Chapter 115: Liao Kingdom, Golden Pavilion Hall

The man was ashamed…!

Chu Junhan continued to press the point, “Being an undercover agent isn’t something anyone can do just because they want to. Look at others who tried—they couldn’t even get into Old Tamon’s sight. But you’re different; your conditions are truly extraordinary!”

“…”

The bearded man was left speechless. After a long silence, he eventually accepted the fact that he was being sent away. With a pale and powerless sigh, he hung his head in dejection and said, “Then I will follow the general’s orders.”

“Good, that’s settled. Don’t delay—depart today!” Chu Junhan smiled gently, patting the man on the shoulder, signaling that he could leave.

The man lowered his head, forced a bitter salute, and said, “I take my leave now. General, take care!”

After the man was escorted away by the soldiers, Yingdie stepped out from behind, her face full of puzzlement, her thin lips fluttering but ultimately silent.

The young master, full of youthful vigor, crossed his arms, glanced at Yingdie, and said calmly, “If you have questions, just ask.”

“Young master, why let him go? Why not kill him? Surely this is like releasing a tiger back into the wild!” Yingdie muttered.

The young master tilted his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Not bad, Yingdie! You really thought that through.”

Yingdie grumbled, “Then why did you let him go?”

Chu Junhan flicked his sleeve, pretending to brush off dust, feigning profundity with a deep gaze. “What good would killing him do? Will the Liao Kingdom collapse if he dies? It would only backfire and chill the hearts of those who truly want to surrender.”

“So, young master intends to use this opportunity to play a double-cross on Old Tamon?” Yingdie’s eyes shone brightly.

Chu Junhan gave her a sidelong glance. “You think of it, but do you think Old Tamon hasn’t? Since he dared to send that man, it means he trusts him completely. Imagine if I sent you pretending to surrender—would you be turned?”

Yingdie thought for a moment, then shook her head firmly. “No.”

“Then why did young master let him return?” Yingdie was still puzzled.

The young master grinned slyly, revealing white teeth. “I simply wanted to… disgust Old Tamon a little.”

……

At the capital of the Liao Kingdom, Chu’s army pressed closer, the people restless—especially within the imperial palace.

On the majestic Golden Throne Hall, Tamon sat upright with a stern face, his complexion ashen, silently staring at the officials below.

Your Highness, the ministers bowed their heads low. Among them knelt a bearded man, dejected, his face filled with regret and pain.

The agony of a fallen nation—though the kingdom had not yet fallen, the pain was already upon them.

Everyone dared not even breathe, the oppressive atmosphere weighing heavily on their hearts, suffocating.

“Did he really say that?” Tamon finally spoke, his voice tinged with fatigue and helplessness, murmuring, “Better I betray the world than the world betray me—what a fine young man.”

The bearded man raised his head, eyes filled with unwillingness and sorrow. “Your Majesty, Chu Han indeed said those words. He also said he is naturally suspicious and asked me to go undercover in Liao, to prove my loyalty by achieving merit.”

On the dragon throne, Tamon sighed deeply. Though not yet forty, he looked much older, lacking the presence of a sovereign.

He staggered to his feet, exhaling in remorse, “My fault... I should never have provoked this poisonous wolf. It would have been better to live in peace with Chu Xiong. My alliance with the Xiao dogs was my mistake…”

“Your Majesty!” The ministers knelt, each knowing the end was near, their faces filled with unwillingness and resentment.

Who would wish to be a minister of a fallen kingdom? Let alone a fallen king!

Tamon looked up to the sky and laughed bitterly. His piercing laughter echoed through the grand hall.