Chapter 2269: Whistle in the Wind
Chapter 2269: Whistle in the Wind
They were both adamantly against retreating, as was their father.
Anxiously, they argued with the Third Prince, adamant that a withdrawal after one defeat would be too easy for Huaixi and a disgrace to them. Moreover, they were driven by a deep need for vengeance—failing to avenge their fallen kin would shame them beyond measure.
They even pledged to the Third Prince that they would prevail and secure another territory in his name.
The Third Prince seethed…
The forcible conscription of civilians and plundering of their wealth had plunged Hangzhou City into chaos and panic. How could they entertain thoughts of victory in such turmoil?
Though inexperienced in military matters, the Third Prince knew Su Huai stood no chance unless Shao Yunduan and Zheng Sangge were grossly incompetent. But was that truly possible?
Furthermore, he couldn’t tolerate the chaos in Hangzhou City caused by his own decree.
The Third Prince’s resolve was unwavering: Su Huai must withdraw his troops, no matter the cost!
The Su brothers returned to lay siege with their ladders and catapults, firmly refusing to consider retreat. They believed avenging their people took precedence above all else; failing to do so would betray their loyalty, imperiling their survival.
Both sides remained deadlocked in their positions.
The Su brothers exhibited audacious resolve, possibly assured of their family’s importance to the Third Prince or convinced that victory would vindicate them—a mindset ingrained over time.
They pondered their father’s eagerness for the siege equipment. The Emperor’s protracted deliberations frustrated them. When would he permit them to proceed? Their father’s patience wore thin…
Deciding to act first and explain later, the brothers justified their approach.
“After all, this isn’t the first time we’ve taken matters into our own hands. We can handle the consequences,” they reassured each other.
Confident in a favorable outcome, they boldly coerced the Ministry of War into providing 200 siege ladders and 50 catapults. They swiftly arranged for their transport by water, ensuring no delays.
The Ministry of War was bewildered. Weren’t they supposed to withdraw troops? The Emperor had issued three decrees to that effect. Yet here were the Su brothers demanding siege equipment as if the Ministry served their family.
The Minister of War urgently sought an audience with the Third Prince to report the incident.
Enraged and humiliated, the Third Prince’s face flushed with anger.
Simultaneously, a surge of fury ignited within him.
The Su family’s audacity was beyond measure!
Su Huai had brazenly disregarded his imperial decree, and now the Su brothers were flouting his authority as well.
He had explicitly commanded troop withdrawal and denied the provision of siege equipment. How dare they stir up trouble at the Ministry of War!
If he didn’t swiftly punish these brothers, what respect would the Imperial Court command in the future? What respect would he, as Emperor, retain?
Wouldn’t the Emperor’s dignity be reduced to mockery?
The Third Prince promptly decreed the Ministry of War to apprehend the brothers and imprison them. They needed a harsh lesson to understand the consequences of their defiance!
However, just as he was poised to issue the order, thoughts of Su Huai, his followers, and their situation in Hangzhou City gave him pause.
The brothers acted out of concern for their father and a desire to confront Huaixi. Ultimately, they sought to expand territory and discipline the unruly.