She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

Fortunately, this military report was intercepted. If the court learned about this mysterious weapon, who knows what kind of uproar it would cause, and Zhao Zun’s situation would become even more dangerous.

But when did Zhao Zun acquire such a mysterious weapon capable of winning against the odds? What exactly does he intend to do?

As Luo Hai was engulfed in shock and unease, the voice of a government official reporting from outside could be heard.

”Sir, the Deputy Commander Ping and the trusted aides beside the King of Cangzhou request an audience.”

Luo Hai snapped back to reality, a wave of panic in his heart. Ping Chuan was Zhao Zun’s confidant, and his visit at this time must be related to the content of the military report.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and said in a steady voice, ”Let them in.”

A moment later, Ping Chuan walked into the study with several trusted aides in large strides.

As soon as he entered, Ping Chuan cupped his hands in salute to Luo Hai.

”Greetings, Mr. Luo.”

The trusted aides behind him also saluted uniformly, appearing well-trained.

Luo Hai forced a faint smile and nodded, ”Deputy Commander Ping, no need for formalities. May I know the purpose of your visit today?”

Ping Chuan spoke no further, directly taking out a letter from his chest and presenting it with both hands, ”This is a personal letter from the Prince for you, please have a look, sir.”

Luo Hai received the letter, his fingers trembling slightly.

He had a vague sense of foreboding, as if once this letter was opened, it would sweep him into an irreversible storm.

However, he had no other choice but to brace himself and open the envelope, unfolding the letter paper.

The handwriting on the letter was unmistakably familiar to him; it was indeed Zhao Zun’s own writing.

However, the contents of the letter made his heart, which had just calmed somewhat, pound violently once again.

Zhao Zun bluntly mentioned in the letter that he plans to develop his own army in Canzhou, and that this army would be equipped with a ”mysterious weapon”.

The letter also instructed him to continue blocking information from Canzhou to the Capital City.

At the same time, it asked him to keep a close eye on Sun Zhizhou Sun Wenyuan’s movements and to find ways to spread the wasteland project to other neighboring counties, so as to ensure Canzhou’s people can have enough to eat as soon as possible.

Luo Hai repeatedly scanned the letter, each word striking like a heavy hammer on his heart.

His mind was in chaos, thoughts surging like a tide.

A Vassal King’s troops were not supposed to exceed five hundred according to regulations, yet Zhao Zun bluntly mentioned a ”military force” in his letter.

Even with just a little thought, he could roughly guess what Zhao Zun intended to do.

What alarmed him even more was that Zhao Zun actually mentioned the ”mysterious weapon,” which coincides with the contents of the intercepted military report.

Clearly, Zhao Zun’s ambition was far grander than he had imagined.

At this thought, Luo Hai felt dizzy and lightheaded, as if the ground beneath him was collapsing.

He had always regarded Zhao Zun as his own son, supporting and caring for him with utmost dedication.

However, Zhao Zun had barely been appointed as Vassal King when he attempted something so earth-shattering and treacherous; how could he, Luo Hai, possibly support this?

He was merely a humble County Magistrate; he only wished to live a peaceful life and gradually rise through his own efforts, so his family could also live in peace and happiness.

But now, he was being forced to stand at the crossroads of fate, with Zhao Zun, whom he regarded as his own, on one side, and his loyalty to the Da Jing Dynasty on the other.

How should he choose?

Luo Hai’s hand tightly clenched the letter paper, his knuckles turning white with exertion.

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, soaking the clothes on his back.

He truly wished he hadn’t seen this letter, wished he had never intercepted that military report.

Yet reality cruelly laid before him—he was already embroiled in this storm and could no longer stay uninvolved.

Luo Hai wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said to Ping Chuan, ”Ping Chuan, stay. I have something to ask you alone.”

Luo Hai tried to make his voice sound calm, but there was still an unmistakable tremor in his tone.

Ping Chuan nodded, and Luo Hai waved a hand to the government official beside him, ”Take them to the front hall for some tea.”

The government official carried out the order, leading Scarface and the others out, leaving only Luo Hai and Ping Chuan in the study.

Luo Hai walked to the door, carefully checking the situation outside, and after confirming there were no eavesdroppers, he gently closed the study room door.

His actions were cautious, as if afraid of disturbing something.

After closing the door, Luo Hai stood with his back to Ping Chuan, his hands on the door, taking a deep breath.

He knew that the upcoming conversation would decide his destiny, and might even determine the fate of the entire Canzhou.