Chapter 2174: Block

Prefect Liu said, “Lord Yang, are you saying that Shao Yunduan will submit to the Emperor? What should we do now?”

Prefect Liu wailed internally. He only wanted to reclaim the assets that originally belonged to him. Why was it so difficult?

Lord Yang said nothing.

Originally, he didn’t think it was difficult, but since Shao Yunduan had been forced to fight back for self-protection, it was indeed possible. The Sun Family was notoriously overbearing.

As the favored youngest son, Sun Pu always had a bad temper.

Given the circumstances, Shao Yunduan would likely be grateful to the Emperor for his sincerity in recruiting him and promising a high position with a generous salary.

It made sense. Although various factions were rising, they were only exploiting the chaos for self-preservation or amusement. They were not worth mentioning.

The Emperor was too preoccupied to care about these small forces.

Once the Fourth Prince and the Third Prince were dealt with and the imperial edict was issued, how many small forces would dare to resist? Unless they were courting death.

So what else could Shao Yunduan be dissatisfied with when the Emperor thought so highly of him?

He should be flattered!

However, after seeing this pass, Lord Yang was no longer so confident.

If Shao Yunduan was truly forced to protect himself, why did he spend so much manpower and resources to build such a stronghold?

This wasn’t just a pass; it was a testament to his wild ambition!

He was clearly overestimating himself.

Lord Yang sneered. “He is really an ant trying to shake a tree. He doesn’t understand the immensity of heaven and earth! It looks like we can’t let our guard down on this mission. We have to be careful at every step!”

Prefect Liu could only perk up and nod. “Lord, you’re right…”

He couldn’t help but worry inwardly. If Shao Yunduan didn’t submit to the Emperor, would he ever regain his property?

If Shao Yunduan submitted, they would be colleagues in the future. Moreover, as his former superior who had already pledged allegiance to the Emperor, he held a senior position. Surely, if he requested it, Shao Yunduan would have to return those assets.

But… if Shao Yunduan refused to submit and persisted in rebellion, how could Prefect Liu retrieve what he had lost?

Prefect Liu regretted his actions. If he had known Shao Yunduan’s audacity, he wouldn’t have accused him of treason…

Of course, Prefect Liu was aware whether Shao Yunduan had rebelled or not. But sometimes, people found excuses for their failures, making baseless assumptions they came to believe. Shao Yunduan’s alleged rebellion was one such fabrication.

Lord Yang and the others arrived at Huaixi Pass and initiated negotiations.

He and Prefect Liu sat in the same carriage, neither stepping out.

As imperial envoys mandated by the Emperor, they were bound by protocol. Even if Shao Yunduan arrived, they must greet him respectfully before disembarking. What significance did this pass hold, after all?

The guardian of the pass was Wu Guan.

Presently, he oversaw the entire region.

Ten miles north of Huaixi Pass, another military camp stood. Currently, five thousand troops trained and farmed simultaneously.

Upon revealing their identities, the guard leader hesitated, scurrying off to report to Wu Guan.

Wu Guan was taken aback. The Second Prince dispatched an imperial envoy to seek out Lord Shao? What could this signify?