Chapter 945: First Volume, Chapter 945: Main General of the Three Armies, the Blood Feud Between Qin and Chen

First Volume, Chapter 945: Main General of the Three Armies, the Blood Feud Between Qin and Chen

"Even if a miracle occurs and you survive tonight, this evidence alone is enough to ruin your reputation and sever your head from your body!"

"Moreover… I know full well about the sexual slaves you keep in your back courtyard!"

"Are the virtuous women you stole from civilian homes still alive?"

Faced with the Night Owl's threats, the Minister of Works initially tried to hold out, but when the other laid bare every filthy deed of that wastrel son, the Minister instantly lost all will to resist, his face turning ashen.

"You… what do you want me to do?"

The Night Owl showed no hesitation, snorted coldly, and got straight to the point: "The Minister of Works is surrounded by guards, brimming with experts— even we find it nearly impossible to approach him."

"Within the Ministry of Works, apart from the Minister himself, only you remain."

"Your task is to find any way to delay the delivery of materials and supplies to Changshui County— delay it as long as possible. If you serve faithfully, the sordid secrets of your official residence will never be exposed. After success, you remain Minister of Works, wielding power over the court— how does that sound?!"

The Minister of Works knew clearly he had no choice; if those scandals were revealed, his entire family would be executed. Even if His Majesty had no time to deal with him now, focused entirely on Qin Feng, he would still be settled with after the war.

The Minister of Works gave no direct answer, but had already conceded. He stared at the Night Owl before him and asked grimly: "Are you the jianxie Qin Feng planted?"

At these words, the Night Owl threw back his head and laughed loudly.

"Hahahaha! Jianxie? Minister, how foolish are you?"

"If I can obtain your incriminating evidence, it proves I hold high rank and authority within the Night Owl Headquarters. Someone of my stature— even if Qin Feng had heavenly powers, he couldn't even contact me, let alone turn me!"

"My actions today have nothing to do with Qin Feng— they're for myself and my men!"

This Night Owl leader had once been of the Speculative Party, with ties to the Imperial Capital Garrison, but only for profit. Yet tonight, he barely escaped the massacre by the Imperial Party's Night Owls. He knew clearly he would be hunted to the ends of the earth— his only chance lay with Qin Feng.

An enemy's enemy is a friend. If he helped Qin Feng win this Winter War, the Beidi Court would be reshuffled. Whether he gained any advantage from the collapsing regime didn't matter— at minimum, the Night Owl Headquarters' pursuit would vanish. With his accumulated wealth, he could live in luxury for life.

And such secret infiltration and rebellion inducement were happening continuously throughout Wang Du.

Some officials pretended to obey the Night Owls, then rushed to Headquarters to report and denounce them. Soon, the Beidi King learned of this. He gritted his teeth and praised those officials who held firm, yet felt waves of despair— he realized none of his officials could be trusted; he could no longer tell who was loyal and who had been turned by the Night Owls.

Even those who voluntarily denounced others were untrustworthy— no one could say whether they were truly loyal or merely trying to deceive the Beidi King.

No!

There was still one person he could trust!

Chen Si!

Whether it was the grievance of the severed arm or the annihilation of the Snow Wolf Brigade and the slaughter of the Imperial Cousins, for Chen Si, all were blood feuds with Qin Feng— there was no possible reason for him to betray the Beidi King. Most crucially, Chen Si commanded unshakable authority in the military; as long as he stood guard, there was still hope.

The Beidi King swiftly ordered: "Immediately appoint Chen Si as Main General of the Three Armies! All troops shall obey Chen Si's commands!"

Chen Si, who had been preparing to head to the Front Line, suddenly received the appointment as Main General of the Three Armies. Though his rank was lower than that of the Ministers and the Three Dukes, his actual power was unquestionable.

Chen Si immediately understood: His Majesty had been driven to the brink— otherwise he would never entrust all military authority to him.

Facing His Majesty's absolute trust and the chaotic capital, Chen Si's gaze grew ever more resolute.

"Qin Feng! Our feud is finally coming to an end!"

Chen Si immediately ordered: summon his personal guards, and form a two-thousand-man Supervisor of the Army detachment from the Ministry of War's headquarters troops, his military confidants, and a small contingent of the Imperial Guard.

He led the Supervisor of the Army straight toward Changshui County, arriving swiftly at Jing Peng's garrison.

Seeing Jing Peng blocked on the road by Light Cavalry Corps, Chen Si showed no hesitation and ordered: "Kill those blocking the way!"

At his command, the cavalry on both sides charged out and slaughtered the hundred Light Cavalry troops blocking the road. Some fled; Chen Si did not pursue. He growled: "Military command is as firm as mountains— none dare disobey! Those who delay military orders, regardless of status, shall be executed on the spot!"

"His Majesty has appointed me Main General of the Three Armies. This campaign is my sole responsibility and under my sole command. Whoever dares object— first cut off your head, then come discuss!"

"Jing Peng, lead your Vanguard immediately to Changshui County. Upon arrival, launch your assault— no orders, no waiting. Attack with full force!"

Though Jing Peng was an Imperial Cousin, he knew full well Chen Si's weight in the military. His Majesty's appointment proved his trust. Thus, no matter how arrogant Jing Peng was, he dared not challenge Chen Si in the slightest. He immediately led the Vanguard toward Changshui County.

Chen Si issued further orders: "Send officers immediately to negotiate with the commander of the Light Cavalry Corps surrounding Changshui County— do not let misunderstandings escalate!"

"And tell the Light Cavalry commander: I, Chen Si, guarantee with my reputation that logistical supply lines will reach the DefensiveLine within three days."

"For these three days, do not starve in your posts. The Vanguard's task is to attack fiercely. Of the six days' grain they carry, three days' worth will be transferred to the Light Cavalry Corps. Order them to hold the DefensiveLine: anyone exiting Changshui County— soldier or civilian, noble or common— shall be executed on the spot!"

In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Even if this would kill innocent people, there was no other way.

Chen Si must trap Qin Feng tightly within Changshui County, preventing any contact with the outside world— not even his sky-piercing, all-pervading Brocade Robe Guards could deliver a single message to Qin Feng!

These five thousand Light Cavalry would form an iron barrel, sealing Changshui County shut— not even a fly could escape.

After sending Jing Peng to the Front Line, Chen Si turned his horse and returned to Wang Du. He ordered: the Ministry of War, Ministry of Works, and Ministry of Revenue shall be directly taken over by the military and obey military orders. The Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Personnel, and Ministry of Rites shall also station Supervisors of the Army— all edicts must be conducted under Chen Si's surveillance.

Additionally, the Night Owl Headquarters shall be temporarily sealed. Whether Imperial Party or Chaotic Faction, loyal or treacherous— none shall move. Any Night Owl found within the Jingji region shall be killed on sight.