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墨書 Inktalez
In the blink of an eye, Shining Star City had been under siege for three days. During these three days, over a hundred thousand soldiers from Starfall Kingdom were dispatched by Liu Guanlei to assist in rebuilding the homes of the citizens. Liu Guanfeng sent people to deliver money, food, clothing, and other necessities to all affected families.
At the same time, Liu Guanlei issued an order prohibiting harassment of the citizens, with severe penalties for violators. As a result, the citizens quickly rebuilt their homes with the help of the soldiers, and the scene of prosperity was even greater than before.
That night, a Messenger arrived at Liu Guanlei's Tent. This Messenger came from within Starfall City. He reported that His Majesty Sun Liang had left Starfall Kingdom and was on his way to Shining Star City. Furthermore, Sun Liang intended to accompany them until the very end, indicating that he was preparing to lead his troops personally into battle. Sun Liang would arrive at Shining Star City in three days.
Upon receiving this news, Liu Guanlei immediately arranged for soldiers to tidy up the lord's mansion in Shining Star City.
The next day, all sixteen martial generals who had been punished were fully healed. After asking a few questions, Liu Guanlei began organizing preparations to welcome Sun Liang.
Liu Guanlei took advantage of the three days to renovate the lord's mansion and issued a notice within Shining Star City announcing that the king of Starfall Kingdom would soon arrive.
On the day Sun Liang was set to arrive, Liu Guanfeng's air force frequently reported Sun Liang's progress to Liu Guanlei and others. Liu Guanlei ordered all soldiers, except for those necessary for essential tasks, to gather outside the city and stand on both sides to welcome him.
Following Liu Guanfeng's instructions, they laid down dirt paths and sprinkled clean water on the streets. The entire Shining Star City was cleaned thoroughly. No one could tell that a fierce battle had recently taken place there.
Around noon, news came from the air force that Sun Liang would arrive in just a few minutes. At this moment, Liu Guanlei commanded all soldiers participating in the welcome to stand at attention, weapons in hand, ready to ensure Sun Liang's safety.
With the sound of approaching carriages in the distance, Sun Liang appeared before everyone’s eyes accompanied by Gao Yu and Three Thousand Imperial Guards. Upon seeing Sun Liang's entourage, Third Brother rode his Mount over to Liu Guanfeng's carriage.
After dismounting from their Mounts, Liu Guanlei and Liu Guanyu knelt on one knee while Liu Guanfeng performed a deep bow to Sun Liang. Since Liu Guanfeng was not from that era, he had always been resistant to kneeling; in his heart, only his parents and Four Masters deserved such respect—he had never knelt before anyone else.
Due to Liu Guanfeng's contributions, Sun Liang tacitly accepted this gesture of respect. Many had previously commented on this behavior in front of Sun Liang, claiming that Liu Guanfeng was disrespecting him. Sun Liang simply replied, "If you can achieve what Liu Guanfeng has done, I would also allow you not to kneel." This statement silenced everyone. Gradually, Cui Wenwu and other officials adapted to Liu Guanfeng's manner of greeting.
Seeing the three men come out of the city to welcome him while sitting in his carriage, Sun Liang lifted the curtain and jumped down. Although he had now become king, he had grown up surviving on his own outside; in order to protect his identity as a commoner, he could not reveal his status to others. Over time, Sun Liang became accustomed to handling things himself.
After jumping down from the carriage, Sun Liang quickly approached the three individuals and lifted Liu Guanfeng's body, saying to them, "My dear ministers, you have worked hard. Please rise."
After helping the three up, Sun Liang entered Shining Star City accompanied by them. He also took the opportunity to inspect his army, and he was extremely satisfied with their performance.
Liu Guanlei directly led Sun Liang to the newly renovated Lord's Mansion. Although it could not compare to the palace of Starfall Kingdom, the renovations guided by Liu Guanfeng gave the Lord's Mansion a unique charm.
The first thing Sun Liang did upon arriving in Shining Star City was to summon all the generals within the city. When these generals arrived at the Lord's Mansion, Sun Liang personally inquired about each of their situations.
Liu Guanfeng observed Sun Liang's actions closely. This behavior indicated that he was not an ordinary king; his survival amidst Sun Yong's relentless pursuit was certainly not mere luck. This man was not only adaptable but also skilled at understanding people's psychology. Perhaps such a person truly was fit to be a ruler.
After meeting with all the generals, Sun Liang ordered a banquet at the Lord's Mansion to entertain them, which excited the generals for quite some time.
During the banquet, Sun Liang asked about the family situations of all the military officers and verbally praised each of them. Although it was just verbal praise, the young military officers felt invigorated as if they had taken a stimulant.
After the banquet, all other military officers withdrew, leaving only Liu Guanlei, Liu Guanyu, and Liu Guanfeng behind.
"You three deserve my utmost gratitude. Without your unwavering resistance, I believe I would have long lost my throne," Sun Liang said.
Liu Guanlei stood up and cupped his fist towards Sun Liang. "This is what we should do as your subjects."
Sun Liang waved his hand at Liu Guanlei. "Grand Marshal, please sit. We are not in court now; let us speak as friends."
"Your Majesty, this cannot be! You are our sovereign while we are your subjects; how can we disregard our hierarchy?"
"The Commander is mistaken. If we were to be precise, you few could be considered my benefactors. In that case, should I not bow to you before speaking?"
"This..." Liu Guanlei looked at Liu Guanfeng for help after being rendered speechless by Sun Liang, as they both understood Liu Guanfeng's position in Sun Liang's eyes.
Liu Guanfeng smiled slightly at this moment: "Elder brother, His Majesty is right; we have already left the court. Let's go along with His Majesty's wishes. If you don't listen, that would be treason, and it could cost you your head."
Hearing Liu Guanfeng say this, Liu Guanlei also stood up: "Then let's go with His Majesty's wishes."
Sun Liang laughed heartily: "It should have been like this long ago. Among us, Xiaofeng is the youngest, and you all helped me conquer the Nation. Even the provocateurs from Hua Xing lost their cities and territories. So it is absolutely fitting for me to call you friends. Let's agree on this: in the absence of outsiders, you can call me by my name without needing to observe the Ritual of Sovereign and Minister."
"All depends on Your Majesty's decision."
"Liu brother, tell me about your recent battle with Hua Xing? I know some of your current situation, but I don't know any details at all."
Liu Guanlei shook his head and said: "Your Majesty, it's not that I don't want to tell you; it's just that my verbal expression skills are lacking. Let my second brother explain it to you in detail."
Sun Liang chuckled: "That's fine then; I will rely on Second Brother."
After organizing his thoughts briefly, Liu Guanyu began to recount how they used the city walls for cover during their training, how they quickly recaptured several lost villages, and how Liu Guanfeng used new weapons to successfully conquer Shining Star City. Sun Liang listened with great satisfaction.
"Liu brother, I heard that there were some minor conflicts among the three of you? Are things resolved now?"
Liu Guanlei scratched his head: "Yes, before we attacked Shining Star City, there were some small disagreements among us brothers, but that's long been settled. Otherwise, we wouldn't have taken Shining Star City so easily."
"Is it convenient to tell me what it was about?"
"This..." Liu Guanlei hesitated on how to respond since Liu Guanfeng had fallen out with him over local military matters.
Seeing that it was not appropriate for the elder brother to speak, Liu Guanfeng could only say, "Your Majesty, the situation is as follows. When we were reclaiming lost territory, we encountered fierce resistance from the local general Na Kuang in Lixing Village..." Liu Guanfeng carefully recounted the events.
After listening, Sun Liang slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "That's great! It's rare to see someone like you, Xiaofeng, who is willing to stand up for local military leaders to ensure they receive a proper burial, even at the cost of straining your relationship with your own brother. Although this matter may have been taken too far, your intentions are commendable.
To achieve loyalty and righteousness is not something that can be merely spoken; it must be earned with blood. Having such loyal individuals in the region is invaluable. We should let everyone see that even if they are our enemies, we hold great respect for those who embody loyalty and righteousness. Xiaofeng, do you know where the two generals were buried?"
Liu Guanfeng shook his head. "I don't know; when Wu Ta came to thank me, he didn't mention it."
"Xiaofeng, from what you just said, it seems that this person named Wu Ta is quite remarkable."
"He is the Commander of Hua Xing and is very upright."
Sun Liang turned his gaze toward the window. "Why can't such a White Tiger General serve my Starfall Kingdom?"
The three brothers looked at Sun Liang's back in silence, knowing that in the eyes of their king Yelü Chuxing of Huaxing Kingdom, they must also seem like a regret for not being able to recruit him.
After a moment of thought, Sun Liang turned around. "Gentlemen, what are your plans moving forward?"
Liu Guanlei was about to speak when Liu Guanfeng pulled him back. "Your Majesty, we are just unsure of your intentions."
"Oh? Xiaofeng, what do you mean?"
"What we mean is that we do not know whether Your Majesty intends to continue capturing enemy cities or prepare for negotiations."
"Negotiations? How can we negotiate? How can we talk about peace with them after they plotted against my father and mother?"
"What does Your Majesty mean?"
"To fight to the death. In the past, I would never have had the courage to confront Hua Xing. Although I knew they were my enemies, things are different now. With the three of you protecting me, I will definitely settle the score with Hua Xing." After saying this, Sun Liang slammed his fist hard on the table in front of him.
Hearing Sun Liang's words, Liu Guanfeng nodded. He then sat back down in his seat and poked Liu Guanlei beside him. At that moment, Liu Guanlei stood up and said, "To be honest, Your Majesty, we already have some ideas, but they have not been implemented yet. Our plan is to first take action against Starshine City and Star Gate City..." Liu Guanlei detailed Liu Guanfeng's plan to Sun Liang.
At first, Sun Liang sat listening to Liu Guanlei's battle plan, but before he knew it, he was standing up, and his palms began to sweat. When Liu Guanlei finished explaining all the plans, Sun Liang shouted, "Good! Good! This is indeed a great plan. With the three of you brothers by my side, how can my Starfall Kingdom not prosper? When do you plan to take action?"
"If Your Majesty agrees to our plan, we will dispatch soldiers tomorrow."
Sun Liang nodded, "No problem. I leave everything to the three of you."
"Yes."
After chatting about some family matters with his three brothers, Sun Liang wanted to keep them at the lord's mansion for the night, but all three declined as they had many arrangements to make.
Sun Liang understood that these three were busy with their own affairs and did not insist on keeping them.
The next morning, after having breakfast, Liu Guanlei began to ascend the tent. As soon as the gathering drum sounded, the first person to enter was none other than King Sun Liang.
Liu Guanlei and Liu Guanyu were surprised: "Your Majesty, you came here?"
Sun Liang smiled slightly: "Did I not say? I am here to fight, not just to offer condolences. So I should be a part of this as well. By the way, where is Liu Jianyan?"
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