Huang Bo’s face flushed crimson with rage as he retorted, “How dare you! Minister Meng holds the esteemed position of Vice Commissioner of the Privy Council—how could a mere frontier commander like you defame her so baselessly!”
Song Zhirui quickly stepped between them, attempting to mediate. “We are all comrades; let us not resort to such hostility.”
Luo Bitao, known for his blunt temperament, was equally incensed. “Do you think I fabricated this evidence to frame her?!” He turned to Di Nian and declared, “The proof is undeniable. It is up to you, General Di, to make the final judgment.”
Di Nian frowned deeply as he looked at Huang Bo. “It has been five days, yet we have received no letter from Minister Meng, nor any news from the Northern Frontier camp. This is truly perplexing. I summoned you here to recount in detail what transpired at the Northern Frontier camp, so we may determine our next course of action.”
Fuming, Huang Bo blurted out, “That day, I accompanied Minister Meng through the pass. We were met by a man named Yue Linxi. Later, at the Northern Frontier camp, Minister Meng conferred with this Yue and another surnamed Zhao. No one else was permitted inside the tent, so I was taken aside to wait. After a considerable time, Minister Meng emerged, stating that she had persuaded the Northern Frontier to petition for increased annual tributes. She then relayed the same account I later reported to all of you generals. That was all there was to it. Minister Meng insisted she had her own plans and compelled me to return first.”
Song Zhirui pressed carefully, “So, you neither witnessed Minister Meng’s discussions with the Northern Frontier nor heard what was said?”
Huang Bo scowled. “If Minister Meng did not allow me to remain by her side, how could I have overstepped?”
Luo Bitao, clutching the paper tightly, glared and exclaimed, “There is nothing more to ask! His account, combined with this document, leaves no room for doubt! Ordering our troops to retreat thirty li was undoubtedly a scheme concocted between Meng Tinghui and the Northern Frontier to seize control of the Golden Gorge Pass. How infuriating that we trusted this man’s one-sided testimony!”
After a moment of contemplation, Song Zhirui remarked gravely, “This matter is indeed suspicious. If Minister Meng were entirely innocent, why did she insist on taking only Huang Bo to the camp? And why exclude him from the discussions with the Northern Frontier as a witness? We were too trusting of her and never questioned her negotiations—otherwise, we would not be in this predicament.”
Luo Bitao fixed a fierce glare on Huang Bo. “Do not bother defending her further. I even suspect you were complicit, colluding with her under Northern Frontier bribes to commit this treasonous act!”
Trembling with fury, Huang Bo turned toward the command desk. “General Di, I refuse to believe Minister Meng is a traitor. She has served the court for years, always acting in the Emperor’s interests—how could she possibly conspire with the Northern Frontier? My family has served in the military for three generations, each one loyal and righteous. I myself joined the Imperial Guard Platoon at fourteen and have remained steadfastly devoted to the Emperor all these years—heaven and earth bear witness!”
Di Nian leaned against the desk, lost in thought for a long while before casting a cold glance at the others. “It is too early to draw conclusions. For now, select a team and dispatch them immediately to the Northern Frontier to investigate Minister Meng’s whereabouts. We will decide our next move once they return.”
Huang Bo sprang to his feet urgently. “Let me go!”
Without hesitation, Luo Bitao dismissed the idea. “In your dreams! If you were to go, who is to say you would not hatch another treacherous plot in secret?!”Di Nian raised his hand to stop the two men from arguing, lowering his voice: "Huang Bo will remain in my tent, and General Luo need not concern himself with this matter. General Song will select the troops and dispatch them from camp immediately."
Song Zhirui obeyed the order and turned to leave at once. Luo Bitao, unwilling to share a tent with Huang Bo, stormed out angrily.
Huang Bo sat with a pale face, his brows furrowed. "General Di, do you believe me?"
Di Nian's expression was equally grim. "What difference does it make whether I believe you or not? Once the men sent by Song Zhirui return, the truth will be clear."
·
They waited until nightfall, but the troops did not return.
Somehow, a whisper of the matter had leaked out, causing officers and soldiers throughout the camp to murmur among themselves, debating whether Meng Tinghui could truly be the traitorous villain. Given the current situation and recalling her previous reputation in the capital's court, even Imperial Army officers who had once held her in high regard couldn't help but suspect the strangeness of it all.
Huang Bo grew restless in the central command tent, his anxiety plain to see.
The late July weather was sweltering, and even in the northern nights, the military tent was stifling. Though drenched in sweat from waiting, he refused to leave even for a moment.
It was past 9 p.m. when a scout finally brought news: the troops Song Zhirui had sent to inquire about Meng Tinghui had all been detained by the Northern Frontier, with none returning.
This news spread instantly throughout the camp, making Luo Bitao and others waiting in the central command tent lose their composure completely.
"Damn it!" Luo Bitao cursed loudly. "That Zhao Hui has the gall to detain our men!" He turned to Di Nian. "General Di, is there any more to consider? The Northern Frontier's earlier peace overtures were clearly a ruse—Meng Tinghui must be colluding with them!"
Huang Bo felt chills running down his spine but still managed to say, "General Di, perhaps Minister Meng has also been captured by the Northern Frontier, which is why they're holding our troops."
"Bullshit!" Luo Bitao strode forward, grabbing Huang Bo by the collar and lifting him up. "Stop pretending innocence in front of us! Just wait to be taken back to the capital for interrogation and execution!"
Song Zhirui didn't even bother to intervene this time, only saying gravely, "Whether Minister Meng has met with misfortune or is colluding with the Northern Frontier, it's clear they never intended to seek peace. A ceasefire between the two armies is impossible now—we must make preparations early."
Di Nian sat alone behind the commander's desk for a long time before finally saying with a dark expression, "Since Zhao Hui dares to silence our envoy and detain our troops, he's clearly ready to tear off all pretenses and go to war. Whether Meng Tinghui is a traitor or an unwilling captive, our army's withdrawal from Golden Gorge Pass happened because of her. We must dispatch a fast horse to report this to the capital tonight—let His Majesty decide everything. Our focus should remain on the battle. With bloodshed between the two armies imminent, we need to plan our strategy carefully."
He turned to Song Zhirui and issued a cold command: "Send orders to Han Peng tonight—have him lead troops to attack Suizhou immediately without the slightest hesitation. Let's see whether the Northern Frontier strikes first or our Great Ping gains the upper hand!"
·
The sun poured down fiercely, baking the entire palace complex until the glazed tiles on the hall corners gleamed blindingly.
Brown boots swept swiftly across the brick pavement, startling flocks of birds into flight.At daybreak, urgent military reports from the northern frontier had just arrived. The Emperor summoned the Important Officials from both government councils for deliberations that were still ongoing when a secret memorial was delivered—truly an uncanny coincidence. Although the secret memorial had been dispatched five days earlier, it arrived later than the military report sent from the border just three days prior because it had not been marked as urgent.
The palace attendant, forehead drenched in sweat, swiftly ascended the steps, hastily announced his arrival, and hurried into the hall.
Upon entering, he saw everyone in the hall wearing grave expressions, the entire chamber steeped in a chilling atmosphere.
"Your Majesty," the attendant bowed as he reported, "a secret memorial from the northern frontier."
Someone approached to take the locked and sealed box from his hands, then walked to the side of the imperial desk and respectfully presented it before Ying Gua.
The attendant dutifully withdrew from the hall, casting one last glance at the scene inside. For some reason, despite the scorching weather, a cold shiver ran down his spine.
Long after the hall doors closed, no one inside spoke.
A secret memorial from the northern frontier—who else could it be from but Meng Tinghui?
Yet who could have imagined that at such a time, the Emperor would still receive a memorial drafted and submitted by Meng Tinghui!
Di Nian's military report had arrived this morning, its contents striking like a thunderbolt from clear skies, leaving everyone in both councils stunned and speechless.
Meng Tinghui's secret communications with the Northern Frontier and acts of treason, or whether she had been captured and detained by them, remained unknown. Yet with the northern border conflicts unresolved and major warfare inevitable, her order for the Imperial Army to retreat from Golden Gorge Pass made her undeniably responsible.
After a long silence, faint sounds finally emerged from behind the imperial desk.
Ying Gua reached for the memorial box, broke the lock and seal, then took out the memorial and lightly flipped it open.
Secret Memorial.
Your servant Meng Tinghui, beyond Golden Gorge Pass, respectfully seeks Your Majesty's discernment.
His expression icy, his eyes rapidly scanned the brief memorial. A slight ripple stirred in their depths before his face regained composure. He lifted his hand and tossed it downward, declaring to those below, "We intend to lead the expedition personally."
These words instantly shattered the prolonged stalemate in the hall.
Which Important Official from either council wouldn't be shocked upon hearing this?
Though his expression remained calm and unruffled, who could fail to recognize the fury in his heart?
Setting aside whether Meng Tinghui was truly a treasonous villain, her order as Vice Commissioner of the Privy Council for troops beyond Golden Gorge Pass to retreat thirty miles south alone was enough to shock the entire court.
Moreover, with the items Luo Bitao discovered during the search of her tent specifically attached to the northern frontier military report, combined with Di Nian's interpretation of Huang Bo's testimony, who would believe she was truly innocent?
From initially topping the Female Scholar Examination with triple honors to her current high position as Vice Commissioner of the Privy Council, Meng Tinghui had enjoyed exceptional imperial favor and glory throughout her years at court. Looking across the capital's court, what other woman held higher rank and authority? What other woman received greater trust from the Emperor?
Who could have imagined she would commit such an act of betraying both imperial grace and her country!
Even veteran ministers and generals felt surges of anger upon hearing this news, let alone the Emperor who had favored her so greatly over the years.
Though the contents of the secret memorial remained unknown, it must have contained seditious words to provoke the Emperor's consideration of personal expedition.
But leading an expedition personally was no trivial matter!
The Emperor was the sole heir of the Imperial Family and had produced no offspring after all these years. Should any mishap occur during his personal expedition, what would become of the empire and its people?Gu Qin was the first to object, stepping forward urgently and saying, "The matter of a personal campaign is of great importance and must not be undertaken lightly. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider."
This was likely the first time the two councils had reached a consensus on a matter of military and state affairs. Fang Kai also stepped forward and said, "We understand Your Majesty's current fury, but there is no need to lead a personal campaign over the matter of Meng Tinghui."
Ying Gua's eyes were sharp, but his expression remained calm. "Do you think I intend to lead a personal campaign for the sake of Meng Tinghui?"
Fang Kai raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his expression one of skepticism.
Ying Gua leisurely straightened his posture and slammed the urgent report from the northern border onto the table, his voice cold. "Have you not seen the state of affairs in the north? Rebel armies are rampaging everywhere, the Northern Frontier forces are pressing in with their full strength, and now, with Meng Tinghui defecting and betraying the nation—"
He uttered the last four words lightly, but they sent a chill down the spines of everyone in the hall.
They all knew the Emperor's temperament well and could clearly discern the storm of fury concealed beneath his seemingly composed tone.
The calmer he appeared, the more uneasy the two councils felt.
Gu Qin was about to speak again when Zhou Bi, standing beside him, subtly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to provoke the Emperor further at this moment.
Ying Gua's gaze swept swiftly over the assembly. "Meng Tinghui was originally in the Privy Council and was privy to all military affairs of the northern Imperial Army. Now that she has defected to the Northern Frontier, the enemy will undoubtedly gain full knowledge of the garrisons, troops, and commanders in the Northern Three Routes. If war breaks out, Di Nian will be at a disadvantage at every turn. Moreover, with the rebel forces obstructing our rear, what chance of victory do you believe the Great Peace has under the current circumstances?"
Everyone understood this clearly but remained silent.
His eyes darkened, and he suddenly spoke sharply, "I initially prioritized the nation's economy and the people's welfare, reluctant to engage in large-scale military campaigns. However, the Northern Frontier, emboldened and overbearing, has pushed the Great Peace to this point. The flames of war along the border can no longer be contained by the Northern Three Routes alone. To put an end to their repeated invasions, we must annihilate their nation!"
The veteran generals in the Privy Council were momentarily stunned, their faces paling in realization.
Only then did they understand the Emperor's true intention behind the personal campaign. Previously, conflicts between the two nations had been confined to the borders, but this time, the Emperor intended to mobilize the entire nation's forces to completely destroy the Northern Frontier!
If that were the case, the existing northern forces would be utterly insufficient. At least one-third of the garrisons across the twenty-eight routes of the nation would need to be mobilized, a move with far-reaching implications. Without absolute command authority, it would be difficult to ensure the obedience of the elite Imperial Army commanders from various routes.
Furthermore, the rebel forces were growing stronger by the day, and only a large-scale military campaign could eradicate their influence. Relying solely on the existing Imperial Army in the Northern Three Routes would likely worsen the situation.
With Meng Tinghui's betrayal, all previous strategies of the northern Imperial Army had become ineffective and needed to be reformulated. If Di Nian were to remain as commander, the delays in communication and military reports would risk further complications in the northern military situation.
As everyone was still pondering this, he spoke again, "For this personal campaign, I will appoint no deputy commander or military advisors. All orders will be decided and issued directly by me, transmitted straight to the commanders at the front, to prevent any unforeseen complications."
Fang Kai frowned deeply upon hearing this, his heart growing increasingly tense.The Emperor's proposal was based on the precedent of Meng Tinghui's case, intending to lead the expedition personally to prevent Privy Council members from interfering in military affairs and orders at this time. Moreover, once the expedition began, even the Privy Council would not be informed of military commands, solely to prevent anyone from colluding with the enemy and leaking military secrets.
"Your Majesty..." Jiang Ping's expression was one of skepticism, "Has Your Majesty truly considered the decision to launch a full-scale attack on the Northern Frontier?"
Ying Gua's face remained impassive. "The Northern Frontier has no intention of ceasing hostilities. The Imperial Army of the Northern Three Routes has been plunged into grave danger because of Meng Tinghui. If we do not act thus, how can we protect the land and people of our Great Peace?"
The officials in the Secretariat all wore ashen expressions. At this moment, they wished to advise against it but could not. Though reluctant to see the nation embroiled in such a large-scale military conflict, they could think of no alternative.
Fang Kai, seeing the situation, decisively said, "Your Majesty, please allow half a day for us to withdraw from the hall, carefully deliberate, and draft a memorial for Your Majesty's review."
He slowly closed his eyes. "Our mind is made up. If you wish to discuss, then discuss the details of the expedition. Before nightfall, the Privy Council must submit a detailed report on the garrisons and troops of the routes north of the capital." He paused, his voice lowering. "All of you, withdraw."
Knowing his exhaustion, the officials felt it inappropriate to offer further advice or memorials and quietly filed out.
The hall doors were slowly opened, allowing a flood of golden sunlight to pour in before being shut out again, returning the hall to its dim chill.
Only when silence prevailed did he slowly open his eyes and reach for the thin memorial on the imperial desk.
A secret memorial.
Your servant Meng Tinghui, beyond the Golden Gorge Pass, respectfully beseeches Your Majesty's attention.
"...
In the four years since I entered court service, I have been fortunate to receive Your Majesty's unwavering trust and affection.
Yet I am greedy by nature. Though Your Majesty has repeatedly promoted and honored me, it pales in comparison to the generosity and benefits the Northern Frontier has offered me.
Though I have long served Your Majesty, my displays of receiving favor were often feigned, not genuine, merely seeking minor advantages. Your Majesty, being an enlightened ruler, though fond of your ministers, would not grant me excessive private gains—this has been my discontent.
The Northern Frontier has promised me such substantial benefits that I dared not confess to Your Majesty. Now, as I am about to enter the pass, I must speak plainly to thank Your Majesty for years of kindness and acknowledge my monumental treason.
I am profoundly treacherous, unworthy of Your Majesty's misplaced trust and deep affection. The world surely holds loyal and virtuous individuals who can win Your Majesty's heart, stand alongside you, and share your burdens.
By acting thus, I have severed myself from Your Majesty. I only hope Your Majesty will regard me as worthless grass and never think of me again in this life.
..."
His gaze moved painstakingly slowly, scanning each word of the memorial. Gradually, flames seemed to ignite in his eyes, and his previously calm expression completely vanished.
After a long while, he closed the memorial. His resolute face appeared even more sharply defined, his motionless form exuding a frozen sense of intimidation.
I have severed myself from Your Majesty.
Severed myself from Your Majesty.
Severed myself from Your Majesty...
He lowered his gaze, the hand holding the memorial trembling slightly.
Her voice seemed to whisper incessantly in his ear, repeating this phrase over and over.
He had calculated everything, but never anticipated her intelligence—that she would directly uncover what he had long concealed from her.
Yet though she was intelligent, she never considered that he had long known her true origins.
She trusted him, thus never suspecting he would deceive or hide things from her.
She deceived him, solely to ensure he and his empire would have no future worries.A piece of flesh seemed to have been brutally carved out of his heart, leaving his entire body trembling with pain. He sat rigidly, unable to move.
From that bright spring day years ago to the scorching summer heat now, she had taught him bit by bit to understand love and being loved. And after he had fallen so deeply, irrevocably in love with her as she wished, she now sought to end her own life and leave him!
But since he had fallen for her, he would never let her go.
How could he possibly grant her this wish!
As sunset clouds veiled the sky, the door of Zhaowen Hall creaked open from outside.
Yin Qing instinctively looked up from his desk, but upon recognizing the visitor, his expression shifted to stunned bewilderment. It took him a long moment to slowly rise, lowering his gaze as he said, "Your subject was unaware of Your Majesty's arrival and failed in proper etiquette. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
Ying Gua's expression remained calm as he slowly paced inward, his gaze casually sweeping over the scrolls and records on the desk. "Since you passed the imperial examinations, it seems you've never met me in private."
Yin Qing bowed his head lower, replying respectfully, "Indeed."
Yet in the next instant, the cold sheath of a sword pressed harshly against his throat.
Fear flashed across his face but vanished in an instant. He lifted his head, meeting Ying Gua's gaze without flinching.
Those heterochromatic eyes overflowed with sharp ferocity—even if all frozen rivers melted, they could not extinguish the blazing fury burning within.
Ying Gua slowly moved his wrist, asking only one question: "Where is she?"
Pressed by the icy sword sheath, Yin Qing's breathing grew increasingly labored, his body stiffening. Yet he maintained a calm expression and gently shook his head.
Ying Gua narrowed his eyes. "Do you not know, or are you unwilling to say?"
Yin Qing lowered his gaze, struggling to speak: "I do not know. Even if I did, I would not say."
The cold sword sheath withdrew abruptly, and he bent over, coughing heavily, gasping for breath.
"So it seems she has indeed learned of her origins." Ying Gua turned, sweeping his robes aside as he sat down, his gaze fixed intently on Yin Qing. "When did she find out? Before leaving the capital or after? And who told her?"
Yin Qing's eyes flickered with confusion, then regret, chiding himself for being so shaken earlier that he had inadvertently confirmed it.
After a long pause, he spoke hoarsely: "No one told her. She figured it out herself. Before leaving the capital, she came to ask me, and naturally, I did not deny it."
Ying Gua's eyes darkened. Though this aligned with his earlier suspicions, his heart still grew numb.
Meng Tinghui—
I truly underestimated you.
But have you not underestimated me as well?
Yin Qing collected himself after a moment and looked up, only to see the splendidly dressed man before him now wearing a solemn expression, his features tranquil, devoid of the earlier ferocity.
Uncertain, Yin Qing steeled himself and asked, "Might I ask how Your Majesty came to know all of this?"
Ying Gua raised a brow, his gaze sharpening once more. "I should thank you for searching so thoroughly for traces of her past in Chao'an back then. Otherwise, the men I sent would not have been able to follow the clues and uncover her origins so quickly."
Yin Qing froze in astonishment.
He had never expected Ying Gua to have known so early.
But if that were the case, why had he waited so long to act? Why had he continued to bestow favor upon her, allowing her to rise steadily within the court?
Ying Gua suddenly curved his thin lips into a chilling smile. "Unfortunately, you only knew she was Meng Hao's daughter. What you didn't know was that it was I who saved her life back then and ordered her sent to Chongzhou Girls' School."Yin Qing was taken aback once more, his expression clearly showing doubt and astonishment.
Ying Gua continued, "I'm afraid you are unaware that she now admits to being a treacherous traitor who colluded with the enemy. Throughout the northern border, Meng Tinghui's notorious reputation is already known. By tonight at the latest, the imperial court in the capital will also learn of this matter. When that happens, she will bear the infamy of a thousand ages from above and face the scorn of all common people below."
These words struck Yin Qing like a bolt from the blue, leaving him utterly shocked.
"Absolutely impossible!" he frowned and said. "Once we reach Shu Province, someone will reveal her identity as the Central Wan Imperial Descendant to all the people. At that time, no one will regard her as a great traitor."
Ying Gua's expression darkened. "So she is currently heading to Shu Province?"
Yin Qing's words caught slightly in his throat. Gritting his teeth, he said, "I don't know."
Ying Gua paused briefly, then said coldly, "Though she will never forget the destruction of her country and family, how could you possibly comprehend her concern for the common people?" His gaze was full of mockery. "Since she has already admitted to being a treacherous villain, why would she allow you to exploit her identity as the Imperial Descendant?"
Yin Qing's face remained cold. "Given the circumstances, what can she do to prevent her identity from being revealed to the world?" As soon as he finished speaking, his expression changed. He suddenly looked up and said, "You mean...?"
Ying Gua remained seated, silent, watching him indifferently.
"Impossible," Yin Qing repeated, "Impossible. She would never do such a thing..."
Ying Gua suddenly stood up and shouted sternly, "Guards!"
Two armed guards immediately entered and, without a word, began to escort Yin Qing out.
Yin Qing offered no resistance as they led him away. But at the doorway, he struggled to turn his head and glance back, his eyes finally revealing a trace of confusion—though it was unclear whether it was for himself or for Meng Tinghui.
"Before I leave the capital to lead the expedition," Ying Gua stepped forward, staring intently at him, "if you are willing to reveal her route south to Shu Province, I will spare your life."
·
By the eighth month, the weather in the northern regions had gradually become less hot.
Compared to Jiankang and Chao'an, the counties along the Linhuai route had been less affected by the war. Apart from a few southern fortifications occupied by the Rebel Army, most areas from Zizhou and Hunzhou southward remained under the control of the Great Peace Imperial Army.
Following Meng Tinghui's earlier plan, Yue Linxi accompanied her south from Hunzhou, passing through several prefectures with the intention of turning west into Jiankang route from Chuzhou, then heading south to Shu Province.
To avoid drawing attention, Yue Linxi and Meng Tinghui disguised themselves as siblings from a wealthy merchant family. The dozen or so soldiers accompanying them posed as household servants, escorting the pair south.
Her official robes and belongings had long been ordered burned. Yue Linxi specially acquired for her the attire of a young lady from an affluent family—gauzy long skirts and a thin beizi, elegant and vibrant red.
At every post station along the way, Yue Linxi would send a letter. She did not know to whom or where he was sending them, nor did she care to ask. No matter what he did, she maintained an air of indifference.
As they approached Chuzhou, rumors began spreading from the north about her defection and betrayal. Yue Linxi had some objections to this, but she said, "What's wrong with letting others think I'm a treacherous villain? This way, everyone will believe I'm in the Northern Frontier. Even if the Great Peace Imperial Army despises me, they'll direct their anger toward the Northern Frontier. If people were to learn now that I am the Central Wan Imperial Descendant, the Imperial Army would surely pursue us southward. Wouldn't that be making things difficult for ourselves? How could we smoothly enter Jiankang route? Once we reach Shu Province, with our forces both inside and out, we can reveal my identity to the world. The people will then understand—this is the safest strategy."
Yue Linxi merely sighed upon hearing this, acknowledging the logic in her words, and never brought it up again.
Chuzhou was not large, and its inns were modest.When staying overnight in the city, over a dozen accompanying soldiers couldn't be accommodated and had to find separate lodgings. After Yue Linxi had arranged everything and was about to invite Meng Tinghui to rest in her room, she leisurely ordered a pot of wine instead, sitting quietly in the main hall drinking while carefully listening to the conversations of other lodgers.
Yue Linxi had no choice but to sit down with her.
In truth, they already knew without listening what had become the most widely discussed topic among northern residents these days—none other than Meng Tinghui's treacherous act of defecting and betraying the nation. Occasionally, some particularly offensive insults would reach their ears.
As Yue Linxi listened, he grew increasingly restless. Leaning closer, he whispered to her, "Your Majesty, please endure this a little longer. Once we enter Jiankang Road tomorrow and meet up with the reinforcements, we can rest easy."
Meng Tinghui's expression remained unchanged as she nodded slightly to acknowledge his words.
Someone from the adjacent table struck up a conversation with them: "Are you two from the north? Have you heard about that Meng Tinghui? How detestable that woman is—she caused our Great Peace Imperial Army to needlessly lose over ten thousand troops! Young lady, tell me, if such traitors are allowed to live in this world, is there any justice left?"
After being repeated by thousands of people, the incident had already been exaggerated beyond measure. This person's claim of ten thousand northern casualties was actually a modest version.
Meng Tinghui turned her face, her bright eyes clear and luminous: "There is no justice indeed. Such traitors—even slicing them to death by a thousand cuts wouldn't be enough to appease the anger of all our Great Peace people."
The man laughed delightedly: "Who would have thought such words would come from someone as young as you!" He leaned closer to them and lowered his voice: "Since you've just come from the north, you probably don't know much about southern affairs. Little do you know—news has come from the capital that the Emperor is planning to lead the expedition personally!"
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