mtl008 Chapter 238 Test of Humanity
Chapter 238 Test of Humanity
As soon as Kuang Jie spoke, the shrewd patriarchs of the aristocratic families, such as Yang Xuan and Yao Guang, immediately understood his intention. Shen Qingxi died here, how could they, who were present, extricate themselves from the situation? He was trying to force them onto the ship to fight against the Lu family army together!
But Kuang Ji didn't even consider why they surrendered to the Lu family army in the first place—wasn't it because they couldn't defeat the Lu family army? Even if they killed a Xuan general now, would they be able to defeat him? Lu Zhen was still stationed in the military camp, and the various passes and fortresses were still in the hands of the Xuan army generals. Killing Shen Qingxi would not only bring no benefit but would also provoke Lu Zhen and his soldiers to launch a frenzied counterattack, at which point Andu would be reduced to ruins!
Seeing that everyone's faces were grim but no one responded, Kuang Jie immediately guessed their concerns. At this moment, a piercing whistle sounded, and everyone subconsciously turned their heads to look at the smoke rising to the north.
Facing the crowd again, Kuang Ji was even more confident: "Gentlemen, the Beida Camp has successfully seized the gate, and the Lu family army has been scattered across various passes. Lu Zhen's camp currently only has three thousand soldiers. As long as you all order your respective troops to gather and attack together, killing Lu Zhen will not be difficult! At that time, the Lu family army will be leaderless, and we can take back Andu!"
The men remained silent, inwardly thinking: Do you have some misunderstanding about the fighting capabilities of our An army?
Even if they manage to recapture Andu, wouldn't the Lu family army outside fight back? Even if they manage to defeat the Lu family army by sheer luck, wouldn't that be a slap in the face to Emperor Yongxi, who just sent an imperial envoy to deliver the decree? With the Xuan Kingdom's army pressing in, what can they use to resist?
Normally, he would have already started cursing, but he remained silent not because he thought Kuang Jie had a chance of winning, but because the altar was now full of his private soldiers. If he provoked Kuang Jie, he would die a bloody death, which would be too unjust.
"Kuang Ji, I advise you not to make a mistake. Think about your clansmen." Yao Guang advised gently, making it clear to the Xuan Kingdom envoy that they were not on the same side without provoking Kuang Ji.
Seeing everyone echoing his sentiments and glancing at the location of Jiang Se and the other two from time to time, Kuang Jie also turned his head to look in Jiang Se's direction. "If you gentlemen are worried that Emperor Xuan will send troops to attack An after he finds out, then you can rest assured. The attack on An was launched by Lu Zhen on his own initiative. The imperial envoy did not come to accept An's surrender and order Lu Zhen to withdraw his troops!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was first taken aback, and then their expressions turned strange. Kuang Jie found it ironic.
"Am I right, Marquis of Changyi?"
Although it was a question, the tone was very firm. Jiang Se didn't have time to think about who had leaked the information. Her mind raced as she searched for a way to break the deadlock.
Kuang Jie stared intently at Jiang Se, and the other officials followed his gaze, their eyes immediately focusing on her.
Having navigated the treacherous waters of officialdom for over a decade, how could these officials fail to see through a young man not yet twenty? In an instant, they understood that what Kuang Ji had said was true.
“Marquis of Changyi, it was indeed Commander Lu and Shen Qingxi who framed Anguo for violating the border and raising troops without authorization. We do not wish to resort to war. Once the ringleaders are eliminated, you can lead the Xuan Army back to the country. Wouldn’t that be a great achievement?”
Kuang Ji was making a statement to Jiang Se that his goal was only to protect Anguo and kill the two fanatics, Lu Zhen and Shen Qing, and that he would not target the remaining Xuan Army. He was also implying that Jiang Se could pin the blame on Lu and Shen. As long as he was willing to cooperate, he could not only escape unscathed but also gain the credit for preserving the Xuan Army's strength.
Of course, this was also because Kuang Ji wanted to use Jiang Se's status as imperial envoy to suppress the Lu family army after the deaths of Shen and Lu, and also because her status as a favored minister gave her more influence with Emperor Yongxi.
If Jiang Seol agrees, it will be a win-win situation for them.
Upon understanding the unspoken meaning, Song Yuan's heart tightened immediately. He turned to look at Jiang Se. If he agreed, Qing Xi would surely die; if he disagreed, they would be in danger. For a moment, his thoughts were in turmoil, and he couldn't tell which outcome he was more eager for.
Hearing this, it seemed like they had a good chance of winning, and the courtiers who had been keeping silent began to get excited.
Seeing that the crowd was wavering, Kuang Jie looked coldly at Shen Qing, who was stubbornly holding on, and immediately gave the order.
"kill!"