Chapter 975: Chapter 975 - 975 Surrender

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Zhou Ying relayed the news to Gu Chengrui.

He immediately requested a packet of knockout powder and a crossbow. Turning to Lin Yitian beside him, he instructed, “If I haven’t emerged within 25 minutes, return to the medicine shop and watch over everyone.”

“Marquis,” Lin Yitian protested, “let me accompany you. It’s too risky to go in alone.”

Gu Chengrui shook his head. “He’ll only be off guard if I enter alone. Besides, I’m not defenseless.” He discreetly revealed the hidden crossbow.

“Then why not seek help from the Hongyun Restaurant?” Lin Yitian countered.

“News of such a significant event in Qianzhou wouldn’t have escaped them completely,” Gu Chengrui countered. “Their silence can only mean two things. Either they’ve grown complacent, or, a possibility I hope isn’t true, they’ve been bribed.”

“The first option is preferable. If it’s the second, we’re in a precarious position, our lives even at stake.” Lin Yitian nodded solemnly. “We’ll ensure no one escapes the mansion and alerts anyone.”

Just then, the Liu family butler hurried over. “Marquis An Le, my master invites you in. Please follow me.”

“Lead the way,” Gu Chengrui acquiesced, nodding at Lin Yitian before walking in with the butler.

Night had fallen, so the butler escorted Gu Chengrui directly to the study at the front.

“Greetings, Lord Marquis.” General Liu bowed deeply upon seeing him enter.

“General Liu, there’s no need for such formality. Please, rise.” Gu Chengrui responded, stepping forward to assist him.

Once General Liu stood upright, Gu Chengrui invited him to be seated, and tea was served.

After dismissing the butler and attendants with a wave of his hand, General Liu finally inquired, “May I ask the reason for your late-night visit, Marquis?”

Gu Chengrui smiled and produced the Emperor’s token. General Liu was momentarily stunned. Recognizing the object in Gu Chengrui’s hand, he immediately rose and bowed low.

“Discretion is key. Keep this under wraps,” Gu Chengrui interrupted.

“Understood,” General Liu affirmed, rising again with a sudden sense of foreboding. He nevertheless forced himself to ask, “Then, you…”

“I believe you have a better grasp of the situation in Qianzhou. Today, I offer you a chance to redeem yourself. The choice remains yours,” Gu Chengrui declared pointedly.

General Liu’s heart lurched. He knew the jig was up. The Emperor was clearly sending a message.

He reached for the dagger at his waist.

Bribery was out of the question; the Gu family’s wealth held no sway over them. But outright murder?

Even ignoring the issue of winning such a fight, the Emperor would undoubtedly discover the truth within half a year.

Escape would be futile—a dead end either way. His failure to eliminate Gu Chengrui would mean his own immediate demise.

Imprisonment wasn’t an option either, not wanting to risk accusations of rebellion. Such a charge could spell doom for his entire family.

After much internal struggle, General Liu ultimately yielded.

The best-case scenario, he reasoned, was securing his family’s safety through cooperation.

With that thought, he reluctantly withdrew his hand.