Chapter 108: Encounter a Madman

Inside the main hall.

Everyone looked at Gu Jin Nian with some disbelief.

The reason is simple.

Qi Lin Wang sending troops over is reasonable, after all such an event happened in Jiangling Commandery, Qi Lin Wang couldn't possibly not know.

Upon learning of this, sending troops immediately is completely in accordance with protocol.

Now it's just a bit overbearing, but who would have thought Gu Jin Nian would directly declare war?

You say if it were a war with the Xiongnu people, that would be fine.

At least you have some backbone.

Fighting your own people? What else is that but madness? By rights, if Gu Jin Nian just yielded and stepped back, they wouldn't do anything.

Gu Jin Nian, you don't understand things; do the people of Qi Lin Wang not understand either? As long as Gu Jin Nian steps back, even half a step, there's no problem.

But unexpectedly, Gu Jin Nian retreats not a single step, with two hundred thousand troops flanking from front and rear.

Although Qi Lin Wang's command boasts countless fierce generals, in such a siege, individual martial prowess absolutely cannot resolve it.

Once war truly breaks out, the Mountain Kui Army Camp will surely suffer heavy losses, and Qi Lin Wang's forces could even be wiped out entirely.

This is internal consumption.

Because of this, losing even one person is regrettable, completely unnecessary.

Gu Jin Nian has truly gone mad.

Madman.

Madman.

This is just a madman.

"Gu Jin Nian, no matter how you cause trouble, I won't say anything to you, old man, but regarding declaring war, don't act recklessly."

"If you directly declare war, at best both sides suffer casualties, pointlessly draining our Da Xia soldiers."

"At worst, it will trigger a civil war; even if your grandfather himself came, he couldn't save you, I say."

Zhou He could no longer sit still.

Gu Jin Nian slapped him, and he could tolerate it, because he knew Qi Lin Wang would definitely send troops over.

Once Qi Lin Wang arrives, this will be much easier to discuss; someone can suppress Gu Jin Nian, so Gu Jin Nian shouldn't even think of acting so lawlessly.

Now that Qi Lin Wang has sent troops, this is a great thing, a tremendous blessing for them.

But who would have thought Gu Jin Nian would be so ferocious, directly launching war? Does having military authority really let him do as he pleases? Is he truly unafraid of death? Gu Jin Nian mobilizing two hundred thousand troops is a capital offense, but because he is the grandson of the State-Protecting Duke and also a Heavenly Pride of Confucianism and Dao of the Da Xia Dynasty,

He definitely won't die; at most he'll just receive a heavy punishment.

But now it's different; if Gu Jin Nian really lets the two armies clash, he will surely die.

Even the emperor cannot protect him.

Because this matter has blown up too much.

Privately mobilizing troops.

Blockading the commandery office.

Furthermore, making the two armies fight, own people killing own people? Especially since both armies are stationed in the northwest border, don't they know Da Xia is about to go to war? The Xiongnu State has already readied its troops.

As a result, you're starting internal strife? And it's internal strife at the most crucial chokepoint? Isn't that just delivering oneself to death? This is the point that shocks everyone; they knew Gu Jin Nian was mad, but didn't expect him to be this mad.

What's frightening is that Gu Jin Nian isn't ignorant; he knows how severe the consequences are, yet still dares to do this.

Seeing Zhou He's loss of composure, Gu Jin Nian is very pleased.

He isn't afraid of the other side losing composure; he's afraid they'll pretend to be dead.

"Do you think a mere Qi Lin Wang can make this heir apparent afraid?"

"I dare to mobilize two hundred thousand troops; I have made all preparations."

"I said, I will make this Jiangling Commandery completely overturned."

"Convey my military order: form ranks and kill the enemy; anyone who dares approach within ten li of White Egret Prefecture shall be killed without mercy."

Gu Jin Nian shouted loudly.

This voice made the hall utterly silent.

"Obey the order!"

The latter also didn't waste words; military orders are like mountains—whatever Gu Jin Nian says, they do, ignoring everything else.

As the soldiers departed, Zhou He immediately became anxious.

"Stop."

"Don't go."

Zhou He moved to try to block them; he couldn't let these people leave, for if they did, something major would truly happen.

But who would have thought, that deputy general just flicked his hand, throwing Zhou He aside, giving him not a shred of face.

He only listens to Gu Jin Nian's words; he ignores everyone else's.

One must admit, this aspect of the Da Xia Dynasty is excellent: military orders are like mountains, without any ambiguity.

The other side left.

Gu Jin Nian, meanwhile, looked at Zhou He with utter coldness.

You like to play, huh? You like to pretend to be a master, huh? Fine.

Now let's see if you still pretend.

Gu Jin Nian's approach is to drag everyone down with him; even if this case ultimately uncovers no problems, these people still have to die.

No one can escape.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian has absolute confidence that he himself will not die.

Because he possesses two Heaven's Mandates within his body.

These two Heaven's Mandates represent the future rise of Da Xia; as long as he does not usurp the throne and does not rebel, His Majesty will not kill him.

Moreover, his grandfather is still alive.

Even if it becomes a big fuss, what can be done?

Yes, if one follows the rules, he truly cannot contend with this group.

Because this is their territory, the forces are intertwined and complex, with many people's shadows.

Upon arriving at Bai Lu Fu, if Xu Ping had not stopped him, relying on his abilities to conduct a covert investigation would actually be extremely difficult.

After all, there are not many people.

But it is precisely because Xu Ping stopped him that he thought of a crucial point.

That is, he is the grandson of the Duke who Pacifies the Nation.

His status carries great weight; no matter what he does, his crime is not worthy of death.

Speaking bluntly, even if he were thrown into the Heavenly Prison, what of it? If he could save these tens of thousands of children, what would it matter if he were imprisoned for a few years? "Zhou He."

"Do you know why this Prince dares to do this?"

"The reason this Prince acts this way is not because ignorance breeds fearlessness."

"Nor is it because this Prince relies on his status to be fearless."

"But because of the righteousness in his heart."

"So this Prince is fearless, this Prince is not afraid; even if it causes heaven and earth to change color, this Prince will fight to the end."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He spoke his confidence.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian's words, Zhou He's expression turned grim.

In the depths of his eyes, fear appeared.

It was genuine fear.

Every sentence and every word Gu Jin Nian spoke struck at his heart.

If Gu Jin Nian were merely acting out of momentary anger, many things could be stopped, but now Gu Jin Nian is not acting out of anger at all, but out of righteousness.

A person is most terrifying not when he carries anger.

But when he stands on the moral high ground.

Standing on righteousness.

At this moment, Zhou He suddenly realized.

This Gu Jin Nian is certainly not coincidentally arriving at Bai Lu Fu; there may be other factors involved.

But these are no longer things he can think of now.

At this time.

Outside Bai Lu Fu.

War horses galloped, and sounds rang out one after another.

"Convey the Heir Apparent's military order, form ranks and kill the enemy."

"If the army of King Qi Lin dares to set foot in Bai Lu Fu, launch war, launch war, launch war!"

"Convey the Heir Apparent's military order, form ranks and kill the enemy."

The roar was like thunder, spreading throughout Bai Lu Fu.

Outside the four city gates, the soldiers of the Shan Kui Army, upon hearing this, all changed expression involuntarily.

They had not expected it.

Are they really going to go to war?

They originally thought that coming here was just to go through the motions with Gu Jin Nian, but they did not expect that they would actually go to war.

But when they heard the words "launch war," there was not a trace of fear in their eyes.

Instead, there was only fervor, excitement, and exhilaration.

"Form ranks and kill the enemy!"

"Form ranks and kill the enemy!"

With a roar, the soldiers of the Shan Kui Army immediately began to form ranks, cavalry on the flanks, infantry surrounding, establishing a battle formation.

Then they sent two hundred elite troops to gather intelligence.

For a moment, outside Bai Lu Fu, yellow sand billowed, and iron cavalry clanged.

And one hundred fifty li away.

When the news reached Wang Peng's ears, Wang Peng was also dumbfounded.

"Is the Heir Apparent really issuing such a military order?"

Wang Peng took a deep breath, somewhat unable to believe it.

"Replying, General, the Heir Apparent's Highness's military order is exactly this."

The latter answered, decisively and firmly.

"Hiss."

Wang Peng took a deep breath, momentarily not knowing what to say.

"General Wang, what should we do?"

An officer spoke up, looking at Wang Peng, and asked thus.

"The military order is as immovable as a mountain."

"What nonsense, form ranks and encircle the great army of King Qi Lin."

"Damn it, the Shan Kui Camp has already taken over Jiangling Commandery; what does Prince Qi Lin's dispatch of troops mean?"

"To put it bluntly, Prince Qi Lin acted so quickly that the Crown Prince's investigation case might be linked to him."

"We're all the same scum, let's go."

Wang Peng inhaled deeply; his choice was simple—just go ahead.

Anyway, if the sky falls, we have tall heads to cover us.

Moreover, whether the Shan Kui Camp follows the rules or not, he doesn't know; they were originally the stationed troops of Jiangling Commandery.

What's Prince Qi Lin's great army? They didn't even give a notice, just sent troops straight over?

They claim the name is to suppress a rebellion? Did the emperor issue a secret order? Or did the Ministry of War give a command? Definitely not—if the Ministry knew, it would have stopped both sides immediately, not sent troops to suppress.

Now the only person they listen to is Gu Jin Nian.

Boom—boom—boom.

At Wang Peng's single command, the army advanced.

At breakneck speed, they rushed toward White Heron Mansion.

Meanwhile.

Fifty li from White Heron Mansion.

A massive iron cavalry surged toward White Heron Mansion.

At the front of the army.

Dozens of fierce generals gripped weapons, their expressions grim.

"This Gu Jin Nian is truly reckless, daring to move troops on his own, relying on his grandfather being the Duke of the Nation to act lawlessly?"

"General Chang Fei, when we meet Gu Jin Nian later, let this junior general step forward; I'll unleash my killing spirit so this aristocrat learns what a real commander is, lest he remains ignorant of the world."

At the army's front, a handsome young general spoke, riding his warhorse, saying this to the leading general.

The leader.

He was a middle‑aged man, fierce and terrifying, bald, with a fleshy face, wielding a nine‑ring battle saber; he stood at least nine feet tall, his bulk like a small mountain, and his warhorse was several times larger than ordinary ones.

He looked terrifying; the surrounding generals beside him seemed insignificant.

This is General Chang Fei, one of Prince Qi Lin's four great warlords, renowned for his might.

"A privileged aristocrat who knows nothing of the world."

"If he weren't the Duke of the Nation's grandson, I'd cut his head off outright; I've slain countless such aristocrats in the western frontier."

"When we meet him later, I'll kill his fighting spirit, but do not wound him—after all, his grandfather is the Duke of the Nation."

General Chang Fei spoke, full of contempt for Gu Jin Nian, not regarding him at all.

The only thing he hesitates about is Gu Jin Nian's grandfather.

The Duke of the Nation.

At the founding, the Duke of the Nation was a marquis, a fierce general under the Founding Emperor, with brilliant battle records; however, the Founding Emperor had too many strong subordinates, many of whom had joined his uprising.

Put bluntly, they were fellow townsfolk; with that connection, each of these generals gradually became dukes.

The Duke of the Nation was not a feudal duke, but after Emperor Yongsheng's Jian De Nan, the title of feudal duke was fully established.

Yet their rise relied not on connections or alliances, but on carving a bloody path; they despise Gu Jin Nian, but still hold reverence for the Duke of the Nation.

"Please, General, rest assured."

"The junior general will only strike Gu Jin Nian's fighting spirit, never harming him."

He said confidently.

But at that moment, an elite force rushed forward; the army halted, and crossbowmen instantly nocked arrows, ready to fire.

"Is the force ahead Prince Qi Lin's great army?"

A resonant voice rang out, asking the crowd.

"It's a detachment commander from the Shan Kui Camp."

Someone spoke, informing General Chang Fei who the other side was.

Hearing this, General Chang Fei nodded, and someone immediately responded.

"Exactly."

The voice sounded again.

The Shan Kui army's voice rang out again.

"By the Crown Prince's command."

"You all stop at once; if you keep advancing and cross within fifty li of White Heron Mansion, the two armies will engage, and you will be killed without pardon."

"General, we have a hundred thousand Shan Kui troops behind us; you are already surrounded."

"His Highness the Crown Prince has issued an order; if the general ignores it and war breaks out, the general will bear all consequences alone."

"I hope the general will weigh it himself."

"Whether to bring two thousand horsemen into the city alone, or to open battle, is up to the general."

The voice rang out.

With determination.

In an instant, General Chang Fei and his men turned pale.

"Declare war?"

"He dares!"

General Chang Fei clenched his battle saber, his eyes instantly filled with murderous intent.

Prince Qi Lin sent his troops here to suppress a rebellion, but the primary goal is to stabilize the situation; there are orders that prevent an actual full‑scale war.

Earlier, Gu Jin Nian sent a messenger; he dismissed it, thinking Gu Jin Nian was nothing more than a worthless aristocrat from the capital.

But I never expected Gu Jin Nian to be so fierce?

Still dare to go to war? "General Chang Fei, this Gu Jin Nian is too arrogant; isn't he afraid of death? He even dares to declare war proactively?"

"What a big mouth, now that Zhao Yiyang has arrived, they still wouldn't dare this, right?"

"This Gu Jin Nian is truly a fool, brandishing a chicken feather as a command arrow, and we don't even know why General Wu Wang Zhiwu gave him a military token, letting a kid hold the command of troops—it's sheer nonsense."

"You dog, using this to intimidate us? If it's war, then war."

In an instant, the generals became angry.

Everyone thought Gu Jin Nian was just a kid who could be killed with a single slap.

Deploying a hundred thousand troops was nothing but a thrill, showing they didn't know the limits.

But what they didn't expect was Gu Jin Nian being so reckless, actually declaring war?

Is this damn fool really a fool? They were angry.

This is a provocation to them.

"Continue forward."

"I want to see whether this Gu Jin Nian dares to go to war."

"If war truly breaks out, the consequences will be borne solely by Gu Jin Nian."

"Go back and tell Gu Jin Nian."

"Within one hour after I enter the city, have him roll over to meet me."

General Chang Fei's expression was grim, yet he showed no fear.

None of the soldiers were cowardly.

Especially warriors like them, who rose from the bottom to this rank—could they lack bravery? Could they fear Gu Jin Nian?

They were fearless and directly challenged Gu Jin Nian.

After receiving a response.

The soldiers of the Shan Kui camp said little, turned away, and informed Gu Jin Nian.

After the person left.

The voice sounded again.

"This Gu Jin Nian, damn fool, daring to use war to scare us? Do we look frightened?"

"Do you really think we're like those worthless people in the capital? Timid?"

"If he dares to go to war, we dare to meet him in battle. Gu Jin Nian, after his grandfather dies, we'll see if he can still hold the Crown Prince position."

"This Gu Jin Nian hasn't inherited Grandfather Gu's wisdom; instead, being literary, he's probably learned from those corrupt scholars, corrupting his mind to try to intimidate us?"

"A frail scholar, unless he has some achievements in Confucianism or Daoism, and his uncle happens to be His Majesty, would a man like him even deserve a marquisate?"

The voice kept resonating.

These people clearly harbored great hatred toward Gu Jin Nian.

The reason is simple: these soldiers rose from the bottom, so they naturally hold hostility toward the powerful.

Moreover, they have fought and died for the Da Xia Dynasty without being granted a marquisate, while Gu Jin Nian can earn one by composing two poems.

They are dissatisfied and unwilling.

As for weakening the Xiongnu state's fortunes and refusing marriage alliances, they look down on that even more.

Their mouths are so hard because they have these die‑hard generals?

Without them, what is Gu Jin Nian? Though the insults continue, an old general couldn't help but frown and say.

"General Chang Fei, Gu Jin Nian's foolishness is indeed some, but after all he's a youth who doesn't understand the rules. If war truly is declared, what should we do? Could it really come to fighting?"

An old general spoke up.

If it's war against the Xiongnu state, kill if you must, declare war if you must; there's nothing to discuss.

But comrades fighting comrades is not a good thing, especially when neither side has any interest conflict, merely because the other is immature, and you are also immature; if it erupts, both sides will suffer misfortune.

And it's a huge disaster.

"First, go ahead and see."

"By the way, send someone to check the rear, to see if there really is a large army."

General Chang Fei was unafraid, but still ordered a check of the rear.

"Yes."

Someone responded, then led a cavalry unit to charge toward the rear.

Half an hour later.

The Shan Kui troops relayed General Chang Fei's news.

"Report to the Crown Prince."

"Prince Qi Lin's subordinate, General Chang Fei, said that in an hour he will come to the outskirts of the city, have you roll out, and meet him in person."

"He also said that if the two armies go to war, all consequences will be yours to bear."

The voice sounded, conveying General Chang Fei's words to Gu Jin Nian without omission.

Within the government office.

The officials, upon hearing this, couldn't help but praise General Chang Fei's bravery.

But Gu Jin Nian, after hearing this,

couldn't help but nod.

"Indeed, he is worthy of being Prince Qi Lin's subordinate, truly brave."

"Proceed."

"Immediately send a message to Wang Peng, then proceed to slay the enemy directly."

"Let the front‑camp soldiers charge straight forward again."

"Since King Qi Lin wants to make a fuss, this prince will accompany him."

"Attack."

"Strike me to the death."

"Attack until General Chang Fei surrenders."

"If he doesn't surrender, wipe him out completely,"

"leave not a single one."

If he surrenders, let him lead the other soldiers into the city; previously promised two thousand elite troops, now besides the commanders, no other elite troops may be brought into the city.

"If he surrenders, let him lead the other soldiers into the city; previously we promised two thousand elite troops, but now, aside from the commanders, no one may bring any elite troops into the city."

"If he refuses, kill him until he agrees."

He knew that General Changfei, in the end, just thought he didn't dare to fight, thought he was just blustering.

He knew that General Chang Fei, in the end, thought he didn't dare to fight and was just bragging.

"Proceed."

"Then we'll fight to show him."

"Let's see who is truly crazier."

The latter had no nonsense, left immediately, and actively declared war.

The latter said no more, left immediately, and declared war proactively.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You really are a madman."

"A complete madman through and through."

Zhou He roared beside him, seeing this as sheer nonsense, utter, total nonsense.

"I have even crazier moments."

"You will see."

Gu Jin Nian stood with his hands behind his back; right now he just wants to establish authority, establish a tremendous authority, otherwise he won't be able to overawe people.

Gu Jin Nian stood with his hands behind his back; right now he intended to establish authority, a massive authority, otherwise he couldn't keep people in check.

Boom—boom—boom.

A sound like earth shaking and mountains trembling rang out.

The great army set out on the campaign.

Iron cavalry galloped, the whole army advanced, moving proactively toward the outskirts of White Heron Residence.

Two quarters of an hour later.

King Qi Lin's great army continued forward, still about fifty li away.

A heaven-shaking, earth-shaking sound rang out; it was the sound of hooves, and moreover the sound of hooves galloping wildly.

A earth‑shaking, sky‑rending sound rose, the thundering of galloping hooves.

As veterans of countless battlefields, the generals present instantly recognized the sound.

"Quick, go check the situation."

At that moment, General Chang Fei's face darkened; he ordered someone to investigate immediately.

In less than half a quarter hour.

The scout's swift horse galloped in, his face shocked, saying, "This is bad."

"It's men from the Mountain Chief army; they've already formed battle lines, the cavalry is charging, they truly intend to fight."

"General, repel the enemy quickly."

The voice came over, and at that moment all the generals were stunned.

They all thought Gu Jin Nian was merely trying to intimidate them.

But they didn't expect Gu Jin Nian actually dared to do this?

And even declared war proactively?

"Damn it, is his brain diseased? Form battle lines, repel the enemy."

General Changfei had no nonsense; regardless of the outcome, he must form ranks to resist the enemy; otherwise, if the cavalry charges over, they will instantly be caught off guard and killed.

General Chang Fei said nothing else; regardless of the outcome, they must form lines to repel the enemy, otherwise when the cavalry charges, they'll be caught completely off guard.

"It's bad, it's really bad."

"General, there truly is a great army behind, already charging; something big is about to happen."

At this moment, the commander responsible for rear reconnaissance returned, and the group looked utterly disheveled, as if they had escaped from death.

"You damn mongrel, Gu Jin Nian, you son of a bitch!"

Hearing this, General Chang Fei was so angry he couldn't help but curse loudly.

Gu Jin Nian mobilized a hundred thousand troops, and King Qi Lin also mobilized a hundred thousand, all cavalry; what is their main purpose? Nothing more than deterrence.

Otherwise, if a real war broke out, sending a hundred thousand iron cavalry? Isn't that just idle indulgence?

The cavalry's logistics personnel didn't bring much; if a prolonged large‑scale battle occurred, they could lose without even fighting.

They can't sustain it at all.

Gu Jin Nian declared war; he has a problem with his brain, because he is the grandson of the Guardian Duke, and also a heavenly talent of Da Xia's Confucian Dao; if he really did such a big mistake, he might still be able to keep his life.

Winning against our own? Are you crazy? Still expect the emperor to reward you?

Gu Jin Nian declared war; his mind is flawed, because he is the grandson of a Marquis of the State and also Da Xia Confucian Daoist Heaven's Pride; even if he committed such a huge mistake, he might still survive.

But he's different.

【301】 One sentence: Gu Jin Nian went mad, and you went mad too?

【302】 He is a child, and you are a child? His grandfather is a Marquis of the State, is your grandfather a Marquis of the State?

So arguing a few words, insulting a few words, even slapping Gu Jin Nian once wouldn't kill him.

But if one truly goes head‑to‑head with Gu Jin Nian.

One's own nine clans would be exterminated, and even one's superior, Prince Qi Lin, would not spare them.

Just one sentence.

They're stupid; you can't also be stupid.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh! Whoosh whoosh whoosh! Clang clang clang! Clang clang clang! Just as General Chang Fei was hurling curses, above the heavens a hail of crossbow bolts shot down.

Fortunately the army had some defensive awareness and immediately raised shields to block the arrow rain, yet even so some people were wounded.

"Damn it, are they really playing?"

General Chang Fei trembled with anger.

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

Yet the earth‑shaking battle cries of "Kill!" rang out, embodying the will of the Shan Kui army.

They bore military orders; when they said "Kill", they killed—no words wasted.

Hearing those cries, General Chang Fei's mind became a tangled mess.

He felt hatred, anger, and above all, resentment.

He wished he could order an immediate counter‑kill.

His fury was uncontainable; he wanted to slap Gu Jin Nian a few times.

He was even more upset that he couldn't do anything.

"General, decide quickly—why not just kill?"

"General, at a moment like this, wavering will bring disaster."

"General."

In an instant, voice after voice rose, making General Chang Fei's head throb.

It wasn't that he lacked opinion, nor that he lacked courage.

It was that Gu Jin Nian truly caught him off guard; he simply couldn't believe Gu Jin Nian would dare this.

Originally, according to his plan, once within fifty li they could argue slowly.

But he never expected Gu Jin Nian to be so bold.

How infuriating.

How infuriating.

"Seek peace."

"Defend against the enemy."

"Do not fight."

"Stop."

"We seek peace."

General Chang Fei's voice boomed like thunder, echoing all around.

This was his choice.

It was also the most rational and clear choice.

Choosing war would be courting death; even a victory meant death, a defeat even more so.

In this matter, war isn't needed; lose one person and Prince Qi Lin won't spare them.

After all, these are the elite among Prince Qi Lin's elite.

"His Highness the Crown Prince commands."

"We do not accept peace, only surrender."

"Kill."

The roar rose, coming from not far away.

The arrow rain struck again, fiercer than before.

Though shield‑bearing cavalry protected them, casualties had already occurred.

"Gu Jin Nian, I damn your whole family."

General Chang Fei was truly incensed; when had he ever endured such humiliation? Not even allowing peace? Does he really think he can't act recklessly?

Does he truly think he wouldn't dare to wage war?

"General, don't be foolish, surrender quickly; if we truly fight, we gain nothing."

"General, surrender; Gu Jin Nian is a fool, we can't go against him."

"General, if we don't surrender now it'll be too late, surrender."

Several veteran generals spoke up, urging surrender.

It wasn't cowardice but the situation: comrades fighting comrades—that's what fools do. Gu Jin Nian is foolish; they can't follow his folly.

Otherwise they'd all die; isn't that insane?

"Surrender."

"Surrender."

"We surrender, no more fighting."

"Lay down your weapons, dismount and surrender."

General Chang Fei roared.

He was unwilling and also very angry; this loss was too frustrating, basically not a loss in momentum, nor in strategy, but in status.

As General Changfei spoke, all the soldiers dismounted together and put down their weapons.

The sound of weapons hitting the ground signified that they had admitted defeat.

The Shankui Army was very cautious; only after seeing the opposing side lay down their weapons and dismount did they step forward to suppress.

The great army came attacking, directly surrounding everyone.

"General Changfei."

"The heir apparent has an order, permitting you to take other commanders to the main city; the rest of the brothers shall all remain here."

A deputy commander of the Shankui Army approached, gave a simple salute to General Changfei, then informed him of Gu Jin Nian's order.

"Hmph."

Although they had surrendered and admitted defeat, General Changfei's arrogant expression remained unchanged.

"Do you know what you are doing?"

"Are you truly not afraid of death?"

General Changfei spoke, glaring ferociously at the other party, and questioned thus.

"General, saying all this to me is useless; the heir apparent's military order, we must obey."

"If there is anything, you can go tell the heir apparent; we cannot manage it."

The latter lowered his head slightly; General Changfei's rank was higher than his, and he also did not want to offend, being fellow members of the army, but he would not swallow the insult.

Whatever it is, it is what it is, and has nothing to do with me.

Hearing this, General Changfei's expression was not pleasant, but he also knew that military orders are as firm as mountains; these people were merely obeying Gu Jin Nian's order.

"You all follow me; the others wait here."

General Changfei spoke; after saying this, he gave a glance to another person, the meaning roughly simple.

Go inform King Qilin.

"We obey the order."

All spoke in unison.

It was not truly a war; it's just that I didn't expect Gu Jin Nian to be so ruthless. Although it was a surrender, these people showed no sign of surrender at all.

Full of resentment.

Soon, General Changfei led his troops rushing to White Egret Prefecture; the number was not large, about thirty or more people in total.

Everyone's faces were grim and unsightly.

Having suffered such a great loss, nobody could accept it.

Everyone ran wildly all the way.

Two hours later.

They arrived at White Egret Prefecture.

After entering the mansion, weapons were directly surrendered; General Changfei and the others, with cold expressions, threw their weapons to the ground, then followed the other party toward the government office.

Thud thud thud! Thud thud thud! Thirty-plus people, each with the stride of a dragon and tiger, walking with even greater tiger-like vigor.

Some onlooking civilians, upon seeing these ferocious soldiers, first felt fear, then dread, and retreated backward.

"Gu Jin Nian!"

"You have such great gall."

Before General Changfei even arrived, his voice echoed throughout the government office.

His gaze was extremely ferocious; his eyes seemed to want to devour people.

This voice shook the government office to the point of slight trembling.

Soon, a man over nine feet tall walked in, his face full of flesh, bald-headed, eyes like a tiger, devouring hearts and minds.

He wore armor; upon entering the government office, his gaze fell directly on Gu Jin Nian, filled with indescribable anger.

The thirty-plus people behind him also each had ferocious gazes, looking at Gu Jin Nian.

"Gu Jin Nian, you actually dare to order the start of war; do you know what you are doing?"

"Do you seek death?"

A somewhat younger commander, moreover, pointed at Gu Jin Nian's nose and roared angrily.

They were too angry.

They thought Gu Jin Nian was just acting recklessly, just causing chaos, lacking sense.

And in the government office.

Seeing these thirty ferocious men approach, Gu Jin Nian showed not a trace of fear, replaced instead by cold intent.

"Upon seeing this heir apparent, you still do not remove your armor."

"You are surrendered troops, yet you dare to be arrogant?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, looking at them, swords' points facing each other's tips; neither side had any pleasant expression.

"Ridiculous, what qualifications do you have to order us to take off our armor?"

A commander spoke, his eyes filled with contempt and disdain.

"Someone come."

"Seize this person and behead him on the spot."

Gu Jin Nian waved his hand.

"Arrogant, huh?"

"Yelling like a ghost, huh?"

"Then I'll have you die."

When those words were spoken, the faces of the group changed, especially General Chang Fei, who stepped forward and roared loudly.

"Who do I think dares?"

"If you don't want to die, come forward."

He roared, and instantly a powerful aura spread, the aura of the prospective Prince of War, suppressing the entire scene.

The elite soldiers inside the government office each turned pale, feeling an overwhelming strain.

And this force also pressed down toward Gu Jin Nian.

Boom.

At that moment, behind Gu Jin Nian, Wen Mansion materialized, surrounded by stars, the Great Sun high in the sky, accompanied by five war chariots that emerged to block the onslaught.

"Men, deliver the Prince's order: General Chang Fei intends to assault the Prince."

"Annihilate all troops of King Qi Lin, leaving none behind."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he opened Wen Mansion and was not at all afraid of the opponent's spiritual pressure.

However, in terms of martial path, he could not suppress the opponent, but could restrain them by other means.

Sure enough, upon hearing that, General Chang Fei's complexion changed dramatically.

The others' faces also changed.

Gu Jin Nian really is poisonous.

His poison makes one's heart grow cold.

"Encircle and annihilate all troops? No survivors?" His own brothers have already been fully controlled; if this order were truly issued, none of the hundred thousand troops could escape.

"If we truly die, King Qi Lin will have us torn apart and executed."

Cruel.

Poisonous.

Beast.

In an instant, General Chang Fei retracted his martial power, his face turning extremely grim as he said.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"Are you truly insane?"

Because of past lessons, General Chang Fei believes Gu Jin Nian would dare do this.

This guy is a heartless person.

He does whatever he wants, caring nothing about the consequences.

"Are you the ones who are insane?"

"You've already become defected troops, yet you still shout loudly before the Prince?"

"What do you take this place for?"

"Do you think it's your barracks?"

"If it weren't for the fact that the Da Xia Dynasty is about to go to war with the Xiongnu Nation, and you still need to defend your homes, then just because you dared to unleash martial power before the Prince, the Prince could kill you ten times."

"You still dare to shout."

"The Prince's final question to you: will you remove your armor?"

Gu Jin Nian's gaze was fierce as he said.

Looking through history, Gu Jin Nian has learned many things; one of them is that when you meet someone harsher than you, you must be even harsher.

Ten times harsher, a hundred times harsher.

Otherwise, you'll only be bullied.

General Chang Fei's expression was ugly.

All the others also wore grim faces.

"Give the order."

"Kill."

Gu Jin Nian gave no chance; he likes stubbornness, right? He just likes such stubborn people.

Let's see who truly fears whom.

"Remove."

"Remove."

"Remove."

General Chang Fei bellowed three times and directly stripped off his armor.

He was stifled, wanting to kill.

He was so angry he wanted to kill.

But Gu Jin Nian was simply terrifying; one wrong step led to another, a mistaken surrender, causing the hundred‑thousand army to be easily manipulated by Gu Jin Nian.

If I dared to act recklessly, Gu Jin Nian would also act recklessly.

The final outcome would be my certain death.

If I die, that's all right; at most it's a life for a life.

But to die together with a hundred thousand brothers, he refused and would not agree.

This move is truly poisonous.

It really is poisonous.

Everyone hurriedly removed their armor.

Yet in their eyes remained defiance, anger.

"Kneel down."

After they remove their armor, Gu Jin Nian speaks again, ordering this group to kneel.

For a moment, the officials of Jiangling Commandery and Bailu Residence were completely stunned.

Gu Jin Nian is really ruthless.

Make them shed their armor, kill their vigor.

Now making them kneel is sheer humiliation.

Do we have to be this ruthless?

Seriously, leaving no mercy at all?

They are the capable subordinates of Prince Qi Lin.

Aren't we afraid they'll be enraged now?

Did I kill you? — Gu Jin Nian.

"You shouldn't overstep."

At this moment, General Chang Fei's gaze is on Gu Jin Nian; his eyes are terrifying, as if looking at a corpse.

"Lower your head for me."

"A dog‑like thing."

"Deliver the Crown Prince's military order: if the Crown Prince suffers any damage, we will surround and slaughter a hundred thousand troops, leaving none alive."

"Whoever disobeys, the Crown Prince guarantees that my grandfather will annihilate all nine of your clans."

Gu Jin Nian is utterly unafraid; he has even prepared for death, daring anyone with skill to come test him.

"Chang Fei, aren't you supposed to let the Crown Prince roll over?"

"Now the Crown Prince will make you kneel."

"The Crown Prince stands before you; I know your anger, I know your fury."

"Do you dare to kill me?"

"Do you dare to move me?"

"If you even touch a single hair on me, I will have all nine of your clans exterminated; your sons, your wife, your parents, your brothers and sisters—all will be torn apart and executed."

"Do you believe it or not?"

Gu Jin Nian's eyes also reveal murderous intent.

There is also a terrifying coldness.

Who is behind me?

It is the Duke of State Stabilization.

It is the Emperor of Da Xia.

If I were to meet an untimely end, not to mention these people, Prince Qi Lin would also have to die.

A death with no place for burial.

When the old man goes berserk, he guarantees these people will die miserably.

No, it's not death.

It's being unable to live and unable to die.

Indeed.

These words made the faces of this group turn rigid.

Gu Jin Nian didn't say anything wrong at all.

Although Gu Jin Nian acts rashly and commits heinous crimes.

But so what? It's not their place to deal with it.

If anyone dares to move Gu Jin Nian, even if they truly wound him, once the Duke of State Stabilization goes berserk, all nine clans will endure torment.

Even if someone has no nine clans, an orphan alone, in the camp, is there not a single person they care about? General Chang Fei is fierce.

Gu Jin Nian is indeed ruthless.

Even more ruthless than a madman.

At this moment, General Chang Fei clenches his teeth tightly, biting down hard.

Almost to the point of breaking his own teeth.

He wants to kill Gu Jin Nian.

He wants to, very much.

But in the end, that tiny sliver of reason makes him understand.

Actually killing Gu Jin Nian is not a simple one‑for‑one exchange; it would send tens of thousands of lives to the grave, especially one's own family and one's friends' families—certainly a state of being unable to live and unable to die.

He lost.

He lost completely.

At this moment, he also understands how terrifying Gu Jin Nian's status is.

This is not an ordinary aristocrat.

This is a supreme aristocrat.

"The guilty is Chang Fei, bow to the Crown Prince."

Finally.

General Chang Fei knelt, even kowtowing his head on the ground.

His voice was loud.

It was full of defiance.

It was full of hatred.

But he still gave a loud kowtow.

Seeing this, the others also stopped talking and followed suit, kowtowing together.

Zhou He, standing to the side, couldn't help but sigh at the sight.

Gu Jin Nian's methods are truly strong.

He deeply understood that Gu Jin Nian was absolutely not rash, but rather had mastered manipulating people's hearts to the utmost.

At present.

The one who can save them.

Only one person.

That person is King Qilin.

(End of chapter)