Protect Our Chief

After the investigation by the Ancestral Mansion, although the main reason is Prince Hao’s overconfidence and recklessness, unrelated to Xiao Limo, it still affected the futures of many people.

As a result, Xiao Limo resigned, taking responsibility, and returned to Gui Long City in a semi-retired state.

However, His Majesty greatly trusts Xiao Limo and is unwilling to let his skills and lifelong reputation be buried, so he still keeps him in the ceremonious position of Grand Marshal, dedicated to various tasks of army construction and training.

In this situation, with Xiao Limo in control, Emperor’s Son An cannot fully act on his will in military command. Once a military action seems too dangerous to Xiao Limo, he has the authority to moderate and propose better suggestions.

But in this operation, the entire army was filled with confidence.

With this formidable military strength, it is enough to sweep through the Southern Border Barbarian Gu Race. The difficulty lies in how to gain a foothold in the Southern Border and digest the fruits of victory. However, Emperor’s Son An has prepared for forty years and clearly has a comprehensive plan.

Therefore, the Southern Border Expeditionary Corps advanced all the way with almost no resistance, reaching hundreds of miles away from the Southern Border Saint Land "Gu God Village" and temporarily set up camp there.

In the Central Army of the large force.

Continuous tents covered the land.

Inside a tent that appeared neither luxurious nor conspicuous.

Wearing a luxurious set of Black Tortoise Battle Armor, Emperor’s Son An appeared exceptionally heroic. The decades of regency also gave him a bit of imperial demeanor. Just sitting there casually, he had an air of authority without anger.

Led by Wang Shouzhe, a group of trusted allies sat in succession, holding an internal conference of Emperor’s Son An’s inner circle.

"Shouzhe’s previous layout was very successful," Emperor’s Son An said with a pleased expression. "Now that the Barbarian Gu Clan lives better, their fighting spirit is weaker than before. As we expected, there is practically no decent resistance where our large force passes."

"Shouzhe, you’ve worked hard for these decades."

Wang Shouzhe shook his head calmly and said, "The credit for this matter should go to Luojing, Luqiu, and other members of the Wang Family. I merely directed from a distance, hardly any hard work."

When planning the Southern Border expedition, Wang Shouzhe learned that his fifth sister, Wang Luojing, seemed connected with the Barbarian Gu Race’s "Saint Gu Worm True Skill." Moreover, the master she once "picked up," Zhou Changfeng, was also related to the Saintess of the Barbarian Gu Race.

With Wang Luojing’s consent, the genuine "Southern Border Barbarian Gu Race Expedition Plan" was developed, a comprehensive plan aimed from top to bottom against the Barbarian Gu Race.

After decades of diligent management, the entire Southern Border Barbarian Gu Race has completely transformed their lifestyle.

"In this plan, the most brilliant move by Patriarch Shouzhe was replacing the terraced farming industry that the Barbarian Gu Race had cultivated for generations with industries of high added value," said Tianyan Fairy from her seat, her eyes shining with admiration, "Those Spiritual Mulberries, Spiritual Silkworms, and other silkworm and mulberry industries certainly provided the Barbarian Gu Clan a prosperous life without worry over food and clothing, yet they also utterly destroyed their originally backward and meager crop farming."

"Using a small portion of the high income from growing mulberry and tea, they can buy cheap and delicious Wang Family grains, which no one can resist. Unfortunately, once war breaks out, as long as the Wang Family pinches off the grain sales channels, the entire Barbarian Gu Race will fall into a panic over a grain shortage. In this way, naturally, they collapse without a fight."

"It’s not that there aren’t smart people who suddenly woke up, but under the trend of the times, those opposing voices and actions are nothing more than futile resistance."

"Patriarch Shouzhe, I didn’t expect your mind to become more insidious as you age," Tianyan Fairy said in a whimsical tone, glancing at Wang Shouzhe, "The entire Barbarian Gu Race, this time, was utterly deceived by you."

"Why do you say that, Fairy?" Wang Shouzhe lazily sipped his tea, "Our Wang Family has always advocated for common prosperity and development. Besides, we have indeed led the people of the Southern Border to live happy and peaceful lives."

"Think from another perspective, if not for my ’bloodless’ plan, with the Great Emperor’s character, he would surely conquer the Southern Border with force at any cost before abdicating, causing countless deaths in both the Southern Border and Daqian."

"I truly saved the Barbarian Gu Race."

Faced with a series of rebuttals, Tianyan Fairy rolled her eyes repeatedly, "Anyway, Patriarch Shouzhe is eloquent, anything goes when you say it."

In recent years, Tianyan Fairy seemed to have quite an opinion about Wang Shouzhe. Especially with rumors that Wang Shouzhe’s great-grandson, Wang Anye, is likely to marry two Little Princesses, she was even more brooding.

As if expressing, Patriarch Shouzhe, even your great-grandson can marry two wives, and yet you’re afraid to take a concubine?

"Tianyan," Emperor’s Son An shifted the topic for Wang Shouzhe, "you also know that this expedition to the Southern Border is just a side task. Our most important objective should not be forgotten, and no mistakes can be tolerated."

"Yes, Prince," Tianyan Fairy immediately became serious, her eyes flashing with intense determination, "I have waited a long, long time for this day, and even if it costs my life, I will not make a mistake. Tianyan thanks His Majesty for seeking justice for me!"

"We share the same goal, and we have Shouzhe to thank for planning this for us," Emperor’s Son An’s face was extremely stern, and he looked towards Wang Shouzhe, "Shouzhe... more than my ability to hold the Great Emperor’s reins, this matter is more important to me, everything depends on you."