Chapter 352: Xu Qi'an's Scheme
# 352. Xu Qi'an's Scheme
As the fervour of the crowd reached its peak, Xu Qi’an suddenly lowered the scroll and commanded, “Everyone, escort the officials away. Do not interfere in the fight.”
It was as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over their heads.
Chen Xiao protested anxiously, “Sir Xu, I am willing to fight alongside you, even at the cost of my life.”
The Imperial Guards growled in unison, “We are willing to fight alongside Sir Xu, even at the cost of our lives!”
*If you were equipped with cannons and ballistae, I wouldn’t mind you assisting me. But with just crossbows—mere pea shooters—how do you expect to contend with these behemoths?* Xu Qi’an’s face darkened as he barked, “That’s an order!”
The guards were both furious and confused, unable to fathom his reasoning.
Xu Qi’an, tense and alert against a sudden attack from the two fourth rank foes, saw Chen Xiao still refusing to comply. His anger surged, and he snarled, “If you stay, you’ll only die in vain. If you don’t leave now, I’ll cut you down myself!”
Chen Xiao finally understood. Sir Xu’s insistence on their retreat was to protect them—he didn’t want to watch his brothers die needlessly. Tears welled in his eyes as he bowed deeply. “Sir Xu, please… take care.”