At the tender age of eight, he was hastily dragged out and made emperor!

"...We must indeed be wary of the Western Court of the Northern Barbarians, but Murong Yuan is in the capital of the Northern Barbarians, and all affairs of his residence are controlled by his son Murong She. While we must be wary of this son, we must not overlook Murong Gu, the Southern Court of the Northern Barbarians."

While Huang Long was lost in thought, Li Ying said with a serious expression, "This man is born with superhuman strength, is skilled with a large axe, and is accompanied by a precious steed called Longxiang. Not only that, this man has a very sharp eye and is highly alert in dealing with certain matters. In the past few years in the Northern Frontier, I have fought with him several times."

“Sun has never underestimated this person.”

Sun Bin narrowed his eyes and said, "Murong Gu is a descendant of Fang Kai, the uncle of the Northern Barbarians. Since he took over as the Southern King, he has been at odds with Murong Zhen. However, it is precisely because of his great abilities that, although Murong Zhen launched a purge in the capital and the surrounding areas after ascending the throne, he did not involve this person."

"Murong Gu is undoubtedly intelligent. He knows that the general trend cannot be defied. Given this situation within the Northern Barbarians, he chose to submit a memorial to Murong Zhen to apologize. One must be extremely careful when dealing with such a person."

"It is precisely for this reason that I suggest that the General's Office of the Northern Expedition should issue a series of military orders in the next ten days or so. First, martial law should be declared in batches at all the towns and passes along the northern border, rather than all at once. Second, after martial law begins, except for the merchant firms and companies authorized by the Customs Administration, no other caravans are allowed to approach. This point must be emphasized."

"Thirdly, and most importantly, as the aforementioned matters begin to be implemented, the General's Office for Exterminating the Barbarians should dispatch batches of elite cavalry scouts outwards. Fourthly, people should be sent to Tuowu City to close the city gates and maintain strict defense..."

"What is the purpose of all of the above? It is to create the illusion among the Southern Court Prince's Palace and all the armies under its jurisdiction that our dynasty, while suppressing internal rebellions, is also dissatisfied with the Northern Barbarian delegation taking advantage of the situation to leave the capital. You two should both know how to strike the right balance, right?"

"I know, it's just opera."

Upon hearing this, Zong Ning rubbed his hands together and said, "I'm good at this kind of thing. Since it involves the General's Mansion of Exterminating the Barbarians, you don't need to worry. I will arrange everything."

Li Ying, on the other hand, frowned and remained silent.

"Does the Duke of Xun have anything to say?"

After nodding to Zong Ning, Sun Bin turned to Li Ying and said, "If there's anything wrong, just say it, and I, Sun..."

"There's nothing wrong with it."

Li Ying waved his hand and said, "I just feel that there will be a war later. Everything else is fine, but apart from those dozen or so merchant houses and businesses, the other caravans are not allowed to approach the border towns and passes of the Northern Barbarians. Isn't that a bit much? After all, they are not allowed to participate in customs trade with foreign countries, but they can sell all kinds of goods to the border troops in various places."

"Furthermore, things are different when you're on a war garrison than when you were stationed there. Things like alcohol and women need to be relaxed a bit, otherwise the soldiers will become resentful."

"Does the Imperial Guard need these?"

Sun Bin didn't rush to answer, but looked at Huang Long instead.

"My lord, the Imperial Guards are not needed!"

Huang Long shouted in a deep voice.

"What about Shanglin?"

Sun Bin turned to look at Li Gan and the others.

"unnecessary!!"

Without hesitation, he said.

"it is good."

Sun Bin responded, then said to Li Ying, "The various armies and units that are going into battle don't need it, precisely because there's going to be a war. The towns and passes along the northern border don't need it either!"

"I would like to trouble Duke Xun to keep a close eye on this. In short, anyone who performs poorly will not be allowed to join the main force sent by the central government in this war against the Northern Barbarians."

"If you can't eat meat or drink soup when the time comes, you have no right to complain."

"Furthermore, the reason why I, Sun, specifically emphasized this point is because the central government has discovered that the Phoenix Feather Division under the jurisdiction of the Northern Barbarian Princess has some spies and informants along the northern border."

this! !

Upon hearing this, Li Ying and Zong Ning were startled. If that were the case, then such martial law was absolutely necessary. What if they went through all that trouble to try and mislead the Northern Barbarians, only to have their plans leaked to them? How the hell would they be able to fight then?

"In that case, leave this matter to me."

Li Ying's eyes turned cold as he said, "Anyone who dares to cross this line will face the wrath of the General of the Northern Expeditionary Army! They're not to be trifled with!"

"Ah."

Sun Bin nodded emphatically.

Given the unique national circumstances faced by the Northern Barbarians, which led to this major battle, Sun Bin was aware of one thing before arriving in the northern frontier: not only must the large army dispatched by the central government fight well, but all the various armies and units involved in guarding the northern border must also fight well, only in this way can the final victory be achieved.

The reason for such strict prohibition regarding caravans is twofold: firstly, there is the investigation by the Phoenix Feather Division, but secondly, equally important, is to use this upcoming battle to identify the caravans involved in smuggling, and these caravans are supported by powerful figures.

Li Ying and Zong Ning were unaware that Sun Bin's group had arrived ahead of time, and that another team had followed them. They would meet with the old eunuch Xia Wang to launch an operation to eliminate the vested interests of the smuggling group. After the war against the Northern Barbarians was over, a large-scale purge would follow.

The main force responsible for this matter will be the various armies under Sun Bin's command. If these parasites and rats are not completely eliminated, the northern border will not be impregnable in Chu Ling's eyes!

War is a continuation of politics.

When the political level fails to change things, then resorting to violence to completely suppress them is undoubtedly the wisest choice.

This is also one of Chu Ling's purposes in launching this war.

Why is it so important to win this battle?

Because there are too many things that need to be carried out step by step with the help of this great victory in the war. Once this war ends and Dayu achieves final victory, not to mention anything else, who will dare to underestimate the General Administration of Customs under Liu Chen's leadership in the future?

Anyone who dares to engage in smuggling again will face the same fate and resolution as the smuggling vested interests in northern Xinjiang, who were wiped out in blood!

Once news of this great victory spreads, those in the border regions bordering Xichuan, Dongyu, and Nanzhao who were involved in smuggling or had such intentions will have to think twice.

The establishment of the Customs General Administration in the central government is not merely for show; it is there to bring about real change!

Night fell without us even realizing it.

When Sun Bin led Huang Long and his group away, Zong Ning deliberately stayed by Li Ying's side. After Sun Bin and the others went to the prepared place to rest, Zong Ning did not rush to leave.

"Tell me, does His Majesty truly intend to wage a large-scale war against the Northern Barbarians, or a small-scale one?" Zong Ning glanced around before whispering to Li Ying.

"What do you think?"

Li Ying raised an eyebrow and met Zong Ning's gaze, saying, "Both the Imperial Guard and the Imperial Forest Guard have been dispatched, and the Southern Army has also drawn 50,000 elite troops to participate in the battle. If it's not a major battle, why would Your Majesty go to such lengths?"

"Don't forget, Zhang Hui succeeded Xu Hui as the General of the Southern Army. The Southern Army underwent a large-scale troop reduction, and the new recruits were drawn from the Northern Army. There are quite a few of them who followed Han Qing to quell the rebellion, and some even participated in the Northern Frontier War."

"So, if a big war really breaks out, wouldn't we get to fight?" Upon hearing this, Zong Ning clapped his hands and said, "You know how formidable Sun Bin is. To be honest, I didn't have this kind of fear when facing Sun He, but I do have this kind of fear when facing Sun Bin."

"What do you mean?"

Li Ying narrowed his eyes and looked at Zong Ning, asking, "What do you want me to do?"

"What the hell are you thinking? What time is it now? Are we going to have a big battle with the Northern Barbarians?" Zong Ning immediately glared and said, "We definitely can't do this kind of infighting. If we do, we'll all be sinners of the Great Yu. I can't afford to lose face like that, and I've never even thought about it."

Li Ying showed no outward change, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief.

He was genuinely afraid that Zong Ning might have such thoughts. If he did, and actually went against Sun Bin's plans, then whether this battle could be won was another matter.

"What I mean is that you should get along well with Sun Bin during this period."

Zong Ning was unaware of Li Ying's thoughts. He spoke his mind, saying, "When we were talking about these things just now, I had a feeling that he would probably stay in Zhengbei City for a while longer. I don't care how the battle is fought afterward. Whether it's Sun Bin's side or the General Zhengbei's Mansion, I will definitely follow orders."

“But you are the General Who Conquers the North! The battles against the Northern Barbarians cannot be entirely handled by the Imperial Guards, the Imperial Forest Guards, and the Southern Army. At least half of our border garrison troops, if not all, are all determined to settle accounts with the Northern Barbarians!”

"Now you truly acknowledge me as the General Who Conquers the North?"

Li Ying looked at Zong Ning with a half-smile.

"When did I ever deny it?!"

Zong Ning glared and said, "I've always believed it, okay!"

"really?"

Li Ying countered with a question.

"Every spit is a nail!"

Zong Ning patted his chest and said, "If I don't admit it, then I'll fucking call you that..."

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

Before Zong Ning could finish speaking, Li Ying grabbed him and said seriously, "Don't worry about it. In this battle against the Northern Barbarians, the main force of the central government will participate, but our border garrison will also participate. If we can't even do that, then I will resign as the General Who Conquers the North and submit a memorial to His Majesty to resign."

“No wonder when the Duke of Protectorate left, he recommended you to the Empress Dowager to take over the position.” Zong Ning grinned and said, “He was right. You are more suitable for this position than anyone else. Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. I have to rush back to Mielu City tonight.”

"Please be careful on your journey."

Li Ying said seriously.

"Do not worry."

Zong Ning clasped his hands in a fist salute, but as he spoke, he stretched out his hand and stared straight at Li Ying: "The opportunity for revenge has finally come. For the fallen comrades, and even more so for the Duke of Huguo, we cannot let this opportunity slip away."

"That's natural."

Li Ying reached out and shook his hand, gritting his teeth as he said, "These past few years, I've thought about revenge every single moment. It wasn't allowed in the past, but it is now. This battle must be fought!!!"

Their hands were clasped tightly together.

Unlike the complexities of the central government, there may be various things happening in the northern border region as well, but when certain events occur, everything will change.

Northern barbarians!!

Countless days and nights, the brave soldiers guarding the towns and passes along the northern frontier have never forgotten their comrades who died in life and death. They were killed by the northern barbarians, and some were even maimed and left behind. Their children were raised and cared for by the emperor, but the revenge has not yet been taken!

……

somewhere.

In the main hall.

"Lord Marquis, are you trying to enhance the prestige of Duke Xun?" Under the gaze of some people, Li Gan stood with his sword at his side, staring at Sun Bin, who was deep in thought.

These words caused Li Hu, Li Ji, and the others to frown and look at Li Gan.

In contrast to Huang Long's calm demeanor, Liu Tian and Liang Xie showed expressions of suspicion.

What did Li Gan mean by that?!

The General Who Conquers the North, led by the Duke of Renxun, was appointed by the Empress Dowager before her death and recommended by the Duke of Huguo. In the towns and passes along the northern border, who dares to disobey his orders?

"You noticed?"

Sun Bin smiled and met Li Gan's gaze. "You're right. That's exactly what I was thinking. In the northern frontier, there are many armies and units guarding the border. Some of them outwardly obey the orders of the General Who Conquers the North, but in reality, there are quite a few who are outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant."

At this point in his speech, Sun Bin's eyes turned cold.

"In the past, there was no opportunity; the central authorities did nothing."

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Sun Bin said coldly, "But now that we're going to fight the Northern Barbarians, some things should change. His Majesty once said that since the central government appointed the General Who Conquers the North, it was to ensure the stability of the entire northern frontier."

"Anyone who disagrees is defying the central authority and, more importantly, defying the authority of Heaven!"

"So, in the upcoming battle against the Northern Barbarians, the main force under the Duke of Xun's command will also be involved?" Li Gan's expression turned complicated upon hearing this. "But if that's the case, then the Northern Frontier..."

"This is not something we need to consider."

Before Li Gan could finish speaking, Sun Bin waved his hand to interrupt him, saying, "Going out of the border to fight the northern barbarians is our duty, and it is something we must do well."

"Regarding the General Who Conquers the North, I will not hide it from you. He will indeed be involved in the future. However, if he cannot even ensure the stability of the northern frontier, then this position is not suitable for him to remain in."

"However, what I want to say is, as the adopted sons of the late Duke Xunlao, are you really so distrustful of your own brothers? Or is Li Ying just all show and no substance?"

Li Gan and the others frowned deeply.

It was precisely because they understood him that they knew how formidable Li Ying was. But since their adoptive father died on the battlefield, Li Ying had carried too much burden, and Li Bin had carried too much burden. They didn't want to see this father and son like this; they were also members of the Duke of Xun's mansion!

"Don't show any signs of sentimentality in front of me."

Sun Bin stood up and cracked his knuckles. “If the old Duke Xun knew about this, he would be furious and give you a good scolding.”

"Whoever is responsible for it, no one can escape it."

“This is how I am, this is how Li Ying is, and you, including them, are all the same.” As he said this, Sun Bin pointed to Huang Long and Liu Tian.

When Li Gan and his group turned their gazes toward them, Huang Long and the others met their gazes with unwavering determination.

"Over the next few days, we will have to discuss some details carefully."

Sun Bin ignored these concerns and said solemnly, "Before all the armies arrive, let's seriously consider all the things we haven't thought of before. This battle won't end anytime soon. Instead of wasting our time thinking about other things, let's think about how to win this battle."

"You all know perfectly well what His Majesty has sacrificed and endured for this battle, even without me saying it. There is no other choice but to win. If we lose, then none of us, including those who went north, should ever return to Yudu!"

"Yes!!"

The crowd responded in unison.

Having come this far, Li Gan and his men understood better than anyone what this battle meant. In a war they had to win, the burden was immense. Unlike Huang Long and his men, Li Gan and his men were seasoned veterans, but even so, they dared not guarantee a victory. One can only imagine the psychological pressure they were under. And if they were like this, then the emperor in Yudu must be even more so.

This night was exceptionally long. For each of them—Sun Bin, Li Gan, Li Hu, Li Ji, Huang Long, Liu Tian, ​​Liang Xie, and others—it was destined to be a sleepless night.