Chapter 328 General, I've finally waited for you

The tenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

At 1 p.m., outside the east gate of Chang'an, forty catapults started moving, and the torches made the Chang'an City 500 meters away clearly visible.

"Crench!"

Following the agreed signal, Guo Jia opened the east gate of Chang'an and finally surrendered the city before the general attack was launched.

At this time, it was too late for Yang Ding, Yang Feng and others to react.

After 10,000 elite Southern Army soldiers entered the city from the East Gate, it was impossible for the Western Liang Army in the city to turn the tables.

However, there were still some unwilling people who wanted to cause trouble and even attack the palace.

Jin Mao had already learned about the situation in Chang'an City from his spies, but he didn't care at all and let them kill each other.

All the people were dead, and it would not be an exaggeration if ninety-nine out of a hundred of the remaining people died.

It would be best if they were all dead, so that we don’t have to face Emperor Liu Xie.

Since entering the city, Jinmao has been cursing non-stop.

"Damn it! Damn it!"

"There is not a single living person on the entire street. These ministers deserve to die!"

In the huge city of Chang'an, nine out of ten houses were empty. Jin Mao knew that the Western Liang Army was brutal, but he did not expect that these ministers were of the same kind.

Xun You on the side kept his mouth shut, not daring to say another word.

Not to mention Jia Xu, anything he said would be wrong at this time.

In fact, both of them still had a certain degree of loyalty to the Han Dynasty in their hearts.

It’s just not as strong as Xun Yu’s.

On the other side, Jinmao continued to receive information on the battle situation on the front line and made corresponding adjustments.

Now he has a large number of soldiers and generals under his command, so there is no need for him to do everything himself.

The central army commander gradually approached the Weiyang Palace, and the number of Xiliang troops along the way increased.

When these Western Liang troops saw the large Southern Army advancing in an orderly manner, they lost all desire to fight and immediately retreated.

In this way, Jin Mao arrived at the south gate of Weiyang Palace very smoothly, and happened to meet Zhang Fei who rushed into the city.

"Yide, where are you going?"

Zhang Fei shouted across the street: "My Lord, I will go and capture a few generals so that I can be promoted to general!"

After saying this, he rode away on his horse as if escaping.

"This Zhang Yide." Jin Mao scolded with a smile: "He doesn't please me, but he still wants to get promoted. What a wishful thinking!"

Xun You and Jia Xu looked at their noses with their eyes and their hearts with their noses, pretending not to hear anything.

After a while, Zhou Yu came.

"Gongjin has arrived at the perfect time." Jin Mao called Zhou Yu over and stopped him from going down to command, saying, "It's just right for you to meet His Majesty together with me."

Zhou Yu insisted on breaking free and said, "My lord, the situation on the front line is changing rapidly. As the commander, I need to go to the military camp immediately to dispatch troops and ensure that nothing goes wrong.

As for the meeting with His Majesty, I will go there to apologize and report the military situation when the war slows down. At this moment, every moment of delay may affect the war situation, I hope the lord will understand. "

Jin Mao frowned slightly when he heard this, but then relaxed his brows. He thought that it made sense. As the commander-in-chief, he was able to withdraw, but if Zhou Yu also withdrew, who knew what kind of chaos would happen below.

So Jin Mao nodded and said, "Gong Jin is right. I was negligent. Go ahead and make sure our army's morale is high and the tactics are correct. When you return, I will give you another reward."

Zhou Yu bowed and said gratefully: "Thank you for your understanding, my lord. I will live up to your expectations." After that, he turned around and jumped onto his horse. His cloak fluttered in the wind. With heroism and determination, he quickly disappeared outside the south gate and headed straight for the military camp.

Xun You and Jia Xu smiled at each other, and Xun You said softly: "Zhou Yizhou is indeed a pillar of the country. He is resolute and decisive, yet thorough."

Jia Xu pondered for a moment and said, "Yes, but General Zhang's impatience this time also reminds us that although morale in the army is important, discipline and strategy are equally indispensable. My lord, should we also start to rectify military discipline just in case?"

Jin Mao nodded and said, "You two are right, but there is no rush. It is more important to meet His Majesty."

Jia Xu was just trying to find a way for his lord to save face, to prevent him from being rejected by Zhou Yu and taking his anger out on himself, which would have been terrible.

"My lord," Xun You stopped Jin Mao and said, "Before you meet His Majesty, please bathe and change your clothes to avoid giving others a chance to criticize you."

"In an emergency, we must make decisions based on our own wishes." Jin Mao pushed Xun You aside and said as he walked away, "Your Majesty might still be in danger. I'm here to save you. Why should I be so polite?"

Xun You sighed helplessly and stepped aside.

When Jia Xu passed by, he consoled him, "Gongda, the lord is concerned about the safety of His Majesty. This is a sign of loyalty and patriotism. We should follow closely and face the national crisis together.

"When the dust settles, we can discuss etiquette later. As counselors, our primary duty is to assist the lord in achieving great things. For now, let's put aside other details."

Xun You shook his head and said, "I'm not worried about such trivial matters."

"I know what you are thinking." Jia Xu advised: "My lord has his own ideas. You and I should not have extra thoughts to worry about these monarchs and ministers for my lord. We should think more about our own monarchs and ministers."

Xun You bowed and said, "Thank you for your advice."

"It's just a small favor, not worth mentioning." Jia Xu said with a smile: "You Xun family members are smarter than me, there is no need for me to say more about these principles. We are just colleagues, and I can't bear to see you sink."

In fact, no one knows what Jia Xu is thinking.

Xun You bowed again and said, "Thank you for your teachings, sir. I am extremely grateful."

Jia Xu said no more and quickened his pace to catch up with his lord. Xun You looked up at the sky and murmured, "Uncle, I tried my best."

Then, Xun You also took big steps to catch up with the team in front.

Weiyang Palace.

The ministers supported the emperor and looked outside the palace gate in panic.

This is not correct. It should be said that the ministers clung to the emperor's golden ticket of immunity from death.

Everyone knew Jin Mao's cruelty, and all officials were afraid of him.

They are not afraid that Jinmao will reason with them, but they are afraid that Jinmao will not reason with them and will rush in and kill them first.

This is not impossible. Looking at the history of Jinmao's rise, officials just don't believe that there is anything in the world that Jinmao dare not do.

"Grand Herald." Liu Xie, who was sitting at the top of the table in Weiyang Palace, called out to Liu Biao nervously, "Go and see if the general has arrived."

Upon hearing this, although Liu Biao was extremely reluctant in his heart, he did not dare to show the slightest slackness on his face. He bowed and replied, "I obey your command." Then he turned around and hurriedly walked through the tense and solemn atmosphere among the ministers towards the palace gate.

Outside the palace gate, the night was as dark as ink. Occasionally, the cries of night birds broke the silence, adding a sense of uneasiness.

Liu Biao stood on the threshold, his eyes piercing the night, trying to catch the movement in the distance. He had mixed feelings in his heart, worried that Jin Mao's atrocities would shock the court again, and worried whether he could bring back a glimmer of peace to the emperor and his ministers who were anxiously waiting in the palace.

Time passed minute by minute, and just as Liu Biao was about to send someone to check on him again, a burst of hurried footsteps came closer and closer, breaking the tranquility of the night.

Then, a group of heavily armored infantrymen rushed to the palace gate like a black torrent with thunderous footsteps. Leading them was the legendary general who frightened all officials - Jin Mao.

Jin Mao rode on a tall horse, wearing heavy black armor, with a stern face and an unquestionable light flashing in his eyes.

He did not dismount immediately, but instead scanned the inside and outside of the palace gate with his eagle-like eyes. Finally, his gaze fell on Liu Biao, and an ambiguous smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Grand Herald, how are you?" Jin Mao's voice was deep and powerful, penetrating the night and making everyone present feel an invisible pressure.

Liu Biao forced himself to remain calm, took a step forward, bowed and said, "General, please follow me. Your Majesty and the ministers are all waiting to see you in the Weiyang Palace."

Jin Mao nodded slightly, a hint of imperceptible amusement flashed in his eyes, and then he waved his hand and said, "Make way, I will see Your Majesty now."

As the palace gate slowly opened, an even more tense atmosphere spread within the Weiyang Palace.

Liu Biao sighed inwardly, thinking that this night would be another sleepless night. He turned around and walked into the palace with heavy steps, praying silently in his heart that Jin Mao's trip would bring a turnaround, rather than a bigger storm.

Step by step, Jin Mao saw that the Weiyang Palace under the light of the fire was like a huge beast crawling on the ground, opening its huge mouth and waiting for food to be delivered into its mouth automatically.

Taking the final step into the hall, Jin Mao looked at the darkness inside and said in a clear voice, "Someone, turn on the lights!"

Suddenly, a team of heavily armored infantrymen with torches in hand filed in, illuminating the terrified officials, who dared not even breathe.

At this moment, a clear call came from the innermost part of the hall, like the expectation of a young swallow returning to its nest.

"General, but the general is here?"

When the fire gradually illuminated the hall, Jin Mao also saw the emperor sitting at the top.

The moment the two looked at each other, Jin Mao was surprised by Liu Xie's clear yet stupid eyes.

After experiencing so many things, he could still retain eyes as clear as those of college students in later generations. Was Liu Xie protected so well?

wrong!

Jin Mao realized at the first moment that the young emperor already knew how to hide his shortcomings.

"Your Majesty, I, Jin Mao, pay my respects to you." Jin Mao bent one knee, then stood up, clasped his fists and saluted, saying, "I am wearing armor, Your Majesty, please forgive me for not being able to perform the full ceremony."

"No problem." Liu Xie said with a smile: "I forgive the general's innocence. From now on, the general can enter the palace with a sword and shoes."

Jin Mao was moved when he heard this, but he didn't show it on his face. He just said, "Your Majesty, I am grateful for your grace. However, the etiquette between the monarch and his subjects is the foundation of the country, and I dare not cross it. It is a great honor to have your majesty's special permission today. I am afraid that it is not appropriate for me to go to the palace with my sword and shoes."

Liu Xie smiled slightly, and there seemed to be some deep meaning in that smile. He walked down the dragon steps slowly, came to Jin Mao, and said softly: "General, what you said makes sense. I was not thoughtful enough. However, I see that the general is so heroic and is a pillar of our Han Dynasty. I am very happy. I know that the general is loyal and dedicated. It is just a small matter to wear a sword and shoes to the palace. Dong Zhuo, Li Jue and others can do it, why can't the general?"

Jin Mao's heart trembled. He knew very well that although this young emperor seemed gentle and harmless, he was actually meticulous and every word he said was full of hidden meaning.

However, Jin Mao was terrified and immediately thanked him, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. I have one more thing to ask of you."

Liu Xie was stunned. He didn't expect Jin Mao to really agree. Didn't he hear about those traitors he just mentioned?
Could it be that the general is of the same kind?
Liu Xie said with disappointment, "General, please feel free to speak."

"This armor of mine is extremely majestic." Jin Mao patted the black armor on his body and said, "From now on, please allow me to wear this one to court, Your Majesty."

The corner of Liu Xie's mouth twitched. Wasn't it said that this great general was so cruel that he would kill people without blinking an eye? Why was he so cowardly?

However, the officials had different views. In their opinion, the general was ready to kill people in the court at any time.

How cruel!

Liu Xie was angry and said angrily, "The general's achievements are unmatched. Should I make him king?"

"Is it okay?" Jin Mao said excitedly, "My ancestor was the Prince of Wushang County, so it doesn't violate the ancestral law that those who are not from the same clan can be kings."

"I made my fortune in Yangzhou, so Your Majesty should just make me the King of Wu. The King of Yue is not good, and there are thieves who make themselves the king. The King of Wu is better."

All the officials complained in their hearts, who asked you what kind of king you are? Is this the same question?

Liu Xie wanted to say something, but his stomach started to growl, causing a chain reaction, and everyone in the hall responded.

Liu Xie took this opportunity to change the subject and said, "General, I and my ministers have not had a full stomach for many days. Can you please let me eat before discussing matters?"

Jin Mao waved his hand, and soon someone came in with pots of Hu pancakes.

Liu Xie picked it up, looked at it, and put it down again. However, a few officials picked up the Hu Bing and started to devour it.

"Your Majesty, why don't you eat?"

Jin Mao's voice echoed in the hall: "Your Majesty, aren't you hungry? Are you afraid that my cake is poisoned?"

As soon as these words were spoken, sounds of vomiting and coughing were heard in the hall. All the officials did not expect that Jin Mao was so vicious that he actually poisoned the food!
"Don't worry." Jin Mao said with a smile: "There is no poison in the cake. I am not like you. All the people in Chang'an are dead, and you can still talk here!"

"Damn it!"

As soon as these words came out, it was shocking.

Immediately, a loyal minister jumped out to criticize, but Jin Mao treated him coldly.

"Shut up!"

Jin Mao's loud shout frightened Liu Xie so much that he felt as if he had returned to the time when he was dominated by Dong Zhuo and others.

"A gentleman judges deeds, not hearts. What have you, these hypocritical scums, done for the people?"

"You talk about morality and ethics, but have you ever done anything practical?"

Then, Jin Mao bowed to Liu Xie and said, "Your Majesty, you must not be deceived by these villains. You must see it with your own eyes before you can govern the world well."

Liu Xie heard this, and a complex look flashed in his eyes, showing both shock at Jin Mao's blunt words and helplessness and unwillingness to be controlled by his fate in the past. He slowly stood up and glanced at the people in the hall. Those ministers who usually claimed to be loyal and honest, now either bowed their heads and kept silent, or showed indignation, but no one dared to easily refute.

"What the general said is very much in line with my opinion." Liu Xie's voice sounded tired, but it was full of unquestionable firmness. "I have lived in the palace for a long time and know very little about the sufferings of the people. I really need to personally understand the people's sentiments so that I can distinguish right from wrong and build the country and maintain its security. But this trip is not trivial, and I need capable people to accompany me to discuss state affairs together."

After that, Liu Xie's eyes fell on Jin Mao again, with a look of trust and expectation in his eyes: "General, since you have such insight and courage, I intend to appoint you as the imperial envoy to patrol the four directions on my behalf, investigate the people's sentiments, and rectify lawlessness. Are you willing to accept my orders?"

Upon hearing this, Jin Mao knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and responded loudly: "I request to be crowned the King of Wu, to guard the four directions on behalf of the emperor, to protect the people of the four directions, and to govern the four directions!"

(End of this chapter)