Chapter 2023: Chapter 5: Meeting Before the Battle

The tea meeting at the front line is merely a gathering set in the middle of opposing armies. Ah Jiu is the first to sit at the table, his slender hand leisurely pouring Da Hong Pao into two purple clay cups. The soup’s rich color and the fragrant aroma of Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao fill the air.

The sound of horse hooves arises, and Ah Jiu looks up to see an old man clad in armor riding forth, with only one guard by his side.

This is the War God of Nanyue, Hong Zhentian.

The horse arrives nearby, and he leaps off its back, striding boldly toward Ah Jiu. His armor emits a rustling sound with each step, an imposing aura of iron and blood descending upon Ah Jiu. Such pressure would have already intimidated ordinary soldiers into weak knees.

Yet, Ah Jiu is unafraid. He stands up and smiles as he watches Old General Hong approach, clasping his hands into fists in salute, "Little King greets Old General Hong."

Hong Zhentian stands firm, gazes at Ah Jiu, and measures him up and down, "You are Jhin Changhuan’s youngest son, called Jhin something, isn’t it?"

"Little King, Jhin Mo."

"Jhin Mo." Hong Zhentian nods, eyes sharp as he looks at him, and after a moment states, "Your father is more skilled than Emperor Taixing, and Emperor Yan has talent. You are not bad either—not like Nanyue, which is in shambles."

He openly criticizes the Former Emperor of Nanyue, his gaze revealing discontent.

"Old General, please sit." Ah Jiu gestured to the seat opposite the table and sat down, saying, "Regardless of Emperor Taixing or Emperor Jiaping’s inaction, Old General remains loyally committed to Nanyue, guarding this pass tenaciously, isn’t that right?"

Hong Zhentian snorted coldly, his eyes piercing toward Ah Jiu, and pointed to his armor, saying, "Since the day I put on this armor, I’ve never thought about taking it off, nor have I entertained the word betrayal. Whatever you’ve called me here for, whether to persuade me to surrender or not, I advise you to dismiss any such thoughts. If it’s battle you seek, then let it be. If it’s death that comes, then let it come. I would rather die standing than live kneeling."

His face is resolute, his expression stern and dignified, allowing no doubt from others.

"Old General, you are a true warrior, a battle god. Little King has never deluded myself into thinking the General would surrender." Ah Jiu said with a faint smile.

Upon hearing this, Hong Zhentian’s killing intent eased a little, and he picked up the tea for a sip. Hmm, excellent Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao, impressive.

"Old General has been commanding for many years. Little King dares to ask, what was your original intention?" Ah Jiu inquired.

"A rough warrior who fights wars, what intentions could I have? Protect the nation and defend against invasion, not letting Nanyue suffer the encroachment and oppression by Barbarian enemies."

"Beiyan and Nanyue have been one family since ancient times, same as the people within the Central Plains border, are they Barbarians?" Ah Jiu asked again, "If Beiyan counts, then what about Zhao Mingjun’s actions out of personal desire, allowing Xiongnu into the border, what does this count as? Enemy collusion and treason."

Hong Zhentian’s face slightly changes, lips pursed.

"Xiongnu entered the border, seizing and occupying forcefully, humiliating our Central Plains sons and daughters. And because of whom? Old General, do you consider such an emperor worthy of loyalty?"

"This is the strategy you Beiyan used to invade, an excuse you’ve created for your acts of invasion!" Hong Zhentian gritted his teeth and said.

Ah Jiu smiled faintly, "Old General actually knows in his heart, this is not an excuse we created for ourselves, but a reality." He looked directly at the other, saying, "Leaving aside this crime. Since Zhao Mingjun ascended the throne, what has he done for Nanyue’s people? Fan’s Party ruled, the court became corrupt, there was even a famine last year, causing the people to barely have enough to eat, with some even forced to sell their sons and daughters. And what about Fan’s Party? They amassed wealth ruthlessly, oppressed the people with their power, even the delicacies were consumed until they needed to pour them into slop buckets..."

"Enough!" Hong Batian slammed the table fiercely, the cup on the tabletop bouncing up and rolling to the ground.

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