Looking at the sickly-looking man who was leaning on the reclining lounger, the military ssenger handed him a scroll and said, "Your Highness, this is detailed information about the western border’s situation, along with a copy of the military report. Please have a look."
The sickly-looking man took the scroll and read it.
A few monts later, he looked up from the report and asked, "What did Feng Xiyan do after he took over Xiquan City?"
The military ssenger replied, "According to our informant, only a Garrison General nad Mo Yuan and five hundred elite soldiers of the Feng Army were left behind to guard Xiquan City and settle the common people."
"So far, they have only executed the generals and two thousand soldiers of the Ji Army who rebelled against the Feng Army, leaving only one old general nad Ge Zidong."
"As for the common people, Garrison General Mo Yuan has opened recruitnt for workers to dig trenches, installed traps and rebuild the city. The paynt is food, water, and so daily necessities."
After listening to the report, the sickly-looking man smiled and said, "The Feng Army truly lives up to its reputation. With them taking over Xiquan City and caring for the common people, this prince can be at ease."
Seeing his Master’s pale face, the military ssenger asked, "Your Highness, should this subordinate continue to keep an eye on the Feng Army and Feng Xiyan?"
Before Yu Zhao could answer, Sha Ying appeared in the room and knelt before him. "Master, Pri Minister Wen has accepted our conditions in exchange for Feng Xiyan’s head."
Yu Zhao was not surprised by Wen Kang’s request.
With a faint smile on his pale lips, he said, "The fish has taken the bait. It seems Wen Kang isn’t as calm as he pretends to be. As the one who wants to exterminate the entire Feng Clan, Wen Kang must be very anxious right now after Feng Xiyan took over Xiquan City."
Yu Zhao thought for a mont, then looked at Sha Ying and instructed, "Prepare that thing and send it to Wen Kang on the third day. Make sure he receives it at the last mont before the mission’s deadline."
Sha Ying nodded. "Yes, Master."
After taking a glance at the military ssenger, Sha Ying looked at Yu Zhao and asked, "Master, since Feng Xiyan has already taken action and Wen Kang has taken the bait, do you wish to et Feng Xiyan now?"
Yu Zhao shook his head. "It’s not ti yet. We will wait a little longer."
Seeing Yu Zhao fall into deep thought, Sha Ying quietly left the room.
After a long while, Yu Zhao ca out of his thoughts and realized Sha Ying had gone. Shaking his head helplessly, he looked at the military ssenger.
"You should leave now. Be careful not to let Wen Kang’s people discover anything."
The military ssenger clasped his fists and respectfully responded, "Yes, Master."
After he secretly slipped out of the Prince Regent’s Mansion, Yu Zhao got up from the reclining lounger and walked to the moon window.
Staring at the eastern horizon that was gradually changing color, he sighed and whispered, "The wind is getting stronger. I wonder if this rotten land can withstand Heaven’s trial one more ti."
While Yu Zhao watched the dawn sky, the silent imperial capital city slowly awakened from its slumber.
As people began their day, news of the fall of Xiquan City spread throughout the imperial capital, once again shifting the undercurrents of political power and influence at the imperial court.
When the first ray of sunlight pierced the eastern horizon, Yu Zhao ordered, "Soone, co help this prince change clothes."
An hour later, the ministers and generals of the Yu Empire who were gathered outside the Hall of Righteousness were shocked by the appearance of the sickly Prince Regent.
As his personal bodyguard pushed the wheelchair, Yu Zhao calmly observed their reactions and expressions. In just a few minutes, he had already grasped the current situation and the factions within the imperial court.
While Yu Zhao calmly observed the ministers and generals, one of the old ministers from a neutral faction approached him.
Clasping his hands around the jade hu, the old minister bowed slightly and greeted him politely.
"This old subject greets the Prince Regent. Your Highness, it has been a long ti since we last t. This old subject hopes you have been well."
Holding the old minister’s arms, Yu Zhao helped him up and smiled.
"Thank you for your concern, Minister Qu. This prince’s condition is the sa as before, still coughing and short of breath. Thankfully, Heaven has blessed this prince so I can attend today’s morning court."
Qu Zhihuang listened to Yu Zhao’s answer and let out a sigh of relief. "Hearing that Your Highness’s condition has improved eases this old subject’s worries."
Seeing the sincerity in Qu Zhihuang’s eyes, Yu Zhao smiled and said, "Recently, this prince had so good luck and stumbled upon a rare chess set made of luminous pearl. If Minister Qu has ti, please co to the Prince Regent’s Mansion and play a few rounds with this prince."
The mont Qu Zhihuang heard this, his eyes lit up.
As a chess enthusiast, Qu Zhihuang loved playing with different types of chess sets. Yu Zhao’s invitation struck right at his happiness.
Clasping his hands, Qu Zhihuang smiled and replied in a cheerful tone, "Since Your Highness is so kind as to invite this old subject, then this old subject shall gratefully accept."
While the two of them chatted, the other ministers and generals all had their attention on them.
After eavesdropping on their conversation, they quickly lost interest and returned to their own discussions.
Standing to the side, one minister said with a hint of disdain, "How dare he show up looking like that? Does he think that just because he’s the Prince Regent, we will give him face? What a rubbish. He should die early and save us from troubles."
Wen Kang glanced at him but said nothing, pretending not to have heard his disdainful words.
Seeing this, the other ministers and generals beca bold and began openly discussing Yu Zhao.
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