Chapter 711: Secret Identity
Wen Kang clenched his hands so tightly that his fingers turned white after hearing the messenger’s report.
In an instant, the Hall of Righteousness was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere, so quiet that one could hear the sound of sweat dripping onto the cold floor.
After a long silence, Wen Kang finally said, "Leave."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the messenger responded before leaving the Hall of Righteousness.
Looking at the ministers and generals standing below the throne, Wen Kang said calmly, "The Feng Army cannot be allowed to remain any longer."
At his words, the already heavy atmosphere grew even heavier.
After another long silence, the Great General stepped forward and knelt before Wen Kang. Clasping his fists, he said, "Your Majesty, this subject is willing to share Your Majesty’s burden."
Hearing this, Wen Kang looked at him silently for a moment before saying, "Very well. The Great General will lead two hundred thousand troops to Xiqiang City and end the rebellion."
"This subject accepts the order!" The great general responded solemnly.
Taking out half of the tiger talisman, Wen Kang handed it to the chief eunuch, who then passed it to the Great General.
Holding the tiger talisman with both hands, the Great General said with determination in his eyes, "This subject will not disappoint Your Majesty’s trust."
After he said this, Wen Kang stood up and left the Hall of Righteousness.
Seeing this, the chief eunuch announced in a shrill voice, "The morning court is adjourned!"
Below, the ministers and generals knelt and said in unison, "Long live the Emperor for tens of thousands of years!"
After Wen Kang left with his entourage, the ministers and generals rose to their feet.
Soon, they gathered around the Great General.
Forming a circle, one of the ministers smiled and said, "Congratulations, Great General. This is a great opportunity to earn further military merit."
The Great General laughed proudly. "This is all thanks to His Majesty for giving this general a chance to prove himself."
Standing apart from them, Fang Shou listened calmly to the Great General’s proud and confident words.
Lowering his eyes, Fang Shou quietly left the Hall of Righteousness. Just as he stepped out of the grand hall, someone called out from behind him.
"General Fang, please wait."
Stopping in his tracks, Fang Shou turned around and saw a general in his thirties walking toward him.
Nodding in greeting, Fang Shou asked in a low voice, "General Wei, do you need something from this general?"
Wei Wu grinned and gestured for Fang Shou to follow him.
Curious, Fang Shou followed Wei Wu as they descended the long staircase outside the hall.
As they walked, Wei Wu lowered his voice and said, "General Fang, this general knows that you are working for the Prince Regent."
The moment his words fell, a cold, murderous aura surged from Fang Shou.
Sensing the danger, Wei Wu quickly grabbed Fang Shou’s arm and said, "We are on the same side, we are on the same side."
Hearing this, Fang Shou’s hand paused on the dagger hidden at his waist. Narrowing his eyes, he asked dangerously, "On the same side?"
Wei Wu nodded, meeting his gaze. "Yes."
Seeing no deception in his eyes, Fang Shou released the dagger and said, "Follow me."
With that, he continued walking, while Wei Wu secretly let out a sigh of relief and hurried after him.
"Hey, General Fang, wait for this general."
Arriving at the garrison, Fang Shou led Wei Wu to his quarters. Pushing open the wooden door, he said calmly, "General Wei, please, come in."
Following him inside, Wei Wu glanced around at the simple furnishings and asked in surprise, "General Fang, you live in a place like this?"
Fang Shou did not take offense and simply gestured for him to sit. "This room is sufficient for this general."
Seeing Fang Shou sit down and pour him a cup of water, Wei Wu took a seat across from him.
Placing the cup in front of him, Fang Shou said, "General Wei, you may explain now."
Wei Wu took a sip of water to moisten his throat before taking out a black token. Placing it on the table, he kept his eyes on Fang Shou as he asked, "General Fang, do you recognize this?"
Fang Shou looked down. The moment he saw the word carved on the black token, surprise flickered in his eyes.
Looking up, he stared at Wei Wu.
Meeting Fang Shou’s probing eyes, Wei Wu smiled. "That’s right. This general is one of Hong Sha Pavilion’s special envoys."
Fang Shou fell silent at his words.
Seeing this, Wei Wu calmly drank his water and refilled his cup.
While he sipped leisurely, Fang Shou’s thoughts raced.
Frowning slightly, he recalled the letter sent by Yu Zhou. In an instant, realization dawned on him.
With a faint smile, Wei Wu said, "General Fang should have received the letter from my Master, right?"
Hearing this, Fang Shou’s suspicions were confirmed. Looking at Wei Wu, he asked, "You said your master is the Pavilion Master of the Hong Sha Pavilion... then His Highness is the Pavilion Master?"
Wei Wu nodded. "That’s right."
Hearing this, Fang Shou took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief. "That’s good."
Raising a brow, Wei Wu asked, "General Fang, why do you say that?"
Fang Shou smiled faintly. "If your master is truly His Highness the Prince Regent, then it means His Highness is still alive. As long as he lives, there is hope for the common people."
Wei Wu was stunned by his words. After a moment of silence, he slowly rubbed his chin.
"Interesting. This is the first time I’ve heard someone connect the word ’hope’ with my Master."
Looking at his expression, Fang Shou said, "General Wei, since you revealed your identity, you must have something important to tell this general."
Snapping out of his thoughts, Wei Wu nodded. "Ah, thank you for the reminder. Master does have a message for you."
Fang Shou gestured for him to continue.