Volume One, Chapter 16: The Eastern Province Revolts Completely

“Isn’t it just about killing someone? That’s easy. Tell me, who?”
Shicheng Hua said casually.

However, the next two words from Lu Yunduan sent a chill down Shicheng Hua’s spine.

“Mu Chuan.”

Hearing the name, he could hardly believe it.

Mu Chuan?

He was a royal relative of the Great Li dynasty. Killing him would mean leaving no room for negotiation.

“What? Does the Marquis of Dongzhou not dare?”

After some thought, Shicheng Hua made up his mind: whether he sticks his neck out or hides it, it’s a death sentence either way.

Lu Yunduan was also awaiting his answer. Since they were cooperating, sincerity was required. If he were to betray him at the decisive moment, it would be catastrophic.

Back in the day, if Yao Chen, the Nine-Star Douzun, hadn’t been betrayed by Han Feng, would he have fallen?

If the Six Desires Demon Lord hadn’t been caught off guard by his master, would he have died so recklessly?

So anyone could break an alliance. Only by holding a person’s weakness could one truly control them.

In this world, no one is trustworthy—only oneself can be trusted.

“Very well, I will kill Mu Chuan to show my determination against Li.”

“The Marquis of Dongzhou is straightforward. However, I want you to execute Mu Chuan personally before all the townsfolk. Do you understand the significance?”

Damn it, Shicheng Hua grumbled inwardly at Lu Yunduan.

He was being pushed to a dead end!

Leaving no margin for retreat.

Reluctantly, gritting his teeth, Shicheng Hua said, “As you say.”

[Anger +666]
[Anger +666]
[Anger +666]

“The Marquis of Dongzhou is straightforward; I salute you.”

Lu Yunduan’s lips curled slightly as he raised his cup. Shicheng Hua lifted his own and clinked it with his.

——

In the city center, the crowd had already gathered, packed tightly, jostling each other.

Amidst the throng, intense discussions broke out.

“What do you think the city lord wants us here for?”

“Shh, I heard the city lord is dead.”

“What? The city lord is dead? Then who is the lord of Yongning City now?”

“I heard the leader who came with the troops this morning killed the city lord. Now, he should be our new lord.”

“I also heard the Marquis of Dongzhou has come to Yongning City?”

Below, the commotion grew louder with arguments and chatter blending into a cacophony.

After a while, a group of people was brought forward, bound hand and foot, kneeling before the entire populace.

Among them were Mu Chuan and Ye Chongwu.

Lu Yunduan and Shicheng Hua stepped out. The people recognized the Marquis of Dongzhou and bowed in unison.

“Greetings, Marquis of Dongzhou.”

Shicheng Hua immediately spoke up.

“No need for such formalities. I have gathered everyone here today to announce something. I ask all of you to bear witness.”

The townsfolk stood, faces filled with confusion, uncertain what they were to witness.

“Marquis of Dongzhou, we entrust them to you now.”

Shicheng Hua approached Mu Chuan. Up close, Mu Chuan’s eyes blazed with fury as he cursed loudly.

“Shicheng Hua, you truly intend to rebel, colluding with Lu Yunduan. You treacherous traitor!”

Shicheng Hua, who had once harbored some pity for Mu Chuan, now looked cold upon hearing these words.

“Mu Chuan, how dare you speak so brazenly? Have you no sense of your current plight?”

“Traitorous scum, you will suffer a terrible death!”

Without another word, Shicheng Hua grabbed the butcher’s cleaver and struck down decisively at Mu Chuan’s neck.

Mu Chuan’s head rolled to the ground, blood staining the cleaver’s blade. At this moment, Shicheng Hua seemed blinded by rage.

Noticing Ye Chongwu nearby, he strode over quickly.

Ye Chongwu, terrified to the point of wetting himself, saw Mu Chuan’s severed head and began to cry, begging Shicheng Hua.

“Don’t kill me, please don’t—”

Before he could finish, his own head also fell to the ground.

Lu Yunduan was pleased with the display, applauding as he joined Shicheng Hua.

“Marquis of Dongzhou, your sincerity is clear. The alliance is now in effect.”

Shicheng Hua threw down the cleaver, his tone firm.

“I hope you keep your word, or my Dongzhou soldiers and I will make you pay in blood.”

“Of course. I am not one to break my promises. Rest assured.”

Lu Yunduan patted his shoulder, signaling him not to be so cautious.

The townsfolk below were stunned by the beheadings, whispering anxiously.

“Ah, the Marquis of Dongzhou personally beheaded them? What terrible crime did these two commit?”

“I heard they came from the capital.”

“Then how dare the Marquis of Dongzhou execute them?”

“Enough! If you keep talking about the Marquis, you won’t live long.”

Instantly, silence fell like a shroud. The townsfolk knelt quietly, afraid to speak.

The scene grew deathly still.

By now, the people’s hearts were gripped by fear and awe—benevolence mingled with severity.

Lu Yunduan stepped forward, his eyes moist, voice gentle yet firm.

“Dear friends and neighbors, do not be afraid. These two acted under imperial orders to crush Dongzhou—an unforgivable crime. Their deaths are deserved. Following the commands of the Marquis of Dongzhou, we resisted, captured them, and the Marquis executed them to show that any who harm Dongzhou will be punished, no matter how far.”

An uproar erupted below, voices buzzing with shock and disbelief.

“What? The court wants to wipe us out? Is this true?”

Lu Yunduan pointed to the Marquis calmly, narrating the tale smoothly.

“What I say may be hard to believe, but would you doubt the Marquis of Dongzhou?”

Shicheng Hua stepped before the people, radiant with righteousness, his voice booming.

“People of Dongzhou, the emperor is incompetent and corrupt; his ministers are all greedy and treacherous, oppressing the common folk. Now, under false charges, they seek to annihilate us. Tell me, can we tolerate this insult?”

The crowd immediately erupted, energized as if injected with adrenaline, chattering and shouting fiercely.

“No! We cannot tolerate it!”

Their spirits soared, voices rolling like thunder, full of determination.

Sensing the moment, Lu Yunduan stoked the fire further.

“What should we do then?”

Caught up in the momentum he built, the crowd shouted without hesitation.

“Rebel! Rebel!”

Seeing this scene, Shicheng Hua’s perception of Lu Yunduan changed completely. The frivolous scion he once knew was gone, replaced by a composed and resolute leader.

He found himself admiring Lu Yunduan, feeling instinctively that partnering with him was the wisest choice of his life.

[Admiration +666]
[Loyalty +666]

…

Lu Yunduan smiled slyly, gazing toward the capital.

“This is just the beginning. Soon, I will return and pull you down from that throne.”