‘We need to leave Ji County as soon as possible,’ thought Shi Le as he looked at his subordinates, who were huddled in the mountain hollow, disheveled and in a sorry state.
When he left Qinghe earlier, he only had five thousand riders left under his command. They hadn’t even gathered the remnants of the scattered troops. Nevertheless, they headed north to attack other counties. Although the prefects and county officials were on guard, breaking through the cities was more challenging than before. However, with the remaining elite forces and the advantage of swift cavalry, he managed to capture several cities, expanding his forces to nearly seventeen or eighteen thousand. They even came perilously close to invading You County. However, their good days were short-lived as they encountered the iron cavalry of You County.
Wang Jun unexpectedly dispatched fifty thousand riders to besiege them. Shi Le had heard about the prowess of the Xianbei people, but facing them in reality proved even more formidable than he had imagined. His group of horse bandits was already weakened, and with the enemy’s overwhelming strength, they suffered consecutive defeats. Despite his utmost efforts, he could only return in a major defeat. Foot soldiers became abandoned pawns, and this time, he was left with less than three thousand soldiers and horses. If this continued, he might not even be able to preserve this small foundation.
Faced with wolves in front and tigers behind, Shi Le was not a stubborn person; he understood the art of retreat. The most urgent matter now was to quickly leave the ominous land of Ji County. As for the next step, if he were to join the Xiongnu, his forces might not be substantial enough to be of great use. However, going to Yan County or Yu County posed the risk of encountering the forces of the imperial court.
After careful consideration, Shi Le sighed. Perhaps joining the Xiongnu was the most practical choice. As for the soldiers and horses, he would figure it out on the way; maybe, by the time they reached their destination, he could gather six or seven thousand men. Liu Yuan was said to be very courteous and might not reject him outright.
With a decision made, his actions were swift. The three thousand cavalry set out again, preparing to go to Leling, and then crossing the river before heading to Pingyang. It was an unavoidable strategy as Bing County was now like an impenetrable fortress. Near Qinghe, there was Yiyan stationed, and forcibly breaking through might result in unnecessary losses. They had no choice but to take a detour, avoiding it altogether.
Shi Le chose a very reasonable route, even forsaking the idea of attacking cities. In just two or three days, they reached Leling. Along the way, their provisions were running out quickly, and only the scarcity of people kept them going. Messages from scouts came in three or four times, the ferry was in sight, but just when relief was in sight, a troop of soldiers and horses blocked their way.
It was the Bing County soldiers again! Riding on horseback, Shi Le felt his anger reaching the heavens. Why were they blocking their way again? Why at this moment? Even if it were just one day earlier, the morale of his subordinates wouldn’t have fluctuated so much. Just when they were on the brink of escaping, the road ahead was tightly blocked. These irregular soldiers, accustomed to being bandits, wouldn’t have the determination to break through like fish breaking a net; they would only feel disheartened and scatter in all directions.
If the last remaining soldiers and horses scattered, what would he use to join Liu Yuan or confront the opponent head-on? There were only two thousand soldiers on the opposite side, seemingly a battle they could win…
Countless thoughts swirled in his mind, but the well-armored cavalry on the other side didn’t give him time to decide. The horn sounded, and hooves thundered like a raging storm. Facing the formidable enemy, Shi Le angrily pulled the reins and shouted, “Retreat!”
※
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The mountain road was in chaos. Flags lay fallen, weapons abandoned, and corpses scattered everywhere. Occasionally, a few horse neighs echoed, making the blood-stained road even more desolate.
Yiyan rode on his horse, frowning as he looked at the soldiers searching through the corpses. This time, in dealing with the unruly soldiers, he made thorough preparations. Not only did he set up several layers of scouts to monitor constantly, but he also invested a lot of effort in choosing interception points and formations. Originally, the plan was to annihilate the enemy forces completely, but unexpectedly, before engaging in battle, the opponent turned and fled.
The battlefield he chose was unfavorable for escape. If they engaged in a head-on confrontation, there might be a slim chance of survival. Any impulsive and self-confident commanders would choose to fight desperately to break out of the encirclement. However, the leader of the unruly bandits chose to retreat. Chasing down a scattered and fleeing rebel army was naturally easier than facing the enemy head-on, but in doing so, they couldn’t close the net, turning the battle into a complete annihilation.
This was not a timid retreat but an extremely astute anticipation, treating the lives of his subordinates as bait to delay the enemy. Yiyan’s forces were insufficient, and once the prey escaped the net, they wouldn’t be able to pursue it separately. In this battle, the escaping enemy numbered at least eight hundred.
Among them, there might be his cunning kinsman. Yiyan squinted his eyes, the killing intent intensifying. He had sensed the danger this person posed from the beginning, and now it seemed justified. Without the main army following, it would be even easier for this person to escape Ji County. How could he be stopped?
“General, the leader of the rebels has not been found,” came the report shortly afterward.
Yiyan nodded slightly, “Withdraw the troops, return to Qinghe swiftly.”
Now, Wang Jun’s forces were causing trouble in Ji County as well; he couldn’t afford to focus all his attention on the unruly troops. Defending the territory he already held was more important.
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Retreating on fast horses, the journey was unimpeded. Currently, most of the southern part of Ji County has fallen under Yiyan’s control. It wasn’t because his forces had suddenly increased, or the number of officials in control of the counties had surged; it was the result of instructions from Governor Ding.
In the past two months, Ding Shao’s illness had worsened, and it was evident that he could no longer command the state forces. He entrusted the responsibility of leading the troops to Yiyan. Although Yiyan hadn’t trained new soldiers for Ji County, he wouldn’t refuse Governor Ding’s goodwill. At least this man was far more agreeable than the scheming Wang Ping.
With these developments, the stability of the counties accelerated, and Yiyan found it easier to insert his people. Moreover, judging by Governor Ding and Wang Ping’s indications, it was highly likely that the court would instruct him to take over military affairs in Ji County. If that were the case, the majority of the lord’s commands would be fulfilled.
As the horses crossed the desolate fields, when greenery finally appeared on the horizon, Yiyan ordered the entire army to slow down. It was now nearing May, the busy season for farming. Due to the military unrest, Ji County missed the spring planting, and they could only replant some beans and millet. These grains were the lifeline for the people to survive the difficult second half of the year. How could he let the galloping military horses disturb their cultivation?
Indeed, as soldiers appeared in the distance, there was a stir in the fields, and it seemed like many people wanted to flee. However, when they saw the uniforms of the approaching soldiers, they immediately calmed down. Some farmers even knelt facing the road. Many of these people were from Qinghe, and some had been involuntarily caught up in the chaos, narrowly escaping death. If not for the soldiers and horses in front of them, they might have long become part of the yellow earth, feeding the barren land.
Anyone who could rescue them from this hellish inferno deserved their reverence and worship.
Yiyan’s gaze swept over the kneeling crowd. He had led the army for quite some years, and his subordinates who obeyed unquestioningly were countless. However, these people in front of him were not soldiers but simple-minded farmers. In the past, even they would have looked down on him with disdain and fear due to his foreign-looking face, avoiding him at all costs. But now, with a knife and bow on his back, riding a warhorse, exuding a murderous aura, and even with bloodstains unwashed on his clothes, they no longer feared him. Not only were they not afraid, but they also devoutly knelt and worshipped him as if he were a deity.
Why?
The beans and millet in the fields had already sprouted, a lush green, somewhat sparse, interwoven with the yellow-brown soil as if forming a colorful woven blanket. Though faint and diminutive, the significance within it far surpassed the blood-soaked battleground.
Unlike in Bing County, here in Ji County, he had to play not just the role of a simple military commander but also take on the responsibility of herding the people. He had to properly settle the refugees caught up in the chaos, find ways to procure seeds, prevent the peasants who lost their fields from turning into bandits, and also maintain good relations with the officials in Ji County for ease of mobilizing troops and dispatching commanders.
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Many of these things were originally unfamiliar to Yiyan. However, these bothersome matters gradually captured his attention, making him understand what the lord truly desired. It wasn’t about receiving adoration from the masses or wielding overwhelming power. The lord simply wanted to see peasants live peacefully, working in their homes, and leading humble and ordinary lives.
He should have understood the meaning of this yearning even more than the lord. Was he only working to fulfill the lord’s wish? Perhaps not. A long time ago, it had become his aspiration as well—a vision that might be arduous and perilous but was worth taking a chance on.
The tense posture seemed to relax slightly. Yiyan didn’t pause; with a large contingent of soldiers, he crossed through fields full of greenery and hopeful expectations.
※
Sitting in the big tent, Gou Xi’s expression was dark as he stared at the young man who held his head high, clearly frightened to death but feigned a calm, resigned look. This man came from a prestigious background, his wealth and fame weren’t remarkable, and his reputation was even less notable. However, his unexpected appearance was intriguing.
“Does His Majesty truly say so?” After a prolonged silence, when the young man on the opposite side was almost sweating bullets, Gou Xi asked indifferently.
The man swallowed hard, “General Gou is the pillar of the country. Without General Gou, there wouldn’t be these great victories. However, Prince Donghai disregards the heavenly authority and acts recklessly and arbitrarily. He appoints the sons of the Wang family as governors of Jing County and Qing County and manages five provinces himself. General, can you gain one province and one county? How can such extraordinary achievements be rewarded?”
His words were highly provocative, clearly intending to sow discord between him and Sima Yue. However, Gou Xi didn’t interrupt; he just listened in silence. Because there was no falsehood in this speech!
After finally conquering the rebel army of the false emperor and spending months defeating Wang Mi’s main camp, what awaited Gou Xi wasn’t the warm treatment he had anticipated. Sima Yue didn’t bestow any province upon him, merely elevating him to Grand General of the East, bestowed with the privilege of opening the cabinet, and promoted to Duke of a county. All these were honorary titles!
His contributions were still less than Wang Yan, who sat comfortably in Luoyang! Without him, how could Sima Yue have achieved the position of being above ten thousand men?!
But how did Sima Yue treat him?!
Seeing that Gou Xi did not interrupt his words, the envoy gained some courage and continued, “Now, Prince Donghai is conspiring in Xidu to eliminate dissenters. Today it’s the princes of the Sima clan; tomorrow, won’t it be the turn of other generals with different surnames? As long as that person suspects General Gou, there will be no peace for the general…”
Gou Xi waved his hand, cutting off the man’s audacious words, “The Prime Minister and I are like brothers. How can the likes of you, these rats, sow discord between us?”
His voice wasn’t loud, but the sweat on the young man’s forehead rolled down. Because he knew, that General Gou in front of him was exceptionally ruthless, known as the “Butcher.” With great effort, he suppressed the trembling in his body and said softly, “The King of Donghai is nothing more than a rebel. There is only one true ruler under heaven. If the general understands righteousness, he should know whom to pledge loyalty to.”
Was he only talking about loyalty? Was there not also the overwhelming power of Sima Yue to compare with?
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Gou Xi’s breathing quickened slightly. However, as a military leader, he had faced many dangerous situations and cunning enemies. Could he trust these mere words?
“I have received this message. Bring the magistrate Zhang down to rest,” Gou Xi said in the end, neither nodding nor shaking his head, casually dismissing the envoy.
This attitude made the envoy nervous, but he was already inside Gou Xi’s big tent; where could he escape to? Straightening his spine as best as he could, the envoy followed the guards and left.
“Grand General, this may not necessarily be the words of His Majesty. Why not send someone to kill that imposter who falsely transmitted the imperial decree…” A counselor beside him whispered.
A mere magistrate brought a message supposedly from the emperor; could it be believed? Now that Sima Yue held great power, it would be inappropriate to offend him. The best course of action would be to kill the envoy and act as if this outrageous talk had never been heard.
However, Gou Xi had other thoughts, “Hold off on the envoy for now. Send someone to Xidu and inquire how the Prime Minister plans to arrange things in Yan County!”
Although Sima Yue held the position of governor of five provinces, these provinces and counties still had their own governors and even some commanders. If he could secure control over a central region like Yan County, it would show that Sima Yue did not harbor suspicions against him. But if the situation turned the other way around, then the envoy might have another purpose.
Hearing these words, the counselor on the side couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. It seemed that the emperor’s scheme to sow discord had not been in vain. In the heart of his lord, doubts had indeed arisen. However, if Prince Donghai was genuinely wary of his lord, perhaps pledging allegiance to the emperor was the best course of action.
It’s just that the situation that was just brought under control is likely to be thrown into chaos again…
‘We need to leave Ji County as soon as possible,’ thought Shi Le as he looked at his subordinates, who were huddled in the mountain hollow, disheveled and in a sorry state.
When he left Qinghe earlier, he only had five thousand riders left under his command. They hadn’t even gathered the remnants of the scattered troops. Nevertheless, they headed north to attack other counties. Although the prefects and county officials were on guard, breaking through the cities was more challenging than before. However, with the remaining elite forces and the advantage of swift cavalry, he managed to capture several cities, expanding his forces to nearly seventeen or eighteen thousand. They even came perilously close to invading You County. However, their good days were short-lived as they encountered the iron cavalry of You County.
Wang Jun unexpectedly dispatched fifty thousand riders to besiege them. Shi Le had heard about the prowess of the Xianbei people, but facing them in reality proved even more formidable than he had imagined. His group of horse bandits was already weakened, and with the enemy’s overwhelming strength, they suffered consecutive defeats. Despite his utmost efforts, he could only return in a major defeat. Foot soldiers became abandoned pawns, and this time, he was left with less than three thousand soldiers and horses. If this continued, he might not even be able to preserve this small foundation.
Faced with wolves in front and tigers behind, Shi Le was not a stubborn person; he understood the art of retreat. The most urgent matter now was to quickly leave the ominous land of Ji County. As for the next step, if he were to join the Xiongnu, his forces might not be substantial enough to be of great use. However, going to Yan County or Yu County posed the risk of encountering the forces of the imperial court.
After careful consideration, Shi Le sighed. Perhaps joining the Xiongnu was the most practical choice. As for the soldiers and horses, he would figure it out on the way; maybe, by the time they reached their destination, he could gather six or seven thousand men. Liu Yuan was said to be very courteous and might not reject him outright.
With a decision made, his actions were swift. The three thousand cavalry set out again, preparing to go to Leling, and then crossing the river before heading to Pingyang. It was an unavoidable strategy as Bing County was now like an impenetrable fortress. Near Qinghe, there was Yiyan stationed, and forcibly breaking through might result in unnecessary losses. They had no choice but to take a detour, avoiding it altogether.
Shi Le chose a very reasonable route, even forsaking the idea of attacking cities. In just two or three days, they reached Leling. Along the way, their provisions were running out quickly, and only the scarcity of people kept them going. Messages from scouts came in three or four times, the ferry was in sight, but just when relief was in sight, a troop of soldiers and horses blocked their way.
It was the Bing County soldiers again! Riding on horseback, Shi Le felt his anger reaching the heavens. Why were they blocking their way again? Why at this moment? Even if it were just one day earlier, the morale of his subordinates wouldn’t have fluctuated so much. Just when they were on the brink of escaping, the road ahead was tightly blocked. These irregular soldiers, accustomed to being bandits, wouldn’t have the determination to break through like fish breaking a net; they would only feel disheartened and scatter in all directions.
If the last remaining soldiers and horses scattered, what would he use to join Liu Yuan or confront the opponent head-on? There were only two thousand soldiers on the opposite side, seemingly a battle they could win…
Countless thoughts swirled in his mind, but the well-armored cavalry on the other side didn’t give him time to decide. The horn sounded, and hooves thundered like a raging storm. Facing the formidable enemy, Shi Le angrily pulled the reins and shouted, “Retreat!”
※
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The mountain road was in chaos. Flags lay fallen, weapons abandoned, and corpses scattered everywhere. Occasionally, a few horse neighs echoed, making the blood-stained road even more desolate.
Yiyan rode on his horse, frowning as he looked at the soldiers searching through the corpses. This time, in dealing with the unruly soldiers, he made thorough preparations. Not only did he set up several layers of scouts to monitor constantly, but he also invested a lot of effort in choosing interception points and formations. Originally, the plan was to annihilate the enemy forces completely, but unexpectedly, before engaging in battle, the opponent turned and fled.
The battlefield he chose was unfavorable for escape. If they engaged in a head-on confrontation, there might be a slim chance of survival. Any impulsive and self-confident commanders would choose to fight desperately to break out of the encirclement. However, the leader of the unruly bandits chose to retreat. Chasing down a scattered and fleeing rebel army was naturally easier than facing the enemy head-on, but in doing so, they couldn’t close the net, turning the battle into a complete annihilation.
This was not a timid retreat but an extremely astute anticipation, treating the lives of his subordinates as bait to delay the enemy. Yiyan’s forces were insufficient, and once the prey escaped the net, they wouldn’t be able to pursue it separately. In this battle, the escaping enemy numbered at least eight hundred.
Among them, there might be his cunning kinsman. Yiyan squinted his eyes, the killing intent intensifying. He had sensed the danger this person posed from the beginning, and now it seemed justified. Without the main army following, it would be even easier for this person to escape Ji County. How could he be stopped?
“General, the leader of the rebels has not been found,” came the report shortly afterward.
Yiyan nodded slightly, “Withdraw the troops, return to Qinghe swiftly.”
Now, Wang Jun’s forces were causing trouble in Ji County as well; he couldn’t afford to focus all his attention on the unruly troops. Defending the territory he already held was more important.
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Retreating on fast horses, the journey was unimpeded. Currently, most of the southern part of Ji County has fallen under Yiyan’s control. It wasn’t because his forces had suddenly increased, or the number of officials in control of the counties had surged; it was the result of instructions from Governor Ding.
In the past two months, Ding Shao’s illness had worsened, and it was evident that he could no longer command the state forces. He entrusted the responsibility of leading the troops to Yiyan. Although Yiyan hadn’t trained new soldiers for Ji County, he wouldn’t refuse Governor Ding’s goodwill. At least this man was far more agreeable than the scheming Wang Ping.
With these developments, the stability of the counties accelerated, and Yiyan found it easier to insert his people. Moreover, judging by Governor Ding and Wang Ping’s indications, it was highly likely that the court would instruct him to take over military affairs in Ji County. If that were the case, the majority of the lord’s commands would be fulfilled.
As the horses crossed the desolate fields, when greenery finally appeared on the horizon, Yiyan ordered the entire army to slow down. It was now nearing May, the busy season for farming. Due to the military unrest, Ji County missed the spring planting, and they could only replant some beans and millet. These grains were the lifeline for the people to survive the difficult second half of the year. How could he let the galloping military horses disturb their cultivation?
Indeed, as soldiers appeared in the distance, there was a stir in the fields, and it seemed like many people wanted to flee. However, when they saw the uniforms of the approaching soldiers, they immediately calmed down. Some farmers even knelt facing the road. Many of these people were from Qinghe, and some had been involuntarily caught up in the chaos, narrowly escaping death. If not for the soldiers and horses in front of them, they might have long become part of the yellow earth, feeding the barren land.
Anyone who could rescue them from this hellish inferno deserved their reverence and worship.
Yiyan’s gaze swept over the kneeling crowd. He had led the army for quite some years, and his subordinates who obeyed unquestioningly were countless. However, these people in front of him were not soldiers but simple-minded farmers. In the past, even they would have looked down on him with disdain and fear due to his foreign-looking face, avoiding him at all costs. But now, with a knife and bow on his back, riding a warhorse, exuding a murderous aura, and even with bloodstains unwashed on his clothes, they no longer feared him. Not only were they not afraid, but they also devoutly knelt and worshipped him as if he were a deity.
Why?
The beans and millet in the fields had already sprouted, a lush green, somewhat sparse, interwoven with the yellow-brown soil as if forming a colorful woven blanket. Though faint and diminutive, the significance within it far surpassed the blood-soaked battleground.
Unlike in Bing County, here in Ji County, he had to play not just the role of a simple military commander but also take on the responsibility of herding the people. He had to properly settle the refugees caught up in the chaos, find ways to procure seeds, prevent the peasants who lost their fields from turning into bandits, and also maintain good relations with the officials in Ji County for ease of mobilizing troops and dispatching commanders.
Advertisement
Many of these things were originally unfamiliar to Yiyan. However, these bothersome matters gradually captured his attention, making him understand what the lord truly desired. It wasn’t about receiving adoration from the masses or wielding overwhelming power. The lord simply wanted to see peasants live peacefully, working in their homes, and leading humble and ordinary lives.
He should have understood the meaning of this yearning even more than the lord. Was he only working to fulfill the lord’s wish? Perhaps not. A long time ago, it had become his aspiration as well—a vision that might be arduous and perilous but was worth taking a chance on.
The tense posture seemed to relax slightly. Yiyan didn’t pause; with a large contingent of soldiers, he crossed through fields full of greenery and hopeful expectations.
※
Sitting in the big tent, Gou Xi’s expression was dark as he stared at the young man who held his head high, clearly frightened to death but feigned a calm, resigned look. This man came from a prestigious background, his wealth and fame weren’t remarkable, and his reputation was even less notable. However, his unexpected appearance was intriguing.
“Does His Majesty truly say so?” After a prolonged silence, when the young man on the opposite side was almost sweating bullets, Gou Xi asked indifferently.
The man swallowed hard, “General Gou is the pillar of the country. Without General Gou, there wouldn’t be these great victories. However, Prince Donghai disregards the heavenly authority and acts recklessly and arbitrarily. He appoints the sons of the Wang family as governors of Jing County and Qing County and manages five provinces himself. General, can you gain one province and one county? How can such extraordinary achievements be rewarded?”
His words were highly provocative, clearly intending to sow discord between him and Sima Yue. However, Gou Xi didn’t interrupt; he just listened in silence. Because there was no falsehood in this speech!
After finally conquering the rebel army of the false emperor and spending months defeating Wang Mi’s main camp, what awaited Gou Xi wasn’t the warm treatment he had anticipated. Sima Yue didn’t bestow any province upon him, merely elevating him to Grand General of the East, bestowed with the privilege of opening the cabinet, and promoted to Duke of a county. All these were honorary titles!
His contributions were still less than Wang Yan, who sat comfortably in Luoyang! Without him, how could Sima Yue have achieved the position of being above ten thousand men?!
But how did Sima Yue treat him?!
Seeing that Gou Xi did not interrupt his words, the envoy gained some courage and continued, “Now, Prince Donghai is conspiring in Xidu to eliminate dissenters. Today it’s the princes of the Sima clan; tomorrow, won’t it be the turn of other generals with different surnames? As long as that person suspects General Gou, there will be no peace for the general…”
Gou Xi waved his hand, cutting off the man’s audacious words, “The Prime Minister and I are like brothers. How can the likes of you, these rats, sow discord between us?”
His voice wasn’t loud, but the sweat on the young man’s forehead rolled down. Because he knew, that General Gou in front of him was exceptionally ruthless, known as the “Butcher.” With great effort, he suppressed the trembling in his body and said softly, “The King of Donghai is nothing more than a rebel. There is only one true ruler under heaven. If the general understands righteousness, he should know whom to pledge loyalty to.”
Was he only talking about loyalty? Was there not also the overwhelming power of Sima Yue to compare with?
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Gou Xi’s breathing quickened slightly. However, as a military leader, he had faced many dangerous situations and cunning enemies. Could he trust these mere words?
“I have received this message. Bring the magistrate Zhang down to rest,” Gou Xi said in the end, neither nodding nor shaking his head, casually dismissing the envoy.
This attitude made the envoy nervous, but he was already inside Gou Xi’s big tent; where could he escape to? Straightening his spine as best as he could, the envoy followed the guards and left.
“Grand General, this may not necessarily be the words of His Majesty. Why not send someone to kill that imposter who falsely transmitted the imperial decree…” A counselor beside him whispered.
A mere magistrate brought a message supposedly from the emperor; could it be believed? Now that Sima Yue held great power, it would be inappropriate to offend him. The best course of action would be to kill the envoy and act as if this outrageous talk had never been heard.
However, Gou Xi had other thoughts, “Hold off on the envoy for now. Send someone to Xidu and inquire how the Prime Minister plans to arrange things in Yan County!”
Although Sima Yue held the position of governor of five provinces, these provinces and counties still had their own governors and even some commanders. If he could secure control over a central region like Yan County, it would show that Sima Yue did not harbor suspicions against him. But if the situation turned the other way around, then the envoy might have another purpose.
Hearing these words, the counselor on the side couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. It seemed that the emperor’s scheme to sow discord had not been in vain. In the heart of his lord, doubts had indeed arisen. However, if Prince Donghai was genuinely wary of his lord, perhaps pledging allegiance to the emperor was the best course of action.
It’s just that the situation that was just brought under control is likely to be thrown into chaos again…
