Chapter 1310: Final - Ending One
Mo Yan returned safely, and the joy and excitement within the Mo Family were beyond words. After the mountain road was destroyed, Leituo and Weiya relaxed their vigilance as they reached the end of the path, but before they could celebrate, they were ambushed by the thousands of troops previously stationed by Xiao Ruiyuan.
The two sides engaged in fierce combat at the entrance of the mountain path. After the Uto People exhausted their last dozen or so pieces of gunpowder, resulting in heavy casualties, they were outnumbered and subsequently captured by Xiao Ruiyuan’s forces. They were escorted back to Jing City that very night and confined in the Ministry of Justice’s Prison. After a casualty count was conducted, it was confirmed that not a single person had escaped.
The next morning at the Imperial court, Emperor Huian rewarded Xiao Ruiyuan in front of all the civil and military officials. The array of treasures bestowed was enough to make even treasure-accustomed Ministers green with envy. Especially the genuine and earnest encouragement from Emperor Huian to Xiao Ruiyuan made it clear to everyone that General Xiao’s imperial favor was still strong and his trust from the monarch had not waned.
Many realized retrospectively that Xiao Ruiyuan’s earlier reprimand by Emperor Huian might just have been a ruse for the Uto spectators. Considering this possibility, some were instantly sweating with fear, reflecting on whether they might have kicked Xiao Ruiyuan when he was down.
Xiao Ruiyuan’s loyalty to the country remained unshaken by the Uto spies’ machinations, and he managed to entrap all Uto operatives in one fell swoop. His contributions were no less significant than winning a great battle, hence the substantial reward.
In doing so, Emperor Huian not only rewarded the meritorious official but also secured the loyalty of his people. Many were now rubbing their hands in eagerness to perform noteworthy deeds to be promoted and provide for their wives.
Walking out from the court with a smile, Emperor Huian’s expression turned exceedingly grim once he returned to the Imperial study. Amid the trembling eunuchs, he ordered a visit to the former Mansion of Prince Heng, where Chu Ye, once Prince but now dethroned and confined, was brought to the Imperial study.
Meanwhile, in the Prince’s Mansion, Xiao Ruiyuan and Chu Heng, the cousins, were merrily toasting each other.