Zhang Xiao led his troops to the area within the Thirteen Prefectures of the Customs District, but instead of organizing a defense line as Wu Yunyin had hoped, he went to Tianyang Pass alone to find Chen Zhennan.

The city walls of Tianyang Pass appeared exceptionally majestic under the setting sun, and Zhang Xiao's figure stood alone and resolute beneath them.

Chen Zhennan received Zhang Xiao in the main hall of Tianyang Pass. The hall was brightly lit, and a banquet had been prepared. The table was laden with fine wine and delicacies, and everything seemed to have returned to the days when they fought side by side a few years ago. However, the atmosphere was very different from before. Chen Zhennan remained silent, his eyes deep, glancing at Zhang Xiao from time to time.

"General..." Zhang Xiao finally broke the silence, "I want to return to your side and no longer be loyal to Wu Yunyin."

His eyes gleamed with determination, as if he were proud of his decision.

A hint of surprise flashed in Chen Zhennan's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

Chen Zhennan slowly put down his wine glass and asked calmly, "Zhang Xiao, what do you mean by this? I remember saying before that you are loyal to the Great Wu Dynasty, and Wu Yunyin is still the emperor of Great Wu. Are you going to become a traitor?"

Zhang Xiao gave a wry smile. "Traitor? Wu Yunyin is the real traitor of this dynasty. Commander, I want to come back, but there are conditions. Would you like to hear them?"

Chen Zhennan slowly raised his wine glass and couldn't help but laugh, "Kid, you think you can play hard to get with me? You're too green. Whether you say it or not, the result is the same whether you're here or not. Wu Yunyin is already on the verge of death."

After saying that, Chen Zhennan slowly drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.

Zhang Xiao gave a wry smile. "General, after chaos comes harmony, that's what you said back then. You also said that a country will not awaken without the baptism of war. So, my condition is that Zhou Xiang must stand up and be the first to overthrow Wu Yunyin."

Chen Zhennan was slightly taken aback, then revealed a faint smile, "Why are you unwilling to be the first to stand up and oppose Wu Yunyin?"

Zhang Xiao shook his head slightly, though he had a thousand reasons in his heart, he was unwilling to say them easily.

“I only hope that Zhou Xiang can be the first to stand up against Wu Yunyin.” Zhang Xiao’s voice was low and firm, as if he was defending his choice. “As long as he is willing, I am willing to follow your banner and start a rebellion.”

Chen Zhennan was somewhat surprised, as his thoughts now coincided with Zhang Xiao's. Zhou Xiang was now the key to opening this door.

"Fine, since you're unwilling to talk about it, I won't force you. I will have Zhou Xiang raise an army, but I also have my conditions."

Upon hearing Chen Zhennan's words, Zhang Xiao immediately became interested.

"General, please say so. As long as it is within my power, I will definitely agree to it."

Chen Zhennan slowly got up, walked slowly to Zhang Xiao's side, and patted him on the shoulder.

"You think you can do that? You'd give me your life if I asked? Heh, don't be nervous. When I, Chen Zhennan, kill someone, they always deserve to die."

"General, please just tell me what you want me to do."

Zhang Xiao originally wanted to play hard to get and gain the upper hand, but he didn't expect that in a short while, he would be the one who was anxious.

Chen Zhennan walked slowly to the door and looked towards the west, where it bordered the Great Zhou.

"I want you to launch an attack on Great Zhou after Zhou Xiang raises his army, and bring Great Zhou into the territory of my Yan Kingdom."

"Yan Kingdom?" Zhang Xiao frowned slightly.

"That's right, it's my Yan Kingdom. Don't forget, I am now the Emperor of Great Yan. As long as you do as I say, your name will definitely be on the list of merits."

Zhang Xiaowei shook his head slightly: "General, you know me. All the so-called merits are useless to me. As long as this land can be peaceful and prosperous, I will be content."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan poured himself a glass of wine, slowly pushed it in front of Zhang Xiao, and slightly curled the corners of his mouth, revealing a smile.

"Then there's no disagreement. I'll inform Zhou Xiang of the operation now. You should go back and prepare as well."

...

Outside Zhuozhou City, Zhou Xiang was sitting in his tent when suddenly a scout rushed in, carrying a secret letter.

"Your Highness, the Commander-in-Chief has sent a letter!"

"Give it to me now!"

After taking the secret letter, Zhou Xiang couldn't wait to open it and take out the letter inside.

"Zhou Xiang, you must immediately raise an army under the banner of opposing Wu Yunyin's perverse actions. Wu Yunyin is stubborn and arbitrary, and has already turned this Great Wu into a mess, with the people suffering. Now is the time to set things right, and this is an act in accordance with the will of Heaven."

After reading the contents of the letter, Zhou Xiang clenched his fist and a smile of excitement spread across his face.

"Wu Yunyin, it's time for you to pay the price!"

Turning around and walking out of the tent, Zhou Xiang shouted loudly, "All officers and soldiers, raise an army immediately, overthrow Wu Yunyin, and march into the capital!"

At Zhou Xiang's command, the entire military camp instantly became lively. Soldiers in every tent were quickly assembling, from generals to centurions, all directing their subordinates to prepare for battle.

In addition, Zhou Xiang sent someone on horseback to inform Hou Jing and Li Can. The messenger rushed to Hou Jing's camp, panting as he conveyed Zhou Xiang's order: "General Hou, His Highness has ordered that Wu Yunyin is now incompetent and tyrannical, and invites you to surround the capital as quickly as possible. This is a golden opportunity that must not be missed."

Upon hearing this, Hou Jing slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and shouted, "Issue my military order: the army must assemble immediately!"

Meanwhile, Li Can was training his troops on the drill ground when he received the message.

He clenched his fist and shouted excitedly, "I've been waiting for this day for a long time. This time, I'll make Wu Yunyin taste the bitterness of being betrayed and abandoned by everyone." After saying that, he quickly gathered his troops.

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