Chapter 310: Prince of Southern Jiang, you better come with me, or your fate will be miserable!
When the grandmaster spoke, no one could ignore him!
Even though there were 100,000 troops present now, facing a grandmaster, victory was still unlikely!
Lin Beifan’s gaze narrowed, “You want to protect him?”
The grandmaster nodded and spoke slowly, “This old one owes Prince of Southern Jiang a favor. Since he asked this old one to ensure his safety, this old one will naturally do his utmost! So, you all can return from where you came, and don’t force me to take action.”
However, Lin Beifan smiled, “You might be able to protect him for a while, but can you protect him for a lifetime?”
The grandmaster shook his head, “Of course not! However, this old one will take him to a safe place. That way, even if it only pays back a part of the favor.”
Lin Beifan continued with a smile, “In this world, where can Prince of Southern Jiang find a safe haven? As a rebel prince, he can’t stay in the Great Wu Realm. But if he flees to another country, he might be captured by the people there.”
“Moreover, our dynasty will offer a hefty reward for him! Prince of Southern Jiang has no forces left, no personal strength, how can he protect himself? So, for Prince of Southern Jiang, there’s no truly safe place in the world!”
“In that case, this favor of yours can’t be fully repaid, and you’ve ended up with an unwanted burden!”
The grandmaster couldn’t help but nod.
Indeed, dealing with Prince of Southern Jiang was like holding a hot potato; no approach seemed entirely suitable.
“I have a good suggestion!” Lin Beifan said.
“Let’s hear it!” The grandmaster was intrigued.
With a sly smile, Lin Beifan continued, “You hand Prince of Southern Jiang over to me and let me take him back to report. As of now, Prince of Southern Jiang poses no threat. He’s like a toothless fat tiger…”
Prince of Southern Jiang: “…”
Just calling me a tiger is fine, why add the word ‘fat’ in front of it?
Lin Beifan went on, “So, whether to execute or imprison Prince of Southern Jiang, either way works! In consideration of his status as a prince, our dynasty can show mercy beyond the law. We won’t kill him but rather keep him under house arrest. That way, he might lose his power and freedom, but his life will definitely be spared!”
“Furthermore, you will have repaid the favor! Is there anywhere safer in the world than our dynasty?”
The grandmaster was tempted, “Your words do make some sense…”
Prince of Southern Jiang grew anxious, “Senior, don’t listen to his nonsense! I’d rather die than go back with him…”
“Prince of Southern Jiang, don’t be too hasty to refuse!” Lin Beifan’s smile widened, “Now you’re powerless, penniless, and unarmed. You’re practically destitute, just a fat man weighing over 300 jin. Where could you possibly run to?”
“Even if you can run, can you endure this hardship? Fine food and luxuries? Finery and grand mansions? You’ll never see those again. Having a meal is already a luxury! After feasting on delicacies, could you even stomach coarse grains?”
Prince of Southern Jiang began to waver.
How could he stomach it? Even looking at it would make him nauseous!
Lin Beifan continued, “Just think about the kind of life your subjects have been leading under your rule. Then you’ll understand how tough your own life will be. It might even be tougher than theirs!”
“Moreover, once your identity is known, people will definitely take advantage of you, forcing you to eat filth and drink urine. They’ll even make you kneel down and lick their feet, trampling on your dignity! However haughty you were before, your life from now on will be worse than theirs!”
Prince of Southern Jiang shivered.
“Think carefully, even if you’re in hiding, are you really safe? Consider how many grievances you’ve caused these years, and you’ll realize how many enemies you’ve made! Once recognized, you’ll be torn apart alive!”
Prince of Southern Jiang trembled in fear, “No!”
“So, your best choice is to come with me!” Lin Beifan said with a relaxed tone, “Although you’ll lose your freedom, your life won’t be too bad! You won’t have the luxuries you enjoyed before, but basic living conditions will still be ensured!”
Moreover, within the hands of our dynasty, no one will be able to torment you, and no one will be able to seek revenge on you. Your dignity and life will be protected!”
“As long as you don’t harbor ill intentions, behave honestly, you can live peacefully until the end of your days!”
Prince of Southern Jiang was deeply moved by this. Now that his rebellion had failed, he had to consider his options.
The grandmaster couldn’t protect him for a lifetime, so he would eventually face the miserable situation Lin Beifan described.
He used to be an imperial prince, enjoying a life of luxury. How could he ever endure such a life?
Whether he could survive or not was a question in itself!
What he found intolerable was having his dignity trampled upon by people he once looked down upon!
Death might be a better option!
So, going with Lin Beifan was actually the best choice now!
After much hesitation and internal struggle, Prince of Southern Jiang’s complexion turned downcast, and he finally said, “I’ll go with you.”
“A wise choice!” Lin Beifan snapped his fingers.
Since Prince of Southern Jiang had chosen to go with Lin Beifan, the grandmaster naturally wouldn’t stop him.
Observing Lin Beifan before him, the grandmaster couldn’t help but sigh in his heart, “This young man is truly impressive. He convinced one person in just a few words… no, two people! He truly commands respect.”
Now that Prince of Southern Jiang had chosen to go with him, Lin Beifan naturally showed mercy beyond the law and allowed him to retain the dignity befitting a prince.
He didn’t have to be treated like a prisoner with ropes and iron chains. Instead, he was seated in a carriage and accompanied the group.
However, the other party continued to glare at Lin Beifan fiercely, as if looking at a deep-seated enemy.
Yet, Lin Beifan didn’t take it to heart. What could he do, even if he looked at me fiercely?
I wouldn’t lose a single strand of hair.
Afterward, Lin Beifan led the army to march towards Southern Jiang.
There were still many officials left in Southern Jiang who had collaborated with Prince of Southern Jiang. They had committed countless crimes, and now it was time for them to settle the score.
Lin Beifan apprehended all of them and took them back for questioning and punishment.
In this way, the land of Southern Jiang was once again brought under the rule of the dynasty.
As for the wealth confiscated from these corrupt officials…
Some was confiscated, while the rest found its way into Lin Beifan’s pockets. Hehe!
Thus, the conflict in Southern Jiang came to an end. Lin Beifan escorted Prince of Southern Jiang and these officials back to the capital for trial.
News of this spread quickly throughout the world, leaving everyone astonished.
“The Southern Jiang conflict ended so quickly?”
“Prince of Southern Jiang had 500,000 troops. Could it be that they were defeated by the dynasty’s 200,000 soldiers?”
“I heard that the two armies clashed near Songjiang. At that time, it was raining continuously in Southern Jiang, and the weather worked against Southern Jiang’s troops. They couldn’t start fires or get enough to eat, which significantly weakened their fighting capabilities!”
“Adding to that, Lin Beifan, the supervising general of the dynasty, employed cunning tactics, causing Southern Jiang’s soldiers to suffer heavy morale losses, and they surrendered one after another! Prince of Southern Jiang had no way to turn the tide, and he was finally defeated!”
“With minimal losses, the dynasty triumphed over Prince of Southern Jiang!”
“This Lin Beifan has achieved such remarkable results in two battles. Could he be the reincarnation of a war god?”
…
People from all walks of life discussed the matter.
This news reached the ears of the Wuxi Duke, leaving him extremely annoyed.
“This elder brother of mine is truly useless! I thought with his 500,000 troops, he could divert the dynasty’s forces, making them split their attention! But unexpectedly, he lost within ten days. He’s a complete and utter idiot! Worthless!”
Military strategist Mr. Fengchu smiled bitterly, “Even I didn’t expect that the Southern Prince would be defeated so quickly! Success in war relies on timing, location, and people. But with the rain pouring down, the timing isn’t on his side. As the side crossing the river, the advantage isn’t his. The Southern Prince doesn’t have the people’s support, so unity isn’t on his side either. This is why he suffered such a complete defeat. Your Highness, we must learn from this!”
“No need to worry, I’m not like our useless older brother!” The Wuxi Duke said arrogantly.
Mr. Fengchu let out a deep sigh.
In the Royal’s residence in the Northern Hebei…
Upon hearing the news, the Prince of Northern Hebei was also very annoyed, “The younger brother lost so quickly without causing any damage to the court. It’s not that he lacked success, but he exceeded at failure! And Sir Lin is so thoughtless, how can he win so quickly? Doesn’t this make things difficult for me?”
Strategist Zhuge bowed and said, “Your Highness, the fault isn’t with the Prefect! As explained in Miss Rushuang’s letter, the Prefect actually intended to prolong the battle, increase losses on both sides, and create favorable conditions for Your Highness. So in the early stages, he was passive, and the two sides confronted each other across the river!”
The Prince of Northern Hebei raised an eyebrow, “Then why…”
“Your Highness, the Prefect’s intentions were good, but who could have foreseen that the Prince of Southern Jiang wouldn’t receive divine favor? Rain fell at their stationed area, making cooking extremely difficult. The Southern soldiers couldn’t get enough to eat, making it impossible to fight.”
“Adding to that, the Prince of Southern Jiang is selfish and ruthless, causing division and betrayal among his troops. They surrendered before even engaging in battle! Without soldiers, the Prince of Southern Jiang naturally crumbled in defeat.”
“It’s not that the Prefect was thoughtless, it’s just that the Prince of Southern Jiang was utterly ineffective. The Prefect himself was surprised by his own victory!”
“I see, I misunderstood Sir Lin!” The Prince of Northern Hebei suddenly realized.
On the side of the court, there was naturally rejoicing.
The Empress was overjoyed, “This Minister Lin is truly skilled in warfare! In just a few days of mobilization, he defeated the Prince of Southern Jiang with minimal losses and captured him alive!”
“The court didn’t suffer any losses. Moreover, we gained an additional 300,000 skilled and capable soldiers. The Southern territory is back under our control, and the might of our Wu Dynasty has grown even stronger, haha!”
“Indeed impressive!” Bai Guanyin smiled and nodded, “It’s said that when pursuing the Prince of Southern Jiang, Lin Beifan spoke eloquently and convinced him to surrender, avoiding a confrontation with a Grandmaster!”
“When he returns, we must reward him generously, reward him to death!” The Empress excitedly rubbed her hands together.
After five days, Lin Beifan finally led a vast army, escorting the Prince of Southern Jiang and a series of Southern officials, back to the capital for an audience.
Before even reaching the city, the people poured out, welcoming them with cheers, songs, and dances, covering ten miles of the road.
In the crowd, Lin Beifan saw Li Shi Shi, Li Yuxin, the Little Princess, and others. They were the most delighted, truly proud.
Upon arriving at the gates of the capital, the Empress led civil and military officials to greet them.
Lin Beifan dismounted and saluted, loudly saying, “Your Majesty, as instructed, I went to suppress the rebellion led by the rebellious-king Wu Tiande in the Southern region, exterminating the Southern rebels. Now, I return in triumph and humbly request Your Majesty’s recognition!”
The Empress was moved, “Minister, you’ve worked hard! We knew you wouldn’t disappoint us! Come with us back to the palace, and we shall discuss rewards for your merits!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Lin Beifan replied loudly.
Like this series? Also read My Incompetent Reign: Gifting the Kingdom at the Beginning, Becoming an Eternal Emperor by the same author.
