Chapter 1069: Chapter 697: Token of Allegiance
Life or death...
General Shen stared fiercely at Bai Xingjian, asking in a deep voice, "Do I have a choice?"
If I forcibly break through now, I’ll be immediately besieged and killed.
Once I get out, without leadership, does the Shen Family still have a chance?
Moreover, what would be the point of going out after the war is over?
There’s a high possibility of being sent to the guillotine under the charge of a top war criminal.
He knew well how the Shen Family dealt with the Tang Family back in the ’Destruction of Tang Dynasty’ case.
In a thousand words, it’s all my fault for being careless, failing to take security precautions in advance.
If only I had brought more people, or cleared the area completely...
But who could have imagined that Bai Xingjian, a trusted confidant handpicked by the elder, would betray us to the bandits?
Who can reason with this?
"Going out now means death. Going out later, there’s a chance to live."
"Do you think... that man would spare me once he becomes the Emperor?"
After a moment of contemplation, Bai Xingjian honestly said, "That’s between you and him, I can’t make that call. However, I think if you can prove your worth, he might give you a chance to live."
"Heh...." General Shen sneered repeatedly, saying, "That’s because you don’t understand him."
"As you just said, is there a better option?"
"..."
General Shen picked up the teacup and drank silently.
"Drink less." Bai Xingjian reminded.
General Shen’s expression darkened, still unwilling to give up, asking, "Why?"
"Wuyou Palace... is skilled with poison."
"..."
------
Government Affairs Office.
Shen Jianping had just finished a high-level meeting and asked as he walked out of the conference room, "Has General Shen returned?"
"General Shen hasn’t returned yet." The confidential secretary, Chen Qinggong, who was following closely, responded softly.
"Call him and ask about the current situation."
"Yes." Chen Qinggong agreed.
Very soon, Chen Qinggong walked into the conference room and said in front of Shen Jianping, who was busy reviewing documents, "Sir, General Shen is not answering the phone."
"Not answering?" Shen Jianping frowned slightly and said, "Did you talk to his aide?"
"Yes, Aide Xi Yuan said that General Shen went into the teahouse and hasn’t come out yet."
"Hmm." Shen Jianping nodded and said, "He must be busy, let’s wait a bit more."
Having said that, he resumed his work at the desk.
Many responsibilities rested on his shoulders alone.
The future and present of the Empire were also borne by Shen Jianping.
After an unknown amount of time, the confidential secretary, Chen Qinggong, suddenly pushed the door open and rushed in, saying anxiously, "Sir, Aide Xi Yuan called, saying they’ve waited for an hour, but General Shen hasn’t come out yet... They took the initiative to go in and ask for him, and the people inside the teahouse said General Shen has been physically and mentally exhausted recently and needs some time to rest inside the teahouse."
"What?" Shen Jianping’s expression was shocked, "Physically and mentally exhausted?"
He immediately realized what happened, his face turned pale, eyes wide with anger, and he slammed the table, rebuking loudly, "Bai Xingjian... Bai Xingjian dared to commit such outrageous actions?"
Chen Qinggong’s expression was also grim, knowing that without General Shen’s protection, the Government Affairs Office might not be safe either.
If the Government Affairs Office is unsafe, the boss is unsafe, if the boss is unsafe, this little secretary might also meet a fate without a burial place.
From the day he was chosen by Shen Jianping as a secretary, he was branded with the Shen Family’s mark.
Others could change sides, he couldn’t.
Even if he were to switch allegiance, they might not accept him...
"Tell Xi Yuan, I don’t care what methods or means they use, they must rescue General Shen for me." Shen Jianping roared.
After all, that was his son, his own son.
Shen Lewen was already dead, if anything happens to Shen Lewu... could he still live?
Furthermore, with General Shen detained, what about the Phoenix Dance Army?
"Yes." Chen Qinggong responded.
After Chen Qinggong left, Shen Jianping deliberated for a moment and immediately dialed a number, "Song Huaijin... give me a solid answer, can you fully control the Phoenix Dance Army?"
"Sir..."
"Can you or not?"
"Reporting to sir, I assure you I’ll complete the mission."
"I believe in you."
After hanging up the phone, Shen Jianping started dialing another number...
After making a dozen or so phone calls, only then did Shen Jianping take a break.
He felt dizzy, his forehead drenched in sweat, his body seemingly on the verge of collapse.
"When it rains, it pours."
------
Qianshan.
Yu Family Mansion.
Yu Changan looked at the tall, composed middle-aged man standing in front of him and smiled, asking, "Huaijin, how is it that you have time to visit this old man today?"
"Old Master, you were the one who nurtured me, without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve always remembered your kindness, but with military affairs so busy, I haven’t had time to visit you regularly, I hope you can forgive me for that."
Yu Changan waved his hand, laughing and saying, "As long as you have me in your heart, don’t bother with those formalities. Sit down and speak as if you’re at home."
"Yes." Song Huaijin respectfully sat down on the Taishi chair beside the old master.
After Yu Haoran brought the tea, he stood by the old master’s side to attend to him.
Yu Changan gestured for Song Huaijin to drink tea, speaking kindly and asking about his well-being, "Huaijin, is work going smoothly lately?"
"Smooth, yet not smooth." Song Huaijin replied.
"Oh? What do you mean by that?"
"Today, I received a call from Shen Jianping, asking me to take control of the Phoenix Dance Army, no matter what."
Yu Changan’s eyes narrowed slightly, asking, "Why would the Shen Family agree to hand over the Phoenix Dance Army to someone else? What about Shen Lewu?"
