CHAPTER 1061: CHAPTER 587: PEACE NEGOTIATIONS (5K)

As Xu Junling uttered these words, the entire hall suddenly fell silent, with only the sound of the deep autumn wind blowing in from outside.

Xu Jingtang is dead, killed by Commander Zhao.

Everyone’s minds temporarily malfunctioned, then they unanimously turned their gazes towards Zhao Douan, who was seated at the head of the table.

Seemingly seeking confirmation, Zhao Douan remained expressionless, without a hint of blush, and casually said, "Xu Jingtang is indeed dead, the Yunfu Rebel Army will no longer pose a threat."

Well, I didn’t admit it, it’s the Commandery Princess who guessed, right? Zhao Douan shamelessly thought to himself.

However, regarding Mu Prince’s manner of death, it was decided after consulting with the Old Heavenly Master that the credit would be given to Zhao Douan, and Zhang Yan Yi also did not wish to get involved.

This explanation naturally wouldn’t fool the discerning, but Xu Jingtang’s collusion with the Evil God was already an exceedingly disgraceful matter.

Even the Eight Princes would not be willing to make it public.

In other words, attributing Xu Jingtang’s death to Zhao Douan was a decision made in mutual understanding by all parties.

And upon seeing the commander "personally" confirm, the generals present all showed expressions of shock.

Yuan Feng’s expression was dazed, as if he had not yet wrapped his mind around it.

Zhao Shixiong was also stunned, staring blankly at Zhao Douan, then suddenly turned to look at Yu Xiu and Jin Jian, but was disappointed to see only the expressionless face of the female Daoist.

As for the Young Priestess, she had already dozed off with her head bowed, having not heard a word of what was being discussed.

"The commander killed Xu Jingtang?" Gongsun exclaimed in disbelief. Then, as if a valve had been opened, the hall suddenly burst into noise.

One general after another, after their initial shock, were all overjoyed—the second son of the Yunfu Army was killed, Mu Prince was also dead, leaving only a few remnants in Yunfu, already of no consequence.

Doesn’t this mean that the court will soon lose the threat from the Southwest and can focus on dealing with Prince Jing in the Southeast?

The deadlock is revived.

Thinking of this, the soldiers’ gaze towards Zhao Douan was almost one of worship!

How did the commander accomplish this?

Suddenly, everyone was filled with emotion: "With this achievement in hand, surely the title of ’Military God’ will completely shift from Xue Shence to our own commander."

"Ahem," even with Zhao Douan’s thick skin, facing such fervent gazes, he couldn’t help but blush and spoke, "I gathered you all here to inform you of this matter. Next, I need you to spread the news of Xu Jingtang’s death swiftly. Later, a team will need to escort his body back to the Capital as a warning to others."

"At the same time, order a call for surrender. Once the news of Xu Jingtang’s death spreads, many troops among the Yunfu remnants will surely be willing to defect. Announce my command that those soldiers coerced by the rebel prince who willingly surrender will not be held accountable, and officers will be treated leniently."

"Furthermore, Commander Yuan," Zhao Douan looked towards Yuan Feng, "it will be up to you and Prince Huaian to work together to secure the territory and stabilize the region swiftly along the Huai River Western Front. As for the local aristocratic families, confiscate the properties of the heavily guilty ones, while those with lighter offenses can redeem themselves by offering materials. Before winter fully sets in, sufficient resources and silver coins must be collected and sent to the Capital and the Eastern Front to alleviate the court’s financial crisis."

Having said these words, Zhao Douan couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion.

Last year, he had been racking his brains, trying to "open the market" and collect money and grain through commerce.

However, the world is unpredictable, and now, it’s rather simple. Almost all the major families along the Huai River had funded the rebels, hence holding evidence of rebellion, enabling them to rightfully publicize the confiscation of local aristocratic family industries...

"Yes, sir." Yuan Feng saluted, the chain armor on him clattered, and he appeared excited.

Zhao Douan then turned to the Southwest Thin Tiger, saying, "General Zhao, you will lead an elite force to enter Yunfu to eradicate the remnants and reclaim Yunfu before the heavy snow blocks the roads in mid-winter. Do you have confidence?"

Zhao Shixiong and his wife were both taken aback, the former surprised, "The commander is sending me?"

The couple could hardly conceal their surprise, while the other officers all wore strange expressions.

Zhao Shixiong had a previous record, and now sending him back to the Southwest to ’suppress bandits’, isn’t it akin to ’letting the tiger return to the mountain’?

Yet Zhao Douan merely gave a confident smile, boldly declaring, "One should employ others without suspicion and not employ those one suspects. When I promised the General would return to the court, past deeds would be pardoned, naturally, I won’t go back on my word. In Yunfu, the General is the most familiar, making him the best candidate. Besides, guarding against the Liao Clan requires the General, who is most adept."

This decision had already been discussed with the Empress before his return.

Indeed, there was a risk of letting the tiger return to the mountain, but the Empress still had the courage to take it.

Moreover, not to mention Zhao Shixiong’s daughter still being in Linfeng.

The mere achievement of Zhao Douan in killing the ’Divine’ Xu Jingtang this time was enough to intimidate this border general.

Zhao Shixiong was moved, even though he was well aware that Zhao Douan was reining him in, compared to Xu Jingtang’s suspicion... A warmth surged in his heart, and he saluted, saying, "This officer is willing to accept the military order. If unable to reclaim Yunfu by the deadline, I shall be dealt with according to military law!"

Zhao Douan laughed heartily, stood up and cupped his hands, "Then I wish the General a triumphant return."

With the main points explained, the remaining details were left for the generals to discuss by themselves. Yuan Feng and Zhao Shixiong hurriedly left.

Zhao Douan did not leave, opting instead to temporarily reside within the Huai’an Prince Mansion.

Digesting the gains from this battle would take some time, and as governor, he must stay on site, unable to leave.

And calculating by finger, it won’t be long before it’s the winter solstice.

The south is still alright, having some time to deploy troops, but once winter arrives, large-scale battles will cease, and all parties will enter a ’ceasefire’ period.

"Whew..."

Zhao Douan walked out of the hall, feeling the cold wind brushing against his face in the courtyard. Surrounded by Xu Junling, Prince Huaian, Yu Xiu, and others, he spread his palm to catch a yellowing autumn leaf blown over by the wind.