Sweep Yuan

Chapter 182 A silver tongue can break a city

Clang——

A piercing metallic scraping sound suddenly rang out.

No sooner had Wang Zongdao finished speaking than the hot-tempered Zhang Huan suddenly drew his sword from his waist, intending to intimidate the other into shutting up. However, his movement was too abrupt, causing him to stumble and only managing to steady himself by gripping his cane tightly. His imposing manner faltered, and he instead appeared somewhat cowardly.

"What an arrogant tone, Cuo Da!"

Zhang Huan endured the pain in his leg, his face flushed, and could only raise his voice to shout, trying to cover up his embarrassment with volume.

"Do you really think there's no one in Hefei? Believe me or not, I'll chop you up and feed you to the dogs right now!"

Wang Zongdao's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately recalled Shi Shan's judgment. Instead of fear, his face showed a hint of contempt.

"you?"

His gaze swept past Zhang Huan, continuing to survey everyone in the hall, not even bothering to use a single complete word on Zhang Huan.

"Ugh! I'm so angry!"

Zhang Huan had never suffered such humiliation. He felt a surge of hot blood rush to his head, and with a roar, he disregarded everything else. Dragging his injured leg, leaning on a crutch with one arm, and carrying a steel knife, he staggered forward to attack Wang Zongdao.

"Commander Zhang, you mustn't be reckless!"

Zuo Junfu was worried that things would escalate, so he tried to stop Zhang Huan, but the latter usually didn't think much of him and was in a fit of rage at the moment, so he wouldn't listen to him.
Seeing that the situation was getting out of hand, Yin Congdao quickly gave Ye Sheng a look. Ye Sheng rushed forward, grabbed Zhang Huan's arm holding the knife, and repeatedly pleaded:

"Calm down! Calm down! Commander Zhang, calm down!"

"Your Excellency, please calm your anger! Commander Zhang is of an upright character and has offended you in many ways. Please forgive him!"

Zuo Junfu bowed first, adopting a very humble posture, in an attempt to ease the tense atmosphere in the hall.

"May I ask your honorable name, Your Excellency?"

Seeing Zuo Junfu's respectful attitude and Yin Congdao's slight frown as he looked at Zhang Huan, clearly displeased with his rashness, Wang Zongdao felt even more confident. He then withdrew his disdainful gaze, returned Zuo Junfu's greeting with a respectful but firm bow, and said loudly:
"This is Wang Zongdao, my military advisor under the Marshal!"

The generals in Hefei had already discussed that it would be unwise to confront the Red Flag Battalion head-on. Since Shishan was willing to end things directly and had even sent an envoy, regardless of his attitude, they should at least find out his purpose before taking any further action.

Zuo Junfu's attitude became even more respectful, and he said:

"So you're a close confidant of the Marshal. May I ask what instructions the Marshal has given by sending Staff Officer Wang here?"

The phrase "Marshal's confidant" pleased Wang Zongdao greatly. He calmly dusted off non-existent dust from his sleeves, his face regaining the humility typical of a scholar. However, his words still stirred up ripples, like a stone thrown into a lake.

"I have come here for no other reason than to offer you guidance!"

"Humph!"

Zhang Huan's leg injury had not yet healed, so he could not stand for long. He also couldn't stand Wang Zongdao's arrogant manner. He snorted and sat back down on the hardwood chair, deliberately turning his body to the side so that the back of his head was facing Wang Zongdao, so that he could not see him.

Zuo Junfu, as the nominal temporary leader of the Hefei Army, felt as if a huge boulder was pressing on his heart.

He naturally understood the aggressive tone behind Wang Zongdao's "guidance," and also sensed the condescending attitude that the other party was deliberately creating.

But circumstances were beyond his control. A large army was pressing in from outside the city, and the people inside were in turmoil. He absolutely could not start a war with the Red Flag Battalion. Even though he was extremely unhappy, he could only continue to deal with this arrogant scholar.

"I am dull-witted and truly do not know what confusion we have."

"cough!"

Wang Zongdao coughed lightly but did not answer. His eyes glanced casually at the chair under Zhang Huan's buttocks, already fully displaying the demeanor of "Marshal Shi's envoy." It was clear that he wanted to sit down before continuing to speak.

Zuo Junfu, nominally Shi Shan's subordinate, was completely overwhelmed by Wang Zongdao's imposing manner. He subconsciously turned to Yin Congdao, who had been silent all along, seeking the support or hints of this veteran general.

Yin Congdao's face was ashen, and he nodded slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Zuo Junfu felt slightly relieved, but a sense of powerlessness, as if he had been sidelined, also welled up within him. He cleared his throat and instructed the personal guards standing beside him:
"What are you all standing there for? Quickly, offer the envoy a seat! Don't neglect our distinguished guest!"

The guards quickly brought over a chair, but Wang Zongdao didn't even lift his eyelids. He plopped down without any ceremony, and solemnly shook his wide sleeves, as if to brush away the dust, or as if to announce his official debut as "Marshal Shi's envoy."

Once seated, Wang Zongdao's gaze was sharp as a needle, piercing directly at Zuo Junfu. His voice was not loud, but each word was clear, carrying a sharp edge that went straight to the heart of the matter:

"May I ask, Vice General Zuo?"

Wang Zongdao paused deliberately to continue creating a sense of oppression.

"Is the Zuo family of Hefei unwilling to be subservient to others, secretly harboring ambitions to compete with all the heroes of the world for the throne?!"

These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky. Zuo Junfu felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to his head, and his scalp scalp instantly exploded!

What kind of background does the Zuo family of Hefei have? They are nothing more than military leaders who rose to power during a chaotic era. Their foundation is shallow and they lack a sense of righteousness. The best they can do is maintain their family's wealth and status in this corner of Luzhou and act as local tyrants who obey orders but not proclamations.

Contending for the world? That's something their family wouldn't even dare to dream of! Besides, Marshal Shi himself, who truly has the ambition to conquer the world, is currently leading an army of over ten thousand fierce warriors within Hefei's borders!

Zuo Junfu jumped to his feet, the movement so forceful that the chair beneath him scraped against the floor with a screeching sound. His face flushed red, half with fear and half with feigned anger, as he pointed at Wang Zongdao, his voice trembling with agitation:
“Your Excellency! The Zuo family of Hefei has served Marshal Shi with utmost sincerity. How could Your Excellency... how could you utter such empty words to intimidate us?! Since the Zuo family has pledged allegiance to Marshal Shi, we have no ulterior motives whatsoever, as Heaven and Earth can attest!”

At the Marshal's command, my elder brother mobilized all the city's elite troops and personally went to the front lines, where he is still fighting a bloody battle against the Yuan invaders beneath the walls of Hezhou! The Zuo family's unwavering loyalty to the Marshal is as clear as the sun and moon!

Wang Zongdao remained calm, seemingly oblivious to Zuo Junfu's fierce reaction. He didn't dwell on the question of Zuo's "loyalty," but instead pointed directly to the most critical predicament facing the Hefei army:
"Since Zuo had no ambition to contend for supremacy, he was willing to submit to the Marshal's command."

Wang Zongdao's voice suddenly turned cold as he said:

"Then what is your intention in acting so ambivalently now, holding onto your troops, closing the city gates, and resisting the royal army? Do you really think that you can remain unscathed in this turbulent world and survive this earth-shattering calamity with just this isolated city of Hefei?!"

This question was like a bucket of ice water poured over Zuo Junfu's head, leaving him speechless instantly.

Not to mention him, even his elder brother Zuo Junbi, when faced with the overwhelming force of Shishan's army besieging the city, could not give an answer that could convince himself or his soldiers!

Zuo Junfu opened his mouth, but only made a few unintelligible "hoho" sounds. His face turned from red to white, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. His eyes scanned the hall in a panic before finally settling on Yin Congdao, filled with a plea for help.

Yin Congdao had been observing coldly, his mind in turmoil. Wang Zongdao's words were sharp and relentless, each sentence striking at the weaknesses of the Hefei army. Seeing Zuo Junfu speechless and utterly embarrassed, Yin Congdao sighed inwardly, "This brat is not worth discussing things with."

He could no longer remain silent. He looked directly at Wang Zongdao, his voice low and slow, carrying the composure characteristic of a seasoned veteran, yet he posed an extremely tricky question:

"Your Excellency's words just now were aggressive and piercing. May I ask, were these words truly Marshal Shi's intentions, or... were they your own words, used to intimidate and threaten him, under the guise of the Marshal's name?!"

This question was extremely persuasive, directly putting Wang Zongdao in the eye of the storm. If it was Shi Shan's true intention, then it was direct evidence of his treachery; if Wang Zongdao was falsely conveying the Marshal's orders, then it was a capital offense of sowing discord between the Hefei Army and Shi Shan.

The atmosphere inside the tent froze instantly. Everyone's gaze, including Zhang Huan's, which had been turned away, quietly focused on Wang Zongdao's face, awaiting his answer. This man hadn't spoken until now, but Zuo Junfu had exchanged glances with him several times. Wang Zongdao knew this veteran general was the "main culprit" he was dealing with today. Seeing him immediately throw out a difficult question, alarm bells rang in his mind; he thought to himself, "This old fox is indeed troublesome!"
Wang Zongdao showed no fear whatsoever; instead, he revealed a perfectly timed hint of doubt, as if he had only just noticed Yin Congdao, and deliberately asked:
"Oh? And who is this...?"

Zuo Junfu, as if grasping at a lifeline, quickly replied, his voice tinged with urgency:

"This is Commander Yin Congdao. He is a veteran of the Hefei Army. He followed my father into battle twenty years ago and has made outstanding contributions!"

His introduction of Yin Congdao was also a reminder to Wang Zongdao that the Hefei Army was not without its own problems.

"So it's Commander Yin! I've heard so much about you!"

Wang Zongdao immediately cupped his hands in greeting, his face plastered with feigned enthusiasm, as if he had "long admired your name." Taking advantage of this brief moment of politeness, his mind raced, crafting a rebuttal. Then, his tone abruptly shifted; the smile vanished instantly, his gaze sharpened like a knife, and he turned the tables on Wang Zongdao:
"Commander Yin just asked me whether what I said was the Marshal's true intention or a malicious remark. Could it be that you think that because our Marshal Shi has always treated people with benevolence and righteousness and is kind-hearted, you can deceive him in matters of military and national importance, thinking that he is soft-hearted and will not take drastic measures?!"

This rhetorical question was even more incisive than Yin Congdao's question.

They directly accused Yin Congdao and even the entire Hefei army of "believing that Shishan was easy to bully".

Although Yin Congdao was a veteran of the battlefield, his eloquence was far inferior to that of scholars like Wang Zongdao. He was momentarily speechless when this "big label" was slapped on his head. This was because they had indeed harbored the wishful thinking of taking advantage of Shishan's reputation for "benevolence and righteousness."

Wang Zongdao's question hit the nail on the head!

Zuo Junfu's face was deathly pale, and his eyes darted around; Zhang Huan's tense shoulders and clenched fists also betrayed his inner turmoil; Yin Congdao's brows were furrowed, and he was deep in thought.

Wang Zongdao knew he had overwhelmed his opponent with his imposing presence; it was time to drop the bombshell he had prepared long ago. He adjusted his posture, leaning slightly forward, and softened his voice, saying:

"I am sorry to bother you, but I am from Lu'an. Today, I will tell you about the old stories of Lu'an, which may serve as a mirror for you."

Not long after the Battle of Liuan ended, the generals in Hefei only knew that Zhu Liangzu had died and Liuan had changed hands, but the specific details were shrouded in mystery. Even Zhang Huan unconsciously pricked up his ears.

"Before the fall of Lu'an, Zhu Liangzu sent an envoy to meet Marshal Shi, offering generous sums of money and provisions and promising to serve as the Marshal's vanguard, fighting in the south and north, only asking that the Marshal allow him to remain in Lu'an and become his ruler."

His gaze swept over the crowd, capturing the subtle changes in their faces—surprise, contemplation, and a barely perceptible thought that "the conditions seem quite good."

"However."

Wang Zongdao's voice suddenly rose, saying, "Marshal Shi resolutely refused!"

As he spoke, he suddenly slammed his hand on the armrest of the chair, making a sharp "smack" sound, which startled Zuo Junfu.

"The marshal then sternly declared, 'To abandon the lives of the entire city to war and fire for one's own power and selfish gain is the act of a wolf! I, Shi, raised an army to punish the tyrannical Yuan in order to save the people from suffering. How can I stand by and watch you seize the city and prey on the villagers?!'"

Inside the official hall, the generals from Hefei remained silent, as if they could feel the unwavering determination that Shi Shan had displayed at that time.

“Then,” Wang Zongdao’s tone turned icy cold, “Zhu Liangzu died! And a new era began in Liuan City!”

The last sentence struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer!
Zhu Liangzu's cause of death may be complicated, but the result is already clear: those who refuse the demand for integration of Shishan and attempt to amass military power will die!
Fear, like a cold, venomous snake, instantly coiled around Zuo Junfu's neck. He felt short of breath and his hands and feet were ice-cold.

Although the Hefei army outwardly obeyed the orders of the Red Flag Battalion, and Zuo Junbi also obeyed Shi Shan's orders to lead troops into battle, in essence, Hefei remained an independent system, with its own finances and personnel, and never actually paid taxes to the Red Flag Battalion, let alone allowed its army to enter the city.

If we were to investigate this strictly, its nature would be even worse than the surrender conditions promised by Zhu Liangzu! Shi Shan had just captured Lu'an, and then immediately deployed his troops to the gates of Hefei. Could it be that he really intends to disregard the fact that Zuo Junbi was still fighting in Hezhou and forcibly attack Hefei?!
Thinking of the siege scene with banners obscuring the sun and the deafening battle cries, the possible massacre after the city fell, and the possible fate of himself and his family, Zuo Junfu's face turned ashen, his lips trembled, and he was speechless.

On the other side, Zhang Huan, though still holding his neck stiffly, found his hand holding the knife trembling slightly uncontrollably. The veins on the back of his hand bulged, showing his intense inner struggle, but he no longer had the confidence he had before.

Yin Congdao was also startled, his back instantly soaked with cold sweat. Zhu Liangzu's tragic example was a bloody warning right before his eyes! But being mature and composed, after the initial shock, he immediately forced himself to calm down and think quickly.

Considering that Shishan had initially acknowledged Zuo Junbi's entrenched position in Hefei, and that Zuo's influence in Hefei far surpassed that of Zhu Liangzu, a direct assault on Hefei by Shishan would inevitably come at a heavy price and could potentially destabilize the entire anti-Yuan resistance effort in the Jianghuai region. Perhaps these factors could offer a glimmer of hope?

Wang Zongdao's use of Zhu Liangzu's example was by no means unfounded!

A glint of clarity flashed in Yin Congdao's eyes, and Shi Shan's thoughts were already clear: he would never allow any disobedient, self-contained separatist armed forces to exist within his sphere of influence.

Hefei: either rebel or surrender! There is no third way!
After calming down, Yin Congdao began to objectively assess the situation.

Hefei is a fortified city with deep moats and ample food supplies, far superior to the small city of Lu'an. If the soldiers and civilians in the city can truly unite as one and fight to the death, the Red Flag Battalion will inevitably pay an extremely heavy price to take this tough nut to crack.

The consequence would be a complete break with Shishan, a fight to the death! In the end, the Zuo clan would perish, Hefei would be destroyed by war, and these generals would at best die on the battlefield, but more likely they would be purged after the city fell, bringing ruin upon their families.

Zhu Liangzu's fate serves as the clearest example!
The crux of the matter, after much back and forth, returns to the fatal question Wang Zongdao initially raised—did the Zuo family of Hefei truly possess the ambition and strength to contend for supremacy and rival Shishan?
The answer, everyone present, including Zuo Junfu himself, knew perfectly well: No!

Since they lack both the ambition and the capability, continuing to occupy Hefei, a strategically important location, while maintaining their military power and resisting the integration of the Red Flag Battalion, is simply courting death!
Yin Congdao quickly sorted out his thoughts, slowly raised his head, and his voice, deep yet exceptionally clear, broke the deathly silence in the hall:

"The most formidable passes and strongholds in the world should be occupied by those with both ability and virtue. Hefei... should belong to Marshal Shi."

This statement is tantamount to publicly acknowledging Shishan's ownership of Hefei and also heralding the end of the Zuo family era in Hefei.

"Commander Yin!"

Zuo Junfu was struck dumb, turning his head sharply to look at Yin Congdao in utter terror, his eyes filled with disbelief and pleading. He never imagined that this veteran general left behind by his father, the trusted ally of his elder brother, would so readily abandon the Zuo family!

Yin Congdao merely glanced back at him calmly, his eyes devoid of guilt or struggle, only displaying a cold indifference that seemed to understand the ways of the world and a knowing acceptance that "the tide has turned." That single glance sent a chill down Zuo Junfu's spine, shattering his last shred of hope.

He was merely a nominal deputy general; Yin Congdao was the most prestigious and powerful figure in the city, and even the troublemaker Zhang Huan only respected Yin Congdao. If Yin Congdao were determined to surrender the city and harbored any ill intentions, taking Zuo Junfu's head as a pledge of allegiance would be a piece of cake!
Just as Zuo Junfu was lost in thought, Yin Congdao's gaze had already passed over him and landed on Zhang Huan on the other side.

Zhang Huan was also experiencing a violent storm within his heart. He had originally harbored considerable hostility towards the Red Flag Battalion because of his defeat in battle. But first and foremost, he was a military man seeking survival and wealth in a chaotic world, and his previous toughness was based on considerations of the interests of the entire Hefei Army as an independent group.

But if Hefei is destined to fall, or if the cost of holding it is the destruction of the entire group, then what is the point of continuing to resist? Once the Hefei army loses its base in Hefei, can these people still continue to be enemies with the Red Flag Battalion, which is at its zenith?

All Zhang Huan sought was a future of wealth and honor in this chaotic world!
The two quickly reached a preliminary agreement through eye contact, and could now put Zuo Junfu aside.

However, those who thrive in chaotic times always face retribution. Given Shi Shan's character, as long as Zuo Junbi doesn't rebel, he will likely still be highly regarded and serve alongside the Zuo brothers in the same court. Yin Congdao dared not push things too far, and thus said to Wang Zongdao:

"General Zuo has treated us well, and the Zuo brothers have also treated us as elders. I can surrender the city, but I cannot bear to see the Zuo brothers suffer."

Before the city had been formally surrendered, Wang Zongdao dared not slacken his efforts and continued to press for more, saying:

"Foolish! If the Hefei Army were a unified whole, it would inevitably be rejected by the Red Flag Battalion. But if Commander Yin and Commander Zhang were to surrender the city voluntarily, the Zuo family would no longer dare to trust you. The Hefei Army would fall apart and would no longer be capable of causing trouble, so there would be no need for extra precautions."

Your surrender of the city not only saved the entire population from the ravages of war, but also preserved the Zuo brothers. Your merit is immeasurable!

With just one sentence, Wang Zongdao transformed Yin and Zhang's despicable act of betraying their original master and selling out Hefei into a righteous act for the sake of the city's people and the future of the Zuo family. Even Zhang Huan found it very pleasing, and he no longer found Cuo Da so annoying.

"it is good!"

Yin Congdao made up his mind, walked up to Zuo Junfu, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands and said:

"Marshal Shi's carriage has arrived at Mount Dashu. The soldiers and civilians of Hefei are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the royal army. I request that the deputy general immediately prepare the ceremonial guards and accompany us out of the city to welcome the emperor!"

(End of this chapter)