I relied on a system to prolong my life in ancient times.

Chapter 464 Lu Zhijin Requests Imperial Decree

Chapter 464 Lu Zhijin Requests Imperial Decree

Inside that magnificent and solemn palace, the large red palace lanterns swayed with a dim yellow light.

Lu Zhijin, dressed in a black outfit, stood tall and straight like a pine tree. At this moment, his expression was extremely serious, and a trace of grief flashed across his handsome face. He then took a few steps forward, and then knelt down on one knee with a clean and decisive movement, his right knee slamming heavily onto the cold ground with a dull thud.

He quickly clasped his hands together, then raised his head, looking intently at His Majesty on the throne, and said in a loud and firm voice, "Your Majesty, please issue an edict allowing me to lead troops to support the King of Lingnan and drive the Jinyu Alliance out of Lizhou."

The sound echoed in the empty palace, carrying an undeniable authority.

Emperor Zhou's eyes burned with determination. This would be the God of War of his Great Zhou. Although the court was not lacking in military generals, it lacked a God of War like Lu Zhijin.

"Very well, as expected of the God of War of my Great Zhou, I grant your request." Emperor Zhou stood up excitedly.

"Lu Zhijin, heed my command." Emperor Zhou's voice was solemn and imposing, exuding domineering power.

"Your humble servant obeys your command." Lu Zhijin's voice was loud, firm, and powerful.

"I hereby bestow upon you the title of First-Rank General of the Cavalry! The King of Lingnan is facing difficulties in Lizhou. The Jin-Yu Alliance has colluded and is attempting to invade our territory, causing immense suffering to our people. I hereby order you to lead an army of 500,000 to Lizhou immediately to support the King of Lingnan. You must defeat the Jin-Yu Alliance, safeguard our borders, and protect our people!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhi's eyes sharpened even further, as if burning with a fierce fighting spirit. He kowtowed heavily and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will gladly die on the battlefield! I will surely crush those traitors of the Jin Yu Alliance and let them know that the majesty of our dynasty is inviolable!"

"Very well, I knew my general was exceptionally brave." Emperor Zhou nodded, his eyes filled with satisfaction and admiration for Lu Zhijin.

As they left the palace, Lu Zhijin walked beside Xiao Qinian and suddenly knelt down: "Uncle, I was entrusted with this mission in a time of crisis. I don't know when I will be able to return. I'm afraid the marriage with A-Yue cannot be completed on time. I feel ashamed before A-Yue and the Xiao family."

Xiao Qinian was startled. Although he was somewhat dissatisfied when Lu Zhijin suddenly requested the imperial decree, as a fellow official and citizen of the Great Zhou, he naturally understood that personal feelings were no longer important in the face of national affairs. He understood Lu Zhijin and agreed with his actions in his heart.

Xiao Qinian sighed inwardly and helped Lu Zhijin up: "I know you don't need to do this. National affairs are of utmost importance, and Yue'er will understand."

"Thank you uncle."

How could Lu Zhijin not be heartbroken? He had been looking forward to his wedding with A Yue so much, and now that it was almost here, he had to break his promise again.

But as a general of the Great Zhou, he knew what to choose and what to do at this moment.

"Uncle, Zhijin is leaving now. Please tell Zhijin and Ayue on my behalf."

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to Yue'er in person?"

"No, Yue'er should already be asleep, so I won't disturb her. The war in Lizhou is urgent, and I need to leave as soon as possible." It wasn't that he didn't want to say goodbye to Xiao Siyue, but he was afraid she would miss him if he went, so he decided not to go.

“Okay, if you don’t want to go, then you don’t have to go.” Xiao Qinian nodded, also worried that her daughter would be upset.

"But Zhijin, you must protect yourself this time. Don't let Yue'er be sad again," Xiao Qinian instructed. His daughter's expression last time was still vivid in his mind. His daughter had spent so much merit to save him. If it were like last time, he was sure Yue'er would still risk everything to save him. But he didn't want that. The importance of merit to Xiao Siyue made him dare not take the risk.

"Yes, Zhijin will definitely protect this life." This life was saved by Ayue, and he must protect it well.

"Alright, go ahead and say goodbye to your family."

"Uncle, I'll take my leave now." Lu Zhijin turned and left. Xiao Qinian watched his retreating figure and sighed again, hoping that this war could end as soon as possible.

After quickly saying goodbye to his family, Lu Zhijin went straight to the military camp.

When Xiao Qinian returned home, it was already late. His family members were already asleep. After washing up, Xiao Qinian went back to his bedroom, but instead of going to bed immediately, he sat down at the table.

"Master, you're back." Hearing the voice, Lin Qin stood up and looked at Xiao Qinian, whose face didn't look good.

The room was dimly lit and soft. Xiao Qinian shifted slightly, noticing the movement beside him. He sighed softly, his voice gentle yet filled with unconcealed weariness, and said slowly, "Hmm, did I wake you?"

"What happened? You look so pale?" Lin Qin took a coat off the rack, put it on, and then sat down next to Xiao Qinian.

"Sigh, another battle has broken out. Tochizusa has probably fallen by now." After all, a long time has passed since the messenger arrived, and under the overwhelming force of the two allied armies, Tochizusa won't last much longer.

"Another war? And it's in Tochigo again." Although Lin Qin didn't care about national affairs, she knew about major events like war. Every war was bloody and the people suffered terribly.

“That’s right. The Great Jin and the Great Yu have formed an alliance and launched a surprise attack on Lizhou.” Xiao Qinian’s expression was solemn. He sighed slowly, his sigh filled with deep concern for the fate of the people and soldiers of Lizhou.

"How dare these two countries act so recklessly? Aren't they afraid of suffering the same tragic fate as Dayong in the past, with their country destroyed and their families wiped out?"

Xiao Qinian frowned, his expression grave, and coldly snorted, "Hmph, in my opinion, they are probably trying to strike first because they are wary of the precedent set by Dayong."

"Sigh, don't worry too much. Now that the war has broken out, all we can do is pray that the casualties of our soldiers can be minimized." Lin Qin said solemnly, gently patting Xiao Qinian's shoulder.

"Yes." Xiao Qinian nodded solemnly. As the Minister of Revenue, he was well aware of the heavy responsibility he bore. Right now, what he could and had to do was to prepare sufficient military pay for the soldiers at the front, building a solid and reliable support for them. Only in this way could the soldiers go to the battlefield without any worries and fight bravely against the enemy.

"Then hurry up and go to bed to rest. You have to attend the morning court session tomorrow." Lin Qin stood up and pulled Xiao Qinian's hand.

But Xiao Qinian didn't move. He looked at her hesitantly, as if he wanted to say something. Lin Qin asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Are you still sad about the war?"

Xiao Qinian shook his head: "No, tonight Zhijin asked His Majesty for permission to lead troops to support Lizhou, and His Majesty granted it."

"What? What about Yue'er? Will she still be able to come back in time for the wedding?"