Golden Ranking Appears, My Empress Turns Out to Be Wu Zhao

Provinces

Yuan Dynasty Military Tent.

At this moment, Temujin's expression was rather dark. Only four spots remained on the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

So far, none of the four, Muqali and the others, had made it onto the ranking.

This was almost unbelievable to him.

His generals were incredibly strong. Why hadn't they been ranked yet?

Could it be that one of them might not make the ranking at all?

His earlier confidence had completely vanished.

"Khan, something has happened!"

At that moment, National Master Phagpa hurried into the tent.

"National Master, what is it? Don't tell me our army's conquest of the Southern Song Dynasty has slowed again?"

"It's not the Southern Song Dynasty, it's the Vast Sea Dynasty."

"What we feared has finally come to pass."

"Just a day ago, the Vast Sea Dynasty suddenly launched a Northern Expedition."

"And the first to bear the brunt of it was the Southern Song Dynasty Territory we had just occupied."

"The enemy split into two forces. One of them is led by Yue Fei, who ranked 5th on the Renowned Marshal Ranking."

"The other force is commanded by someone even more extraordinary, who wins every battle and conquers every city."

"This person is definitely worthy of being ranked among the renowned marshals."

"In just a single day, we've lost two cities in the southern territory we seized from the Southern Song Dynasty."

"If this continues, they will become a grave threat."

Phagpa immediately reported the intelligence he had gathered.

"What?"

"The Vast Sea Dynasty. As expected, their ambition is no less than mine."

"I had thought the great war would only break out after the complete destruction of the Southern Song Dynasty. I didn't expect it to come this soon."

"The timing of their assault is simply impeccable."

"This puts me in a bind, neither advancing nor retreating is ideal!"

"Khan, we must dispatch reinforcements now. Before they can solidify their gains, we must eliminate them quickly."

"Especially Yue Fei, the Rank 5 on the Renowned Marshal Ranking, he must be killed."

"Send word to the front. Have Muqali and Boroqul immediately turn back and eliminate the Vast Sea Dynasty forces causing disruption."

"As for the campaign against the Southern Song Dynasty, leave it to Boorchu and Chilaun."

"Yes, Khan!"

"Also, concerning the task of killing Yue Fei, National Master, you need not take action to avoid any accidents."

"I have already ordered the Shaman Grand Priest of the Shaman Cult to handle it personally."

"Using the Shaman Grand Priest to deal with someone ranked among the renowned marshals like Yue Fei is a form of respect in itself."

"With the Shaman Grand Priest leading the Golden Wolf Hall, it will surely become one of my greatest powers in the future."

"If both enemy main marshals die, the Vast Sea Emperor will surely suffer deep anguish."

"Yes, Khan. I understand what must be done."

==========

Southern Song Dynasty Territory, Nearest City to the Vast Sea Dynasty.

At this moment, flags of the Vast Sea Dynasty lined the city walls.

From this day forward, this city truly belonged to the Vast Sea Dynasty.

In the government office at the center of the city.

Yue Fei sat in the main seat, with his generals standing below.

"Send word to Lord Xiao immediately and have him dispatch officials to take over."

"Leave a thousand troops to defend the city. I will lead the rest of the army to the next target."

"Yes, Marshal!"

"Marshal, we just received a report from the military intelligence division. Temujin has already sent Muqali toward our direction."

"They will likely confront us soon."

"Muqali?"

Yue Fei frowned slightly.

"He is one of Temujin's top and formidable generals, but he cannot stop us."

"This is a good opportunity to eliminate him here and sever one of Temujin's arms."

"He slaughtered countless people in his campaign against the Southern Song Dynasty. Just like Temujin, he is bloodthirsty and deserves to die."

"Heh, and that other one, Boroqul, seems to be going up against Marshal Han Xin."

"Looks like his fate is already sealed."

==========

Qin Dynasty Territory.

Hundred Yue City.

After a round of sweet words from Zhu Houzhao, the resentment in the hearts of the women was quickly dispelled.

Of course, he knew well that they didn't truly resent him.

They just wanted to vent some bottled-up frustration.

Fortunately, all of them were sensible and understanding.

Given Zhu Houzhao's sincere attitude in apologizing, they reluctantly forgave him.

And once forgiven, Zhu Houzhao didn't hold back.

He turned into a big bad wolf.

reclaiming both their hearts and bodies, one by one.

With his methods, Zhu Houzhao truly lived up to his reputation.

Even Yan Lingji, who had been the most resentful, quickly made up and became extremely attached to him.

In the days that followed.

Zhu Houzhao continued nurturing his bond with the women while improving the formation mechanisms of Hundred Yue City.

He greatly enhanced the city's defensive capabilities.

As long as the women stayed within the city.

not even Mythical Realm beings, let alone God Demon Realm ones, could harm them.

If the enemy was reckless, dying horribly here would be inevitable.

As for Wu Qi, who had been captured alive, Zhu Houzhao had yet to meet him.

Although Wu Qi was undeniably a great talent.

Zhu Houzhao didn't see him as indispensable just yet.

Before anything else, he needed to subdue Wu Qi's heart.

Otherwise, hidden dangers would be inevitable.

==========

Imperial Garden.

At this moment, Zhu Houzhao was personally teaching little Yue'er a new cultivation method.

The Azure Lotus Sword Song she had trained in before was good, but not the best.

Without hesitation, he directly gave her the foundational chapter of the Azure Lotus Immortal Scripture.

This would help solidify her foundation and grant her even greater future potential.

Previously, she had ranked 1st on the Hidden Dragon Ranking at the Innate Realm.

Though a year had passed and her progress wasn't as fast as others.

That was mainly due to her young age.

Fei Yan had been deliberately suppressing her cultivation realm.

Yet even so, Yue'er had already reached the Great Perfection Grandmaster Realm.

In terms of foundational strength and potential.

She was far superior to other so-called hidden dragons.

As long as she followed the path steadily, catching up would be no problem at all.

==========

Ming Imperial Harem.

Empress Chambers.

"Wan'er, is there any news from His Majesty?"

"Miss, ever since His Majesty left the palace with the Consort Long Bixia, we've heard nothing of them."

"With His Majesty's strength, anyone trying to follow him would be discovered and shaken off immediately."

"Right now, only the Dark Guard Leader might know their whereabouts."

"Hmph, if you ask me, His Majesty has probably gone off searching for his old lovers again."

Palace Maid Qing'er pouted as she spoke.

She had come to understand His Majesty's temperament over the years.

This trip outside the palace was surely yet another romantic adventure.

Even with so many beautiful women in the Imperial Harem, he still went out to seek more.

It was simply too inappropriate!

"Probably another of His Majesty's unresolved love affairs!"

"Miss, look! A new ranking has appeared!"

"I wonder which nation's marshal made the ranking this time?"

Empress Wu Zhao looked up, her eyes filled with anticipation as golden light shone from the ranking in the sky.

It seemed that the Ming Dynasty still had too few renowned marshals.

Line by line, new names began appearing on the glowing ranking above.

[Renowned Marshal Ranking – Rank 4]

[Han Xin]

[Nation: Vast Sea Dynasty]

[Marshal Rating: Six Stars]

[Military: Super First-Rate]

[Political: Second-Rate]

[Strength: First-Rate]

[Reward: One Ultimate-Tier weapon, one Ultimate-Tier general's armor set, one Ultimate-Tier military formation, and a 10% increase in national fortune for the affiliated nation]

==========

Han Xin?

The Vast Sea Dynasty again!?

Empress Wu Zhao narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly, a flash of cold light flickering within them.

The military strength of the Vast Sea Dynasty was truly too formidable.

But according to the ranking description, Han Xin's abilities seemed lower than those of Yue Fei.

Why then was he ranked higher?

What criteria determined the ranking?

Second-Rate in politics?

It seemed this renowned marshal named Han Xin had a glaring weakness.

Perhaps he could be exploited in the future.

One scheme after another raced through Empress Wu Zhao's mind.

On the battlefield, he might be a formidable opponent.

But off the battlefield, his weakness could be fatal.

If Zhu Houzhao knew that Empress Wu Zhao had already set her sights on Han Xin, he would surely be speechless.

==========

Southern Song Dynasty Territory.

Han Xin's Vast Sea Army and Boroqul's Yuan Dynasty forces were locked in a fierce battle.

In the brutal clash, countless soldiers were killed on the spot.

"Hahaha, this brat Han Xin is nothing special."

"With this level of skill, he dares to be ranked 4th on the Renowned Marshal Ranking?"

Boroqul sat atop a tall horse, mocking Han Xin in the distance.

Yet deep in his eyes was a bitter envy and resentment.

Such an incapable man, how had he made the ranking?

While he, Boroqul, one of the Four Great Generals under Temujin, was not even ranked?

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

Suddenly, on the right front and left rear of Boroqul's army, an uncountable number of troops appeared and quickly encircled them.

Before Boroqul could grasp what was happening, his army had already been divided and cut off.

They could no longer coordinate under a unified command.

All they could do was watch helplessly as Han Xin's forces picked them off one unit at a time.

Boroqul's eyes were bloodshot with fury.

He simply could not comprehend how things had turned so quickly.

Just moments ago, he had the upper hand, and now he was utterly defeated.

How could this be?

"General, we must retreat. We've fallen into Han Xin's trap!"

The deputy general hurriedly pulled Boroqul away and led a swift retreat.

But what happened next completely shattered Boroqul's understanding of warfare.

No matter where he fled, there were always troops waiting to ambush them.

His army of 200,000 was first reduced to 100,000.

Then to 80,000.

Then 50,000, 30,000, 10,000.

Until now.

Only thirty-some men remained at his side.

The rest were either dead or scattered.

This was a total and utter defeat.

A loss without suspense.

A defeat that made no sense.

Even his gaze had dimmed.

His once unshakable confidence and pride had completely crumbled.

All that remained was desolation, unwillingness, hatred, and overwhelming fear.

This Han Xin was like a demon, far too terrifying.

His military strategies were truly unpredictable.

Worthy indeed of a place on the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

But if someone this frightening was only ranked 4th.

How powerful must the top three be?

"General, Han Xin's men have surrounded us. There's no escape!"

Boroqul looked up and saw a dense sea of soldiers encircling him and the last thirty men.

There was no path left to flee.

"Boroqul, this Marshal sees you as a true cultivator. If you surrender, I will spare your life."

Han Xin's cold voice echoed around him.

"Hmph, dream on! I, Borhu–"

"I knew you'd say that."

"In that case, there's no need for words."

"Shot!"

Han Xin didn't wait for Boroqul to finish any final heroic speech.

He immediately ordered his archers to fire.

In the next moment.

a rain of arrows descended.

Each one pierced Boroqul's body, turning him into a human pincushion.

Even in death, his eyes remained filled with unwillingness and disbelief.

This Han Xin really had no sense of decorum.

He didn't even let him finish his last words.

Boroqul died with deep regret.

He didn't want to die so humiliatingly.

And thus, Boroqul, one of the Four Great Generals under Temujin, along with his army of hundreds of thousands, was wiped out completely.

A great victory, firmly securing Han Xin's place among the renowned marshals.

His command was as fluid as flowing water, like a work of art.

It left observers with a sense of awe and admiration.

Utterly incredible.

"Clear the battlefield. Send word to Lord Xiao and have him dispatch officials to take over the city."

"We march to the next conquest!"

"Yes, Marshal!"

All the soldiers roared in unison.

Their gazes toward Han Xin brimmed with absolute reverence.

as if they were looking at a living legend.

==========

Yuan Dynasty Military Tent.

"What? Say that again? The entire army wiped out?"

"I gave Boroqul 200,000 troops. How could they all be gone?"

"Where is Boroqul? Call him in now. I'm going to cut him down myself!"

Upon hearing the devastating news from the front lines, Temujin was enraged.

He wished he could personally kill his once-trusted general to vent his fury.

200,000 soldiers!

Not 2,000 or 20,000.

Even if they had been pigs, it would take time to slaughter them all.

But now?

They had been wiped out faster than slaughtering pigs.

He had even considered nominating Boroqul for the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

What a disgrace.

How could such a useless man deserve that honor?

Before he could process the first blow.

another report arrived.

As he opened the letter and glanced at its contents.

Temujin's mind went blank.

He collapsed to the ground in a daze and fainted on the spot.

Muqali's army had clashed with Yue Fei's forces, and Muqali was killed in battle.

His army suffered devastating losses.

Another trusted general had failed him, costing him dearly in troops and morale.

Han Xin.

Yue Fei.

Both are names on the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

Was the difference between them really this vast?

How could this happen?

Why?

"Khan!"

"Quick, summon the Imperial Doctor!"

The once mighty and heroic Temujin.

had been knocked unconscious by a single report.

It seemed the Yuan Dynasty's momentum had been completely broken.

==========

In the time that followed.

the territories of the Southern Song Dynasty previously conquered by the Yuan Dynasty, became the stage for Han Xin and Yue Fei's grand performance.

Under the assault of these two renowned marshals.

more than ten cities fell in rapid succession.

The names of Han Xin and Yue Fei, now truly shook the entire Nine Provinces.

Previously, their fame came from being ranked on the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

But now, they used their battlefield achievements +to prove to the world that they deserved their place.

However, to everyone's surprise.

After taking twenty cities, the two did not continue attacking.

Instead, they halted their advance.

It seemed they no longer intended to press forward.

This allowed the Yuan Army to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

They were truly terrified of the Vast Sea Dynasty forces.

They were just too strong.

So strong it left them in despair.

==========

Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.

"Master Yuan, is this information accurate?"

Li Shimin's pupils contracted sharply as he stared at the intelligence report in his hand.

"Your Majesty, it is absolutely true. In fact, the real situation is even more astonishing than what the report describes."

"The military command abilities of these two are beyond imagination."

"In our Tang Dynasty, only General Li Ji may barely be able to stand against them."

"How could this be? Why are they so powerful?"

Li Shimin felt an unprecedented sense of crisis.

These were just the Rank 4 and Rank 5 names.

What of the top three on the Renowned Marshal Ranking?

In the future battles across the Nine Provinces.

could the Tang Dynasty still emerge victorious?

For the first time, Li Shimin felt uncertain.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

List of Characters:

Number One Under Heaven ( 天下第一 )

・Zhu Houzhao ( 朱厚照 ) — Emperor of Ming Dynasty

Sun Moon In The Sky ( 日月当空 )

・Wu Zhao ( 武曌 ) — Empress of Ming Dynasty

Great Tang Twin Dragons Legend ( 大唐双龙传 )

・Li Shimin ( 李世民 ) — Emperor of Tang Dynasty

Painting Jianghu ( 画江湖 )

・Yuan Tiangang ( 袁天罡 ) — Master of Bad People

Legend of the Condor Heroes ( 射雕英雄传 )

・Temujin ( 铁木真 ) — Emperor of Yuan Dynasty

Yue Fei Complete Legend ( 说岳全传 )

・Yue Fei ( 说岳 ) — General of Vast Sea Dynasty

Qin's Moon ( 秦时明月 )

・Fei Yan ( 绯烟 ) — Eastern Monarch of Yin Yang School

・Xue Nu ( 雪女 ) — Commander of Mohist School

・Su Yue ( 苏月 ) — Princess of Hundred Yue City

・Han Xin ( 韩信 ) — General of Vast Sea Dynasty

Nine Songs of Moving Heaven ( 天行九歌 )

・Yan Lingji ( 焰灵姬 ) — Queen of Hundred Yue City

・Zi Nu ( 紫女 ) — Elder of Hundred Yue City

Historical

・Boroqul ( 博尔忽 ) — General of Yuan Dynasty

・Muqali ( 木华黎 ) — General of Yuan Dynasty