The autumn wind rustled and the sky was gloomy. There was a bone-piercing chill in the air.
Facing the cold wind, Sun Lang shivered and tucked his hands into his sleeves. He lowered his head slightly, a smile on his lips as he slowly walked on the long and lonely road.
People came and went along the way. The people of the capital continued their lives as usual. They ran, made a living, rested, and made noise. They focused on their work and their lives.
The capital had always been a busy city. It was hard for busy people to find time. In a fast-paced life, no one would pay attention to where the person they passed by came from. Unless it was a beautiful woman, no one would take a second look.
Therefore, the busy people naturally did not know that the inconspicuous young man walking through the busy city was actually a first-rank military officer. He was the most illustrious general in the Tianyuan Army.
Of course, that was only in the past.
There was a faint smile on Sun Lang's face the whole time. It was the leisure and peace after being completely freed.
He left his general uniform and printer in his room and changed into ordinary clothes. He carried a small bag on his back. Like all the young people who came to the capital with dreams, he looked up and sized up this strange and huge city. His face was filled with confusion and hope. The scenery along the way was very rare. However, he was different from others because he wanted to escape from this city.
It was not easy to live in the capital.
He used to be a patriot. There was no doubt about it. On the Tianyuan Battlefield, he used his passion and sincerity to protect his country and its people. He fulfilled the mission of a professional soldier. Later on, the Sky Demon was destroyed and the Tianyuan Army won. However, the responsibility of a soldier did not change. The stage of struggle changed from the battlefield to the court. He thought that he could protect this country as usual, just like he did before.
But he was wrong.
The court was different from the battlefield. There were more hidden arrows than open spears. Here, there was blood and no light from blades. The invincible general who once galloped on the battlefield was forced to pick up a pen and fight. This was not the strength of a martial artist.
Moreover, the new enemy was even more difficult to deal with than the Sky Demon. It was the darkness that came from the depths of human nature. It was the ugliness and evil that was led by profit. It was deeply rooted in people's hearts and was very difficult to deal with.
He was tired. He was really tired.
Ever since he had returned to the capital, he had been fighting with countless malice and hostility. Chi Lianyan's provocations, the slander of the royalists, the Sky Demon hidden in the shadows of the Copper Sparrow Pavilion, and the suspicions of the Son of Heaven had made him sigh. He was clearly doing the right thing, but everything around him felt like a stranger. The grand occasion of the Tianyuan Era was no longer there, and a gap had already formed in the hearts of the people.
Last night, in the Stellar Sword Palace, he had been shamelessly framed and slandered, and the one who had participated in this scheme was actually that esteemed Sword Saint of the Kingdom …
He did not understand, he was at a loss, and he was angry. He even wanted to gather all the officials and rush into the palace to confront the Sword Saint of the Nation in front of the Emperor. However, the special envoy from the palace brought the Emperor's verbal order for him to consider the big picture, so he endured it. He was a soldier, and obedience was his duty.
And what happened today was the last straw that broke the camel's back.
The Emperor's hasty appointment of the Crown Prince had shaken the court and caused the people to panic. This was clearly against the rules of etiquette, and before making this decision, the Emperor had not discussed it with the court. This was clearly a random order … As a general of the court and the head of the military officials, he had an unshirkable duty to admonish the Emperor and point out his mistakes.
Therefore, he had been the first to knock on the door of the Gate of Heaven Influence. He had not hesitated to offend the officials and officials, and had used a forceful stance to force them to come to the Imperial City to ask for the Emperor's order … As long as it was something beneficial to the country, he would do it regardless of his life and death. He would not hesitate to advance or retreat because of his own gains and losses. He had adhered to his own creed.
But a bucket of cold water had been poured over him.
His Majesty turned a deaf ear to his request and only sent a eunuch to yell at them outside the Gate of Heaven Influence, saying, "Are you trying to rebel?" It was the ultimate insult to the heroes of Heaven's Origin who fought against the extraterrestrial devils and defended their homeland … Even the hottest blood would turn cold in the end.
He was completely disappointed.
Standing outside the Gate of Heaven Influence, the disappointed and sorrowful General Shentse seemed to be able to see the pair of eyes in the depths of the palace. The person sitting on the Emperor's throne was sizing them up with the gaze of a venomous snake. His eyes were filled with suspicion and coldness. Yes, everything would change. Back then, the Emperor and his officials had gotten along well, and the people were united. Now that the Sky Demon had been destroyed and the world was at peace, everything had vanished into thin air. Only a cold-blooded Emperor was left.
The Sky Demon had been destroyed, and the Emperor no longer needed them.
He did not need their advice, nor did he need their arguments. The Emperor only needed obedient officials, obedient and sensible ministers. The Emperor wanted the entire country to only have one voice.
Since this is the case, I will take my leave.
Completely disappointed, General Shentse chose to hang up his seal and leave.
He had no duties, no mission, and no burden. He was dressed in plain clothes and walked on the streets of the Imperial City. Looking at the scenery on both sides of the street and breathing in the fresh and free air, he felt unprecedentedly refreshed.
He wanted to leave the city. He wanted to retire.
Thinking of this, his slightly gloomy mood finally improved a little. He raised his head and breathed gently, imagining the beautiful life that would follow.
Although he would not be a general, he still had his martial arts, strength, and ability. He could be a bodyguard, carry bricks, and farm.
He could even go to the countryside and open a small martial arts school. Every day, he could teach some children with neither good nor bad talent martial arts to strengthen their bodies. The children would be limited by their talent, and their achievements would be limited. They might not be able to leave the town they lived in for the rest of their lives. But that would also be very, very good. He could be born in his hometown, live in his hometown, and die in his hometown.
That would be very good.
Of course, he could also not be a bodyguard, carry bricks, or farm instructor.
Since he had retired from the army and was no longer a soldier, he would no longer be bound by the sense of discipline and the concept of honor and disgrace. He could show off his peerless beauty without any scruples. He could use his fatal charm as the Love Saint to capture the hearts of thousands of young girls. From then on, he could also wander around the forest and live off women.
If that was the case, it seemed pretty good, he thought.
It was time to pursue his own life … leaving the Imperial City and heading to a wider world.
But at that moment, his expression changed slightly.
The ground beneath his feet trembled faintly. His long experience on the battlefield told him that a large number of horse caravans were approaching. Noise came from the distance. Sun Lang narrowed his eyes and slowly clenched his fists. A dangerous air slowly surged around him.
You won't let me go?
It looked like it was necessary to teach some people a lesson.
A group of cavalry charged from the distance. The soldiers shouted loudly and drove away the pedestrians. Today, the Emperor had appointed the Crown Prince. The undercurrents in the capital were surging. The people in the capital all felt the uneasy atmosphere and became particularly cautious and sensitive. When the cavalry suddenly arrived, they hurriedly retreated.
The entire street was cleared away at the fastest speed.
Only Sun Lang stood alone in the middle of the road, facing the cavalry that was charging towards him.
Even if there were 100 times more, it would be useless … he thought. It looked like some people had really forgotten what he had relied on to become famous. Before he had become the commander of the army and planned strategies to fight against the Sky Demon, he had first made a name for himself on the front lines of the battlefield by breaking through enemy lines, killing generals, and sieging cities.
But very quickly, his calm and cold gaze turned to shock.
"His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince?" he asked in surprise. "Why have you come?"
He was indeed very confused because the person leading the caravan was the Great Prince, Jiancheng.
Today, Jiancheng had been abruptly appointed as the Crown Prince by the Emperor. It could be said that he had stepped into the mouth of a storm. All kinds of doubts and criticism surged in. No matter what, he had picked up a great bargain. At this time, he should have kept quiet and made a great fortune. Closing his door and keeping silent was the best choice.
But at this time, he had led a large group of people and horses to run wild on the streets.
So, Sun Lang was angry.
He frowned and said in a stern voice, "What is Your Highness doing?
His Majesty has appointed the Crown Prince, and the court is in turmoil. All the powers in the capital are paying attention to you. They are all examining whether you, as the future Crown Prince, have the tolerance and aptitude of a ruler. You did not close your door at home and refuse guests, nor did you go to the Gate of Heaven Influence to argue for what is right. Instead, you rode your horse on the streets and acted domineeringly.
His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince, who had rolled off his horse from afar and was walking quickly over, did not show any anger or embarrassment when he was scolded.
His expression was solemn. He held a heavy official's robe in his hands. There was a large seal on the robe. He came to Sun Lang, knelt down, and raised the official's robe and seal high up.
He said in a low voice, "I have come for the general."
Sun Lang turned pale with fright and hurriedly helped him up. "His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince, please don't do this. Please get up!"
Originally, with Sun Lang's martial arts, even if Li Jiancheng used his internal energy to resist, he could still forcefully help him up. He could even throw His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince directly into orbit, let alone help him up.
However, although Sun Lang tried to help him up, His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince was still kneeling on the ground and did not move at all. It was too strange. Perhaps Li Jiancheng was hiding his terrifying cultivation that was comparable to the Seven Luminaries Sword Saint, so he could resist Sun Lang's help. This person's thoughts were deep and terrifying.
In short, His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince was still kneeling on the ground and preparing his lines.
Sun Lang was shocked and helpless. He understood the purpose of His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince's visit. He was touched and sighed … His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince insisted on kneeling. As an official, he could not just stand in front of His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince, so he also knelt down.
Of course, because they were far away, the onlookers could not see clearly.
Seeing this, Li Jiancheng's eyes twitched. He lowered his voice and said, "General, do you really want to take advantage of me?"
Sun Lang still maintained the complicated expression that a loyal official who was disheartened by the emperor and was about to resign and return to his hometown was sincerely urged to stay by the crown prince. A few words came out from between his teeth. "Stop talking nonsense. You are the one who is taking advantage of me. I am helping you to increase your reputation. Hurry up!"
Li Jiancheng snorted, but he knew that Sun Lang was telling the truth.
On the way here, he had heard Wang Gui and Pei Ju analyze the cause and effect for him. As the crown prince, if he wanted to secure his position as the crown prince and prevent his father from removing him as he wished, other than winning the support of the power of the imperial court, the support of the people was also very important … This was the show he was putting on right now.
He was at the heart of the struggle and should not have come out. However, when he heard that an important official had resigned and was returning to his hometown, he risked a great responsibility to urge him to stay. He did not want to see a hero be lonely and the country lose its virtue. This kind of courage and responsibility could increase his reputation to the max. Was there a better opportunity to put on a show than this?
Thus, he took a deep breath and said loudly, "General, you are an unparalleled scholar and the Empress Tu Gan City. The imperial court cannot do without you … please do not leave!"
Sun Lang's expression was sorrowful. He sighed softly and said, "Your Highness, please allow me to report. I am already physically and mentally exhausted and have no strength to support the country. Every generation produces talented people. Without me, Sun Lang, there will be others …"
"General!"
His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince said emotionally. "You are not even 30 years old yet. You are in the prime of your life. The empire needs your protection. The country is waiting for you to make greater achievements. Why do you want to leave at this time?
Could it be, could it be because of my matter … "
Sun Lang shook his head and smiled bitterly. "Your Highness, don't think too much. I do not have any prejudice or dissatisfaction with Your Highness. Today, when I came to the palace to ask for orders, I was only discussing the matter as it was. Your Majesty did not discuss it with the outside court before hastily appointing the crown prince. This is not in accordance with the rules of etiquette.
Li Jiancheng said softly, "I know. General, you are a very loyal official."
Sun Lang looked at him in surprise. Oh, I didn't know that this grandson's acting skills were really good. He could even say such words.
His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince then looked sad, but his tone was very firm. "Although I don't know why my father wants to appoint me as the crown prince, although I am not fully confident that I can be a good crown prince, but since my father has chosen me, it means that he trusts me. As his son, as his official, I will not betray his trust. Since he has decided to entrust the country and the people to me, I will do my best to bear them …"
Speaking till here, Crown Prince Jiancheng sincerely looked into Sun Lang's eyes. "Therefore, Commander in Chief, please do not leave. Perhaps there are some imperfections in this country, perhaps there are too many unsatisfactory things in the court, but this is the reason for my generation to fight … this country needs you, I also need your support and help …"
Speaking of this, Li Jiancheng had a strange feeling in his heart.
He clearly knew in his heart that these words were just carefully fabricated lies for others to hear, but after personally saying these high-sounding words, his mood also became agitated and happy. He looked left and right out of the corner of his eyes and saw pairs of eyes. After the spectators who didn't know the truth heard what he said, they all revealed expressions of shock and approval … In their hearts, they must be praising this prince. They must feel that this prince will be a good crown prince and even a good monarch.
Ah, it was only a few lies, but it could achieve such an effect …
His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince had a flash of understanding.
So, whether one could be a good Crown Prince or even an Emperor, the most effective trick was to lie …