Chapter 182 Generals’ Weakness
Chapter 182 Generals’ Weakness
Xuanyuan Feiyan's expression was gloomy, and her drooping brows hid deep helplessness and worry.
Facing Jiang Chen's sharp gaze, he could feel that every word and every action he made was under the control of His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan.
"I have a younger brother who was arrested in the army. I hope Your Highness can treat him well." Xuanyuan Feiyan's voice was low and pleading, as if she had thrown away her last dignity.
He surrendered this time not only for himself, but also for his only relative.
Jiang Chen sat on a high seat, sneered, his eyes flashing with disdain. "Since ancient times, has a surrendered general ever had the opportunity to make demands on the victor? You're quite bold."
Xuanyuan Feiyan's heart seemed to be gripped tightly by an invisible hand. He was speechless for a moment, but could only grit his teeth and continue: "Your Highness, if my brother can be treated well, I am willing to help Daliang take Gaochang."
Jiang Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and he tapped the map on the table lightly, saying in a cold tone, "Capture Gaochang? If I could get the entire Western Regions, that might be interesting."
Xuanyuan Feiyan knew Jiang Chen's sharp mind very well, so she didn't dare to make any big promises. She bowed her head and said, "Your Highness, with my ability, I can only help you take Gaochang. If you want to take over the entire Western Region, I'm afraid I'm not capable of it."
"Are you married? Do you have other family members?" Jiang Chen suddenly asked. He heard that the general in front of him had average martial arts skills but his light work ability was one in a million.
Xuanyuan Feiyan's heart trembled. He felt that there was a deeper meaning behind Jiang Chen's question that could not be ignored.
He hesitated for a moment, then told the truth: "I'm not married, and my brother and I are the only ones who depend on each other. He can't fight, but he just wants to get a job in the army and make a living."
Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and tapped his fingers on the table, making a rhythmic clicking sound, as if he was thinking about something.
His voice was cold and stern, with a hint of impassive majesty: "General Xuanyuan, how can I trust that you won't switch sides at the critical moment?"
"I'm willing to guarantee it with my own head." Xuanyuan Feiyan's tone was resolute, as if he had thrown all life and death behind him at this moment. He knew that if he couldn't win Jiang Chen's trust, he and his brother might not even have a chance to survive.
Jiang Chen sneered, his tone contemptuous: "Why would I want your head? Since your brother has surrendered, I will ensure that he has enough food and clothing, and he won't have to join the army to kill again."
Xuanyuan Feiyan felt a little relieved, but Jiang Chen's next words made him tense up immediately.
"However, he will stay as a guest in the general's mansion, and I will send a team of guards to protect him at all times." Jiang Chen said lightly, as if it was just a routine arrangement.
Xuanyuan Feiyan's expression changed slightly as he realized that Jiang Chen's so-called "protection" was just a euphemism for house arrest. If his brother was controlled, he would become Jiang Chen's pawn, with no way out.
"This..." Xuanyuan Feiyan was momentarily speechless. Although he felt conflicted, he knew there was no better choice. Surrendering meant handing his fate over to someone else. No matter how much he hated it, he had no choice but to accept reality.
A cold look flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes: "If you remain loyal to me, your brother will be safe. If there is any sign of trouble, his safety will no longer be in your control."
Xuanyuan Feiyan kowtowed and said, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Highness. From now on, my life will be at your disposal."
Jiang Chen nodded slightly, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's. "General Xuanyuan, since you have already surrendered to me, let me ask you, how do you subdue General Xianyu Linyuan and General Mammon? Their morale has long been shaken. If you can capture them, it will greatly benefit our Daliang military strategy."
Xuanyuan Feiyan thought for a moment, frowned slightly, as if thinking about how to answer this question comprehensively.
He knew that if he wanted to gain Jiang Chen's trust, this would not only be a chance to save his own life, but also a test for him to fight for his brother's safety.
"Your Highness, Xianyu Linyuan is a shrewd and scheming general. Although he is in a desperate situation, he still has hope in his heart. If you want to subdue him, you must shatter his last bit of hope and force him to surrender." Xuanyuan Feiyan said in a steady tone, with a thoughtful look in his eyes.
"Oh?" Jiang Chen raised his eyebrows, obviously interested in the answer. "How to crush his hope?"
Xuanyuan Feiyan said in a deep voice, "General Xianyu still has remnants of his army, and he's still hoping for reinforcements from the Western Regions. But if you can show him that the Western Regions can no longer send reinforcements, and that the surrounding troops are surrendering one after another, then his hopes will be completely shattered. Then, you can show him kindness and righteousness, and he'll have no choice but to surrender."
Jiang Chen nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Yes, that's a good idea. What about General Mammon?"
"Although General Mammon is a loyal minister of the Western Regions, he has always valued his official position. He has seen the strength of Daliang. If you can give him a chance to survive and promise him an official position, he may voluntarily surrender."
The corners of Jiang Chen's mouth rose slightly, revealing a meaningful smile: "You do understand their thoughts."
Xuanyuan Feiyan said with a firm expression, "Your Highness, I have fought for the Western Regions for many years and have some understanding of the personalities of the generals. Although these two men are brave and resourceful, they will inevitably compromise in desperate situations."
Jiang Chen pondered for a moment, and asked tentatively, "If you try to persuade them, what are your chances of success?"
Xuanyuan Feiyan hesitated for a moment, but her eyes quickly became firm. "Your Highness, I am willing to go and persuade them personally. If they do not surrender, I am willing to die as an apology."
Jiang Chen sighed softly, as if he had seen through Xuanyuan Feiyan's loyalty and determination. He stood up, walked over to Xuanyuan Feiyan, patted his shoulder, and softened his tone slightly, "Okay, I'll give you this opportunity. If you can succeed, the future of you and your brother will be more than just saving your lives."
Xuanyuan Feiyan felt relieved and quickly bowed in thanks, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I will definitely live up to your trust!"
Jiang Chen's eyes were sharp and his tone was stern: "Remember, I don't give you much time. The Western Region is already at the end of its strength. If you don't return soon, then we can only meet again as enemies. And your brother, hehe..."
For Xuanyuan Feiyan now, his younger brother is undoubtedly his weak spot.
Xuanyuan Feiyan nodded, knowing this was his last chance. He kowtowed once more, then retreated with the guards leading him.
The night was as dark as ink, and the candlelight flickered inside the tent. Jiang Chen stood at the tent door, gazing at the hazy moonlight in the distance, his mind pondering the situation in the Western Regions.
"Sixteenth brother, do you really believe that Xuanyuan Feiyan will succeed in persuading Xianyu Linyuan?" The voice of the Thirteenth Princess came from behind, breaking the silence.
Jiang Chen didn't look back, his voice still calm: "Whether he succeeds or not, I have a plan to deal with it. If he succeeds, it will be a blessing for Daliang. If he fails... at least I can gain Xuanyuan Feiyan's true love in return."
Jiang Sirou smiled gently, walked to his side, and looked up at the stars in the sky: "Sixteenth brother, your thoughts are getting deeper and deeper."
Jiang Chen smiled slightly and turned to look at her: "Thirteenth sister, we will definitely win this battle"
bullyxtreme