Chapter 908: 906: Using Su Hao as a Leverage
Su Yingxue’s eyes reddened, “I’m so skilled in medicine, I can help too! Take me with you, I can save my brother! What if brother’s injuries are severe? And you… your wounds! Let me go, and I’ll apply medicine to your wounds!”
“No need, the military camp has the best military doctors. You don’t have to worry about Hao’er or myself. What you need to do now is to stay here. The camp is not like Jiang Du City, and certainly not like being at home. You must not go to Your Highness to throw a tantrum. And you must not meddle in military affairs!”
After giving his instructions to Su Yingxue, Su Qingzhi planned to leave.
He had already reached the entrance of the tent but then turned back, telling her carefully and patiently, “In the military camp, Su Hao and I are generals, Your Highness is the commander-in-chief. Regardless of what happens, Your Highness is always right. For instance, yesterday’s order blaming me was strict military discipline. If Your Highness cannot rescue Su Hao, it is also within expectation. You must not blame Your Highness privately, be spoiled by favor, or throw tantrums at Your Highness. Do you understand?”
Seeing that Su Qingzhi could barely straighten his waist from the injuries, Su Yingxue said with tears, “I understand, granddaughter will not throw tantrums at Your Highness.”
“Good, stay here peacefully until the war is over.”
Supported by Su Wei, Su Qingzhi walked out.
Su Yingxue was filled with mixed emotions, regretting that she couldn’t be of help!
In this military camp… can there really be no place for women?
Inside the commander’s tent, Chu Yihan summoned all the generals, and a proposed treaty lay before them. Chu Yihan’s voice was cold and deep, “This is sent from Qi State, take a look for yourselves.”
The generals each took their turn to read the document. A straightforward General Zhou angrily said, “The enemy’s delusions! They actually want our army to surrender, cede territory, and pay them silver as compensation for their war losses. What about the casualties of our soldiers? Who will compensate them? The beautiful lands of the Great Cheng Dynasty cannot fall into the hands of Qi State, especially when they are a defeated force!”
This war, which was supposed to end in a month, with their strength, they could push all the way to the capital city of Qi State and make the emperor kneel before them and call them father!
But Qi State was asking them to surrender and cede land as well as pay, or else they would kill Su Hao!
This was a naked threat!
“Your Highness, we must not surrender. Otherwise, where will the army’s dignity stand, where will Your Highness’s reputation stand? As long as Your Highness wishes to fight, I will follow you to the capital of Qi State! Make them bow their heads in subjection and beg for mercy!”
“Exactly!”
“Yes, Your Highness! We cannot surrender!”
“Absolutely not!”
“Su Hao took military action on his own, already breaching military discipline. That Your Highness did not execute him was already showing extraordinary mercy! If Su Hao has any integrity, he would sacrifice himself for his country to fulfill a greater cause!”
General Zhou spoke with emotion and indignation.
He had just finished speaking when the general behind him nudged him with an elbow and gave him a look.
General Zhou saw the army’s main commander for this mission, Su Qingzhi, standing at the forefront, silent and with a stern expression.
He immediately understood that it would not be pleasant for Su Qingzhi to hear them criticizing Su Hao.
Su Hao was his grandson, personally trained by him – the youngest and most commanding general in the military.
Zhou Tang no longer spoke.
The tent was suddenly filled with a deathly silence.
Chu Yihan, clad in armor with the Qingfeng Sword at his side, exuded authority and an imposing air of a commander-in-chief.
His gaze rested on Su Qingzhi, “Old General Su, Your Highness would like to hear your opinion.”
“Cough…”
Su Qingzhi coughed deeply, blood in his sputum, which he quickly concealed.