By the Edict of the Sovereign, Executor of the Earth’s Mandate:

To Mulian, your loyalty and valor are renowned, your fame echoes widely. Since donning armor and taking to the field, you have repeatedly achieved glorious merits. In the ambush at Thousand Peaks Forest, your courage was boundless, your timely support meritorious.

Recalling years past, when the front lines were in peril, Elder General Mu, of his own accord, petitioned for the charge, passed through the Trial of Generals, gathered the remnants of an army, reorganized the ranks, and fought valiantly against the enemy.

Thereafter, the force gradually grew strong, its military might spread afar, and ultimately, he was able to command a single army, known as the Red Flower Battalion.

Later, Elder General Mu personally attended to all matters, repeatedly achieving great victories, striking fear into the enemy and bringing peace to the populace.

Truly, he was a pillar of the state, a model for the people.

Upon hearing of General Mulian’s severe injuries, this sovereign feels deep sorrow. You have offered your heart for the state, fulfilling both loyalty and filial piety. Truly, you are a pillar of our Two Realms Nation, and this sovereign is greatly consoled.

The affairs of state are difficult, and the battle at Thousand Peaks Forest requires particular attention. Now, your injuries are not yet healed, and you cannot personally lead the Red Flower Battalion. To comfort your heart, and also to provide for the line of the Grand General’s Mansion, this sovereign specially orders General Ma Liangcai to serve as the Red Flower Battalion’s Adjutant, to oversee the major affairs within the battalion.

You should rest and recuperate. After your recovery, you may return to your position and assist. Matters of the Red Flower Battalion are entrusted to General Ma’s charge.

You may rest assured.

By Imperial Decree.

The messenger finished reading the imperial edict, scanned the surroundings, and frowned: “Where is General Mulian? Why does she not receive the decree?”

Zhang Zhongyi hastily said: “General Mulian is still in a coma, her consciousness unclear.”

The messenger nodded: “Since that is the case, General Ma Liangcai, please quickly take control of the Red Flower Battalion and assume your post for the state.”

Ma Liangcai nodded and let out a soft command, his voice quickly spreading throughout the entire Red Flower Battalion.

The soldiers of the Red Flower Battalion quickly assembled, but they did not obey Ma Liangcai’s command. Instead, they gathered around General Mulian’s main tent, united as one, glaring at Ma Liangcai with hostility.

This scene shook Ning Zhuo and Liu Er!

Without a commanding general, Ma Liangcai was at the Nascent Soul level and bore the King’s command. Yet, the soldiers of the Red Flower Battalion all behaved in this manner, showing the allegiance of the army’s heart.

Ma Liangcai’s face was ashen, and the messenger also rebuked: “What is the meaning of this? The imperial edict is here. Do you intend to defy the command and rebel against the state?”

Some soldiers were expressionless, some sneered, all with resolute looks.

“Just a mere imperial edict, and you want to replace our General? This will not do!”

“Changing generals in the midst of battle is a great taboo. A general on the field may not be bound by the sovereign’s command – this is common sense. Please, messenger, do not be offended.”

“We of the Red Flower Battalion were personally established by Elder General Mu. General Mulian is the only daughter of Elder General Mu. Though you, Ma Liangcai, are a Nascent Soul, you are but one of the three generals of the Royal Court. Can you compare to the esteemed Grand General’s Mansion?”

The soldiers of the Red Flower Battalion spoke one after another, clearly defying the imperial decree, which greatly angered the messenger.

Ma Liangcai’s face was like ice, his gaze beneath a pair of white eyebrows deep and sharp.

He looked at these soldiers united in purpose before him and couldn’t help but recall the scene when the sovereign issued the order. In the magnificent royal palace, the curtains swayed gently, and a rich fragrance filled the hall.

The Sovereign of the Two Realms Nation lay on the throne, embracing Consort Hu.

Consort Hu was charming and captivating, dressed in resplendent palace robes, like a blooming flower, breathtakingly beautiful.

“Sovereign, taste a grape,” Consort Hu chuckled softly, her slender jade fingers holding a peeled grape, reaching it to the Sovereign’s lips.

The Sovereign opened his mouth and took both the grape and Consort Hu’s finger into his mouth, savoring it carefully, revealing a look of enjoyment.

“Your subject Ma Liangcai pays respects to the Sovereign.” Ma Liangcai half-knelt on the ground, his head bowed respectfully, seeing the jade tiled floor, clear as a mirror, reflecting his image.

The Sovereign grunted, still embracing Consort Hu, and glanced sideways at Ma Liangcai: “Rise and speak.”

“Your subject thanks you for the favor.” Ma Liangcai stood up, still keeping his head down.

The Sovereign said: “I called you here because of the Red Flower Battalion.”

“The current commander of the Red Flower Battalion, Mulian, is severely injured and in a coma. She can no longer lead this army. You go and take over.”

Ma Liangcai’s heart skipped a beat. He couldn’t help but look up: “Your Majesty, how can this subject, with such meager virtue, take over and lead the Red Flower Battalion? It is, after all—”

The Sovereign impatiently interrupted: “The personal army of the Grand General’s Mansion, indeed.”

“How long has Elder Mu been confined to his bed? How much national power is consumed by the position of Grand General each year! It should be given to the younger generation.”

“Taking over this army will surely be difficult. It is precisely for this reason that I have summoned you to do this.”

“You must remember, the Red Flower Battalion is this nation’s army. Even if you are a Nascent Soul cultivator, you must not slaughter indiscriminately.”

“Take this.”

The Sovereign gently tapped the armrest of the throne, and a streak of radiant light shot out.

Ma Liangcai quickly extended his hands to receive the radiant light.

“You should be clear about the old matters of the Red Flower Battalion. This treasure can help you succeed. Use it well.”

“If you take over the Red Flower Battalion, bring it back. If you cannot, then go and submit to the Generalissimo, accept his deployment, and atone for your sins with meritorious service.”

Ma Liangcai cupped his hands: “Your subordinate obeys!”

The Sovereign impatiently waved his hand, and Ma Liangcai quickly exited the grand hall.

The Sovereign looked at Consort Hu in his embrace: “Good beloved consort, this time I will act according to your plan. Now, you should know how much this sovereign cherishes you, right?”

Consort Hu smiled alluringly, pressing her tender, flower-like cheek against the Sovereign’s chest: “Your Majesty cherishes your subject the most. Your subject knows.”

“Hahaha.” The Sovereign of the Two Realms Nation laughed heartily, embracing Consort Hu tightly, “As long as my beloved consort understands this sovereign’s intentions, the Red Flower Battalion…”

Ma Liangcai’s eyes flashed. He had withdrawn from his memories and reassessed the situation before him.

He smiled coldly, without showing anger like the messenger, and said slowly: “Indeed worthy of being the Red Flower Battalion.

Though a defeated army, it still possesses a fierce and arrogant spirit. Very good, very good.”

“Do you know that your actions like this are putting your General in a difficult position?”

“If you refuse to heed the proclamation, outsiders will believe that the Grand General’s Mansion harbors disloyalty. You should all know that the Grand General’s Mansion has many enemies in the imperial court, right?”

“If these people seize upon this matter and cause the Sovereign to misunderstand and become enraged, directly dismissing the Grand General from his post, all of you will be sinners!”

Upon hearing these words, the soldiers immediately became agitated, each one uneasy and hesitant.

Ma Liangcai continued: “The Grand General’s Mansion has declined to this extent. You should strive to advance, achieve merit and establish yourselves to revitalize the name of the Grand General’s Mansion!”

“General Mulian has fallen. It is also due to exhaustion and illness. As subordinates, do you not know General Mulian’s aspirations?”

“Without a commanding general, will you go to the battlefield alone? If you suffer another defeat, won’t that tarnish the reputation of the Grand General’s Mansion?”

“Only under my leadership, by gaining military merits, can we stabilize the situation and wait for General Mulian to recover in the future.

Your performance can also bring her comfort, can it not?”

The soldiers of the Red Flower Battalion became increasingly wavering.

Ma Liangcai’s words struck their deepest worry – without a commanding general, going to the battlefield was akin to courting death. How could they achieve merit and reassert their glory?

Shuang Jing flew down from high in the sky: “General Ma’s words are very reasonable.”

“I also agree,” Sun Gan also descended.

“However,” Sun Gan suddenly changed his tone, “Compared to General Ma, I, Sun Gan, have spent more time with General Mulian and understand the Red Flower Battalion better. I am more suited to command this army!”

Shuang Jing: “Before this, General Mulian had specifically entrusted me. If anything went wrong, I was to take charge of the Red Flower Battalion.”

Everyone was at a loss.

Ning Zhuo suddenly nudged Liu Er with his elbow.

Liu Er’s body jolted, inspiration striking him, and he shouted: “Strange, General Mulian also said the same thing to me before.”

Everyone was stunned again.

Ma Liangcai’s face darkened once more. He looked at Shuang Jing and Sun Gan, and then cast a wary glance at Liu Er, his gaze lingering on his demon blood traits, revealing undisguised loathing and contempt.

Ma Liangcai looked at the messenger and transmitted a message with his divine sense.

The messenger shouted: “What are you three causing trouble for? General Ma Liangcai was personally appointed by the Sovereign to come and take over the Red Flower Battalion! Do you have the Sovereign’s command?”

Liu Er gritted his teeth.

Sun Gan immediately said: “The imperial edict states that Ma Liangcai is appointed as an Adjutant to join the Red Flower Battalion. How is that taking over?”

Shuang Jing also said: “Although the Red Flower Battalion is a regular army of our nation, it was personally founded by Elder General Mu and belongs to the Grand General’s Mansion. You, Ma Liangcai, are merely an outsider. How can you take over?”

Ning Zhuo transmitted a message with his divine sense, guiding Liu Er.

Liu Er gritted his teeth: “What everyone doesn’t know is that I and General Mulian are deeply in love and are practically at the point of marriage. If we speak of close relationships, I am also half a person of the Grand General’s Mansion.”

“The Sovereign is wise and caring towards loyal subjects. If he knew the details of this matter, he would surely not have dispatched Sir Ma here.”

Upon hearing these words, everyone stared at Liu Er, their eyes wide.

Gaze after gaze, filled with shock and anger, as if spitting fire.

Ning Zhuo subtly shifted a few steps, distancing himself from Liu Er.

Liu Er’s breathing slightly hitched, feeling the immense pressure in the air.

Whether it was Ma Liangcai, the royal messenger, Shuang Jing, Sun Gan, or Zhang Zhongyi and the soldiers of the Red Flower Battalion,

They all wanted to grind this outspoken Liu Er to dust.

What kind of thing are you?

A mere human-demon hybrid, daring to slander the purity of our General Mulian?! Daring to involve yourself in this political struggle? Daring to attempt to covet the Grand General’s Seal?

Simply outrageous!

Who gave you such confidence?

In the frozen atmosphere, Sun Gan suddenly looked up and burst into laughter: “General Liu Er is quick-witted. I understand.

To be honest, General Mulian has admired this General since she was young and wished to marry me in exchange for my joining the Grand General’s Mansion to revitalize its glory.”

Shuang Jing refused to be outdone: “What you all speak of are recent events. In fact, I have long exchanged letters with Mulian. At first, she sought my guidance on cultivation matters. Gradually, she confided her heartfelt feelings to me. The closeness of our relationship is difficult for outsiders to comprehend.”

“Now that Mulian is in a coma, as her beloved, half a person of the Grand General’s Mansion, I should rightfully take charge of the Red Flower Battalion on her behalf.”

“Ma Liangcai, you have come by the King’s command. I will not make things difficult for you. Just obediently serve as the Adjutant.”

At this point in the situation’s development, the soldiers of the Red Flower Battalion and Zhang Zhongyi finally understood.

Ma Liangcai had the King’s command and wanted to take over the Red Flower Battalion, which gave him an advantage in terms of righteous cause. The Sovereign’s reason in the imperial edict was clearly stated and very proper — for the victory of the war, for the greater good!

Those who defied this command would have no justification and would be severely punished.

Operating within the righteous path, one must naturally adhere to rules.

But if Liu Er, Sun Gan, Shuang Jing, and others had private relationships with Mulian, making them half members of the Grand General’s Mansion, then according to the rules of family, state, and then the world, where family comes before the state and then the world, Ma Liangcai would have to rank after these three: Liu, Sun, and Shuang.

The soldiers of the Red Flower Battalion grasped this point and began to believe that these three generals were trying to help their side, reluctantly slandering themselves and Mulian with having a private relationship.

They looked at the three generals with no more hostility in their eyes, unaware that these three were also harboring their own intentions.

They indeed wanted to covet the Grand General’s Mansion!

Ning Zhuo surveyed the entire scene, estimating in his heart: “The Sovereign of the Two Realms Nation ordered the direct takeover of the Red Flower Battalion. His action is too ‘timely.’ How long has Mulian been ambushed and fallen into a coma? Ma Liangcai is already here.”

“Thus, it is not Shuang Jing or Sun Gan who acted against Mulian, but the upper echelons of the Two Realms Nation.”

“What is the true intention of the Sovereign of the Two Realms Nation? Is he the main orchestrator in this matter, or merely a collaborator?”

Ning Zhuo secretly speculated.

He tried to view this matter from the perspective of the Sovereign of the Two Realms Nation.

In that case, the Red Flower Battalion being taken over and the Grand General’s Mansion being dissolved are both in the Sovereign’s interest.

The Sovereign has a strong motive for doing this.

Ning Zhuo also secretly observed Sun Gan and Shuang Jing: “These two should have heard the rumors and known the inside story, which is why they acted early, forcing Mulian.”

“They want to seize the Red Flower Battalion and the Grand General’s Mansion for themselves before the Sovereign acts.”

“Therefore, this time, when Ma Liangcai came, they proactively stepped forward to stop him.”

As Ning Zhuo assessed the overall situation, Sun Gan and Shuang Jing both secretly thought how close it was and regarded Liu Er with some admiration.

It was thanks to Liu Er’s quick reaction that he thought of this idea!

Liu Er, on the other hand, looked at Ning Zhuo, praising him in his heart: “It’s truly wonderful to have the strategist by my side. I’ve benefited too much! Now, Mulian is in a coma, and we three are making arbitrary claims, blocking Ma Liangcai.”

“The brilliant part is that if Ma Liangcai wants to expose us, he must awaken Mulian and have the person involved deny the private relationship in person.”

“However, once Mulian is awakened, it will be very difficult for Ma Liangcai to truly take over the Red Flower Battalion. He can only be reduced to an Adjutant.

With Mulian above him, he will have not a single shred of real power!”

As for why the Sovereign of the Two Realms Nation didn’t simply appoint Ma Liangcai as the commander of the Red Flower Battalion in the imperial edict?

Clearly, this goes against the rules of the righteous path.

Once the Sovereign of the Two Realms Nation did this, it would surely arouse the vigilance of many families, lose popular support, and receive countless admonishments from elder statesmen.

Moreover, if he truly did this, it would certainly not succeed. This can be confirmed by the reaction of the Red Flower Battalion’s soldiers.

The situation reached a stalemate.

Ma Liangcai stared fixedly at Liu Er. Towards this Golden Core level human-demon hybrid, the loathing in his heart surged dozens of times over.

Liu Er saw that the situation had developed to this point and simply looked directly at Ma Liangcai, without fear.

Seeing this, Shuang Jing and Sun Gan regarded Liu Er with even higher esteem, thinking that this human-demon hybrid possessed the courage of a brute. They also stared at Ma Liangcai, subtly releasing pressure.

Neither side backed down, and just as the situation was about to descend into a deadlock, the tent flap was suddenly lifted.

Mulian walked out!

Both sides stared wide-eyed again. This time, even Ning Zhuo’s expression changed, feeling a strong surprise. In an instant, he understood: “Well done, Mulian. It turns out she was feigning a coma!”

Mulian smiled slightly at the crowd whose expressions had dramatically changed: “Gentlemen, let’s all enter the tent for a discussion.”

Read: m.badaoge.info