"The Grand Secretary has always advocated for peace. He is also familiar with the generals of the Beijing army, so there shouldn't be any problems."
"Who could have predicted that His Majesty would send border troops to participate in the suppression of bandits? Border troops have always fought against the Tatars and are formidable in combat. General Zhao, please proceed with caution."
"At worst, we can fake our death and escape by changing our names. That way, we won't leave General Zhao with no way out."
The massacre in Zaoqiang was too horrific and inhumane. If the imperial court were to grant amnesty to these bandits, the people would likely be filled with fear and unease, lest the bandits rebel again and continue to wreak havoc in all directions.
Nobody wants to become a victim of violence.
Zhao Sui clenched his fists and took a deep breath: "This humble servant will do his utmost to live up to the high expectations of the Grand Secretary!"
Zhao Sui bid farewell to Steward Chen and was about to leave when he discovered that the city gates of Bazhou were tightly closed and soldiers inside the city were arresting people everywhere, saying they were going to capture a demon.
Zhao Sui and Steward Chen were both shocked.
...
Lu Xingjian asked Meng Yue to compile a list of officials who would submit congratulatory memorials for this year's Mid-Autumn Festival.
"Only half of the officials sent congratulatory messages; the other half, the vast majority of whom were Li's protégés and relatives by marriage."
Lu Xingjian's face was expressionless, his jawline taut.
This is the source of Li Dongqian's confidence.
Lu Xingjian closed his eyes, a look of fatigue on his face.
Powerful officials in the imperial court are like leeks in a field, one crop after another, never to be cut down.
"Report any military intelligence immediately."
...
The scout came panting and reported: "Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, Master Liu has been captured by the imperial army!"
Liu Liu and Qi Yanming were shocked. "How is that possible? Didn't he go to Dacheng County to negotiate amnesty?!"
The scout was covered in sweat and nearly collapsed: "The government troops are cunning. They changed the negotiation location several times, and later it seems they said it would be in Bazhou City. Not only Master Liu, but General Zhao Sui was also trapped in Bazhou City."
After much deliberation, Liu Liu and Qi Yanming decided to split their forces into two groups to provide assistance.
Liu Liu led fifty cavalrymen to Dacheng County to rescue people.
Qi Yanming attacked Bazhou with three hundred cavalry.
The defenses of Dacheng County were weak, and the massacre in Zaoqiang County had just occurred not long ago.
Liu Liu stormed into the county town with almost no effort.
After interrogating and searching, they found no news of Liu Qi being captured there. Instead, they heard that Liu Qi had gone to Tongzhou, and that Liu Liu had led his men through Gu'an Hongcun straight to Tongzhou.
Bazhou, however, was fortified and could not be taken by three hundred men, and Qi Yanming hesitated.
Liu Qi publicly broke with Zhao Sui, and he wasn't particularly concerned about whether Zhao Sui was in trouble.
Instead, they thought Yang Hu and the others would come to rescue Zhao Sui.
Upon receiving Liu Liu's message, Qi Yanming also rushed to Tongzhou.
Meanwhile, Yang Hu and his men had already quietly made their way to the vicinity of Tongzhou.
He smiled smugly at his newlywed wife, Cui.
"We heard that the Empress is hiding in Tongzhou. If we capture her, are we afraid that the government troops will not obey our commands?"
Cui frowned, still shaken. "We must never massacre another city like we did in Zaoqiang."
Yang Hu scolded impatiently, "What do you know, woman? My only brother died in Zaoqiang County. I won't be satisfied until the city is massacred!"
...
Meng Yue urgently reported: "Bandits have appeared in Gu'an!"
Lu Xingjian summoned Li Dongqian, Yang Ting, and Liang Chu of the cabinet to the Zuoshun Gate for a meeting.
"The bandits have fled to Tongzhou, while Lu Wan and others have led the government troops to Zhuozhou. What do you think of having the Ministry of War bring back the government troops and order them to head east to Tongzhou to kill the enemy?" Lu Xingjian asked.
Li Dongqian said solemnly, “Your Majesty is absolutely right. The government troops have not gone far and will arrive in one or two days. It will be easy for them to capture us if they join forces.”
"I fear that the troops are not united and may miss the opportunity to fight. Please summon other government troops in the southeast to prepare for support."
But he was secretly very pleased with himself.
One or two days later, the daylilies were cold.
Empress Su had no chance of survival after falling into the hands of a thug like Yang Hu.
Lu Xing pondered for a moment, then said, "What you say is very true, sir. Men, prepare a feast."
Li Dongqian paused for a moment, then narrowed his eyes.
Is the plan to confine them in the palace?
Zuoshun Gate is the dividing line between the inner court and the outer court.
His gaze swept over the small study not far away.
The small study was where Yang Zhen usually taught Yan Ge'er and Yan Ge'er.
Yang Ting noticed Li Dongqian's gaze and felt a chill run down his spine.
...
Liu Qi watched Su Wanwan leisurely grinding tea.
"Aren't you afraid the rebels will come and kidnap you?"
This is not the capital city, where the city walls are tall and sturdy.
Su Wanwan didn't even look up: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Liu Qi sneered, "Your man is really useless, he needs a woman to stand up for him."
Su Wanwan paused in turning the small stone mill, still not looking up.
Whether it's useful or not, we'll judge that once you manage to escape alive.
Liu Qi pursed his lips, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
This time, Su Wanwan was truly determined to kill him.
A thousand thoughts raced through his mind.
The most satisfying thing to do, of course, is to just slash her and kill her.
I'm afraid I'll die here today.
The knife in his hand tightened and loosened repeatedly, but he never pulled it out again.
He, Liu Qi, does not kill women.
Especially women who are completely powerless.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense again.
The only sound in the room was the soft rustling of Su Wanwan slowly preparing the tea paste and whisking the matcha.
Liu Qi strained his ears to listen to the sounds outside.
Thump.
Su Wanwan placed the teacup she had ordered in front of Liu Qi.
Liu Qi glanced at the painting and his expression changed drastically.
Su Wanwan looked at him calmly.
A complex look appeared in his eyes.
Liu Qi met her gaze for a moment, then looked away.
He slowly picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp.
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