Rebirth of a Star General (Legend of the Female General)

Chapter 79: Youth

Back then, when Xiao Jue led the Nanfu troops to Jingzhou, though the world knew that Second Young Master Xiao was adept in both literature and martial arts, he was still young and couldn’t bear heavy responsibilities. Zhao Nuo, on the other hand, held the position of Jingzhou Governor. He was lascivious and greedy, lacking in talent. Upon Xiao Jue’s arrival in Jingzhou, Zhao Nuo didn’t regard him highly. He frequently belittled and ridiculed him, showing extreme disrespect. And that wasn’t all. During the battle in Jingzhou, while Xiao Jue led his troops into battle, Zhao Nuo, in the rear, was more concerned with preserving his own life and made erroneous commands, causing delays in tactics and resulting in the unjust deaths of many soldiers. Seeing his audacious behavior, Xiao Jue had him bound and taken away.

Zhao Nuo’s father held the position of Shangshu for the Ministry of War, and he himself had spent many years in Jingzhou. Naturally, he had countless people intercede on his behalf. There were no shortage of high-ranking officials and aristocrats who used threats, inducements, and pressure to attempt to bend Xiao Jue to their will. However, this was all done with the presumption of Xiao Jue’s lack of familial support in the capital.

“He is the Governor of Jingzhou, and his father is the Ministry of War’S Shangshu. Many people at court have connections with the Zhao family. If you offend him, your future prospects will be grim!” they warned.

However, Xiao Jue remained unfazed. He merely chuckled disdainfully and replied, “Even if the Shangshu acts so recklessly, even if he were to be promoted to Prime Minister, I will still carry out the execution without hesitation.”

Three days later, Xiao Jue besieged Zhao Nuo’s residence with his troops and executed Zhao Nuo beneath a monument to fallen soldiers.

“In fact, the Zhao family has some distant connections and history with both the Xiao and Cheng families,” Cheng Lisu recalled. “That Zhao Nuo, theoretically speaking, should have had some kinship with us. At the time, my mother personally wrote to my uncle, asking him to show leniency and spare Zhao Nuo.”

“But my uncle didn’t listen,” he smiled, with a hint of helplessness and a touch of pride.

“How could Commander Xiao be so fearless about provoking discord before His Majesty?” He Yan pondered. “Surely the Emperor would have harbored resentment.”

“No wonder you’re my eldest brother; you ask the same questions as me,” Cheng Lisu chuckled. “I also think that my uncle’s actions were a bit rash.”

Years later, that youth had become more reserved and composed, ascending to the esteemed position of Commander of the Right Army. Cheng Lisu asked, “Uncle, aren’t you worried that the Emperor might grow distant due to these actions?”

The youth, engrossed in reading, responded with a wry smile. “He wouldn’t dare.”

The Emperor wouldn’t dare, not the minister is not afraid.

Indeed, even though the powerful ministers at court filled the Emperor’s ears with accusations and grievances against him, the Ministry of War Shangshu repeatedly submitted memorials pleading for retribution, these efforts ultimately amounted to nothing. This was because Xiao Jue led the Nanfu with unstoppable momentum, pushing the southern tribes to retreat in defeat.

At a crucial time of talent recruitment, a deceased Governor and an exceptionally gifted commander, Emperor Wenxuan wasn’t blind. He knew how to make the right choice.

However, while Emperor Wenxuan dared not punish Xiao Jue, it didn’t mean that rumors and gossip weren’t swirling through the streets of Shuojing City. Ministry of War Shangshu Zhao Tong and Xiao Jue were locked in enmity, and though others may not have known about Zhao Tong’s covert instigation, many in the city began to view Xiao Jue unfavorably. Those who had once had good relations with the Xiao family also distanced themselves from Xiao Jue.