Chapter 248 The Feast at Hongmen
"Heng'er... what are you saying? The decision has been made, there's no need to say more." Mu Dong's words clearly indicated that the topic of transferring military power had already been discussed between him and his son.
Mu Heng, however, stepped across the table with his hand on the hilt of his sword and entered the hall. He glanced at Mu Xi and then looked at Mu Dong: "I have tried to dissuade you many times before. If you still insist on doing so, then don't blame me for being unfilial."
After saying that, he drew his sword.
"What are you trying to do? Don't do anything reckless." Mu Dong said this, but his expression didn't seem to take it seriously.
Mu Heng drew his sword, his eyes gleaming arrogantly: "Reckless? Yan Sheng is already in complete chaos. If we don't take advantage of the chaos, that would be reckless. Father, don't forget, you and I are both descendants of the Mu family. Why is it that when we were fighting for the world, we were both on the battlefield, yet they were granted fiefdoms while we were left to languish and depend on others?"
Despite his son drawing his sword, Mu Dong remained remarkably good-natured: "Ah, Heng'er, why do you think like this? Haven't I told you before...? Since my birth, I've had nothing else, but I've been self-aware enough that I'm not cut out for this. I'm content with being granted the title of Marquis of Yifang. These past years, I've served under my elder brother, maintaining order in the western border, but I haven't suffered any grievances, much less been subservient to others. Now that the heir has returned, I'm handing over military power, which allows me to relinquish my heavy responsibilities and enjoy my retirement. You brothers are still the same as before, without any loss. What's wrong with that?"
"What's wrong with that? Heh... It's wrong that the brothers are unwilling to be subordinate to this nominal heir." Mu Heng was obviously referring to Mu Xi.
Mu Xi watched the two of them talking back and forth, unsure whether the father and son were acting or not, and could only wait and see.
Mu Dong shook his head calmly: "Heng'er, you don't understand. The world is in turmoil, and the outcome is still uncertain. From any perspective, it is only natural for the Crown Prince to take over the Western Border troops. Even if there are any changes in the future, it is none of our business. We just need to act in accordance with the will, and we will always be on the side of 'reason'. But what you are going to do tonight will not be in the right, and many things will be hard to say in the future."
Mu Heng wouldn't listen to a word, and his eyes rolled back in disbelief: "Only cowards talk about 'reason'. I have power, why should I talk about reason? Now that we've taken advantage of the chaos to establish ourselves, no matter who wins in the future, it won't be easy for them to conquer my western border."
It turns out they had an even bigger plan in mind.
Mu Xi had anticipated that this would be a trap, but he did not expect that Mu Heng not only wanted to take his place and seize control of the military power in the western region, but also had a greater ambition: to directly establish himself as king and divide the western region.
That's true. Either don't do it at all, or do it big.
Mu Xi admired his courage to some extent.
Unfortunately, before she could finish expressing her admiration, Mu Heng's sword tip was already pointing at her: "Cousin, you should understand now, and know what to do, right?"
How to do it?
Mu Xiren, under the eaves, was like a lamb being led into the tiger's den: "I am the heir of the Jin Fangjun, the rightful successor to the Western Border's title. My cousin Heng asked me what to do? Do you think I'll relinquish my title and spare my life?"
She turned her head and looked pitifully at Mu Dong: "Uncle... please protect my safety and uphold justice."
Before Mu Dong could answer, Mu Heng roared in fury: "What rightful successor? This position should belong to the capable. I, Mu Heng, was born and raised here. I toiled in the Western Frontier military camps and trained troops on the border. The officers and generals of the Western Frontier recognize me, not some distant prince like you. My father was honest and kind, but he was fooled by your father who died young his whole life. And now you have the nerve to ask my father for justice?"
"Heng'er, you mustn't! You two are blood brothers..." Mu Dong finally began to panic, waving his hands frantically as he tried to get up to stop him. "Back then, your uncle saved my life too. You are where you are today because of him..."
With a "snap".
Before Mu Dong could finish speaking, Mu Heng suddenly threw a wine glass at him. "Father, in order to prevent the Western Territory from falling into the hands of incompetent people, you should not get involved."
As the wine glass was smashed to the ground, a large number of armored soldiers dressed in black leather armor and wielding sharp blades rushed into the four doors of the main hall, instantly surrounding the entire hall like wolves and tigers.
An uproar broke out in the hall. People cried out in alarm, and many tried to run away, but they were forced back by the soldiers after taking only two steps.
As expected, this was a trap. Mu Xi slowly stood up: "Brother Heng, what is the meaning of this?"
"Hmph, what do you mean?" Mu Heng held his sword, confident and composed. "Isn't it obvious? If the young master had any self-awareness, he shouldn't have come to the Western Territory. Wouldn't it have been more pleasant to stay in the East Sea and be your ideal son-in-law? Why did he have to be so greedy and try to take over the Western Territory?"
Mu Xi calmly looked down at the assembled civil and military officials and asked, "Does everyone think the same way?"
The sudden influx of armored soldiers had already caused widespread panic. Apart from the dozen or so generals from Mu Heng's faction who were clearly prepared, most people seemed to have not anticipated such a turn of events.
Mu Xi didn't expect anyone to answer his question. He said loudly, "All of you officials are veterans who have served in the Western Territory for many years. You must know my father and brother better than you know me. I am incompetent, unlike my cousin Heng. Therefore, if more than half of you stand up tonight and express your willingness to hand over the power of the Western Territory to my uncle and support him as the King of Jinfang, I will leave the Western Territory without hesitation and never set foot there again."
Upon hearing this, of course no one responded.
The civil officials, in particular, were terrified and their faces turned ashen. The military officers, though outwardly fearless, were all on edge, exchanging bewildered glances and none daring to express their opinions easily.
Mu Dong seemed to realize the seriousness of the situation at this moment: "Heng'er, what are you doing? Quickly put away your weapons."
Mu Heng, of course, wouldn't listen. Instead, he placed the tip of his sword on Mu Xi's shoulder: "Cousin, there's no need for that. So what if no one has spoken up? Tonight, I have complete control over the Jin Fangjun Mansion, and I also control the entire Qingyan City outside. The generals who command the main forces of the Western Territory have all spoken up. After all, you are just... a weak and sickly young nobleman. It's no use."
"I am of no use, but if it were Mu Xun standing here now, what would you say?" Mu Xi glanced at the several people who were gathered behind Mu Heng, including Mu Heng's two half-brothers.
Upon hearing this question, the officers' expressions all changed, but none of them said anything.
"Sigh..." Mu Xi sighed, knowing full well that military people speak with strength, and she had none, so it would be difficult for her to convince the public.
If Mu Xun were truly here, he might be able to turn the tide, but alas…
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