Finest Servant

Chapter 497 Who is the Most Ruthless?

"What, what wish?" Lord Lin's heart thumped wildly, a cascade of fear overtaking him.

Qin Xian'er was about to speak when she suddenly felt the ground tremble. Not far from the camp, thickets of lush trees suddenly burst into intense flames. Fanned by the wind, the fire rapidly spread toward the camp from both sides of the official road.

Remembering the prior arrangements, Xu Zhen broke into a cold sweat. ‘Had General Lin not awakened me with his words, we might have suffered untold casualties today,’ he thought.

The fire blazed intensely. Tents on the camp's periphery caught fire within moments. Over a hundred soldiers hurriedly pulled out water hoses to douse the flames.

"What should we do now, General?" Xu Zhen asked.

"Wait—" Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth. "The more dangerous the moment, the more crucial it is. Given their activities, I dare say this place must be a key route for Prince Cheng's escape. Xu Zhen, have our brothers form up. If enemies appear, attack immediately. Also, send a signal arrow to Mr. Xu; there are enemy movements to the south."

In the distance, the Divine Machine Unit's cannons roared, and countless crossbows launched a volley, blocking the more than two thousand black-clothed men attempting to infiltrate. The fire on both sides of the road intensified, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and enveloping Lin Wanrong's camp. Within the glow of the fire, soldiers either fought the flames or rescued comrades, showing no signs of panic.

"General, look!" Xu Zhen cried out.

A clear trumpet call sounded. From one side of the road, amid the roaring flames, over a hundred men clad in black emerged. Their faces were covered with black cloth, and they held curved blades in their hands. Like agile wolves, they charged toward the camp.

Lin Wanrong hummed and emotionlessly waved his hand. A rain of arrows hissed through the air, directed at the black-clad figures. Amidst the piercing screams, dozens fell and rolled on the ground. Those following stepped over the fallen bodies to advance. As both sides came closer, another shrill whistle sounded from among the black-clothed men, and dozens of archers suddenly appeared from behind them. Without even aiming, they fired burning arrows indiscriminately.

"Husband, be careful!" Qin Xian'er shouted, waving her hand to deflect an incoming arrow, positioning herself in front of Lin Wanrong.

"It's fine; they're still far from me," Lin Wanrong smiled, nodding at Xu Zhen.

Xu Zhen bellowed, "Rocketeers!" As he shouted, the frontline crossbowmen stepped back, and the rear fire archers, who had been prepared for some time, unleashed a salvo of fire arrows. These fire arrows overpowered the few that the enemy had launched. Numerous black-clothed men were either struck by arrows or caught fire. Explosions and blood-curdling screams filled the air.

These black-clad men were incredibly tough. Despite being pierced by multiple arrows, they still managed to light the explosives strapped to their bodies and charged forward. They didn't get far before the fuses burned out, exploding them into chunks of flesh and bone. The heat from the explosions scorched the faces of the soldiers.

Qin Xian'er, known as a witch who had killed countless people, was also taken aback by the scene before her. Shaking her head, she sighed, "How did he train so many suicide soldiers?"

Lin Wanrong spread his hands and gave a wry smile, "I don't know, all I know is that I'm very afraid of dying."

Miss Qin looked at him, her eyes twinkling with admiration. "Husband, fortunately you thought of drawing the snake out of its hole. If we had let these suicide soldiers stay hidden within the city, who knows what calamity they would have unleashed."

These death-bound soldiers had launched three waves of attacks in the blink of an eye, leaving more than a hundred corpses behind without any sign of stopping. Xu Zhen, puzzled, stared at the swarming heads and asked, "What are they doing? Why are they rushing forward even when they know they're marching to their deaths?"

Lin Wanrong had also noticed this peculiar behavior. The two thousand men in the outer ring, along with several hundred suicide soldiers inside, surged forward like a tide. It didn't look like the government troops were suppressing bandits; instead, it seemed like the bandits were besieging the government forces.

"Forget it," Lin Wanrong said, raising his arm high. Seeing that their opponents were visibly fatigued and their morale waning, he commanded, "Xu Zhen, charge!"

"At your command!" Xu Zhen mounted his horse, brandishing his long saber, "Brothers, it's time to capture the enemy and earn merits. Follow me—charge!"

The troops, like a flood unleashed, roared out of their positions and dashed toward the enemy lines, each eager to outdo the others. Xu Zhen took the lead, his saber swinging and decapitating two black-clad men in an instant. Government troops, previously concealed in the surroundings, followed Xu Zhen's signal and swarmed out. The landscape was filled with soldiers, surrounding the remaining black-clad men, leaving them with no way to escape.

As Xu Zhen gave the order to charge, government troops also launched an all-out attack on the outer ring. The battlefield was filled with battle cries that shook the heavens, and soldiers were everywhere.

"Husband, why hasn't their leader appeared yet?" Qin Xian'er asked, anxious amid the chaos of the battlefield filled with gunpowder smoke.

Lin Wanrong didn't answer. His eyes were as sharp as lightning, scanning the enemy camp. Unfortunately, these suicide soldiers had their faces covered with black veils, making it impossible to discern their features. However, given Prince Cheng's status, he would never be among these troops. What was he aiming to achieve by surrounding them with such a large force?

The government troops, gathering like a tidal wave, had already left the remaining black-clad men in disarray. A little more time and they would be completely annihilated. Just as Xu Zhen was enjoying the slaughter, he heard Lin Wanrong yell, "Sound the retreat!"

"Retreat?" Qin Xian'er looked puzzled. "Husband, why are we not continuing the fight?"

Lin Wanrong grinned, "If we don't fight now, we can fight later. Have you ever gone fishing, Xian'er? Let me catch a big fish for you. Xu Zhen, listen to my command!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Xu Zhen, who had already rushed back on horseback, listened attentively.

Lin Wanrong's expression turned solemn, "Order all troops to cease their attacks immediately. Everyone must stay at a distance, and no one is allowed to act without orders. Violators will be executed!"

"Yes!" Xu Zhen quickly relayed the order. All the attacking troops, whether standing, lying down, or running, immediately tightened their formation and stayed put at a distance. The sounds of burning fire and exploding gunpowder continued to reverberate, but not a single person from either side dared to move. Weapons were held tightly, war horses remained silent, and the once noisy battlefield seemed to freeze in an instant. Faces looked at each other in bewilderment, as everyone wondered what Lin Wanrong was planning to do next.

Summoning Xu Zhen, Lin Wanrong lowered his voice and said, "Little Xu, do you know all the officers under your command?"

Xu Zhen quickly nodded. "Of course. What are your orders, General?"

Lin Wanrong's expression grew serious. "Send out a message to all the officers. Have them immediately tally the number of troops and pay close attention to any unfamiliar faces and squads in their vicinity. Report back at once if they find anything."

Xu Zhen hesitated for a moment before exclaiming in surprise, "General, are you suspecting that someone has infiltrated our ranks to seize an opportunity?"

"To seize an opportunity? I doubt they have the guts for that," Lin Wanrong snorted. "Your question was a good one, little Xu. These men knew they couldn’t win, so why would they throw their lives away?"

Xu Zhen shook his head. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "It’s simple. They want to divert our attention and create an opportunity for their master. Think about it, with so many soldiers mobilized, if someone dons our uniform and slips away during the chaos, would you notice?"

It made sense. Xu Zhen’s eyes sparkled as he responded, "So, General Lin, you mean that the big fish is hiding among us right now?"

"Most likely," Lin Wanrong said calmly. "Otherwise, wouldn’t the sacrifices of his elite troops be in vain?"

Elated, Xu Zhen exclaimed, "Excellent, I will see to it immediately!" He summoned several messengers and gave them precise instructions. They dispersed swiftly.

The army on the field remained stationary. Neither attacking nor retreating, no one knew what Lin Wanrong was planning. The officers under Xu Zhen, who had received the message, secretly began inspecting their troops, while also watching their surroundings. Some brief commotion was heard, but it soon quieted down.

After waiting for a bit, the messengers began to return one by one. The last one came back to report that nothing unusual was found.

‘How strange. Could I have guessed wrong?’ Lin Wanrong pondered silently in his wheelchair, with Qin Xian'er and Xu Zhen not daring to disturb him.

"Xu Zhen, are you sure all the squads have been checked?" Lin Wanrong suddenly looked up, his expression resolute.

Just as Xu Zhen was about to nod, his face changed. "Damn, we haven't checked the main camp—"

‘The main camp? That's right where I am,’ Lin Wanrong thought, his hair standing on end. "Quickly, search the camp! Hurry—"

Before he could finish, a resounding laughter echoed from a distance. "Ah, Lin San, what a splendid tactic of 'controlling motion with stillness'! I must say, I've fallen into your trap!"

Prince Cheng? Everyone was shocked and quickly turned to look. Standing at the entrance of the main camp was a man wearing a golden helmet, dressed in a white armor robe, and sporting cloud-patterned battle boots. His eyebrows were elongated, his face square, and he looked dignified. Who else could it be but Prince Cheng? Behind him stood two to three hundred soldiers, all disguised as their troops, closely surrounding him.

A throng of officers and soldiers surged forward, encircling these few hundred men along with Prince Cheng. They only waited for the general’s command to seize him.

Upon seeing Zhao Mingcheng's calm demeanor, Lin Wanrong was filled with emotions. Regardless of how cunning Prince Cheng was, when it came to strategy, he was truly versatile and unpredictable. Had Lin San not been extra cautious, he would have been caught off guard today.

"Your Highness, I must say I am quite impressed by your courage," Lin Wanrong respectfully clenched his fists, his admiration genuine. "Had I not discovered something amiss while relieving myself just now, you would have certainly succeeded today."

Prince Cheng burst into hearty laughter, giving Lin San a thumbs-up. "Lin San, you remain as witty as ever. I appreciate clever people like you. Alas, fate has decreed that we cannot be friends, which is truly a pity."

Indeed, Prince Cheng was a formidable figure; even when he realized that his scheme had been exposed and he was surrounded, he boldly revealed his identity. Few could match such boldness.

Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. "Your Highness, since we are both clever people, let's not waste words. I won't make things difficult for you; I merely ask that you return to the palace and explain everything to the Emperor. All will be well then. I will be happy to treat you to a meat and wine feast at that time."

"Return to the palace?" Prince Cheng smiled. "The most difficult place to enter in this world is the imperial palace, yet countless people yearn for it. If I were to go back with you, would the brothers behind me agree?"

"Sworn to live and die with Your Highness!" Over three hundred men behind Prince Cheng shouted in unison. They tore open their clothes, revealing a melancholic demeanor. Strapped to their waists were explosives, wrapped layer upon layer. A mere spark could set them ablaze, a scenario one could easily imagine. Those who remained by Prince Cheng's side at this moment were unquestionably loyal to the death.

Lin Wanrong's expression grew solemn, and he sighed in resignation. "Your Highness, why has it come to this? Even ants cherish life; how much more should human beings? You and the Emperor are brothers; can't these issues be resolved through dialogue?"

As he spoke, Xu Zhen had already secretly directed his men to connect a water hose, aiming at Prince Cheng, ready for any sudden changes.

Prince Cheng gave a gallant smile. "Matters of royalty are not for outsiders to understand. Lin San, if one day you find yourself in my position, you will understand my feelings."

"Tsk, tsk," Qin Xian'er hurriedly scoffed. "How can my husband be compared to a treacherous minister like you? His injuries are all thanks to you."

Prince Cheng glanced at her and sighed. "The Emperor indeed has his ways, hiding his own daughter within the White Lotus Sect, all while keeping his patience. My late father once told me that those in power must forsake emotions and desires. Unfortunately, I understood this too late, failing to emulate your father and ending up in this situation. It is both sad and lamentable."

His expression was one of immense sorrow, his long sigh full of regret. Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Your Highness, these words should be directed to the Emperor, not us. They serve no purpose here. Xu Zhen, hurry and assist His Highness into the sedan."

"Understood!" At Xu Zhen's signal, the soldiers behind him moved to close in. But the hundreds of loyal followers behind Prince Cheng raised their torches high, their eyes ablaze as they shouted in unison, "Who dares to lay a hand on our lord?"

The torches in their hands could easily ignite the fuses at any moment. The combined force of so many human bombs was not to be taken lightly.

Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, saying reluctantly, "Why go to such lengths, Your Highness? Such a large amount of exploding gunpowder would be excruciating! If it were me, I wouldn't be able to bear it. You should reconsider."

Prince Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly. "This is the will of my brothers; I cannot stop them."

"In that case, there's nothing more I can do." Lin Wanrong spread his hands, his face full of regret. "I've said all that can be said, and done all that can be done. If Your Highness insists on acting against all advice, what more can I do? Xu Zhen, call our men to retreat and give His Highness some privacy."

The imperial troops slowly pulled back, leaving a vast buffer zone between the two sides. Prince Cheng and his 300 warriors seemed like an isolated island in the middle of a vast sea.

Seeing that the imperial troops had no intention of capturing him alive, Prince Cheng's expression became gloomy and changeable.

Xu Zhen sidled up to Lin Wanrong, watching Prince Cheng intently, and whispered, "General, what happened to Zhao Kangning?"

Lin Wanrong had already noticed this and nodded. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Prince Cheng is cunning; I underestimated him. Zhao Kangning is probably heading north."

"You mean they split their forces? Oh no—" Xu Zhen slapped his hand in frustration. "What if Zhao Kangning disguises himself in imperial army clothing and mingles with the crowd? Lord Xu won't see it coming. I'll alert him immediately—"

"It's too late!" Lin Wanrong grimaced. "Zhao Kangning has already escaped!"

Qin Xian'er grew anxious. "How can you be so sure, Husband?"

Lin Wanrong nodded. "To be empty when you seem full, and full when you seem empty—that's Prince Cheng's brilliance. Think about it, Xian'er. After a long battle in the north, the men find out that the person they're looking for is in the south. If you were them, what would you do?"

"I would become complacent," Qin Xian'er admitted.

"This psychological complacency is something even Master Xu cannot control. Zhao Kangning is not like Prince Cheng; he's young and fit. He doesn't need any followers—just a sturdy horse to blend into the crowd and make his getaway. Who would notice?"

Upon hearing his analysis, Qin Xian'er was rendered speechless. After a long pause, she sighed softly, "It's a pity he got away. Prince Cheng truly is cunning."

While it was unfortunate that Zhao Kangning had escaped, capturing Prince Cheng was already a significant accomplishment. Lin Wanrong smiled and patted Xian'er's shoulder. "Nothing is perfect in this world. Don't worry; this Zhao Kangning is far inferior to his father. Capturing him won't be difficult."

Reassured by her lover's words, Qin Xian'er smiled sweetly and said no more.

A crescent moon slowly climbed into the night sky, casting its gentle light over the roads, the forests, and the camp. Trees continued to burn fiercely, their flames dancing in the cold moonlight—a breathtaking sight. A few dim stars flickered on the horizon, rendering the battlefield even more chillingly beautiful.

At the moment when all cards were laid on the table, the combat between both sides had long ceased. On the battlefield filled with the scent of gunpowder, a strange calm suddenly settled. Faced with this peculiar scene, every soldier and officer felt an indescribable awe. Across from them was a royal noble of the Great Hua Dynasty, Prince Cheng, who once held great prestige. Now he found himself surrounded by a massive army, on the brink of self-destruction. Who could have imagined such an outcome in days past? Yet, here it was, unfolding before their eyes.

Prince Cheng remained silent, not uttering a word for a long time. Behind him, a general with tears in his eyes and a flushed face spoke loudly, "Your Highness, please give your command. I, Zhao Wu, swear to die serving you."

Prince Cheng's beard quivered slightly; he was at a loss for words. After a long pause, he nodded, "Although I am trapped today, to receive such loyalty from all of you is enough for me to die without regret. However—" His eyes flickered as he glanced at the troops across the field. "Judging from Lin San's actions today, my hasty death may be exactly what the Emperor desires—it would let him off too easily."

Upon hearing this, several people felt he had a point. The Emperor had orchestrated this situation, aiming for this very outcome. At this critical juncture, it required greater courage to live than to die.

Prince Cheng snorted, "He once swore in front of my late father that he would never harm me. My death would only please him."

"You speak the truth, Your Highness," said a strategist who looked like a learned advisor. "In my humble opinion, if the Emperor truly wishes to harm you, he would risk divine punishment and public resentment. It would not be an easy task. As the saying goes, 'while there are green hills, there will be wood to burn.' Our army will head north soon, and neither the nomads to the north nor the invaders from the south are to be underestimated. Who knows who will win in the end? Even if the Emperor suffers a defeat, you can still rally support easily. Besides, we have the young prince outside to coordinate. Your Highness, it would not be wise to act impulsively at this moment. Why not endure for a few more days? As long as we live, there will be a chance for a comeback."

Prince Cheng closed his eyes in deep thought. The soldiers on both sides dared not even cough; the silence was unbearable.

The endless waiting made everyone anxious. Among those in the standoff, Xu Zhen also grew impatient. "General, do you think he will really choose death? That would make things much easier for us."

Indeed, it would simplify many things. From the perspective of his superiors, there couldn't be a better outcome. However, afterward, as the scapegoat, he would inevitably face criticisms from hundreds of censors. Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, "I don't know what he will do. The reason why great men are great is that their thoughts are beyond the grasp of ordinary people. Let's just wait."

Although they were pitted against Prince Cheng in a battle of wits and courage, it was merely internal strife within the Great Hua. There was nothing to be proud of. Even if they could capture Prince Cheng, would the nomads retreat? Would the invaders retract their claws? They would only laugh at them. Lin Wanrong shook his head, a bitter smile crossing his lips.

Qin Xian'er, standing beside him, sensed her husband's heavy heart. She quickly tightened her grip on his hand, "Don't worry, Husband. I'm here with you."

"I'm not afraid," Lin Wanrong said softly, gripping his wife's delicate hand. "After this battle, we'll be heading north. What kind of era of blood and fire will that be? How many such moments does one have in a lifetime? Xian'er, it feels like I'm dreaming."

His deep sentiment left Qin Xian'er speechless. She remembered their last boat trip on Weishan Lake, where his emotional words had completely captivated her. Miss Qin nestled beside him, softly calling him "Husband," her eyes filling with tears, unable to speak any further.

"My brothers," Prince Cheng finally spoke, "you've been with me through life and death for over twenty years. In these difficult times, you have stayed by my side, and for that, I am grateful."

He bowed deeply, his eyes frighteningly cold. "I have considered carefully. You all have families and responsibilities. I cannot let my actions lead to the annihilation of your clans. Enduring humiliation now is the only way to hope for a better future—"

"My Lord—" Zhao Wu, who was right behind Prince Cheng, began to sob loudly.

Prince Cheng gave a bitter smile. "If you truly care for me, then don't cry. Know that for me to live at this moment requires even more courage than to die." He waved his hand dismissively, "Disperse, all of you, disperse—"

"My Lord—" His followers behind him all knelt down, bursting into tears.

Meanwhile, Xu Zhen looked overjoyed. "General Lin, look, they've surrendered, they've surrendered!"

Prince Cheng stood alone at the forefront, his face devoid of color. The soldiers behind him were kneeling, wailing loudly, and began untying the gunpowder bound to their bodies, throwing it aside.

"Great cunning usually comes with great wisdom," seeing Prince Cheng choosing the most difficult path, Lin Wanrong felt some respect for him, while also growing concerned for his father-in-law. The ball was now in the old man's court; given his past vows, this Prince could neither be killed nor kept. A misstep could lead to a lasting stigma of fratricide—what a dilemma!

Prince Cheng's warriors behind him threw down their weapons and unfastened their gunpowder, embracing each other and sobbing uncontrollably. Old Prince Cheng sighed, his eyes brimming with tears, but his face was resolute.

"Go!" Lin Wanrong waved his hand, and Xu Zhen's soldiers surged forward, eager to capture Prince Cheng.

Just then, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Zhao Wu, who had been following behind Prince Cheng, suddenly leapt forward, tightly hugging him. A torch in his hand was dangerously close to the gunpowder fuse on his body. He wailed, "My Lord, we can't! A soldier may be killed, but not humiliated! With your noble lineage, how could you kneel and surrender? Though I, Zhao Wu, am unworthy, I am willing to face calamity with you!"

The crowd behind Prince Cheng erupted in shock, glaring furiously at each other. The first to charge forward was Qi Yue, the strategist from earlier. "Zhao Wu, what are you doing? Let go of the Prince at once!"

"Don't anyone come closer," Zhao Wu's expression was filled with tragic fury, his gunpowder fuse at any moment could be ignited. He pointed at the crowd and yelled, "You curs, all of you always claimed you would go through fire and water for the Prince. Why are you encouraging him to surrender at this critical moment? Qi Yue, you scum, why are you entrapping our King in this injustice? My Lord, everyone else may surrender, but you, you must not!"

A sudden turn of events left not just Xu Zhen in a daze, but also Lin Wanrong. The Prince Cheng was actually being held hostage by his own guard? Strange things happen every year, but this year is especially odd!

Xu Zhen retreated to Lin Wanrong's side and whispered, "General, what should we do?"

"There's likely more drama to unfold. Tell the men to take a breather for now," Lin Wanrong said calmly.

Prince Cheng shouted in anger, "Zhao Wu, have you gone mad? Release me at once! How dare you interfere with my affairs!"

Zhao Wu let out a mournful howl, "Your Highness, don't let others deceive you! Once you surrender, you'll be shamed for a thousand years. Please reconsider!" His grip on the torch tightened, ready to ignite the explosives on his body at any moment.

Prince Cheng stopped struggling, looked deeply into Zhao Wu's eyes, and suddenly burst into laughter. Tears flowed like rain as he said, "I understand now, I understand. Zhao Wu, you are truly cunning—"

Confusion reigned, but Lin Wanrong seemed to have sensed something. He couldn't help but glance toward the palace, feeling a chill run down his spine.

Zhao Wu looked panicked and quickly avoided Prince Cheng's gaze. "Your Highness, what are you talking about? I've been loyal to you, as heaven is my witness."

"Such loyalty, such witness! For twenty years! So I've been in a trap for twenty years. Your Majesty, I'm not your match, I'm not!" Prince Cheng laughed and cried hysterically. "Zhao Wu, you traitor—"

"Your Highness, you forced me to this!" Zhao Wu interrupted Prince Cheng, his eyes red with fury. He lit the fuse and tightly hugged Prince Cheng.

"You dare, villain!" Qi Yue, the strategist, who had been truly loyal, miraculously summoned the strength to tackle Zhao Wu. All three men fell to the ground, and with a loud explosion, Zhao Wu and Qi Yue were torn to shreds. Prince Cheng was protected by Qi Yue's body, bloodied but still alive.

"Attack!" Seizing this golden opportunity, Xu Zhen commanded his troops to charge. Caught off guard by the sudden twist, Prince Cheng's men hardly had the strength to resist. Two who dared to draw their swords were quickly pierced by the soldiers.

Never had Lin Wanrong expected events to unfold in such a way. Zhao Wu and Qi Yue had fully embodied the meaning of loyalty and brotherhood.

Who truly was the most ruthless? Prince Cheng just didn't measure up. Lin Wanrong deeply sighed, realizing that his little tricks were meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

"General, look—" Xu Zhen called out. Following his gaze, they saw Prince Cheng lying in the grass, covered in blood. Both of his legs were blown off below the knees. His eyes were wide open, filled with deep-rooted hatred; sweat poured down his forehead, but he gritted his teeth, not uttering a sound.

‘I might have faked a limp, but he's genuinely crippled now,’ Lin Wanrong thought, feeling a tinge of pity and forcing himself to look away.

"First, get him medical attention," Lin Wanrong waved his hand, visibly drained. "Then, hand him over to His Majesty."

Prince Cheng had become a cripple, perhaps precisely the outcome the old mastermind had intended. All the difficult problems, in front of him, turned out to be no problems at all!

Seeing that Lord Lin's face was pale, Qin Xian'er asked anxiously, "Husband, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"

Looking at Miss Qin's charming cheeks, Lin Wanrong couldn't quite describe his feelings. He mumbled, "Xian'er, will you become like your father one day?"

"What about my father?" Confused by his cryptic remark, Miss Qin couldn't make heads or tails of it.

"Never mind. I'm just a bit tired. Xian'er, could you hold me—"

Qin Xian'er hurriedly embraced him. When she looked down, she saw that Lin Wanrong's breath was gentle and steady. He had actually fallen asleep.

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