Phi-Fic Chapter 226 The Storm Is Brewing
Chapter 226 The Storm Is Brewing
Outside Andu City, a massive army of thousands of armored soldiers stood ready for battle. This was all the troops that the An Kingdom could muster, a desperate last stand.
At the city gate, the emperor's brother-in-law, Zuo Mingyi, who had taken command in the face of danger, stood facing Ji Si. The two were not only ruler and subject but also close friends who had known each other since childhood. At this critical moment for the survival of the country, they knew that this parting might be their last.
Looking at each other now, so many unspoken feelings turn into tears in our eyes.
Ji Si took a precious sword inlaid with pearls and handed it to Zuo Mingyi, saying, "This is the sword of Emperor Taizu. I hope it will protect you and ensure your victory in this battle!"
Zuo Mingyi solemnly accepted the document: "If the Xuan Army wishes to set foot in Andu, they must first step over my corpse!"
The generals behind him shouted in unison, "We will not return to the capital until the Xuan Army is defeated!"
Finally, Zuo Mingyi glanced at Yao Guang, Yang Xuan, and other ministers behind Ji Si, then looked at Ji Si with concern, "Your Majesty, take care!"
Ji Si nodded. He understood Zuo Mingyi's concerns. Although the appointed generals and logistics officials had tried their best to arrange trusted people, there were still too few available people. Many important positions still had to be filled by the major aristocratic families, and even the army formed included private troops contributed by powerful clans.
Anguo is too small. In smaller places, class distinctions are more rigid, unlike in large countries like Xuan, Qi, and Yu, where the royal family can use various forces to maintain balance and even support new classes.
At this time, the defenses of Andu were weak, and the major families still retained their own troops. Zuo Mingyi was worried that things would change in the capital after he left.
But what else could he do? He had no choice but to take the gamble. As Ji Si rode back to the palace in his imperial carriage, he looked at the houses on both sides of the road. He wouldn't be surprised if someone were to assassinate the emperor in the street right now.
Of course, no noble family had done anything so disgraceful during this trip, until the imperial carriage entered the palace gates.
The atmosphere in the Imperial Archives, where important military and state affairs were handled, was strangely somber. Grand Tutor Wei Xian, however, remained calm and composed even in the face of imminent collapse, continuing to review documents as usual.
The few Ji clan members who joined at the last minute lacked this composure. They were preoccupied with Zuo Mingyi's expedition, or more accurately, they were anxious about the outcome of the battle.
Previously, in a secret meeting with Ji Si, it was discussed that Zuo Mingyi should be sent to Xuanwu City to exert deterrence and make Xuanjun consider the cost of taking Anguo.
If a decisive battle were to break out, Anguo would undoubtedly lose. Although Lu Zhen only had 30,000 troops under his command, which seemed about the same as Anguo's, Anguo was giving it its all. Lu Zhen also had other military equipment from Xuanguo as support. If Xuanguo was determined to fight, Anguo would have no chance of winning.
"If I had known, I shouldn't have believed Zhuge Xuan's nonsense and provoked the Xuan Kingdom."
"Lu Yu clearly died in an ambush by the Di army at Jiayong Pass. Instead of seeking revenge against the Di Kingdom, Lu Zhen has targeted my An Kingdom first. What kind of man picks on the weak?"
Anguo's ministers still believe that Lu Zhen attacked Anguo to avenge his son, but it was clearly a joint effort by the three countries. Now, Di and Jing countries are standing aside, leaving Anguo alone to bear the consequences, which is really unfair.
"That's right, we really shouldn't have supported the king in the first place..."
…………
When the imperial carriage returned to the palace and disembarked, Ji Si looked around and felt utterly exhausted and empty.
Had he known this would happen... perhaps he would still have done it anyway. It's just a matter of whether the pain is prolonged or short, whether he dies sooner or later. Perhaps only Emperor Jing could understand his feelings.
Ji Si wandered aimlessly along the palace road and unknowingly arrived at the ancestral temple. He paused slightly before stepping inside, picked up the incense and candles on the table, lit them, and bowed deeply to the portraits of his ancestors.
I, your subject, have sworn not to betray you.