It was very clear that after knowing that Empress Tensei was about to arrive, Auntie Lu could not remain calm.
Her good mood instantly disappeared without a trace, and was replaced by anger.
The creation of the Demon Sword of Ketu was the idea and plan of the Tensei Province. She was forced to participate in it, and the two personalities alternated. In that period of time, she was suspicious of everything, living like a walking corpse. Because the other personality had already frequently acted in secret, causing her cognition to be in chaos … but this was not the greatest price she had to pay.
The greatest price was that the Lu family was destroyed by the twisted hatred and malice of the other personality. The fates of the eight people were rewritten. They first lived in despair, and then died in despair. Other than Kong Zhongwu, there were no survivors. Everyone's fate was controlled by a cruel line. Countless people were sacrificed, turned into flesh and blood, and forged into the altar of the Demon Sword.
Just for the sake of a certain person's decision, a certain person's achievements, a certain person's ambition, the fates of countless people became chess pieces that could be manipulated at will. This kind of pain and anger, could only be understood after experiencing it.
Her complexion was somewhat pale, her ears resounding with an angry and scorching voice.
Suddenly, she felt a warmth in her right hand. When she came back to her senses, she discovered that Sun Lang was already holding her hand. He was currently looking at her, his eyes filled with worry and comfort.
Lu Shu-jen's heart softened.
She remembered that day in the Hundred Herb Garden, when Sun Lang gave up the chance to possess the Demon Sword, and snatched her spirit body out of Ketu. In the ruins, the two of them had spoken.
At that time, she finally understood the entire truth. She understood that from the beginning to the end, she was also a chess piece that was casually toyed with and wantonly manipulated. After feeling the sorrow and anger of having her freedom and future trampled on, she finally understood Sun Lang's feelings back then.
Therefore, she understood why Sun Lang always had such complicated feelings and faint enmity towards her. She understood just how great of a wound her indifference and casualness had caused him.
Therefore, when she cried and apologized that day, Sun Lang finally calmly forgave her. The old grudges of the past were written off, and the thorn between the two of them was also removed.
They truly became comrades, companions, and even had an even more intimate relationship.
Her rebirth began with the words "I'm sorry" and "I forgive you".
But now, the two of them could finally stand together without any barriers and fight side by side. Even if their opponent was Empress Tensei, the Imperial Princess, or even the future Crown Prince … it didn't matter, because justice would be sought sooner or later, because there was one person who would always stand by her side.
Thinking up to this point, Lu Shu-jen felt the heat from her palms and smiled faintly, "I'm fine."
Who knew that Sun Lang would reveal a sorrowful expression and sighed, "With me here, of course you're f * cking fine.
But your old man is busy, damn … "
Auntie Lu revealed a suspicious expression. With a strange expression, Zhao Yunlong whispered, "The Soaring Eagle Army and the North Wind Camp are both here … That woman specially selected these two camps of elites as the imperial envoy guards …"
Master Lu stared blankly for a moment before bursting into laughter.
Sun Lang said angrily, "What are you laughing at?
Huh?
What are you laughing at? You're also a mistress!
According to the customs of this dynasty, a thief like me will at most be pulled by the ear and dragged home to kneel on a washboard for two days, but a fox spirit like you will be directly dragged to the pig cage and drowned in it! "
As soon as he finished speaking, Chao Po-tao jumped out and shouted, "That's not right, Sun Lang. According to the stories you told me, the ending is obviously that the first branch first cut the fox spirit with a cold saw, then cut the thief into eight pieces, and finally carried his head to the country of water on the other side of the river!"
Sun Lang raised his hand and gave him a knock on the head, "There are so many endings, why do you only remember this one!"
"Because this one sounds the most exciting and interesting!"
"… Interesting your head!" Sun Lang rolled his eyes, "Don't forget, you have a part in it too!"
Zhao Yunlong raised his head proudly, "It's not like I don't know them. In the past, didn't they not care at all that I was by your side?"
"… This doesn't seem to be something to be happy about."
"Bah!"
Auntie Lu blushed and spat when she heard the crazy words of a scoundrel and a vixen. Looking at Sun Lang's bear-like appearance, she laughed again. "You … so you also have times when you're flustered."
Sun Lang smiled proudly, "I'm about to run away, what's there to be flustered about!"
"… Why are you so proud of such a shameful thing!"
Sun Lang snorted in the face of Master Lu's ridicule, "This is a matter of winning in life, how can it be called running away?
In fact, there is no road in this world, but when many people run away, it becomes a road … "
"… I don't know why, but I always have the urge to beat you up."
Sun Lang smiled meaningfully. He took a deep breath and patted his face, "Alright, alright, calm down, Aunt Lu. Anyway, I've already calmed down. Fortunately, I had a little rest last night … Gather everyone, it's time to work."
Soon, with Sun Lang as the core, the leaders of the rebel forces were gathered.
At that time, the Empire's officials were Zhao Yunlong, Hu Shouxin, and Lu Shouyan.
A Great General, a Deputy Great General, and a Prefecture Overseer. They were all high-ranking officials.
Comrades from other countries were Courrier and Long Wande.
The dignified Li Huo Yan Guard, who drove the Blazing Angel and was the strongest person in the Blazing Angel battle sequence.
There was also Zhao Feihuang, a well-known figure in Mingzhou. He was in charge of Marquis Jingan's household and had a strong influence under his name.
There was also Zhang Yinluo and Lu Shu-jen …
Yes, these two female comrades had an especially difficult task because they could give Sun Lang a buff.
As for Zhang Jianyuan, he didn't call for them. With Big Head's size, he was still a bit lacking if he wanted to participate in this kind of matter. After all, this capitalist was still at the level of an apprentice. If he suddenly participated in this kind of SSS-level mission, it would probably scare him. It would be harmful and not beneficial.
— — But after he broke through, he would probably rush to do this kind of thing.
After everyone was seated, Sun Lang looked at these people and suddenly had a feeling that a great cause had finally begun. In the near future, he knew that there would be more and more people here. Everyone would be like-minded partners who would join forces and contribute their own strength. This strength of unity would eventually change this country. Sooner or later, the location of everyone's meeting would be moved to the Imperial Capital's Golden Palace.
How exciting … How exciting!
Sun Lang nodded repeatedly.
Just as his imagination was running wild, everyone was greeting each other, mainly to welcome Zhao Yunlong.
Miss Zhao and Yinluo knew Chao Po-tao. They had been apart for less than a month, and they were on the same side. Hence, they only exchanged pleasantries. Hu Shouxin did the same. Naturally, these two 'on the same side' had different meanings.
Long Wande was also an old acquaintance of Chao Po-tao. They chatted for a while after meeting again. Courrier, who had been in Ming Province for some time, finally saw a woman who wasn't trash. He also greeted Chao Po-tao for the first time.
On the other hand, Lu Zhou was a wily old fox in the officialdom. He was a mature person in society. When he saw Chao Po-tao, the Great General of Song Province, coming to the mountain, Sun Lang's great cause was undoubtedly more secure. Hence, he was secretly delighted. He greeted Chao Po-tao solemnly and said something along the lines of 'I've heard a lot about you.'
Sun Lang saw this in his eyes and remained silent.
Hu Shouxin leaned over and whispered, "What's on your mind?"
Sun Lang said solemnly, "I think we can build a huge round table that can accommodate 100 people. Everyone can sit around the table and speak freely. At that time, these 100 or so companions will be known as the 36 Heavenly Dipper Marshals and the 72 Earthly Fiend Marshals. They'll be known as the Round Table Marshals and the Water Margin Council. Naturally, I'll be the leader. I'll have a sword I pulled out from a rock. It's called the Victorious Yellow Turban Sword!"
"…" Old Hu rolled his eyes. "So, you called us here to announce the formation of the Round Table Marshals?"
"Not at all, Marshal Tristan."
Sun Lang gave him a thumbs-up and said happily, "I just want to tell you that Empress Tensei is here!"
The air suddenly fell silent.
Old Hu's mouth fell open.
Lu Shouyan froze on the spot.
Zhang Yinluo blinked.
Miss Zhao's expression changed slightly.
A look of excitement appeared on Curry's face.
Long Wande looked like he was saying, "F * ck, that woman is here. Wait a minute. It's none of my business."
Zhao Yunlong and Lu Shu-jen watched calmly.
A moment later, Old Hu stammered, "Who … Who's here?"
Sun Lang said kindly, "The Empress of the Royal Family, His Majesty's eldest daughter, General Tensei, who is in charge of military affairs, a popular candidate for the crown prince, a hero among women, and a general of the Heaven's Origin … Who do you think it is?"
Old Hu stood up abruptly and almost knocked over the teacup. He exclaimed, "Is she tired of living?"
Sun Lang's face froze. Then, he said as if nothing had happened, "Obviously not. Since that woman dares to swagger here, it can only mean two things.
First, she wants to talk to us. Second, she has someone to restrain me. Don't worry, there's nothing to be afraid of. This is both the final test and our opportunity. As long as we settle this matter, Mingzhou will usher in a period of stable development … "
Old Hu pondered and said, "She's a cautious and suspicious person. How dare she come to see you?
That is to say, she has absolute confidence that you won't kill her. Then, her backing … "
Sun Lang interrupted him. "Don't make wild guesses. I'll go and see for myself. Old Hu, you don't have to think about these nonsensical things. Don't jump to conclusions. Do your job well …"
Old Hu was a little confused after being criticized for no reason. Then, he heard Sun Lang continue, "Cheer up. Don't panic. We're very steady. If we can't handle it, we can ask Taoist Bai Xue and Wan Yuanzhong for a joint buff … Okay, let's assign the task."
He looked at Long Wande first. "You go and deliver a letter."
Long Wande was stunned for a moment and asked, "To whom?"
Sun Lang said concisely, "Give it to Qi Guanyan. Tell him that the Empress Concubine is here. Tell him to do as he sees fit. Just bring this message. There's no need to say anything else.
Long Wande was a little unhappy with Qi Guanyan, but he knew that this was a serious matter, so he agreed.
After all, he had a grudge with Qi Guanyan. When Qi Guanyan was a henchman in Tensei Province, he had led troops to cooperate with Courrier to encircle and suppress him. There was no doubt that they had a grudge.
However, the situation changed and Qi Guanyan suffered a series of setbacks. Even Long Wande, a staunch member of the FFF, felt a little sad when he heard about the matter between him and the Wang family. After dealing with his wife's funeral, Qi Guanyan had specially come to Long Wande to be dealt with. Looking at him, how could Long Wande have the nerve to say anything?
Thus, the grudge between the two came to an end. But after all, Qi Guanyan still owed Long Wande a big favor. It was just right for Long Wande to make this trip.
After receiving the order, Long Wande immediately went out to summon a seraph and flew away. Loners were known for their high speed and endurance, so it was very fast to deliver a message.
Sun Lang then looked at Old Hu. "Qi Guanyan is most likely not willing to come, but he will still come. However, I don't plan to let him go with me to fight against Empress. His mission is to stay in Mingzhou and stabilize the morale of the army with his prestige."
As long as the army did not fall into chaos, Mingzhou would not fall into chaos.
Old Hu understood the meaning of the song. He was honest and simple, and he felt that Mingzhou's General had always been Qi Guanyan's, so he was not attached to this position. He nodded and said, "Got it. What should I do?"
Sun Lang smiled. "Old profession. Send your men out."
Old Hu also smiled. With the tacit understanding between the two of them, saying this sentence was enough. "Got it."
Sun Lang then looked at Lu Shouyan. "Lord Lu, thank you for not abandoning me and thinking highly of me. This is a serious challenge. I hope you are ready."
Lu Shouyan's initial panic had already calmed down. He said calmly, "Don't worry. With General Hu as an example and General Qi as a lesson, this official has long since seen Empress's methods."
At the same time, this sentence was enough.
Sun Lang nodded. "Good. You are the governor of Mingzhou, and your mission is to maintain the stability of the rear. Lord Lu, you are the head of Mingzhou's civil officials. This is the best time for you to display your authority and win the hearts of the people. I don't want to see the Wang family kidnapping Mingzhou's officials a second time. Do you understand?"
Lu Shouyan understood, and a murderous look appeared in his eyes. Even Empress had come, so what else was there to worry about? He said directly, "I'll let the marshal know that this official was once an imperial censor!"
Sun Lang smiled and said, "Then, I'll leave it to you."
Then, it was Miss Zhao's turn.
He smiled and said, "These days, it's annoying to deal with those pig-headed nobles who have come to curry favor with you, right?
Now, it's time to eliminate the dissidents and fish for the law. Do you understand? "
Miss Zhao immediately understood. A malicious smile appeared on her face. "Whether it's doing business or establishing a family business, the fastest way to develop is to swallow the fruits of others. I understand."
Sun Lang looked at Zhang Yinluo. "The Marquis of Jingan's Mansion is limited in size, and we can't eat too much. We'll involve the Zhang family in this. Yinluo, go back and greet your grandfather. Tell the Embroidery Hall to come as well. Magistrate Lu can help mediate as well. You'll have to feed your subordinates as well … Everyone, it's time to reshuffle the cards in Mingzhou."
Yinluo nodded and asked, "What about you?"
Sun Lang smiled and said, "I'll go and welcome the guests, of course. Otherwise, it'll be impolite."
Chao Po-tao leaped up excitedly. "When are we leaving?"
"No, you'll stay and look after the residence," Sun Lang said, "I have a group of more suitable candidates."