diskusbooks Chapter 241 Truth
Chapter 241 Truth
A sudden commotion erupted inside the tent. Everyone was shocked that the matter was true, and even more shocked that Chu Yunchuan was so frank. Lu Jiliang, however, was not particularly surprised. In his view, Chu Yunchuan had no choice but to admit it now.
Chu Yunchuan continued, "I did it, and I have no intention of explaining the rights and wrongs. If you have heard any other rumors, you are welcome to ask me to verify them one by one."
The generals fell silent. Although they knew Prince Jing was mild-mannered, were they really allowed to casually inquire about the prince's secrets?
Zhu Daoxian spoke first: "Your Highness, there are rumors circulating among the people that you are not a descendant of the late King Jing. Is this true or false?"
Chu Yunchuan said, "It's the real deal. The Emperor's permission for me to succeed to the title of Prince is proof of my identity."
The question was so treasonous that it didn't even offend His Highness Prince Jing, so the rest of the questions were no longer so provocative. So the generals started asking their questions one after another.
However, the rumors made it very clear that after Chu Yunchuan accepted the offer, the generals had nothing to ask and only some trivial questions.
Finally, a young general asked in a loud voice, "Your Highness, is the war in the North related to you?"
A moment of silence fell over the tent. Qiao Juchong and Zhu Daoxian exchanged a glance, their expressions unchanged, while Qi Zhenyue's eyes widened, his face filled with impatience.
Chu Yunchuan turned to look at Lu Jiliang and smiled, "Lord Lu once asked me about this matter, and I have already told you everything. Lord Lu, if you were to answer it for me, I think the generals would be even more convinced."
Dozens of eyes inside the tent turned to look at Lu Jiliang. Lu Jiliang had never expected this to happen, and his head buzzed.
How can I answer that?!
Chu Yunchuan did indeed provoke the war in the northern border, and this might even be related to the old story of the current emperor's struggle for the throne! How should he answer?
To deny it would be to lie to a group of loyal soldiers and trample on the authority of the imperial envoy. But to admit it would greatly demoralize the army. With a formidable enemy at hand, the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers are not to be trifled with.
In an instant, Lu Jiliang was covered in sweat. He quickly looked at Chu Yunchuan, whose face was very calm, as if they were not talking about his business at all.
"The Northern Border..." Lu Jiliang said, "The war in the Northern Border has spread far and wide, involving many kings, nobles and generals. It concerns secrets of the imperial family, so I cannot say any more."
Several generals immediately understood Lu Jiliang's unspoken meaning—it was all about seizing the throne.
By bringing King Jing's contributions in supporting the new emperor to the forefront, the war in the northern border was transformed into a matter of national importance. Since it concerned national affairs, no one dared to question it further.
After a moment, seeing that no one asked any more questions, Chu Yunchuan said, "Perhaps you all have some criticisms of my past actions, but I am now sincerely saving the country, and heaven and earth can bear witness. If any of my comrades think I am unworthy of my position, feel free to step forward and stab me with your sword. I will never punish you."
The generals were in an uproar.
To prove that he wasn't just joking, Chu Yunchuan even drew the ceremonial sword from the wall. The sword was already sharpened and gleamed brightly.
He placed the sword steadily on the table, blade pointing towards himself, and said again, "I will never punish you, Lord Lu and the three generals are my witnesses."
One of the young generals did indeed try to move, but was firmly stopped by his comrades. Seeing this, Chu Yunchuan picked up his sword and cleanly slashed his own arm. Instantly, blood seeped through his sleeve.
A general exclaimed in surprise, "Your Highness!"
"Who else?" Chu Yunchuan looked around, but this time no one moved.
He hastily wiped the sword clean with his sleeve, then swiftly sheathed it and said solemnly, "With the war at hand, my comrades are risking their lives for the country. Now, due to my personal matters, the morale of the army is wavering. I should prioritize loyalty and friendship. Now that the past has been cleared up, if anyone spreads rumors and disrupts the morale of the army, I will certainly deal with them according to military law."
All the generals clasped their hands in unison: "Yes!"
Lu Jiliang slowly lowered his eyelashes.
The page on the rumors was thus turned over lightly.
A few days later, Chu Yunchuan received a letter from Wei Fuguang, saying that there was no trace of Miss Bai in the entire Ningzhou region, and that Miss Bai might have already left Ningzhou. He requested that His Highness send more people. Chu Yunchuan remained silent for a long time, and only picked up his pen to reply with a simple sentence, "I will go and look for her."
Right now, he has no time to investigate the guilt of the false report.
Afterwards, Chu Yunchuan summoned several generals for a meeting, including Lu Jiliang. After some discussion, they decided that the Yanxi army would launch a major offensive against the barbarian army ten days later. The discussion focused entirely on the war, and Lu Jiliang remained silent, somewhat puzzled as to why he had been called in.
Chu Yunchuan took out the Jing King's Decree from his bosom, placed it on the table, and said in a deep voice: "From today onwards, Lord Lu will be in charge of the army. All generals shall obey Lord Lu's orders, discuss the war together, and shall not disobey."
The generals were somewhat surprised, but they still bowed their heads and agreed.
Afterwards, the generals left, leaving only Chu Yunchuan and the bewildered Lu Jiliang in the room. Lu Jiliang pondered for a moment, then frowned and said, "Your Highness, do you still intend to leave the camp?"
His tone was much softer than a few days ago. Chu Yunchuan raised an eyebrow and said, "My brother sent you here to oversee the army. Now that I'm offering you up with both hands, Lord Lu is still unwilling?"
Lu Jiliang ignored his mockery and looked straight at him: "Are you going to find Bai Zhi?"
Chu Yunchuan suppressed his jest and said seriously after a moment, "Yes."
“Alright,” Lu Jiliang said. “A prince is also a loyal subject of the country. According to the law, he should not leave his jurisdiction without permission. This time you left the military camp, no matter who asks, I will not know where you went or what you are doing.”
As an imperial envoy and high-ranking official, his favoritism couldn't be more obvious.
Chu Yunchuan was quite surprised by this, and in the end he only said in a low voice, "Lord Lu, I hope you will protect Ningzhou."
Lu Jiliang said, "That's for sure."
Ten days later, the Yanxi army, fully equipped and accompanied by drums, set off in a grand procession.
With the combined imperial army and Zhu army leading the surprise attack, everyone's spirits were high, except for Qiao Wanwan, who couldn't be happy.
Ji Feilan walked behind her and gently nudged her with her elbow: "Walk slowly, or your old injury will flare up and I'll have to carry you."
Qiao Wanwan said irritably, "Leave me alone, I'm annoyed."
"How exactly are you upset?"
"I have so many questions I want to ask, but the person isn't here, so I can't ask them. Can you believe how annoying that is?"
“I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Ji Feilan said. “This time we’re going to penetrate deep into the barbarian territory. We’ll be leading the charge with those imperial troops, which is more dangerous than before. Why don’t you worry about what to do about the surprise attack tonight?”
"Weren't we cooperating quite well before? Besides, during the surprise attack, they were only responsible for providing support. What could possibly go wrong?"
“I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about you. You’re covered in injuries, and you won’t last long on bandages alone.”
"I am also a captain, I can't just desert my post in the face of battle."
Ji Feilan said coldly, "You haven't even become a general yet, and you're already on the verge of dying on the battlefield. You're not as clear-headed as your friend surnamed Bai."
"..." Qiao Wanwan suddenly flared up, "Don't mention her to me, you heartless wretch, and so are you."
Ji Feilan: "..."