Flowers Bloom from Battlefield

Capital of Ming Kingdom

"What did you say? The Mountain Kingdom retreated?" the officials found this news to be ridiculous. This was only the third or fourth day of the war in the Southeast area. Why would they retreat?

"From the messenger, Great General Tou fought equally with General Jun Min thus leading the soldiers from the Ming Kingdom gaining advantage. General Tou suddenly announced that they are forfeiting, thus victory went to our side!"

The officials were all rejoicing. This piece of news was really great for them. They have been waiting for such news and now, only 3 kingdoms are left for them to face.

Only the emperor's face was a bit complicated. He was happy that the kingdom is safe, but he was not happy because the one who pulled the opponents back is Jun Min. Given how famous that boy is, there's no way he could feel happy about him getting another achievement. Besides, what does being equal in fighting prowess with General Tou mean? It means that the number of people who could match up with him can be counted on one hand.

"How is Young General Jun's condition?" Ming Kui asked.

"He is badly wounded and General Jun Qing is not allowing anyone to see him. From the news, it seems that the battle with General Tou had taken a huge toll on him."

"Then, let him rest. We cannot have such an excellent general like him fall so easily," the emperor said amicably.

With his tone, many people would think that this emperor was truly caring about the Jun family. As for those who knew the truth, they know that the emperor is happy that Jun Min got heavily wounded. It meant that the boy won't be getting achievements anymore in the future. But with the things he had done in the past, they know that the name of Jun Min would continue to resound far and wide.

Ming Hui got the news from his servants that Jun Min was wounded badly.

"That boy is really reckless. But really, what he has done is surprising," Ming Hui said, "At least, one victory is secured and maybe he will have some time later to help Soujin. The enemy he will face is not like the Mountain Kingdom that was already in a period of decline."

"You're correct."

Ming Hui stared at the person before him. "Are you sure you want to follow us? Once you decide to, you won't be able to back down or we will chase after you first."

"I may be untalented, but I won't let this chance slip away from me."

"Good, then you will be my eyes and ears on the court."

"Thanks, Fifth brother."

…

Jun Qing stared at the person before him with a headache. Just what is this person doing here? Has he gone mad from losing to Jun Min last time?

The person before Jun Qing is General Tou. He had walked in with a white flag* towards their soldiers in the morning. Although they still looked at him with a suspicious glare, they allowed him to meet Jun Qing. Jun Qing himself felt that he was going to get even more problems from the general before him.

"What is it, General Tou? Don't you know that this is Ming Kingdom territory?" Jun Qing asked seriously.

General Tou nodded. "I have come to discuss something with you."

"What is it?"

"If you can help us, we will give the Jun family half of our kingdom."

"Excuse me?" Jun Qing looked on with confusion. From the tone General Tou used, it seems like something serious has happened with their kingdom to the point of seeking help from external powers. But, can't they seriously explain what has happened first before saying something like that?

General Tou nodded. "We have long heard about the Jun family's conflict with the royal family of Ming Kingdom. Given that the soldiers in this area are all elites, we assume that they come from the Jun family and not from the Ming Kingdom itself."

Jun Qing nodded. The conflict between them is not really hidden since around 15 years ago, the fall of the Jun family has been publicized loud and clear. They kept on losing battles and lost their people from many schemes. Only around 7 years ago did their condition start to stabilize and they could prepare themselves for other things.

Given that the royal family stood idly by the side or possibly even got involved directly with their fall, it was not hard to say that the royal family was afraid of the powerful Jun family. Thus, they wanted to suppress the family and didn't give them any assistance. Unfortunately, when people thought that the Jun family had lost all hope, one person appeared and turned the tables around, Jun Min.

General Tou must have guessed that their family wanted to separate themselves from the venomous imperial family, so he tried to negotiate using that. Jun Qing himself wanted it too since they have been preparing for it after the appearance of Jun Min. But the problem is, he is not sure how he can be of any help to General Tou.

"You're correct about that," Jun Qing admitted frankly, trying to probe what his general intention is. Of course, the plan of separating themselves from the kingdom sounds ridiculous because of the difference in size. However, this general is quite brave to probe so openly. Regardless, if he dares to try anything, Jun Qing will be the one to face him. After all, the wounded general is not in his prime state.

General Tou nodded. "I have guessed that you want to separate yourself, so I was thinking about giving you land where you can develop yourselves, possibly even becoming an independent kingdom. But I need your help."

Jun Qing nodded his head in response. Although he does not know how this general guessed it, but if this news reaches the Ming Kingdom emperor, they will be doomed.

"What could possibly I help you with?" Jun Qing asked cautiously.

"There are rebels in the capital and the emperor has been murdered. The only heir left is Princess Kuina, but her whereabouts are unknown," General Tou revealed, "I want you to help her ascend the throne."

That was some confidential information. Inside this room, there was only him and the general, but Jun Qing cannot be sure if there are people outside hearing it since some of them have high martial arts skills.

"Do you know the consequences of revealing such news to us?" Jun Qing asked.

General Tou nodded. "I know, but the problem is, there is no one among our people who can sneak inside the palace to annihilate the troops there."

"Why not you?"

"Given my build, do you think no one would notice me going inside the capital?" General Tou said calmly. He is taller and more robust compared to ordinary people. Besides, with his identity being known since a long time ago, the citizens can easily spot him.

Jun Qing finally realized the true purpose of this general coming here. He wants Jun Min to help him.