Zhang Erhe was filled with doubt. Although he knew that the three wicked men had been plotting something big recently, he didn't know the details. However, he was just a close guard, so how could he dare to ask rashly? Seeing that the wicked men were confident, he said no more.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, Lord Chang'an, Cheng Jiao, has come to visit!"
Suddenly, a guard's voice came from outside the door, causing the wicked man to startle slightly.
"A mature ant?!"
"Why is he not stationed in Daliang? What brings him to Anyi City?"
As the wicked husband got up to greet her, he muttered a few words to himself.
Arriving at the imposing gate of the general's mansion, one could see Cheng Jiao standing tall and straight under the eaves, his eyes darting left and right like bright stars, as if anticipating the arrival of someone important.
"You wicked man, pay your respects to Lord Chang'an!" A loud shout broke the tranquil atmosphere.
Immediately afterwards, Li Balang and his followers bowed in unison, their voices loud and clear, demonstrating their respect for Cheng Jiao, the Lord of Chang'an.
Upon seeing this, Cheng Jiao's lips curled up slightly, and a hint of barely perceptible joy flashed in his eyes. He quickly stepped forward and said, "Brother, there are no outsiders here, so there's no need to be so formal. We're all brothers, so there's no need to be so polite."
Having said that, he solemnly bowed according to etiquette, saying, "Younger brother greets elder brother!"
The wicked husband, however, remained calm and composed, gladly accepting Cheng Jiao's greeting. He then grasped Cheng Jiao's hand tightly and led him into the mansion, saying as they walked, "Come inside quickly and have a cup of hot wine to warm yourself. The weather is cold; don't catch a chill."
Those caring words were like a warm current that instantly surged into Cheng Jiao's heart. Overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn't help but smile gently as his wicked husband led him step by step toward the front hall.
"Erhe, quickly bring me a set of bowls and chopsticks!"
The wicked man skillfully pressed Cheng Jiao into a chair, then turned to Zhang Erhe beside him and gave him instructions.
Zhang Erhe quickly nodded in agreement, "Grand Commandant...should we serve another set of dishes?" He was somewhat puzzled, after all, how could someone of Chang'an Jun's status eat leftovers?
However, Cheng Jiao and the wicked man said in unison, "There's no need for that. We're family, so let's not be so formal and waste the food."
The two exchanged a smile, revealing their brotherly affection.
After listening, Zhang Erhe nodded again, deeply admiring the two men's frugality and magnanimity, and then turned and left.
In the blink of an eye, he quickly returned with bowls, chopsticks, and wine cups, set out the tableware, and filled the wine cups for the two of them before stepping aside to stand still.
The wicked man picked up his wine cup and laughed, "Chengjiao, let's drink this cup to our hearts' content."
Cheng Jiao also raised his glass in response, "Brother, bottoms up!"
The two drank it all in one gulp.
"Erhe, stop standing there like an idiot, sit down and drink with us!" The wicked man put down his wine cup and then noticed Zhang Erhe standing by.
"There are no outsiders here today, please take your seats quickly!" Cheng Jiao readily reached out and pulled Zhang Erhe to sit beside him.
"Come, everyone, let's drink this cup to the brim again!"
This time, Cheng Jiao suddenly stood up, raised his glass in a toast, and everyone else followed suit, drinking together what was in their cups.
After a few drinks, the atmosphere in the room instantly became as intense as a burning flame.
The wicked man's sharp eyes swept over Cheng Jiao, who was speaking eloquently. He saw a maturity that had come with experience, as well as an unwavering determination on Cheng Jiao's face. He couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion: "Indeed, it was a wise move to put you in charge of Wei. You've lost some of your naivety and gained more composure. You will surely become a pillar of Qin in the future!"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Jiao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a joyful smile, and he said softly, "To receive such praise from you, elder brother, I am truly overjoyed!"
Not to mention others, even he himself noticed the changes during this period.
The mental and physical exertion, with his mind constantly focused on handling matters, did indeed lead to his rapid progress, gradually distancing him from the naive and carefree young man he once was.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Cheng Jiao was slightly drunk. He looked at his wicked husband with hazy eyes and asked softly, "Brother, I have a question. I hope you can enlighten me."
The wicked man laughed and said, "Speak freely. As long as I know it, I will tell you everything I know."
Cheng Jiao hesitated for a moment before finally speaking: "May I ask, elder brother, why do you insist on using such ruthless methods to pacify the Zhao Kingdom? This goes against what you previously proclaimed... Aren't you afraid that the world will condemn you?"
The wicked man laughed and patted Cheng Jiao on the shoulder, saying, "Wealth comes to the ruthless, love to the soft-hearted. Since ancient times, the bold have conquered all, while the timid have suffered a lifetime."
"Zhao Yan has practically handed me the opportunity; if I don't seize it, wouldn't I be letting him down?"
A hint of worry flashed across Cheng Jiao's brow. "But this action is against the natural order. If it is truly aimed at the Zhao state, that's one thing, but it will inevitably implicate innocent people from other countries!"
A sly glint flashed in the wicked man's eyes. "Chengjiao, you are still too merciful. I have come for the greater cause!"
"It's true that we share the same roots and origins, but in this life, people have countless perspectives. Since I am in the Qin state, I will naturally seek things that benefit Qin."
Cheng Jiao remained silent after hearing this, his mind racing with thoughts. He knew that what his wicked husband said was true, but he still felt that the plan was a bit too ruthless.
Just then, the wicked husband stood up and said, "So what if the world scorns me? I'll pretend to be a virtuous woman even if I have to pretend to be virtuous. These words come out of my mouth, and I can say whatever I want."
"Kill! My sword is sharp, my fist is hard!"
"Not killing you is my mercy, and you're lucky to be alive!"
As he rowed to this point, seeing Cheng Jiao lost in thought and silence, he smiled and said, "What is there to fear in eternal infamy? What is there to fear about the rainy road ahead? Let others say what they will. A hundred years from now, who will be able to judge right and wrong?"
After saying that, he turned and left, leaving Cheng Jiao to ponder his words.
Seeing the wicked husband leave, Li Balang and Zhang Ke also got up and left their seats. They walked to Cheng Jiao's side and paused. "Lord Chang'an, if you want to achieve a great cause for the ages, you will inevitably have to sacrifice countless lives?"
"Walking alone without an umbrella, the Grand Commandant is truly a man of iron will in this era."
The two voices brought Cheng Jiao back to his senses. A bitter smile appeared on his lips. "Who said that no one would hold an umbrella for my brother?"
Ying Zheng's edict had already reached the prefects of various counties, and he had naturally received the king's order as well. He had come today precisely for this matter.
"Do you two know... that His Majesty has already issued a decree?"
Upon hearing this, the two were both taken aback. After exchanging a glance, they both shook their heads. They had been so busy with affairs lately that the entire Hedong County seemed to be cut off from the world, with no news coming in or going out.
Cheng Jiao's lips moved, and he uttered, "The King has decreed that the State of Zhao is disloyal and colluding with foreign tribes...we will wage war...unto death!"
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