After being demoted, my 300,000-strong army trampled the imperial city!

"There's an ambush!"

Chen Futu, inside the carriage, squinted his eyes. There was no sound of insects or birds chirping in the forest, so it seemed that quite a few people had come from the other side!

Just then, a dense horde of men in black emerged from the woods on both sides, numbering at least two or three thousand. They all carried long swords, exuding a chilling aura, and were all masked, making it impossible to discern their true appearances.

Chen Futu lifted the curtain and glanced at him, then sneered, "Brother, I've been holding back from touching you because I couldn't get over that hurdle in my heart. Now that you've ambushed me halfway, it's relieved of my worries."

"Who is coming!"

Dian Wei brandished his short halberds, his tiger-like eyes wide open, and his roar was like rolling thunder.

The leader of the other side sneered, "The northern frontier has suffered from many wars, and the people are devastated. We are just trying to make a living, so we hope you can do us a favor."

"A bunch of petty thieves, they're asking for death!"

When Dian Wei heard that it was a trap, he was furious. He immediately brandished his double halberds and charged forward. Three hundred of his personal guards rushed forward, leaving only thirteen guards to protect the carriage.

Dian Wei was an unparalleled warrior. He might not be good at commanding troops, but his combat prowess was undeniable. With a single halberd strike, he could turn people into mincemeat, and their heads would shatter like rotten watermelons, a truly spectacular sight.

He single-handedly routed the enemy, like a tiger among sheep, leaving a trail of corpses at his feet.

Chen Futu watched the play with a smile, completely unconcerned about any danger.

The opposing side was completely unprepared for the ferocity of one of Chen Futu's personal guard captains, and they became increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed.

Logically speaking, two or three thousand strong warriors should be more than enough to wipe out a team of a few hundred people, but Dian Wei's bravery far exceeded expectations, killing them as easily as killing chickens.

"This is a tough one, retreat immediately!"

Seeing that there were too many dead people, the leader could not get close to the vehicle frame, so he hurriedly ordered a retreat.

Enraged, Dian Wei suddenly threw a short halberd, which killed the latter, who screamed and was impaled on a tree.

Chen Futu cursed, "You fool, at least leave me alive!"

Dian Wei grinned. "Sorry, Your Highness, my hand slipped. You wait here, I'll go and catch them alive."

The next scene was darkly humorous: a burly man stronger than a calf chased thousands of men in black all over the mountains and fields. Anyone he caught was thrown from a distance and instantly killed.

Chen Futu's eyelids twitched as he read it.

This guy has absolutely no idea how strong he is.

The man in black possessed the strength of a fifth or sixth-rank official, but he was like a paper effigy in front of Dian Wei. With a single grab and throw, he would either have his bones broken or his brains splattered out.

After a fierce battle, Dian Wei failed to capture any survivors, but Po Lu's personal guards did manage to capture one alive.

However, these people were very stubborn, and even when captured alive, they refused to talk.

"Alright, alright, they're all tough nuts to crack, then kill them all."

Chen Futu gave the order with a cold face.

Upon hearing this, Dian Wei stopped capturing the living and swung his twin short halberds so fast they were almost invisible, leaving corpses strewn everywhere he went.

The battle ended in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Chen Futu summoned a personal guard and instructed him to deliver a message to Zhang Shouren, ordering him to collect the corpse to prevent it from rotting and spreading plague. He also asked Zhang Shouren to convey a private message to him.

This was the result of Chen Futu's careful consideration. He did not want to make a big fuss now, but would deal with everything once he had the time and resources to improve the lives of the people in the northern border region.

Qifengyuan Camp.

The generals were waiting anxiously when the man in black stumbled in, wailing, "Generals, something terrible has happened! The assassination attempt has failed!"

"How can this be?"

The generals were both shocked and furious.

“It’s absolutely true. Zhang, the personal guard of the Crown Prince, is inhuman. He can tear our people apart with his bare hands. There are two or three thousand of us, and he treats us like a bunch of children. It’s a one-sided massacre.”

These words silenced the entire camp.

Now the generals understood why Chen Futu dared to leave the army and stay behind alone; he was testing General Zhang.

Now look what's happened; their cleverness has backfired.

The news quickly reached Zhang Shouren's ears, and he broke out in a cold sweat. He looked at his confidants and laughed angrily, "Who told you to be so clever? Do you think a prince who can fight his way back from the capital to the northern frontier is a spineless coward?"

"Please punish me, General!"

The crowd knelt on the ground, their faces filled with shame.

Just as Zhang Shouren was about to speak, someone outside announced, "General, the Crown Prince has sent word that he was ambushed by bandits. He executed most of the bandits on the spot and wants you to send someone to dispose of the bodies to prevent the spread of plague."

Zhang Shouren hurriedly left the camp.

The guard, mounted on his horse, stared at Zhang Shouren. "The Crown Prince also asked me to pass on a message to the General: I've heard that many deserters in the Great Qian Dynasty have disguised themselves as bandits and injured people. The Northern Frontier must not follow in the footsteps of the Great Qian. The Crown Prince hopes that you will take good care of the soldiers in the army and not allow bandits to wreak havoc in the Northern Frontier again."

"I accept the order. Upon returning, I will send men to investigate and eliminate the enemy."

Zhang Shouren solemnly made his promise, then smiled and saw his guards off.

Watching their departing figures, the generals dared not utter a sound.

Zhang Shouren said in a deep voice, "Have you all heard what the young master said? From now on, you are not allowed to act without my orders."

"This humble general knows his mistake."

The generals dared not voice any objections.

Only today did they realize how cunning the Crown Prince was, and that their every move was under his control. If they tried to play any more tricks, they probably wouldn't even know how they died.

Several days later, Chen Futu's group returned safely to Longcheng.

Qin Liangyu and the others were relieved to see that Chen Futu was safe and sound. Meanwhile, news came from the shore of Shanhai Post Station that Zhang Liang had devised a plan, and Guan Yu had defeated Jia Pingchuan, but unfortunately Jia Pingchuan had escaped. The army was currently on its way back.

In the imperial court of the Great Qian Dynasty, officials were discussing the issue of the northern frontier incessantly.

The army has been on its way for some time now, and there has been no news coming back. Logically, the battle should be over by now.

The old emperor remained calm. "My dear ministers, the results in the Northern Frontier will be available soon. Tell me, who should be sent to govern it?"

The northern frontier is a treasure trove, rich in land and people, and a place where one can frequently accumulate military merits. The government and the people have been keeping a close eye on it for a long time.

Now that the old emperor has inquired, several high-ranking officials have recommended their own people.

The Imperial Censor said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I think that Chen Futu's head should be spread throughout all the prefectures and yamens across the country, so that the people of the world can see the consequences of opposing the court."

“That’s excellent. We’ll wait until Chen Futu’s head is sent back to the capital before sending the message.”

The old emperor was in a good mood; with over 200,000 troops on both the eastern and western battlefields, there was no way they could lose.

Just then, the old eunuch's shrill voice rang out from outside the palace: "An urgent battle report from the northern frontier, delivered with utmost speed—"

The battle report has arrived!

Upon hearing the news, all the civil and military officials in the Great Qian court were invigorated.

The old emperor laughed heartily and said, "Gentlemen, don't be impatient. Princess Beiwu has just come to the palace to pay her respects to the Crown Princess. Why don't we invite her to come and listen, so that she may know the might of our Great Qian army!"

"Your Majesty said so!"

“The Northern Wu are ambitious wolves. We should let them see what they are capable of. We can spread this message to the North through the Northern Wu princess. This will be even more effective in deterring them.”

And so, the messenger knelt awkwardly before the hall, looking strangely at the officials who were beaming with excitement.

When she was young, Liu Longyue was invited out, and the Crown Prince came with her.

The Crown Prince Shao Cong was quick-witted and was greatly favored by the old emperor. Upon seeing him arrive, the old emperor immediately beckoned him to listen to the battle report together.

The Crown Prince laughed and said, "That traitorous minister has probably already been beheaded. This battle has demonstrated the might of our Great Qian Dynasty."

"Well said, messenger, please tell me in detail."

"Here!"

Amidst the expectant gazes of the entire court, the messenger tremblingly unfolded the battle report.