It was said to be a night banquet, but in reality, the sun had not yet set, and the grand tent had already set up the feast. Strict orders were enforced in the military, and even if a banquet existed, it wouldn’t extend into the late night. Generally speaking, it would only last from the time of the Monkey1 to the Rooster2. Now that the beginning of autumn has just passed, the days are still long and the nights are short. It’s only early evening at the Rooster hour, and it won’t affect the military prohibition.
Shedding the heavy iron armor and donning a light leather armor, Yiyan, neat and tidy, accompanied by four trusted staff officers, headed towards the grand tent. Before reaching the entrance of the tent, a camp officer approached, saluting and saying, “General, please disarm.”
On the banquet table, how could one allow the presence of a sword? Not only were swords prohibited, but one also had to remove their boots before taking a seat. This maximally avoided the possibility of someone hiding a blade and threatening the commander’s life.
Yiyan nodded at the words, drew the sword sheath from his waist, and handed it to the person. The man’s gaze swept over Yiyan, ensuring there were no issues, before stepping aside, saying, “Please, General, enter the tent.”
Without a weapon, entering deep into the encampment, if someone harbored ill intentions, it would surely show on their face. However, Yiyan appeared calm and walked into the tent without a hint of suspicion.
Inside the tent, the scent of incense filled the air, and a cool breeze blew. Even when away from home, Wang Jun did not neglect his comfort in the slightest. In this grand tent, there was even an ice basin, effortlessly dispelling the lingering heat. Upon seeing Yiyan and his companions, Wang Jun, seated at the main position, smiled and said, “General Yi, please take the seat of honor.”
Indeed, the seat reserved for the main guest was offered, but it was not for exclusive use; beside it were the military commanders and officials under Wang Jun. Several staff officers took seats at the end, accompanying the eastern wall.
Now, with everyone seated, Wang Jun raised his cup and said, “In this campaign, we must achieve a resounding victory.”
The lower-ranking officers echoed the toast, and Yiyan also raised his wine goblet high. This banquet was not only for him as a newcomer but also a swearing-in ceremony for the campaign against Bing County. It’s no wonder Wang Jun arranged it with such grandeur.
With a major battle on the horizon, Wang Jun wouldn’t allow his subordinates to indulge in excessive drinking. After just one round of toasts, he withdrew the alcohol and replaced it with exquisite dishes. Whether intentional or not, the meal Wang Jun arranged this time featured leopard-roasted meat and Hu-style spiced lamb. Leopard-roasted meat involved roasting a whole cow or sheep over a fire, and then dividing it into pieces for consumption. Hu-style spiced lamb consisted of thinly sliced fatty lamb meat seasoned with ingredients like scallions, ginger, and salt, stuffed into a cleaned sheep stomach, then buried and roasted in ashes. Both were cooking methods favored by the nomadic Hu people, adding a touch of fierceness to the military tent filled with soldiers, including a significant number of Xianbei, Jie, and Hu.
No matter how one puts it, he was born in the Fa family, but Wang Jun did not personally carve the meat; instead, a maid attentively served from the side. However, he wasn’t idle either, discreetly assessing those below. Scholars were one thing, but when it came to the military commanders eating meat, there were no longer a few who were hands-on, some even having their beards covered in grease. As for the newly joined Jie general, he was completely different. Surprisingly, his manner of eating was exceptionally refined, even more restrained than the subordinates from humble backgrounds.
Unfortunately, such an attitude did not display elegance; instead, it gave rise to an inexplicable strangeness. His high nose, deep-set eyes, and the facial features of gray-blue eyes and fair skin all highlighted his foreign identity. Imitating the etiquette of the Han ethnicity in this manner was akin to a clumsy imitation, eliciting amusement. What drove him to behave this way? Wang Jun knew well. Back when he was a common-born son, even if subjected to humiliation, he would not have shown a hint of loss of composure. Why? Simply because of unwillingness! Unwilling to be looked down upon, unwilling to be subservient. This myriad of unwillingness was the foundation of his current status.
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Ambition is never bound by one’s status; it only grows more ruthless, burning fiercer with every suppression!
A smile played on the lips of Wang Jun as he spoke, “I heard General Yi has already passed the age of twenty, yet remains unmarried. Is it challenging to find eligible ladies in Bing County?”
Yiyan laid down the silver spoon in his hand and respectfully replied, “This humble officer hails from a lowly background, how could I dare to seek a marriage with a noble lady?”
He said he dared not, not that he did not desire it. Wang Jun, of course, understood the nuance. With a hearty laugh, he said, “If we triumph in this battle, my family has eligible maidens suitable for a general.”
While not the most crucial point in their agreement, Wang Jun presented it as a reward directly. The effect of his words was quite evident; the Jie general, who had maintained a calm expression, now displayed ripples on his face. It seemed like a mix of reminiscence and joy, to the point where he momentarily lost control and revealed it on the surface.
“The General bestows great kindness upon this humble officer, and this humble officer will give his all in return!” Yiyan bowed deeply, fists clenched, and answered loudly.
Such a demeanor couldn’t be casually feigned. Wang Jun’s pleased expression intensified, “With valiant generals like you, the grand cause can surely be achieved. Haha~ Liang Zixi, that incompetent, failed because he couldn’t employ capable individuals.”
With the father-in-law and son-in-law relationship now established, Wang Jun naturally adjusted his address accordingly. Yiyan bowed even lower, displaying even more humility.
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Observing this, Wang Jun no longer held back, “Now that several counties in Ji County are under General Boyuan’s control, I wonder what your plans are?”
“Inspector Ding has been ailing for a long time, fearing he won’t live much longer. With most of Ji County under the control of the Grand General, the position of Ji County Commander will naturally fall under the name of the Grand General,” Yiyan replied straightforwardly.
Wang Jun stroked his beard and chuckled, “Boyuan has pacified rebels and bandits, and not only that, but his governance of the state and counties is also quite sound. If I were to appoint a commander, it would be fitting for Boyuan to take the position of Ji County Governor.”
This is an advanced sharing of the spoils. Wang Jun was quite straightforward and directly bestowed the position of Ji County Governor upon Yiyan. However, this division might not be without personal considerations. If they achieved a significant victory in this battle, there might be an additional appointment as Bing County Governor. Yet, given Yiyan’s origin in Bing County, allowing him to return might pose a potential threat. Ji County would be much safer, with military authority firmly in Wang Jun’s hands, ensuring no rebellion.
Yiyan was also forthright, expressing his gratitude, “Many thanks, Grand General! Speaking of which, I have something to present to the Grand General…”
“Oh?” Wang Jun became interested, “What is it?”
Yiyan said, “It will arrive tonight; please wait a moment, Grand General.”
Unexpectedly, he left some suspense, and Wang Jun was not displeased, “In that case, let’s proceed with the feast first. Bring in the musicians and dancers.”
This oath-taking dance and music were unlike the usual tepid melodies; it featured a group of warriors performing a vigorous Hu dance. Blades flashed, drums resounded, and merely watching it made one’s blood boil. Wang Jun’s trusted generals were all visibly excited, eager to rush into battle immediately and achieve military feats. During the intervals of the feast, Wang Jun did not forget the main purpose and inquired about the situation in Bing County. With the distribution of benefits and the connection through marriage, Yiyan seemed quite open this time, revealing information that pleased the other generals. The seemingly tough nut of Bing County didn’t appear as difficult to crack as imagined.
With such exchanges, time flew by swiftly. Inside the grand tent, candles and torches were lit early, illuminating the space brightly. Everyone was satiated with food and drink; it was time to conclude the banquet.
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At this moment, someone outside the tent reported, “General Yiyan, accompanied by personal attendants, is here to offer congratulations.”
Wang Jun, upon hearing this, became alert, “Is it delivered? What is it?”
Yiyan had already stood up, “This item will be presented by me personally.”
Saying so, he strode to the front of the tent, took a wooden box from an attendant, held it in his hands, and walked back towards the main seat.
In theory, it would be challenging for others to approach the main seat due to its prestige. However, this was a congratulatory gift, and regardless of its content, the guards outside the camp would have likely inspected it, ensuring no danger. Wang Jun sat there openly, smiling as he watched the Jie general approach.
“This is something I had someone fetch, along with the entire territory of a commandery, presented to the Grand General.” Yiyan knelt in front of the table, hands raised high, lifting the wooden box.
An entire commandery? Just across the table, Wang Jun detected an extremely familiar scent. From the box emanated a smell he knew all too well—blood. What else could link blood and territory together?
As if guessing the contents of the box, Wang Jun sat up excitedly, “Quick, present it!”
The maid by his side hastily took the box, placed it on the table, and Wang Jun personally opened the lid.
Seeing the contents of the box, the maids standing behind Wang Jun all covered their mouths, and a few stifled gasps could be heard.
In the box lay a severed head! Even after undergoing some preservation with lime, it couldn’t escape the decay of summer, looking grotesque at first glance.
“This, this is…” Wang Jun not only didn’t recoil but showed excitement in his eyes.
“It is indeed the head of Wei commandery’s Administrator Wang Ping. Along with commanderies such as Wei, Guangping, and Yangping, all have fallen into the hands of the Grand General!” Yiyan replied, “I present the various commanderies of Hebei!”
He offered the commanderies of Northern Hebei! With this, most of Si County was now in Wang Jun’s hands! Wang Jun could no longer conceal the joy on his face, clapping his hands and laughing heartily, “Boyuan’s methods are truly extraordinary! Bring wine, quickly!”
Such a gift was beyond what mere words could praise, and the discussions in the tent buzzed. Many commanders showed envy in their expressions. This was a significant achievement! No wonder the Commander held this individual in such high regard; he was truly ruthless and resilient! However, this was his second time betraying a master. Could he be trusted again?
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Wang Jun could hardly be oblivious to this. Those gray-blue eyes were so close, resembling a wild wolf, sharp and threatening. In those eyes, there was ambition, calculation, and a chilling danger. Yet, Wang Jun was not afraid. On the contrary, a sense of pride and intoxication surged within him. Besides him, Wang Jun, who else could handle such a dangerous figure? Similar to the Xianbei factions of the Duan and Yuwen clans, these Jie people could also be utilized by him!
With a brimming cup of wine held in his hand, Wang Jun laughed heartily, “Boyuan, let’s drink this cup to the full!”
What an honor this was! Wang Jun looked at the Jie general, seemingly overwhelmed with favor. Slowly standing up, the Jie general extended his hand forward. He was about to take the wine cup, and perhaps, there would be another round of gratitude and bows. Afterward, he would lead his troops to sweep through Bing County, much like the unparalleled achievements of Zhang Wenyuan and Yue Wenqian under Wei Wu’s command.
The joy on Wang Jun’s face could no longer conceal the growing shade of surprise. His hand reached for the cup.
It never stopped.
Suddenly, a tightness on his wrist, and Wang Jun felt a tremendous force pulling him, dragging him out of his seat! Immediately, everything spun, something seized his neck so tightly that he couldn’t catch his breath.
With a crash, the table overturned, and most of the civil and military officials abruptly stood up, exclaiming in shock.
“Grand General!” “Commander!” “How dare this traitor!”
What was happening? Wang Jun was momentarily confused, unsure of his surroundings. But in the next instant, a sharp pain at his throat, something pointed pierced it.
“Grand General offers wine, and this humble officer dares not refuse.”
A voice came from behind, calm and steady, in stark contrast to the arm strangling his neck and the sharp object poking his throat.
A bone-chilling cold surged through him, and Wang Jun struggled to open his mouth, “You… you… betrayed us!”
How could he dare? Inside the tent, there were more than ten trusted generals and guards by his side. Outside, there was a formidable forty thousand-strong army, an impenetrable camp. How could he dare!?
The person behind him didn’t respond. Instead, he looked towards the inside of the tent and said to the guards holding bows and arrows, “What about you? Are you going to rebel as well? Such tension might endanger the life of the Grand General.”
The object pressed against his throat went in a bit more, and something sticky dribbled down. The surrounding exclamations grew louder, and a counselor hysterically shouted, “Put down your bows and arrows! Quickly put them down! Don’t harm the Grand General!”
Wang Jun tried to speak but couldn’t force out any words. He should have commanded the archers to shoot down this audacious madman. However, he dared not. What pressed against his throat was only a copper hairpin, but what difference did its sharp edge have from a dagger? With a gentle push, it could immediately claim a life. He didn’t want to die; he still had ambitions, an unfinished hegemony…
The guards hesitated; none of them had ever encountered such a bizarre and terrifying situation. Perhaps they were frightened by the Jie man’s ice-cold expression, or maybe it was the shock of their master’s fresh blood on his throat. Many of them hesitated and lowered their weapons, some even dropped their swords.
However, they dared not make reckless moves. But someone did! Four figures suddenly sprung into action, rushing towards the still-astonished civil and military officials!
They, too, had no weapons in their hands. However, the wine cups, bronze plates, silver spoons on the table, and even their hairpins and clothing cords, all became lethal weapons! With just one strike, they seized the knives and swords. A storm of blood and gore erupted!
“Ah ah ah ah!” A serving girl couldn’t restrain herself and screamed.
One of the assassins was beheaded by an alert guard, but the other three bloodied figures had already gathered around Yiyan and Wang Jun. The tent was filled with bloodstains, and no one knew how many generals and counselors had been killed or injured. These were all Wang Jun’s trusted aides, the crucial figures leading this army. Who else could give orders?
“Stop! All of you, retreat!” Wang Jun’s eyes were bloodshot as he shouted hoarsely.
He couldn’t let these assassins succeed! And those two thousand light cavalry must be dealt with quickly! But with the tent in such chaos, who could think of such matters? It was necessary to have the surviving strategists and commanders retreat outside the tent before planning and rescuing him from this peril.
Wang Jun’s words were more effective than anyone else’s. The guards who were about to rush in once again halted their steps.
However, Yiyan spoke, “Grand General, why not let these people retreat? How about we enter the tent and have a good talk?”
As he spoke, he began to move. The large tent was divided into two parts, front and rear. The rear part was the sleeping area, where only women and attendants were present. Wang Jun was dragged along by that person, like a lamb carried in the mouth of a fierce tiger, unable to struggle. Seeing that the curtains were about to cover the scene of carnage in front of him, Wang Jun panicked.
“Yi… General Yi, everything can be discussed. As long as you lower your weapons, I will let your troops leave safely…”
“What does the general think I’m here for?” The person behind him coldly snorted and asked in return.
“This…” Wang Jun gritted his teeth. “I can withdraw my troops and make a pact under the city with Liang Zixi! I will hand over all of Ji County to you!”
In a life-and-death situation, Wang Jun was straightforward. Nothing was more important than his own life. If he lost the territory, he could reclaim it. If he lost his life, everything would be over!
“It depends on the sincerity of the Grand General. May I ask, where are the official seals, military orders, and the pass token?”
The voice was icy and piercing, giving Wang Jun a chill on his back. “They are… on my waist. I can give you everything and let your troops withdraw…”
This was a delaying tactic. Wang Jun was equally furious. Who could endure being ambushed like this? Once he escaped, he would make sure this person had no place to bury himself!
A hand reached into his waist pouch, taking everything away. The hairpin loosened for a moment. “Thank you, Grand General.”
Wang Jun felt a slight relief, about to say something, but the retreating hairpin suddenly thrust forward, piercing into his windpipe. How dare he?! Wang Jun gasped heavily, hands covering his neck like a leaking sack. His figure swayed, falling to the ground.
How dare he kill himself? Didn’t he want to escape?! He had forty thousand soldiers! Forty… thousand…
Terror and unwillingness flashed in his eyes, ultimately fading into a pool of stagnant water.
Yiyan flicked off the blood on his hand, not bothering to look at the corpse. In a low voice, he said, “Take action!”
It was said to be a night banquet, but in reality, the sun had not yet set, and the grand tent had already set up the feast. Strict orders were enforced in the military, and even if a banquet existed, it wouldn’t extend into the late night. Generally speaking, it would only last from the time of the Monkey1 to the Rooster2. Now that the beginning of autumn has just passed, the days are still long and the nights are short. It’s only early evening at the Rooster hour, and it won’t affect the military prohibition.
Shedding the heavy iron armor and donning a light leather armor, Yiyan, neat and tidy, accompanied by four trusted staff officers, headed towards the grand tent. Before reaching the entrance of the tent, a camp officer approached, saluting and saying, “General, please disarm.”
On the banquet table, how could one allow the presence of a sword? Not only were swords prohibited, but one also had to remove their boots before taking a seat. This maximally avoided the possibility of someone hiding a blade and threatening the commander’s life.
Yiyan nodded at the words, drew the sword sheath from his waist, and handed it to the person. The man’s gaze swept over Yiyan, ensuring there were no issues, before stepping aside, saying, “Please, General, enter the tent.”
Without a weapon, entering deep into the encampment, if someone harbored ill intentions, it would surely show on their face. However, Yiyan appeared calm and walked into the tent without a hint of suspicion.
Inside the tent, the scent of incense filled the air, and a cool breeze blew. Even when away from home, Wang Jun did not neglect his comfort in the slightest. In this grand tent, there was even an ice basin, effortlessly dispelling the lingering heat. Upon seeing Yiyan and his companions, Wang Jun, seated at the main position, smiled and said, “General Yi, please take the seat of honor.”
Indeed, the seat reserved for the main guest was offered, but it was not for exclusive use; beside it were the military commanders and officials under Wang Jun. Several staff officers took seats at the end, accompanying the eastern wall.
Now, with everyone seated, Wang Jun raised his cup and said, “In this campaign, we must achieve a resounding victory.”
The lower-ranking officers echoed the toast, and Yiyan also raised his wine goblet high. This banquet was not only for him as a newcomer but also a swearing-in ceremony for the campaign against Bing County. It’s no wonder Wang Jun arranged it with such grandeur.
With a major battle on the horizon, Wang Jun wouldn’t allow his subordinates to indulge in excessive drinking. After just one round of toasts, he withdrew the alcohol and replaced it with exquisite dishes. Whether intentional or not, the meal Wang Jun arranged this time featured leopard-roasted meat and Hu-style spiced lamb. Leopard-roasted meat involved roasting a whole cow or sheep over a fire, and then dividing it into pieces for consumption. Hu-style spiced lamb consisted of thinly sliced fatty lamb meat seasoned with ingredients like scallions, ginger, and salt, stuffed into a cleaned sheep stomach, then buried and roasted in ashes. Both were cooking methods favored by the nomadic Hu people, adding a touch of fierceness to the military tent filled with soldiers, including a significant number of Xianbei, Jie, and Hu.
No matter how one puts it, he was born in the Fa family, but Wang Jun did not personally carve the meat; instead, a maid attentively served from the side. However, he wasn’t idle either, discreetly assessing those below. Scholars were one thing, but when it came to the military commanders eating meat, there were no longer a few who were hands-on, some even having their beards covered in grease. As for the newly joined Jie general, he was completely different. Surprisingly, his manner of eating was exceptionally refined, even more restrained than the subordinates from humble backgrounds.
Unfortunately, such an attitude did not display elegance; instead, it gave rise to an inexplicable strangeness. His high nose, deep-set eyes, and the facial features of gray-blue eyes and fair skin all highlighted his foreign identity. Imitating the etiquette of the Han ethnicity in this manner was akin to a clumsy imitation, eliciting amusement. What drove him to behave this way? Wang Jun knew well. Back when he was a common-born son, even if subjected to humiliation, he would not have shown a hint of loss of composure. Why? Simply because of unwillingness! Unwilling to be looked down upon, unwilling to be subservient. This myriad of unwillingness was the foundation of his current status.
Advertisement
Ambition is never bound by one’s status; it only grows more ruthless, burning fiercer with every suppression!
A smile played on the lips of Wang Jun as he spoke, “I heard General Yi has already passed the age of twenty, yet remains unmarried. Is it challenging to find eligible ladies in Bing County?”
Yiyan laid down the silver spoon in his hand and respectfully replied, “This humble officer hails from a lowly background, how could I dare to seek a marriage with a noble lady?”
He said he dared not, not that he did not desire it. Wang Jun, of course, understood the nuance. With a hearty laugh, he said, “If we triumph in this battle, my family has eligible maidens suitable for a general.”
While not the most crucial point in their agreement, Wang Jun presented it as a reward directly. The effect of his words was quite evident; the Jie general, who had maintained a calm expression, now displayed ripples on his face. It seemed like a mix of reminiscence and joy, to the point where he momentarily lost control and revealed it on the surface.
“The General bestows great kindness upon this humble officer, and this humble officer will give his all in return!” Yiyan bowed deeply, fists clenched, and answered loudly.
Such a demeanor couldn’t be casually feigned. Wang Jun’s pleased expression intensified, “With valiant generals like you, the grand cause can surely be achieved. Haha~ Liang Zixi, that incompetent, failed because he couldn’t employ capable individuals.”
With the father-in-law and son-in-law relationship now established, Wang Jun naturally adjusted his address accordingly. Yiyan bowed even lower, displaying even more humility.
Advertisement
Observing this, Wang Jun no longer held back, “Now that several counties in Ji County are under General Boyuan’s control, I wonder what your plans are?”
“Inspector Ding has been ailing for a long time, fearing he won’t live much longer. With most of Ji County under the control of the Grand General, the position of Ji County Commander will naturally fall under the name of the Grand General,” Yiyan replied straightforwardly.
Wang Jun stroked his beard and chuckled, “Boyuan has pacified rebels and bandits, and not only that, but his governance of the state and counties is also quite sound. If I were to appoint a commander, it would be fitting for Boyuan to take the position of Ji County Governor.”
This is an advanced sharing of the spoils. Wang Jun was quite straightforward and directly bestowed the position of Ji County Governor upon Yiyan. However, this division might not be without personal considerations. If they achieved a significant victory in this battle, there might be an additional appointment as Bing County Governor. Yet, given Yiyan’s origin in Bing County, allowing him to return might pose a potential threat. Ji County would be much safer, with military authority firmly in Wang Jun’s hands, ensuring no rebellion.
Yiyan was also forthright, expressing his gratitude, “Many thanks, Grand General! Speaking of which, I have something to present to the Grand General…”
“Oh?” Wang Jun became interested, “What is it?”
Yiyan said, “It will arrive tonight; please wait a moment, Grand General.”
Unexpectedly, he left some suspense, and Wang Jun was not displeased, “In that case, let’s proceed with the feast first. Bring in the musicians and dancers.”
This oath-taking dance and music were unlike the usual tepid melodies; it featured a group of warriors performing a vigorous Hu dance. Blades flashed, drums resounded, and merely watching it made one’s blood boil. Wang Jun’s trusted generals were all visibly excited, eager to rush into battle immediately and achieve military feats. During the intervals of the feast, Wang Jun did not forget the main purpose and inquired about the situation in Bing County. With the distribution of benefits and the connection through marriage, Yiyan seemed quite open this time, revealing information that pleased the other generals. The seemingly tough nut of Bing County didn’t appear as difficult to crack as imagined.
With such exchanges, time flew by swiftly. Inside the grand tent, candles and torches were lit early, illuminating the space brightly. Everyone was satiated with food and drink; it was time to conclude the banquet.
Advertisement
At this moment, someone outside the tent reported, “General Yiyan, accompanied by personal attendants, is here to offer congratulations.”
Wang Jun, upon hearing this, became alert, “Is it delivered? What is it?”
Yiyan had already stood up, “This item will be presented by me personally.”
Saying so, he strode to the front of the tent, took a wooden box from an attendant, held it in his hands, and walked back towards the main seat.
In theory, it would be challenging for others to approach the main seat due to its prestige. However, this was a congratulatory gift, and regardless of its content, the guards outside the camp would have likely inspected it, ensuring no danger. Wang Jun sat there openly, smiling as he watched the Jie general approach.
“This is something I had someone fetch, along with the entire territory of a commandery, presented to the Grand General.” Yiyan knelt in front of the table, hands raised high, lifting the wooden box.
An entire commandery? Just across the table, Wang Jun detected an extremely familiar scent. From the box emanated a smell he knew all too well—blood. What else could link blood and territory together?
As if guessing the contents of the box, Wang Jun sat up excitedly, “Quick, present it!”
The maid by his side hastily took the box, placed it on the table, and Wang Jun personally opened the lid.
Seeing the contents of the box, the maids standing behind Wang Jun all covered their mouths, and a few stifled gasps could be heard.
In the box lay a severed head! Even after undergoing some preservation with lime, it couldn’t escape the decay of summer, looking grotesque at first glance.
“This, this is…” Wang Jun not only didn’t recoil but showed excitement in his eyes.
“It is indeed the head of Wei commandery’s Administrator Wang Ping. Along with commanderies such as Wei, Guangping, and Yangping, all have fallen into the hands of the Grand General!” Yiyan replied, “I present the various commanderies of Hebei!”
He offered the commanderies of Northern Hebei! With this, most of Si County was now in Wang Jun’s hands! Wang Jun could no longer conceal the joy on his face, clapping his hands and laughing heartily, “Boyuan’s methods are truly extraordinary! Bring wine, quickly!”
Such a gift was beyond what mere words could praise, and the discussions in the tent buzzed. Many commanders showed envy in their expressions. This was a significant achievement! No wonder the Commander held this individual in such high regard; he was truly ruthless and resilient! However, this was his second time betraying a master. Could he be trusted again?
Advertisement
Wang Jun could hardly be oblivious to this. Those gray-blue eyes were so close, resembling a wild wolf, sharp and threatening. In those eyes, there was ambition, calculation, and a chilling danger. Yet, Wang Jun was not afraid. On the contrary, a sense of pride and intoxication surged within him. Besides him, Wang Jun, who else could handle such a dangerous figure? Similar to the Xianbei factions of the Duan and Yuwen clans, these Jie people could also be utilized by him!
With a brimming cup of wine held in his hand, Wang Jun laughed heartily, “Boyuan, let’s drink this cup to the full!”
What an honor this was! Wang Jun looked at the Jie general, seemingly overwhelmed with favor. Slowly standing up, the Jie general extended his hand forward. He was about to take the wine cup, and perhaps, there would be another round of gratitude and bows. Afterward, he would lead his troops to sweep through Bing County, much like the unparalleled achievements of Zhang Wenyuan and Yue Wenqian under Wei Wu’s command.
The joy on Wang Jun’s face could no longer conceal the growing shade of surprise. His hand reached for the cup.
It never stopped.
Suddenly, a tightness on his wrist, and Wang Jun felt a tremendous force pulling him, dragging him out of his seat! Immediately, everything spun, something seized his neck so tightly that he couldn’t catch his breath.
With a crash, the table overturned, and most of the civil and military officials abruptly stood up, exclaiming in shock.
“Grand General!” “Commander!” “How dare this traitor!”
What was happening? Wang Jun was momentarily confused, unsure of his surroundings. But in the next instant, a sharp pain at his throat, something pointed pierced it.
“Grand General offers wine, and this humble officer dares not refuse.”
A voice came from behind, calm and steady, in stark contrast to the arm strangling his neck and the sharp object poking his throat.
A bone-chilling cold surged through him, and Wang Jun struggled to open his mouth, “You… you… betrayed us!”
How could he dare? Inside the tent, there were more than ten trusted generals and guards by his side. Outside, there was a formidable forty thousand-strong army, an impenetrable camp. How could he dare!?
The person behind him didn’t respond. Instead, he looked towards the inside of the tent and said to the guards holding bows and arrows, “What about you? Are you going to rebel as well? Such tension might endanger the life of the Grand General.”
The object pressed against his throat went in a bit more, and something sticky dribbled down. The surrounding exclamations grew louder, and a counselor hysterically shouted, “Put down your bows and arrows! Quickly put them down! Don’t harm the Grand General!”
Wang Jun tried to speak but couldn’t force out any words. He should have commanded the archers to shoot down this audacious madman. However, he dared not. What pressed against his throat was only a copper hairpin, but what difference did its sharp edge have from a dagger? With a gentle push, it could immediately claim a life. He didn’t want to die; he still had ambitions, an unfinished hegemony…
The guards hesitated; none of them had ever encountered such a bizarre and terrifying situation. Perhaps they were frightened by the Jie man’s ice-cold expression, or maybe it was the shock of their master’s fresh blood on his throat. Many of them hesitated and lowered their weapons, some even dropped their swords.
However, they dared not make reckless moves. But someone did! Four figures suddenly sprung into action, rushing towards the still-astonished civil and military officials!
They, too, had no weapons in their hands. However, the wine cups, bronze plates, silver spoons on the table, and even their hairpins and clothing cords, all became lethal weapons! With just one strike, they seized the knives and swords. A storm of blood and gore erupted!
“Ah ah ah ah!” A serving girl couldn’t restrain herself and screamed.
One of the assassins was beheaded by an alert guard, but the other three bloodied figures had already gathered around Yiyan and Wang Jun. The tent was filled with bloodstains, and no one knew how many generals and counselors had been killed or injured. These were all Wang Jun’s trusted aides, the crucial figures leading this army. Who else could give orders?
“Stop! All of you, retreat!” Wang Jun’s eyes were bloodshot as he shouted hoarsely.
He couldn’t let these assassins succeed! And those two thousand light cavalry must be dealt with quickly! But with the tent in such chaos, who could think of such matters? It was necessary to have the surviving strategists and commanders retreat outside the tent before planning and rescuing him from this peril.
Wang Jun’s words were more effective than anyone else’s. The guards who were about to rush in once again halted their steps.
However, Yiyan spoke, “Grand General, why not let these people retreat? How about we enter the tent and have a good talk?”
As he spoke, he began to move. The large tent was divided into two parts, front and rear. The rear part was the sleeping area, where only women and attendants were present. Wang Jun was dragged along by that person, like a lamb carried in the mouth of a fierce tiger, unable to struggle. Seeing that the curtains were about to cover the scene of carnage in front of him, Wang Jun panicked.
“Yi… General Yi, everything can be discussed. As long as you lower your weapons, I will let your troops leave safely…”
“What does the general think I’m here for?” The person behind him coldly snorted and asked in return.
“This…” Wang Jun gritted his teeth. “I can withdraw my troops and make a pact under the city with Liang Zixi! I will hand over all of Ji County to you!”
In a life-and-death situation, Wang Jun was straightforward. Nothing was more important than his own life. If he lost the territory, he could reclaim it. If he lost his life, everything would be over!
“It depends on the sincerity of the Grand General. May I ask, where are the official seals, military orders, and the pass token?”
The voice was icy and piercing, giving Wang Jun a chill on his back. “They are… on my waist. I can give you everything and let your troops withdraw…”
This was a delaying tactic. Wang Jun was equally furious. Who could endure being ambushed like this? Once he escaped, he would make sure this person had no place to bury himself!
A hand reached into his waist pouch, taking everything away. The hairpin loosened for a moment. “Thank you, Grand General.”
Wang Jun felt a slight relief, about to say something, but the retreating hairpin suddenly thrust forward, piercing into his windpipe. How dare he?! Wang Jun gasped heavily, hands covering his neck like a leaking sack. His figure swayed, falling to the ground.
How dare he kill himself? Didn’t he want to escape?! He had forty thousand soldiers! Forty… thousand…
Terror and unwillingness flashed in his eyes, ultimately fading into a pool of stagnant water.
Yiyan flicked off the blood on his hand, not bothering to look at the corpse. In a low voice, he said, “Take action!”
