Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 44

Chapter 44

The soldiers’ expressions shifted ominously, prompting the official to cut off their thoughts with a cold voice: These cowards who fear death surrendered early to the rebel Xu Mao. With twisted loyalties, they were bought by mere grains of rice and scoops of water from Xu Mao – petty favors that turned them traitors.

Sent by Xu Mao to return and spread poisonous lies, they aim to shake our morale and weaken our resolve. Such treacherous, virtue-less rebels deserve death a thousand times over. Don’t be deceived by their words!

The official spoke to steady the officers and soldiers, relieved to see their expressions shift back to normal. Wiping his neck, he found it damp with sweat trickling from his temples.

A chilling realization struck him – these escaped soldiers had nearly succeeded in sowing discord with just a few words at the city gates, almost turning their troops against the court and inciting rebellion in Jin Province. Had they allowed captured soldiers to reenter the city freely, the consequences would have been disastrous!

Fortunately, the Prefect had shown foresight by ordering beforehand that captured soldiers be barred from returning, preventing these ill-intentioned infiltrators from stabbing them in the back.

Thank goodness, thank goodness.

Goosebumps rose on the official’s skin as fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead, silently marveling at the Prefect’s wisdom.

While still counting his blessings, the official suddenly heard approaching footsteps. He stepped forward and looked up to see several dozen women, all wearing russet headscarves and appearing capable and spirited.

In this place and time, such attire could only mean one thing – the Loyal Army.

Just as expected, the official narrowed his eyes, recognizing the newcomers. Having failed their scheme, these rebels hiding nearby can’t help but show themselves. Everyone, alert! Prepare for battle!

Tang Zhegui had been pursuing the escaped prisoners when she came upon the scene of carnage. The sight of corpses and overwhelming crimson made her gasp. Looking up at the people on the city wall, she cried out in shock: You’re utterly heartless! Killing your own men!

Though she had little fondness for these prisoners, they were strong laborers who could handle dirty, difficult tasks without complaint – still somewhat useful.

Who would have thought they’d die so easily, shot down by imperial forces beneath the city walls.

If the court didn’t want them, the Loyal Army did! Fengcheng’s road construction was short-handed!

Tang Zhegui felt profound distress, beating her chest in frustration.

But with them already dead, regrets were pointless. She needed to consider how to explain this to the Marshal.

The Marshal had entrusted her with guarding the prisoners, tacitly approving her stay in Fengcheng despite the flimsy pretext. Now not only had the prisoners escaped, but they’d died outside the city. She couldn’t face the Marshal!

Feeling deeply guilty, Tang Zhegui concealed her thoughts and shouted up at the wall: Since you’ve rejected these men, they belong to the Loyal Army now. We’ll take their bodies for temporary burial and inform their families when possible.

Regardless, she needed to bring back either the living or the dead. This would at least provide some account to the Marshal.

Tang Zhegui raised her hand, signaling her companions to collect the corpses.

The official, seeing them act so brazenly as to collect the remains right under his nose, was instantly enraged. Turning to the soldiers, he pointed at the women below, trembling all over and stamping his feet in fury as he shouted, Look! They’ve admitted it! The defecting officers and soldiers who returned this time were all pretending—they conspired with these women to sneak into the city and gather intelligence. Shooting them was absolutely justified!

The soldiers’ eyes flickered, their expressions varied.

None of them were fools; they could see the immense risk the Loyal Army had taken in this act. The official’s argument didn’t hold water.

If this were a prearranged scheme between the commandant and the Loyal Army to send them back as spies, then they had merely become pawns in the Loyal Army’s hands—and who would care about the lives of pawns?

Whether the Loyal Army was being hypocritical, putting on an act, or just playing a role, at least they had the heart to go through the motions in front of them. Compared to the court’s indifference, their actions were precious enough.

The official urged frantically, Archers, ready! Loose your arrows! Kill the rebels! Engage them outside the gates—one string of cash per head!

The soldiers didn’t move, standing firmly in place without even a flinch. Some even showed disgust or hatred in their eyes, glancing sidelong with clear annoyance.

Unable to command the soldiers, the official leaped up in a rage, his face livid. Through clenched teeth, he hissed menacingly, Defying military orders—are you plotting a mutiny?

The crowd stirred slightly, but before the official could feel relieved, a question rang out from the ranks: Over the years, our pay has been delayed again and again, always a month late at best. This year it’s been worse—we haven’t been paid for three or four months straight. As for your offer of one string of cash per head, when exactly will we receive that reward?

The higher-ups always said one thing and did another, making grand promises with flowery words but failing to deliver. Important people have short memories, and often nothing came of it. Their trust in the court had long been exhausted; they could endure no more.

Besides, when it came to meritorious deeds or any benefits, they were always the last in line. Why risk their lives and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to charging into battle for the court?

The soldiers stared coldly at the official, pressing him to give a definite date for their pay.

Under the weight of so many icy gazes, a chill ran down the official’s spine. He trembled with fear, his lips quivering, unable to speak.

After a moment, the official came to his senses. He was, after all, an officially appointed officer of the court, a man of noble status. How dare these lowly soldiers defy him?

Relying on his rank, he suddenly straightened up, widened his eyes, and snapped sternly, What? Is this how military discipline teaches you to address your superior? If you’ve turned traitor, then there’s nothing more to say. The rebels are right outside the city—why not take my head right now and offer it to them as a pledge of your loyalty!

His condescending attitude ignited the soldiers’ fury. The disdain and mockery evident in his expression stung them deeply. Even now, he was dodging the issue, skillfully avoiding the key matter of their unpaid wages.

Since he suggested offering his head as a pledge, they would not hold back.

From behind the official, a man stepped resolutely out of the ranks, his face dark with determination. In a few swift strides, he rushed to the official’s side and swung his blade. Caught off guard, the official had never imagined that his careless, angry words would seal his own fate.

The soldier who had slain the official planted his foot heavily on the corpse, sat astride the official’s waist and abdomen, and sawed his blade across the neck until blood flowed freely.

He lifted the official’s severed head high, blood streaming down his sleeve as he turned to face all the soldiers. With solemn gravity, he declared, For so long, the court has failed to deliver our pay. Our inquiries have been met with either silence or evasive answers. Is it because drought has emptied the treasury, making pay impossible, or because the funds never reach us? This warrants deep reflection.

Moreover, they have the audacity to threaten our families, forcing us to risk our lives in battle for them. The moment we cease to be useful, they turn their arrows against us. Their selfishness, arrogance, and cruelty are plain to see.

Rather than wait for death, we should seize the initiative. Let us surrender Jin Province to the Loyal Army to demonstrate our resolve. We beg Marshal Xu to rescue us—there may yet be room for redemption! Thus, he issued his call to arms.

The soldiers exchanged uncertain glances, looking at one another in hesitation. But as they recalled the words spoken by the officer below the city walls, the confusion in their eyes gradually cleared, replaced by firm determination.

He’s right! Open the gates! Welcome Marshal Xu—

The soldiers quickly made their decision, shouting in unison.

With pay withheld, military discipline harsh, and survival growing increasingly difficult—now escalating to the coercion of their loved ones—the authorities had revealed their despicable, hateful nature. Defecting to Xu Mao might offer a slim chance of survival.

As the soldiers rebelled on the spot, those loyal to the court panicked and fled to report to the Prefect. By the time Tang Zhegui was collecting corpses, fierce fighting had already erupted on the battlements, and the mutinous soldiers descended to open the gates.

Amid the clashing of weapons and a sudden cry of agony, Tang Zhegui turned in alarm. A dark shadow flashed before her eyes—upon closer look, it was a soldier falling from the wall, while above, the sounds of violent struggle raged on.

What’s happening on the wall? Why are they fighting?

Tang Zhegui scratched her head in bewilderment, peering carefully. It didn’t resemble any disguise of their Loyal Army, leaving her greatly perplexed.

Her companions set down the corpses they were carrying and shook their heads, equally baffled. We don’t know.

Just as Tang Zhegui and her team finished neatly arranging the numerous bodies, a heavy, drawn-out creak echoed through the air—like the painful groan of a dying elder.

Following the sound, Tang Zhegui and the others turned to look. To their astonishment, the city gates swung open. Blood-soaked soldiers strode toward them, holding a severed head.

The soldiers halted five paces away, knelt on one knee, and presented the head with bowed heads, offering it sincerely. This is the head of Jin Province’s Minister of War. We can no longer endure the court’s oppression. We sincerely wish to pledge allegiance to Marshal Xu. We beg you to deliver this and speak on our behalf, so we may be taken in.

Tang Zhegui stood dumbfounded for a moment, then quickly grasped the situation.

Could this be what Xu Bihe had speculated—the ultimate purpose behind the Marshal ordering her to escort prisoners back to Fengcheng? A masterfully orchestrated scheme: prisoners escaping only to be killed, demoralizing the garrison, inciting rebellion, and prompting them to open the city gates!

No wonder the Marshal had lingered without directly attacking Jin Province. He had ingeniously employed strategy, following the path of subduing the enemy without battle, achieving the greatest victory at the smallest cost.

So silent, so imperceptible—truly formidable.

A deep reverence and admiration for Xu Mao welled up in Tang Zhegui. She hurriedly sorted through the chain of events, committing them to memory, resolving to ponder and learn from them when time allowed.

The defenders of Jin Province voluntarily opened the gates and surrendered. Tang Zhegui could hardly contain her joy as she accepted the severed head, her lips curling into an irrepressible smile. She helped the leader to his feet and waved dismissively, saying, This matter is easily settled. I am the head of the cooking squad, Tang Zhegui. You may call me Madam Tang. Our Marshal has always been benevolent, and with your merit of offering the city, he will surely accept your surrender.

With both sides having stated their positions, the defenders breathed a sigh of relief and decided to strengthen their bargaining chip for surrender. Madam Tang, please wait a moment. We shall return shortly to capture the Prefect alive!