The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 69

Chapter 69: The Protagonist Must Die

The news of the king personally leading the expedition spread quickly throughout the entire Zhuolu City. The common people, unaware of the king's swift recovery from his leg injury, were deeply distressed. Was it wise for the king to engage in battle? Allowing a disabled king to approach the front lines would undoubtedly affect the morale and performance of the soldiers. Some even worried that the king might be planning to bury the entire Yan Country along with him in the northwest.

The people of Zhuolu City were uneasy, and court officials privately discussed the matter. The king had never left the palace and had always been protected by Xuanjia, with no one opposing this. Although the king displayed authority by cutting down Du Yuxian at the palace banquet, warfare required more than just martial skills. The battlefield was not like the palace; in the face of opposing armies, how could Xuanjia alone protect him?

Despite these concerns, some secretly rejoiced at the tyrant leaving the palace. If he never returned, it would be a great fortune for the citizens and officials of Zhuolu City.

Therefore, after the court session, apart from General Yunhui conveying the message to meet the king and advise him to think twice, the other court officials pretended to be oblivious. Nie Jia, understanding the thoughts of those below, paid no attention. He had already made it clear that as long as insubordination did not surface, anything was acceptable.

General Yunhui also had a Xuanjia soldier sent back to his residence by Nie Jia.

"The king has made up his mind. Is there anything you're dissatisfied with?" The Xuanjia soldier stood on the roof of the general's residence, coldly lowering his head.

General Yunhui, kneeling under the scorching sun, clasped his fists and spoke with determination, "The king is still young and has never left the palace. He is unaware of the dangers on the front lines. I am genuinely worried. I implore Xuanjia to advise and protect the king. The well-being of the nation depends on the king. If anything happens to the king on the front lines, Yan Country will perish!"

"We, Xuanjia, will ensure the king's safety. I advise you not to provoke the king's displeasure, or else your blood will stain the palace walls." As soon as the Xuanjia soldier's words fell, his figure disappeared from the roof.

General Yunhui, parched and standing up, looked in the direction where the Xuanjia soldier vanished, sighing deeply. The king was causing trouble, and even Xuanjia displayed such blind loyalty!

In a side courtyard, Jun Changyue was changing Shi Konghan's bandages. Although Shi Konghan's hands were crippled these days, he quickly re-established contact with his previous network in Zhuolu City. With the assistance of Duke Qingguo, he almost had the entire defense of Zhuolu City in his hands. If he revealed his identity, the entire court would likely follow him. Therefore, the news of the king personally leading the expedition to the northwest had reached Shi Konghan's ears as soon as the court session ended.

Jun Changyue, distracted by the commotion outside, opened the window and listened. Seeing General Yunhui rising and slapping off the dust before leaving the general's residence in a hurry, he probably went to the palace again. Jun Changyue, displeased, closed the window and turned to Shi Konghan, whispering, "I thought Song Yuwei was loyal to you. If the king leaves the city, it would bring countless benefits to us. Why is he opposing it?"

"He's a foolishly loyal person. Ignore him," Shi Konghan said, holding Shi Konghan's hand. "The front lines are dangerous. Once Jun Changsheng leaves, Xuanjia 21 will undoubtedly follow him. At that time, the entire Zhuolu City will be empty."

"But you are the left vanguard of the Northwest Army. When the Northwest Army withdraws, you have to follow. Can Duke Qingguo trust you? Don't say you want me to stay and help you monitor the situation. Your injuries are not healed, and I'm worried about you. I want to go with you." Jun Changyue said, not pleased.

Shi Konghan smiled faintly, "I know." I didn't expect anything from you.

Jun Changyue thought they had reached an agreement, but he didn't realize that Shi Konghan hadn't told him anything. Except for knowing that Duke Qingguo was closely connected with him and willing to assist him with the power of the Eastern Wind, he knew nothing else. He remained oblivious to everything.

At this time, in the palace, Nie Jia was changing clothes, preparing to leave immediately with the Northwest Army. A report came that General Yunhui, Song Yuwei, had arrived again.

Nie Jia wasn't particularly impatient, but he could guess what Song Yuwei would say to him. Despite being warned by the Xuanjia, he dared to come again. In the end, he didn't confront him and let the person in.

General Yunhui, holding court attire, knelt in the hall and bowed, "Your Majesty..."

Before he could finish his words, Nie Jia interrupted, "This king knows how dangerous the front lines are. There is no need for you to remind repeatedly. Go back; we are leaving immediately."

"Your Majesty leaving the palace, and the royal city empty, wouldn't that give an opportunity to the evildoers?" General Yunhui, unable to persuade him, couldn't help expressing his concern.

Nie Jia raised an eyebrow, unexpectedly hearing such words from General Yunhui. After all, he was under the command of Shi Konghan. Still, he didn't explicitly mention anything, only vaguely reminding him. It made Nie Jia feel bored. If he were truly loyal to the king, why hide things?

"Are you referring to Duke Qingguo and the left vanguard?" Nie Jia said casually.

General Yunhui was first stunned, then his heart trembled like a drum. He never expected the young king, who seemed indifferent to everything, to be so well-informed about the changes in the royal city. He had exposed the crucial point with just a vague remark.

"Yes," General Yunhui replied.

"If a bandit enters a poor man's house, what can they loot?" Nie Jia sneered, "Considering your relative honesty, I'll forgive your impertinence. Go back, change into your military uniform, and join me in the expedition."

General Yunhui only stood up after kowtowing, having been bowing his head to the ground. At this moment, when he lifted his head and saw the young king's slender figure in the hall, holding a Shura blade with a casual and indifferent smile on his lips, his eyes exuded a majestic aura like the scorching sun. Standing in front of a martial general who had killed countless on the battlefield, he unexpectedly felt an urge to retreat.

General Yunhui immediately understood the source of his fear.

The young king of Yan Country had grown up. He was no longer the incapable tyrant rumored by the common people, ignorant of hardship and only capable of venting his anger through killing.

"I take

 my leave," General Yunhui calmly bowed and withdrew.

After dispatching Song Yuwei, Nie Jia returned to the Crimson Cloud Palace to find Shi Chen. Shi Chen had prepared some concealed weapons for the journey and ordered his subordinates to go to the northwest along with him.

Even the common people knew that the Northwest Army harbored resentment and dissatisfaction towards the tyrant. If the tyrant left Zhuolu City, some unexpected incidents might occur on the way to the front lines. Even if he miraculously reached the northwest, the entire region held a grudge against him. It was doubtful if he could return safely.

The Northwest Army stationed outside Zhuolu City numbered ten thousand. When Shi Chen led the thirty thousand cavalrymen he had brought back from his earlier trip to the city to the northwest, it left even Shi Konghan dumbfounded.

He had been planning to deal with this cavalry force, but he didn't expect them to accompany him to the northwest. Jun Changsheng indeed left no room for maneuver, or perhaps he had never considered that someone would light a fire in the rear.

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