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The Captains tried to step back to escape, but suddenly, they realized that they could not move. It turned out that while they were in a state of shock over Zheng Hui's sudden death, their comrades who had previously been bought over by Meng Fuyao had silently captured them.

They glanced at Zheng Hui's corpse and at their comrades beside them. For a long while, they stayed silent, and no one resisted.

Standing in front of the lifeless body, Meng Fuyao slowly smiled.

Killing the least number of people to achieve the greatest effect was what Zhangsun Wuji always said.

She was able and well-prepared enough to easily kill all of them, but why should she go through all that trouble? Why should she push people to a dead end and risk suffering unnecessary revoke? Wouldn't it be easier for them to give up their struggle and completely surrender to her by letting them witness their superior's death and their comrades' betrayal?

Any human would have a herd mentality. If others fought with their lives, one would be willing to follow and sacrifice his life. If everyone else chose to surrender, one would feel that counting him in would not make much of a difference.

Meng Fuyao stood in the pool of blood, and she felt a bit tired as she looked towards the city gates. Time was not on her side. She was a soldier that appeared out of nowhere and only had enough time to become the Commander at the very last moment. Although she had the greatest amount of power, there was not enough time for her to establish her authority and be able to lead the entire Imperial Army to revolt with her. What she could do was to try to destroy the core of the strongest one-third of Pandu's military strength!

After instructing the four Vice Captains to organize their troops to swap out the palace guards, and then locking up those who have surrendered with Jian Shuangjin, Meng Fuyao heaved a sigh of relief. When she walked out of the camp, she bumped into a person.

Xie Yu.

Meng Fuyao squinted her eyes at him. 'Did he not heed the decree and attend the court assembly in the palace? Things could get troublesome,' she thought.

Xie Yu looked at her solemnly and was about to speak, but Meng Fuyao spoke first. Taking out the Tiger Tally and the self-made decree, she said, ”Vice Minister Xie, you came at the right time. Are you here to accompany me to take over the imperial guards? His Majesty has ordered me to be in charge of the Imperial Army and imperial guards, and take over the responsibility of defending the inner city.”

When Xie Yu saw the decree, he raised his eyebrows in suspicion, and he took it over to have a closer look. Then, he scrutinized the Tiger Tally. As an experienced general, he was naturally able to identify these objects. However, even as his face paled, he still maintained a straight face. ”General Meng, you're still young and might not be able to shoulder such a heavy responsibility. I have received orders from the three Ministers to temporarily take over the imperial guards and fight alongside you. In my opinion, since His Majesty trusts you, it will be better for you to enter the palace to protect him. Leave the defense of the city gates to me.”

”Oh?” Meng Fuyao raised her eyebrows and smiled. ”The Ministers have delivered their order? Can I have a look?”

After a moment of hesitation, Xie Yu slowly took out a piece of paper from his robes and handed it to Meng Fuyao, who laughed when she saw it.

She chuckled and pointed to the bottom corner of the decree. Where there was supposed to be the marks of three stamps, only one of them was present. Raising her eyebrows, she smiled at Xie Yu. ”I have only heard of an order given by all three Ministers, but I've never heard that merely one stamp can also be counted as an order.”

Xie Yu's lips twitched, and moments later, he replied coldly, ”I'm an executing an order given by Minister Kui. Both of us will shoulder all responsibility and accept our punishments in front of His Majesty. Captain Meng, just follow the order.”

”No such thing,” Meng Fuyao returned the order to him and smirked. ”Vice Minister Xie, your request is absolutely ridiculous. An order given by Minister Kui who only has one-third of the authority to do so, cannot possibly override the authority of His Majesty's decree or the Tiger Tally in my hands. Unless you opine that Minister Kui's order is even holier than the decree or the tally?”

This was inevitably forcing Xie Yu to admit to a major wrongdoing. However, Xie Yue maintained a nonchalant expression. ”Minister Kui has already led the imperial guards to the city gates to defend against the enemy. He said that, as a court official, for him to be able to sacrifice his life in war for His Majesty, meant much more to him than being surrounded by great fortune during death. Same goes for me. Captain Meng, since you're not willing to execute the order, I will not force you as well. I'll just personally chat with the Imperial Army soldiers.”

Meng Fuyao's eyelid twitched as a sign of bad omen - she never knew that this bastard was actually deadly loyal to Zhan Nancheng. After managing the Imperial Army for many years, his reputation as a just and strict leader had earned him the respect and affection of the soldiers, allowing him to establish strong authority within the camp. He had much more of a say in the camp than her, who had just suddenly appeared two months ago. If he showed up, even if the Captains who had surrendered to her did not betray her, the soldiers would also follow him. Her efforts would be put to waste.

After those thoughts flashed by in her mind, she beamed. Opening up her arms, she said, ”Why do we need to fight over this? Aren't we all doing this for the longevity of our empire? And to spare no effort into our dying days for His Majesty's rule? Vice Minister Xie, you're a long-time general of Heaven Demon, and your experience and conduct are spectacular. Since I'm young and less knowledgeable, I'll naturally heed your orders.”

Xie Yu revealed an expression of joy, and as he looked at her from head to toe, he nodded. ”This would be great.”

”However,” Meng Fuyao added. ”Vice Minister Xie, your order is, after all, an incomplete order from the three Ministers, whereas I'm holding on to the decree and the Tiger Tally. You might dare to look down on the decree, but I don't; you want to be buried in horsehide, while I only think of staying loyal to His Majesty's instructions. Come, let's each take a step back.”

She turned around and pointed at the Imperial Army camp. ”Two-thirds of the camp will defend the palace, while the rest will follow me to defend the city gates alongside you and Minister Kui. If His Majesty blames me in the future, I'll count on you and Minister Kui to speak up for me. How's that?”