Chapter 189.1
In the following days, other powers secretly contacted Generals Tiangong, Digong, and Rengong.
They hoped the generals would change their allegiance and join them.
To attract the three generals, they made many promises. Wealth and glory were just the basics; some even promised to make them kings.
However, the three generals remained steadfast in their refusal, either sending these people away or imprisoning them.
This frustrated the various powers.
What benefits had Great Xia given them that they remained so loyal?
In a hidden courtyard within the capital city, there was a secret room underground.
At that moment, an ordinary-looking middle-aged man was reading messages from various sources.
After reading, he couldnt help but nod: It seems that Generals Tiangong, Digong, and Rengong are truly loyal. Its rare to see someone unmoved by all these temptations!
This person was no small figure; he was a deputy leader of the Shadow Division of the Great Jin Empire, possessing the peak strength of Imperial Qi.
Shadow Division is a covert department specifically established by the Emperor of the Great Jin Empire, similar to the Jinyiwei and Dongchang, but even more secretive, dedicated to carrying out tasks that cannot be seen in the open.
(TLN: Jinyiwei and Dongchang were two secret police and intelligence agencies during the Ming Dynasty.)
This department answered only to the Emperor of the Great Jin Empire.
Naturally, the leader of this department was one of the Emperors most trusted people.
Yes, deputy leader!
A person next to him reported with a bow: According to the information obtained by our Shadow Division, there have been 7 empires and 12 dynasties that have contacted Generals Tiangong, Digong, and Rengong, with promises ranging from marquis to king!
Additionally, rewards like wealth, beautiful women, and fertile lands are indispensable! But still, the three generals remain unmoved! Thus, our mission here may not be easy!
Man proposes, God disposes. Theres always a way! If it were easy, His Majesty wouldnt have sent us. After all, we are His Majestys Shadow Division, specially tasked with doing things that are unsightly but necessary!
Deputy leader, your words are enlightening. I have learned much!
Those three generals are indeed loyal to the Emperor of Great Xia, but the Emperors heart is unpredictable. What the Emperor of Great Xia thinks is beyond anyones control, and thats our opportunity! As soon as theres a rift between them, our chance will come!
The deputy leader turned around and said, Spread rumors immediately to sow discord among them!
Yes, deputy leader!
Soon after, a wave of rumors began to spread throughout the capital city.
Have you heard? Generals Tiangong, Digong, and Rengong are very dissatisfied with His Majesty!
You cant just say things like that. Do you have any evidence?
Of course! Those three generals have only been in Great Xia for a short time, but they have already accomplished many great deeds. However, the rewards they received were not much more than other generals, so they have been discontent for a long time!
Hey! You make some sense! Its said that Great Xias ability to kill the Emperor of Great Xue and avert the crisis of national extinction was due to their bewitching tactics and battle formations!
Such a monumental achievement and His Majesty only promoted them by one rank and rewarded them with some money!
Indeed, if it were me, Id be dissatisfied too! I heard that when they drink at home, they often complain about the Emperors injustice! Sometimes, when General Rengong is drunk, he even blurts out foolish emperor!
Shh! Keep your voice down!
These matters were originally circulated only within a small circle, but with the instigation of some schemers, they quickly spread throughout the entire city.
It seemed that not joining in the gossip was to be out of fashion.
Naturally, the three generals heard these rumors and slanders.
General Rengong was so angry that he yelled, Slander! Nonsense! His Majesty has given us so much, how could we possibly be dissatisfied with him? Even if we were, we wouldnt say it out loud. Were not that foolish!
General Digongs face darkened, There must be someone plotting against us in the shadows, spreading rumors and tarnishing our reputations, how despicable! Elder brother, what should we do now, find out whos behind this?
The most mature and steady General Tiangong also looked displeased, We must find out who is behind this! But the most urgent matter is to go to the palace and explain things to His Majesty, lest we fall victim to the schemes of villains!
Elder brother, you make a good point, lets go to the imperial palace now!
The three generals arrived at the imperial palace and met Lin Beifan in the royal study.
Lin Beifan looked at them and smiled, Have you come because of the rumors outside?
The three generals were surprised and bowed, Indeed, Your Majesty!
Lin Beifan waved his hand, Then theres nothing to discuss! I trust you three generals; someone must be plotting against us and trying to drive a wedge between us. So dont take it to heart!
The generals felt a warm trust in their hearts, a feeling that was truly good.
Only such an enlightened ruler was worth following.
Lin Beifan waved his hand again, If theres nothing else, you three generals may leave! Also, those spreading the rumors are truly malicious; not executing them would not appease the common people! Ill leave this matter to you. Catch the real culprit!
Thank you, Your Majesty! the three generals said in unison.
After leaving the imperial palace, they immediately contacted the governor of the capital city and gathered forces to catch the rumor-mongers.
In the same mysterious courtyard and the same underground chamber, the deputy leader of the Shadow Division of the Great Jin Empire looked at the messages from the outside world, feeling very frustrated, Theres no reaction at all, it seems that the Great Xia Emperor really trusts those three generals!
Yes, deputy leader!
A subordinate reported, According to our Shadow Divisions information, after learning about the public opinion, the three generals immediately went to the palace to report the matter to the Great Xia Emperor! The Great Xia Emperor already knew about it and did not deal with it; instead, he entrusted the three generals to handle it, truly a unity of ruler and ministers!
It seems we need to be harsher!
The deputy leader of the Shadow Division said, Continue spreading the rumors!
Yes, deputy leader!
***
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