.

This game is done.

Xiao Yuxue lowered her eyes, as if she had seen the distant mountains and rivers and saw Yemen Pass.

She slowly stretched out her slender, white fingers, and then the thirty-six tribes of the Western Regions, the State of Chen, the State of Ying, the City of Xiyi, and even more people, all gathered under her palm, forming a criss-cross chessboard.

Hold the five fingers together.

He controlled the Dangxiang, mobilized the seven tribes, stirred up the situation, and attracted the western attention.

She is the first entrant this time.

If we win this time, a great fortune will surge, reviving the White Emperor and reuniting the Holy Church.

That's how it should be.

The city gates are closed at night.

Li Guanyi raised his eyes and looked into the distance. Li Zhaowen smiled and said, "My father is a little drunk after all. You don't have to mind the words of adopted son. However, I can't call you by your name. I can only call you Brother Pharmacist."

Li Zhaowen looked into the distance and suddenly chuckled:

"But if we want to become a family, there is more than just one way to have an adopted son."

Li Guanyi raised his eyebrows.

Li Zhaowen smiled calmly and said:
"Pharmacist, what do you think of this situation?"

Li Guanyi looked into the distance and said, "Wait, the enemy's army is already in disarray. After we charge back, Erlang, remember what you said, compose a song for me." Li Zhaowen smiled and said, "And the most beautiful woman in the world will play the zither."

In the moment of silence after the battlefield, Li Guanyi said softly:
"The time is not right yet."

"I want to defeat the enemy in one fell swoop!"

Beat them up!

If you can defeat the seven tribes in the Western Regions, capture forty-two cities, and rise completely, you can be called a local hero. Otherwise, to swallow up the Western Regions and the south of the Yangtze River with only one city is just a foolish dream.

Li Shude, Li Zhaowen, Li Guanyi, the tribes in the Western Regions, Xiao Yuxue, Chen State, Ying State, the situations in all four directions are now gathered on a battlefield. Victory or defeat, life or death, will affect the future direction.

There were only a few hours left before the battle, which was widely sung by later generations and never forgotten for a thousand years.

At the same time, dozens of miles away from the battlefield outside Yemen Pass, horses were galloping.

Ten thousand elite troops led by Qibili and Fan Qing.

The high-quality armor and sharp weapons escorted by Changsun Wuchou.

Finally reunited!

(End of this chapter)