"We wouldn't dare!" Dong Jin cupped his hands in greeting. "We've only come to demand an explanation. Lord Zuo has worked diligently in Yunzhong County all these years, always putting the court's interests first. And yet today you've arrested him on trumped-up charges and driven a large number of officials from the prefectural government to their deaths. Does an imperial envoy have the right to act so recklessly?"
Sang Hong said calmly, "As an imperial envoy, I am naturally acting on behalf of Heaven and have the authority to deal with local officials. Why should I explain to you?"
"On the contrary, it's you. I just captured someone, and you immediately led your troops to attack. What a coincidence!"
Dong Jin replied, "Yunzhong County is located in a strategic location and is often targeted by bandits. Therefore, there are always soldiers in the city monitoring all movements. Moreover, with Lord Sang making such a big fuss, it would be difficult for us not to know."
"So what do you mean now? Attacking the Imperial Envoy's residence can be considered treason." A murderous glint flashed in Sang Hong's eyes. This situation should be suppressed with swift and decisive measures, otherwise it would be troublesome if other onlookers followed suit.
Unfortunately, the other side seemed to be on guard, hiding among the soldiers. If he missed his first strike, the situation would be difficult to manage.
"Lord Sang, please don't accuse me of anything. We're just here to seek justice; we wouldn't dare to rebel." Dong Jin was also tense, his hands gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.
"Then what kind of justice do you want?" Sang Hong asked expressionlessly.
"Release Lord Zuo!" As soon as Dong Jin finished speaking, his other subordinates shouted in unison, their cries of "Release Lord Zuo!" rising and falling in waves.
Zuo Su, who was in the dungeon, even heard it, opened his eyes, and showed neither joy nor sorrow.
Seeing that the soldiers were getting more and more excited and even showed signs of charging forward, the elite Imperial Guardsmen all raised their spears and assumed a defensive stance.
Noticing their movements, the city gate soldiers also drew their long swords.
Sweat dripped visibly from Dong Jin's face, clearly indicating that he was also very nervous.
The concept of attacking an imperial envoy is still somewhat understandable now, but if a real fight breaks out, how would his actions be different from treason?
Sang Hong's face was also ashen. He quickly calculated in his mind how to capture the opponent directly, but unfortunately the opponent was very experienced and was hiding in the protection of the military formation. No matter how he calculated, his chances of success were no more than 50%.
The situation on the field was on the verge of exploding. Both sides were well aware that if any unexpected spark were to enter the fray, the entire situation would spiral out of control.
Although both sides are currently exercising restraint, what if some opportunist tries to stir up trouble...?
Just as I feared, a whistling arrow suddenly shot from the side, and a soldier from Yunzhong County fell to the ground.
At that moment, someone in the ranks shouted, "They want to kill us all as traitors! Brothers, let's fight!"
Everyone was on edge, and when someone ignited that tension, everyone instinctively followed suit.
Soon, the soldiers of Yunzhong County clashed with the Imperial Guards.
"Damn it!" Dong Jin cursed under his breath. He could see that someone was stirring things up in the dark, but now he was helpless. His men had gone mad, and he couldn't stop them even if he wanted to.
We must rescue Lord Zuo first.
Sang Hong was also extremely annoyed. Although he understood that both sides seemed to have been set up, it was an open conspiracy, and no one could stop it now.
A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. If that's the case, then he would kill them all here to deter others who might be tempted to make a move.
With his and Zu'an's cultivation levels, plus the elite Imperial Guards, they definitely wouldn't lose, but they would certainly suffer considerable losses.
"Ding~"
Just then, the sound of a pipa suddenly rang out in the sky.
Everyone instinctively turned around and saw a figure peeking out of a window on the upper floor of the guesthouse.
The man was dressed in a gold-embroidered robe and wore a Yaksha mask, exuding an inexplicable sense of oppression.
Gold Medal Embroidered Clothing!
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