Shuhan

Sun Lu, the younger brother of the King of Wu, dressed in gorgeous court robes, walked heavily into the hall of the Han Emperor's palace.

The sunlight shone through the intricate window lattices, sprinkling on his body, but it could not dispel the haze in his heart.

Sun Deng drew his sword and committed suicide. The collapse of the Prince of Wu's palace shocked him a lot.

Especially what Sun Deng said before his death, which touched him deeply.

As the saying goes, a dying man's words are good. Sometimes we still need to listen to what the dead say.

Inside the main hall, Emperor Liu Chan of Han sat high on the dragon throne, his majestic gaze seemed to be able to see into people's hearts.

Sun Lu took a deep breath, walked forward slowly, and performed the ritual of kneeling three times and knocking his head nine times, his voice steady and respectful: "Your Majesty, I, Sun Lu, pay my respects to you. Long live your Majesty."

Liu Chan nodded slightly, a subtle hint of deep meaning flashing in his eyes: "Brother Wang, please excuse me. What did you find during your search of the Wu Palace this time?"

Sun Lu stood up, his expression solemn: "Reporting to Your Majesty, King Sun Deng of Wu has committed suicide out of fear of punishment. There are a large number of private soldiers and armor hidden in his mansion, and there are signs of collusion with the Wei State's School Affairs Office. I believe that Sun Deng is the mastermind behind this incident."

Now that the person is dead, it is natural that he has to take all the blame.

Besides, Sun Lu originally hated Sun Deng, so he felt no guilt at all for doing such a thing.

Liu Chan heard this and a faint smile appeared on his lips, but there was no smile in his eyes: "I am very pleased with your hard work this time. The death of Wu Wang Sun Deng is indeed expected. However, he has many followers, and I am afraid that his remnants will cause chaos after his death. You must be careful to deal with it."

Sun Lu felt a tightness in his heart. Sun Deng still had considerable influence in the Wu State. After all, he had been the Crown Prince of Wu for so long, and his followers were spread throughout the court and the country. If he was not handled properly, the consequences would be disastrous.

He, the King of Wu, was also restless.

The most important thing is that he was afraid that Sun Deng's loyal old ministers would try to assassinate him.

I have to be on guard day and night against someone trying to take my life. Forget about this kind of thing.

He was about to speak when he saw Liu Chan signaling the eunuch to bring a list of names.

"This is the list of Sun Deng's followers. Brother Wang can take a careful look at it." Liu Chan's voice was calm, but it was like a heavy hammer hitting Sun Lu's heart.

Sun Lu took the list, his fingers trembling slightly.

He slowly unfolded it and saw that it was filled with names. Each name represented a powerful figure, and each of them had left a deep mark on the political arena of the Wu State.

His face gradually turned pale, and an indescribable shock and fear surged in his heart.

These people are the foundation of Sun Wu's power.

Even among these people, many had received favors from Sun Jian, Sun Ce and Sun Quan when they were in obscurity.

Although when the Wu Kingdom was destroyed, they did not dare to go against the Han Kingdom.

But in their hearts, they still have friendship towards the Sun family.

At the critical moment, if you raise your arms and call on these people, they will be able to take action if they think the situation is right.

Now that these people are gone, the newly-elected Jiangdong nobles must have been promoted by the Emperor of Han.

If this is true, then Sun Wu’s foundation in Jiangdong can be said to be gone even to the traces.

Use my, Sun Lu's, hand to cut off the foundation of the Sun family.

Emperor of the Han Dynasty, you are so cruel!
He looked up at Liu Chan, his eyes full of doubt: "Your Majesty, are these people... all guilty of the ten unforgivable crimes?"

There were too many people to kill, so Sun Lu tried to bargain.

Liu Chan's eyes became deep, he slowly narrowed his eyes, and said in a low and powerful voice: "Extraordinary people should do extraordinary things. Brother Wang, if you find this matter difficult to decide, I can find someone else."

Sun Lu felt mixed emotions when he heard this.

The Emperor of Han is so tough that it seems there is no chance for tactful treatment in this matter.

If he doesn't do it, someone else will do it sooner or later.

I am the fish and he is the knife. He has no choice.

This list is not only a task, but also a token of allegiance.

If he fails to handle this matter properly, he will not only fail to demonstrate his loyalty to Liu Chan, but may also lose his status and reputation in the Wu State.

The so-called Prince Consort of the King of Wu, before he becomes the King of Wu, can't he be replaced at will?
Moreover, even if he became the King of Wu, could he still ignore the opinion of the Emperor of Han?

He clenched his teeth, a feeling of determination rising in his heart.

He looked up at Liu Chan, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Your Majesty, I am willing to take on this important task. No matter what the outcome, I will shoulder it with all my strength."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan raised a satisfied smile.

He stood up and slowly walked to Sun Lu, his eyes full of admiration and expectation: "I am very pleased that my brother Wang has such determination. Just go for it, I will support you."

Under the leadership of Sun Lu, the old territory of Wu was reorganized.

Most of the resentment was taken away by Sun Lu.

Although his Han Kingdom would attract a wave of hatred, as long as he used the right approach, this hatred would be nothing compared to the kindness he had shown.

In another five or six months, we would have to prepare for the Northern Expedition.

He doesn't have much time left.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Sun Lu's heart trembled, he knew that he had embarked on a road of no return.

But he also understood that this was his only choice.

He saluted Liu Chan again, and said in a firm and resolute voice: "I will definitely fulfill my mission."

Walking out of the hall, Sun Lu felt extremely heavy.

What he is about to face is a brutal struggle, and the outcome of this struggle will determine his future and destiny.

But he had no way to retreat and could only move forward bravely.

In Jianye City, in an inconspicuous tavern, candlelight flickered and shadows of people were everywhere.

The aroma of wine and the sound of conversation intertwined together, forming a vivid picture of city life.

In the midst of this chaos, two spies, one from the Secret Military Department disguised as a storyteller, and the other from the Imperial Office disguised as a traveling merchant, were quietly blending into the crowd, listening to the people's discussions about the rebellion of Sun Deng, King of Wu.

"Well, come to think of it, His Highness Sun Deng is so wise and brave, how could he embark on the path of treason?" An old man stroked his beard with a serious expression, as if he was surprised and puzzled by this matter.

"But think about what he went through. First, he lost his father, and then he lost the throne. Any man with blood in his place would find it hard to bear it!"

A young man nearby shook his head and sighed, "How foolish! If you can be patient for a while, you will have peace. If you take a step back, you will have a broader horizon. Why do you have to risk your life for that illusory power and also bring trouble to your family and clansmen? It's really sad and lamentable!"

There was a hint of regret in his eyes, as if he was heartbroken for Sun Deng's wrong choice.

Isn't it good to be a rich and noble lord?
In this case, not only will you lose your wealth, but you will also lose your life.

At this time, a middle-aged man in coarse cloth, with a suspicious look on his face, whispered: "I think there is something fishy about this matter. His Highness Sun Deng has always been kind, why would he suddenly do such a rebellious act? Maybe he was framed. In my opinion, the mastermind behind this may be the crown prince Sun Lu. After all, the fight for the throne has always been cruel and ruthless."

When he said this, his eyes flickered, as if hinting at some unknown secret.

The storyteller at the side, who was actually a spy from the Han army, was moved when he heard the words, but pretended to be calm on the surface. He picked up his folding fan and waved it gently, saying with a smile: "Ah, everyone has a point, but things are unpredictable and the truth is often hidden in the fog. As ordinary people, we should stop talking about royal affairs and drink more."

As he spoke, he calmly observed the reactions of the people around him, trying to capture more useful information.

The spy from the Wei State's School Affairs Office, who was disguised as a merchant, was sipping wine while glancing around with the corner of his eye, thinking to himself: "People in Jianye City are really unsettled, and all kinds of speculations are emerging. The death of Sun Deng not only affected the internal political situation of Wu, but also gave Wei a possible opportunity. It seems that I have to pass this information back as soon as possible so that my country can make corresponding arrangements."

There were discussions in the tavern, and everyone's face was filled with different emotions: shock, regret, confusion, and fear. Suddenly, a hurried sound of footsteps broke the noise in the tavern, and a ragged servant ran in, looking panicked: "Oh no, oh no! There is a notice posted at the city gate, saying that all people involved in Sun Deng's treason case will be thoroughly investigated. Whether they know about it but don't report it or secretly assist, they will be severely punished!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the tavern froze instantly, and everyone looked at each other, with even more fear in their eyes.

The storyteller and the traveling merchant looked at each other and both saw urgency in each other's eyes.

They knew that this storm had just begun...

Huh?
Why doesn't this person look like a traveling merchant?
Could he be a spy from the Wei State's School Affairs Office?

The storyteller frowned slightly when he saw the merchant.

Three days later.

Late at night, Jianye City was immersed in silence. The moonlight was like water, sprinkling on the bluestone road, covering the ancient city with a layer of silver gauze.

However, on this quiet night, the Li's mansion in the east of Jianye City broke its usual peace and was shrouded in an unusual atmosphere.

Li's Mansion, as a luxurious mansion in Jianye City, is grand in scale and exquisite in architecture, demonstrating the former glory and power of its owner.

However, at this moment, the mansion was surrounded by heavy soldiers. The light of torches flickered in the night, reflecting the stern faces.

The head of the family, Li Ming, a man in his fifties with a resolute face, was standing in front of the gate of the mansion. Faced with this sudden change, his eyes flashed with anger and confusion.

He was wearing a dark blue robe, the hem of which swayed gently in the wind, making him look exceptionally calm.

But his heart was in turmoil and could not calm down.

A lot of things have happened recently in the old land of Jiangdong of the Wu State.

The Wu Kingdom was destroyed, the former Wu King Sun Quan was killed, and the new Wu King Sun Deng committed suicide
Now, many people have been implicated because of the assassination of the Holy Emperor.

The execution ground in Jianye East Market has been littered with heads of people in the past few days, and the blood on the ground has never dried.

At this point, he can only remain tough, otherwise people will think that Li Ming is easy to bully.

"What are you doing? Why do you dare to surround my mansion? I have done nothing wrong!"

Li Ming's voice echoed in the night sky, carrying a bit of unwillingness and anger.

He tried to find a reasonable explanation from the soldiers besieging the mansion, but what responded to him was the gloomy face of Wang Taidi Sun Lu.

Sun Lu, as the crown prince of Wu, naturally had extraordinary power and status.

He was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe embroidered with intricate dragon and phoenix patterns, highlighting his noble status.

However, at this moment his face was as gloomy as water, and there was a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"If you say there is no sin, then there is no sin?" Sun Lu snorted coldly, with a hint of disdain and sarcasm in his voice.

"The spy department reported that you secretly stored armor and weapons in your mansion, and colluded with the Wei State's School Affairs Office. I will send troops to search. If you resist, you will be charged with treason!"

Li Ming became even more furious when he heard this.

He himself has always been loyal and has never betrayed the State of Wu.

After the destruction of Wu, he was even more afraid of being implicated. He rarely even left his house on weekdays. How could he be connected with Wei's school affairs office?
However, facing Sun Lu's accusations at this moment, he was speechless.

Li Ming was furious, but he did not dare to disobey Sun Lu, so he suppressed his anger and said, "If you are upright, you have nothing to fear. If you want to search me, please do as you wish!"

Sun Lu sneered and immediately ordered his soldiers to enter the mansion to search.

"We have searched them thoroughly. If we missed any corner, I will hold you accountable!"

The soldiers rushed into the mansion like wolves and tigers, causing an immediate commotion.

They rummaged through boxes and drawers, searching for so-called "evidence".

These soldiers are actually made up of local ruffians. As for military discipline, it can be said that there is none.

After entering the mansion, he even began to make advances towards the women in the household.

It's just a matter of getting things done.

Li Ming stood aside, watching these soldiers acting recklessly in his own home, and a nameless anger surged in his heart.

Half an hour later, the armored soldiers who entered the mansion to search brought out fifty sets of armor and a secret letter from the school affairs office.

Li Ming looked at these so-called "evidence" and knew in his heart that he had been framed by Sun Lu.

"It's unfair! It's unfair! This is not my property, Brother Wang. I held you in my arms when you were a child! Don't come and harm my family!"

He cried out that he was innocent, but at this moment Sun Lu looked at him coldly, without a trace of sympathy or pity in his eyes.

If I let you go, will Your Majesty let me go?
"They are conspirators. Their property will be confiscated and their entire family will be exterminated. All members of the Li family will be arrested."

Sun Lu's voice was as cold as ice, as if it was a death sentence coming from the Netherworld.

When Li Ming heard this, he felt a surge of despair and indignation in his heart.

He knew that he had no way of defending himself at this point and could only allow Sun Lu to control him.

However, at this critical moment, a clear voice suddenly rang out: "Wait a minute!"

Everyone was stunned when they heard this, and they all turned their heads to look. They saw a woman in white clothes walking out of the mansion. She had a cold face, and her eyes were shining with determination and wisdom.

"Your Highness, my family is hiding weapons and colluding with the State of Wei. Do you have any real evidence?" Although the woman's voice was cold, it carried an unquestionable power.

She walked to Li Ming's side, stood side by side with him, and faced Sun Lu's questioning together.

"Daughter, what are you doing here?"

Seeing this, Sun Lu frowned slightly. He didn't expect that there was such a calm and composed woman in Li's mansion.

He sneered and said, "Evidence? Isn't this the best evidence?"

As he spoke, he pointed to the fifty sets of armor and the secret letter.

However, the woman smiled contemptuously and said, "These fifty sets of armor are used by my family to guard the courtyard. As for this secret letter, it is even more nonsense. Your Highness, as an important official of the Wu Kingdom, how can you be so rash as to accuse someone? Aren't you afraid of chilling the hearts of scholars all over the world?"

When Sun Lu heard this, his face changed. He didn't expect that this woman could be so sharp-tongued.

He snorted coldly and said, "What a sharp-tongued woman! However, no matter how you argue, today's matter is a done deal. Come on, arrest them all!"

You are very eloquent, right?

Sun Deng looked at the woman in white carefully.

This woman's skin is as white as snow, like the softest silk under the moonlight, with a faint luster that makes people unforgettable at first sight. Her facial features are exquisite, her eyebrows are like distant mountains with smoke, her eyes are like autumn water, her nose is straight and beautiful, and her lips are as elegant as petals. Every detail is just right, and the combination is even more beautiful.

Her figure is extremely graceful, tall and well-proportioned, like the most flexible bamboo in the mountains, with enviable slenderness and feminine curves. A white belt around her waist gently holds her thin waist, making her figure more graceful, like a fairy who may fly away with the wind at any time.

What a beauty!
What a beauty!
You look pretty, if you were presented to His Majesty, you might even gain greater merit!

Thinking of this, Sun Lu's mind opened up.

It is known to everyone that Your Majesty loves beauties.

Now, there is a good opportunity before him.

Confiscating the property and exterminating the clan is also a great opportunity for Your Majesty to find a beauty!
If he could win the favor of His Majesty, wouldn't Sun Lu's wealth and power be less? (End of this chapter)