The carefree sixth prince, my father respectfully invites me to ascend the throne.

"Your Highness, look who I've brought for you."

Mr. Zhuge was also excited, completely unaware of the somewhat lewd smile on Yang Ling's face.

His gaze remained fixed on the woman; it must be said, her figure and demeanor were exceptional.

“Your Highness, her name is Mingyue. She is the personal bodyguard I found for you, and she also has an assassin organization under her command.”

Yang Ling only realized what was happening when Mr. Zhuge said those words.

No wonder this woman exudes such a refined and otherworldly aura; she must be an assassin.

Could it be that the other party noticed my thoughts just now?

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but look up again. When Mingyue saw Yang Ling looking at her, she immediately knelt down on the ground.

"I, Mingyue, swear to be loyal to Your Highness to the death!"

Upon seeing Mingyue's actions, Yang Ling's heart trembled.

What is it that's bothering this girl? If she's the leader of an assassin organization, why would she willingly repeat herself?

However, before he could even ask his question, he was interrupted by Mr. Zhuge next to him.

“Your Highness, Mingyue came to seek refuge with you on her own initiative. She had been wandering around Liangzhou before, and this time she wanted to find a backer.”

Mr. Zhuge answered Yang Ling's question directly. Upon hearing this, Yang Ling nodded slightly. Had his reputation already become so great?

However, since someone has come to rely on him, it is naturally a good thing. Although he has Li Tianba by his side, he is still just one person.

"Since you've come to serve me, then stay with your assassin organization and remain by my side from now on. I will certainly not treat you unfairly."

Yang Ling spoke earnestly, and Mingyue, who was standing next to her, nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Ah."

Yang Ling nodded in satisfaction, looking at the young and beautiful woman, "Mingyue, what are your thoughts on the situation in Liangzhou?"

“Your Highness, the border of Liangzhou is not peaceful. Moreover, I heard that someone is gathering assassins, which may be detrimental to Your Highness.”

Upon hearing this, a dangerous glint flashed in Yang Ling's eyes.

Someone wants to assassinate me?

Hehe, then let them come.

"Mingyue, may I trust you from now on?"

Yang Ling said something indifferently, and Mingyue immediately became excited upon hearing it.

"I have heard everything Your Highness has done in Liangzhou, and I will be loyal to Your Highness for the rest of my life."

Mingyue was filled with excitement; she had been paying attention ever since Yang Ling entered Liangzhou.

Now he admires Yang Ling to the point of complete awe.

Yang Ling nodded in satisfaction. He had asked that question just now to see Mingyue's attitude. Since she was so resolute, he could rest assured about what was to come.

"Alright, since you're so confident, then you'll be my personal guard from now on. I'll need you to put in a lot of effort in the assassinations these next few days."

Mingyue nodded immediately.

"Please rest assured, Your Highness, this servant will absolutely not let you down."

Seeing this, Yang Ling smiled faintly. This girl was indeed formidable.

"Your Highness, when I came in just now, you looked very worried. I wonder what you're anxious about this time?"

Only then did Mr. Zhuge speak with a serious expression. Yang Ling frowned slightly and pulled Mr. Zhuge to sit down beside her.

"The most urgent task is to fight those barbarians, but I don't want to use the soldiers I have. What do you think I should do?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhuge frowned slightly.

Indeed, they only had a small number of men, and it was impossible for them to fight against the barbarians with such a small force.

But now that the imperial court's orders have been issued, they are in a dilemma.

"Your Highness, do you mean you want to conscript all the soldiers in Liangzhou?"

How could Mr. Zhuge not have thought of this two-birds-with-one-stone strategy? On the one hand, it could weaken other forces within Liangzhou, and on the other hand, it could comply with the imperial court's orders. Why not do it?

Yang Ling smiled slightly, which was the gist of his meaning, but it seemed that getting military power in Liangzhou would be quite difficult for him.

Seeing Yang Ling's expression, Mr. Zhuge already knew Yang Ling's plan.

"Then I know what to do next. I'll go and relay His Highness's orders now."

……

A day later, Chen Ming, the governor of Liangzhou, and Li Li, the general, were summoned to the palace.

Yang Ling looked at the two people in front of him. He hadn't expected that the governor of Liangzhou would be replaced at this time.

"Lord Chen, General Li, is that right?"

Yang Ling's voice was indifferent; he was well aware that both of them were the Crown Prince's men.

Seeing the two of them looking so unwilling, Yang Ling was losing her patience.

The two exchanged a glance and bowed to Yang Ling.

"May I ask what business Your Highness has summoned us here for?"

Yang Ling smiled slightly. What else could I possibly want to do by bringing you two here? Naturally, I'm going to bleed you both dry.

"Both of you gentlemen should be aware of the current situation in Liangzhou, right?"

Yang Ling asked calmly, and after the two nodded, he continued, "I have summoned you two to discuss a business deal."

Upon hearing this, the two people immediately became agitated. What exactly did Yang Ling mean by this?

"My imperial decree has been issued to send troops to conquer the barbarians, but we lack funds, provisions, and soldiers. I wonder if you two gentlemen could provide some assistance?"

Yang Ling's words immediately made Chen Ming's expression turn ugly.

He knew that coming here today would definitely not bring anything good.

"Your Highness, you know that there are only so many soldiers in the entire Liangzhou. If they were to go out to fight, Liangzhou would be in chaos."

Chen Ming looked helpless; Yang Ling's actions had put him in a difficult position.

Upon hearing this, Yang Ling's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

“I am naturally aware of the situation in Liangzhou, but if Liangzhou cannot even deal with the barbarians within its own borders, then how will it be able to maintain peace in this region in the future?”

Yang Ling said coldly, and the two men were immediately speechless.

Chen Ming glanced at Li Li beside him. This general was the direct commander of all the soldiers in Liangzhou. If Yang Ling wanted to transfer troops from him, it probably wouldn't be so easy.

"Your Highness, there are only so many people in the army. I need to keep enough manpower to maintain peace in Liangzhou."

Li Li also looked helpless; it was definitely impossible for Yang Ling to take away their soldiers.

Seeing the two of them in such a predicament, Yang Ling frowned slightly.

"What, do you two think I'm discussing this with you?"