Chapter 191: Chapter 138: Returning to Changning Again
Translator: 549690339
“The Seven Star Sect is rebelling?”
Upon hearing Cui Changqing’s words, Lu Yuan couldn’t help but feel slightly surprised.
The Seven Star Sect was one of the few top-tier sects in Dongting Prefecture. They were well known for the superior Seven Star Fist technique passed down within their sect. It was said that when cultivated to a high level, it could activate the seven stars within one’s body, unleashing seven different types of Inner Strength. It was as if seven people were simultaneously unleashing their power, which was incredibly formidable.
Even more extraordinary, the Mental Technique of the Seven Star Fist could also be cultivated to the third of the bizarre meridians, making it a mid-tier cultivation technique among top-tier techniques.
With this technique, the Seven Star Sect had always played a leading role among the top-tier sects in Dongting Prefecture.
When Lu Yuan first thought of seizing the secret technique, the Seven Star Sect was his primary target.
However, this idea gradually faded away as he acquired the Chi Yang Divine Skill.
Unexpectedly, Lu Yuan never advanced towards the sect, yet the Seven Star Sect jumped out on their own, causing the rebellion.
This was truly…
Speechless for a long while, Lu Yuan eventually looked at Cui Changqing and asked, “Is it necessary to suppress the rebellion?”
He was currently in a crucial stage of changing his cultivation method and was only two meridians short of fully converting his Inner Strength into Chi Yang Inner Strength.
As long as he could wait for another three or four months, his strength would be restored to its peak.
Therefore, Lu Yuan really didn’t want to wage a war to suppress the rebellion at this time.
After all, the Seven Star Sect was also a top-tier sect, and there were numerous skilled fighters within their ranks, making them difficult to deal with.
Furthermore, they now had an army of thirty thousand.
Ignoring whether this army was a ragtag group or not, their sheer numbers were indeed intimidating.
Lu Yuan only had fifteen thousand men under his command?
Fighting against their forces would mean fighting two to one.
Even though his own troops were well-trained and considered elite, fighting against the recently assembled ragtag army of the Seven Star Sect would likely give him a high chance of winning.
However, war was unpredictable. Who could guarantee victory?
What if there was a risk of losing?
Lu Yuan greatly cherished his own life and didn’t want to take any risks while he was weak!
“The Prefecture has issued a death order that General Fenwu, you must send out troops. Otherwise, a messenger will be sent to hold you accountable.” Cui Changqing looked somewhat speechless at Lu Yuan’s obvious evasion.
In fact, since Lu Yuan took up the position of General Fenwu a few months ago, he had only been recruiting soldiers and expanding his army, but he had never really fulfilled his duties.
The Prefecture’s original expectation was that once Lu Yuan had recruited enough soldiers, he would lead them to suppress rebellions and local bandits. However, this never happened.
On the contrary.
The newly appointed General Fenwu stayed put within the borders of Shaoyang Prefecture and refused to budge.
His behavior even led some to believe that he intended to consolidate his power independently and control the region.
As they watched him, however, they noticed that Lu Yuan did not interfere with local affairs and made no moves to seize territory. He even barely managed his own troops, leaving most of the regular tasks to his subordinates. His attitude hardly resembled someone who wanted to be a warlord.
So, in the end, everyone reached the same conclusion.
This General Fenwu, despite his remarkable military achievements, was actually a lazy person and possibly even a coward too afraid of dying to fight.
The outcome naturally rendered everyone at a loss for words.
The Prefecture issued several orders but however much they pushed, Lu Yuan remained unyielding.
In this turbulent time, a person with no ambitions and strong power was not necessarily a bad thing for the imperial court.
Moreover, the Prefecture feared driving Lu Yuan to rebellion, so after several unsuccessful attempts to sway him, they ceased further efforts.
As a result, following the examples of previous situations, Lu Yuan still wanted to learn from past experiences and reject this matter entirely.
However, it seemed difficult for him to succeed this time.
Cui Changqing appeared serious and extremely solemn as he said, “Hengyang Prefecture produces a large portion of our grains, accounting for more than
30% of the Prefecture’s total grain output. With the 150,000 troops from the Northern Border being transferred to Xichuan, nearly half of their grain supply will come from our Prefecture.
If the rebels from the Seven Star Sect capture this city, the 200,000-strong Army of Pacifying Shu in Xichuan will lose their grain supply.
Adequate funds and food are absolutely critical to the outcome of a war.
If Hengyang Prefecture is lost and a shortage of grain ensues, it could lead to the defeat of the Army of Pacifying Shu.
This matter concerns the fate of the nation, and the imperial court is keeping a close eye on it. The Prefect can’t bear this responsibility either.
If you continue to procrastinate, the Prefecture may send another general to take over the military power of your fifteen thousand-strong army.”
Cui Changqing’s tone was somber, and his eyes were fixed on Lu Yuan.
Knowing him well, Cui Changqing believed that if someone were to take over his military power, Lu Yuan would definitely not let go.
If a conflict were to arise between him and the envoy from the Prefecture, it might force Lu Yuan to rebel.
With Lu Yuan’s strength, if he truly rebelled, then Dongting Prefecture would be doomed.
This situation was something Cui Changqing, a devoted and conscientious official always concerned about the nation and its people, absolutely did not want to see.
Thus, upon receiving the Prefecture’s order, he personally came to deliver the news in an attempt to persuade Lu Yuan to agree.
‘If the old man couldn’t persuade him, the only remaining option would be to ask the Worthy Son-in-law. With the relationship between the Worthy
Son-in-law and Lu Fenwu, he would definitely be able to convince him.’ The Prefect had another plan in mind.
Feeling somewhat uneasy under the intense gaze, Lu Yuan quickly raised his hand and conceded, “Fine, fine, I’ll send the troops out, alright? I’ll send out the troops..”
