General Sun remarked, “Whether the Emperor recruits him or not, Shao Yunduan is inconsequential. He’s merely a clown, and we’ll have ample opportunities to deal with him in due time. What matters now is the north. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“I understand you’re upset, but your impulsiveness and underestimation of your adversary warrant a lesson. Moving forward, I’ll head to Xiangyang to recruit and train soldiers. Join me and commit to rigorous training. Embrace the challenges ahead!”

Sun Pu, buoyed by his father’s continued trust in his military prowess, felt a surge of joy. Shao Yunduan’s antics faded into insignificance as he eagerly nodded in agreement. “Yes, yes, you’re right! I recognize my mistakes. Rest assured, I’ll excel this time. I won’t bring disgrace upon you.”

A smile graced General Sun’s lips. “It’s heartening to see your understanding. It’s not detrimental for youth to face challenges and learn from them. If you perform admirably, I’ll entrust Shao Yunduan to you.”

Sun Pu’s eyes sparkled with surprise and gratitude. “Thank you, Father! I won’t let you down. I’ll train diligently and erase my past humiliation!”

He vowed to make Shao Yunduan kneel and beg for forgiveness, to exact retribution for his humiliation.

General Sun nodded approvingly. “Excellent. Your ambition is commendable. You truly embody the spirit of the Sun family.”

Sun Pu’s despondency evaporated, replaced by elation. Suddenly, he interjected, “By the way, Father, do you recall Zheng Sangge?”

Zheng Sangge?

Of course, I remember!

Though he wished to erase the memory, his savior lingered in his thoughts even after all these years.

General Sun’s expression soured. “Why bring him up?”

Sun Pu clenched his jaw. “That wretch is now following Shao Yunduan! Not only him, but many of his brothers are also at Shao Yunduan’s side. Without their support, Shao Yunduan wouldn’t have stood a chance against me…”

Shao Yunduan, a mere scholar of negligible worth, knew little of warfare. But Zheng Sangge and his brothers were seasoned veterans, their battlefield experience far surpassing Sun Pu’s fledgling skills.

General Sun’s demeanor shifted abruptly. “What did you say? Is this true?”

“Of course, it’s true. Why would I lie? Father, Zheng Sangge is a treacherous ingrate! He’s likely seeking vengeance against you and the Sun family. Despite your generosity towards him, he spurned your favors. I never imagined he would turn on the Sun family.”

“I once thought highly of him, but now it’s clear he harbored resentment for what he perceived as insufficient rewards from you. He’s greedy and opportunistic!”

General Sun sneered, Sun Pu’s words striking a nerve.

That was exactly his sentiment.

At one point, he had indeed wished to repay Zheng Sangge’s kindness and extend his protection. With Zheng Sangge’s timely intervention, he envisioned forging a close bond.

Yet, Zheng Sangge had spurned his offers. Even in times of need, Zheng Sangge never sought him out.

And now, here he was, standing shoulder to shoulder with Shao Yunduan, aiding him in schemes against his own son!

Fine, he finally grasped Zheng Sangge’s true colors.

Shao Yunduan, a mere feeble scholar, had no business meddling with his son. It all made sense now!