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“I…”
“I actually understand what you’re thinking, but I find it truly foolish. Do I need to explain the simple principle of ‘a good bird chooses a good tree to nest in’ to you?” Luo Yan remarked impatiently.
The defending general stared blankly at Luo Yan, remaining silent, pondering over his words.
Observing his demeanor, Luo Yan spoke once more, “Moreover, what you’re doing isn’t betrayal. At most, it’s following the will of heaven.”
“With Xuan Empire’s emperor being an exemplary ruler, can the people under your rule endure hardship? I believe you’ve witnessed how Brother Yu and his brother treats the people of Qi Empire in other cities.”
The defending general looked at Luo Yan, aware that he had overseen the affairs in each city. He naturally understood the extent to which the emperor and the Prince of Xuan Empire had gone to provide food for the people of Qi Empire.
“If you still feel burdened, for something so simple, take a poison to show your loyalty to the late emperor of Qi Empire, then take an antidote to be reborn, and in the future, help Xuan Empire protect the border. Wouldn’t that be better?” Luo Yan suggested once again.
The defending general stared in disbelief at Luo Yan, wondering if such a course of action was even possible. Wasn’t this a bit too extreme?
“Is this… is this really a good idea?” the defending general hesitantly asked.
Can things really be resolved in this manner?
“What’s wrong with it? If it weren’t for your capabilities, I wouldn’t even consider this approach,” Luo Yan retorted impatiently.
If it weren’t for the Su Brothers’s commendation of the general’s skills, he wouldn’t have bothered with the man’s fate at all.
“Thank you for your guidance, sir. I now know what to do.”
“Alright then, I’ll go back and report to Prince Yu. Is there anything you’d like me to convey to him?” Luo Yan asked the general.
“Tomorrow, I will open the city gates and await the Prince’s arrival,” the defending general said earnestly to Luo Yan.
Luo Yan nodded in satisfaction, “That sounds about right.”
“I’m leaving now, no need to see me off.”
After Luo Yan departed, the defending general’s deputy approached and remarked, “General, I think, that young master was right. The current Qi Empire is no longer what it used to be. It’s not worth sacrificing ourselves for Qi Empire, especially considering all the atrocities they’ve committed. With Xuan Empire and Lu Empire teaming up against them, they probably won’t spare anyone.”
The defending general nodded with a smile, “You’re right. I’ve been overthinking.”
“It’s not that you’re overthinking, General. It’s just that you’re attached to the late emperor’s kindness. The current emperor is despicable, only focused on war despite the dire circumstances. It’s infuriating,” the deputy expressed, his tone tinged with anger.
The defending general didn’t rebuke his deputy, recognizing the truth in his words.
Upon returning to Xuan Empire, Bai Qi inquired, “How did things go?”
“At least give me some water to drink; I’m parched,” Luo Yan said as he poured himself a cup of water and took a few sips.
After drinking several cups of water, he turned to Su Yu and said, “It’s done, Brother Yu.”
“Oh?”
“The general initially wanted me to bring you his head, but I refused and convinced him otherwise. He should now be wholeheartedly loyal to Xuan Empire.” That general’s character was just like that – stubborn at times, but once he came around, it was for the better.
Su Yu looked surprised at Luo Yan, “Really? It seems my efforts to prepare the soldiers were in vain. Tomorrow, we’ll capture the city without wasting a single soldier.”
“When I left, he asked me to tell you that he’ll open the city gates and await your arrival.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Su Jiu shook his head with a hint of resignation, “Seems like this will be the easiest battle we’ve ever fought. The citizens are practically opening the city gates for us to enter.”
“Indeed, it’s all thanks to the Prince Yu’s influence,” the nearby general chimed in cheerfully.
“Let’s not celebrate too soon. We’ll have a tough battle to fight after we secure this city and settle in,” Su Yu chuckled, shaking his head.
There would inevitably be a clash between Xuan Empire and Lu Empire, with the final showdown likely happening when Lu Empire seizes the last city.
Luo Yan snorted, speaking bluntly, “Brother Yu, just let them have a taste of our explosives. They won’t dare say or do anything reckless towards Xuan Empire after that.”
Xuan Empire has never had intentions of expanding its territory, but some countries always act foolishly, constantly trying to take a bite out of Xuan Empire.
“If needed, you can use it,” Su Yu stated.
Luo Yan nodded happily, “Thank you, Brother Yu.”
Seeing Luo Yan’s cheerful expression, Su Jiu felt a shiver down his spine. It seemed that the people from Lu Empire were in for a tough time ahead.
They had witnessed the power of Luo Yan’s explosives and knew the trouble they could stir up.
They hoped Lu Empire wouldn’t do anything to provoke Luo Yan, or they would face dire consequences.
Using a warning to deter others, they would likely be the first to face the consequences.
The next day, Su Yu and his brother led their troops into the final city they desired, Mountain Sea City.
The defending general stood at the gate, watching Su Yu approach with an expression of smiles, “Greetings, Your Highness.”
“No need for formalities.”
Looking at the city before them, Su Yu spoke, “Once we enter, there will be no room for argument. You must be completely sure about this.”
The defending general nodded with a smile, “Naturally, I won’t put myself in danger, especially since Mountain Sea City will be most useful in Xuan Empire’s hands.”
Su Yu chuckled, looking at the defending general with a smile, “It seems Qi Empire has thoroughly disappointed you.”
“How can one not be disappointed? I never imagined they would treat their people this way,” the defending general expressed.
Su Yu raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a hint of amusement, “Isn’t that normal?”
This person seemed overly naive.
“Let’s not dwell on this. Please, Your Highness,” the defending general urged, leading Su Yu and his group into the city.
Upon entering, they were welcomed by the people. Upon reaching the general’s residence, Su Yu entrusted the distribution of provisions to the defending general.
“You trust me that much?” the defending general asked, surprised by Su Yu’s confidence in him.
He was astonished at how easily he was trusted. It made him question whether to consider it bravery or something else, but being trusted felt undeniably good.
“Trust those you employ, and do not employ those you distrust. That’s my principle in delegation. Besides, these are the people under your jurisdiction. Can you afford to play games with their lives?” Su Yu’s words left the defending general speechless, as he hadn’t expected such a response from Su Yu.
“Since Your Highness trusts me so much, I will not disappoint you,” the defending general replied with a smile, looking at Su Yu.