Beads of sweat the size of soybeans trickled down Zhao Zheng's forehead. He said in a trembling voice, "General, this...this is not appropriate."

"This humble general does not believe that the rebels have reached the end of their rope. The head of a traitor is not so easy to obtain."

Jin Huan nodded in agreement: "Of course, it's not easy to get the head of a traitor."

"After all, Xiong Qian also wants to take his head himself, so you must deliver a fatal blow to the traitor at the most crucial moment!"

"This left Xiong Qian speechless. Although he fought the battle, he couldn't have won without us. We were the key to securing the victory!"

"After the victory, bring the traitor's head back to Zhongnan Pass as fast as you can, and I'll help you claim credit and reward!"

"Your bright future depends on this battle. Let's see if you can seize it. If it were someone else, I would not give them this opportunity."

"And you are my good brother, as close as a sibling to me! Therefore, I must give you this opportunity!"

After hearing this, Zhao Zheng turned ashen-faced. He bowed and cupped his hands, saying:

"Brother, I am not worthy of such a bright future. Please let me stay by your side and guard Zhongnan Pass."

"Let's put aside the traitors and rebels for now."

Upon hearing this, Jin Huan raised an eyebrow, immediately changed his expression, and his voice turned cold:

"Huh? You bastard! What are you saying!"

"There's no reason not to fight! The rebels must be suppressed, and now is the best opportunity!"

"You must accept this credit! As for how to fight, I think with your talent, you definitely have a way!"

Zhao Zheng was filled with apprehension and was about to speak when Jin Huan interrupted him:

"No need for further words, gather the troops and head there immediately!"

“If we continue, it will be disobeying military orders! We may be good brothers, but we must distinguish between public and private matters! You can’t put me in a difficult position.”

Faced with his elder brother, who was so eager for success and whose temper could change faster than turning the pages of a book, Zhao Zheng sighed inwardly and could only clasp his hands in a fist and say:

"If this journey does not go smoothly, I hope the general will..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jin Huan patted his shoulder and chuckled softly:

"You're not suggesting I take care of your wife and daughters, are you?"

"Haha, no way! Don't worry!"

"Trust my judgment. This trip will surely be a great success. You will definitely bring back the traitor's head. As for your wife and daughter, you should raise them yourself!"

Amidst the laughter, Zhao Zheng's heart sank to the bottom.

——

Meanwhile, somewhere in Bailiyuan.

A long stretch of tents were set up here, but no campfires were lit.

A full moon hangs high in the sky, bathed in its pale light.

With disheveled hair and a face covered in blood, Xiong Qian knelt on the ground, looking at the person before him with a fawning smile:

"General Lü's divine might is unparalleled, truly opening our eyes to a new world."

"If I hadn't met General Lü, I'm afraid I would never have known that such a remarkable person existed in this world!"

The person in front of him did not speak, but only gave a cold snort.

Xiong Qian then turned to look at the other person and smiled:

"General Li is exceptionally intelligent and resourceful. I believe he will be able to enter Zhongnanguan without losing a single soldier."

At this point, he sighed again:

"I only regret that I am a foolish person and have been deceived by a tyrannical emperor. If I had met the prince earlier, I would have joined his ranks and served him."

"Let's put it this way, we've become friends after this little misunderstanding."

After he finished speaking, no one uttered a sound.

Xiong Qian carefully observed the expressions of the people before him, then continued, "When the Prince arrives, I would like to ask you gentlemen to assist me..."

"Shut up!" A foot suddenly kicked out.

Xiong Qian was kicked to the ground, his face buried in the grass, and he groaned silently.

"Xiong Chun, Xiong Chun, my life depends on you."