Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Silong harbored no mercy for Old General Chen, who had once issued orders for his elimination, a directive that would have been carried out if not for a fortuitous dream and the intervention of his brother-in-law, Su Bin
While guarding the border for numerous years, Qin Silong managed to return Old General Chen as a complete corpse, according to the generalâs standards. He even maintained the generalâs reputation by disseminating a story to the public. In this narrative, Old General Chen, upon hearing of the Public Houseâs rebellion, allegedly succumbed to suicide out of shame.
In reality, Old General Chen had actively participated in the rebellion, eliminating numerous innocent soldiers to secure the military power for the Public House. His ruthless approach spared no one suspected of allegiance to the Emperor or the General Manor.
However, the tables turned, and now the military power rested in the hands of Qin Silong, the very person Old General Chen had once suspected of conspiring against him.
Facing his demise, Old General Chen surprisingly accepted his fate with calmness, acknowledging, âItâs destiny that I lost to you.â
Reflecting on his life, Old General Chen recognized the numerous lives he had taken, sparing neither Qin Silong nor Su Ping. Yet, despite his doubts, Qin Silong consistently emerged victorious, transforming defeat into triumph, earning him a god-like status in the military camp.
Old General Chen had attempted to test Qin Silongâs loyalty by dispatching individuals to speak negatively about him and positively about the Third Prince. However, Qin Silong, ever astute, acknowledged the Third Princeâs virtues while emphasizing the challenges in his life. He advised against speaking ill of him to make a name for oneself.
How could Old General Chen have known that, in Qin Silongâs dream, the person he dispatched to test Qin Silong was, in fact, his confidant? Consequently, Qin Silong was unable to divulge the truth.
Initially, Old General Chen intended to observe for a while longer, but a secret letter from the capital revealed that Qin Silong had already formed a cooperative relationship with Su Bin. Su Binâs second brother and brother-in-law were now trusted confidants.
While cautious by nature, Old General Chen eventually let down his guard against Qin Silong. As time passed, Qin Silong and Su Ping accumulated numerous battle achievements, forcing Old General Chen to promote them. He found solace in having these two fortunate generals in his army.
This, however, turned out to be the gravest mistake of his life.
Moreover, Old General Chen was already aware of the events unfolding in the capitalâthe failure of the Public Houseâs rebellion. Realizing that holding onto military power wouldnât alter the inevitable outcome and would only lead to more casualties, he chose to face his fate peacefully.
Before his death, Qin Silong pledged, âWe will protect your reputation.â
âWhatever!â Old General Chenâs response reflected his resignation. With the Public Houseâs defeat, his tarnished reputation was inconsequential.
Yet, he understood Qin Silongâs strategic intent. By preserving his reputation, Qin Silong could effectively bolster the morale of the army, even among trusted generals unaware of the truth. Burying him with the standard of a general would further amplify this effect.
The southerly military campâs victory reached the emperor, bringing him great joy. In recognition of Qin Silongâs achievements, he swiftly appointed Qin Silong as the general of the southern military camp, with the responsibility of continuing to guard the border. A monthâs leave was granted after the wedding, but duty called for their return to safeguard the borders.
Simultaneously, Su Bin received an imperial edict instructing him to return to the capital to be conferred the title of governor. The new governor was also appointed..