The emperor prepared for two years and issued an order to conquer Xichuan. The Beiying Commander Zhang Huaiyi was imprisoned. The purpose was self-evident. The emperor wanted to take back military power, which was to clear the internal action.

After the news arrived in Longzhou, Li Maozhen could feel the hunting gaze from the emperor thousands of miles apart. No one was a fool, so he naturally understood where he would look next after clearing the palace.

Back from the Salt and Iron Bureau, Li Maozhen discussed countermeasures with the generals in the army, Li Jipeng and Li Jiji, and then the entire Longyou became busy quietly.

After everyone left in groups of three or three in the afternoon, he stood alone in the hall, clenched his fists and walked back and forth.

Regardless of whether the emperor will attack Longyou or not, Li Maozhen must take some action to prevent accidents. If the emperor has a tough attitude and a revival, then he will be lying down and continue to be a loyal minister. However, the Tang Dynasty is shaking, and all the vassal states are growing. Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the world has changed.

It is indeed imminent to test whether the emperor can tolerate him.

As for the salt and iron envoy Geng Qing, it was the best test. After spending half a month together, Li Maozhen's view of him has changed a little, but it was just a flattering villain to an over-the-top view of someone who could use it. However, it was still an embroidered pillow, which was not worth it.

There are many such people around him, and it is unnecessary to stay.

He probably decided to do this. The next morning, Li Maozhen returned to the military camp outside the city and sent a few more scouts to monitor the Salt and Iron Bureau.

During this period, the two adopted sons also came over and waited with them so that they could act according to military orders in time.

".........The troops who have added Fengxiang's troops have already been driven out? Tens of 20,000 people are not allowed to enter the city. Just build a dike twenty miles outside the city to form a horn. Longzhou also needs to defend the embankment, make full use of the posture, and the Guiyi Army... give some gifts to the Zhang family so that they can avoid jumping up and down behind their backs."

Li Maozhen closed her eyes and tried to recall the possible mistakes. After giving the order, she slowly opened her eyes, "By the way, what about the Salt and Iron Bureau?"

In the middle of the tent, Li Jiji stood up, raised his hands and half drooped his eyes, and looked at the ground, "Back to my father, there was no movement in the Salt and Iron Office. As usual, he was thrusting iron and casting armor in the hospital office."

Li Maozhen closed his eyes again and nodded.

"Don't disturb them, do the things in your hands properly. After you cast them, you'll do it later. Ji, thank you for your hard work during this period."

"Here."

Li Jiji looked at him, bowed his hand and came out of the big tent. It was rare to have autumn rain. In the misty water vapor, the soldiers passing by saluted him one after another. Li Jiji nodded with a smile, and his expression changed slightly when the soldiers left. Thinking of the day when he heard what he said in the hall under the eaves, his eyes were cold.

"...... I'll thank you for your hard work during this period."

The words of the adoptive father just now became more and more harsh, "It's just to call me as a cow and horse."

He looked up at the rainy line, his teeth were clenched, and his eyebrows were filled with cold air. Soon, a soldier came to pass on the orders of his adoptive father, calmed down, and continued to be busy. It was already night when he returned to the city. Soon someone secretly left the mansion with a letter.

The movements and stills in Longzhou were still hidden. The people in the city, Hu Shang, had not noticed the abnormal movements of the troops, but vaguely felt that there were many more soldiers on the streets patrolling.

In the Salt and Iron Bureau, when Geng Qing woke up, it was already morning. The light was slightly yellow and shining through the paper window to the messy desk. The dust was flying in the reflection.

Without his personal Qiao Niang or Bai Yunxiang's service, he took care of himself during this period and seemed a little lazy. He called Dachun to bring water in. After washing up, he took the letter written on the table overnight and came out to take pictures of Jiuyu who was sitting in the yard. Then he sat down to the stove and picked up a made arm armor to look around.

I called the craftsman to discuss with great interest, and seemed to be not caring about what happened outside.

"What did you write in the letter?"

Jiuyu flipped through the letter, but did not look at the handwriting on it. She folded it and put it into her clothes. Geng Qing put down his arm and armor to discuss with the craftsman, turned around, took the porridge from Dou Wei's hand and sat down, and took a sip.

"What else can I write? I'm going to give me a pillow when I'm sleepy. By the way, remember to add a sentence after seeing him."

"say what?"

Geng Qing blew the heat that was dispersed by the porridge, opened his mouth, and shook his head with a chuckle, "Forget it, let's not talk, go."

There was a short "cut" sound from there. After Jiuyu left, Geng Qing drank all the porridge, followed the blacksmith's appearance, picked up the hammer and knocked it. After working hard for a while, he asked Dachun to go out and buy some cloth at the nearby Fangjie Silk Village.

As people came and went, their eyes were still on the figure holding the cloth to the carriage. When the frame left, they turned around and passed the notes with the handwriting.

After several twists and turns, it fell into Li Maozhen's hands. At this time, he was at the mansion. After reading the contents, he shook his head and smiled, and threw the note on the ground.

"I used to be proud of him, but I just had some eloquence. Now, I really have nothing to do except do craftsmanship. I can't do anything trivial every day."

Recently, he has been focusing on arranging troops. However, people are surveillance at the Salt and Iron Bureau. The man may have some talent, but he doesn't have to worry too much after all.

After noon, Li Maozhen looked at the notes and muttered, Geng Qing was also in the yard and made the silk cloth into military uniforms for the invited tailor.

The parts of the Mingguang Armor were assembled and built on a large chair. The red military uniforms inside were the mighty Mingguang Armor outside. The armor leaves were polished and shiny. There was a circle of neck guard mail under the helmet, just like a living general, sitting there with a big golden sword.

"Perfect." Geng Qing snapped his fingers and praised.

Soon the night fell and the sky and the earth gradually became darker.

Compared with the streets in the city without a curfew, the yard is surprisingly quiet. One by one, a man from the rivers and lakes sits in the corners or eaves, silently grinding his blade. Occasionally, he raises his eyes and glances at the armor placed in the middle of the central hall. A figure wanders with candlelight to illuminate it. Then, he lowers his face and continues to polish the weapons.

In the dim central hall, Geng Qing held the candle and carefully inspected each piece of armor leaf. The handmade art at the links were reflected in the candlelight. The human face came, and Jiuyu had already come back, standing not far away.

It took a while.

Geng Qing, who looked at Jiaye, whispered: "Go to invite Duke Li Jie to collect Jia tomorrow."

He blew the human face reflected on the armor leaves, covering it with a layer of mist.

...........

The next morning, Li Maozhen, who had just gotten up next to her concubine, received a message from the Salt and Iron Bureau, laughed a few times, put on her clothes and walked out.

The order was issued, and when he walked out of the mansion, a group of soldiers had already been waiting, with more than a thousand iron-armored infantrymen and three hundred cavalrymen arranged in long arrangements.

Li Maozhen turned over and the horse, and Li Jipeng, who was a few steps behind, waved and shouted: "Go."
Chapter completed!