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Su Jun's rebellion was met with advice from Li Taifu, which the Emperor accepted, leading the court to determine a strategy to repel the enemy. Various tactics from The Art of War by Sun Tzu were employed skillfully, including the empty city ruse and sowing discord among the enemy. Soon enough, the Three Princes led their troops to attack, and the court opened its gates wide, with the Emperor personally welcoming the Eighth Prince.
Upon entering the city, the Eighth Prince was taken aback by what he saw. It resembled a grand banquet. The Emperor sat in the center, flanked by several ministers who gazed at him reproachfully. Shouldn't they be preparing for battle? What was this situation? The Eighth Prince felt lost.
Could it be that they had already devised a foolproof plan? The thought sent a chill down his spine.
Sima Rui observed the Eighth Prince's pale and panicked expression, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. In this game of deception, who could discern truth from falsehood?
The Emperor's stern voice broke through his thoughts: "Do you remember the way of ruler and subject? Should I remind you of your childhood lessons?"
The ruler is the leader of a nation; their role is defined by virtue—clarity in moral conduct, closeness to the people, adherence to righteousness, and prioritizing the nation's life above all.
The subject is subordinate to the ruler; their duty lies in loyalty and dedication, serving until death.
The ruler speaks with authority and regards their subjects as vital as the state itself, grounded in trust and sincerity.
The subject takes their orders as life itself, without concern for personal safety.
As the Eighth Prince felt overwhelming shame and nearly knelt before the Emperor, his mental defenses crumbling, Li Taifu stepped forward calmly. "Eighth Prince, Three Princes have surrendered. Since we dared to open the city gates wide, we were well prepared. To avoid leaving a lasting stain on history and to spare your family unnecessary suffering, you should surrender as well. Rebellion lacks justification. Moreover, everyone knows that our current Emperor is diligent and benevolent; the people live in peace. You have no reason or opportunity for victory."
"How could this be?" The Eighth Prince was filled with doubt but still struggled to believe that his two brothers had surrendered.
Li Taifu seemed to have anticipated this reaction. He gestured discreetly, and a eunuch approached with a tray. Li Taifu lifted the red cloth covering it to reveal two precious jade pendants.
Upon seeing them, the Eighth Prince was stunned; these pendants were cherished possessions of his brothers, almost representing them personally. A bitter smile crossed his face as he realized they had indeed surrendered. It was over; he never harbored intentions of rebellion but had been unable to resist his father's words that led him to participate. He never intended to usurp the throne for himself.
With a long sigh, as if making a firm decision, the Eighth Prince dismounted and knelt before the Emperor respectfully. "I am willing to serve Your Majesty for life. Please forgive me."
Seeing his surrender, the ministers present finally relaxed and let out a few sighs of relief.
Next were the Three Princes and Four Kings. As soon as they heard that the other two had already surrendered, they were so frightened that they fell off their horses and knelt before the Emperor, pleading for mercy.
Finally, only Su Jun remained.
He was just waiting for the final move to catch the thief.
In the main camp, Su Jun waited anxiously for news from the Three Princes. When he could wait no longer, he stood up and announced an attack.
However, he never expected that when the army marched north and arrived at Jiankang City, they would encounter such a scene.
Countless citizens were gathered at the city gates, mostly elderly, weak, women, and children. They gazed anxiously at Su Jun's army until suddenly an old woman cried out in despair, "My son..." She then ran towards a young boy among the enemy troops. The boy, initially hesitant due to military regulations, couldn't bear to see his worried mother running towards him in tears. He dropped his spear and cried out, "Mother." The soldiers in the army were filled with concern for their families, worried about whether their wives and children had been infected by the plague. Although they had heard that the court and Jun Jin had established free clinics across the land for treatment, what was even more appreciated was that Jun Jin's Xuanwu King Qingci was like a living Hua Tuo. He had found a remedy for the epidemic and shared it freely with everyone suffering from illness. The name of Jun Jin and Jin Shao had already spread throughout the land as wise and flourishing individuals, earning them great respect from the people after being second only to the most wanted criminal.
Seeing that morale was about to falter, Su Jun urgently ordered, "Anyone who dares to step forward will be dealt with according to military law." The moved soldiers hesitated.
However, after being stirred by that old woman’s cry, it seemed as if they were encouraged; like wild grass spreading across a field, the citizens shouted for their sons, husbands, and fathers as they rushed forward. The soldiers who longed for their loved ones could no longer hold back and abandoned their weapons to run forward.
Su Jun was immediately furious and commanded, "Archers, shoot!"
The archers raised their bows at once but soon fell into despair as they lowered their hands. The bows felt too heavy; their hearts could not lift them. Among those rushing citizens were their own relatives; they could not bring themselves to shoot. Their well-trained archery skills faltered as their hands trembled uncontrollably.
Su Jun looked up and saw the Emperor standing high on the city tower in bright yellow robes that shone blindingly. The Emperor coldly gazed down at him as if surveying all living beings below him with an icy demeanor that seemed intent on condemning him to death. Su Jun couldn't help but shiver but then felt a surge of anger; he refused to believe he would fail.
From atop the tower, a young man dressed simply in gray robes called out to him: "Su Jun, you should surrender. The Three Princes have already surrendered; do not make another mistake. The world is not yours; you cannot take it."
Su Jun felt a surge of emotion, but having come this far, he would not give up!
Seeing his stubbornness, Li Taifu sighed, "General Su, what is the point of this? The plague has just passed, and the world is finally at peace. This is a time for recuperation; everyone detests war. Moreover, this is usurpation, an act devoid of righteousness. Why do you refuse to heed my advice and seek your own demise?"
Su Jun scoffed, "You and I have unequal forces; who knows who will win or lose?"
"Throughout the land, everyone praises the Emperor and the righteous deeds of Jun Jin and Jin Shao. If they were here, do you think those who have benefited from them would still fight? Do not forget that your soldiers are all subjects of the dynasty; their families are here. Their survival is thanks to Jun Jin. Do you think they are not grateful?" Li Taifu's tone turned cold, no longer the amiable demeanor he had before. Su Jun realized how powerful this former scholar, often mocked by officials and hiding in a dark corner, had become.
Su Jun sneered, "How do you know Jin Shao will come? How do you know he will stand on your side when he does?"
Suddenly, as if appearing out of thin air, a figure clad in white descended gracefully from the high city tower. Three equally remarkable and handsome men followed him, exuding an aura that captivated all.
Instantly, the chaotic battlefield fell silent. Everyone looked up in awe at this god-like figure.
A cool voice, flowing like a gentle stream, spoke softly, "How do you know he will not appear?"
The Peerless Youth smiled lightly, his beauty unmatched.
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