While the dispute raged on, a loud boom echoed from afar, closer than before, clearly indicating that the enemy had advanced once more.
Wu Daoyu’s expression shifted continuously, his unease growing with each passing moment. The sounds of battle suggested that the dark races had at least deployed a Marquis of Glory, or perhaps even a Deputy Duke. The situation on the frontlines was undoubtedly dire. Yet, he found himself stuck here, bickering with Zhao Junhong, a feeling of deep frustration building within him.
Every moment wasted meant more casualties on the front. The forces stationed there were his own elite troops, the foundation of his standing in the military. It was impossible not to feel pain. However, Zhao Junhong was clearly not going to let this go, and with Sun Chao and the Prince Rui watching, Wu Daoyu could not simply walk away, no matter how much he wanted to.
Seeing the argument drag on, Sun Chao furrowed his brows and raised a hand to silence both sides. “I have a clear understanding of this matter. There is insufficient evidence to claim that the Zhao family conspired with the enemy, and one-sided testimony cannot be conclusive. However, Zhao Jundu did indeed kill a Lieutenant General. Though the man may have falsely accused his superiors, his crime does not warrant death. This matter requires further deliberation.”
Wu Daoyu’s face darkened, but this outcome was expected. He pressed on, “What about Qian Ye? Can it really be left undetermined that he is a vampire?”
Though the words were harsh, Sun Chao responded as if he had not detected any sarcasm, “Qian Ye possesses a blood core, and many witnesses attest to it. Moreover, he intruded into a military stronghold, abducting a vampiric princess, a crime that cannot be forgiven. Even though he has escaped the Empire, he must not go unpunished. Since the matter began with the military, they will lead the pursuit, sending forces beyond the borders to hunt him down. Does anyone object? Oh, and during the operation, remember to gather concrete evidence of the mastermind behind these actions.”
This decision was just, and despite the sharpness of Sun Chao’s last remark, Wu Daoyu could not find fault with it and nodded in agreement.
Zhao Junhong’s eyes flickered briefly before he lowered his gaze, his expression remaining calm.
Next, Sun Chao addressed Zhao Jundu’s case, “Zhao Jundu killed a high-ranking general, but the other party also bore some fault, and we are in the midst of a war. Therefore, the investigation is temporarily suspended, and the military will halt the inquiry, allowing Zhao Jundu to return to the frontlines and atone for his sins. Future actions will be determined by his performance. Does anyone have any objections?”
Wu Daoyu opened his mouth, then closed it, swallowing his words. Although he was reluctant, keeping Zhao Jundu confined served no purpose. Besides, could the son of a princess truly be punished for the death of a mere Lieutenant General?
Since the Imperial Family had intervened, not only could nothing be done to Zhao Jundu, but he would also be treated with utmost respect. Any attempt to undermine him would be too risky. If discovered, Wu Daoyu knew he would not leave the city alive.
Furthermore, the recent events on the frontline, which Zhao Jundu had been defending, had taken a heavy toll. The dark races had been relentlessly attacking the military lines, forcing Wu Daoyu to retreat repeatedly. Now, the dark races were like a wedge driven into the defenses around the city.
Logically, the Zhao family’s private forces should have flanked the dark races, forcing them to retreat and easing Wu Daoyu’s pressure. Yet, the Zhao family remained inactive, and the dark races, seemingly aware of this, pressed forward without regard for their flanks, advancing with impunity.
Wu Daoyu had repeatedly confronted the Zhao family, but they always responded with the same excuse: “That is not our territory.”
Everyone knew the feud between Wu Daoyu, the Right Chancellor, and the Zhao family, and the reason for their inaction. Thus, all the clans remained silent.
Over the past seven days, several of Wu Daoyu’s generals had fallen, and more than a third of his forces were casualties. Morale was low, and the line was on the verge of collapse. Wu Daoyu had personally supervised the front, even fighting himself, to stabilize the situation. But tonight’s argument had once again shattered the hard-won stability.
With Wu Daoyu silent, the other clans did not object. They pondered the earlier decision, wondering whether the Royal Office’s directive for the military to pursue Qian Ye was a formality, an opportunity to eliminate witnesses, or a ploy to uncover the true puppet master behind the Zhao family.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Junhong rose, declaring, “This is not right! Jundu is a pillar of the Empire, vital to the frontline. If any lowly traitor can slander him, how can we continue to fight? During wartime, those who frame Jundu are likely spies from the Evernight. Punishing such a person would only dishearten the soldiers!”
Wu Daoyu roared, “Zhao Jundu is just a young man, hardly crucial to the battle!”
Zhao Junhong sneered, “When Jundu was in charge, not a single inch of territory was lost. Under your command, the army crumbled. This is what it means to be crucial!”
Wu Daoyu was speechless. When Zhao Jundu held the line, the dark races had occasionally attacked, but any true powerhouses were intercepted by the Duke of Yu. Those who could match the Duke of Yu, Wu Daoyu could only barely hold off, leading to repeated retreats.
But how could he admit this?
As the two prepared to argue again, Sun Chao intervened, “Since the Zhao family objects, I cannot make a decision. I will return to Tianqi immediately and let the higher-ups decide. In the meantime, Zhao Jundu will continue to be under inquiry, and the military will defend his original line.”
Wu Daoyu felt a wave of dizziness, his hands cold. He had not expected the true trap to be here.
The Zhao family clearly aimed to use the dark races to eliminate his elite forces, leaving him powerless. At that point, Wu Daoyu’s influence would wane, and his enemies would seize control, rendering his position in the military meaningless, even if he was a god-general.
Such a fall would also tarnish his reputation with the Right Chancellor, shattering his dream of regaining the marshal’s baton.
Sun Chao, without delay, departed with his attendants, heading for the landing field to return to Tianqi. As Sun Chao left, Wu Daoyu hesitated to follow, knowing it would be futile and only add to his humiliation.
Zhao Junhong stood beside Wu Daoyu, both watching Sun Chao’s departure. He said calmly, “Marshal Wu, the Duke of Yu commands the entire city. He has issued a strict order: if anyone loses their territory, letting the dark races reach the city walls, they will be punished by military law. Your territory is now reduced to a small fraction.”
Wu Daoyu snorted, “I belong to the military and do not need to heed the Duke of Yu’s orders.”
Zhao Junhong replied, “You know the military laws better than I do. You understand whether you must follow this order. But if you resist, the law dictates that your entire family will be executed.”
A chill ran through Wu Daoyu, but he refused to let Zhao Junhong gain the upper hand. “If that day comes, rest assured, I will take you with me.”
Zhao Junhong smiled, “By the way, since the military is responsible for pursuing Qian Ye, you should send more skilled warriors. Otherwise, if Qian Ye kills them, where will your face be, and the Right Chancellor’s honor?”
Wu Daoyu’s heart sank. “What do you know?”
Zhao Junhong laughed, “I know nothing. Qian Ye invaded the military; you should know more. Marshal, good luck.”
Uncharacteristically, Wu Daoyu did not lash out, remembering Li Fengshui’s corpse.
Li Fengshui’s body was filled with blood, his organs shattered, making it hard to determine the cause of death. Despite his injuries, no one knew if they were real. The head of the Secret Five was extremely cunning, and no one knew the truth.
If Li Fengshui was lightly injured and still had hostages, yet was killed by Qian Ye, it revealed Qian Ye’s terrifying strength. Recalling Qian Ye’s escape under his nose, Wu Daoyu’s frown deepened.
Sending fewer, weaker forces would be like sending lambs to the slaughter. But overwhelming Qian Ye would weaken his own position, risking the loss of the line. If the Zhao family took advantage, Wu Daoyu would be in grave danger.
In this dilemma, Wu Daoyu had no solution.
At this moment, the Prince Rui approached Zhao Junhong, “It’s been a while. When I first met you, you were still nursing. Come, let’s have a drink.”
Zhao Junhong replied, “Your Highness, I dare not refuse.”
As the Prince Rui and Zhao Junhong left, Wu Daoyu realized the Royal Office’s visit was for the Zhao family. Despite his careful planning, Qian Ye had escaped, and Zhao Jundu had taken the blame.
Dealing with Qian Ye was one thing, but Zhao Jundu was different. Even the Right Chancellor could not act on such flimsy evidence.
The favorable situation had turned disastrous. The key was the sudden shift in the Imperial Family’s stance. Wu Daoyu realized that a mere official and the Prince Rui had changed everything. He felt a chill in the night air.
In the Wei family compound, Wei Po Tian slept soundly, wrapped in a cloak. The room was dilapidated, with only a bed, a table, and a chair, and no stove. The tea on the table had a thin layer of ice.
This was not the Great Prince’s bedroom but a place for his confinement. He was allowed out three times a day for a short period, barely enough to use the bathroom and stretch.
Despite the cold, Wei Po Tian, having mastered the Thousand Mountains, slept deeply, even through the city’s tremors. Nothing, not even shouting, could wake him.
The door creaked open, and a shadow slipped in. The guards outside yawned and fell asleep against the wall.
The shadow approached Wei Po Tian, nudging him, “Wake up.”
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