Free Web NovelChapter 1102: Chapter 1062: Three Thousand Elite Soldiers
The King of Zhao simply did not anticipate this; the old man had long since had rebellious intentions.
Not only was he not his man, but he also was not aligned with his eldest son.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that what the old man most wanted to do at this moment was to get rid of King Zhao.
Unfortunately, King Zhao was still foolishly thinking that the old man was utterly loyal, even if not to him, then certainly to his Eldest Prince; as long as he was loyal to his family and family’s power, that was enough.
However, what he could never imagine was that the old man had already nurtured the heart of treason. Even if Lin Yi hadn’t appeared, the old man would have rebelled sooner or later.
What previously held him back, what burdened him, was that his family was in the hands of King Zhao.
But now it’s different. Since Lin Yi promised to get his family out, he would definitely do so, and that was enough.
After carefully studying for a while, a plan was finally decided upon, and it was clear how to execute the affair.
As for their attitude towards Lin Yi at this moment, they didn’t have the slightest ability to resist. Indeed, they didn’t dare to even think of angering him, for his strength was such that one could no longer describe it with human terms. They absolutely didn’t dare offend someone like that.
After briefly explaining the tasks, the old man ordered these fellows to be released and allowed them to return to their respective camps.
After all, following those recent events, those outside were undoubtedly already in a panicked state, and now they needed to calm the people.
Only by concentrating the soldiers’ combat power and suppressing their thoughts could they continue their endeavor.
After everyone had left, Lin Yi remained seated at the head, watching the old man with a playful glance:
"Haha, didn’t expect your arrangements to be so reliable. It seems like you haven’t just been plotting this for a day or two, have you? You’ve been planning this for quite a while, haven’t you?"
This statement made the old man’s heart skip, but he quickly forced a bitter smile and, not daring to hide anything, began to speak:
"Your Majesty, truly, I dare not deceive you. I have indeed been considering this for a considerable time, but my family has always been held in their hands, so I simply couldn’t bring myself to do it.
However, with your appearance, I see hope. Frankly, if given the chance to take that position, who willingly remains a pawn for them?
Moreover, Zhao Country is in utter chaos. It’s virtually impossible for me to survive it at all.
It’s no exaggeration to say that once the Eldest Prince ascends, I would certainly be the first to be done away with.
Right now, he treats me like a treasure, as his most loyal shield, simply because he wants that position. Once he succeeds, my authority and power will undoubtedly make him wary. At that time, there’s no doubt I’d be eliminated first.
So, in essence, my ruthlessness can’t be blamed."
His words were not entirely wrong. Although he was currently the Eldest Prince’s right-hand man, if one day the Eldest Prince really ascended to emperor, he would never tolerate subordinates with more power than himself.
Only by holding all military power and force in his own hands could he feel truly at peace. Otherwise, he would even find it hard to sleep peacefully.
Listening to the old man, Lin Yi, of course, said nothing more. He simply smiled, shook his head slightly, then straightforwardly said:
"I won’t concern myself with your past grievances. I’m only concerned with your future actions. Well, everything is clear now. Prepare yourself; we’re setting off for the Imperial City of Zhao Country to retrieve your families."
Upon hearing this, the old man displayed a contemplative expression, pondering Lin Yi’s intentions:
Was he truly planning to help him rescue his family?
Or was he trying to send him off to take over this army camp?
But the latter seemed unrealistic. Just moments ago, under that situation, Lin Yi clearly had the ability to eliminate him and take control of the army by force, yet he hadn’t done so, and clearly wouldn’t do it now.
If that were the case, it would indeed be a wasteful effort.
No matter how one considered it, it was unlikely that Lin Yi would lure him out, as doing so would be utterly pointless.
The only plausible objective was that Lin Yi genuinely wished to help him rescue his family.
But where did Lin Yi’s confidence stem from?
Setting aside the considerable distance to the Capital City, even upon reaching the Capital, there were still 20,000 garrison troops there to contend with.
It would be challenging enough to storm into the capital to save his family, to say nothing of the fact that if his return was known, King Zhao would undoubtedly imprison his family immediately, making any rescue exceedingly difficult.
In short, even if he racked his brains, he couldn’t fathom how he would rescue his family.
And now, with Lin Yi telling him to prepare, what exactly should he prepare?
Though confused, he didn’t ask many questions, as doing so might make Lin Yi consider him insignificant, possibly leading to his elimination. And with tranquility, any puppet could easily replace him.
Thus, without hesitation, he bowed to Lin Yi before hastening outside, beginning to arrange his men accordingly.
Approximately two quarters of an hour later, the hall doors swung open again, and the old man, clad in armor, hurriedly dashed in:
"Your Majesty, everything is prepared. I’ve mustered 3,000 elite troops. This time, we’ll race swiftly to the Capital City. Upon arrival, we’ll act discreetly, extract our kin, and have the 3,000 elite troops cover our retreat. I’m confident we’ll escape them."
With that, he gestured for Lin Yi to accompany him out.
[End of Excerpt...]
