Chapter 2258: Everyone’s Dumbfounded and Silent
Chapter 2258: Everyone’s Dumbfounded and Silent
Editor: Henyee Translations
Zheng Sangge and Shao Yunduan were in no rush. Everything in Huaixi province was as calm as ever, with everyone going about their daily routines in peace. Preparations for various supplies had been thorough, ensuring everything they needed was readily available.
Shao Yunduan even took Anan to Jinhua City to boost morale.
Qiao Xuan provided ample food, cotton, and herbs from the intermediate space.
By July, Su Huai had become noticeably more irritable, a sentiment shared by his sworn brothers, who were also pirates.
Gathering to drink and chat, their sessions often ended with heated complaints about Shao Yunduan and Zheng Sangge.
What enraged Su Huai the most was that while they risked their lives on the front lines, many in Jiangning were undermining their efforts. The meddlesome scholarly ministers seemed to have found some leverage against them, becoming zealously vocal in their criticisms before the Emperor.
They accused Su Huai and his comrades of incompetence, calling for their punishment and replacement.
What did those smooth-talking sycophants know? Most of the Emperor’s territory had been secured through the hard work and sacrifices of Su Huai and his men. Those ingrates were now reaping the benefits of their labor.
Su Huai erupted in fury and dispatched his two sons along with hundreds of personal soldiers to carve a path back to Jiangning. Without preamble, he seized several scholarly officials and subjected them to physical assault. Storming into their quarters with his entourage, he unleashed chaos and threats, creating a tumultuous scene.
The onlookers stood petrified, rendered speechless by fear.
The scholarly officials who bore the brunt of the Su brothers’ violence seethed with indignation and shame, hurling curses at the Su family across generations.
Others, shaken by the brutal and unwarranted reprisal, simmered with resentment but dared not voice their dissent openly. They silently nursed thoughts of future retribution against the Su family.
"These reckless and senseless hounds will find no sanctuary when the Emperor establishes peace across the realm!"
Unable to stomach the injustice, some courtiers sought audience with the Emperor, demanding justice.
"The Su family’s conduct is nothing short of banditry, unworthy of their official stature! How can the imperial court function with such criminals at its heart? Their presence tarnishes our reputation and discourages true talent from serving the Emperor."
Like a stone causing ripples across a tranquil pond, discontent among the ministers about the Emperor’s favoritism towards the Su family had long simmered. Now, in this pivotal moment, their dissatisfaction could no longer be contained.
The Su family had brought it upon themselves. Their halfway surrender had naturally earned them disdain from the original courtiers. The more the Emperor favored them, the more they were shunned. Yet, they lacked restraint, showing their fangs and claws while looking down on everyone. How could they not provoke anger?
In the past, such sentiments were kept silent, but now that someone dared to voice them, many found themselves in agreement.
Furthermore, Su Huai’s recent defeat had cost him countless soldiers and depleted substantial resources. This left him even more discontented.
This insufferable man had forcefully conscripted numerous people for supply transport, even commandeering cattle for the effort. As a result, this year’s spring planting had been unusually challenging, sparking widespread discontent among the populace.
Taking control of Huaixi province might have been tolerable, but paying such a heavy price for it was hardly acceptable—