Chapter 2798 - 2797: Treacherous Officials Slander

Chapter 2798: Chapter 2797: Treacherous Officials Slander

Ten miles outside the Capital City, the army tasked with suppressing Wang Qing in Huai West is stationed here.

The people are exuberantly leaving the city to welcome them, offering wine and meat, cheering uncontrollably, "Duke of Wu, mighty!"

"Duke of Wu, mighty!"

"Duke of Wu, mighty!"

"..."

In the Marshal’s Camp, Marquis Wu Lin Chong happily surveys his surroundings.

He had initially killed Young Master Gao, and while bearing the burden of crime, was recruited by Huizong to suppress the bandits in Huai West.

Now, with his great success, it is indeed a glorious moment.

Lu Zhishen stands behind him, equally joyful, saying, "Second Brother, you’ve achieved such remarkable results this time, the Emperor is likely to reinstate your official position, isn’t he?"

"Big Brother, show respect towards Your Majesty!"

Lin Chong scolds him briefly and then smiles, saying, "I aspire for no rank or fame, just hope that Your Majesty will duly reward our brothers. We fought together for three months, and finally, they can enjoy the Emperor’s grace with me."

"Let us hope so!"

Lu Zhishen holds little hope for the Emperor, grumbles, and drags him inside for drinks.

At this time, the Imperial Court’s decree arrives.

Someone from the palace, accompanied by a group from the Imperial Army, arrives in a carriage, shouting outside Lin Chong’s tent in a voice like a duck, "Duke of Wu, Lin Chong, come and receive the decree!"

Lin Chong, along with the officers, quickly comes over and kneels.

The Palace Attendant holds the Imperial Decree and speaks, "Duke of Wu Lin Chong, fulfilling the trust of the sovereign, having eradicated the rebel Thief King of Huai West, has achieved significant merits. His Majesty hereby awards one thousand jars of imperial wine, ten thousand pounds of beef and lamb, as a temporary reward. Once the Ministry of Military Affairs has finished compiling the war report, His Majesty will reward the meritorious individuals one by one."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grand blessings!"

Lin Chong leads the kneeling, receives the decree with both hands.

Also arriving is a head of the Imperial Army.

He holds the military symbol and communicates the orders to Lin Chong, saying, "The Privy Council orders Lin Chong and others to lead the army back fifty miles, so as not to disturb the people, not to make noises. Unless ordered, no one shall move even half a step on their own. Anyone who violates the order and enters the city will be killed without mercy!"

"What does this mean?"

"After so much trouble, we’re not allowed to go in now?"

"My parents are at home waiting with meals prepared for us to celebrate!"

"..."

The officers start discussing vehemently, showing signs of dissatisfaction.

The person delivering the orders sweeps over them and commands loudly, "What? Are you thinking of defying the order?"

Lin Chong hurriedly responds, "Please don’t be annoyed, it’s normal for everyone to want to reunite after the victory. Since there’s an order, it’s our duty to comply!"

"At least you act wisely!"

The messenger carries a proud expression, scarcely regarding these martial warriors.

He serves under Tong Guan, now holds a significant position in the Privy Council.

Naturally, he is arrogant and looks down on these martial warriors.

Everyone is furious inside, and after the messenger leaves, they rush to complain to Lin Chong, saying, "Marshal, what kind of absurd military order is this? The Emperor has already rewarded us, yet he never mentioned barring us from the city; how can they block us?"

"Indeed, Marshal, what kind of absurd logic is this?"

"And we have to retreat fifty miles; how are we bothering them here?"

"..."

Lin Chong’s expression is stern, addressing everyone with a stern face, "Military orders are as immutable as mountains; as soldiers, obedience is our paramount duty. Anyone daring to rebel against this can expect no mercy from me!"

The officers then fall silent, respectfully agreeing to the orders.

Lin Chong and Lu Zhishen return to the tent, their demeanor gloomy.

Lu Zhishen complains, "This is surely the work of those treacherous ministers in the court; they fear our glory threatens them and thus create difficulties for us!"

Lin Chong drinks his wine, muttering, "Big Brother may be overthinking it."

Lu Zhishen curses, "You’re the one still harboring hope in the Imperial Court! Look at your sister, the current Empress, what’s her fate now? That foolish Emperor got enamored with new concubines and soon found excuses to depose the Empress. At that time, Duke of Qi spoke just a few words of justice. What was the final outcome for him? He’s probably still languishing in the dungeon now!"

Lin Chong slaps the table vehemently, glaring at Lu Zhishen, exclaiming, "Enough! The Imperial Court may betray me, but I cannot betray the Imperial Court. The words you just spoke are grounds for treason!"

Lu Zhishen extends his hands, "Fine! Arrest me! Take me before that dog Emperor as an accolade, and if my life wins you a favor in his eyes, it will be worth it."

"We are sworn brothers; why speak such things?"

Lin Chong is speechless, his face tense.

Lu Zhishen chides him, saying, "You’re too naive, which is why you’ve ended up like this. You trust the court; I do not. I’m going into the city for news; I’m a monk, no one can control me!"

He leaves in anger, leaving Lin Chong alone.

Lin Chong, resigned, does not stop him.

The army, obeying orders, retreats fifty miles and camps under a desolate mountain outside the Capital City.

Though victorious, they barely have time to rejoice.

Now they are withdrawn to this barren place, without even a single welcoming villager.

In the palace, Huizong is studying painting with Li Shishi.

At this time, Wang Fu and Li Bangyan rush in, bowing to Huizong, "Your Majesty, there’s a dire situation!"

"What matter causes such alarm?"

Huizong, interrupted from his leisure, looks up with some displeasure.

Wang Fu reports, "Reliable sources indicate Song Gongming of Qizhou sent people to contact the Duke of Wu. With the Duke of Wu commanding ten thousand Imperial Army troops, there may be changes!"

"What?"

Huizong asks sharply, "What evidence do you have?"

Wang Fu immediately presents a document, containing testimonies, records of persons, and times of Lin Chong’s sightings.

"Lin Chong!"

Huizong’s anger causes him to slam the table.

Li Shishi hurriedly comforts him, "Your Majesty, calm down; this may be a misunderstanding!"

She exchanges glances with Li Bangyan and Wang Fu, then says to Huizong, "The return of Duke of Wu victorious should be a celebration for all. I’ve heard that Sister also sent someone to find him, and plans to celebrate together!"

"You mean the deposed Empress?"

Huizong is wary.

Li Shishi replies, "Yes, Sister seemed to even plan for the Crown Prince to personally reward the Duke of Wu! With a pillar-like minister such as Duke of Wu, the Crown Prince can be assured of unwavering support."

"Even the Crown Prince is involved?"

Huizong’s expression instantly turns serious.

Li Bangyan carefully reports, "Your Majesty, there’s something unclear if I should speak?"

"Speak!"

Huizong, curious, commands.

Li Bangyan says, "I received secret information that Duke of Wu exchanged letters with the deposed Empress while suppressing bandits in Huai West. Moreover, it seems he implores Your Majesty to show mercy and reinstate the Empress."

"The Duke of Wu’s reach is too long!"

Huizong, enraged, throws his teacup onto the table.

He instructs Wang Fu and Li Bangyan, "Investigate this matter, ensure clarity in the Crown Prince and Duke of Wu’s correspondence, and Duke of Wu’s interactions with the Duke of Qi. Prevent disorder in the army, keep this under strict confidence, and investigate discreetly!"

"We receive the decree!"

Wang Fu and Li Bangyan, excited, bow and retreat.

"Your Majesty, you are weary; allow me to accompany you in rest!"

Li Shishi’s mouth curls into a smile, leading Huizong by the hand as they enter the enchanted chambers together.