Love Lock

Chapter 329 allows him to "think about it some more".

Who does he resemble?
Like an old friend? Like a general in the army? Or... some deeper, more distant connection?
Zhao Zun frowned and stood silently for a moment.

The stench of blood and mold in the cell was nauseating, but it seemed to be less bothersome than the elusive cloud of doubt hanging over his mind.

In the end, he gave up on this pointless contemplation. Since he couldn't remember, there was no need to waste time on it.

A seriously wounded and captured enemy general is not worth the King of Cangzhou expending too much energy on—at least not at this moment.

"Have the military doctors of Jizhou do their best to save him. I want him alive." Zhao Zun's voice returned to its usual coldness as he gave the order to the guards behind him.

He needs to pry information out of this Dongming official, which may also unravel the mystery of that inexplicable sense of familiarity.

After saying that, he didn't look at the man in the cell again, turned around and strode away from this gloomy place.

As soon as he stepped out of the prison and saw the light of day again, the walkie-talkie hanging from his waist started buzzing, carrying the urgent and clear voice of a communications soldier.

"Your Highness, Your Highness. The Princess and the others have arrived in Jizhou. They're asking how things are going here and whether we need Old Meng and the others to come and help."

"So fast?" Zhao Zun frowned unconsciously upon hearing this.

Han Lei was six months pregnant and had been traveling a long way. Before leaving, he repeatedly told the team to slow down and to prioritize her health.

Thinking of her pregnant belly and possibly tired expression, his heart tightened, and his tone carried a hint of barely perceptible concern and a touch of reproach.

"Didn't we tell them to slow down? Tell them that the battle here is over, Dongguan City has been recaptured, but the city is in chaos and there are many complicated post-war matters. Tell them they don't need to come over, and they can stay in Jizhou to rest and recuperate."

As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed to suddenly remember something, turned around sharply, and cast his gaze back at the dark entrance to the prison.

That official from Dongming... although he doesn't seem to be in immediate danger, his injuries are severe, and his internal organs are damaged. In Dongguan City, which has just experienced war and lacks medical supplies, it's uncertain whether he can truly save his life.

Han Lei is in Jizhou; perhaps she can save this dying man. Most importantly, Old Meng and his guards have followed him for many years; perhaps they can discern something… about that face?

"Someone come here," Zhao Zun quickly decided, "Use a carriage to carefully escort that Dongming official in prison to Jizhou and hand him over to the Princess. Let the Princess see if she can find a way to save his life. Remember, make sure to guard him along the way and that nothing goes wrong!"

A guard immediately clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Yes, Your Highness!" He then turned and quickly went to make the arrangements.

Setting aside this strange matter for the time being, Zhao Zun then took out his walkie-talkie and contacted the communications soldier stationed between Dongguan and Jizhou.

He directly ordered: "Notify Lao Meng to recruit more skilled craftsmen from Jizhou and bring them to Dongguan as soon as possible. Post-war reconstruction is of utmost urgency; manpower is needed for the repair of city defenses and the restoration of civilian residences. In addition, have him take with him the blueprints for the construction of the bastion and a list of the materials required."

After ending the call, Zhao Zun looked around at the devastated Dongguan City.

Although the smoke of battle has dissipated, the smell of blood and burnt food still lingers in the air, and the faint cries of survivors searching for their loved ones can be heard from among the ruins.

His expression was calm, and he issued commands methodically—

"Dispatch 500 soldiers from the prefecture to work with the Jizhou army, and in groups, thoroughly search all residences and corners to eliminate any possible remnants of Dongming soldiers or spies hiding in the city and ensure its safety."

"Organize manpower to clean up the battlefield immediately. Properly collect and register the remains of our soldiers; gather the bodies of Dongming soldiers... and cremate and bury them deeply as soon as possible. The weather is hot now, and we must strictly prevent the outbreak of diseases."

"Immediately dispatch more scouts and patrols to strengthen the vigilance and defenses in the direction of the Eastern Ming Empire. The Eastern Ming may not be willing to accept this crushing defeat, and we must guard against their counterattack."

With a series of instructions issued, the entire command system of Dongguan City immediately began to operate efficiently.

After dealing with the most urgent military affairs and post-war matters, Zhao Zun turned his attention to another temporary detention location in the city—where Yang Shaojie, the garrison commander of Jizhou, and Qiu Zhenyu, the deputy commander parachuted in from the capital, were being held.

Accompanied by Da Jiu, Zhao Zun walked towards the courtyard that had been temporarily requisitioned as a detention center.

Before even entering the door, one could already hear angry shouts coming from inside.

"...Zhao Zun, you traitor! You disregard the Emperor's grace and betray the court; you will surely die a horrible death!" This was Qiu Zhenyu's sharp and resentful voice.

"King of Cangzhou, even if you gain power temporarily, you cannot wash away the stain of treason and usurpation! Loyal and righteous people throughout the land will surely unite to condemn you!"

Yang Shaojie's voice sounded more somber, but his anger and disapproval were equally evident.

The sixteenth-year-old guard at the door stood with his arms crossed, looking impatient. When he saw Zhao Zun coming over, he quickly bowed.

Zhao Zun walked in expressionlessly.

The cursing inside abruptly stopped, replaced by more wary and hostile gazes.

Inside the room, Yang Shaojie and Qiu Zhenyu were not tied up, but their internal energy had obviously been sealed, and they were being guarded by the tenth and seventeenth team members.

Their clothes were slightly disheveled, and they still bore traces of the struggles they had endured while being controlled. However, they were extremely excited, especially Qiu Zhenyu, whose eyes were practically spitting fire as he looked at Zhao Zun.

When Da Shiqi saw Zhao Zun, he couldn't help but complain, "Your Highness, these two are completely unreasonable. They've been cursing ever since they were locked up. I'm about to throw up from listening to them."

Da Jiu glared at Yang and Qiu, and retorted irritably, "My princess once said: 'Loyalty depends on whether the other party is worthy.' The prince and his son have guarded the northern pass for many years, loyal to the court. Every time, they risked their lives to protect the land and its people. But what has the court given the prince? Suspicion, slander, suppression, and even sending him to the most dangerous places to die! Those noble lords sitting high in the halls of power enjoy the peace bought with the blood and flesh of the border soldiers, yet they act arrogantly, exploit the people, and make their lives miserable! Is such a court still worthy of your loyalty? Are you loyal to the land and people of this Great Jing, or to those parasites who only care about their own interests?"

Da Jiu's words clearly touched on something.

Yang Shaojie's lips moved, but the words he was about to use to continue his angry rant stuck in his throat. The anger in his eyes subsided slightly, replaced by a complex and gloomy look.

He fell silent, no longer speaking, but his face remained tense as he glared at Zhao Zun, a stubborn resistance stemming from a long-held belief being challenged.

However, Qiu Zhenyu became even more agitated, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He stiffened his neck and retorted loudly and eloquently.

"Absurd! Loyalty to the emperor and love for one's country are the duties of a subject! As citizens of the Great Jing Dynasty, we should be loyal to the Great Jing court and to His Majesty! As military officers, you should be even more dedicated to your duties! How can you betray the greater good because of personal grudges? Disloyalty to the court is treason, it is heinous, and everyone has the right to kill you!"

He grew angrier as he spoke, and his anger turned to Da Jiu and Da Shiliu, "And you! You treacherous and cunning villains! You actually impersonated others and took advantage of the arena competition to infiltrate the capital's military camp, and even managed to obtain the rank of general! If I had known earlier that you were Zhao Zun's men, I would have reported to His Majesty long ago and had you torn to pieces!"

Da Jiu was furious at his sophistry and rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront him and "reason" with him.

Zhao Zun raised his hand slightly to stop him.

Zhao Zun's gaze swept calmly over Qiu Zhenyu.

Needless to say, this person was also a confidant of Emperor Jing. He was parachuted into Da Jiu's side as a deputy general, but in reality, he was there to monitor him.

Conversely, he must also be a staunch supporter of Emperor Jing, having already been deeply brainwashed, and arguing with him about loyalty and righteousness is a complete waste of time.

His value may lie more in understanding the current defenses of the capital and Emperor Jing's true thoughts, but certainly not now.

Zhao Zun then turned his gaze to Yang Shaojie, who remained silent but whose eyes were filled with struggle.

This military commander stationed in Jizhou had been guarding the border for many years and had constant friction with the Eastern Ming, so he should have a deeper understanding of the imperial court.

Zhao Zun neither directly recruited nor refuted their accusations. He simply raised his hand slowly and touched the uniquely shaped M16 hanging on his chest.

“General Yang,” Zhao Zun spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable air of authority, “do you know the name of this thing?”

Yang Shaojie's gaze unconsciously focused on the M16 automatic rifle, a hint of barely concealed fear flashing deep in his eyes.

He had already witnessed the terrifying power of this weapon. After the dense, bean-like popping sounds, swathes of Dongming's elite troops fell like mowing grass, rendering even the sturdiest armor useless.

He snorted, trying to maintain his arrogance, and turned his head away, thinking that Zhao Zun wanted to use the power of this terrifying weapon to threaten and force him to submit.

Zhao Zun didn't care about his attitude and calmly continued to ask, "This thing is called the M16 automatic rifle. Its maximum range is more than three times that of the strongest crossbow you use. You must have seen its destructive power and speed on the battlefield today."

He paused, observing Yang Shaojie's subtle reactions, and saw the other man's Adam's apple bob involuntarily.

Zhao Zun then posed the most crucial question: "So, General Yang, do you know... that I wield such powerful weapons, enough to sweep across the world, yet I have not yet launched an attack on the capital, and even before arriving at Dongguan, I have not forcibly taken Jizhou?"

This question struck Yang Shaojie like a heavy hammer blow. The question he had been deliberately avoiding thinking about was laid bare before him by Zhao Zun.

His neck stiffened noticeably, and although his head was still tilted to the side, his peripheral vision involuntarily drifted toward Zhao Zun.

This was precisely his deepest question.

News of the Cangzhou army's great victory over the imperial expeditionary force had already spread. Logically, with the momentum of such a great victory, the Cangzhou army should have been unstoppable and marched straight to the heart of the enemy.

The capital city may be heavily fortified, but a place like Jizhou could never withstand the attack of such a terrifying weapon.

But Zhao Zun didn't.

He deliberately took a long detour to this perilous city, where he was dealing with a powerful foreign enemy—Dongming—who had taken advantage of the situation to invade.

Qiu Zhenyu also pricked up his ears. Although his face still showed a disdainful expression that said "no matter how eloquent you are," he leaned forward slightly.

Da Jiu snorted at the opportune moment and muttered under his breath, "Hmph, can't tell right from wrong."

Zhao Zun did not rush Yang Shaojie to answer. He took a step forward, his voice deep and resonant, yet carrying a penetrating power.

"Because the Jizhou army is the army of the Great Jing, and the people of Jizhou are the people of the Great Jing. The people of the capital are also subjects of the Great Jing. And I, who was born and raised here, am also a person of the Great Jing."

Zhao Zun's gaze was sharp as a knife, staring directly into Yang Shaojie's darting eyes.

"The weapons in my hands have never been intended to be pointed at my own people. Their purpose is to protect the territory of the Great Jing, to safeguard its people, and to fight against foreign aggression and annihilate all invading enemies! Therefore, I have come to Dongguan to expel the Dongming people who have occupied my land and killed my people. General Yang, tell me, in your eyes, is this... treason? Is this utter rebellion?"

"Uh……"

Yang Shaojie suddenly turned his head back, his lips moved, but he couldn't say a word.

Zhao Zun's words clashed sharply with his unwavering belief in "loyalty to the emperor," yet perfectly aligned with his deep-seated duty as a soldier to "defend the country."

This contradiction shook him to his core, and all his previous anger and accusations seemed to lose their footing at this moment.

Seeing this, Zhao Zun gave him no chance to catch his breath and continued to drop even more bombshell news. This was not only a psychological offensive against Yang Shaojie, but also against Qiu Zhenyu, who was all bark and no bite.

"Perhaps... you are unaware yet. At this very moment, more than half of the nine provinces of the Great Jing have come under my command. Xu Province and Jing Province, understanding the greater good, have already surrendered voluntarily without losing a single soldier. Now, under the joint governance of the officials of the two provinces and myself, people's livelihoods have recovered, and commerce is gradually flourishing, far exceeding what it was before."

“And just three days ago, Qingzhou and Yizhou also changed hands.” Zhao Zun’s tone was as calm as if he were talking about a trivial matter. “Of course, the process was not as smooth as that of Xu and Jingzhou. It did take me… a little effort.”

He paused deliberately, watching as the color drained from Yang Shaojie and Qiu Zhenyu's faces, turning them as pale as paper.

"Of course, the so-called 'little bit of skill'," Zhao Zun patted the M16 in his hand lightly, "was just letting my men test the siege mode of the new equipment. It is said that from beginning to end, the defenders of Qingzhou and Yizhou did not even last for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

"hiss--!"

The sound of two people gasping for breath could be clearly heard in the room.

They had already witnessed the terrifying power of the M16 in battle, and they could fully imagine what a desperate and crushing massacre would be in Qingzhou and Yizhou.

What chilled them to the bone was not only the weapon's absolute power, but also the terrifying truth revealed by Zhao Zun's casual remark.

Of the nine provinces of the Great Jing Dynasty, four have already fallen into Zhao Zun's hands! And all of them were defeated without bloodshed or in an instant!

Especially Qingzhou and Yizhou, those are the last two barriers protecting the capital! If these two provinces are lost, the capital will be like an isolated island exposed to wolves, and its fall will only be a matter of time.

It's fair to say that the capital city might not even be able to mount any decent resistance!
Qiu Zhenyu's heart turned completely cold, chilled to the bone.

He was from the capital; his parents, wife, children, and all his relatives and family were there! If the capital were to fall…

He dared not think any further, his body trembled slightly, all his previous composure vanished, leaving only immense fear and panic.

Yang Shaojie, on the other hand, was plunged into even deeper shock and contemplation.

Zhao Zun's earlier words, "The weapons in my hands will only be used to protect the people of Dajing," echoed in his ears once again.

Considering Zhao Zun's strength and the fact that he now controls most of the country, he really doesn't need to bother with a mere general in Ji Province.

He could have easily taken over Jizhou by force, and wouldn't even have needed to come to Dongguan's aid. He could have simply watched as the Dongming and Jizhou garrison suffered heavy losses before cleaning up the mess.

But he didn't.

He chose the most direct, but also the most costly, approach: to directly confront the main force of the Eastern Ming Dynasty in order to recover the territory as soon as possible and reduce casualties among the people and soldiers.

Now, instead of threatening me as a victor, he's here... trying to reason with me?

What kind of "traitor" is he exactly?
Seeing the intense struggle, confusion, and a budding re-examination in Yang Shaojie's eyes, Zhao Zun knew the time was almost right.

He ceased applying pressure, his tone softening slightly. "General Yang, you are a veteran general of Jizhou, familiar with the border situation, and you love your soldiers like your own children, as I know well. Although Dongming has temporarily retreated, the threat remains. Dongguan is in dire need of reconstruction, and the people and soldiers of Jizhou urgently require rest and protection. Will you continue to cling to outdated notions of loyalty and righteousness, watching helplessly as your country falls and your people suffer? Or will you abandon the darkness and embrace the light, joining hands with my Cangzhou army to truly do something practical for the sake of this great Jing's land and for the countless common people? I will give you time to consider your options."

After saying that, without waiting for Yang Shaojie's response, he turned his gaze to Qiu Zhenyu, who was standing to the side looking lost and dejected.

“Deputy General Qiu,” Zhao Zun’s voice remained calm, “I know your family is in the capital. I can assure you that even if the enemy besieges the city one day, I will do my utmost to restrain my men and prevent innocent civilians from being harmed. As for the final outcome in the capital, it depends on His Majesty’s choice, and also on whether people like you are willing to make a wise choice to reduce bloodshed. You should think it over carefully.”

Having said all he needed to say, Zhao Zun nodded to Da Jiu and the others, then turned and walked towards the door.

Just as Zhao Zun was about to step out of the room, Yang Shaojie's hoarse and labored voice came from behind him, as if he had used up all his strength: "Your Highness... is this... true? Your weapons are only for external enemies?"

Zhao Zun stopped in his tracks, but didn't turn around. He simply replied with four firm words:

"Heaven is my witness."

A long silence fell behind him.

Zhao Zun left without lingering.

He knew the seeds had been sown; all that remained was time for them to take root and sprout. For a general like Yang Shaojie, coercion would only backfire.

As soon as Zhao Zun stepped out of the courtyard and returned to the Marshal's Mansion in Dongguan City, Da Shiliu hurried over to report.

“Your Highness, General Yang just said… he is willing to serve Your Highness, but he has a request: he hopes Your Highness will treat the former soldiers of Jizhou Army well and allow him to stay and guard the border if he does not wish to turn against his former master in the future.”

A barely perceptible smile curved the corners of Zhao Zun's lips. It was a smart choice, and one he had expected.

"Granted. Tell him that I have agreed. Let him go and assist in pacifying the old troops and reorganizing the military."

"Yes!" Big Sixteen smiled.

As for Qiu Zhenyu...

Da Shiliu added, "Deputy General Qiu said...he...he needs to think about it some more."

Zhao Zun waved his hand, indicating that he understood.

He was just a deputy general; his symbolic significance far outweighed his actual military strength, and whether he defected or not had little impact.

In fact, allowing him to "think it over" was just a way for Zhao Zun to demonstrate his magnanimity and confidence.

The night wind in Dongguan City still carried the scent of gunpowder and blood, but it also seemed to bring a glimmer of new hope.

Please, please, please! I'm begging you in every way possible!