slightly, and she retorted, "In broad daylight, Your Highness is speaking nonsense...""Words from the heart."Li Chen's palm gently caressed Zhao Rui's crystal clear and smooth cheeks. His thumb rubbed...Chapter 1443: A Meeting of the Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun

The King of Ning did not come.

Li Chen and Wu Ban Shan looked at each other, waved their hands to let the scout go first.

General Wu, what is your opinion

Li Chen had a good impression of this rough and mighty Moon-Tooth Pass general. Compared to his brother Wu Qingcang, in Li Chen's eyes, Wu Ban Shan was more like a pure general.

He seems to care little about politics, only about the military, and always tries to find ways to improve benefits for his soldiers.

Some things are just not meant to be acted out.

Similarly, while they appear to love the people dearly, some officials' words sound insincere and like a performance.

But some officials, even if they say nothing, their actions reveal how little they care for the people under their rule.

When the leader is blind, many things are clear in their mind.

So when people talk about "embracing simplicity in the emperor's heart," they aren't talking about putting on a show. They're talking about getting down to work and doing real things, letting your actions speak for themselves. The higher-ups will naturally notice.

In Li Chen's view, Wu Ban Shan belonged to this kind.

Upon hearing Li Chen's question, Wu Ban Shan immediately replied without hesitation: "Your Highness, King Ning is not here, but his attitude has definitely arrived. He intends to use the Sixteen Riders of Yan Yun to give your Highness a taste of his power."

"As a subordinate, I dare wager that before the Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun arrive, King Ning would have certainly instructed their commander to give Your Highness a taste of their power."

"This way, we can both dampen your prestige and reputation, and ensure the situation doesn't escalate too severely. After all, conflicts between generals and you are far easier to resolve than those between you and a prince."

And then he will appear again to clean up the mess, getting both credit and face. It's a clever scheme indeed.

Li Chen smiled upon hearing this and said, "General Wu truly knows King Ning well."

"Wu BanShan replied calmly, 'Yueya Pass is located behind the territory granted to King Ning. Over the years, I have interacted with King Ning countless times, so I naturally know a thing or two about him.'"

Li Chen raised an eyebrow, with interest he said: "Then, in your opinion, General, what is King Ning like"

Wu Ban Shan was indeed honest and straightforward. If Su Zhen Ting or Wu Qing Cang had answered this question, they would have definitely given a roundabout answer with a bunch of nonsense. But Wu Ban Shan simply said, "He has the qualities of a supreme hero and possesses the air of a dragon and tiger!"

"These words are not just any simple evaluation."

Li Chen narrowed his eyes slightly, a smile playing on his lips as he said to Wu Ban Shan, "Do you not fear that this evaluation might give me cause for resentment"

Wu Ban Shan said solemnly, "The last general only knows that it was His Highness who inquired. The last general does not dare to conceal anything from His Highness. As for how I think, the last general will answer accordingly."

As for grudges, I have none. Your Highness is not a ruler incapable of discerning right from wrong, so what need is there to fear it

"I love to hear such flattery."

Li Chen continued, "If King Ning heard your evaluation of him, he might be pleased, but he would definitely have you killed."

Wu Ban Shan said frankly, "My salary comes from the imperial court, not from King Ning's. I needn't care what he thinks."

Li Chen burst into laughter upon hearing this, and patted Wu Ban Shan's shoulder, saying: "In the entire imperial court, there are not many intelligent people, but you are one of them."

"Come, let's go and see these renowned Yan Yun Sixteen Riders together. Let's also see what our royal uncle has prepared as a greeting for me."

"This subordinate will immediately arrange the personal guards." Wu Ban Shan said.

"No need."

Li Chen waved his hand, refusing: "Taking a large army would only put us at a disadvantage. We barely escaped with our lives from the Jin City palace, and here at Yueya Pass, the Sixteen Cavalry of Yan Yun dare to attempt regicide"e next provincial examination."Li Chen raised an eyebrow and said, "You're at least a minister of household affairs. Can't you even arrange a job for your nephew"Xu Changqing's face turned bitter upon...