Guarding the border: I am sanctified in the flesh

Chapter 153
"Then thank you Liu Xiang."

Lu Fan did not refuse.

He wanted to find out the real intention of the Liu family.

Although Liu Qingyang seemed to be kindly reminding him just now, it also planted a thorn in his heart.

It made him have some doubts about the royal family and Li Tianrun.

This thorn is very small now, but it will grow slowly, and one day it will get stuck in his heart and have to be removed.

Perhaps the purpose of the Liu family has been achieved.

"My lord please."

Under Liu Zeming's guidance, Lu Fan came to the main courtyard and entered the living room.

Liu Zhi, Liu Mei, Liu Xiaoyue, and He Zifeng were all there.

"Lu Fan!"

Liu Zhi walked over with a smile, "The banquet has already been prepared, please take a seat."

"it is good."

Lu Fan could feel that Liu Zhi's attitude towards him hadn't changed at all.

"please."

Everyone came to the dining room, where there was a big round table with cold dishes and wine on it.

"My lord, today is a family banquet, no outsiders are invited."

Liu Zeming smiled and stretched out his hand to signal, "You sit here."

"Uncle, just call me Lu Fan."

Lu Fan sat down as he said, and said with a smile: "Since there are no outsiders, we don't have to be so polite."

"Good good."

Liu Zeming was overjoyed, "This is the best."

"Everyone sit down."

Lu Fan nodded slightly at them, "Don't treat me as an outsider."

"how come?"

Liu Zhi sat down beside Lu Fan, then winked at Liu Mei, "Sixth Sister, sit down too."

"it is good."

Liu Mei agreed and sat on the other side of Lu Fan.

The others also sat down separately.

The maids filed in and brought hot dishes to the table.

Fill up the wine.

Liu Zeming picked up his wine glass and waved his hand at Lu Fan, "Lu Fan, since you respect me as uncle, then I will call you nephew."

"This glass of wine, as a thank you."

"Whether it's Liu Zhi, Liu Mei, or Xiaoyue and Zifeng, it's all under your influence that they spontaneously called up the team to participate in this war."

"They have all been commended by the emperor for this, and my Liu family has received a supreme honor."

"When the people of the Great Zhou mentioned my Liu family, they all gave a thumbs up."

"It's all your credit."

"Okay, don't say much, I will do it first."

After finishing speaking, Liu Zeming drank the wine in the glass in one gulp.

"Uncle has been awarded."

Lu Fan also drank a glass of wine with him, and said: "It's all their own credit, I didn't help much, and I even want to thank them."

"If they hadn't convened a team to resist the invasion of foreign enemies, there would be no such victory."

"There will be no situation like today."

"Come on, I offer you a glass of wine."

While talking, Lu Fan filled himself with wine, "Thank you for your kindness and help."

"We should respect you."

Liu Zhi and the others raised their wine glasses and toasted to Lu Fan, "Cheers!"

"cheers!"

The atmosphere is very harmonious.

When talking about the past, several people sighed.

Especially Liu Zhi was more touched.

The current him is no longer the dandy he was back then. He knows very well in his heart that Lu Fan is so outstanding that he has to work hard to catch up.

Otherwise, he always felt that he was not worthy to be friends with Lu Fan.

Even now, in front of Lu Fan, he is not as calm and confident as before.

Just because the gap between the two is too big.

After dinner, Liu Zeming invited Lu Fan to the living room and served tea.

Everyone else left with interest.

"Nephew, I invited you to my house today because I have something important to discuss with you."

Liu Zeming smiled and said: "My little girl, Liu Mei, is about the same age as you, and she also likes you very much. You both are geniuses of the younger generation. No matter how you look at it, you are a good match."

"So, I want to betroth my little girl to you."

After finishing speaking, Liu Zeming asked: "I don't know what your nephew wants?"

"what?"

Lu Fan was very surprised, and even a little bit incomprehensible.

After all, Liu Qingyang just reminded him to be careful.

But you are going to marry him in a blink of an eye?
why?
Are you not afraid that the Liu family will be dragged down by him?
Or does the Liu family have another purpose?

what is it then?

Lu Fan fell into deep thought.

It's the Liu family who are betting!
He somewhat understood that if the royal family really wanted to deal with him and was able to deal with him, then with the Liu family's current reputation, it would definitely be the royal family's next target.

Of course, that may be a long time later.

After all, now that the Great Zhou is waiting to be rejuvenated, it is impossible for the royal family to go to war.

Waiting for Da Zhou to get on the right track and re-enter the prosperous age, it is very likely that those threats will be eliminated.

Once a move is made, the Liu family will definitely bear the brunt of it, and there is no way they will be spared.

Therefore, taking precautions, the Liu family wanted to join forces with Lu Fan.

When the royal family wants to do something in the future, they will have scruples.

If you want to touch Lu Fan, you have to worry about the Liu family.

If you want to touch the Liu family, you have to look at Lu Fan's face.

There is an extra guarantee for each other.

Unless the royal family has the ability to attack Lu Fan and the Liu family at the same time.

But obviously, this possibility is unlikely.

Of course, this is all Lu Fan's conjecture. He has no way of knowing the actual purpose of the Liu family.

Maybe there is another meaning.

But no matter what, he couldn't agree to this marriage.

He has already promised Ye Wuchen that if he wants to get married one day, he will marry Ye Qingyun.

That was his true thought, and he didn't want to break his promise.

Compared with Liu Mei, he is more comfortable getting along with Ye Qingyun.

Ye Qingyun is docile, low-key and unassuming, and what's even more unusual is that she is infatuated with Lu Fan.

It's perfect to be a wife.

Lu Fan's heart gradually became firmer, "Uncle, I am deeply honored to receive so much love, but I can't promise you."

"Just because I have a marriage contract, I can't break my promise."

Speaking of this, Lu Fan looked at Liu Zeming apologetically, "Uncle please forgive me."

"what?"

Liu Zeming was stunned for a moment, and asked, "You actually have an engagement? I don't know which lady it is?"

"This is..."

Lu Fan shirked, "You will naturally know in the future."

"Ugh!"

Liu Zeming sighed, "I didn't expect it, it's still too late. As early as a year ago, I wanted to mention this matter to you, but my little girl was unwilling and determined at that time."

"I can only rely on her."

"It's too late to regret it now."

"It can only be said that by mistake, good fortune tricks people."

Speaking of this, Liu Zeming glanced at Lu Fan, "This is the end of the matter, then congratulations to my nephew, I hope you will get married and have a precious son soon."

"Thank you uncle for your understanding."

Lu Fan stood up and said goodbye, "If there is nothing else, I'll go back first."

"Okay, I'll take it to you."

Liu Zeming stretched out his hand to signal, "Nephew, please."

The two walked out of the living room and came to the yard.

Liu Zhi and the others who heard the voice all came out to see them off.

They were sent all the way to the outside of Liu's mansion, and after watching Lu Fan disappear, everyone turned around and returned to the mansion.

"Father, what's the matter?"

Liu Zhi couldn't wait to ask: "Did Lu Fan agree?"

Liu Mei on the side suddenly had dry mouth and tongue, and her heart was pounding.

She was full of expectations, but she was afraid of hearing bad results.

Uneasy in my heart.

The man with restless hands was playing with the corners of his clothes, his face was reddish, and his expression at this time was no different from that of an ordinary little girl.

Is there still that high-spirited genius girl back then?
"Go ahead and talk about it."

Liu Zeming glanced at his little daughter, his expression darkened, and he couldn't help but sigh in his heart, why did you go so early?
"Oh."

Several people nodded.

Liu Mei's heart suddenly sank, and she had a bad premonition.

Her complexion suddenly changed, and an inexplicable sadness welled up in her heart.

Several people entered the room, before they could sit down, Liu Xiaoyue urged: "Father, tell me quickly."

"Ugh!"

Liu Zeming sighed again, "Lu Fan said that he already has a marriage contract, so he can't promise to marry Mei'er."

"what?"

Several people were stunned.

Liu Mei stood there blankly as if she had been hit hard, with a dazed expression.

It turned out to be nothing but joy!

With her family background, appearance, talent, strength, and the support of her father and family, she originally thought that this matter would be a success.

But now, to wait for such a result?

How could she accept it?

Lu Fan, I hate you!

Liu Mei was thinking, thinking, tears welled up in his eyes and flowed down his cheeks.

Tap, tap, drops of tears fell on the ground, in a quiet room, it was exceptionally clear.

Everyone looked at Liu Mei, feeling a little distressed.

"Sister, it's okay."

Liu Zhi comforted: "Even if Lu Fan has a marriage contract, you can still marry him. It's not normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines. What's more, he is a prince. What's the problem with marrying two concubines?"

"Ok?"

Liu Mei was stunned for a moment, raised her head, and gave Liu Zhi a hard look, "Who is your sister? How can you compete with other women for favor?"

"That's right, what kind of bad idea did you come up with?"

Liu Xiaoyue rolled her eyes at her younger brother, "Don't make more trouble."

"Mei'er, think about it."

Liu Zeming persuaded: "There are so many good men in the world. Wait until Dad finds you a better marriage. As for Lu Fan, just forget about him."

"No!"

Liu Mei seemed to have figured it out, with a determined look on her face, "I will never marry in this life!"

"Although Lu Fan is good, my Liu Mei is not bad either!"

"Wait, I will surpass Lu Fan in the future and defeat him with my own hands."

"I'll make him regret it!"

After speaking, Liu Mei turned around and left.

"Sister, where are you going?"

Liu Zhi shouted behind her.

"I'm going back to Nebula Sect."

Liu brows said without looking back: "I want to enter the trial tower again, not surpassing Lu Fan, and I will never go out of the mountain."

"What's the trouble?"

"But don't compete with yourself."

"Come back quickly, sister."

Everyone wanted to say a few words of persuasion, but Liu Mei disappeared in a blink of an eye.

Looking at each other, everyone shook their heads helplessly and remained silent.

After a long time, Liu Zhi broke the silence, "Father, did Lu Fan say who he made a marriage contract with?"

"No."

Liu Zeming thought for a while and said, "But I guess it should be Miss Ye Jia."

"Ye Qingyun?"

Liu Zhi nodded slightly, "It's really possible. After all, Ye Wuchen is by Lu Fan's side every day, so he must have been thinking about Lu Fan in his heart."

"We can't blame others for this matter, it's our own missed opportunity."

Liu Zeming sighed, "Who made your sister look down on Lu Fan at that time?"

"Ugh!"

Everyone could only sigh.

Especially Liu Xiaoyue, she thought of herself, why didn't she not like Lu Fan at the beginning?
Even at first she had opposed the marriage.

It's too late to regret now!

……

……

For the next few days, people came to visit Lu Fan every day.

Like Lin Zhengbei, Han Chu, Wu Xiuyuan, Lin Fuzhou, Li Chengan, Li Yongtai and so on.

They are all senior officials in the court or the army, as well as the patriarchs of the major families
There were even heads of various sects who came to visit in person.

The purpose is naturally to make friends with Lu Fan.

But there are also some people who have other purposes.

For example, Lin Fuzhou came here for his daughter's marriage.

There is also Wu Xiuyuan, who came here specially to explain to Lu Fan that the engagement between Wu Lingzhao and Liu Zhi has been broken, the meaning is self-evident.

Besides the two of them, there were too many people who came to propose marriage to Lu Fan in person.

But without exception, they were all rejected by Lu Fan.

Today is February 25th.

More than 20 days have passed since the war.

After Lu Fan had breakfast, he opened the properties panel.

Name: Lu Fan

Lifespan: 19/3350
Power: 1150.45
Agility: 405.32
Mental Power: 498.67
Physical strength: 849.29
Cultivation: Innate Three Realms

功法：道经No.13重（12500/70000），天心诀第五重（820/1000）

Martial skills: Starry Sky Sword Art is perfect, Xuanbing Spearmanship is perfect, Flying Heaven and Earth Movement Elementary (1/10), Sky Splitting Sword Art Elementary (3/10)

Assignable Attribute Points: 406.12
After more than 20 days of hard training, Lu Fan has cultivated Tianxin Jue to the fifth level, and his strength has improved slightly.

Feitian Dundi's agility was upgraded from entry level to primary level, his strength increased by 8 points, his agility increased by 16 points, his mental power increased by 4 points, and his physical strength increased by 4 points.

At the same time, the sky splitting knife technique was upgraded from entry level to primary level, strength increased by 16 points, agility increased by 4 points, mental power increased by 8 points, and physical strength increased by 4 points.

Coupled with the improvement of his usual attributes, his strength has increased slightly.

Lu Fan did not continue to practice, but got up and got out of bed.

He is going to the palace today to face the saint.

"Chih-Ching."

"coming."

Zhiqing opened the door and came in, and helped Lu Fan change into a brand new boa robe.

This is the exclusive official uniform of King Zhennan.

Lu Fan went out, and soon came to the palace, all the way unimpeded, to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Xiao Guizi was guarding outside the hall, when she saw Lu Fan, she hurried forward to salute, "My lord, the emperor is waiting for you."

"Ah."

Lu Fan nodded and stepped into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Only Li Tianrun was there, and when he saw Lu Fan coming in, he waved with a smile on his face, "King Zhennan, come and sit down."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lu Fan sat down calmly.

"I've been too busy recently, and I finally figured things out, so I came to you as soon as possible, and wanted to discuss something with you."

Li Tianrun kept smiling and seemed to be in a good mood.

"Please speak, Your Majesty."

Lu Fan nodded slightly.

"Recently, Qi, Qin, Xia, Yan, and even Wei have sent envoys to ask me for peace."

Li Tianrun said with a smile: "And the attitude is sincere, and the compensation is quite considerable."

"This is of course a good thing for my big week."

"But I'm not reconciled, especially Wei Guo, who has repeatedly invaded us. I really can't swallow this tone."

"So, I want to discuss it with you."

Speaking of this, Li Tianrun looked at Lu Fan, "I can accept the peace proposals of other countries, but I don't want to accept the Wei country alone."

"I hope you can lead an army to attack the State of Wei and completely take down this confidant's trouble."

"Only so that I can express the bad breath in my heart."

"At the same time, it can completely eliminate the biggest hidden danger."

"From now on, I can sleep peacefully in Dazhou."

Li Tianrun's eyes were filled with anticipation, "I don't know what King Zhennan wants?"

Lu Fan fell silent.

He remembered what Yunxuan had said to him, all the birds are hidden, and the rabbits are dead!

There is also Liu Qingyang's reminder to him that the master's achievements are overwhelming, and the heights are overwhelming!
If the Kingdom of Wei is destroyed, Taoist Xuanji is killed, and Da Zhou has no opponents from now on, then wouldn't he be useless, and instead become a stumbling block for the royal family of Da Zhou?
Even if Li Tianrun didn't want to deal with him, but the situation forced him, maybe one day he would really attack him.

That was the last thing he wanted to see.

It wasn't that he was afraid, but that he didn't want to.

What's more, he was really tired of war and didn't want to go through the hard work day and night.

Moreover, there should be many soldiers who think the same as him.

When it is invaded, there is no way.

But invading others is different.

Most soldiers should not be willing to go out to fight.

Therefore, no matter who it is for, Lu Fan must reject Li Tianrun.

How can I refuse?
It is definitely not possible to directly refuse, but be more tactful.

He doesn't want to tear himself apart with Li Tianrun yet.

Have it.

drag!
Lu Fan's heart moved and he had an idea.

Put it off for a few years.

As for how many years later?

Perhaps he had already left.

Thinking of this, Lu Fan sighed softly, "Your Majesty, now that the Great Zhou Dynasty is waiting for prosperity, it really can't stand the toss."

"Based on our current military strength, there are less than 70 troops at full strength."

"It is necessary to divide the troops to garrison each border city."

"Although those countries seek peace, they have to guard against their rebellion."

"Furthermore, although Wei suffered heavy losses, the main force is still there, and those top powers are also there."

"If we want to win Wei, we will almost have to put all the power of the whole country to do it."

"After all, offense is different from defense."

"But in this way, my big week will be empty. If other countries unite again and attack us, how can we hold it?"

Speaking of this, Lu Fan persuaded: "So, please think twice, Your Majesty, let the soldiers rest for a few more years, and when the time is right, it will be too late to attack Wei."

"Oh?"

Li Tianrun asked tentatively: "So, you don't object to me attacking Wei?"

"Of course I don't object, it's just that the time is wrong."

Lu Fan said: "Based on what Wei has done, it should indeed be destroyed."

"Ah."

Li Tianrun nodded, "Actually, I am also struggling. It is really risky to attack Wei State now. If we fail, we will lose everything and ruin the current good situation."

"Yes."

Lu Fan answered, "It's better to earn the benefits first. Let's make conditions with them and see if they agree? After getting the benefits, let's rest for a few more years."

"Based on the talents that have emerged in our Great Zhou so far, they will grow in a few years, and their strength will be greatly improved."

"In the future, the overall strength of our Great Zhou will definitely far surpass Wei Guo."

"And, the longer the time, the bigger the gap."

"We will be more confident when we attack Wei again."

After a short pause, Lu Fan continued: "What's more, we can first win over other countries and separate them from Wei State. When we attack Wei State in the future, let Xia State and Yan State send troops with us, and it will be easier to win Wei Guo."

"Well, your idea is very good."

Li Tianrun praised, and said: "Then wait a little longer, and let the countries pay us enough compensation first. Relying on these compensations, within a few years, my great week will recover quickly, and it may even reappear the prosperity of the year. "

"That's natural."

Lu Fan nodded, "The Great Zhou Dynasty in the future will definitely surpass the prosperity and glory of the past, and it will be more prosperous and glorious, so that all the surrounding countries will come to worship."

"Yes."

Li Tianrun clenched his fists tightly, "I will buy as many cities as possible to expand our country, and the corresponding population will also increase a lot. Who can compete with me at that time?"

"Okay, that's it for now."

"Even if you don't plan to send troops, you can leave Beijing earlier, go back to your fief, and manage it well."

"With you in the south, I feel relieved."

As he spoke, Li Tianrun turned his gaze to Lu Fan, "How many people do you need? Just ask, and I will definitely meet your requirements."

"It's up to His Majesty to arrange it."

Lu Fan evaded: "I have no experience in governing the local area, and I will definitely need a lot of people to help me."

"it is good."

Li Tianrun readily agreed, "I will arrange for you a group of officials to help you manage the place. You can appoint or dismiss them at will, and you can also select officials in your fief."

"I'll bring these officials back when things get straightened out in the future."

"After all, I also need manpower here."

Li Tianrun said: "Your fief still needs to be governed by you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lu Fan has been observing Li Tianrun's expression, but he can't see the real thoughts of the Great Zhou Emperor.

But one thing he knew, wasn't Li Tianrun watching him today?Test him?

Whether it is sending him to lead troops to attack Wei, or appointing officials to his fief, it can be regarded as a temptation.

His reaction and performance will directly determine Li Tianrun's attitude towards him in the future.

With the end of the war, Lu Fan's reputation is increasing day by day, and the trust between him and Li Tianrun seems to be slowly disintegrating.

And once the suspicion starts, it's hard to stop.

Are things really going in the worst direction?
Is there a way to avoid it?

Lu Fan couldn't think of it for the time being.

"Right, there's one more thing."

Li Tianrun smiled suddenly, "Before you leave Beijing, I want to help you with a big event."

"what?"

Lu Fan was stunned, and subconsciously asked, "What's the big deal?"

"You are not young anymore, it's time to start a family."

Li Tianrun said with a smile: "I'm in charge, how about giving you a marriage?"

Lu Fan fell silent again.

In the past few days, almost every day someone came to his door to say goodbye to him.

Today, even the emperor has started to be a matchmaker?

How should I refuse?
Forget it, let’s be honest.

Just say that he has a marriage contract with the Ye family.

But in this way, his marriage contract with Ye Qingyun is considered a certainty.

After all, Li Tianrun is not someone else, if he doesn't marry Ye Qingyun in the future, wouldn't he commit the crime of deceiving the emperor?

If you really want to pursue it, this crime is not a small one.

Then settle down, won't you start a family?
He has actually made up his mind to marry Ye Qingyun!

Li Tianrun's gift of marriage today will only make him more determined.

Thinking of this, just as he was about to speak, Li Tianrun waved his hand at him, "Don't rush to answer, just listen to me."

"Eldest Princess Feng Yang is not young anymore, it's time to talk about marriage."

"I asked Princess Fengyang before, and she is quite satisfied with you."

Li Tianrun asked with a smile: "So, I want to betroth Princess Fengyang to you. I wonder if King Zhennan is willing?"

(End of this chapter)