Chapter 2076: No Other Choice

The army approaches the city gates, the Capital is surrounded, and the once bustling Changan City’s gates are tightly shut. Shops remain unopened, and there are no pedestrians walking the streets, resembling a dead city with an oppressive and eerie atmosphere.

In the sky, dark clouds began to roll without notice, making the air pressure even lower.

Suddenly, a detachment of Imperial Guards besieged the once flourishing Fan Family, and soon, the sounds of bitter wailing echoed. Someone secretly opened half a door to peek out, witnessing those formerly high-ranking men and women being stripped of their jewelry and escorted away, while others hauled away boxes of belongings.

The news spread like wind throughout the Capital; Prime Minister Fan was furious, and the Empress Dowager fainted.

Meanwhile, in the commanding tent outside the city, the most noble Regent King of Beiyan was acting as a caretaker, holding a bowl of goat milk, skillfully feeding his son.

“Report.”

Wufu immediately took the crystal bowl from Ah Jiu’s hand. Ah Jiu sat upright and said, “Enter.”

Yuan Ye walked in, bowed to the two, and reported various news from the city.

“Zhao Mingjun is venting his anger,” Wufu raised his eyebrows and said.

“A chill does not form in a single day; the Fan Family has long been a thorn in his side. This is just an excuse to act,” Ah Jiu sneered.

“It seems Mei Shiqi has gained considerable favor from him,” Wufu smiled again.

Mei Shiqi, a personnel from the Secret Department, was one of the spies placed in Nanyue, and happened to encounter Zhao Mingjun, becoming a part of the Harem as the Favored Consort—Consort Hua.

“Gaining favor is one aspect. The most important thing is Zhao Mingjun seizing the opportunity.”

Wufu said, “Do you think he’ll write that Decree of Sin Confession?”

“Having him write it will minimize unnecessary sacrifice and slaughter. If he’s willing to write it, to prevent more innocent spirits from emerging, it would be for the best,” Ah Jiu said, looking towards the direction of the imperial city. “Otherwise, we might have to storm the city.”

Currently, except for the Capital, the entire Nanyue has already fallen to Beiyan. Zhao Mingjun’s insistence on remaining here is futile. If he plans to escape, there’s nowhere to hide.

After the Battle of Jiangnan, the mighty army of Beiyan advanced directly towards the heart of the Capital. Now encircling the Capital is a legion numbering not in the millions but certainly in the hundreds of thousands, enough to crush them in sheer numbers alone.

Nanyue is beyond saving; the only choice is to submit to avoid further sacrifice.

Wufu said, “Once we take the city, the noble families within…”

Ah Jiu paused and looked at Wufu, saying, “Wufu, this war has lasted three years. Although we sustained it through plundering, Beiyan’s national treasury is already empty. Taking Nanyue and unifying the two nations will bring about revitalization…”

He didn’t complete his sentence, but Wufu understood his implications.

Revitalization requires a nation to be well-provisioned, needing a significant influx of Silver. Therefore, those aristocratic families, even if not seized, should at least have layers peeled from them.

“Not seizing is good,” Wufu smiled briefly. “Within aristocratic families, the least lacking are clever patriarchs. Amidst national unification, if they wish to preserve their family status, they’ll know what to do.”

If sacrificing some gold and silver can secure family peace, then none would refuse. If the aristocratic families truly hesitate, many wealthy merchants would eagerly step in, spending their unmanageable fortunes.

Among Scholar, Farmer, Artisan, Merchant, merchants are ranked last, yet they are extremely willing to spend vast sums to trade for prosperity, prestige, and titles. Would these aristocratic families simply watch their status being supplanted?

Ah Jiu nodded, “We need a figurehead to lead the way.”

Wufu greatly agreed, once someone takes the lead, the rest will follow suit easily.