Fang Shou looked at the burly general, then calmly replied, "He is not planning a rebellion."
His words caused the generals and vice-generals to let out a sigh of relief at the sa ti.
However, before they could calm down, Fang Shou dropped another bomb.
"Great General Feng has already rebelled against His Majesty and the imperial court."
The second his words fell, everyone present was stunned.
A mont later, they exclaid in shock, "What?!"
Looking at the generals’ and vice-generals’ expressions, Fang Shou calmly asked, "Is this sothing very shocking?"
The burly general looked at him and asked back in disbelief, "General Fang, is this not shocking at all?"
Fang Shou shook his head. "Have you all forgotten the Feng Clan’s tragedy?"
His question silenced them all.
Seeing that nobody spoke, Fang Shou continued, "If all of you were in Great General Feng’s position, what would you do? Would you still remain loyal to the royal family that accused your entire clan of rebellion without evidence and exterminated all your clan mbers?"
Hearing this, the generals and vice-generals lowered their heads in silence.
A few monts later, the young and handso vice-general raised his head.
Looking at Fang Shou’s thoughtful expression, he asked, "General Fang, since you already know that Great General Feng is planning a rebellion, why do you still stay here instead of joining him?"
Fang Shou smiled helplessly and replied, "The imperial family is not worthy of this general’s loyalty, but this general once made a vow to protect the common people when I first received a sword from my father."
Walking toward the open window, he looked down at the deserted imperial capital below and added, "In this imperial capital, there are far more common people than high-ranking officials."
Turning back to the generals and vice-generals, he smiled slightly and asked, "If this general left and joined Great General Feng, what would happen to these common people? Would they be able to survive in this place without protection?"
After hearing his answer, the vice-general clenched his fists.
Determination and fighting spirit rose in his heart as he asked, "General Fang, what is your plan now? Will you still follow His Majesty’s order, or... will you join Great General Feng?"
Fang Shou’s eyes flickered for a mont at his questions.
Although he knew that everyone here could be trusted, Fang Shou did not know where their true loyalties lay.
He could not—and would not—take that risk.
Therefore, he decided to remain silent about his true master and their plans.
Shaking his head, Fang Shou replied, "This general has no plan. For now, all we can do is protect the common people and those officials who do not wish to be involved in the power struggle."
After receiving his answer, the generals and vice-generals looked disappointed. However, none of them said anything.
Glancing at the sky, which had already begun to darken, Fang Shou said, "It is already evening. Everyone, you should return ho and rest. If nothing is important, you should stay at ho."
Sensing sothing amiss from his words, the generals and vice-generals exchanged glances.
Clasping their fists, they responded in unison, "Yes, General Fang. This subordinate takes his leave."
Left alone in the eting room, Fang Shou clenched the hilt of the sword hanging at his waist.
Looking at the darkened sky, he frowned slightly and thought, ’Tonight... the imperial capital will not remain peaceful.’
While Fang Shou was lost in thought and worries, in one of the Heaven Prison’s cells, Wen Kang sat in the corner, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed.
Just as he slowly drifted into slumber, he heard approaching footsteps.
The corner of his lips curled upward as he thought, ’My chance has finally co.’
Before long, the sound of soone unlocking the door and the rattling of tal chains echoed through the dimly lit prison.
Creak~!
Hearing the sound of the door opening, Wen Kang slowly opened his eyes.
Seeing that it was the sa captain who had co for him, he pushed himself up and calmly ordered, "Lead the way."
Seeing this, the prison guard hesitated for a mont before turning to the captain, seeking permission.
Without expression, the captain stepped to the side and made an inviting gesture. "Master Wen, please."
Realizing that Wen Kang had been pardoned, the prison guard quickly entered the prison cell to support him.
With the prison guard supporting his weak body, Wen Kang stepped forward and followed the captain. As he walked through the corridor, his eyes flickered with ambition and a thirst for power.
While Wen Kang followed the captain of the imperial guard back to the Pri Minister’s mansion, the news of his release had already spread among the ministers and generals.
In the imperial study room, Yu Fu sat on the dragon throne. Looking at the imperial guard kneeling before him, he asked, "How is it? Has he been escorted back to his mansion?"
"Answering Your Majesty. The captain escorted Master Wen back to the Pri Minister’s mansion half a shichen ago. They should be on their way here by now." The imperial guard replied with his head lowered.
Hearing this, Yu Fu laughed and said in a good mood, "Well done! All of you should be rewarded!"
Turning to the chief eunuch, Yu Fu ordered, "Go and take care of it."
The chief eunuch bowed and responded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Walking down the stairs, the chief eunuch stopped beside the imperial guard. Flicking his horsetail whisk, he glanced at the imperial guard and said in his shrill voice, "Co with to get your reward."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your reward," the imperial guard said. Then, he stood up and followed the chief eunuch out.
After they left the imperial study, Yu Fu looked at the map spread on the table in front of him. He pondered for a few seconds, then picked up the writing brush.
Dipping it in the ink, Yu Fu calmly crossed out the location of the Pri Minister’s mansion on the map. When he was done, he looked at another spot and circled it.
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