Chapter 2271: Domineering
Chapter 2271: Domineering
Editor: Henyee Translations
The Su brothers swiftly returned to the battlefield with the siege ladders and catapults, buoyed by high spirits.
Confident of imminent victory, they prepared to deploy captured civilians to operate the siege equipment. Su Huai was resolute that they would lead the charge, sparing no concern for their lives.
Yet, with his Su Family Army reduced to fewer than 30,000 troops, each soldier was precious and not to be squandered.
Responding to the crisis, the Third Prince dispatched Lord Han, the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, and Liao Mingzhong, who had previously sought to recruit Shao Yunduan.
Upon their arrival in Hangzhou City, they conveyed the Third Prince’s direct command: release all forcibly conscripted citizens and return seized wealth immediately.
They also informed Su Huai that Jiangning had begun preparations to send essential supplies such as food and medicine.
However, Su Huai dismissed the Third Prince’s authority, so why would he heed Assistant Minister Han and Liao Mingzhong?
They claimed to be envoys sent by the Emperor, but upon reaching the intermediate camp, they found themselves powerless.
They couldn’t compel Su Huai to obey the decree, nor could they thwart his intentions.
To Su Huai, the idea of needing their approval before deploying troops was absurd. How could that be?
Assistant Minister Han and Liao Mingzhong seethed with anger but refrained from confrontation.
Disputes in front of the troops were frowned upon in military etiquette and considered inauspicious.
Regardless of their disagreements with Su Huai, who were they to grasp the bigger picture?
They were left to endure Su Huai’s stubborn and self-centered actions.
Yet, annoyed by their presence, Su Huai decided to exert his authority by placing them under house arrest. He justified it as allowing them rest due to their purported fatigue from the journey...
Initially furious, Assistant Minister Han and Liao Mingzhong protested vehemently and sought to confront Su Huai.
However, the guards were Su Huai’s loyal aides. Without his explicit orders, they couldn’t leave the courtyard, rendering their identity as imperial envoys futile.
Su Huai wielded significant influence over those around him. Many believed that the Emperor’s expansive territory owed to General Su’s prowess. Su’s commands were akin to imperial decrees, overshadowing other considerations.
Moreover, there was envy, jealousy, and disdain towards high-ranking officials of the imperial court. Their frustrations were palpable, yet they found some satisfaction in the situation, neglecting Assistant Minister Han and Liao Mingzhong.
Never before had Assistant Minister Han and Liao Mingzhong faced such humiliation. Fuming, Assistant Minister Han couldn’t help but vent to Liao Mingzhong, "Su Huai disregards the Emperor’s orders. If the Emperor doesn’t punish him severely, who knows what he might do next? Our Emperor’s authority is at stake!"
Liao Mingzhong’s expression shifted, a pang of concern gripping him. He sighed softly, advising Assistant Minister Han to calm down, feeling powerless to act further.
Not even Assistant Minister Han, as a trusted aide of the Emperor, felt confident in this situation.
Su Huai boldly launched an attack, using innocent citizens as front-line fodder. Rather than shame, he took pride in his actions.
Zheng Sangge, Qin Wuyou, and others condemned him for his shamelessness. They offered only token resistance before swiftly abandoning the city to flee.