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墨書 Inktalez
Actually, it cannot be blamed on Sima Shang for being terrified; it could very well be a matter of extermination. The situation at that time was akin to being roasted over an open fire, leaving him with no room for choice. Moreover, Zhao Kuo was not afraid for the sake of his subordinates; as a brother, how could he back down?
With a firm resolve, he decided to follow through.
The so-called fear primarily stemmed from Sima Shang's concern that it would implicate his family. A man should take responsibility for his own actions, but the law stipulates collective punishment. If it weren't for this unfortunate reason, given another chance, he would still choose to rescue Li Mu without hesitation.
This was not just about brotherhood; it was also about justice! It was about the belief in not bowing down to darkness! If good people in distress receive no help, what meaning does this world hold!?
Sacrifice! It's not something one casually mentions; sometimes it requires understanding its true significance!
...
On the morning of the prison break incident.
Zhao Wang Dan had just arrived at Qinzheng Hall and hadn't settled in when he heard the news that Zhao Kuo had led a prison break. He was stunned for a while, unable to comprehend the reason behind it. Li Mu... was he also a classmate? Why didn't he remember?
Zhao Wang Dan initially wanted to discuss how to handle this matter with his uncle Zhao Sheng but suddenly recalled that the Plain King seemed quite busy lately. He was preoccupied with various affairs and had been granted special permission not to attend morning court with his attendants.
Thinking of Zhao Sheng made Zhao Wang Dan almost burst into laughter. According to insider information, this Selection had encountered tough competition! What do you call this? It's like painting a snake with legs! Isn't notifying all Feudal States under the guise of learning the same thing? Yet they insisted on notifying them under the pretense of participating in the Selection!
Now what? Who should they give the Oiran to!?
Haha! It seems there will be quite a spectacle ahead; I am looking forward to tomorrow's results! Hmm! I hope the old man doesn't turn gray-haired because of this! With that thought, Zhao Wang Dan immediately ordered someone to send ginseng and He Shou Wu along with a message to the Plain King.
Health is the foundation of revolution! The old man must prioritize the bigger picture and not overexert himself! Considering the performance of the Feudal States this year, our great nation must have an attitude. As for this year's Oiran, let my uncle decide accordingly!
This statement is still commendable; it cannot be said that King Zhao is not a good person. He does not want to put too much pressure on the Plain King, which shows his character. Considering that the Feudal States are here this year to help Zhao State fight against Qin State, the matter regarding the Oiran can be negotiated. If they insist on having the host take the lead without regard for others, Zhao Sheng will find himself in a difficult position.
Just as Zhao Wang Dan finished giving these instructions, he heard the announcement of Prince Zhao Kuo waiting for an audience. If there was anticipation at first, now it had turned into repeated concerns due to the classification issue surrounding the Prison Break incident.
If this matter had occurred under normal circumstances, it would have been easier to handle; after all, it would just be a private affair among family members. But today, to openly break the law in front of so many representatives from the Feudal States and the Envoy Group would completely disgrace this king! If not dealt with, public outrage would be inevitable!
The more Zhao Wang Dan thought about it, the angrier he became, trying to suppress his rising anger. "Summon him!"
Before long, hurried footsteps could be heard. Zhao Kuo quickly entered the main hall and bowed down to the Sovereign. "I, Zhao Kuo, pay my respects to Your Majesty!"
Just as Zhao Wang Dan was about to question him loudly, he suddenly noticed the white cloth atop Zhao Kuo's head and felt a wave of sadness wash over him. Tears almost fell, but he quickly diverted his gaze to compose himself. "Get up!"
"Yes!"
Zhao Kuo complied and stood with his hands at his sides, saying nothing.
Zhao Wang Dan initially wanted a reasonable explanation, but seeing Zhao Kuo standing there pretending to be oblivious only fueled his anger further. "I ask you! Regarding Li Mu's situation, you must give me an explanation!"
Just before entering the palace, the unconscious Li Mu had been mumbling in his dreams. Li Mu had done no wrong for Zhao State; why was Zhao State treating him this way!?
Hearing this statement filled with grievance brought tears to the eyes of even the toughest men who had always shed blood but never tears. Regardless of whether they liked him or not, when it came to loyalty and devotion to Zhao State, they would all unhesitatingly acknowledge that Li Mu was beyond reproach.
The soldiers who knew Li Mu had visited his home and found it nearly empty. Li Mu's mother wove cloth at home and even washed clothes for wealthy families to make ends meet. The state had never given anything to Li Mu, yet he had always deeply loved this country.
How could such a person suffer injustice? Where is the justice in this world!?
Zhao Kuo took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty! Forgive me for being bold! The character of Li Mu is known to heaven and earth! This so-called corruption and injustice is a fabrication by treacherous individuals! I ask Your Majesty to make a clear judgment!"
Zhao Wang Dan had always been soft-hearted. If he heard Zhao Kuo say a few gentle words at this moment, the matter could be resolved expediently. Moreover, no one had lost their life over this incident, so he could simply instruct the Prison City Camp to strictly prohibit any further discussion of the matter and let it pass. After all, the upcoming Shangdang Campaign required Zhao Kuo; getting entangled in this issue would only delay important affairs. Other Feudal States were already prepared for battle, yet Zhao State couldn't even send out a general!
However, upon hearing this stubborn refusal to admit fault, Zhao Wang Dan snorted coldly. "With many ministers reviewing this case, you will surely receive justice. Besides, you are in charge of the military; do not meddle in domestic affairs!"
Zhao Kuo had already made up his mind to protect Li Mu on the way here. How could he possibly let go after saving him just now? The Captain of the Guard was already shedding tears earlier, which showed Li Mu's standing among his brothers. He was likely no longer just Li Mu but a banner in the hearts of the entire Zhao Army.
"If Your Majesty believes Li Mu is guilty, then as his officer, I too am guilty! He is merely a lowly soldier; it means nothing to harm him. Let me take his place! It would also serve to highlight those ministers' immortal works of reversing black and white!"
"Bold!" Zhao Wang Dan slammed the table angrily and said, "Right and wrong have their own justice! How can it be that you have become wronged?"
"Justice does not lie in people's hearts; right and wrong depend on strength!" Zhao Kuo clearly had thrown caution to the wind, straightening his back. "Your Majesty! The soldiers of Zhao State fear not death! For the sake of our country, we have never frowned at the thought of sacrificing our lives! Dying on the battlefield, Martial Valor in Death is the ultimate destination for a soldier. Even so, we would not complain about anything. But if we were to be harmed by some scoundrels domestically without reason, how could such actions not chill the hearts of hundreds of thousands of Zhao Army soldiers!"
Seeing the agitated Zhao Kuo, Zhao Wang Dan suddenly came up with an idea. He was worried about how to send this man to Shangdang to replace Lian Po; this was perfect! While secretly admiring himself, he pretended to be swayed by Zhao Kuo's words. "My great general! How about this? Since you say a soldier's destination is Martial Valor in Death, I shall agree with you. Let us put aside Li Mu's case for now; how does that sound?"
Zhao Kuo was unaware of the scheme and felt relieved when King Zhao suddenly changed his attitude. He also felt that he had spoken a bit impulsively earlier, so he lowered his head and waited for further instructions.
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