With a million soldiers, the empress begged me not to rebel

Shannan Prefecture, backyard of the county government office.

Lu Yan was lying leisurely in the rocking chair, holding a palm-leaf fan in his hand and rocking gently.

The sunlight shines through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows.

"Xiao Kui, is this watermelon sweet?"

He took a big bite of the watermelon, and the juice splashed everywhere.

Li Kui stood respectfully aside, holding half a watermelon in his hand.

"My Lord, it's very sweet! I picked this specially from Old Wang outside the city. It's sweet and juicy, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Lu Yan nodded with satisfaction and pointed to the grapes on the table:

"Peel some grapes."

Li Kui quickly put down the watermelon and picked up the grapes.

Peel them one by one and place them on the small plate in front of Lu Yan.

"Master, in the capital..."

Li Kui hesitated to speak.

"Capital?" Lu Yan casually spat out two grape seeds.

"What else could it be? Those sour-smelling censors keep accusing me of something every day. I'm used to it."

As he spoke, he grabbed another handful of grapes, stuffed them into his mouth, and said incoherently:

"Let them fight. If they don't die, I'll be the loser."

Li Kui shook his head helplessly, thinking:

The master is really carefree. Even though the situation is urgent, he is still here leisurely eating watermelon.

"Master, I'm afraid the people from the capital are coming with bad intentions. Are you really not worried at all?"

Lu Yan lazily patted his belly with a palm-leaf fan and said nonchalantly:

"What's there to worry about? If the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up. What kind of waves can a small prefect like me make?"

"Besides, my Shannan Prefecture is well-governed. No one picks up things on the streets, and no one locks their doors at night. What else can they do to me?"

Li Kui wanted to persuade him again, but a government official came running in breathlessly and fell to his knees with a thud:

"Master, Miss Chen wants to see you!"

Hearing this, Lu Yan raised his eyebrows. He's coming?

This woman is well-informed.

"Let her in."

A moment later, Chen Qingwan appeared in front of Lu Yan in a simple and elegant outfit.

She is not wearing any makeup today, but she looks even more beautiful and elegant.

It is like a lotus flower emerging from the water, which is eye-catching.

Before she could speak, Lu Yan asked with a smile:

"Miss Chen, have you also heard the news from the capital?"

Chen Qingwan nodded slightly, her expression calm.

Lu Yan asked again:

"What was the Empress's reaction?"

"You wouldn't really believe the slander of those old scoundrels and take me back to the capital to behead me, would you?"

He deliberately pretended to be scared and spoke in an exaggerated tone.

Chen Qingwan smiled faintly and said:

"Lord Lu, you're joking. Your Majesty is so wise and powerful, how could he be deceived by such rumors?"

"His Majesty greatly admires your abilities and hopes that you can come to the capital and become His Majesty's capable assistant."

Lu Yan pretended to be surprised and widened his eyes:

"Is this true? You want me to go to the capital? To work for the Empress? This... this isn't good, is it?"

He rubbed his hands, looking embarrassed.

Chen Qingwan watched his performance quietly, a smile flashing in her eyes.

This man is playing dumb again.

"Master Lu, don't worry. His Majesty has said that if you don't want to go to the capital, you can stay in Shannan Prefecture and continue to benefit the people. The court will strongly support all your actions."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yan immediately put on an ecstatic expression:

"Oh, that's great!"

"I told you so. The Empress is wise and powerful, and she has a keen eye for talent. She will definitely see that I am a rare talent!"

"Hehe, actually, I don't have any lofty ambitions. I just want to guard this Shannan Prefecture and live a comfortable life."

"Let the people of Shannan Prefecture live a good life."

Chen Qingwan couldn't help but chuckle at his useless appearance.

Seeing her smile, Lu Yan also smiled and said sincerely:

"Miss Chen, thank you so much this time. Please put in a few good words for me in front of the Empress. I will treat you to a good meal someday."

"The beggar's chicken at Zuixianlou in Shannan Prefecture is incredible!"

Chen Qingwan rolled her eyes at him.

This man is really a man who doesn't show his eagle until he sees the rabbit. He even doesn't forget to take advantage of me.

"You are too polite, Lord Lu. It is just a piece of cake."

Lu Yan chuckled and said:

"By the way, Miss Chen, besides delivering my message, do you have anything else to do when you come to Shannan Prefecture this time?"

Chen Qingwan's expression straightened and she said:

"This time, in addition to conveying His Majesty's will, I also have a request."

Lu Yan immediately patted his chest and promised:

"Miss Chen, just say it. As long as I can do it, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Chen Qingwan said:

"Your Majesty, I have heard that the firearm developed by Lord Lu is extremely powerful. I wonder if you would allow me to see it?"

Chen Qingwan observed Lu Yan calmly.

His expression seemed relaxed and casual, but she was keenly aware of it.

There was a subtle shrewdness hidden deep in Lu Yan's eyes.

Lu Yan had just pretended to be stupid and confused, which in her opinion was more like a test.

To test the true purpose of her visit and to test the Holy Will.

Thinking of the powerful musket, Chen Qingwan felt excited.

If only I could equip my Yulin Army with this musket.

The military strength of the Datong Dynasty will surely be raised to a new level.

By then, the Huns on the border would be ready to make a move.

They will also surrender to the iron cavalry of the Datong Dynasty.

Lu Yan smiled mysteriously:

"Miss Chen, it's not that I don't give you face, but this firearm is the secret weapon of our Shannan Prefecture. How can we show it to others so easily?"

"But..."

He drew out the last word, a cunning glint in his eyes.

Chen Qingwan raised her eyebrows.

What is this man planning?

"But what?"

Lu Yan came closer to her and said in a low voice:

"If Miss Chen can agree to one condition, I would consider it..."

Chen Qingwan looked at his face so close to her and her breathing paused slightly.

It’s getting bolder and bolder!

"What conditions?"

Lu Yan's gaze lingered on her face.

"Drink with me."

Chen Qingwan cursed him in her heart, but her face remained calm as she said calmly:

"Lord Lu, are you negotiating terms with me?"

Lu Yan laughed.

"No, no, I was just joking with Miss Chen."

As he spoke, he stood up and walked to the shelf beside him and took down an exquisite wooden box.

"Here, this is the firearm I developed—the musket!"

He opened the wooden box, revealing a strange-looking gun inside.

Chen Qingwan looked at the musket, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

This thing is even more exquisite than she imagined!

"Miss Chen, do you want to try it?"

Lu Yan raised his eyebrows and asked.

Chen Qingwan's eyes lit up and she was eager to try.

"Let's go to the training ground!"

Lu Yan waved his hand and walked out with Chen Qingwan.

The two men came to the training ground. Lu Yan picked up the musket, loaded it with gunpowder, and aimed at the target in the distance.

"boom!"

With a loud bang, the target shattered.

Chen Qingwan was shocked when she saw this scene.

The power of this firearm is so huge!

Lu Yan asked proudly:

"How's it going, Miss Chen? Isn't it amazing?"