Having children earns benefit, start competing for dominance in the world by marrying a wife

Within this troop, many were individuals who had fled from feudal states destroyed by the Zhao King.

As soon as Lu Yi had assembled the troop, he immediately expanded the army, and continually spread his territory. Before long, Lu Yi controlled three counties, and his influence was continuously spreading toward the Capital city. Based on the speed of his expansion, it wouldn't take more than a year for the region under his control to border the Capital city.

Lu Yi was also aware that he was merely a chess piece for Lu Chen, but he was not content to remain a pawn; he was eager to become more powerful in a short span of time.

In addition to expanding his own territory and influence, Lu Yi was also preparing a secondary plan. He was trying to establish contact with the Demon Sect to obtain more support from them and then find a way to acquire those weapons from the North Country.

The war that General Xuanyuan had waged against Heyang County had left a profound impact on Lu Yi; he often had nightmares, dreaming that he was being blown to pieces by cannons.

He had now developed a deep obsession with firearms, convinced that he too must possess artillery. Only if he had his own cannons would he not fear the army of the North Country.

However, getting the blueprints for manufacturing cannons was not an easy task. Recently, he had tried to have several forces steal the firearms brought over by General Xuanyuan, but they had all failed.

There were some successes, but the guns they brought back lacked gunpowder. After dismantling them, they couldn't figure out anything of significance.

Lu Yi surreptitiously gathered more craftsmen, attempting to develop weapons similar to those of the North Country.

Lu Yi's covert activities were quickly noticed by the Brocade Guard. Incidents of thieves infiltrating the military camps were highly unusual, especially when it happened more than once. Before long, the news reached Lu Chen's ears.

North Country.

Inside the North Prince Mansion study room.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

After listening to Liang Zong's report, Lu Chen became deeply contemplative. After a moment, he spoke up, asking, "Have you found out who is behind this?"

Liang Zong replied, "Your Highness, those thieves are all dead soldiers. As soon as they are captured, they either immediately take poison to commit suicide or detonate their Dantian. We've been left with no clues."

Lu Chen smiled, then said, "Most likely, my brother, Prince Lu Yi, has been rattled by the cannons and has become restless."

Even without identifying the perpetrators, it was not hard to guess.

After all, the incident happened in Heyang County.

Having thought for a while, Lu Chen then said, "Since Prince Lu Yi has already established a firm foothold in Heyang County and formed his own power base, it's time for General Xuanyuan and his forces to return to the North Country."

At that point, Lu Chen picked up a pen and a piece of white paper and began to write. As he wrote, he said, "Send a message to General Xuanyuan, telling him to lead his troops out of Heyang County as soon as possible and return to the North Country."

Liang Zong gave a respectful bow, saying, "As you command, Your Highness."

After finishing the letter, Lu Chen handed it over to Liang Zong.

Liang Zong immediately left the North Prince Mansion to dispatch the military orders.

Just as Liang Zong left the North Prince Mansion, a maid entered the study and said, "Your Highness, Queen Linglong has visited the Prince's Mansion again today."

Hearing the maid's report, the corners of Lu Chen's mouth lifted slightly. Xue Linglong had been visiting daily; it seemed she was very eager to get close to him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

If that was the case, he would grant her the opportunity.

Evening.

Wind Cloud Court.

Lu Chen did not visit Chen Wanrong's room today; he had been going there daily, and Yun Xianxian was already getting upset.

Lu Chen wrapped his arms around Mu Zixuan's waist, his chest pressed against her jade back, his head resting on her fragrant shoulder, and whispered into her ear, "My love, if Linglong visits again tomorrow, could you do me a favor?"

Having just been intimate with Lu Chen, Mu Zixuan responded weakly, "Your... Your Highness, please speak."

Lu Chen continued, "Create an opportunity for me to meet with Linglong alone. She has been coming every day for some time now, obviously with the intent of getting close to me but has yet to find the chance."

"Since she wishes to get close, I'll give her the opportunity."

Hearing Lu Chen mention Xue Linglong, and as if her body responded to the name, Mu Zixuan asked, "Your... Your Highness, you're not planning on making a move on her, are you?"

Lu Chen, smiling, said, "What do you think, my love?"

Taking a few deep breaths, Mu Zixuan replied, "Your concubine understands."

Suddenly, Mu Zixuan thought of something and then said, "Your Highness, there's something I would like to discuss with you."

Hearing this, Lu Chen curiously asked, "My love, if there's something on your mind, please speak freely."

At this, Lu Chen rolled off and turned Mu Zixuan's body toward him, cuddling her from the side.

Lu Chen, looking at Mu Zixuan's blushing cheeks, waited to hear what she had in mind.

Mu Zixuan said, "Your Highness, as the North Prince Mansion's enterprises continue to grow, my abilities are limited. I feel somewhat overwhelmed."

Mu Zixuan had some capability, and managing the internal affairs of the North Prince Mansion was something she could do very well.

At first, the enterprises of the North Prince Mansion were limited, so she did not have much pressure.

But as some businesses grew larger and their numbers increased, Mu Zixuan clearly felt that she was overburdened.

These past few days, she realized that even Yelv Nanyan, a formidable woman, had delegated authority over the treasury to others. It dawned on Mu Zixuan that it was time for her to do the same.

With the increase in responsibilities, she was left without even time to sleep. If it weren't for Lu Chen spending the night at the Wind Cloud Palace, she would probably still be busy dealing with business matters at this moment.