Chapter 2102: Imagination
Engaging them directly might not yield victory.
Logically, it seemed implausible for a provincial governor to command such formidable forces. This anomaly raised suspicions. These individuals displayed remarkable ferocity, reminiscent of bandits of yore. It was conceivable they were remnants of the mountain marauders of old.
If true, then Anze Prefecture’s Lord Prefect was culpable!
Perhaps he harbored ambitious designs long before. His restlessness might have manifested even while he resided in the capital.
Upon reflection, his elevation to Primus and favor with the Crown Prince initially seemed inexplicable. Why would such a figure be transferred from the capital? Moreover, his willingness to relocate to a decrepit locale shunned by others?
No ordinary individual would volunteer for such a post, let alone a seemingly feeble Primus.
Unless he harbored ulterior motives.
Furthermore, upon arrival, he immediately commenced bandit eradication—a daunting task. Without guile or clandestine means, how could a scholarly figure with limited military resources dare such an endeavor?
Yet, dare he did.
Not only did he dare, but he also “succeeded”!
Upon reflection, it became uncertain whether the mountain bandits had truly been exterminated or if they had clandestinely infiltrated the ranks, assuming roles as government bailiffs and constables…
Prefect Liu extensively deliberated and dissected the matter with Grandmaster Miao. The more they scrutinized, the more convinced they became of the truth.
It was as though the fog had lifted, and clarity prevailed.
Had Shao Yunduan been privy to their musings, he would have found them laughable! Magistrate Liu proved himself a fool! Why aspire to be a protector when one could be a legend?
Prefect Liu’s newfound understanding ignited a blaze of anger within him, coupled with an undercurrent of fear.
He seethed with indignation, yet hesitated to provoke them recklessly.
What exacerbated his fury was the prospect of losing face in the eyes of other County Magistrates.
Prefect Liu loathed Shao Yunduan.
At this juncture, the Second Prince relocated the “capital city” from Xiangyang to Wuchang, initiating a fresh campaign to expand his dominion and bolster his strength.
Witnessing this, the Fourth Prince refused to be outdone and embarked on his own expansion.
Meanwhile, the Third Prince, holding sway over Jinling, sensed impending danger and felt compelled to take action.
As the Second Prince’s faction clashed with the Fourth Prince’s forces in the Central Plains, they extended their influence southward.
A promising young general from the Sun family spearheaded the southern campaign, leading his troops down the Yangtze River and swiftly subjugating several mid-sized cities en route to Huaixi province.
Prefect Liu quivered with trepidation, as though confronting a formidable adversary. His grandiose aspirations faded into insignificance.
What right had he to vie for supremacy so eagerly? In this moment, thoughts of ruling the world evaporated. Survival became his paramount concern.
Upon witnessing the formidable appearance of the Sun family’s army, Prefect Liu was starkly reminded of the vast disparity between their capabilities.
How could the prowess of a prince from the Tian family compare to that of an ordinary local official?
With little deliberation, Prefect Liu opted to surrender to Old General Sun’s biological son, General Sun Pu, a cousin of the Second Prince. He respectfully welcomed General Sun Pu into the city.
Thus, Huaixi province fell under the jurisdiction of the Second Prince.
Sun Pu received the news with gratification, unsurprised by Prefect Liu’s capitulation.
Such was the natural order of things!
The Emperor, the true scion of the True Dragon, commanded an invincible army. Wherever he marched, submission followed. It was the only rightful course of action.
How could those two traitors hope to rival the Emperor?
It was merely a matter of time before the Emperor reclaimed the capital and quashed the rebellion!
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