CHAPTER 1109: CHAPTER 1103: NOT LETTING HIM GO

Because Jin Zijin spread rumors, telling the people of Xining that Prince Five is a rebel and listing his multitude of crimes, he wanted the citizens of Xining to know that the Imperial Court was focused on capturing the rebel and had no intention of causing harm to the innocent.

In other words, this war had nothing to do with the common folk.

No one wanted to go to war; by the end, the civilians even broke into the various Governor’s Offices, seized the officials within, and voluntarily delivered them to the Imperial Court’s army camps, welcoming the Court’s troops to enter the city.

After so much turmoil, the struggle over Xining was finally drawing to a close.

"Jin Mocong, lay down your weapons and go to the capital to admit your wrongdoings to the Emperor. This is your only way out."

Jin Mocong was cornered at the border with Beiping, with an army of hundreds of thousands from Beiping in front of him, and his retreat blocked by the pursuing forces at the back. He had nowhere left to flee.

Jin Mocong, covered in blood, was wearing a thick fur coat, holding a curved saber commonly seen in Xining in his hand.

Unbeknownst to when, the snowflakes had begun dancing with the wind before they fell, coloring the clothing and headwear of everyone white. It wouldn’t be long before this sudden heavy snow would bury the bright red blood that stained the ground.

He turned around and shouted loudly at the pursuers behind him: "Is Jin Zijin there? This Prince wants to have a word with him alone."

In the crowd, Jin Zijin sat atop a black horse, holding a Long Halberd in his hand.

Upon hearing this, he patted his horse’s belly and took a step forward.

Xiao Jinfei behind him held him back, saying, "Don’t go over there, be wary of deceit."

Jin Zijin replied, "It’s alright, he’s expended all his strength. There must be some words he wants to address to me."

Jin Zijin was aware of what he wanted to tell him; those matters were precisely what he was interested in knowing as well.

Xiao Jinfei sighed and released him.

Jin Zijin rode his horse towards Jin Mocong, while Xiao Jinfei behind him raised his hand, and ordered the soldiers, "Archers, ready."

Even though Jin Zijin said nothing would happen, he still couldn’t rest assured.

Jin Mocong walked out from the crowd. He wasn’t riding a horse because his horse had already been killed by the chaos of slashing blades in the battle.

Jin Zijin also dismounted, walking forward slowly, leading his horse.

The two men kept a spear’s length distance, now far away from their respective troops.

They stopped and stared at each other.

The war that had lasted for half a year, fought from the scorching summer days to the snow and icy rain, had taken its toll on everyone.

Both of their faces showed signs of fatigue.

Jin Mocong said, "From the moment you came to Xining with the imperial edict, I knew this day would come. I just can’t understand why you insist on eradicating me completely. You’re different from them; you grew up in the Dao Family."

Jin Zijin looked at him indifferently and said, "No, you understand. Do I really need to remind you?"

Jin Mocong was suddenly startled, and after a moment of stunned silence, he gave a bitter smile and said, "Is it because of the Dao Family’s struggle?"

Jin Zijin replied, "Not entirely. You indeed posed a threat to Zhuzhao Country, as those rumors were not started by you, but without your instigation, they would not have spread so widely. And there’s something else..." Jin Zijin paused, and Jin Mocong lifted his head to look at him.

He continued, "Moreover, I originally intended to hand you over to Zongrenfu. As a member of the Jin Imperial Clan, you could have lived out the rest of your life safely within those high walls, as long as you were willing to reform. However, you laid hands on her, and that— I cannot tolerate."

"Gu Youyou? That woman doctor?" Jin Mocong suddenly let out a scornful laugh.

"Yes," Jin Zijin said silently for a moment before asking, "Do you have any last words?"