The 5th Year of Zhengyong, November 5th.

Xu Mujun utilized the power of the Thunderbolt and the Red Coat Cannon to bombard Black Mountain Pass.

The walls of Black Mountain Pass collapsed halfway through the day, and most of the buildings inside the pass were destroyed, with countless soldiers of Wu Country trapped under the ruins and rubble.

Xu Mujun led a hundred thousand iron cavalry into Black Mountain Pass, engaging in street battles with the remaining soldiers of the pass.

In just half a day, after a night of fierce fighting, the soldiers of Great Yu finally took over Black Mountain Pass.

Of the five hundred thousand soldiers defending the pass, fewer than fifty thousand managed to escape.

The rest of the soldiers were either killed by the Thunderbolt, crushed under the collapsed buildings, or died in battle, with only a very small number captured as prisoners.

And for Great Yu in this battle, the number of casualties was just over ten thousand.

Wu Country’s Black Mountain Pass was once again occupied by Great Yu.

In this battle, the only Innate Realm martial artist of Wu Country, Yin Mountain Ancestor, was also slain by Xu Mujun!

That night, the Thunderbolt, Red Coat Cannon, and other weapons that nearly turned the entire Black Mountain Pass to ruins were quickly spread to other countries by the spies of various nations.

With the break of Black Mountain Pass, there are no longer any formidable defenses in Wu Country’s southern territory.

Xu Mujun left two hundred thousand infantry and supply soldiers to firmly hold Black Mountain Pass, while excavating the collapsed buildings to check for any surviving Wu soldiers.

Utilizing the stones and timber from the Yin Mountain on both sides, they aimed to rebuild Black Mountain Pass.

Meanwhile, he divided the remaining cavalry into two groups, charging towards the prefecture cities of Mangzhou and Huangzhou in Wu Country’s southern territory!

Mangzhou and Huangzhou are the two states in Wu Country’s southern territory, bordering Great Yu’s Binzhou and Youzhou, but separated by the Yin Mountain.

And Black Mountain Pass is located at the junction of these two states.

One army, led by Xu Mujun, sped towards Mangzhou.

The other army, commanded by Chen Hongxiu and Zhao Tieshan, headed towards Huangzhou.

The 5th Year of Zhengyong, November 11th.

Xu Mujun conquered the prefecture city of Mangzhou, slaying countless enemies and capturing Wu Country’s Wu Mangwang, causing a major shock.

The 5th Year of Zhengyong, November 13th.

Chen Hongxiu and Zhao Tieshan used the Red Coat Cannon to bombard the prefecture city of Huangzhou in Wu Country.

After the time it took to burn a stick of incense, the walls of Huangzhou’s prefecture city were blasted down, and a hundred thousand cavalry surged forward, taking over the prefecture of Huangzhou.

Slaying countless enemies, Wu Country’s Wu Huangwang fought back but was accidently hit by stray bullets, severely injured, and died!

Subsequently, Xu Mujun continuously reinforced the Black Mountain Pass garrison, gradually swallowing up other county cities within Mangzhou and Huangzhou.

The entire southern territory of Wu Country was under the point of Xu Mujun’s spear!

Most importantly, the troops under Xu Mujun’s command did not plunder the people of Wu Country, instead fortifying their positions and waiting for reinforcements.

He…

Intends to occupy the two states of Manghuang!

When the news of Xu Mujun breaking Black Mountain Pass and occupying the two states of Manghuang reached the homeland, the entire Great Yu military and civilian population burst into excitement.

“It’s truly worthy of Grand General Xu Mujun! It’s amazing that he was able to breach Black Mountain Pass!”

“I’ve always said Grand General Xu Mujun is the greatest general in the world, truly terrifying!”

“I wonder what reward His Majesty will give Grand General Xu Mujun? A noble title perhaps?”

“Hush…! Not a word! The Grand Ancestor decreed that none shall be titled king except those with the surname Zheng, you’re putting His Majesty and the general in a difficult position!”

“Hehehe, now Great Yu will have fifteen states!”

“News! Latest report! Grand General Xu Mujun has conquered Qingzhu County in Mangzhou, henceforth the entirety of Mangzhou falls under the rule of Great Yu!”

“Kid! Bring me a newspaper!”

“I want one too!”

“Quick, let’s see what it says…!”

The public speculation can give rise to countless rumors.

And Xu Mujun’s occupation of two major states of Wu Country undoubtedly raised the morale and unity of the people of Great Yu to unprecedented heights.

The recruitment offices of the Imperial Guard and other troops were nearly overcrowded, with everyone dreaming of expanding the territory and conquering the world just like Grand General Xu Mujun!

This public sentiment was mirrored in the Imperial Court.

After receiving Xu Mujun’s military orders, Zheng Yi had convened the Great Court thrice.

The news received daily would arouse fervent excitement among the people of the Imperial Court.

Due to the great distance, the intelligence was delayed; Zheng Yi’s latest report was that Xu Mujun had taken control of Qingzhu County in Mangzhou.

As for where he’s fighting now, he truly did not know.

“Your Majesty! Grand General Xu has labored and accomplished much, he should be greatly rewarded!”

“Approved! Have the Ministry of Rites discuss the rewards.” ​

“Yes!”

“Your Majesty! Grand General Xu requests the continued dispatch of reinforcements to Black Mountain Pass to secure the two states!”​

“Approved!”

“Your Majesty! Grand General Xu reports that while the two states of Manghuang are barren and desolate, they are also sacred lands for horse breeding. He hopes Your Majesty will send dedicated personnel to tend horses in the two states of Manghuang.”

“Approved!”

“Your Majesty! Grand General Xu…”

Amid such fervent discussions, almost the entire day was spent praising the glorious achievements of Xu Mujun.

At this time, Lu Xiangqing, standing at the forefront of the officials, suddenly spoke: “Your Majesty, Grand General Xu has labored and accomplished much, having breached Black Mountain Pass at the beginning of the year, but the Divine Strategy Camp also contributed to the breaching of the pass.”

“I petition for a grand reward for the Divine Strategy Camp!”

“Approved!”

Cabinet Minister, Imperial Censor Wang He suddenly stepped forward and said: “I have a petition to present.”

“Speak!”

“Your Majesty, Black Mountain Pass is the foremost strategic pass between our Great Yu and Wu Country. Now that the general is conquering territories in Wu Country, it is indeed a blessing for Great Yu.”

“But while Grand General Xu is skilled in battle, he is not adept at defense. For the sake of the general and Great Yu, I am requesting a change of the garrison commander at Black Mountain Pass, to allow the general to focus on conquering territories for us.”

Wang He’s words had barely fallen before the previously lively court fell silent.

The officials slightly lowered their heads, their eyes flickering, not daring to look at His Majesty on the steps, unsure of their thoughts.

Only Wang He gazed calmly at His Majesty.

Zheng Yi calmly said: “I trust Grand General Xu, there’s no need to replace the garrison commander.”

“Your Majesty!”

Wang He argued based on reason: “My proposal is for the sake of Great Yu!”

“And it’s also for the sake of Grand General Xu…”

“I said, there’s no need to discuss this matter any further!”

Zheng Yi left with a flick of his sleeve, leaving behind the quietly exchanging glances of the court ministers.

Some ministers approached Wang He, whispering: “Lord Wang, why so hasty?”

“Hasty?”

Wang He coldly replied: “Black Mountain Pass sits on the Celestial Chasm, once Xu Mujun seals Black Mountain Pass, he can establish his own dominion. For the sake of His Majesty’s plan and for Great Yu, we cannot let our guard down.”

“You…”

“My actions are merely preemptive measures.”

“Alas…!”

After returning to the palace, Zheng Yi went directly to Baihua Palace.

In recent months, he frequently stayed overnight at Baihua Palace.

While enjoying himself, he also continuously drew the three women to his side, extracting many secrets about the Baihua Sect from them.

In these months, the three women became pregnant one after another.

For a time, the alliance of the three women wreaked havoc in the harem, wielding immense power, second only to Consort Duann and the Empress.

Even Consort De, Li Changle, had to bow her head when she saw the three women.

A few days later, more news came.

Xu Mujun resigned from his position as the garrison commander of Black Mountain Pass to focus on the conquest of Mangzhou and Huangzhou.

At the same time, Xu Mujun even formally requested that His Majesty reward his clan with vast lands, gold, silver, and beauties.

Moreover, he sent letters to relocate his entire clan to the Capital City.

After repeated requests to resign, Zheng Yi had no choice but to agree to Xu Mujun’s request.

After some consideration, he recalled Chen Wannian, who was stationed at Cang Pass, and appointed him as the garrison commander of Black Mountain Pass.

The 5th year of Zhengyong, the first day of December.

Your Majesty decreed that Consort Duann, Xu Qingluan, of virtuous character, diligent and gentle, harmonious and pure, with a warm and kind conduct, versed in household management, and carrying an aura of gentle virtues, shall be conferred the title of Noble Consort!

Henceforth: Noble Consort Xu!

Thereafter, Zheng Yi had three noble consorts.

Noble Consort Cui.

Noble Consort Yang.

Noble Consort Xu.

In a short time, the Xu Family held unparalleled prominence within the Imperial Court, unmatched by anyone.

Their family members and clan were in a revered position in the Capital and the Imperial Court, courted, befriended, and flattered by countless people.

The 5th year of Zhengyong, the tenth of December.

The envoy of Wu Country kneeled outside the Imperial Palace, begging to surrender and seek peace!

According to the latest military report, Xu Mujun had advanced to Mengzhou, near the Mangzhou and Huangzhou Two States.

Should he capture Mengzhou, it would leave merely a thousand miles to the Wu Country Imperial Court.

Within half a month, fast horses could reach it.

Wu Country mobilized over a million troops to Mengzhou.

Both armies have engaged in several fierce battles on the Manghuang Grassland at the border of Mengzhou and Mangzhou, leaving over a hundred thousand corpses!

Yet, Xu Mujun’s army consistently emerged victorious.

Throughout Wu Country, fear of Xu’s color changed, and no one dared to confront his prowess.

Helplessly, the Wu Country Imperial Court had no other choice but to deploy an envoy at the quickest pace, to dispatch a mission seeking peace.

In the Great Court, Zheng Yi casually tossed aside the Wu Country’s national letter and said, “Wu Country sent an envoy seeking peace. What do you think, my esteemed ministers?”

Lu Xiangqing stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, Grand General Xu’s military strength is flourishing, having already conquered the Mangzhou and Huangzhou Two States, with Mengzhou also under his military pressure.”

“However, Great Yu has been at war for years, with numerous casualties among our soldiers, and Mangzhou and Huangzhou Two States are indeed too far from our Great Yu’s heartland, making supply transport difficult.”

“Therefore, I propose peace negotiations.”

“I concur!”

“I concur!”

“I concur!”

Most officials voiced their agreement, though a few military officers held different opinions.

Unfortunately, they were few and their voices carried little weight, unable to form a unified stance.

Zheng Yi knew in his heart that Lu Xiangqing and others made a valid point. Moreover, the Divine Strategy Camp had exhausted their Thunderbolt and Red Coat Cannon munitions and could not restock on the spot.

That Xu Mujun was blocked at the Manghuang Grassland proved this point.

An Innate Realm Martial Artist is an adversary against ten thousand.

But they are not adversaries against hundreds of thousands, nor a million!

Great Yu also needs rest and recuperation.

The Thunderbolt and Red Coat Cannon also need restocking.

Plus, the new weaponry.

Seeing as he had already made a plan, Zheng Yi immediately said, “Summon the Wu Country envoy!”

“Summon the Wu Country envoy!”

Soon, a middle-aged man with naturally curly hair strode forward.

“Foreign official Meng Zhan, at Your Majesty, Great Yu’s service!”

“Wu Country envoy, why do you seek my audience?”

Meng Zhan’s lips twitched, but he gritted his teeth and said, “Your Majesty, Great Yu, our Wu and Yu countries have always been friendly, yet now Xu Mujun has wantonly invaded our Wu Country, slaughtered our people, and plundered our cattle and sheep, an egregious crime.”

“We ask Your Majesty, Great Yu, to penalize Xu Mujun, order him to withdraw his troops, vacate Black Mountain Pass, and compensate Wu Country for its losses…”

“Guards!”

Zheng Yi, unwilling to hear these arguments any further, directly ordered, “Beat him out with rods!”

Four wolf-like Imperial Guards pounced, and picking up clubs, struck towards Meng Zhan’s head.

“Your Majesty, Great Yu! What are you doing! Ah!”

“Great Yu, the land of etiquette… Ah!”

Meng Zhan screamed and cursed as he was beaten out by the Imperial Guards.

Zheng Yi coldly laughed, “What kind of person did the Emperor of Wu Country send?”

“If you want Great Yu to retreat its troops, send someone more articulate!”

“Court adjourned!”

That night, the Wu Country delegation, almost frantically, bearing abundant gifts, searched for ministers within the Capital City.

Especially at the doors of Lu Xiangqing, Wang He, and others, the thresholds were almost worn down by visitors.

Even Liu Cheng’en’s outer residences were found by the Wu Country delegation, which sent abundant gifts.

Half of these gifts also found their way into the Imperial Palace.

A few days later, unable to bear it any longer, the Wu Country delegation knelt at the gates of the Imperial Palace, wailing and begging loudly.

In these few short days, Xu Mujun’s army had already advanced into Mengzhou!

Finally, Zheng Yi agreed once more to meet with the Wu Country delegation.

“Your Majesty, Great Yu!”

The envoy this time was an elderly man over sixty, who fell on his knees with a ‘thud’ as soon as he met Zheng Yi.

“Your Majesty, Great Yu! As long as Xu Mujun withdraws, my Wu Country is willing to offer any price!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep