CHAPTER 459: CHAPTER 459: INDECISIVE MIND

"Hmm, it must be Liu Xu’er who orchestrated this. I understand her intentions clearly; she sees Zeng Family as being tactless since they haven’t surrendered to her, hence she acts."

"She is indeed ruthless."

Liu Xu’er’s ruthlessness is well-known.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have annihilated the Ling Family and caused the Pei Family to suffer upon making a move.

Thus, she considered it fortunate that the Zeng Family could still leave behind a son.

"But Zeng Konghou is more than ten years older than the Fifth Prince; is it appropriate for him to be his companion reader?"

"Half mentor, half friend, it’s very fitting. It saves the Fifth Prince from his daily mischief and lack of discipline; he needs a firm teacher to watch over him!"

Upon hearing the Emperor say this, Lin Wanyi understood.

He couldn’t help but feel sorry for the son of the Zeng Family.

When faced with this ’Demon Lord of Mayhem’ at such a young age, it is uncertain whether he can adapt.

On one hand, Lin Wanyi thought Zeng Konghou, the son of the Zeng Family, had much to endure.

On the other hand, poor Fifth Prince was still blissfully asleep,

yet his parents had already arranged his future away from him.

Six months later, when Zeng Konghou from the Zeng Family came to report, the Fifth Prince engaged in many battles of wits with him.

But unfortunately, being young, small in stature, and not as sharp-witted,

he could only end up hugging the Second Prince’s leg and crying.

It was useless.

Instead, he was dragged back sobbing by the stern-faced Zeng Konghou to sit quietly on a bench.

He continued listening to him recite poems, talk about songs, discuss philosophy, discuss moral principles.

Since then, the Fifth Prince lost the joys of childhood.

When he grew up, the mere mention of anyone with the surname Zeng would make him involuntarily tremble.

But that’s for the future.

Currently, the most pressing issue is the turmoil in the Northwest.

The Fourth Prince leading the Imperial Armor Army was quickly heading to the Northwest.

Meanwhile, the Six States in the Northwest were not idle.

After Uncle Liu declared himself king, the first thing he did was to contact the other five states in the Northwest.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the news of Mr. Liu’s death in Anzhou couldn’t be hidden.

Moreover, the relocation of Anzhou and Ganzhou disaster victims to the Central Plains also spread throughout the Northwest.

Uncle Liu was furious.

He immediately took action against the Anzhou Army.

He wouldn’t allow anyone nearby to brazenly challenge him like that!

Hence, the Anzhou Army was completely in his hands, used to establish his prestige.

Thus, the next day after receiving the news, he commanded the Thunderbolt Army, formerly under Mr. Liu’s command, to dispatch to Anzhou.

150,000 against 50,000.

The skies were changing for the Anzhou Army.

Just when Liang Qingde was overwhelmed, the atmosphere was equally solemn in the Yan State Army camp at that moment.

Among the Six States in Northwest, Yan State is the most marginal.

So, its influence ranks last among the Six States.

But the general Yan Yun was Uncle Liu’s father-in-law.

Therefore, the Yan State Army held a decent status in Northwest.

This Yan State Army general, accustomed to comfort, was handed a hot potato this time.

Originally, when he learned of his son-in-law Uncle Liu’s rebellion, he was both surprised and excited.

After all, the Marquis of Northwest’s intentions were well understood by the Six States’ generals.

Of course, they all shared the same attitude.

Honored to follow the Marquis of Northwest.

But ever since the news of the Marquis of Northwest’s death spread, the honor had seemed a bit hollow.

Especially upon knowing that the Emperor sent the Fourth Prince leading the Imperial Armor Army to subdue his son-in-law, he became extremely uneasy.

Back when the Marquis of Northwest was alive, he was very confident.

After all, decades of fighting storms with the Marquis of Northwest cemented their friendship.

He naturally knew of his prowess.

But when it was his son-in-law Uncle Liu who controlled the Northwest Army and raised the flag of rebellion,

he wanted to leave a way out for his family.

Heroes thrive in chaos, but being a hero’s son doesn’t necessarily mean succeeding in hegemonic ambitions.

He understood this better than anyone.

The military report that was sent to his desk supported his ideas.

Ganzhou rebelled, but the surrounding Liangzhou, Qingzhou, Anzhou, and Sui Province all stood with the Emperor.

The combined forces of these four states amounted to 300,000.

These people, although insignificant before the Northwest Army,

could certainly drag them out for one or two months with their familiarity with the Northwest Army over the years.

By then, the Imperial Armor Army would arrive.

Although they had never directly engaged with the Fourth Prince, they had heard of his unmatched prowess.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be someone who could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Marquis of Northwest.

His brow furrowed deeper.

Now, Ganzhou occupied a favorable position,

but by then, would everything really be that simple?

Beyond the Six States in the Northwest lay vast Northern Land, the Central Plains, and the South.

There were 22 prefectures in Da Wei; how certain was his son-in-law Uncle Liu about swallowing them whole?

He wasn’t sure.

Thus, should he rebel or not rebel?

He had been contemplating for several days.

On the desk lay two letters.

One was written by Shi Daquan, the general of Liangzhou Army, persuading him to surrender.

The other was from his son-in-law Liu Qilin, with an obvious intent.

Within the military tent, his son Yan Erlang and vice generals were divided in their opinions.

"General, please think carefully! If we really follow the rebellion, it’s a road of no return; no dynasty has ever allowed rebel forces to survive. If it’s just us, dying is inconsequential. But behind us are the lives of 30,000 soldiers and their families! General!"

Vice General Sha, a loyal and straightforward old general, pleaded earnestly.

He had profound love for this land that birthed and nurtured him.

Thus, he didn’t want it to become a pawn sacrificed in the struggle between the Imperial Family and the Liu Family.

When the land turned to barren soil, it was the people who suffered the most.

So he spoke thus.

Unfortunately, his loyalty did not receive affirmation.

Instead, Yan Yun’s son sprang out, ranting.

"Hmph, what do you know? If my brother-in-law establishes a new dynasty, we surrender, and it means imperial uncle status, promotions and ranks in the future, it won’t be lacking! Instead of being a peppercorn-sized general in this desolate place, why not strive for more?"

Yan State was naturally underutilized.

If not for their marriage alliance with the Liu Family of the Northwest, they might have been squeezed out by the Liangzhou Army long ago.

Therefore, he was obsessed with climbing up.

He imagined himself being the future Imperial Uncle, and his heart was ecstatic.

He couldn’t wait to lead troops immediately to support brother-in-law Liu Qilin.

To become the founding hero of the Great Yu Dynasty, enjoying endless glory and power.

The fantasy was grand.

Unfortunately, it showed more ignorance than anything else.

Vice General Sha saw that this son was beyond saving and knelt before Yan Yun.