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墨書 Inktalez
After decades of hard study and years of enduring silence in the court, unwilling to flatter the powerful or seek favor from the influential, Liu Qiankun was waiting for an opportunity. Finally, that opportunity had arrived. How could he watch helplessly as the chance slipped away?
Li Qingfeng's voice echoed nearby, filled with a ghostly temptation: "As long as Night Star remains, the Vice Commander must remain beneath others. Once Night Star is captured, the Vice Commander will soar to greatness in no time. His Majesty will not treat loyal subjects poorly."
Liu Qiankun felt a fierce internal struggle, and finally slammed his palm on the table. "The arrow is on the string; how can we not shoot!"
Li Qingfeng smiled triumphantly, his once handsome and upright face now filled with greed and malice. "The Vice Commander is wise!"
On the way back, Night Star urged his horse onward, anxious and restless, finally returning to camp before sunset.
However, he did not enter the command tent first. Instead, he cleaned himself up a bit and went to Liu Qiankun's tent.
The soldiers outside saw their general returning and were about to report it when Night Star's gaze stopped them. He lifted the tent flap and walked in directly. "Vice Commander Liu, are you willing to give me an explanation?"
Inside the tent, Liu Qiankun was startled upon seeing Night Star. "General?"
Perhaps feeling guilty for plotting with Li Qingfeng, he hesitated for a moment before shouting outside, "You blind fools! Why didn’t you announce the general’s arrival?"
The minion outside dared not say it was because the general had forbidden it and could only remain silent.
Liu Qiankun was still angry. "Go down and receive twenty strikes with the staff."
"Lord Liu has quite an air of authority!" Night Star had already noticed Li Qingfeng sitting beside Liu Qiankun and felt puzzled. In the army, aside from himself, Liu Qiankun was the only one in power. Who was this person? What ability did he have that made Liu Qiankun regard him as a guest of honor and sit alongside him?
Liu Qiankun felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, realizing that his earlier actions were excessive. Yet he retorted defensively, "General, you may not know that military matters are urgent now; we cannot afford any carelessness in camp."
At this point, Night Star narrowed his eyes and walked directly in front of him. "Liu Qiankun, shouldn’t you explain this military situation to me?"
"What do you mean by explanation?" Liu Qiankun looked up at the other person’s lofty gaze, his already timid voice carrying a hint of cowardice. "I do not understand. Please enlighten me, General."
Night Star furrowed his brows, feeling increasingly suspicious. Liu Qiankun was usually a proud and aloof person, but he also had considerable skills.
What was going on now? First, he disregarded his orders and acted against the Three Major Tribes on his own, and now he was being evasive and hesitant with him. What was the reason behind this? Could it really be related to the unfamiliar man in the camp?
Thinking of this, he turned to Li Qingfeng. "Who is this?"
Liu Qiankun felt as if he had been granted a reprieve. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he stepped between the two to introduce them. "General, this is Li Qingfeng, secretly dispatched by His Majesty. Military strategist, this is..."
"The renowned Night General, known throughout the Heavenly Universe Kingdom." Li Qingfeng clasped his hands in front of his chest. "Night General, it is an honor to meet you."
Since this man appeared in the camp, his gaze had been intensely fixed on him, missing not a single detail.
He was tall and sturdy but did not appear clumsy; his face was sharp like it had been chiseled from stone, and his steps were steady like a cypress tree. Every action exuded the firmness and steadiness of a soldier. Could such a person truly be as His Majesty said, colluding with Jiang Huai to seize power for nefarious purposes?
Li Qingfeng narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists behind his back: Regardless of whether he is a traitor or not, as long as he is present, Jiang Huai has a chance to make a comeback. If one were to delve into their blood feud, Night Star would also be one of the culprits. Therefore, to ensure Jiang Huai's complete demise, Night Star must be captured; if necessary... root out the problem!
As he thought this, a polite smile remained on his face. "It is truly an honor to meet Night General today."
Night Star stared into his eyes; his intuition told him that this man was problematic!
"His Majesty's decree? Is there any written order?" Night Star turned around and sat back down in the chair within the tent.
Liu Qiankun felt somewhat awkward at these words. He could confirm the other person's identity based on His Majesty's secret order, but how could he dare present that order for Night Star to review? He hesitated for a moment: "Well..."
"Could it be that Deputy Commander Liu is so muddled that he would allow anyone claiming to be from His Majesty to move freely within the tent?"
Night Star was furious; he had trusted Liu Qiankun so much. What had happened that made him so confused?
“Night General, do not be upset. It is my fault; I should have introduced myself first.” Li Qingfeng maintained his smile as he took out a Bright Yellow scroll from his sleeve and slowly unfurled it.
Liu Qiankun gasped softly, “A royal decree?”
Night Star glanced at him but remained silent.
Li Qingfeng nodded with a smile, “This is the Emperor's personal order; please take a look, Night General.”
Night Star did not move. The Azure Dragon stepped forward to receive the decree and bowed as he handed it to the other party: “General, please review it.”
It truly was the Emperor's personal order. Night Star furrowed his brow. He had known the Emperor for many years and was familiar with his handwriting; he would not mistake it. However...
He could not understand why the Emperor would send someone like this to the camp to interfere in military affairs. Since he took on the role of General of the Heavenly Universe Kingdom, the Emperor had never sent a military supervisor before. What was this person's purpose in coming here?
At that moment, Night Star was unaware that a long-time good brother had developed ulterior motives due to an unattainable woman.
In his world, he only knew loyalty to the throne and loyalty to friends, never realizing that one day, a woman could shatter years of friendship.
Seeing the Emperor's decree, Night Star's expression softened considerably: “Master Li has traveled a long way; it must have been arduous. I have been occupied with military affairs and failed to properly welcome you, which is truly impolite.”
Li Qingfeng smiled lightly: “General, you flatter me. It is indeed a great fortune for me to work alongside you. Today, seeing you in person, you truly are a young hero with extraordinary bearing.”
“Not at all. To have Master Li receive such favor from the Emperor is something we can only aspire to,” Night Star skillfully played along with the political banter, subtly revealing his suspicion regarding Li Qingfeng's sudden elevation in status.
Li Qingfeng's expression stiffened for a moment before he burst into hearty laughter: “The Emperor has sent me here to assist you and Vice Commander in achieving great things and returning home triumphantly.”
Night Star nodded with a smile: “That is natural.”
With a change of tone, he looked at Liu Qiankun: “Lord Liu, before leaving, I instructed you to stabilize the Three Major Tribes. Why did you suddenly act out? And why choose such treacherous terrain? Do you realize that this not only puts the lives of our soldiers in danger but also completely overturns all my plans?”
Liu Qiankun did not expect Night Star to suddenly ask such a question. The answer he had prepared vanished from his mind in an instant, leaving him stammering without focus. He could only cast a pleading glance at Li Qingfeng.
Seeing this, Li Qingfeng stepped forward to smooth things over: "General Night, you may not know that His Majesty has inquired about the situation of the war several times. With no one in charge of the accounts, Vice Commander Liu has repeatedly concealed this from you. His Majesty's persistent questioning is truly..." He made a face that suggested it was difficult to say more.
Night Star sneered inwardly. What did it mean that there was no one in charge? It implied that he had abandoned his post and was shifting the responsibility for military matters onto others. With just a few words, this person had placed the blame for Liu Qiankun's unauthorized decisions and disruption of the overall situation squarely on his shoulders. Such cunning words were indeed suspicious.
"Master Li has only recently arrived, so he may not understand. I ordered Vice Commander Liu to stabilize the situation because His Majesty allocated the supplies in three batches, and the first batch can only support us for three days.
However, there has been no news regarding the second batch of supplies. Therefore, I sent someone to provide assistance. But Vice Commander Liu's actions would undoubtedly leave our soldiers starving on the battlefield. If this affects our victory, who will bear the blame?"
Night Star looked at Li Qingfeng politely yet distantly, as if to say that relying on clever words might help one survive in court, but on the battlefield, without military achievements, one had no right to speak.
Li Qingfeng's face flushed red and then turned pale again. He forgot that Night Star was not someone who could be easily deceived by a few words; this person had been friends with His Majesty for many years and possessed not only extensive military knowledge but also a keen mind. Such a person was not easy to deal with, and thinking of this made him raise his spirits to their utmost.
"The general is right; I have learned my lesson," Li Qingfeng said, bowing deeply.
Night Star blinked and personally helped him up: "Master Li need not be so formal. We are both serving His Majesty; it's just that our expertise lies in different areas. You serve His Majesty loyally in court while I fight with my life on the battlefield. If there are matters in the army that you do not understand, we can discuss them together."
The implication was clear: if you don't understand, then act humble! My military camp does not allow someone like you to meddle!
It must be said that Night Star's possessiveness was adorably strong!
Li Qingfeng's face turned red again and then pale; ultimately, he smiled and responded a few times before falling silent.
At this moment, Liu Qiankun had regained some composure and spoke up: "The general is right; it's just that His Majesty has been urging us repeatedly, and I truly cannot push it off any longer. The soldiers are eager and ready for battle; I am genuinely worried that if we continue to wait, it will disrupt their morale. Thus, I took it upon myself to advance the war schedule. Please punish me as you see fit."
As the saying goes, when a general is away from home, orders from the sovereign may not be obeyed!
Liu Qiankun shifted all responsibility onto the emperor and the general. At this point, even if punishment were to be sought, it would likely affect troop morale and be detrimental to the war effort—Night Star would not be so foolish!
This matter can only be noted for now, and a decision will be made once the war is over!
"Based on what you see, who do you think should go to battle this time?" Night Star asked casually while flipping through the list of soldiers, matching candidates in his mind.
Liu Qiankun and Li Qingfeng exchanged glances and both bowed slightly, saying, "We ask the general to decide."
Night Star's hand paused in mid-air. With a sharp crack, the candle wick burst, creating a particularly jarring sound in the quiet tent. "Are you suggesting that I should personally take the field?"
He almost laughed out loud. Not to mention that even if the Three Major Tribes formed an alliance, they were merely a few thousand people. Any soldier he personally led and promoted from within the camp would have a good chance of success.
Even against a large enemy force, it was unheard of for a commanding general to personally take the field in the first round. What exactly were these two plotting?
"I am willing to lead the charge for you, General," Liu Qiankun said. "The alliance of the Three Major Tribes cannot be underestimated, and Black Stallion Valley is easy to defend but hard to attack. We do not have complete confidence, so..."
Night Star remained silent, his elegant fingers slowly tapping on the table, producing a crisp sound.
After a long pause, he stood up. "This matter can be discussed later! It is getting late; you two must be tired from discussing military affairs. You should rest early."
With that, he strode out of the tent.
Li Qingfeng and Liu Qiankun looked at each other in confusion, unsure of what this meant.
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