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

"Have you heard? This time, Yuan Emperor Temujin suffered a devastating defeat!"

"Yeah, hundreds of thousands of troops, completely wiped out. Tsk tsk, what a disaster!"

"I also heard that two of Temujin's Four Great Generals, Muqali and Boroqul, were both killed."

"Heh, it was Han Xin and Yue Fei from the Renowned Marshal Ranking who did it."

"Incredible, a true renowned marshal. Normally you can't really tell the difference, but once they go to war, the gap becomes crystal clear."

"Just think how arrogant Muqali and Boroqul were in Southern Song Dynasty Territory, acting like no one in the world could stop them."

"But they ran into someone even stronger, and got wiped out instantly."

"Foreigners are always like that. The moment they gain a little power, they become proud and conceited. Now they've finally met their match."

"If the Rank 4 and Rank 5 names on the Renowned Marshal Ranking are already this powerful, how strong must the top three be?"

All across the Nine Provinces, people were constantly discussing these events.

Mocking Boroqul and Muqali under Temujin's command.

And expressing admiration and praise for Han Xin and Yue Fei.

The Renowned Marshal Ranking truly lived up to its name.

Not a single name on it was unworthy.

Absolutely amazing.

The Renowned Marshal Ranking was the highest hall of honor for generals and marshals across the Nine Provinces.

Of course, being ranked was no easy feat.

==========

Qin Imperial Palace.

"Monarch Wu'an, this is a battle report from the Southern Song Dynasty."

"What do you think of Han Xin and Yue Fei's performance?"

"If you were to face them in battle, would you have the confidence to win?"

Ying Zheng handed the report to Bai Qi with a serious expression.

He seemed to have underestimated the generals of the Vast Sea Dynasty.

In terms of military strength and command capabilities, the enemy was in no way inferior to the Qin Dynasty.

Even though he trusted Bai Qi, he could no longer afford to underestimate those two.

Moreover, there were still three spots left on the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

There were certainly powerful names he had yet to see.

Bai Qi studied the report carefully. His previously confident expression turned solemn.

"Your Majesty, Han Xin and Yue Fei are indeed formidable opponents."

"My command style is entirely different from theirs. It's hard to say who is stronger or weaker."

"To determine victory or defeat, we would have to fight for real."

Even with his confidence, Bai Qi could not guarantee a win.

It seemed he needed to study their tactics closely.

Otherwise, if the two nations clashed in the future, he might fall behind.

==========

Qing Dynasty Territory.

At this moment, a fierce battle had erupted.

On one side was Hua Mulan leading the Hundred Flower Legion.

The vanguard was the Empress's Qi Army.

On the other side was the Qing Army.

They were commanded by Fukanggan, a close confidant of Hongli.

As one of the few Qing Dynasty generals capable of leading tough battles, Fukanggan was indeed a decent marshal.

But only to that extent.

Compared to the renowned marshals on the Nine Provinces ranking, he was far from their level.

"Marshal, Fukanggan is now trapped. He can't escape."

"Killing him is equivalent to severing one of Hongli's arms!"

Hua Mulan's deputy spoke with excitement.

"After this battle, no one in the Nine Provinces will ever underestimate you again."

"You truly deserve a place among the renowned marshals!"

"In my opinion, Marshal, you are in no way inferior to Han Xin or Yue Fei of the Vast Sea Dynasty."

Their lady marshal was not only unparalleled in military command, but also possessed incredible personal strength.

On top of that, she had stunning beauty.

Who in the future could possibly tame her?

"Enough chatter. Focus on taking out Fukanggan and destroying this key force under Hongli."

"Yes, Marshal!"

==========

Hundred Yue City.

"Husband, we've captured Wu Qi. What do you plan to do with him?"

After spending time together, Zhu Houzhao had once again brought all his women under control.

They no longer dared to act defiant in front of him.

On the contrary, they were obedient and sweet, which made Zhu Houzhao feel a bit uncomfortable.

At that moment, while teaching Yue'er how to cultivate, he was also pondering what to do about Wu Qi.

"Keep him locked up for now. That old man has lived too long and become a monster."

"I'm not planning to interrogate him yet."

"I'll wait until all names on the Renowned Marshal Ranking are revealed."

"With his talent, he's definitely going to be in the top three."

"Hmph, so what if he's that brilliant? I just don't like the guy!"

"Alright, enough about him. I'll take him with me when I return."

"Now, let me ask you all something."

"Do you plan to come with me to the Ming Dynasty?"

The women were moved by the question.

However, Yan Lingji looked conflicted.

She was worried about leaving Hundred Yue City behind.

"What about Hundred Yue City?"

"Once Ying Zheng destroys the Six Kingdoms, he definitely won't spare Hundred Yue. I'm worried."

"Just take your trusted followers and find a successor. Simple as that."

"There's no need to overthink it."

"Once you leave, Hundred Yue City won't matter anymore."

"It won't be a threat to Ying Zheng, so he'll stop caring about it."

"Besides, even if you stay, you might not be able to hold the city in the future."

"The Qin Dynasty still has hidden strength that hasn't been revealed. If Ying Zheng truly wants to attack, the losses will be tremendous."

"It's not worth it."

In Zhu Houzhao's eyes, Hundred Yue City was originally built as a safe haven for Yan Lingji and the others.

He didn't want it to become a shackle around their necks.

That would go against his intentions.

As for the citizens of Hundred Yue City, he didn't really care.

"So you want us to go to the Ming Dynasty and become part of your Imperial Harem?"

Yan Lingji snorted coldly in displeasure.

From the Hundred Yue Queen to a caged bird in the Imperial Harem, she wasn't keen on that.

"You don't have to join the Imperial Harem. You can just find a place in Ming Dynasty Territory and rebuild Hundred Yue City."

"That way, I can protect you at any time."

"Even if gods or demons attack, I'll be there immediately."

"But if you're in the Qin Dynasty, it'll be hard for me to help in time."

"And it could even trigger open conflict between the Ming Dynasty and Qin Dynasty prematurely."

What made Hundred Yue City truly powerful was the presence of Yan Lingji and her companions, and the terrifying formations laid within.

Everything else was negligible.

"I'll have to think about it. Even if I leave, I need to find a worthy successor."

"Here's what we'll do. Fei Yan, Zi Nu, and Xue Nu, you go with him this time."

"How can we do that? How can we leave you here alone in Hundred Yue?"

"Ying Zheng is ruthless. If he comes for you, we'll regret it forever."

"At least if we stay together, we can help each other."

Zi Nu shook her head, clearly worried for Yan Lingji.

Otherwise, she would've joined the palace with Honglian last time.

"I'll stay with you too!"

"So will I!"

Fei Yan and Xue Nu spoke up as well.

Well then.

Zhu Houzhao was speechless.

Now it felt like he was the villain, forcing them into hardship.

He glared at them, annoyed.

"Fine. I'll give you some time to prepare."

"Once I'm back, I'll send someone to rebuild Hundred Yue City."

"It'll be bigger and safer than before."

"When it's done, you can all move in together."

"No need to join the Imperial Harem."

"You're all my women. With our strength, we can see each other whenever we want."

"That's a good plan. I don't want to get involved in the messy palace politics anyway."

"I also heard your Empress isn't an easy person to deal with. I'm afraid she might bully us."

"If you don't stand up for us then, we'll suffer for nothing."

At Yan Lingji's "unreasonable" complaint, Zhu Houzhao glared at her again.

These women were getting harder and harder to deal with.

Only little Yue'er was still sweet and obedient, his precious little angel.

He resumed teaching her cultivation.

Among Zhu Houzhao's many female companions, some were suited to join the Imperial Harem.

Others were not.

Forcing them in might only harm them.

Especially those suited for martial life, not palace schemes.

To protect Yue'er's peaceful growth, he didn't want her caught in such intrigue.

==========

Southern Song Dynasty Territory.

Roughly ten miles from Yue Fei's army, in a vast open area.

The ground was littered with corpses.

Judging by their attire, they belonged to the Yuan Dynasty's Golden Wolf Hall.

Leading them was a man clad in strange clothes made from animal hides, his aura eerie and twisted.

His eyes were sinister and evil.

"Shaman Grand Priest?!"

"You left the Shaman Cult of the Grasslands just to stir up trouble in the Nine Provinces?"

The speaker was a white-haired, handsome young man, ethereal and confident.

The fallen enemies were his doing.

"Li Chunfeng!"

The Shaman Grand Priest glared coldly.

"Why did you kill my men?"

"How amusing. You tried to assassinate Marshal Yue Fei. Should I have welcomed you instead?"

Li Chunfeng chuckled.

"Yue Fei killed hundreds of thousands of our troops, even Muqali. Why shouldn't I kill him?"

"In war, Muqali and the Yuan Army lost because they were weaker. Isn't that natural?"

"Just like how the Southern Song Dynasty was once slaughtered by the Yuan Dynasty. It's the same principle."

Li Chunfeng sneered.

"I don't wish to make enemies with the Shaman Cult today. Leave."

"Next time, there will be no mercy."

Though Li Chunfeng disliked bloodshed, he found the Shaman Cult deeply repulsive.

"Hmph, let's see if you have the power to stop me."

"The Nine Provinces Golden Ranking says you've reached the God Demon Realm?"

"I'd like to see just how strong you really are."

The Shaman Grand Priest raised his staff and attacked Li Chunfeng.

His strike was swift, precise, and ruthless, aiming directly at a vital point.

Li Chunfeng burst into laughter from sheer anger.

This man truly did not know his place.

A mere Mythical Realm cultivator dared provoke someone at the God Demon Realm?

Li Chunfeng didn't even move.

As the strike approached, he gently pushed forward with his right palm.

In the next instant.

A powerful force struck the High Priest's chest.

Boom!

Crack!

A sickening crunch echoed as bones shattered. The Shaman Grand Priest was sent flying.

The terrifying force rampaged through his body.

Unable to endure, he spat out a mouthful of blood.

He was gravely injured on the spot.

If Li Chunfeng hadn't held back, he would've been killed instantly.

"Overestimating yourself."

The Shaman Grand Priest's eyes were filled with venomous hatred.

"Well played, Li Chunfeng!"

"I'll remember this!"

"One day, I'll repay it in full!"

Spouting a token threat, he fled using the last of his strength.

Just then, a figure swiftly approached.

It was Marshal Yue Fei.

He looked solemnly in the direction the Shaman Grand Priest had escaped.

Then asked in confusion.

"Lord Li, that man is clearly dangerous. Why didn't you kill him?"

"He could bring endless trouble in the future."

"Marshal Yue, you may not know. For now, he cannot be killed."

Li Chunfeng shook his head and sighed.

"Why?"

Yue Fei was puzzled.

Someone that evil should be eliminated without hesitation.

Li Chunfeng's lips moved, but no sound came out.

He transmitted his words in secret.

Yue Fei's face changed drastically.

His eyes were filled with disbelief and fury.

"Is what you said true?!"

"Absolutely."

"Those people are insane. I wish I could tear them to pieces!"

"And Temujin... I once held him in high regard!"

"He's unworthy of being called an Emperor!"

Hatred flashed in Yue Fei's eyes.

"Lord Li, I leave this matter in your hands. Make sure he is dealt with completely, or the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Rest assured, Marshal. I suspect even Temujin himself is being kept in the dark."

"From what I know of him, ruthless as he is, even he wouldn't stoop to such madness."

Yue Fei nodded silently, withholding his opinion.

"The ranking has been updated."

"I wonder who has surpassed you and Han Xin. That person may be your rival in the future."

As he looked at the Golden Ranking glowing in the sky, Li Chunfeng smiled softly.

Even he deeply admired the military talents of Han Xin and Yue Fei.

Especially Han Xin, whose command of troops was truly unimaginable.

High in the sky, the name of the Rank 3 marshal soon began to emerge.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

List of Characters:

Number One Under Heaven ( 天下第一 )

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

Qin's Moon ( 秦时明月 )

・Ying Zheng ( 嬴政 ) — Emperor of Qin Dynasty

・Bai Qi ( 白起 ) — Commander of Qin Dynasty

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

・Xue Nu ( 雪女 ) — Commander of Mohist School

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

Story of Mulan ( 花木兰传奇 )

・Hua Mulan ( 花木兰 ) — General of Ming Dynasty

Painting Jianghu ( 画江湖 )

・Li Chunfeng ( 李淳风 ) — Imperial Observatory of Vast Sea Dynasty

The Book and The Sword ( 书剑恩仇录 )

・Fukanggan ( 福康安 ) — General of Qing Dynasty