Chapter 722: The Real Trap (1/2)
The dispute here hadn’t yet come to an end when a loud noise was heard once more, and the distance seemed even closer. Clearly, the enemy forces were closing in.
Wu Daoyu’s expression fluctuated repeatedly, and the uneasiness in him grew by the minute. Just from listening to the sounds, one could tell that the dark races had fielded people at the level of an honored marquis, perhaps even a vice-duke. The situation on the frontlines was no doubt extremely critical. Yet, he had no choice but to remain here and bicker with Zhao Junhong—this feeling was inexplicably depressing.
At this moment, every moment wasted meant that the casualties on the front line would increase in severity. The defenders fighting there were Wu Daoyu’s lineal descendants and personal forces, the foundation of his status in the military. It would be a lie to say that he wasn’t feeling a heartache. Yet, Zhao Junhong was clearly not going to let this matter drop, and with both Prince Rui and Sun Chao present, he couldn’t storm off regardless of how dissatisfied he was.
Seeing no easy end to the debate, Sun Chao broke into a frown. He raised his hand to stop the two parties and said, “This official has come to a conclusion. There is not enough evidence to prove the Zhao clan’s collusion, this matter cannot be settled by a single party’s words. Zhao Jundu’s killing of a military major general, however, is verified. Even if this person was attempting to frame a superior, the crime itself does not warrant death. This matter shall be further investigated.”
Wu Daoyu’s expression sank somewhat, but this outcome was still within his expectations. “How about Qianye, then? Don’t tell me his vampire identity can’t be confirmed?”
These words were rather unpleasant to the ears, but Sun Chao acted as though he didn’t hear anything and merely continued in his calm voice, “Qianye possesses a blood core, this is something many people saw. Moreover, he had trespassed a restricted area and seized the vampire princess. His crimes are unpardonable. Although he has since fled the empire, he cannot escape his punishment just like that. Since this matter had arisen from the military, the military shall take the lead to assemble a team and chase down the fugitive. Does anyone have any objections? Oh right, during the operation, make sure to gather information on the mastermind behind him.”
This decision was right and proper. Although Sun Chao’s final words were quite harsh to hear, Wu Daoyu ultimately couldn’t point out what was wrong. He thus agreed to the verdict.
Zhao Junhong’s eyes lit up as he lowered his gaze with a calm expression.
Up next was Zhao Jundu’s case. Sun Chao said, “Zhao Jundu did kill a general, but the latter was also in the wrong. We are on the verge of war at the moment and thus everything will go according to priority. This investigation shall be delayed. The military department will terminate this hearing, allowing Zhao Jundu to return to the front lines and redeem himself with contributions. His punishment shall be decided on how much he had accomplished during the war. Does anyone have any objections?”
Wu Daoyu was just about to speak but, in the end, decided to swallow his words. Although he wasn’t exactly satisfied, he knew it was useless to keep Zhao Jundu locked up. Besides, even if he was punished, there was no way a princess’ son would be made to pay for a major general’s life with his own.
With the imperial family around, he would have to keep Zhao Jundu well fed and provided for—there was really no way he could do anything to this prisoner. Wu Daoyu didn’t quite have the courage to assassinate him, either. There was no way he would walk out of Indomitable alive if the Zhao clan were to find out.
From another point of consideration, he had already suffered enough hardship while defending Zhao Jundu’s sector. The dark races kept launching fierce attacks on his battlefront, pushing him back repeatedly at every turn and piercing into the outskirts of Indomitable like a wedge.
This kind of assault could easily be countered if the Zhao clan private armies on either side were to flank the enemy. It would also lessen Wu Daoyu’s pressure. Yet, the Zhao clan had hunkered down without the slightest of movements. The dark races also seemed to know that the Zhao clan wouldn’t attack—they ignored the sides entirely and charged straight in with great arrogance.
Wu Daoyu criticized the Zhao clan many times, but they would always respond by saying that it wasn’t their defensive zone.
Everyone knew about the enmity between the Zhao clan and the Minister of the Right, represented by Wu Daoyu. All the aristocratic families understood the reason why the Zhao clan wasn’t moving their troops, hence everyone simply maintained a uniform state of silence.
Many of Wu Daoyu’s generals had fallen in the past seven days, including a third of his entire force. Morale was at an all-time low and might break down at any moment. Wu Daoyu had to oversee the battle personally many times and even join the battle in order to calm the situation. However, the defenses he had worked so hard to stabilize had been broken once again while he was busy wrangling here.
Seeing Wu Daoyu keep his silence, the other aristocratic families made no objection, either. All the leaders were busy thinking about the Ancestral Fortune Palace’s decision to let the military hunt Qianye down—was this a half-hearted measure or were they giving the military a chance to silence the target? Could it be that they wanted to follow the trail and find out who the real mastermind behind this matter was?
But who would’ve thought Zhao Junhong would stand up at this point. “This matter isn’t appropriate! Jundu is one of the pillars of the empire and a crucial factor in the upcoming war. If any scoundrel or corrupted minister can bring false charges against him, how is he to fight this war? The person trying to frame Jundu during these unusual times must have other motives and is very likely an Evernight spy. If killing such a person is a crime, won’t all the warriors of the empire feel disheartened?”
Wu Daoyu roared furiously, “Zhao Jundu is just a junior, how can he be considered crucial?”
Zhao Junhong sneered, “The defensive line never shrunk a single inch in Jundu’s hands, but it’s practically crumbling in yours. If you want to know why he’s crucial, that is the very reason!”
Wu Daoyu had nothing to say. The dark races would launch occasional assaults when Zhao Jundu was in charge, but the true experts would always be intercepted by Duke You. The ex-marshal could barely hold out against experts capable of fighting on par with Duke You, hence his repeated defeats.
But how could he say that out loud?
Seeing that the two parties were about to start bickering again, Sun Chao raised his hands and stopped them from talking. “Since the Zhao clan has objections, then this official can no longer decide on this matter. I shall return to the capital right away and seek a verdict from my superiors. While this matter awaits a decision, Zhao Jundu shall remain in confinement and the military will be responsible for his defense sector.”
Wu Daoyu felt his vision grow dark and his hands turn cold. He had never imagined that this was the real trap.
The Zhao clan was clearly borrowing the dark race’s hand to bury all of his subordinate forces under the walls of Indomitable. At that time, Wu Daoyu’s wings would be clipped—although he still possessed his personal combat strength, his enemies would surely grasp the opportunity to rob him of his authority in the military. With his power gone, what was the use of being a divine champion?