Chapter 829

First Volume, Chapter 829: Soft and Hard Measures to Quell the Rebellion

Li Xu was terrified inside, for the other side held military power—if they chose to gamble everything, all Taolin Party officials would inevitably face a Great Purge.

So now, Li Xu, too, was Breaking the Cauldrons and Sinking the Boats, staking everything on one desperate bid.

Li Xu must convince the other side, or else he would be the first to die, giving his life for the nation.

"Grand General, do you know how much money the Marquis Qin has invested in communication and orders?"

"The exact figure may be unclear even to the Marquis Qin himself, but stations stretch from Jingdu to the Northern Border, and each station has at least eight horses on standby."

"With courier speed, news can reach the Northern Border in one day and night."

"Even if the Marquis Qin is in the Di Royal Capital, far away, Prince Li Zhang of Beixi County, County Magistrate Lin Quqi, Main General Xu Mo, and even Lady Qin can all authorize troops to rush to Jingdu's aid."

"Grand General, let me tell you another piece of news: your three thousand vanguard troops have been utterly annihilated!"

If all previous words were threats, then Li Xu's final sentence was a direct strike to the serpent's seventh vertebra.

Just then, a messenger ran up, standing at the Camp Gate, holding a long pole with Zhao Yu's severed head tied atop it, roaring loudly.

"By order of the Black Colonel, Main General: display the head of the traitorous general Zhao Yu to all armies—this is the fate of rebellion!"

"Who dares follow suit? Nine Clans Extermination."

The messenger carried Zhao Yu's head around in a circle, then headed toward the East Camp's garrison.

Li Xu's confidence surged; when he turned back, every officer—including the Eastern Camp General—remained silent.

Three thousand vanguard troops… wiped out like that…

That speed was too fast.

Even if ambushed, they couldn't have been defeated so utterly—unless…

Not "unless"—but certainly!

Qin Feng had secretly sent veteran soldiers to the Longhu Army, teaching experience, or outright transferred troops from the Longhu Army into the Northern Border Troops to fight together, gain experience, then return them to the Longhu Army.

Otherwise, there's no way to explain why Jingji Garrison troops had such a vast disparity in combat effectiveness.

Li Xu's tone grew even sharper: "Now that it's come to this, what is there left to hesitate over?"

"The Western and Eastern Camps, plus the Garrison Army—though numerically superior to the Longhu Army, Grand General, you've seen it yourself: the combat effectiveness is wildly uneven!"

"Even if the Longhu Army ultimately suffers military defeat, it can delay long enough—before you solidify city defense, Northern Border Troops will arrive in waves."

"How much chance does the Grand General have against an army that has just finished a National War and has been constantly battling the Di in Sangzhou?"

The Eastern Camp General closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

This rebellion was doomed to fail.

The greatest reason for failure? Failing to win over the Qin Family.

"If I stand down, can I truly save my life?"

Facing the General's question, Li Xu didn't hesitate—he blurted out: "To declare amnesty for past acts? That is absolutely impossible. You must know: neither His Majesty nor the Marquis Qin are merciful men."

"This stain of rebellion can never be washed away."

"Once His Majesty returns to Jingdu and all is settled, only by surrendering your command can you and your family survive."

"Moreover, Grand Commandant Qin has specifically instructed: if the Grand General Xuan Ya Le Ma, all your property in Jingzhong may be taken back to retire in peace."

At this point, the Eastern Camp General had no choice but to surrender.

After all, when Li Yong first decided on rebellion, the Eastern Camp General had strongly opposed it—too hasty, and without Qin Family support, success was unlikely.

But Li Yong chose to gamble, and the rest had no alternative.

And now, fate had proven it was not on Li Yong's side.

What happened in the East Camp was unfolding simultaneously in the West Camp and the Garrison Army.

Minister of Personnel Wu Mian went to the West Camp to persuade them; the Court of Imperial Sacrifices' chief hurried to the Garrison Army.

No one is a fool—no one would willingly die alongside Li Yong when defeat was certain.

By dawn, this earth-shattering rebellion had been crushed and quelled.

In the Jingong Yushufang, Li Yong sat behind the Dragon Case, listening to the Imperial Guard's report, his face pale as death.

"What… the Eastern and Western Camps have surrendered? Across the entire Jingji, there are only four garrison forces—the Eastern and Western Camps plus the Garrison Army—and yet they couldn't defeat the Longhu Army?"

"What about the Garrison Army?"

The Imperial Guard's forehead was drenched in sweat; he replied grimly: "The Chief of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices has made contact with the Garrison Army's Commander-in-Chief. Even if the Commander-in-Chief wishes to favor His Highness, upon hearing the Eastern and Western Camps have surrendered, he likely…"

Before the Imperial Guard finished, Li Yong waved him off, slumping back in his chair with a weak, bitter laugh.

"Taishan has fallen. Jingdu has fallen too."

"I thought Qin Feng's absence from Jingdu was my best chance—but I never imagined… never imagined… Qin Feng had prepared so thoroughly, his rear so tightly sealed, not a drop leaking out…"

Li Yong closed his eyes and fell silent for a long while. When he opened them again, they burned with madness.

"I haven't lost yet!"

"Xiao Zhuozi! Where is Xiao Zhuozi?"

Soon, Xiao Zhuozi rushed into the Grand Hall. Before Li Yong could speak, he fell to his knees, wailing in despair.

"Your Highness, I am guilty—I let Li Yuxiao slip right under my nose!"

What?!

Li Yong couldn't believe his ears—this was the Imperial Palace, entirely his own men. Li Yuxiao couldn't possibly escape, even with wings—yet somehow… the impossible had become possible…

Li Yong clenched his teeth, staring murderously at Xiao Zhuozi.

Since Xiao Zhuozi had joined Li Yong's side, he had never seen such a mad, terrifying look in Li Yong's eyes—he shuddered with cold dread.

"Who betrayed me?!"

Li Yong swallowed hard, trembling with terror.

"When I led men into Mingyue Palace, Li Xiaolan and the two maids had already fled long ago—only three impostor slaves remained inside."

"But... before I could ask, they swallowed poison and died."

"With no living witnesses, it is impossible to determine who brought them into Mingyue Palace, or who betrayed His Highness."

Li Yong slumped back onto the Dragon Throne; he knew this too was Qin Feng's doing—his own inner circle had long been secretly infiltrated by Qin Feng.

"Heh, laughable. Utterly laughable."

"Qin Feng personally founded the Brocade Clothing Guard—he is no less ruthless than the Black Guard. Qin Feng himself is the Spy Chief. He knew full well I might turn against him—how could he possibly sit idle?"

"I trust no one—you could all be Qin Feng's eyes and ears!"

"Get out! All of you, get out!"

Li Yong's frenzied voice echoed endlessly through the Imperial Study; the news quickly reached Guanyin Temple.

The Empress and Chang Princess knelt before the Guanyin Statue, hands clasped in devout prayer.

The Imperial Guard stood outside the door, reporting in hushed tones.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness—the defeat is certain."