Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 359 This is not the will of the sage, this is not the will of the sage! This is the will of the treacherous and deceitful!
The next day, many generals had been waiting outside the main tent all morning. His Highness the Prince of Yan had been sighing all night, while everyone else was also in a state of utter chaos...

Caught between a rock and a hard place, who can really think of a solution? Clearly, there's no other way…

It wasn't until the afternoon that the Prince of Yan summoned everyone into the central military tent, where some simple food was served. The Prince of Yan ate, and so did everyone else.

There was nothing to say...

There's really nothing more to say. To retreat would mean ruining a great opportunity, and who knows whether the bitter struggle ahead would last for decades or even centuries...

If they refuse to back down, just one look at the Prince of Yan before them will mean that one day everyone will be implicated, or the Prince of Yan will lose his life...

After wolfing down his food, the Prince of Yan stood up and glanced around. "Come on," he said, "follow me to the southeast to get some higher ground..."

No one said much, they just followed along. Hundreds of horses galloped away, and when they reached a hill about a hundred meters high, they dismounted and climbed the hill.

From the mountaintop, the view was excellent. Looking far to the east, all that could be seen were Jin army camps, tents stretching as far as the eye could see, and figures as numerous as ants...

Su Wu stood at the forefront, silent for a long time...

There's really no need to say anything. Everyone's watching with their own eyes, they can all see it. There's a Jin army in front of them, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, with tens of thousands of cavalry...

In any era, it would have been a formidable force, even during the Tang Dynasty...

Everyone can see clearly that the Jurchens are a formidable enemy!

This time, however, they submitted a memorial acknowledging their submission...

Su Wu murmured, "I really wish the Emperor could come here and see for himself..."

Upon hearing this, everyone shared the same sentiment: if the emperor himself had come here and seen this, he certainly wouldn't have issued the decree to end the war.

Unfortunately, the emperor could not possibly witness this scene.

Su Wu turned back, glancing at everyone once more, and slowly said, "If we don't retreat, our supplies will last at most one or two months. There might be a time lag, and another batch can be transported to extend our supply by a few days, but it certainly won't exceed two months. Within two months, it's absolutely impossible to destroy the Jurchens. To ensure a better situation when you fight the Jurchens again in the future, we must break through Linhuang Prefecture within a month and a half. With this city, as long as we can hold it when the Jurchens attack, it will be much easier for you to deal with them in the future..."

As you listen to these words, it sounds as if Su Wu is giving his last words...

At this point, everyone's emotions had actually calmed down considerably, unlike yesterday when many people were sighing and shaking their heads.

Lu Da also came and said, "Brother, what are you saying? Even if we fight the Jurchens again in the future, it will be you leading me back..."

Liu Zhengyan nodded in agreement: "Indeed, if Your Majesty does not come, who will lead our troops? With such an enemy before us, who can keep the morale of the army high? Who can say that we are certain of victory? Besides... Your Majesty, who can we trust? Traveling thousands of miles beyond the Great Wall is no joke."

Su Wu waved his hand, turned back to look at the Jurchen camp in the distance, and slowly said, "You have never thought this through. In fact, whether we retreat or not, I will never again be able to command thousands of miles of border troops as I am today, and you will never again fight under my command..."

Everyone was taken aback by what he said. What did he mean?

The logic is not difficult. Once this war ends, whether Su Wu returns to Xuanma to become prime minister or goes back to the capital to atone for his crimes, how could he possibly be allowed to control such immense power in the future?
Su Wu's power is now far too great; even someone like An Lushan is far inferior to him today...

Such power wielded by Su Wu would be unreasonable in any era.

Su Wu continued, “So this time, we will not retreat. No matter what, we must capture Linhuang Prefecture to create a favorable situation for your future battles. Otherwise, you will have to fight for many years and lose many of your comrades. If the war goes badly, the consequences will be unimaginable. So this time, I have made up my mind. No matter what, the war must continue!”

"What will you do, brother, in a little over a month?" Lu Da asked anxiously.

With his back to the crowd, Su Wu gently waved his hand: "A long time ago, I said a saying: 'If it benefits the country, I will risk my life; how can I avoid danger or seek fortune?' Today, I will put this saying into practice. No matter how the emperor sees me, no matter how the court officials see me, no matter how the people of the world see me, today, for the country, for the people, for the nation, this time we must fight!"

The sky was high, the clouds were pure, and a gentle breeze blew by, causing Su Wu's clothes to flutter lightly...

As the sun slanted in, it shone directly on Su Wu, making his magnificent robes adorned with golden dragons and pythons gleam brilliantly...

What do we mean by greatness, justice, and light? Sometimes it's hard to think about, but sometimes it's very intuitive and goes straight to the heart!
Yue Fei was not just one person; he represented a large group of people!

It is precisely because of people like him that we understand them the most, feel them the most, and empathize with them the most!
Lu Da suddenly burst into tears. When it comes to pure-heartedness, no one can surpass Lu Da. He said in one sentence: "If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have said those words about retreating yesterday. I should have said to retreat yesterday!"

Clearly, Lu Da and the others had sensed that the Prince of Yan's intentions were now resolute.

Even with Lu Da's words, Yue Fei immediately lowered his head. How could he not regret it too late? He had said many things yesterday, and perhaps it was the words of the crowd that forced the Prince of Yan to this point...

I also long for the monarch, the emperor, and I look forward to the day when the emperor will be wise and sagacious, able to understand the principles of things and know loyalty and righteousness!

Thinking of this, Yue Fei said, "Your Majesty, we generals will definitely submit a joint petition to the Emperor, explaining today's events clearly. The Emperor is wise and will surely understand Your Majesty's loyalty and righteousness today!"

Su Wu turned to look, smiled, a bitter smile. The young man was very clever, but he was still young and lacked understanding of the evil in people's hearts.

It was Wu Yong who said, "Don't act recklessly. If you do that, won't you be putting the King in an even more desperate situation?"

Yue Fei was puzzled and looked around.

No one explained it to him...

Su Wu turned around and said, "Let's go back and prepare for battle!"

Everyone nodded and followed Su Wu back to camp. Many people also looked back to take another look at the endless Jin army camps...

Su Wu, who was at the very front, added, "You must fight to the death this time. I am willing to die, but I must die with a name that will last for eternity, not with a name that will be cursed for all time!"

The implication is that Su Wu must win the battle; only by winning will all his efforts have meaning. If he disobeys the imperial decree and loses, he will be condemned for eternity, and there will be no way to clear his name.

Those behind were overcome with grief...

Then Yue Fei immediately shouted, "This humble general is the vanguard; I'd rather die first!"

Then I heard voices rising from all sides.

"Let's die together!"

"To live and die together, this is the day!"

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I would never dare to have the slightest thought of hiding my life!"

"Victory is certain!" This was shouted by Liu Keshi, who was truly unwilling to die in this battle.

Su Wu rode down the mountain at full speed and returned home immediately.

Everyone returned to the main tent...

Su Wu summoned Xuan Zan and said to him, “Go back now, go back quickly, the sooner the better. When you return, tell him that I, Su Wu, hold the power in the army and refuse to withdraw the troops, which has nothing to do with anyone else!”

Xuan Zan was in a dilemma. How could he not admire Su Wu at this moment? He said, "Your Majesty, when I return, I will certainly report back to you truthfully about what happened in the army!"

Yue Fei rose up in anger and added, "Yes, Xuan Chengzhi, just go back and tell them that all the soldiers share this view and that the troops cannot be withdrawn!"

How could Yue Fei be a man without loyalty?
Then Yao Pingzhong rebuked Yue Fei, saying, "Stop your nonsense! Just focus on fighting your battle!"

Yue Fei was rebuked by the old man, his face turned red, and he looked around, speechless for a moment.

Su Wu nodded and continued to Xuan Zan, saying, "You are a prince consort, a man of knowledge. How could you not know that many things are futile and may even lead to good intentions gone wrong? Do not involve the others, and do not go back to frighten the emperor. It was all done by me alone and has nothing to do with the generals."

In his grief, Xuanzan nodded helplessly, "Yes, yes, I obey..."

"Go quickly, don't dawdle on the way!" Su Wu waved his hand.

Xuan Zan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please take care! Everyone, please take care!"

As he spoke, Xuanzan had already left.

"Let's disperse..." Su Wu waved his hand and left.

Everyone nodded in agreement. There was no point in arguing anymore. The leader was the Prince of Yan. The Prince of Yan was a decisive man. There was no point in talking. Just do what needed to be done and follow him to the death. That would be in accordance with the Prince of Yan's personal loyalty.

What do rights and status matter? What do wealth and honor matter?
At least at this moment, it doesn't matter...

Yue Fei went out, feeling upset and frustrated. He looked around and then chased after Yao Pingzhong to his side.

"Why did you come along?" Yao Pingzhong, who was always in a bad mood, was even more upset now because of his grief.

Yue Fei remained unperturbed, bowing politely before asking, "This humble general would like to ask you for some guidance..."

"Ask for advice? Hmph! According to what you just said in the main tent, we soldiers are all of one mind, all supporting the will of the Prince of Yan and disobeying the Emperor's orders? Wouldn't the Emperor be so terrified that he would immediately summon troops from all over the country to the north to stop our return? You, me, and everyone else have become the Prince of Yan's trusted followers, all of us have become traitors and rebels!"

Yao Pingzhong's attitude was indeed poor, but he did explain things to Yue Fei in detail.

Yue Fei was immediately stunned on the spot...

"Naive and laughable. The way of a subject is so difficult, and the affairs between ruler and subject are so complicated. There is an old saying that serving a ruler is like serving a tiger. Is that just nonsense? What a joke..."

Yao Pingzhong didn't wait for Yue Fei; he just kept walking quickly.

Yue Fei was repeatedly reprimanded, but instead of turning red in the face, he turned pale. He had just been a sunny young man on the street, full of passion and wondering where to put his martial arts skills to use...

Before yesterday, he was a brave and resourceful general who displayed his talents on the battlefield. From ambushing enemy scouts to leading an army to fight to the death and achieve great victories, he rose to prominence and was full of vigor.

I felt that everything in the world was beautiful, and the future was even more promising. There was also the ambition to serve my country and the desire to leave a mark on history...

But at this moment, I suddenly felt that the world was no longer beautiful, as if something was collapsing.

No one paid him any attention, and he walked back to his camp like a walking corpse.

If it were someone else, this matter wouldn't have escalated to this point, but it was Yue Fei who made such a fuss.

Xuan Zan galloped along the road. The borderlands were dangerous, and he was carrying important business, so he dared not linger. He knew everything, and he knew how important his task was: to deliver the message to the capital and make sure everyone knew that the act of defying the imperial decree was done by Su Wu alone.

In this way, the mighty army of the Great Song Dynasty can be preserved in the future, and it will still have the capital to fight the Jurchens again. He also saw it with his own eyes on that mountain. The Jurchens are not some insignificant people. They are an extremely powerful enemy!
He rode at full speed, and the faster the horse galloped, the more frustrated and upset Xuanzan felt. He really didn't know how things had turned out this way.

This once prosperous Song Dynasty, in just a few short years, seems to have turned into something strange...

Lately, he has often looked worried in the Privy Council, not because of today's events, but because of other things, such as military intelligence coming in from all over the country from time to time.

There was a lot of military news: bandits had broken out in Hebei, Lingnan, Fujian, and even Sichuan, not to mention Shaanxi, where bandits were also breaking out...

In the Jiangnan and Zhejiang regions, news of Mani remnants causing trouble still comes from time to time...

Although the rebel forces were not large, many prefectures were prepared to respond. Once the Privy Council's military order arrived, many prefectures launched a coordinated attack, which weakened and eventually annihilated the rebel forces.

But why are thieves everywhere? It's not that thieves haven't been around before, but they've never all suddenly gathered together and caused such chaos...

This world is strange!
Inside the Linhuang Mansion, Su Wu was still waiting, waiting for the signal from the Khitan noble youth, Sa Ba, to carry out his mission.

Su Wu was clearly starting to get anxious. Sometimes at night, when he couldn't sleep, he would personally go out of the village to the mountain to see if the signal fire of Sa Ba had been lit.

Each time, he returned empty-handed. Wu Yong advised him that this matter could not be rushed, for haste makes things difficult. It must be the right time, the right place, and the right people. It must be that Sa Ba gradually becomes familiar with people in the army, becomes less reserved and cautious, and others begin to trust him more. Then things will naturally fall into place...

Su Wu listened attentively, but time was of the essence, and he thought to himself, if all else fails, then he'll force it.

Since the Shiwei and Khitan attacked Linhuangfu city, the Jurchens have formed a pincer movement from their strongholds, ready to provide reinforcements at any time. So let's fight them to the death...

This was a last resort, something Su Wu was extremely unwilling to do... When the month and a half deadline arrived, this was the only option.

Why should we leave some provisions on the road and some in reserve for a month and a half, so that we don't really run out of food?

Su Wu also sent a document to urge Datong and the Northwest to send another batch of grain as soon as possible.

The supply of grain and fodder for the grasslands was being urged daily, with people even being sent to urge them on sternly.

Xuanzan returned to Tokyo. He was a prince consort, a member of the imperial family, and now held a high official position and a rising status. Therefore, he was able to meet the emperor in person to report to him, as the emperor had summoned him to do so.

After Xuan Zan finished his report, the Emperor, sitting behind his desk in the study, flew into a rage: "What is Su Wu trying to do? To make me lose faith with the world? To make the people of the world and foreign nations laugh at me? Or does he already harbor rebellious thoughts of coveting power?" Upon hearing this, Xuan Zan said: "I think Your Majesty is overthinking it. His Highness the Prince of Yan... uh... is unparalleled in loyalty and righteousness!"

Xuan Zan had once fought alongside Su Wu in battle, and his current position as Deputy Chief of the Privy Council was undoubtedly a result of Su Wu's promotion.

Wang Fu said in one breath: "Xuan Junma, you may leave now. I will personally explain to His Majesty!"

Xuan Zan had no choice but to bow and leave.

As soon as Xuanzan left, the Emperor pointed to the door and said, "Look, Su Wu has already won over the hearts of the people to this extent; even a prince consort has to say that he is unparalleled in loyalty and righteousness..."

Wang Fu nodded: "Your Majesty, at this moment, these are all minor matters. We should immediately reveal Su Wu's true colors to the world, letting everyone know that he harbors evil intentions..."

"You shall take care of this matter immediately. In my name, issue an edict rebuking Su Wu for his rebelliousness, greed for power, abuse of his military power for personal enrichment, arrogance, disloyalty, and injustice!"

How could the emperor not be scolding someone? But he didn't directly accuse Su Wu of treason or anything like that.

Wang Fu nodded and added, "There's something even more urgent..."

"Then why are you keeping me in suspense?"

"Your Majesty, Su Wu commands the strongest army of our Great Song Dynasty. If he were to lead his troops to do something as he did when he stormed the palace, it would be unimaginable. Therefore, we must be on guard..."

"Go on, keep going..."

"Your Majesty, Su Wu should strictly order the border prefectures and counties not to supply him with grain and money anymore. I can go north again to personally supervise this matter. In this way, without grain, Su Wu will find it difficult to reassure the Han soldiers... Also... tens of thousands of strong troops should not be allowed to enter the country easily. This way, they can be easily controlled and their soldiers and generals will become disloyal to Su Wu. At that time, Su Wu may be able to enter the capital as a convict!"

Wang Fu's plan wouldn't have worked before, but it's perfect now. Before, there was no reason or excuse, so it was purely a frame-up. Now, Su Wu's crime of disobeying the imperial order is perfectly legitimate.
As long as you control the army, you control Su Wu. No matter how strong Su Wu is, without money and supplies, he can't do anything.

The emperor was thinking, thinking a great deal... and remained silent...

But then his gaze suddenly fell on Wang Fu, and he nodded slightly…

Wang Fu was overjoyed; the matter was accomplished!

He quickly added, “Your Majesty, the two northern locations are crucial: Datong and the northwestern prefecture. There are four people there: Zhang Xiaochun, Wang Bing, Zhong Shidao, and Zhong Shizhong! The two Zhongs are truly loyal and righteous; I have seen them. Zhong Shizhong even said he was willing to die alongside Su Wu. Zhang Xiaochun and Wang Bing, however, mostly made excuses. Therefore, it is safer for me to go to Datong to supervise. We should send another person to the northwest… just in case…”

"Whom should we send?" the emperor asked.

He was also wondering who was suitable. In fact, the emperor clearly had no one he could use, no one he could truly trust.

But then Wang Fu asked, "What about Qin Hui?"

"Him?" The emperor instinctively disagreed.

Wang Fu immediately said, “Your Majesty, Qin Hui has been coming to sit with me for a long time every now and then these past few days. Why is that? He knows the general situation and he also knows that he is guilty. In the art of employing people, it is better to use those who have done wrong than those who have done good. How could he not know that his whole family is in the capital, right under the emperor's nose, and Su Wu is unable to return from beyond the Great Wall? If Qin Hui is disloyal in the Northwest, wouldn't he be courting death?”

The emperor nodded slightly. In his entire life, he had always been the most obedient to advice, and he also felt that there was some truth to it.

Wang Fu continued, "This is also to force him to break with Su Wu, and to further damage Su Wu's personal morale. Even Qin Hui, whom Su Wu trusts most, has changed. How can Su Wu not be anxious? Your Majesty, rest assured, Su Wu will fight to the death in the Northwest Army! No matter what Qin Hui wants to do, he will be powerless to stop him! This is also a true test of Qin Hui's abilities. If he performs well in this test of loyalty, he will be useful in the future!"

The emperor nodded solemnly: "Alright, I'll do as you say. Go and do it immediately!"

Wang Fu nodded and hurried off, his face beaming with joy. This was because Qin Hui had indeed invited Wang Fu to meet many times in the past few days, each time with a grand procession of carriages.

Wang Fu's family fortune had been confiscated by the deposed crown prince, so he was clearly quite poor. Qin Hui's actions were incredibly ruthless; how could they not stir people's hearts?

Of course, this is only one point. Another point is that Qin Hui was really smart and cunning. He had an exceptionally high IQ and EQ. When he coaxed Wang Fu, he had countless words that were more eloquent than singing.

Why did Qin Hui suddenly act this way? It was out of desperation. His plans had failed, and even the Prince of Yan's father-in-law had surrendered. He had to find another way to survive, didn't he? After much scheming, he eventually turned to Wang Fu. Even if it meant sacrificing his wealth, exhausting his words, and losing all his dignity, he had to find a way to live.

Qin Hui had indeed found the right person; Wang Fu was indeed tempted.

Besides, Wang Fu was completely isolated in the court, a figurehead all along. In the past, Cai Jing had him firmly under control, and later he was further tormented by the deposed crown prince...

Now that he wants to gain power, how can he not seek help? Qin Hui is talented and already holds the high position of Censor-in-Chief. As long as Qin Hui is protected, he will be so grateful that from now on, Qin Hui will follow his lead.
And then there's the powerful Wang clan behind Qin Hui...

Moreover, the Wang family has close ties with many prominent families in Jingdong. If they are plotting against Su Wu today, they will also have matters concerning Jingdong in the future. Wouldn't that be twice as effective with half the effort?
Once all this is accomplished, Wang Fu will be firmly in his position as Prime Minister, far surpassing Cai Jingxu in his future.

Wang Fu left the palace in high spirits. Everything he planned seemed to go smoothly, as if he had the perfect timing, location, and people all at his disposal.

Where is Qin Hui now?
He was waiting for Wang Fu outside the Left Gate at this very moment, and had been waiting for a long time.

As soon as Wang Fu came out, he hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Lord Wang!"

Wang Fu smiled and walked forward, waving his hand: "Your matter is settled. Go back and get a good night's sleep."

Qin Hui was overjoyed and followed behind, bowing repeatedly: "Thank you, Prime Minister Wang! I bow again!"

"No need for such formalities. If we serve in the same court in the future, wouldn't that make us a laughing stock?" Wang Fu chuckled.

Qin Hui straightened up a bit and asked, "I wonder if you have any free time this afternoon, sir?"

"What is it?" Wang Fu asked.

"If I have the time, I would like to pay you a visit again and ask for a drink..." Qin Hui added.

Wang Fu stopped and turned around: "Sigh... It's not that I'm unwilling, but how about tomorrow? Someone is coming this afternoon, and it's inconvenient for you to come..."

"Oh, then from tomorrow!" Qin Hui nodded, without asking any further questions.

But Wang Fu insisted on asking, "Who do you think is coming?"

Qin Hui shook his head: "Then I do not know."

"I might as well tell you, I'll promote you to the Imperial City Guard!" Wang Fu said, glancing at Qin Hui with a deeper meaning in his voice; his words were not spoken lightly.

We must give Qin Hui a good scare!
Who was the person in charge of the Imperial City Guard? Needless to say, it was Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, the emperor's favorite son, a prince who could become the top scholar in the imperial examination, and a prince who almost deposed the crown prince because of him.

This is to let Qin Hui know just how powerful this tree truly is. He must be careful not to ruin his own future.

How could Qin Hui not be shocked? He also recalled that Wang Fu had been busy with the matter of changing the crown prince in the past, and the two of them were indeed very close.

If you understand, how could you not?

Qin Hui immediately bowed: "This humble official will do everything in his power to serve you, sir!"

"Alright, that's exactly what I've been waiting for. Go back and wait, you'll have a job soon!" Wang Fu waved and got into the carriage.

After getting into the car, Wang Fu suddenly felt light and fluffy, as soft as cotton. This feeling, this state, was indescribably good, even more comfortable than if he had taken an elixir...

For a moment, Wang Fu shook his head and muttered, "Perhaps this is what Grand Tutor Cai felt back then..."

When he went to work at the Hall of State Affairs, he was required to issue another imperial edict, ordering Su Wu to cease hostilities and fulfill the emperor's duty, and so on... His words would then reveal a hint of harshness...

He also had to announce it to the world, so that everyone would know of Su Wu's crimes.

It is said that the most talked-about matter in the capital city of Tokyo is still the Jurchens submitting a petition to submit to the emperor. How can the things that Qin Hui did before be reversed immediately?

Whether in schools, on the streets, or in brothels and entertainment districts, public opinion had already taken hold, with discussions continuing daily. This was partly due to the Emperor's prolonged delay in retracting his decree, which only fueled the growing debate...

Even many insightful individuals, those of noble character, and passionate young people have written articles, poems, and lyrics to express that philosophical discussions are everywhere...

Qin Hui also had his share of troubles, and quite a lot of troubles. He had to go to the Imperial Academy from time to time to appease the many students. He couldn't admit that he was being disrespectful to the students, so he could only speak to them, using nothing more than methods of deceiving his superiors and subordinates...

The words of reassurance were still being considered by the emperor, and the ministers were submitting memorials and discussing the matter. They were suggesting waiting a little longer, and also urging everyone not to act impulsively or submit any more memorials...

The scholars still trusted Qin Hui to a certain extent, so they didn't actually do anything reckless; they just socialized and talked about him everywhere...

Qin Hui was also in a state of great distress, trying to figure out how to quell the public opinion he had personally stirred up.

I couldn't think of a solution for the time being.

Why?

The reasoning behind the current public opinion is so sound, it's practically the truth. When Qin Hui first articulated this truth, he used every trick in the book. Now, it's incredibly difficult for Qin Hui to overturn this truth himself.

In the afternoon, Qin Hui was at the Imperial Academy. After completing several tasks, Wang Fu received guests at home.

An imperial edict was posted outside Donghua Gate, detailing Su Wu's crimes.

Many government offices also received imperial edicts, which detailed Su Wu's crimes.

The imperial gazette would also be printed and distributed throughout the country, detailing Su Wu's crimes of disobeying the imperial decree.

Just one more day passed, and Bianjing City became lively, causing quite a stir throughout the city!

It is said that Su Wu disobeyed imperial orders, coveted power, enriched himself by commanding troops, was arrogant about his achievements, and was disloyal and unjust...

Suddenly, a huge commotion broke out in Bianjing City.

Inside the Imperial Academy, the debates on the classics were particularly lively.

Someone exclaimed in surprise, "How did things come to this?"

Some people were saying, "Sigh... no matter what, it's true that His Highness Prince Yan disobeyed the imperial decree..."

Others retorted, "In matters of national importance, which is more important and which is less important? The actions of the Prince of Yan are for the sake of the country and its people, and there is nothing wrong with them!"

"I'm not saying that the Prince of Yan is inappropriate, but rather that no matter what, one should first respect the Emperor's will; this is the duty of a subject!"

"Foolish! There's an old saying that a general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders; there's always some truth to that..."

"No... I mean, as a subject, if the emperor is wrong, one can first respect him and then defend him. It's like at home, if one's father is wrong, one shouldn't openly disobey him, but speak ill of him behind his back. This way, one can fulfill one's filial duty..."

"What you're saying...you..."

"Let me speak, let me speak. As the sages have said, 'A ruler with honest ministers will not perish; a father with honest sons will not perish.' The King of Yan is such an honest minister, just like the upright censors who speak frankly and even die for their principles. That is the same principle! This is what makes him a good name!"

"That's well said..."

"I'm not saying anything about the Prince of Yan... Alas... I'm saying that if such a thing is set as a precedent, others will follow suit in the future, wouldn't the affairs of the state be thrown into chaos? The country will cease to be a country!"

……

The crowd was arguing amongst themselves, spittle flying everywhere, and everyone had their own reasons.

Many people also went to see Chen Dong, after all, Chen Dong is an opinion leader.

But then Chen Dong said, "This is not the will of the sage, this is not the will of the sage! This is the will of the treacherous and deceitful!"

Chen Dong's words were forceful and decisive, even definitive, effectively ending the discussion!

Everyone who heard this was shocked!
"What are your intentions, Brother Chen?" someone asked.

Chen Dong uttered a single sentence: "Submit a petition!"

Chen Dong started walking out, and many of the imperial students followed him. However, some did not follow, looking helpless and embarrassed...

It is also said that outside Linhuang Prefecture, an imperial edict is still to arrive, and Su Wu is still waiting, waiting for Sa Ba's letter...

He once again personally climbed to a high place to wait and see...

(Goodnight, guys!)

(End of this chapter)