Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors-Chapter 475 - 260: Great Victory_5

The Zhao Yi Army annihilated more than thirty thousand of the enemy while suffering around five thousand casualties themselves, they seized twenty-four million shi of military grain, and captured fifteen thousand war horses, with countless other supplies.

And such a tremendous victory had already surpassed the previous triumph at Yan City!

Of course, part of the reason was that during the triumph at Yan City, Wanyan Sheng had led primarily the elite forces of the Jin soldiers, while this time, due to heavy losses among the Jin elites, a large number of conscripted soldiers were brought in. These conscripted troops were quite ineffectual in battle, and as they fled, they were killed in heaps, exaggerating the appearance of the victory.

But no matter what, such outcomes were enough to invigorate the citizens of the Qi Dynasty, and Emperor Gaozong of Qi was filled with deep trepidation.

Previously, the victories that came from General Han Fuyue equaled those of the Qi Army, so although Emperor Gaozong might have felt some panic inside, on the whole, he was pleased.

But now, General Han Fuyue had, in practice, completely slipped out of his control, yet still achieved such a great victory...

Didn’t this imply that he no longer had any means to restrain him?

Wanyan Sheng’s assault was nothing if not desperate. General Han Fuyue’s position couldn’t be said to be anything but passive.

Yet even under such circumstances, General Han Fuyue had won! Had achieved a great victory!

Of course, there were some unexpected factors in this victory, like the mutiny led by Meng Lin.

But wasn’t that even more terrifying?

Even a Qi Army, which had not attacked but merely blocked the path of retreat, had rebelled. If he were to send troops to attack General Han Fuyue in the future, would there be any army that would not desert?

Emperor Gaozong felt a chill in his hands and feet, a shadow of immense fear looming over his heart.

He looked at Qin Huizhi, "Prime Minister Qin... What should be done..."

Qin Huizhi also seemed at a loss.

He hadn’t expected things to turn out this way, either.

And now, all his cunning plots and schemes were ineffective.

Sending someone else to fight?

Forget it, don’t serve up more victories on a platter to General Han Fuyue!

Suddenly, he gritted his teeth fiercely and said, "Your Majesty, we must employ thunderous techniques now!

"Meng Lin has already committed treason, as has Han Fuyue! Since they’ve committed treason, then simply find their families and execute them all, making an example to deter others!"

Zhang Deyuan interjected.

"Prime Minister Qin, you haven’t yet read the latest ’Proclamation to the People’ issued by General Han Fuyue, have you?"

Qin Huizhi’s expression darkened, "What need is there to look at the writings of a traitor!"

Zhang Deyuan sighed softly, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Qin’s strategy is setting Your Majesty on a course to destruction!

"In General Han Fuyue’s most recent ’Proclamation to the People,’ not only is the process of the great victory detailed, but it also specifically mentions that many soldiers of the Zhao Yi Army have family members in the south.

"If Your Majesty and Prime Minister Qin dare to harm any one of them... that will be a deadly feud with the Zhao Yi Army that can’t be resolved until death. Then... the only outcome left will be a blood debt paid in blood!

"The phrase ’irreconcilable unto death’... Prime Minister Qin, can you afford to bear it?"

These words seemed to bring a bone-chilling cold to all three present.

A blood debt paid in blood... Irreconcilable unto death...

They had no doubt at this moment that if they dared to harm the families of these soldiers, no matter who they touched, General Han Fuyue would have every reason to immediately lead troops back to fight!

By then, the situation might truly spiral out of control...

Emperor Gaozong’s hands clenched tightly, "Rebellion... Treason! They dare threaten me..."

Zhang Deyuan sighed again, advising, "Your Majesty! Please, think carefully!

"At this time, the Zhao Yi Army has not yet rebelled!

"Although General Han has disobeyed orders, in the eyes of the common people, his resistance against Jin and his intention to recover the Northern Lands are righteous causes. Your Majesty cannot suppress him with this matter!

"And now, with General Han having just achieved a great victory at Zhuxian Town, the people throughout the land are jubilant. If Your Majesty kills the families of the Zhao Yi Army soldiers at this critical moment...

"Your Majesty, think about how the people will view this?

"Moreover, such an act would give General Han Fuyue a justifiable reason to rebel. If he truly raises an army to fight in the name of ’The court harms the families of patriots resisting Jin,’ then how much of the people’s hearts throughout the country would still be with our dynasty? And how many armies would be able to withstand the Zhao Yi Army’s assault?

"Please give this deep thought, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Gaozong’s clenched hands slowly relaxed.

He remained silent for a long time, then said weakly, "Mr. Zhang, what do you suggest we do?"

Zhang Deyuan said, "There’s only one way. Offer clemency!"

Emperor Gaozong was taken aback, "Offer clemency?"

Zhang Deyuan nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty. For those rebels, bandits, and outlaws that the official army cannot subdue, offering clemency is the best solution. The same applies to General Han Fuyue at this moment."

Emperor Gaozong nodded thoughtfully.

There was a saying in the Qi Dynasty: If you want to become an official, commit murder, set fires, and receive clemency.

This was indeed a common phenomenon.

Because becoming a law-abiding citizen meant to be oppressed by the government with no chance for advancement. But if one committed murder and arson, and managed to defeat the official army, making them return without success multiple times, the court had no choice but to offer clemency.

What else could they do if they couldn’t subdue the person except offer clemency?

And now, General Han Fuyue had put Emperor Gaozong of Qi in such a predicament.

Fight, and they couldn’t win; indeed, they couldn’t even fight at all.

The more they wanted to fight, the more problems arose.

What else could be done?

Only by offering clemency could they temporarily win over General Han Fuyue, and plan slowly.

As for whether this would set a bad example for other generals...

By this point, there was no room to worry about that anymore.

And besides, the other generals had mostly returned and had already surrendered their military power, so there was no concern they would imitate General Han Fuyue.

After a long time, Emperor Gaozong finally whispered a response, "Then... let’s do that..." freēwēbηovel.c૦m

This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶