Chapter 1507: Chapter 1424: The Feast at Hongmen

“How about it? Do I look more spirited now?” Chen Li stood before the mirror, adjusting his General’s uniform with a serious expression.

His adjutant nodded continuously beside him, praising, “The General’s state is excellent, truly remarkable.”

Chen Li also felt that his barely sustained spirit seemed fine, without any obvious flaws. He was attending a banquet that evening, meant to placate the local Nobility and request more funds and manpower from them.

As a General, he had to maintain good relations with the Nobility stationed here, ensuring these nobles wouldn’t become a hindrance.

“These Nobility are reasonable. When I asked for men before, they managed to bring over more than ten thousand young adults. I must thank them properly, set them as an example for others to learn from.” Chen Li donned his military hat, turned his neck slightly, and saw his somewhat gaunt face in the mirror.

There was no helping it; despite meticulously putting on makeup, his complexion still showed signs of fatigue. The recent days of unrestful sleep couldn’t simply be masked away.

But he still had to attend this banquet because it was hosted by the local Nobility, requesting him, a General, to speak a few words to soothe the hearts of the local populace.

This was something necessary to do, especially at this critical juncture: the Great Qin Empire had just lost the Battle of Shahun, and the Tang Army had invaded the homeland, making the situation extremely dire. At this point, if the people’s hearts were not soothed, it might truly be too late.

Riding in an imported car from the Tang Empire, Chen Li and his adjutant headed to a secluded villa in the outskirts. As for why this place was chosen, one would have to ask the Tang Empire’s Air Force bomber units.

After days of bombing, Guangmian City had become very unsafe, so this time, to enjoy the meal freely, they deliberately chose a more secluded villa in the forest outskirts.

This was an estate owned by a city Noble, built in the mountains for summer retreats and cooler weather. Though it wasn’t the right season for summer retreats, the place was chosen for its tranquility.

The car slowed to a stop, and Chen Li’s accompanying Guards weren’t many because the banquet host was a famous noble of Qin Country, whose loyalty was considered reliable.

Chen Li did not suspect the other party, as he truly didn’t believe a Noble of this rank would harbor treasonous thoughts. Besides, at such banquets, mingling with too many Soldiers would be unnatural.

Soon, the banquet began, and indeed, everyone was very concerned about national affairs, expressing their willingness to continue supporting the Empire during the meal.

They were willing to donate another two million in military funds, an additional thousand tons of grain, and recruit three thousand more people, all to support Chen Li and protect Guangmian City.

Chen Li, of course, assured everyone that he would do his utmost to defend Guangmian, not retreating a single step! As long as the grain supply was sufficient and reinforcements arrived in time, he would turn Guangmian into a steel fortress.

Yes, that’s what he said, though whether they could hold the city was not for him to decide. But sometimes lies are more easily accepted than the truth, so naturally, Chen Li wouldn’t speak candidly, making the banquet a cold affair.

As they ate, Chen Li began to feel something was wrong. His vision started to blur slightly, and his stomach began to ache.

He anticipated something, stood up, and said he needed to go to the bathroom, but his legs gave way, knocking over a chair as he collapsed to the ground.

“Rebellion!” Chen Li shouted with all his remaining strength, but his words were barely audible to those in the room. The poison had begun to take effect, and his body no longer obeyed him.

His body, already depleted from recent busy days and held together by sheer will, was on the verge of collapse. Now, with the stimulation from the poison, his already fragile shell crumbled instantly.

His adjutant reached for his waist gun, only to have his hand restrained by someone nearby. He tried to struggle but found himself utterly powerless.

Only then did he realize the purpose of inviting them for a meal was not to soothe the people’s hearts, for their hearts… had turned dark.

“You! You poisoned us!” the adjutant scolded from the ground, though his voice was slurred and unclear, even to himself.

Beside him, Chen Li was struggling desperately, unable to even make a sound. The two quickly fell silent, while those at the banquet table were still in shock.

The leading old noble stood up, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and looked down at the two bodies on the ground, issuing an order: “Signal the Tang People… then proceed with the plan, open the city and surrender.”

“Yes!” His eldest son immediately left the room, while the adjacent Nobles dared not speak, just staring blankly at the two military-uniformed bodies on the ground.

Quickly, gunfire sounded next door—it was the villa Guards clashing with Chen Li’s Guards. The gunfire ceased just seconds later.

Soon afterwards, a mutiny erupted within Guangmian City. Some Troops seized control of Chen Li’s command center, while others, bearing his orders, arrested many unit leaders.

Due to the recent purge of officers who studied in Tang Country, almost nobody suspected a thing, muddling through until all were controlled by the rebellious Noble private army.

On the last day of March, the Dragon Banner of the Tang Empire suddenly flew over Guangmian’s city walls. The tens of thousands of troops below, still unsure what happened, suddenly found themselves captives of the Tang Army.

Nineteen nobles of Qin Country betrayed their own nation, offering up General Chen Li’s head, kneeling to welcome the Tang Army into the city.

The loyal commanders of Qin Country were still detained in the private army camps, unaware that the Guangmian they defended had been lost while they languished in cells.

Strauss kept his word; he gave those wanting to leave a ticket and indeed handed over the Nobility who dared remain to the locals for trial. Ultimately, seven Nobles were executed, nine remained unscathed, and three left their homeland, boarding a ship at Linshui.

As a result, the main forces of Qin Country were almost entirely annihilated by the Tang Army. The remaining forces were mere local security Troops, unable to halt the Tang Army from advancing westward.

Emperor Qin Ying Duo, out of options, once again summoned Zhang Xuan, commanding him to hold Wuyang for a final stand.