Chapter 15: Zhu Di Offers Zhu Zheng Two Choices!

“Ridiculous that Xie Gongchu would even disguise himself as a personal guard to feign death, attempting to escape the city by such means.” Zhu Di laughed heartily, thoroughly pleased.

The Xie family father and son were nothing but thorns in Zhu Di’s side. The day the prince’s mansion ambushed and eliminated Xie Gui, and now sending his eldest son to reunite with him, was indeed a great victory.

“Your Highness.”

“Captain Zhang has reported that Logistics Army soldier Zhu Zheng displayed exceptional bravery—not only did he single-handedly kill Xie Gongchu, the treacherous commander of Tongzhou, but he also slew five of his personal guards.”

“Such a fierce warrior should not remain in the Logistics Army,” the messenger respectfully suggested. “Captain Zhang recommends transferring him to the main combat forces to better serve Your Highness.”

“Did you just say the name of that logistics soldier?” Guo Zi immediately asked from the side, as if he had just caught the name of his son-in-law.

“Logistics Army, Private Zhu Zheng,” the messenger replied respectfully.

Guo Zi’s expression shifted slightly, naturally thinking of his son-in-law. After all, the YAN King’s forces were limited in number; it was unlikely to be anyone else.

“Guo Qing, what troubles you?” Zhu Di noticed Guo Zi’s complex expression at once.

“Your Highness,” Guo Zi responded promptly, “Zhu Zheng is precisely my son-in-law.”

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of interest flashed in Zhu Di’s eyes. He seemed to be pondering why Guo Zi had not pulled his son-in-law out of the army but instead sent him into battle. As the leading civil official under Zhu Di, Guo Zi certainly had the authority to do so.

“Gentlemen,” Zhu Di addressed his subordinates, “Tongzhou is now secured. You may go rest. I shall personally arrange the subsequent matters.”

“Your servant takes his leave,” they bowed deeply and withdrew.

Only Guo Zi remained in the hall.

“Guo Qing,” Zhu Di asked directly, “why haven’t you transferred your son-in-law elsewhere?”

With no one else present, Zhu Di spoke candidly. Though this rebellion was framed as purging treacherous ministers, Zhu Di was well aware of how slim the chances of success were.

He was grateful for Guo Zi’s support and did not want to drag his entire family into danger.

“Your Highness,” Guo Zi replied, “the day after we reclaimed Beiping, I sent my son with the city exit pass and new household registration papers to my son-in-law’s family. But my son-in-law is peculiar. This time, he refused to leave, saying that since our nine clans stand together, if Your Highness fails, even if he flees elsewhere, he will find no peace.”

“He believes it’s better to follow Your Highness resolutely. If you succeed, then our family need not hide but will truly become meritorious contributors.” Guo Zi said with some helplessness.

Zhu Di smiled. “Your son-in-law sees through things quite clearly.”

“That is the path one must take,” he continued.

“Though my son-in-law holds no high rank, he treats my daughter well, so I have never opposed their union,” Guo Zi added with a smile.

Zhu Di’s expression turned serious. “Guo Qing, your family has supported me wholeheartedly. I hereby promise you, I will not let you down.”

“When the time comes, among the ranks of meritorious officials, you shall certainly be among them.”

This was a solemn vow from Zhu Di.

“I pledge my life in loyalty to Your Highness the YAN King,” Guo Zi bowed deeply.

Changing the subject, Zhu Di said, “By the way, there is something I have yet to tell you. Your son-in-law saved my second son.”

Guo Zi was taken aback, looking puzzled.

“See for yourself,” Zhu Di handed over the battle report.

Guo Zi’s face changed. “Your Highness has sent the Second Prince into the army?”

“This mobilization concerns the survival of my entire family. Now that we have rebelled, there is no turning back.”

“Not only the second son but the third will also enlist,” Zhu Di said sternly. “This is a gamble for their own lives.”

Before his trusted aide, Zhu Di spoke plainly, avoiding any grandiose talk of purging treason or righteous rebellion.

Rebellion was rebellion.

“Your reasoning is sound, Your Highness,” Guo Zi nodded in agreement.

“Guo Qing,” Zhu Di continued, “I owe your son-in-law a great debt this time.”

“He also slew Xie Gongchu, earning commendation for slaying an enemy general.”

“According to Beiping military regulations, he should be promoted three ranks.”

“He is currently a Private; a three-rank promotion would make him a Deputy Captain, commanding five hundred troops.”

“However, I leave the choice to you,” Zhu Di said, looking intently at Guo Zi. “First option: transfer Zhu Zheng to the main combat forces as Deputy Captain; second option: keep him in the Logistics Army as Deputy Captain.”

“One is for battlefield combat, the other for logistics management.”

“What is your decision?”

Guo Zi pondered thoughtfully.

“Your Highness,” he said, “my choice does not matter. My son-in-law has his own will.”

“This decision is best left to him.”

“Having chosen this path, he understands the situation clearly and will know what to do.”

Zhu Di nodded, having made up his mind.

“Tongzhou has been taken, and Beiping now has a brief respite.”

“Next, we will reorganize and continue our offensive.”

“Guo Qing, I shall personally command the troops this time.”

“As for Beiping’s governance and logistics, I entrust you to assist Gao Chi in managing these affairs.”

Zhu Di spoke solemnly.

Guo Zi bowed deeply. “Your servant swears to repay this loyalty with his life.”

...

Huailai City!

“Report!”

“General Song, Tongzhou has fallen.”

“The YAN rebel, in collusion with Chen Heng, the original Beiping military commander inside the city, has seized Tongzhou!”

“General Xie was killed in action.”

Inside the government hall, a general rushed in, panic-stricken and grim-faced.

The expressions of the commanders and officers inside shifted sharply.

“Not even a day’s defense of Tongzhou,” someone murmured.

“Chen Heng,”

“He has betrayed imperial grace and willingly become a rebel.”

General Song’s face darkened with fury upon hearing the news.

“General Song,” a subordinate respectfully inquired, anxious, “With the YAN rebel holding Tongzhou, and the original Beiping forces now perhaps numbering thirty to forty thousand, what shall we do?”

“Panic?” Song shot a sharp glance, angered but unafraid.

“In the past, the court officials had already devised many methods to deal with this YAN rebel.”

“They foresaw his treacherous intent long ago, and now it has come to pass.”