MTLNOVEL Chapter 108
Chapter 108: A Scheme within a Scheme! The Living Yama Is Still the Same!
Five days later—Song Army Camp.
“I’m Zhang Jianzhi, here to see Chief Marshal Gao,” Zhang Jianzhi announced with a confident smile.
Accompanied by only a few guards, he entered the command tent under the escort of the Song Army.
Inside, Gao Qiu, clad in military attire, sat with a stern expression.
“Minister Zhang, you are too kind,” Gao Qiu said, his tone measured. “Someone, bring Minister Zhang a seat.”
A guard quickly placed a stool for Zhang Jianzhi, who sat down without hesitation.
The Song soldiers surrounding Gao Qiu fixed their sharp gazes on the Zhou envoy, their hostility evident. Despite this, Zhang Jianzhi remained composed, his smile unwavering. He was here on behalf of the Zhou Dynasty to negotiate—Gao Qiu wouldn’t dare to harm him.
On either side of Gao Qiu sat Gao Kan and Zhu Dong, their eyes brimming with animosity. Both men still harbored resentment toward Yang Yi for the humiliation he had caused them. Even Zhang Jianzhi’s calm demeanor made their blood boil.
Gao Qiu, however, maintained his composure, his sharp eyes locked on Zhang Jianzhi.
“Minister Zhang,” he began, his tone deliberate, “our Song Dynasty has always valued the friendship between our nations. Our borders have remained peaceful for years.
“But now, your Prime Minister Yang has betrayed our trust. His schemes have deceived my son and friend, causing immense harm. The staggering sum of fifty million coins is not something easily overlooked.”
Gao Qiu’s voice grew firmer.
“As long as your country ensures Yang Yi returns the money, I will withdraw my troops immediately.
“Minister Zhang, let us not allow the actions of one man to jeopardize the goodwill between our nations.”
Zhang Jianzhi smiled faintly and responded with practiced seriousness.
“Chief Marshal Gao, our Zhou Dynasty…”
…
Meanwhile, Three Kilometers Away
A sharp wind swept across the terrain.
Wei Qing, standing alongside the Zhou forces, spoke gravely.
“Prime Minister, we’re now only three kilometers from the enemy camp.”
Yang Yi, dressed in light armor, exuded a commanding presence. His polished appearance and calm demeanor made him appear both dashing and dangerous. He pondered briefly before issuing his orders.
“Split the army into two units. Wei Qing, you and Xu Chu will each lead one and attack the enemy from their left and right flanks.”
Xu Chu scratched his head, frowning. “Prime Minister, isn’t Zhang Jianzhi still negotiating in the enemy camp? Why did we take such a long detour to set up this ambush?”
Wei Qing also looked puzzled.
Five days ago, Yang Yi had led their forces through treacherous paths to position themselves behind the Song Army. Yet, it was the Prime Minister himself who had suggested the negotiations.
“Prime Minister,” Wei Qing asked hesitantly, “what’s your plan here?”
Yang Yi’s lips curled into a knowing smile as he gazed into the distance, almost as if he could see Zhang Jianzhi sitting in the enemy’s command tent.
“Minister Zhang’s presence in their camp is precisely to lower their guard,” Yang Yi explained slowly.
“The Song Army would never expect an enemy force behind them while they’re busy negotiating.”
Wei Qing’s eyes widened in realization.
Yang Yi continued, his tone chilling. “If the ambush succeeds, the enemy will be caught completely off guard. As for Minister Zhang… his fate will depend on his luck.”
Wei Qing swallowed hard. “Prime Minister, what if Minister Zhang doesn’t survive?”
Yang Yi sighed softly, his voice calm yet cold.
“If Minister Zhang survives, he will have achieved great merit. If he falls, he will be remembered as a loyal martyr of the Zhou Dynasty. I will personally request that Her Majesty honors him posthumously as a hero.”
Wei Qing felt a shiver down his spine.
This was the Living King of Hell—calculating and ruthless as ever.
Yang Yi’s gaze hardened. “Let’s move. In half an hour, I want Gao Qiu captured and brought before me.”
Wei Qing and Xu Chu snapped to attention, their voices firm. “Yes, Prime Minister!”
…
Inside the Song Army Command Tent
Zhang Jianzhi maintained a polite smile as he addressed Gao Qiu.
“Rest assured, Chief Marshal Gao. Our Zhou Dynasty is committed to resolving this matter peacefully. Even though it began as a mere business transaction, Prime Minister Yang values the friendship between our nations. Our sincerity should not be doubted.”
Gao Kan and Zhu Dong exchanged glances, excitement flickering in their eyes.
If the Zhou Dynasty was willing to return the money, the immense pressure they had faced would finally ease.
Gao Qiu, too, felt a weight lifting. Borrowing troops to pressure the Zhou Dynasty had been a gamble, and now it seemed to be paying off. Stroking his beard, he smiled faintly.
“Minister Zhang, you speak wisely. If Yang Yi hadn’t gone too far, I would not have resorted to this. Our Song Dynasty values peace with your nation. It would indeed be a shame if such incidents damaged our diplomatic relations.”
Zhang Jianzhi nodded solemnly.
“Chief Marshal, you are absolutely right. Our Zhou Dynasty is prepared to cooperate fully, provided your troops are withdrawn from our territory.”
Gao Qiu chuckled softly. “That is easy to discuss, as long as your country—”
Suddenly, a deafening roar of battle cries erupted outside the tent.
“Enemy attack!”
A Song officer burst into the tent, his face pale with shock. Gao Kan and Zhu Dong leapt to their feet, their expressions frozen in disbelief.
“An enemy attack?!” Gao Kan stammered. “But we’re here to negotiate!”
Gao Qiu’s face darkened as he glared at Zhang Jianzhi.
“Zhang Jianzhi, is this what you call sincerity? A peaceful resolution?”
Zhang Jianzhi, equally stunned, shot to his feet.
“Chief Marshal Gao, this must be a mistake! Our Zhou Dynasty is here to negotiate. Why would we send an attack? I’m still here—why would my country risk my life?”
Gao Qiu hesitated, Zhang Jianzhi’s words making a certain twisted sense. But before anyone could speak further, a thunderous cry rang out:
“Long live the Zhou Dynasty! Capture Gao Qiu alive!”
The tent fell into a stunned silence. Zhang Jianzhi’s face paled.
What in the world is happening?
This was an attack from the Zhou Dynasty—but he was still here!
Gao Qiu’s expression twisted in fury. He turned to Zhang Jianzhi with eyes blazing.
“You scoundrel! How dare you use negotiations as a ploy to deceive us and then launch a sneak attack?!”
Gao Kan grabbed his weapon, his voice trembling with rage.
“I’ll kill you today!”