Chapter 255 - Power Begets Support
On the northeastern border, Jianxing Pass.
Qi Yanzhu felt as though he were dreaming when he received the imperial decree.
He had thought he would never have a chance to rise again in this lifetime, yet here he was, faced with this unexpected turn of events. The Heavens bless the worthy, he thought to himself.
From the eunuch who delivered the decree, Qi Yanzhu learned of a name he had never heard before—the current Grand Tutor and Imperial Preceptor, Su Yi.
Qi Yanzhu couldn’t understand why Su Yi had chosen him. Could it really be as simple as valuing his military skills? He found it hard to believe that anyone from the corrupted court of the capital could act so selflessly. He still vividly remembered the indifference and disregard he faced when he was exiled from that place.
In this world, could the virtuous truly gain any support? Clearly, people are more willing to support the powerful.
Qi Yanzhu didn’t consider himself the type to sit and wait for fate to run its course. Since the opportunity was right before him, how could he not seize it?
Without delay, after sending off the eunuch who delivered the decree, Qi Yanzhu immediately delegated military affairs, gathered a team of personal guards, packed his belongings, and set out overnight, heading straight for Xuanyang Prefecture.
Meanwhile, Ying Gutong was filled with a thousand and one grievances back in Liangzhou. In the end, he had no choice but to comply with the imperial decree and set out for Xuanyang Prefecture.
When Ying Gutong departed, Qi Zongbi didn’t even bother to see him off. Rumor had it that Ying Gutong flew into a rage at the city gates, accusing Qi Zongbi of being a self-serving scoundrel. He ranted that Minister Qi had begged him to detour to the North Watching Pass the moment Minister Qi felt like he was in trouble.
Now that the war had taken an unfavorable turn, the court had started to lay blame. Ying Gutong had become the first scapegoat under the emperor’s knife.