Before entering the city, Chu Chen had already laid down three rules for his soldiers and generals, forbidding them from causing trouble within the city.
His subordinates initially paid little heed, believing it unlikely they would even breach the walls of Daliang City.
However, once inside, they realized how far-sighted their marshal truly was.
Despite this, a few soldiers let loose after entering the city, intending to cause mischief. Chu Chen issued a strict order: any soldier found disturbing the peace would be dealt with severely and without leniency.
To demonstrate his resolve, Chu Chen even ordered the immediate execution of a soldier who had previously performed great service, a move that shocked the entire army!
Of course, to show that rewards and punishments were clearly distinguished, Chu Chen specifically arranged for him to be buried with honor and granted a substantial sum as compensation, to be given to his family upon their return to Shuangyue City.
With such clear distinctions between rewards and punishments, no one dared to misbehave. Those who had been rampant with petty crimes in the city were naturally rounded up or eliminated, and peace was soon restored.
Furthermore, soldiers were assigned to patrol every street in Daliang City, ready to converge on any incident location for support if emergencies arose.
In less than two hours, the residents of Daliang City poured onto the streets. Some even offered food and drink to the Yunyue Kingdom's soldiers, expressing their gratitude.
However, for the sake of strict discipline, Chu Chen strictly forbade his soldiers from accepting any food or drink from the city's populace, and the soldiers complied.
Meanwhile, the Fifth Brigade, led by Chu Chen himself, accompanied him to the Wei Kingdom's imperial palace. The Wei royal family and their officials were already assembled in the main hall, trembling with fear, unsure of what awaited them.
Some officials began to whisper amongst themselves, discussing a collective defection to Chu Chen, which would allow them to retain their current high positions.
As for others, they were already preparing ropes for their own demise.
The Wei Emperor was the most terrified. He had previously plotted against the Empress of Yunyue; now that he had fallen into Chu Chen's hands, wasn't that equivalent to falling into the Empress's?
His fate would surely be worse than death!
"Your Majesty, things have reached this point, and I fear words are of no use. Is it not time for you to do something for us, your subjects?"
An official in a red robe looked at the Wei Emperor, who was seated on the dragon throne, a cold and resolute expression on his face.
The Wei Emperor's heart tightened. "You, Dong Yue, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, what do you intend to do? Are you rebelling?"
The official named Dong Yue shook his head and calmly replied, "Your Majesty, let's not put it so harshly. Rebellion? I am not rebelling."
"I merely wish to advise Your Majesty to cease thinking of futile matters. Now that you have fallen into Chu Chen's hands, he will undoubtedly hand you over to the Yunyue Empress. Your fate then is predictable; in any case, your end is the same."
"Your Majesty, why don't you serve as a stepping stone for me, allowing me to climb higher on your shoulders? What do you say?"
As he spoke, the official named Dong Yue walked towards the Wei Emperor, a mocking smile on his face.
Not far away, an official immediately stepped forward and shouted, "Dong Yue, you traitor! How dare you use His Majesty for your own unspeakable purposes? This is utterly intolerable!"
"Oh, is that not just Wang Mang? Your Excellency the Prime Minister, are you not afraid that after Chu Chen arrives, you will no longer be able to serve as Prime Minister?"
"Oh, right, that Prime Minister position is indeed yours alone. No wonder you are so calm. I am different from you; if I don't find a way, I might be dismissed by Chu Chen."
The Wei Emperor snorted, "I truly regret why I promoted you to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Thinking back now, it's truly laughable."
Dong Yue shook his head. "Your Majesty, you need not say that. To reach this position is also my own ability. However, I merely wish to advance further. You need not overthink it."
Suddenly, a commotion was heard from outside the hall, growing louder and closer. The expressions of those within the hall became anxious.
In less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the officials and royals in the hall had gathered together. Dong Yue and several colluding officials now held daggers to the Wei Emperor's throat, controlling him.
And facing them were only a few individuals, but each radiated confidence. It was Chu Chen, Li Mengdie, and An Yong, among others.
Seeing Dong Yue's actions, An Yong's face immediately darkened. "What is going on here? You put on such a grand display upon seeing us?"
"This is defiance, drawing a knife before us?"
Dong Yue, hearing this, quickly waved his hands and explained, "General, it is not like that. I am Dong Yue, Vice Minister of the Wei Kingdom's Ministry of Revenue. Hearing of the army's arrival, I specifically apprehended my King to present to you generals."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He hadn't even made a move, and someone was already offering their Emperor.
"Marshal, what do you think?"
An Yong was also speechless. He hadn't expected this person to be so shameless as to offer up his own Emperor.
Chu Chen remained impassive, walking towards Dong Yue with a benevolent expression. "Sir, you may lower your dagger. This Marshal intends to take the Wei Emperor back to Shuangyue City. If the Wei Emperor is injured, and our Empress sees it, it might not be appropriate."
Hearing this, Dong Yue was taken aback. He found it strange. Hadn't the Emperor previously plotted to harm the Empress? Why would it be inappropriate for the Empress to witness this scene?
Seeing this, Chu Chen smiled and continued to explain, "What I mean is, even if he is to be killed, it must be our Empress who personally executes the Wei Emperor. Before that, we must ensure the Wei Emperor's safety."
Upon hearing this, the Wei Emperor's breath hitched, and he promptly fainted.
Dong Yue quickly retracted his dagger, placed the Wei Emperor on the ground with a fawning smile, and approached Chu Chen.
"Sir, I am the Vice Minister of the Wei Kingdom's Ministry of Revenue. This time, I have voluntarily offered my allegiance to the Marshal, hoping you would introduce me. I am willing to serve the Yunyue Kingdom."
Hearing this, Chu Chen nodded. This man's intentions were exactly as he had guessed.
"Besides you, are there any other gentlemen willing to serve our Yunyue Kingdom?"
As he spoke, Chu Chen looked at the others, his eyes seemingly filled with a yearning for talent, as if he were scouting for capable individuals.
Seeing this, the Wei officials who had previously hesitated to step forward now rushed to Chu Chen's side and knelt.
"Marshal, I am willing to serve the Yunyue Kingdom."
"Marshal, I am willing to lay down my life for the Yunyue Kingdom."
Witnessing this, the more steadfast officials were filled with righteous indignation, gritting their teeth in anger.
Chu Chen's smile widened.