Chapter Nine, Turmoil in the Military Morale

The three armies immediately came to a halt and turned their gaze towards Gao Xianzhi

Your command!

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Great Leader! Everyone exclaimed in unison

I earnestly request the great commander to uphold the law and execute my kin without delay!

As Lin Chong knelt on the ground, bare-chested and revealing numerous gruesome knife scars, more and more people followed suit and knelt in worship. In the blink of an eye, five hundred individuals familiar with Lin Chong had knelt down.

The face, mixed with blood, tears, and mud, appears utterly desolate

Gao Xianzhi felt a sudden chill run down his spine

I earnestly request the great commander to uphold justice and execute those who are related to me without delay

At this moment, in a daze, Gu Hai raised his sword, pointing it at himself, waiting for a command, at which point the hundreds of thousands of troops would charge at him, tearing him to pieces.

Sending countless experts to protect Gao Xianzhi while he goes to kill his own son? The Crown Prince of Song felt immense pain in his heart

Today in our military camp, why has it come to this? I still want to say that everything is a conspiracy of Gu Hai. However, I believe there are certainly those who do not believe me. Nevertheless, I, Gao Xianzhi, assure you that I have never failed to fulfill my promises. I hope you will trust me, Gao Xianzhi. I have stated that those who insult and kill military families shall be executed without exception! This is an absolute military order, as solid as a mountain. Lin Chong and the other soldiers of the imperial city accompany me to the court to serve as witnesses for everyone, to carry out a just punishment. I hope you will not be misled by any other false information! Because all of this is a conspiracy of Gu Hai.

A stern shout rendered the three armies even more silent

It is ! ''

Warriors! Gao Xianzhi looked at the hundreds of thousands of soldiers

"Foster father, a letter from the flying pigeon has arrived. Gao Xianzhi has left the military camp with a group of people and is likely heading straight to Song City. They have just departed from the camp! Should we keep him here?" Gu Han said with a hint of excitement

Because Gao Xianzhi understood that even without Lin Chong, the events of today would still have occurred due to the capabilities of Gu Hai. Moreover, Lin Chong had followed him for many years, executing his orders without any doubt, always at the forefront. The scars on his body were the result of numerous injuries sustained while fulfilling his assignments. Over the years, Lin Chong had never shed a tear, no matter how severe his wounds were. Yet at this moment, kneeling before him, he appeared utterly broken.

Not far away, Crown Prince Song listened to the earth-shattering roar and watched as more and more soldiers knelt down, and in that instant, his heart turned cold.

After giving a brief account, he quickly led the people out of the camp towards the capital city of Song.

"No matter who it is, even if it is the Crown Prince, the same will apply. I, Gao Xianzhi, assure you that as long as the Crown Prince truly commits the act of insulting and killing military personnel, I will strip away all military titles and report to the Emperor, upholding the law and ensuring immediate justice!" Gao Xianzhi declared fiercely

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I will also assign my royal guards to you!" Prince Song gritted his teeth and said

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In the grand tent of Gao Xianzhi

Some believe, while others remain skeptical; after all, Gu Hai is not a deity, so how could he possibly possess such great abilities

Song City, Tian Mansion

I earnestly request the great commander to uphold justice and execute those who are close to me without delay The three armies once again raised their voices in a loud call

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... ...

"General Xie, General Xie!" Lin Chong repeatedly bowed his head and said

My demands are not high; I only ask that all of you, during my absence from the camp, refrain from believing any rumors. Even if there are great grievances, wait for my return, and I will take responsibility for everyone. During this period, all must obey military orders. How is that?

No need, he cannot be retained. Around Gao Xianzhi, there are certainly many strong figures. Attempting to assassinate him is simply impossible. Let us proceed according to the plan, " Gu Hai said with a smile after taking a sip of tea

The soldiers of the three armies looked at each other, their brows tightly furrowed. Indeed, such events had never occurred before; how could the entire army be in rebellion now? Is this truly the result of the ancient sea?

"Indeed, I have studied the military strategies of Gu Hai. He once stated, 'Surround with ten, attack with five, and divide them in half!' Originally, surrounding them would be the best approach! It would psychologically crush the remaining soldiers of the Chen state. However, the opponent is Gu Hai. The longer we delay, the more unfavorable it becomes for us. We can only launch a strong attack. I understand that a strong attack at this moment will instead provoke the enemy to fight to the death, and our army will inevitably suffer heavy losses. Yet, between two evils, we must choose the lesser one. It must be done this way. Immediately, we shall mobilize our troops and head straight for Hulao Pass. Once we breach the pass, the Chen state will be destroyed, and everything will come to an end!" Gao Xianzhi said solemnly.

Inside the large tent, the Crown Prince of Song appeared disheartened and lost, gazing at Gao Xianzhi with an expression of profound complexity. Gao Xianzhi intended to return and kill his own son, yet he felt utterly powerless, truly powerless. His heart was filled with resentment and anger, but he found himself helpless in the situation.

Kneeling on the ground were hundreds of thousands of troops, and almost simultaneously, a loud shout erupted. It was a surge of morale, an unstoppable spirit that no one could hinder. At that moment, everyone looked towards Gao Xianzhi, awaiting the commander to align with the morale of the entire army

How could this happen? How could this happen? The Crown Prince of Song looked at this scene in shock

Gao Xianzhi once again reassured the entire army and returned to the main tent

At this moment, Gao Xianzhi had no intention of comforting Crown Prince Song; the major affairs of the state could not afford any mistakes, and with the wisdom of Crown Prince Song, he should be able to see this clearly

Crown Prince Song is not a fool; at this moment, with the army in turmoil, how could he not perceive the situation? The morale of the troops must not be scattered; if it is, the Song Dynasty will be in danger. The Song family's reign will also collapse. The morale of the army and the foundation of the nation! This is of the utmost importance! However, on the other hand, it is his own son. That bastard Song Zhengxi, why did you have to insult and kill the military personnel?

There are our spies at Hulao Pass. Your Highness, as you go there, coordinate with the spies inside and outside, and exercise utmost caution

This is not a camp explosion, this is a mutiny! It is countless times more powerful than the camp explosion that just began not long ago. This time, during the mutiny, countless soldiers have their eyes filled with rage.

The handsome general has stated, "Those who insult and kill military personnel, regardless of who they are, shall be executed on the spot!" Gao Xianzhi shouted fiercely

That is the Crown Prince, a figure of great significance in everyone's heart. Will the General treat all soldiers equally to appease them? If one day my family encounters misfortune, will the General choose to sacrifice me because of the other party's identity?

Almost all the soldiers were shouting, their voices echoing throughout the entire marketplace

Shopping mall, Song Jun's military camp! Outside Gao Xianzhi's tent!

Gao Xianzhi rose and slowly stepped out of the large tent

News leaked, and soldiers all around became aware of the Crown Prince's numerous misdeeds. In the rear, he insulted and killed military families. Those soldiers who had previously received the bad news but had been suppressed by Gao Xianzhi also knelt down following Lin Chong.

Looking at Lin Chong, Gao Xianzhi took a deep breath. Although this mutiny was entirely caused by Lin Chong, Gao Xianzhi did not blame him. On the contrary, a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes

The soldiers of the three armies looked towards Gao Xianzhi, their former admiration combined with his unwavering integrity, and in an instant, countless voices rose in unison

First hundreds, then thousands, and then tens of thousands, in an instant, the voices of the soldiers surged into the sky, roaring with a mix of anger and a sense of unwillingness. Ultimately, this culminated in a great shout.

The great general personally went to the capital? The soldiers immediately showed expressions of surprise

Great Commander! Please uphold justice and take revenge for Xiao Die. I am willing to exchange my life for hers!" Lin Chong cried out in anguish

Gu Hai was wearing a cup of pure tea when Gu Han rushed in quickly

The one commanding the 800,000 troops is no longer oneself, but rather the ancient sea in a daze

I earnestly request the great commander to uphold the law and execute my kin without delay!

Not far away, Prince Song hurriedly ran over, looking at Gao Xianzhi who had just walked out of the main tent

Lin Chong, you all follow me back to the court, prepare immediately, we will depart in one hour

I will hastily head to Chaodu, which will take eight days. From Chaodu, I will go straight to Hulaoguan, which will take approximately fourteen days. I may be delayed a bit in Chaodu, so I expect to return in about twenty days. Meanwhile, you will lead the entire army to Hulaoguan. The main force will march swiftly, but it will still take about twenty days to reach Hulaoguan. By the time you arrive at Hulaoguan, we should be back!

The Grand Duke? The expression on the face of Prince Song, who was approaching from a distance, was extremely grim

Your Excellency, the esteemed and handsome one!

Crown Prince Song stumbled, as if all his strength had been instantly drained away

Dong, dong, dong ... ... !

I earnestly request the great commander to uphold justice and execute my kin without delay

The soldiers, who were originally filled with worry, suddenly felt a tremor in their hearts and began to trust Gao Xianzhi even more. The commander had spoken and would surely deliver on his promise.

Gao Xianzhi, in a moment of daze, suddenly came to his senses, looked at the three armies, and solemnly said: "Warriors!"

At this moment, Gao Xianzhi also found himself in a situation beyond his control. This matter must be handled with utmost seriousness; otherwise, the suspicions in the hearts of the soldiers will grow increasingly alarming, slowly allowing Gu Hai to take advantage of the situation.

Gao Xianzhi gazed at the hundreds of thousands of kneeling troops before him, his mind momentarily dazed, as if he were seeing Gu Hai clad in battle armor standing right in front of him. At this moment, Gu Hai was the great commander, leading his hundreds of thousands of troops against him.

I understand! But when you go, could it be a trap set by Gu Hai? Will he ambush you?

Others may not know, but Lin Chong is well aware that not long ago, Gao Xianzhi was still trying to cover up the shame for the Crown Prince. Is he now deceiving himself again

Gao Xianzhi did not refuse, but nodded.

Gao Xianzhi looked at Lin Chong and sighed inwardly

Five hundred, one thousand, two thousand, four thousand, eight thousand, ten thousand, twenty thousand ... ...

"Crown Prince, as previously discussed, you must immediately reorganize the 800,000 troops and set off towards Hulaoguan at once. Hurry, hurry, hurry!" Gao Xianzhi said with a grim expression.

"Great General, do you truly mean what you say? How can I trust you?" Lin Chong said with red eyes

Gao Xianzhi released the shattered teacup from his hand, his expression turning grim: "Gu Hai? The older the ginger, the spicier it gets! So it turns out you have been abducting military families all along, to instill panic within my army? After brewing this for many days, is it all just to pressure me today with the entire army?"

Crown Prince, immediate execution

"I will, but when will you return?" Prince Song said bitterly

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Soldiers often share a bond of life and death; when one kneels, a close friend follows, creating a chain reaction akin to a line of dominoes falling one after another

Lin Chong had experienced the previous conspiracy, yet he was afraid to trust Gao Xianzhi

"It is!" Lin Chong and others shouted in unison

Is it the great decisive battle now

It is ! ''

If we follow the normal strategy of drawing the tiger away from its mountain lair, it will certainly work. This is the best opportunity; however, he is Gu Hai, and I cannot fathom his intentions. Nevertheless, rest assured, I am also prepared. I will bring along a group of elite troops. Moreover, doesn't Song Jiazong have strong practitioners above the innate realm? They are always eager to gather first-hand information about me, so their presence will, to some extent, provide me with protection.

The outside world, the sound shakes the mall, please give yourself justice. The number of kneeling soldiers is increasing, more and more.

The soldiers of the three armies shouted in unison, promising that during Gao Xianzhi's absence from the camp, they would not abandon their posts regardless of any rumors, and would await Gao Xianzhi's return

Lin Chong, amidst his continuous kowtowing, had his head completely covered in blood from the impact with the ground

I speak with conviction; since you are worried, let us set off immediately to the capital city of Song. If the matter is true, I will promptly petition the Emperor to execute the Crown Prince! Is that acceptable?

After a long time, Gao Xianzhi was unable to remain calm; after a tumultuous storm in his heart, he gradually settled down.