Chapter 700

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The rushing river waves slapped against the warship’s hull, making “thump-thump” sounds, and splashes constantly left water stains on the deck.

The Third Prince Xiao Zhen stood on the deck, letting the river wind billow his robes.

After Chang’an was captured, his journey to the State of Shu was put on the agenda. When Niu Ben led the main army back, he led twenty thousand men to the State of Shu.

Just as Xiao Ming had told him, if he couldn’t persuade the King of Shu to surrender this time, these twenty thousand men would be the Yama of death. If the King of Shu handed over the power of the State of Shu, both of them could save their lives and become Xiao Ming’s subjects.

“Xiao Zhen, ahead is Yizhou City. Don’t forget the Emperor’s decree. Even if you play tricks now, you will still face annihilation in the end. We were able to conquer Liang and Zhao territory; dealing with this State of Shu will be as easy as flipping a hand.”

The general accompanying Xiao Zhen this time was Di Ying, an veteran general of the Qingzhou army, seasoned in countless battles, and a renowned general alongside Qi Guangyi and others, second only to Lu Fei.

“I, your humble subject, naturally dare not defy the Emperor’s words. I only hope that the General can allow me to enter Yizhou City and discuss with the King of Shu. If the King of Shu refuses, it will not be too late for the General to attack.” The Third Prince felt a bitter pang in his heart.

He had already been stripped of all his titles; his status was merely that of a common person. If he wanted to remain in officialdom, this would be his only chance.

Di Ying eyed Xiao Zhen warily. Before setting off, Niu Ben had reminded him that the Third Prince Xiao Zhen was cunning.

He warned, “Don’t play any tricks, otherwise I will return with your head and the King of Shu’s head.”

The Third Prince quickly nodded.

This time, to reclaim the State of Shu, Xiao Ming had specially dispatched ten warships to accompany Di Ying into Shu. However, the fleet’s journey had been very difficult.

Because they were going against the current, they had to use trackers to pull the warships forward in some turbulent areas.

Entering the South River from the main channel of the Yangtze River, the warships gradually reached Yizhou City.

The South River was the moats of Yizhou. It was because of the protection of this river that the King of Shu was able to resist Prince Zhao’s attacks until Prince Zhao was eliminated.

Before the warships even arrived, Xiao Ming had already sent couriers by land to deliver the decree to Yizhou City. Now that the warships had reached the city, the defending general immediately went to inform the King of Shu.

“Elder Brother has arrived.” In the main hall of the Shu King’s residence, the King of Shu’s face showed joy upon learning that the Third Prince had arrived.

Below the main hall, the powerful families of Yizhou, who were feasting, immediately began to whisper upon hearing the news.

The King of Shu then looked at the powerful families, speaking with excitement. He said, “This Third Brother of mine is resourceful. With his assistance, our State of Shu will surely become more stable.”

A powerful family member said, “Your Highness, the imperial edict a few days ago stated that Your Highness should surrender. This Third Prince is probably here as a persuader. How could he possibly leave Yizhou?”

The King of Shu shook his head and said, “You have misunderstood this elder brother of mine. He must have deliberately done this to deceive Xiao Ming. He knows that I and Xiao Ming are irreconcilable; how could he possibly help Xiao Ming?”

Another powerful family member said, “Your Highness, now the Princes of Yan, Liang, and Zhao have all been defeated. The Princes of Chu, Huainan, and Yong have all pledged allegiance to Xiao Ming. Now only the State of Shu remains. Isolated and outnumbered, I fear we are no match for Xiao Ming. Instead of this, why not follow the example of the Prince of Chu and pledge allegiance to Xiao Ming, who is now the current Emperor.”

“Nonsense!” The King of Shu suddenly flew into a rage. He said, “I would rather die than pledge allegiance to Xiao Ming!”

The powerful families below exchanged glances, their eyes flickering with strange lights.

Now, the general trend was clear. The world clearly belonged to Xiao Ming. Could a small State of Shu possibly withstand Xiao Ming’s army?

Over the past five years, they had gradually grown tired of the King of Shu’s arrogance and stubbornness. For them, this State of Shu belonged to these powerful families.

Feudal lords came and went, but their families had always lived here.

If they stubbornly followed the King of Shu this time, they might lose their own foundations.

The King of Shu wanted to die, but they certainly did not want to die with him. Now that the world was unified, who would still rebel?

However, although they thought this in their hearts, no one dared to say it to his face. The King of Shu still had his own army, and they didn’t want to invite trouble at this time.

Seeing that the powerful families had stopped speaking, the King of Shu snorted softly, flung his sleeves, and walked out. He was going to meet the Third Prince.

Outside the city, the Third Prince, having received permission to enter, approached Yizhou City under the protection of two soldiers. Soon after entering Yizhou City, he saw the King of Shu coming to greet him.

“Elder Brother.” Seeing the Third Prince, the King of Shu’s face was filled with excitement.

The Third Prince was also slightly moved. He and the King of Shu were full brothers, truly close among the many imperial princes.

Their relationship had always been very harmonious on normal days. Now, seeing each other, it was naturally a moment of sadness.

“Fifth Brother,” Xiao Zhen also called out.

The King of Shu approached and pulled the Third Prince’s sleeve. “Your foolish younger brother has already prepared a banquet for Elder Brother. Elder Brother, please come with me now.”

The King of Shu’s enthusiasm moved the Third Prince, but thinking of the purpose of his visit, a wave of sadness washed over him again.

He said, “Fifth Brother, this time I have something I must tell you in person. For this banquet, only the two of us are needed.”

“Elder Brother always likes peace and quiet; your foolish younger brother knows this. Naturally, it will just be the two of us at the banquet,” the King of Shu said with a laugh.

Xiao Zhen nodded and followed the King of Shu to the imperial residence.

However, the King of Shu did not go to the main hall but instead led Xiao Zhen to a pavilion under a willow tree in the imperial residence. At this time, a table of dishes was already set on the stone table in the pavilion.

The two sat down, and the King of Shu spoke first, “This Shu territory only lacks a resourceful person like Elder Brother. With Elder Brother’s arrival, our State of Shu will surely prosper.”

Xiao Zhen showed a bitter smile. His younger brother’s excited expression made him feel even more bitter, but some words had to be said, otherwise, Yizhou City would soon become a ruin.

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Zhen said seriously, “To be frank, Fifth Brother, I have come this time by the Emperor’s decree to persuade you to surrender.”

The King of Shu’s face instantly changed. He said, “Elder Brother, this is no laughing matter. I and Xiao Ming have always been irreconcilable. If I surrender, can he spare me?”

“Fifth Brother, the Emperor’s army is right outside; they can attack at any time. Do you think you’ll survive then? You’ve been fighting Prince Zhao for a year, your soldiers are exhausted, and the common people of your feudal state are destitute. Even the firearms the Emperor granted you now lack gunpowder and cannonballs. With what will you fight the army outside the city, which is full of firearms?” The Third Prince said sternly. “And even if you are willing to fight, how many of Yizhou’s powerful families will follow you at this moment?”