Chapter 86: Trouble Brewing
86 Trouble Brewing
Capital of Ming Kingdom
"What did you say? The Mountain Kingdom retreated back?" the officials found this news to be ridiculous. This is only the third or fourth day of the war in Southeast area. Why would they retreat back?
"From the messenger, the Great General Tou is fighting equally with General Jun Min thus leading the soldiers from Ming Kingdom side gain advantages. General Tou suddenly said that they are forfeiting thus the victory goes to our side!"
The officials are all rejoicing. This piece of news is truly great for them. They have been waiting for such news and now only 3 kingdoms they need to face.
Only the emperor face is a bit complicated. He's happy that the kingdom is safe, but he's not happy because the one who pulls the opponent back is Jun Min. Given how famous that boy is, there's no way he could feels happy about him getting another achievement. Besides, what is being equal in fighting prowess with General Tou means? It means, the number of people who could match with her can be counted with finger.
"How is Young General Jun condition?" Ming Kui asks.
"He's badly wounded and General Jun Qing won't allow anyone to see him. From the news, it seems that the battle with General Tou had taken a huge toll on him."
"Then, let him rest. We cannot have such an excellent general like him to fall so easily," the emperor said amicably.
With his tone, many people would think that this emperor is truly caring about the Jun family. As for those who know the truth, they know that the emperor is happy for Jun Min getting a heavy wound. It means that the boy won't be getting achievements anymore in the future. But with what he had done, they know that the name of Jun Min would continue to resound loudly.
Ming Hui got the news from his servants that Jun Min is wounded badly.
"That boy is really reckless. But really, what he did is surprising," Ming Hui said. "At least, one victory is secured and maybe he will have some time later to help Soujin. The enemy he will face is not the one like Mountain Kingdom that's already in period of declining."
"You're correct."
Ming Hui stared at the person before him. "Are you sure you want to follow us? Once you decide so, you won't be able to back down or we will chase after you first."
"I may be untalented, but I won't let this chance slip away from me."
"Good, then you will be my eyes and ears on the court."
"Thanks fifth brother."
…
Jun Qing stared at the person before him with headache. Just what does this person doing here? Does his head starting to ache from the time he lost against Jun Min?
The person before Jun Qing is General Tou. He had been walking with white flag* towards their soldiers from the morning. Although they still look at him with suspicious glare, they allow him to meet with Jun Qing. Jun Qing himself feels that he's going to get even more trouble from the general before him.
"What is it, General Tou? Don't you know that this is Ming Kingdom territory?" Jun Qing asks seriously.
General Tou nodded. "I come to discuss something with you."
"What is it?"
"If you can help us, we will give the Jun family half of our kingdom."
"Excuse me?" Jun Qing looks in confusion. From the tone General Tou used, it seems there's something serious happened with their kingdom to the point they would seek external power. But, can't they seriously explain what happened first before saying something like that?
General Tou nodded. "We have long heard about the Jun family conflict with the royal family of Ming Kingdom. Given that the soldiers in this area are all elites, we assumed that they are coming from Jun family and not from the Ming Kingdom itself."
Jun Qing nodded. The conflict between them is not really hidden since around 15 years ago, the fall of Jun family has been publicized loud and clear. They keep on failing in battle and lose their people from many schemes. Only around 7 years ago did their condition started to stabilize and they could prepare themselves for other things.
Given that the royal family stand idly by the side or possibly even getting involved directly to their fall, it's not hard to say that the royal family was afraid of the powerful Jun family. Thus, they want to suppress the family and didn't give any assistance. Unfortunately, when people think that the Jun family loses all hope, a person appeared and turns the tables back, Jun Min.
General Tou must have guessed that their family wants to separate themselves from the venomous imperial family, so he tries to negotiate using that. Jun Qing himself does want it since they too have been preparing for it after the appearance of Jun Min. But the problem is, he's not sure how he can be any help of this General Tou.
"You're correct in that one," Jun Qing admitted frankly, trying to probe what this general intention is. Of course, the plan of separating themselves from the kingdom will sound ridiculous because of the difference in size. However, this general is quite brave to probe so openly. Regardless, if he dares to try anything, Jun Qing will be the one to face him. After all, the wounded general is not in his prime state.
General Tou nodded. "I have guessed that you want to separate yourself, so I was thinking about giving you land where you can develop yourselves possibly even becoming an independent kingdom. But I need your help."
Jun Qing nodded his head in response. Although he doesn't know where this general guessed it, but if the news arrives to the Ming Kingdom emperor, they will be doomed.
"What could possibly I help you with?" Jun Qing asked cautiously.
"There are rebels on the capital and the emperor is killed. The only heir left is Princess Kuina, but her whereabouts is unknown," General Tou revealed. "I want you to help her ascend the throne."
That was some confidential information. Inside this room, there is only him and this general, but Jun Qing cannot be sure that there is no one outside hearing it since some of them have high martial arts ability.
"Do you know the consequences of revealing such news to us?" Jun Qing asks.
General Tou nodded. "I know, but the problem is, there is no one among our people who can sneak inside the palace to annihilate the troops there."
"Why not you?"
"Given my build, do you think no one would notice me coming inside the capital?" General Tou said calmly. He is higher and more robust compare with ordinary people. Besides, with his identity being known for a long time, the citizen can easily spot him.
Jun Qing finally realize the true purpose of this general coming here. He wants Jun Min to help him.