Chapter 442 - To War! (1/2)
Translator: StarReader
Editor: Elitecoder
At long last, the sun dawned on the imperial capital after a tumultuous night, finding the city guards at their posts and the order restored.
Zhuge Changfeng and many officials were waiting in the Prime Minister’s mansion for updates.
A shadow burst in and whispered in Zhuge Changfeng’s ear, causing his smile to widen.
“Prime Minister sir, what’s the situation?” The Minister of War asked.
Zhuge Changfeng shook his head, “Like a true failure he is, the second prince could never live up to His Majesty’s ability.”
“However…” And he laughed, “Thanks to the second prince’s tantrum, he left His Majesty open to scrutiny. He is indeed playing the empty city tactic. All he has are some shadow guards and wounded imperial guards.”
The Minister of War proposed, “Then we can…”
“Of course!”
Zhuge Changfeng was firm, having grasped the truth, “The old man has gone all in on this move of his. He has sent his forces to deal with those two yet sits steady on his throne to blind us. He’d never guess that his treasured empty city tactic is now in shambles. It’s like the heavens are begging us to take this chance. Ha-ha-ha…
“Minister, our forces can begin. Take the Imperial Palace within the week!” Zhuge Changfeng’s eyes flashed, his voice stern.
The Minister of War saluted, as did the rest of the excited officials.
[The time for a new ruler is upon us…]
News of the second prince’s rebellion spread like wildfire, reaching Dugu Zhantian’s ears thousands of miles away three days later.
Dugu Zhantian panicked and was about to turn back. He didn’t even get to strike camp though as a yellow flash landed before the marshal’s tent bearing a scroll with imperial edict on it.
Dugu Zhantian convened with his tigers and received the order.
“Hear ye, the Emperor’s edict. Marshal Dugu is to stamp out the traitors and press on with valor. He is not to return without results!”
The Radiant Stage messenger was one of the few capable guards the emperor had left. For him to come at this time spoke of the importance of this order.
Dugu Zhantian took the edict, “I am honored. May His Majesty live a long and prosperous life!”
And then he put on a heavy look, “Is His Majesty… safe?”
“Rest easy, Marshal Dugu. Everything has been handled. Second prince’s rebellion was put down swiftly.” The messenger smiled.
Dugu Zhantian relaxed, yet was pensive, “But this would’ve revealed all the forces by His Majesty’s side…”
His aged face was filled with wrinkles from all the worry once more.
The messenger spoke with admiration, “Marshal Dugu is indeed loyal to a fault to the nation. To be frank, His Majesty’s guard isn’t looking good. But as you can see from His Majesty’s decree, you cannot return.”
“His Majesty is burning all his boats. For peace in Tianyu, he is willing to forgo even his safety…” Dugu Zhantian shook his head.
The messenger nodded slowly.
After he left, Dugu Zhantian looked at the thin paper in his hands for a long time.
The emperor feared he’d rush back after catching the news of the capital and sent this Radiant Stage expert.
Any delay would not only promise a swift end to Zhuo Fan and Regent Estate’s war, but would also give them time to recoup. There’d be no point in going then, turning into both sides losing.
Dugu Zhantian was once again touched by his emperor’s concern and struck out camp to set off.
Only this time, his marching was faster, hoping to settle the matters here and get back to the imperial capital before anything worse happened…
Meanwhile, in a deep ravine, Luo clan and Regent Estate were each parked on the hills opposite of each other, each eying the other with the thirst for battle.
Despite the declarations of war, despite the drive to quell each other, they still had some qualms about fighting, fears revolving around hidden traps. But time was of the essence and the sooner they got this over and done with, the better.
Which led to an accord to the face-off here, at Troubled Falcon’s Gully, in a head-on and above board manner.