"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: I have heard that Fan Nan, the Minister of War and the Grand Commander of the Hedong Army, has been self-willed and misguided in his command, resulting in the defeat of the three armies and heavy casualties. This grave crime is a manifestation of arrogance and dereliction of duty, which has cost us the opportunity to fight. I have betrayed the Emperor's grace and brought shame upon the people."
"Immediately dismiss him from his post and escort him back to the capital for a rigorous trial at the Dali Temple."
"The war in Hedong Road will be taken over by Hedong Jiedushi Pei Lun."
"So ordered!"
As Eunuch Cao finished reading the imperial edict, Fan Nan's face turned pale and his whole body trembled. He shouted to the south in great grief and anger:
"Your Majesty, I...I can turn the tide of the battle any moment. Why are you investigating me now?"
Eunuch Cao said expressionlessly, "Master Fan, you should save these words for when you return to the capital and explain them to the Dali Temple!"
"Come here, take him down to our house!"
Two men in brocade robes came up and took off Fan Nan's official hat without any courtesy.
"Who of you dares to come over here!" Fan Tong and several other guards stood in front of Fan Nan.
"Fan Nan, do you want to disobey the order?" Eunuch Cao's face was extremely gloomy.
Fan Nan angrily scolded Fan Tong: "Fan Tong, stop being rude and leave!"
"Eunuch Cao, my guards and followers are only following orders. Please don't make things difficult for them!"
"As long as they don't cause trouble to me, I won't bother to care!"
Eunuch Cao said coldly, "Master Fan, while the Tartars are still asleep, follow me on my journey!"
Seeing that he was powerless to change the situation, Fan Nan thought for a moment, lowered his posture and pleaded, "Eunuch Cao, I only need to say one word to them, that's all!"
"Hurry up! My time is very precious!" Eunuch Cao led his men outside.
Fan Nan hurriedly called Fan Tong over: "You guys, after I leave, go find Zhao Muyun tonight and tell him everything that's going on here!"
"From now on, you guys should stay with him first!"
"Sir, we will not leave you. We will accompany you to the capital to find the lady and the young lady to save you!" Fan Tong pleaded bitterly.
"Shut up and do as I say!" Fan Nan shouted angrily, "If you don't listen, the relationship between you and me as master and servant will end."
After saying that, Fan Nan flicked his sleeves and strode towards Eunuch Cao.
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