The atmosphere was exceedingly awkward for a mont.
Prince Fu’s son insisted on expressing his gratitude, deliberately adopting a humble stance. He was thinking of finding a "patron" right now. Since Zheng Fan had stepped in to help the Royal Mansion, he intended to use this connection to climb higher.
Who would have known that just as he was attempting to do so, such a sentence would be thrown at him.
The vengeance for his father’s death ant they could never coexist under the sa sky!
It wasn’t that Zheng Fan purposely intended to spoil the mood or deliberately embarrass Prince Fu’s son. However, this was sothing that couldn’t be hidden.
He himself had personally delivered Prince Fu’s head to the two Lords.
He was also the main reason Prince Fu’s Mansion was spared, a decision that, of course, aligned with Zhao Jiulang’s wishes.
Treating the Qian State’s Royal Family mbers kindly was also a ans to erode their will to fight.
After all, throughout history, there have been very few last monarchs who, regardless of the praise or bla heaped upon them, would hang themselves on Coal Hill with the sa unyielding spirit as Emperor Chongzhen.
Treating the Royal Family well also offered the Qian Emperor a glimr of hope, making continued desperate resistance unnecessary.
However, as long as Prince Fu’s Mansion was not destroyed, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to discover in the future whose military achievent their old Prince’s head had beco.
So, it was better to be upfront now than to engage in false pleasantries.
Prince Fu’s son’s face turned shades of livid and pale, his fists clenched tightly.
Zheng Fan watched him calmly. At that mont, however, the surrounding armored soldiers simultaneously advanced two steps toward the Royal Mansion’s entrance.
Protecting him is conditional on him remaining docile, sensible, and knowing his place.
If he dares to make a move, show any backbone, or try to rally support, his entire family will be annihilated without discussion.
Throughout history, during dynastic changes, this was a common scenario, an unspoken rule understood by both sides.
So what if Zheng Fan had killed Prince Fu?
After all, Zheng Fan had killed him outside Mianzhou City during the war, not by breaking into Chuzhou City, seeking out Prince Fu’s Mansion, and killing him there.
"I’ve already arranged for your father’s coffin to be looked after properly, and I will arrange for his burial tomorrow."
Upon hearing these words, Prince Fu’s son took a deep breath and slowly said, "Thank you, General."
This young Prince Fu’s son, for his age, still possessed a certain "naivety."
Honestly, watching this young man’s tornted state—seething with anger he dared not show or act upon—gave Zheng Fan a perverse sense of satisfaction.
It was probably the kind of gratification one gets from thoroughly dominating and tornting an opponent until they’re on the verge of breaking.
In this world, very few people had true freedom.
In his previous life, how many people, burdened by mortgages, car loans, and family pressures, toiled away? Despite sleeping only a few hours, they’d want to smash their phones when the alarm rang, yet still had to grit their teeth, get up, and go to work.
In this life, even soone as formidable as Shatuo Queshi had to resign from his position in the Royal Court before seeking revenge, coming alone to the gates of the Earl of North Border’s estate to seek death.
Even the supposed freedom of the strong had such constraints, let alone ordinary people.
Zheng Fan felt that this young Prince genuinely wanted to kill him—or at the very least, draw his sword. The urge was extrely strong.
But he knew the consequence of such an impulse would be the annihilation of his entire family.
However, the Prince’s next reaction sowhat surprised Zheng Fan. He bent at the waist, bowed, and said, "General, please co in for a drink."
He had co here precisely to see what an authentic Royal Mansion looked like.
But at this mont, Zheng Fan hesitated.
"The war between our nations was a matter of state, where life and death were dictated by fate. Now, you, General, are sheltering my Royal Mansion. This is a kindness that must naturally be repaid."
He spoke quite diplomatically.
But Zheng Fan gestured around and said, "All these armored soldiers of mine will have to enter. I’m afraid they might disturb the female mbers of your household within the Royal Mansion."
Zheng Fan was afraid of dying.
Although the Earl of North Border’s actual army had already entered during the day and taken away all the guards, there was no guarantee that so old eunuch or a floor-sweeping old servant within the Royal Mansion wasn’t a hidden master.
"Chuzhou City is now Yan State soil. Is there anywhere Yan State soldiers cannot go?"
At this mont, a blind man’s voice sounded in Zheng Fan’s mind, saying, "My lord, there’s a sensible person backing this lad."
Zheng Fan nodded slightly.
Judging from the Prince’s earlier reactions, he lacked such astuteness and shrewdness. This implied soone was advising him from behind the scenes. Moreover, the Prince had to listen to this advisor.
"In that case, I shall impose," Zheng Fan said politely.
After Prince Fu’s son made a "please" gesture, the armored soldiers beside Zheng Fan imdiately surged into the Royal Mansion, beginning to set up positions and clear the way.
The Royal Mansion’s interior, with its pavilions, terraces, and storied buildings, was indeed exquisite and full of charm.
However, the servants within the Royal Mansion were clearly in the midst of packing valuables.
"Your Highness, I recall giving orders that the private property of the Royal Mansion was not to be touched."
Prince Fu’s son imdiately replied, "General, your esteed army has just arrived. As the forr local power, my Royal Mansion naturally ought to contribute sothing to reward the troops."
To proactively offer up the Royal Mansion’s wealth, even though it wasn’t on the confiscation list, showed he was remarkably astute.
It was just amusing that if such astuteness ca from so opportunist, it would be one thing; but this was a vassal prince of the Qian State’s Royal Family.
"Then, many thanks, Your Highness."
"You are too kind, General."
They sat down in a pavilion, and servants brought out so dried fruits and wine.
Everyone in the Royal Mansion was currently in a state of panic; it was likely that even the kitchen staff would find it hard to light the stoves today.
User Comments
0 comments from readers