Yu Zhu didn’t think much of it.
She had read history books.
In those historical records, the story of nations being destroyed, families ruined, and taking others’ wives and daughters as one’s own was countless.
In other words, if Great Wei loses this time and Jin Xia swallows Great Wei, they wouldn’t escape this fate either.
She said, "Your Majesty, since Jin Xia has already surrendered, what should we do next?"
Discussing serious matters, Chen Mo clutched his chest and asked Nalan Yiren, "How long until my injury heals?"
"Injuries to the muscles and bones take a hundred days to heal. Although I treated your injury, it will take at least half a month to fully recover. If you circulate spiritual qi during that time, it will take even longer. Remember, during recovery, you must avoid... over-exertion."
Nalan Yiren emphasized the words "over-exertion."
Chen Mo’s face darkened.
"In that case, I hope Tuoba Ai knows his master has surrendered and will lay down his weapons and surrender too. If not, we’ll have more battles to fight, and that would trouble you, Yiren." Chen Mo sat down and said, "Looks like we’ll have to stay in Yuxi for a while longer."
...
On the other side.
Tuoba Ai, who returned to reinforce, knew the Wei Army had surrounded Yuxi City and first contacted friendly tribes with the Tuoba Clan, asking them to send troops to rescue the situation.
He also sent messengers to Gao Liao in a hurry, asking for quick reinforcements from Gao Liao’s stationed troops.
Tuoba Ai had learned that only one Wei Army unit came in with no backup, and this unit had only about fifty thousand soldiers. Now deep inside the capital, if they could cut off the unit’s retreat, they could surround them inside.
With the harsh winter approaching, even if they couldn’t slaughter this Wei Army within the country, they could force them to retreat without destroying their nation.
Just when Tuoba Ai was optimistic about the situation, news came like a bolt from the blue.
The Emperor has passed, and the Crown Prince has ascended the throne.
That day,
The court ordered a surrender!
Upon hearing this news, Tuoba Ai was about to spit out blood.
The ministers were ready to fight to the death, why did the Great Khan surrender first?
Along with this news came a recruitment letter to Tuoba Ai in the name of the Emperor of Da Wei.
If Tuoba Ai were to surrender his army, the Emperor of Da Wei would appoint him to office in Da Wei, with a position no lower than now, along with riches and beauties.
Despite these generous conditions, Tuoba Ai not only refused but tore up the letter and cursed Chen Mo, saying, "Ai is deeply favored by the Emperor, how could he surrender to the Wei traitors? I, Tuoba Ai, swear never to surrender!"
Chen Mo was cautious of this possibility too.
Tuoba Ai might remain loyal, but could those under him?
The army Tuoba Ai led was directly under the Tuoba Clan, and the families of these soldiers lived in Yuxi and its surrounding counties.
Now that Yuxi and the surrounding counties have fallen, they worry about what would happen to their families if they did not surrender.
Therefore, when sending the recruitment letter to Tuoba Ai, Chen Mo also spread the news.
If they surrendered, the Wei Army would not harm their families and would forgive them for past actions.
So, when Tuoba Ai announced he’d never surrender, many soldiers deserted the camp that very night.
Before a battle ensued, Tuoba Ai’s army was already in turmoil.
...
November 23rd.
The heavy snow covered everything, spreading a white blanket over Yuxi City, the streets with snow a foot deep, and no one to clear it.
Some people in Jin Xia were selfish, willing to become turncoats, surrendering to Da Wei and becoming Wei traitors, but there were also those who wouldn’t submit to Wei’s rule.
Though they didn’t dare to openly resist, they would perform small acts of defiance.
For instance, doing nothing.
If Chen Mo wanted to divide Jin Xia into several states of Da Wei, then the Jin Xia Court wouldn’t need to exist.
Thus, the government offices began to strike, ignoring the Wei Army’s orders.
This resulted in no one clearing the street’s snow.
Basic infrastructure went without maintenance.
Public order became chaotic.
There were even Jin Xia mobs secretly attacking when the Wei Army patrolled at night.
After several days, many Wei army soldiers were killed or injured.
Inside the Jin Xia Imperial Palace.
In the bedchamber where past Jin Xia Great Khans resided.
The lights in the hall were dim, and the warmth from the brazier made the entire hall cozy.
On the long desk, there was a blood-colored seal the size of an adult’s fist, with a skull for the knob.
Chen Mo, Nalan Yiren, and Yu Zhu surrounded this seal, whispering.
"Can this work? What if he’s lying to you..."
"He shouldn’t dare. Previously, when I observed Tuoba Hui, he was just skin and bones; he definitely used blood sacrifice."
"Your Majesty, even so, don’t use your own blood first. Try with someone else’s blood. Didn’t Tuoba Zhi say this seal is cursed and should not be used unless absolutely necessary?"
"Tuoba Zhi also said that the seal obeys whoever’s blood was used, and the cultivation must be at least Sixth Grade."
"Then find a Sixth-Grade Martial Artist to try. Even if it listens to him, being Sixth Grade likely won’t cause much trouble."
"Yes, let’s try it."
"..."
Chen Mo made a decision.
"Aren’t there ministers in the Celestial Prison who refused to surrender? Let’s use them for the experiment." Nalan Yiren suggested.
Chen Mo nodded.
At this moment, Sun Meng’s voice sounded from outside the hall.
"Your Majesty, I have urgent matters to report."
"Come in," Chen Mo said.
Yu Zhu and Nalan Yiren exchanged a glance and retreated behind the screen.
Sun Meng came in, his armor clinking loudly.
"Your Majesty." Sun Meng cupped his hands and exhaled a white breath.
"No need for formalities, just report."
"Yes." Sun Meng respectfully said, "Recently, during night patrols, some soldiers have been attacked by ruffians, resulting in significant casualties."
"Have the ruffians been caught?"
Sun Meng shook his head, "After attacking, the ruffians fled into the densely populated residential area. The people in those areas are many and mixed, and the residents are deliberately protecting the ruffians, refusing to tell the truth, thus leading to no progress in the investigation."
Mainly because Chen Mo ordered not to bully or harass the citizens of Jin Xia, so the Wei Army had been limited in their investigation.
Of course, Sun Meng wouldn’t say that.
Otherwise, it might make His Majesty think less of himself.
But even if Sun Meng didn’t say it, Chen Mo could guess as much.
Otherwise, there’s no way they couldn’t capture them in such a small city.
Chen Mo’s order to refrain from bullying or harassing the citizens of Jin Xia was because, if Jin Xia is divided into states of Da Wei, then Jin Xia’s citizens would become Da Wei’s citizens.
Therefore, Chen Mo hoped to win over the people’s hearts.
Even if he couldn’t gain their approval, he at least didn’t want opposition, so as not to complicate future governance.
But now, it seems some more tactics are necessary.
Chen Mo frowned and said, "Tell Zuo Nian to wait for me in the Imperial Study."
"Yes." Sun Meng stepped back.
Nalan Yiren came in from behind the screen and asked, "What do you plan to do?"
"First, we need someone to take the blame." Chen Mo already had an idea.
Inside the Imperial Study.
Chen Mo looked at Zuo Nian, who knelt below, and smiled, "I’ve been observing your performance these days. I won’t shortchange you."
"These are all external ministers’ duties; I dare not take credit."
"Hey, what’s with those words? Great Wei is fair in reward and punishment. I’ve decided to divide Jin Xia into seven states, appointing governors to govern each state, who are under central control and obey central orders. I’ve decided to appoint you as a governor of one state. What do you think?" Chen Mo laughed.
"As long as I live, I will always serve Your Majesty, ready to undertake any task, regardless of the challenge." Zuo Nian expressed his loyalty excitedly.
"It’s not that serious." Chen Mo lifted his hand and smiled, "No need for you to take on challenges, just do one small thing for me."
"As Your Majesty commands."
"Have you heard about the patrol team being attacked and suffering dozens of casualties?" Chen Mo asked.
Zuo Nian was stunned, his heart sinking as he couldn’t help but think... is he asking me to...