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The soldiers looked at each other in dismay. Meng Fuyao peered at the lower ranking military officers and said meaningfully, ”Prince Lie is merciful, and this is known by the world. Otherwise, he would not have been able to conquer the capital in such a short time. Now that the tides have changed, he who understands the times is a wise man. It is up to you all follow this new emperor and find success or to stick to your futile struggle, die courageously here and let your old parents and young kids have no one to depend on… You can decide for yourself!”
She no longer looked at the crowd and turned to exit. Behind her, Minister Kui angrily spat out a mouthful of saliva with blood in it and yelled, ”You shameless traitor!”
”You are right.” Meng Fuyao laughed. ”The person I admire most is a traitor! Now that I finally am a traitor, I cannot be happier!”
Everyone stared at this individual with unique behavior in shock. Now, this person even dared to spout such blasphemous words - that he was 'willing to be a traitor?' Everyone cared about, and greatly valued, their reputation. But why was this fellow not afraid of the repercussions, the rumors, and for his terrible morals to be recorded in history?
Meng Fuyao only laughed, thinking about the famous turncoat officer, the Grand Preceptor, that he could finally rest in peace!
Minister Kui continued yelling and scolding, ”As loyal retainers of the imperial court, how can they just surrender without fighting…”
Pang!
Meng Fuyao grabbed a stone and shoved it in his mouth, knocking off three of his teeth. She stepped forward and retorted fiercely, ”You want to be your loyal retainer? Zhan Nancheng bestowed you with riches and beauty. All your life, you have been enjoying the benefits he had given you. So if you want to remain loyal to him, no one is stopping you. But what rights do you have to force these soldiers who never once benefitted from his rule, or rather, suffered under his rule, to die with you? Zhan Nancheng had always oppressed the good and to follow the new ruler would be to do the country good! Thirty years and the wheel of fortune has finally turned. You can follow your ruler down to hell, and we will enjoy our life under the rule of the new ruler! Just wait and see!”
On the city walls, the soldiers fell silent. Only the battle cries could be heard from afar. Everyone was secretly calculating and weighing Meng Fuyao's words. Her words had hit the nail on the head, playing on their emotions. Not only that, her straightforward words filled with righteousness won the hearts of the soldiers. Indeed, as officials of the country, they should be loyal. But why should they die? Even if they died, what about their innocent families? Furthermore, Prince Lie was renown for his love and generosity for his people. To battle and die with someone like this…
The soldiers on the city walls let their guards down. Seeing this, the opposition took the opportunity and climbed up the city walls, and he immediately attacked the first soldier beside him. That soldier saw the blade, quickly avoided with a turn and ripped off a piece of white fabric before yelling, ”We surrender!”
This single sentence broke the ice and was immediately followed by waves of cheers.
”We surrender!”
The weapons clanged against each other as soldiers threw them to the ground. Some waved the white flag in the air, others fled in disorder, but a majority of them rushed down to open the city gates.
Minister Kui closed his eyes, pained. 'The unbeatable city was finally ruined in the hands of a villain. And the city guards that were always determined to protect the capital, honored to do so, actually abandoned their weapons after listening to a few words!'
But he did not understand that circumstances, honor, love, and loyalty were the four biggest factors to conquering a person.
Meng Fuyao ignored him and smiled as she went down the stairs with Zhangsun Wuji. The Black Dragon Army's ferocious attacks gradually died down, and hundreds of soldiers worked together to open the doors. The gigantic dark brown door slowly opened as a glimmer of light shone in. A group of black horses galloped in, stirring up the dust beneath them.
They welcomed Meng Fuyao, who made it to the last step on the stairs.
The knights on the horses were filled with dirt and dust, but their backs still remained upright, like a pine tree, as their black robes fluttered in the air.
Zhan Beiye sat upright, welcoming Meng Fuyao. The horse galloped without a stop towards her and Meng Fuyao smiled as she stood at the last step, watching Zhan Beiye's burning gaze, waiting for his signature laugh and wave as he would yell. ”Fuyao, we finally met at the capital again!”
In the end… Zhan Beiye did not utter a word.
He waved his whip, spur his horse and dashed forward like an arrow. Without stopping, he passed by her and then, single-handedly grabbed her!