Zhang, the prime minister, felt guilty, believing he had harmed the emperor’s family. Perhaps if he had remained in the palace, the emperor wouldn’t have died so soon…
Not everyone perished in the fire; two guards and three palace maids miraculously survived. However, only one could speak, as the others had injured throats and were unable to communicate.
From this maid, Zhang learned that a group of eunuchs had set the fire, burning everyone alive, a revelation that sent chills down his spine.
Though he suspected that King Qi might have placed his own people in the palace, Zhang was unprepared for the sheer number of King Qi’s supporters within the palace! Even if the emperor had not left for the temporary palace, these eunuchs would have found a way to harm both the emperor and the crown prince!
By this point, King Qi had not shown himself. Zhang couldn’t even confront him to express his anger!
Far away in Meixian, Zhang Fang was unaware of the significant events occurring in the capital. The nine hundred followers had gathered at Qinglan Mountain but were still waiting for King Qi’s arrival. They could do nothing but send someone back to Meixian. To their dismay, they found that Meixian had already been taken over by a new group of people, preventing their entry!
Zhang Fang sent them a letter, promising that if they abandoned their uprising, he would restore their household registration, allowing them to start anew. Additionally, there would be rewards given.
This letter, however, did not reach the private soldiers. King Qi’s loyal confidants, upon learning that King Qi had been captured, tore up Zhang Fang’s letter, regrouped the nine hundred, and marched to the city to force Zhang Fang to release King Qi.
Zhang Fang was taken aback by their loyalty to King Qi, attempting to persuade the people outside the city by appealing to their emotions and reason.
“Is the life of rebellion, living on the edge of blades, really that fulfilling? Wouldn’t it be better to go home, farm, or run a small business, to marry and have children, living a simple and peaceful life?”
The people stared blankly at Zhang Fang; they too desired to return to their previous, tranquil existence. However, after being taken for training, if they disobeyed orders, their families would be harmed! How could they dare to defy King Qi’s commands? How could they betray him?
Some angrily threatened Zhang Fang: “Release our lord, or we will storm the city gates and tear you apart!”
Zhang Fang coldly regarded the crowd below and replied, “As long as you abandon your insurrection, I promise to let you go home with a settlement of one or two gold pieces for each of you! If you continue to persist in your folly, remember that you will all be traitors, and your fate will be death!”
Many were swayed by the prospect of one or two gold pieces; such a sum would allow them to live comfortably for the rest of their lives! Who would willingly suffer and toil for someone else?
Zhang Fang noticed many faces showing signs of wavering, realizing they had abandoned their rebellion. He then declared, “Those willing to surrender, drop your weapons and leave! Come back tomorrow for your money! Take the money and go home to live well!”
King Qi’s confidants, noticing the number of people succumbing to Zhang Fang’s persuasion, became furious and began killing several individuals, threatening, “Traitors will die! Think of your families! Now, aside from your lord, no one knows who your families are!”
This was why these individuals could only follow King Qi. Their household registrations had long been destroyed; even if a rebellion failed, the court could not implicate their families. But if they disobeyed King Qi, he would surely act against their loved ones!
This threat quelled the retreating thoughts of those who had considered surrendering.
Zhang Fang raised his voice, proclaiming, “Right now, King Qi is in my hands, and I control Meixian—no one can harm your families. Those wishing to surrender should do so quickly! I have no time to waste! The first to surrender will receive a settlement fee of one or two gold pieces! Those who delay will not receive any payout!”
The crowd did not hesitate; they immediately dropped their weapons and fled.
Realizing that the people were running away, King Qi’s confidants became enraged and attempted to chase them. However, in a few steps, one was struck down by an arrow and collapsed on the ground.
Mu Qing applauded, exclaiming, “Great archery!”
Yuan Quan lowered his bow, his expression calm.
Though King Qi appeared calm these days, he was exceedingly agitated inside. He had planned for years and calculated every detail so meticulously. Yet, he had not anticipated being ruined by this rat’s excrement known as Zhang Fang! Over on the capital side, things had likely already begun to stir. However, he now found himself in someone else’s grasp, and if communication from the capital was delayed, his seized throne might slip away!
As usual, Uncle Xing brought in meals. King Qi could clearly sense that Uncle Xing’s mood was particularly good today, which filled him with an ominous foreboding.
“Enjoy your meal! There won’t be many left,” Uncle Xing said as he placed the food in front of King Qi and untied his hands. King Qi’s body and feet remained bound to the chair.
“What have you done?!” Despite Zhang Fang being relatively lenient these days, King Qi’s face had grown haggard from sleeplessness and being tied to a chair daily. He asked Uncle Xing with a dark expression.
“Your men have all been persuaded to surrender by my young master!” Uncle Xing proudly informed King Qi.
King Qi seethed with hatred, glaring cruelly at Uncle Xing.
Just then, Zhang Fang entered and caught sight of King Qi’s expression, slowly saying, “Ah, King Qi is enjoying his meal!”
Uncle Xing told Zhang Fang, “Young master, he has learned that his men have surrendered, and he’s quite angry about it!”
Zhang Fang did not actually want Uncle Xing to reveal this situation to King Qi. The situation in the capital was still unclear. If the court had suppressed the rebellion, Prime Minister Zhang would surely send someone to Jingzhou to meet him. If King Qi’s forces seized the capital and the palace, it would be King Qi’s people coming to Meixian to collect him! At that time, they would face the largest troubles and crises yet!
“Uncle Xing, you can step outside,” Zhang Fang instructed.
Once Uncle Xing exited and closed the door,
King Qi suppressed his earlier expression, regaining his composure, but his weary appearance still exuded gloom. With a cold laugh, he said, “Young Master Zhang is quite skilled!”
Zhang Fang replied with a smile, “How can I compare to King Qi’s strategic brilliance?”
King Qi’s icy gaze fixed on Zhang Fang, fully aware that Zhang Fang was sparing his life only because there was no news from the capital yet. Should his men’s rebellion fail, Zhang Fang would not hesitate to eliminate him! Yet, after years of meticulous planning, how could he have acted without a ninety percent chance of success? Thus, King Qi remained confident that his men would succeed! If they did, Zhang Fang might very well change his attitude.