In the council chamber, silence once again enveloped the room like the stillness of death. Not a sound could be heard.
The soldiers on guard outside had only seen a dark figure flying out of the tent a moment ago. Before they could react, the same figure swiftly returned. Though they couldn’t see what happened inside the tent, they knew that the regent entering was not a harbinger of good news. It wouldn’t be long before dark clouds gathered, and the air became thick with the scent of blood.
The soldiers looked up at the serene sky, knowing that the seemingly peaceful weather would soon be shattered by the impending chaos. With a sigh, they couldn’t help but gaze a little longer at the flawless azure sky, their determined eyes reflecting a touch of sorrow.
“Was what you said just now the truth?” Feng Autian stepped forward, her strides steady and composed. With each step, she exuded a firm and calm demeanor. As she reached the commander’s seat, she turned coldly, the golden clouds embroidered on her voluminous robe hinting at a chilling undertone as she raised her arms slightly.
“Please, Your Royal Highness, grant me the punishment of death!” Li Su felt that every moment alive now was torment. The vivid images of the horrifying scene in the woods, just five miles away, flashed in his mind. Even if he refused to accept it, even if he staked his life, he realized he couldn’t harm a single hair on the regent’s head. His earlier arrogance now seemed laughable to him.
Feng Aotian merely wanted to teach him a lesson, as Jibai had mentioned. At a time when new talents were needed, the individuals in the council chamber were the backbone of the entire border military camp. Li Su, despite being a straightforward man, was a rare fierce warrior. Feng Aotian, a ruler by nature, never engaged in a losing deal.
“Why do you seek a death sentence from me?” Feng Aotian sat upright with an imposing demeanor, exuding an unquestionable regal aura. As a sovereign, he couldn’t tolerate anyone belittling him.
“I shouldn’t have disrespected the regent.” Li Su was stubborn by nature, and even in the face of imminent death, he wouldn’t retract his earlier words. Speaking out against the regent was a crime of disrespect, and he would stand by it.
Jibai and the other commanders knelt to the side, listening to Li Su’s response. They muttered curses under their breath. Li Su’s persistence would surely cost him his life.
“Disrespect?” Feng Aotian’s thin lips tightened, and his phoenix-like eyes narrowed. The once frosty demeanor now took on a more menacing glow. “How did you disrespect me?”
Even under such intense pressure, Jibai struggled to control his inner fear. He pondered the regent’s thoughts at this moment. They were well aware that the regent’s mood could change unpredictably, but today, he seemed different from his usual self. His demeanor was elusive, and they couldn’t fathom what was on his mind.
Inwardly, Jibai lamented that the regent appeared to be different from the person they knew. His motives today were unclear—was he here to hold them accountable for something?
“Your Royal Highness, I dare to ask, now that Qiguo’s forces are at our doorstep, glaring at us with ill intent, since your arrival at the border, aside from indulging in wine and pleasures, reveling in killing for enjoyment, do you still remember that it was the unwavering dedication of the soldiers defending the border that kept Qiguo from trespassing even a step? Now, with the military morale in disarray, how can we resist the fierce onslaught from Qiguo? Could it be that my words are baseless? What is the difference between your actions and that tyrant, given the current state of the military?” Li Su raised his eyes, his intense gaze filled with anger, and he sternly questioned. He knew he couldn’t escape death, but even in death, he wanted to express his grievances. Speaking out now, he felt a sense of relief. Even if he were to end up like the scene in the woods, he considered it worthwhile.
Jibai kept his head low, not daring to pry, feeling a complex mix of admiration for Li Su’s blunt honesty and sorrow for the fate befalling such a fierce warrior.
Feng Aotian coldly stared at Li Su, indifferent and mocking. A chilling air surged, instantly extinguishing the rising confidence in Li Su. Shaken, Li Su hastily knelt again, repeating, “Your Royal Highness, please grant me the punishment of death.”
“Death sentence?” Feng Aotian sneered, lips curling in a cold smile. “Lieutenant Li, don’t you understand my preferences? Do you know the scene in the woods that I find most enjoyable? Unfortunately, you’re not worthy of such treatment.”
Jibai carefully stored Feng Aotian’s words in his memory. The scene in the woods? It must be the gruesome sight of the person who attempted to assassinate the regent yesterday, causing Li Su to be so terrified. It must have been truly horrifying.
Si Xi stood calmly on the side. Although he hadn’t witnessed the scene in the woods with his own eyes, he could easily imagine the horrifying sight. Quickly bowing, he remembered his godfather’s advice about serving in the palace, especially around the regent. One had to be cautious and avoid any mistakes, as the consequences could be severe. The regent’s methods were likely unprecedented.
Li Su, upon hearing Feng Autian’s words, felt a chill in his heart. Not worthy? Not even deserving of such a gruesome death? What kind of death did he deserve then?
Yesterday, Feng Aotian’s trusted hidden guards had been annihilated. With very few usable individuals left, aside from the two soul guards, there was only Si Xi by her side. In this military camp, she knew very little. If she were truly in the hands of the real Feng Aotian, Li Su’s words might be entirely accurate. If she continued down this corrupt path, the downfall of the country was inevitable.
However, now she was Feng Autian and anyone daring to covet what belonged to her would meet a fate worse than death.
“Those dealt with by me yesterday were, in their own right, warriors of the Qi nation. If they could resist me, they would be brave soldiers of the Qi nation. As for you, a commanding officer of Feng nation, to be defeated without a fight? What use is there for me to keep you?” Feng Autian stood sternly, coldly gazing at Li Su. “Since Lieutenant Li is willing to open the city gates wide and let the Qi nation’s soldiers march in, I will grant your wish. What say you?”
Li Su stared at Feng Autian in disbelief, realizing the gravity of his words. He quickly knelt and admitted, “I deserve to die.”
“Why are you all just standing there? Join Lieutenant Li in welcoming the Qiguo soldiers into the city!” Feng Aotian’s face grew darker as he issued a sharp command.
“We pledge to defend the border to the death!” Jibai’s heart trembled even more. If the city gates were truly opened wide, they would be considered traitors to Fengguo, and they couldn’t face the people of Fengguo.
“I don’t believe you.” Feng Aotian snorted, turned around, and walked to the desk. He flipped through the camp’s records, page by page, creating a silent and oppressive atmosphere in the council chamber. The tense air stifled everyone, making them hesitant to even breathe.
Li Su felt ashen-faced, regretting his unbridled words. Suddenly rising, he drew the sword at his waist and attempted to end his own life in apology.
“Clang!” The blade fell to the ground, gleaming with a chilling light.
“Captain Li, aren’t you afraid of staining your cowardly blood on this blade?” Feng Aotian sneered, still not lifting her gaze, elegantly flipping through the scrolls in her hand.
Li Su knelt on the ground in despair. Once a valiant warrior with numerous victories in battle, now he wasn’t even worthy of using his sword to end his life. What purpose did he have to live?
“Where is Mu Hanyao now?” Feng Aotian closed the scrolls, the cold tone in her voice cutting through the room.
