Chapter 208 - 208: 57: The General becomes King, takes command in times of crisis, and the Crown Prince receives the support of the people and their incense offerings_3

Chapter 208 - 208: 57: The General becomes King, takes command in times of crisis, and the Crown Prince receives the support of the people and their incense offerings_3

Translator: 549690339

The soldier guarding the gate, taken aback by his assertive manner, hesitated for a moment before calling for Song Zhishu.

Song Zhishu, being the grandson of Song Heqing, was young, energetic, and incredibly capable. He had been appointed to work alongside Zhao Huai, effectively serving in a role equivalent to that of a registrar.

In modern terms, he was similar to a secretary. However, being the secretary for the Crown Prince carried a lot of weight – many desired for this position but few were granted the opportunity.

Song Zhishu arrived at the city gate, facing the middle-aged man, he expressed in an emotionless voice: “I serve the Crown Prince. What news do you carry?

The Crown Prince had always maintained that order came first. For someone like this, it would be a surprise if Song Zhishu showed any sign of goodwill.

The middle-aged man’s demeanor grew slightly more restrained upon seeing Song Zhishu, but he still exuded an air of arrogance: “I am an official from the six departments of the Xia Country. I am here to offer my services to the Crown Prince. I bring news from the capital and can contribute to the strength of Yan Country.”

“Really?”

When Song Zhishu learned that the other party had inside information about the Xia Country, he couldn’t help but take it seriously.

“Be specific about what news you have. It will be the same as if you tell me.”

Song Zhishu responded indifferently.

“No, I must meet the Crown Prince personally.”

The middle-aged man insisted stubbornly, resolved to meet the Crown Prince of Yan Country.

“Also, get these scum out of my way. I’ve been on the road for several days, I’m starving.”

He glanced with disdain at the unwashed common people near him.

Faced with such a situation, Song Zhishu could not afford to lose his temper considering the gravity of the matter and had to wait for the Crown Prince’s verdict.

“Wait a moment.”

Zhao Huai, while in the backyard garden, was listening to a briefing from his subordinates. With his Divine Insight, he was aware of the situation unfolding at the city gate.

Not long after, Song Zhishu returned.

“Your Highness, outside...”

“I saw it all.”

Zhao Huai squinted his eyes, displaying a clear look of displeasure.

With a large stride, he headed towards the city gate.

Upon seeing the Crown Prince’s demeanor, all of his subordinates observing carefully shut their mouths. Song Zhishu stopped talking and just followed behind Zhao Huai.

“Alas, I thought we’d have food once we entered Yan Country’s territory, but who knew we’d encounter something like this right at the gate.”

“Indeed, I hope the Crown Prince can deliver justice. This can’t be allowed to happen again in the future.”

“That’s right, if things like this are happening now, it’s likely that we won’t have an easy time moving forward.”

The commoners near the middle-aged man were murmuring among themselves.

Apparently, they were all dissatisfied with his queue-jumping behavior.

He, along with his family and servants — more than a dozen people in total, had barged in without a care – this kind of behavior was utterly shameless.

All of them had traveled long distances, braving the cold winds of December to get here. They were already extremely hungry. Anyone in this situation would have to grumble and complain a bit.

Soon enough, a man in white appeared in the sight of everyone, surrounded by a large group of people.

His position was obviously something important.

“Is he the Crown Prince of Yan Country? He looks so young!”

“Your Highness, what are you doing?

The middle-aged man was stupefied, completely failing to understand Zhao Huai’s action.

On seeing Zhao Huai’s order, Song Zhishu expressed his concern in a low voice: “Your Highness, this man might still be useful. He is an official of Xia. If we kill him now, when we invade Xia in the future, the other officials might hesitate to surrender, which could affect our subsequent war strategy.”

Zhao Huai had naturally considered this point.

But he felt that the will of the people is more important than anything else.

If they allowed this life-fearing, country-selling, glory-seeking creature into Yan Country, there was no telling how much trouble he might stir up.

Rather than waiting for that moment to come, it’s better to nip the problem in the bud right now.

At this moment, a communication from Yin Nanyu enters Zhao Huai’s ear.

“Don’t worry, leave him to me. I can make him confess the troop distribution. The problem concerning Your Highness will be no issue.” Upon hearing these words, Zhao Huai felt more at ease. It still felt more comfortable depending on the military counsel.

“Take him away.”

Zhao Huai waved his hand, effectively declaring the verdict.

Song Zhishu had to give up. His job was to advise, but the final decision still lay with the Crown Prince.

“I came to join Yan Country, you can’t do this to me!”

The middle-aged man and his carriage, along with servants, were all detained. He could only howl in helplessness.

“Ugh!”

The man, bound up like a dead dog by the soldiers and his mouth gagged with cloth, awaited his incarceration in the dungeon.

The people at the city gate, watching this, all wore broad smiles on their faces.

“Haha, serves him right! He got what he deserved for cutting the line!”

“I thought the Crown Prince was going to let him pass after such a long conversation.”

“Yan Country truly is different from Xia, the Crown Prince is such a good person.”

The refugees inside and out of the city gate each held a bowl of porridge, drinking it with satisfaction.

Though not much, they were extremely content.

A feeling of belonging to Yan Country was beginning to form in their hearts.

Seeing Zhao Huai’s fair and just actions, their impression of Yan Country was improving.

This sense of belonging turned into an ocean of power, birthed from countless tiny particles.

Zhao Huai, standing at the city gate, as if sensing something.

In his destiny mind, the [Dragon-shaking Heavenly Mandate] destiny illuminated subtly.

A faint stream of power gathered from these refugees was being absorbed by him.

This power was unique and indescribable.

It was very warm, very pleasant. “Could this be the power of perpetuation?”

Zhao Huai couldn’t help but speculate.

The [Dragon-shaking Heavenly Mandate] destiny can convert the power of perpetuation into his own strength.

Since it was taking effect, then it must be the power of perpetuation.

Soon, this power transformed into a small stream, pouring into his body. This made his cultivation rise rapidly at an extraordinary speed!