webnovelvip Chapter 203 Subduing Luo Cheng
Chapter 203 Subduing Luo Cheng
He finally experienced Lü Xiao's abilities firsthand.
No wonder someone like Pei Yuanqing was willing to follow Lü Xiao.
No wonder someone like Yuwen Chenglong could be granted a title and become a high-ranking official.
Following someone like that, it's hard not to get promoted.
"I may be ruthless, but I will not mistreat my own people," Lü Xiao said calmly, looking at him. "Your Highness should consider this carefully."
They've tried to persuade him, and they've even had a martial arts contest.
If Luo Cheng remains obstinate, he will not say anything more.
At most, we'll let them live, and then kill them after we've used them.
"Following the prince means a bright future!"
Pei Yuanqing leaned over and took the opportunity to offer some advice.
Of course, he also took the opportunity to kick Yuwen Chenglong while he was down.
"If someone like Yuwen Chenglong can be granted a marquisate, then your marksmanship is excellent, far superior to his."
"What do you mean by 'someone like me'?"
A disgruntled voice came from the courtyard gate.
Yuwen Chenglong strode in, looking indignant.
He had just returned from his errand when he heard Pei Yuanqing making fun of him.
"Where am I lacking?"
Damn it, that's what Pei Yuanqing said about him behind his back when he wasn't around?
No matter what, he was the younger brother of General Yuwen Chengdu of the Tianbao era, and was personally appointed Marquis of Yanjin by His Majesty.
Pei Yuanqing's words made it sound as if he were a good-for-nothing!
"hey-hey."
Pei Yuanqing scratched his head somewhat awkwardly.
It's not scary to talk badly about others; what's scary is when the person in question hears it.
While the two were arguing, Luo Cheng had already made up his mind.
He stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and clasped his hands in a fist salute:
"This humble general, Luo Cheng, greets Your Highness!"
He had been thinking a lot just now.
Lü Xiao is indeed ruthless.
Even powerful and influential families couldn't gain any advantage in his hands, and some even faced extermination.
For the sake of the Luo family, he had to make a choice.
Besides, Lu Xiao's abilities are undeniable; losing to him and then siding with him isn't shameful.
"Please rise, Your Highness."
Lu Xiao stepped forward and pulled Luo Cheng up.
A proud and arrogant person who is willing to kneel down either has completely submitted or is enduring hardship to achieve their goal.
Of course, he prefers the former.
Regardless of whether Luo Cheng was sincere or not, he had already achieved his goal.
Luo Cheng's surrender meant that Luo Yi was also on his side.
The Yanshan cavalry can now be used by the imperial court.
Luo Cheng stood up, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He remained arrogant for over a decade, never bowing his head to anyone.
But today, he knelt.
But he doesn't regret it.
Whether in terms of martial prowess or power, he couldn't gain any advantage over Lü Xiao.
Rather than risk your whole family, it's better to admit defeat early.
In this world, those who understand the times are the heroes.
"Another one has arrived..."
Yuwen Chenglong stood to the side, muttering to himself.
First came Ao Yu, then Zuo Xiong, and now Luo Cheng has arrived.
If things continue like this, where will he rank under Lü Xiao?
"Hehe," Pei Yuanqing whispered in his ear, gloating, "You're finished. Even Da Hu is better than you. You'll be next to the dogs from now on."
"Little brat," Yuwen Chenglong glared at him, "you can sit at the kids' table!"
The two of them started bickering again, exchanging words back and forth.
Lu Xiao ignored them and suddenly spoke.
"Yuanqing, I'm going to Jianghuai to wipe out those rebels. You'll stay and guard Luoyang."
Having recruited Luo Cheng, he gained another powerful general, perfectly filling the vacancy left by Pei Yuanqing.
Pei Yuanqing was taken aback, then puffed out his chest: "Don't worry, brother! With me here, the Eastern Capital won't be in chaos!"
Lü Xiao left himself behind, which meant he could stand on his own!
Thinking of this, Pei Yuanqing was extremely excited.
He puffed out his chest, held his chin high, and his smugness practically overflowed from his face.
While speaking, he couldn't help but glance at Yuwen Chenglong a few more times.
That look clearly said, "See?"
My elder brother told me to stay in Luoyang and let you go south with him. What does that mean?
This shows that in my brother's heart, I am more important than you!
Yuwen Chenglong was so angry at his gaze that he wanted to punch him in the smug face.
"Don't speak so soon."
As soon as Lü Xiao saw Pei Yuanqing's demeanor, he knew what the kid was thinking.
He knew Pei Yuanqing too well.
It hasn't even set off yet, and it's already drifting like this. If we really let him handle things on his own, who knows what kind of trouble he'll cause.
"Leaving you here is a sign of trust, to entrust you with the protection of Dongdu," Lü Xiao said solemnly, his tone carrying a hint of warning.
"You can't put yourself in danger just because you're competing with someone."
Pei Yuanqing nodded repeatedly, and said solemnly, "Don't worry, Your Highness, I, Pei Yuanqing, also have another name: Pei Wenzhong (meaning steadfast and reliable)!"
"Remember this," Lü Xiao said, his smile fading and his tone becoming serious. "If you ever encounter Li Yuanba on the battlefield, do not try to fight him head-on; his strength is no less than mine."
If Pei Yuanqing were to foolishly confront Li Yuanba head-on, he would be finished on the spot.
"clear!"
Pei Yuanqing nodded vigorously, his face serious.
It's not about physical strength, it's about using your brain.
He had met Li Yuanba a few times; he was a bit dim-witted, with a blank stare and incoherent speech.
Compared to myself, I am worlds apart.
When it comes to brains, he's guaranteed to win!
"Good that you understand." Lü Xiao patted his shoulder. "Your mission is to defend the Eastern Capital and protect His Majesty. You don't need to worry about anything else."
"rest assured!"
Pei Yuanqing nodded vigorously again, thumping his chest loudly.
He listens to Lü Xiao the most. He does whatever his elder brother says and would never do anything reckless.
"Jackie Chan," Lu Xiao turned to Yuwen Chenglong, "you'll come south with me then."
After settling Pei Yuanqing in, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
If the Eastern Capital is handed over to Pei Yuanqing and Yuwen Chengdu, there shouldn't be any major trouble.
"Alright!" Yuwen Chenglong responded loudly, while winking at Pei Yuanqing, "See? That's my right-hand man!"
"Tsk," Pei Yuanqing immediately retorted, "Big brother is afraid that if he leaves you in Dongdu, you'll be killed by the enemy!"
"You're talking nonsense!"
"You're the one talking nonsense!"
The two of them started bickering again, exchanging words back and forth.
They started arguing about who was more useless, then about who was more shameless, and the argument escalated until they were spitting everywhere.
Lu Xiao ignored them and turned to walk towards the study.
I had only taken a few steps when another voice came from behind me.
"Your Highness."
Luo Cheng followed, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Should this humble general also accompany you on this expedition?"
He was a hostage in Luoyang. Although he was treated to good food and drink and had plenty of fine clothes and delicacies, he was not someone who could stay idle.
Being stuck in this mansion every day with nothing to do is worse than being in prison.
If I could go on an expedition with Lü Xiao, even if it meant charging into battle, it would be better than staying put.
Lu Xiao paused, turned around and glanced at him.
"If the young master is willing, he may naturally come along."
"Good!" Luo Cheng was overjoyed, his voice trembling slightly. "This humble general will first go back and write a letter home to inform my father!"
He's finally free from being locked up!
Luo Cheng turned and left, his steps so light they seemed to fly, almost jogging out of the courtyard.