Chapter 163 - 135: Crowned King
Chapter 163: Chapter 135: Crowned King
The decorated generals of the Northern Barbarians were all high-ranking members of the Imperial Court. Moreover, a portion of them were entrenched in their own territories, and relying on their status, position, and strength, they didn’t really listen to orders.
After all, the Imperial Court had only just stabilized. When the Xiao Clan’s father took the throne, the court was already in total chaos from infighting, and he passed away not long after his ascension.
The Xiao Clan hastily inherited the throne. Until she could accomplish something significant, it would be difficult to make those generals fall in line.
Lu Yuan, who was off to the side, had eaten and drunk his fill. He had also been listening to the conversation between the two of them.
After pondering for a moment, he said, "How about I go?"
His voice rang out.
Both the Xiao Clan and Xiao Hua looked over at him. The latter’s face showed her reluctance. "You just arrived and you already have to go on a campaign? It’s too rushed. Stay in the Imperial City for a while longer."
The former, however, mulled it over for a moment before staring at Lu Yuan and asking, "Are you confident?"
"If it’s a matter of using a Battle Array against the enemy, I’d say I have a sixty to seventy percent chance of success," Lu Yuan said.
The Xiao Clan pondered for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Yuan will go."
She had no doubts about Lu Yuan’s capabilities, as everything he had done in Dayong was a testament to them.
"Then I want to go too," Xiao Hua said with uncharacteristic stubbornness.
The Xiao Clan couldn’t help but shake her head. "Fine, go if you want. You’re supposed to be in charge of that region anyway. With Yuan just arriving, I’m also afraid he won’t be able to keep the others under control.
With you, the Crown Princess, accompanying him, the men won’t dare get out of line.
However, you won’t be the commander-in-chief this time. Remember to listen to Yuan."
"Yes, Mother." A smile blossomed on Xiao Hua’s face.
After the three of them chatted for a while longer, Lu Yuan was led away by Xiao Hua. To his surprise, he had been given accommodations for the night in the rear palace.
Lu Yuan couldn’t help but marvel at such treatment.
’Am I considered one of the decorated nobles now? And a top-tier one, at that.’
’At the same time, I’m finally getting a taste of what it’s like to have powerful connections in the court.’
’It’s really something else. I just got here, and I’m already being allowed to lead a grand army on a campaign, to officially become a regional commander.’
Then, he began to immerse himself in studying the art of war.
’My Military Array has already reached the stage of Entering the Stance. If I can master a Fourth-Grade Battle Skill before the war starts, then this campaign shouldn’t be too much of a problem.’
「The night passed in the blink of an eye.」
When Lu Yuan opened his eyes again, it was already the next morning.
After a night of meditation, the Skill Level of his Array had increased by nearly a thousand.
Just then, Xiao Hua’s voice called from outside, "Yuan? Yuan, are you awake?"
She was dressed in a Round Dragon Robe, followed by a large retinue of palace maids and Eunuchs.
She poked her head toward his door, calling out.
It felt just like their time back at the Icefield Fortress.
Lu Yuan, who was just about to leave, immediately called back, "Coming."
As he spoke, he stepped out into the courtyard. Seeing the grand spectacle of Xiao Hua’s entourage, he was left momentarily speechless.
’As expected of the Crown Princess of the Northern Barbarians.’
The two of them then headed toward Chaotian Hall.
As soon as they entered the grand hall, the eyes of many Northern Barbarian officials turned their way.
They were, of course, aware of the news that Her Majesty had traded the Unparalleled Marquis for a young man.
This young man in front of them must be him.
Even the Grand Minister of Rites of the imperial family couldn’t help but look over.
He was a tall, elderly man with a white beard and hair, but his eyes were sharp and full of spirit.
When he looked at Lu Yuan, his expression was kind.
As the Grand Minister of Rites, he was naturally aware that Lu Yuan had taken care of the Xiao Clan and her daughter at the Icefield Fortress.
He knew, furthermore, that Lu Yuan had saved their lives on more than one occasion.
Especially during their time in the Wasteland; if not for Lu Yuan, the consequences would have been unthinkable.
Therefore, he felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Lu Yuan.
As for the other court ministers, aside from curiosity, they all wore expressions of goodwill.
This was mainly because they knew this young man’s future status among the Northern Barbarians was bound to be extraordinary.
Putting aside all else, the Crown Princess’s attitude toward Lu Yuan alone spoke volumes.
These decorated nobles and officials who remained in the Imperial City were now all considered part of the Xiao Clan’s faction.
The disobedient ones had already been killed.
Thus, they felt a natural affinity towards Lu Yuan.
Upon entering the great hall, Xiao Hua openly took Lu Yuan by the hand and led him to the very front.
The meaning behind this gesture was self-evident. While the women of the Northern Barbarians weren’t known for being coy, people in a platonic relationship would never behave this way.
The debt of saving a life might be repaid with a promotion and a title, but if another layer was added to their relationship, then things were far more complicated.
A moment later, the Xiao Clan entered, her long Imperial Robe trailing behind her. The area above the high throne was veiled by a curtain of golden beads.
As soon as she was seated.
The ministers all bowed and proclaimed, "We greet Your Majesty!"
"You may all rise. Do any of my beloved ministers have matters to report today?"
Her voice echoed through the hall, which was followed by a moment of silence.
After a moment, a few individuals stepped forward, but they only discussed matters concerning Ancient River Pass.
Once these matters were concluded, the Xiao Clan’s gaze fell upon Lu Yuan. "I am sure you all know," she began, "that when We were in peril, We were saved on multiple occasions by a certain young man.
In Our heart, We regard him as a nephew.
Lu Yuan, step forward so the noble lords may see you."
Hearing the Xiao Clan’s introduction, Lu Yuan quickly took a step forward and said, "Greetings, my lords."
The others quickly bowed in return, proclaiming they were unworthy of such a greeting.
After all, everyone knew this young man was destined for a different, higher status.
Sure enough, at that moment, the Xiao Clan announced impassively, "We have said that We consider Lu Yuan as a nephew. Therefore, starting today, his name will be entered into the golden register of the imperial family.
We enfeoff Lu Yuan as Prince Qin, a title to be passed down through his line in perpetuity.
He is awarded one Prince’s Mansion, ten pastures, one Spirit Stone Ore, and one hundred Imperial Steeds.
He is awarded a Python Robe and Jade Belt, a personal retinue of one thousand Tiger Warrior Guards, and five hundred Beast Riders."