Chapter 264 Tit for Tat!

The storm stirred up by Tang Er and Gan Quan’s confrontation was not significant, at least not to anyone who cared! "If the King knew you did this, he would surely not spare you!" Tang Er said sarcastically from the side. Gan Quan, unhurried and calm, replied slowly, "If the King blames me for this, then such a liege is not worth following!" His words choked Tang Er into silence. He could only stiffen his face and urge his horse forward. The snow-covered mountains and numerous traps caused people to fall along the way from time to time. One moment they might be riding side by side, the next they would vanish. In such conditions, to carve out a bloody path, as Tang Er’s actions accelerated, Wang Kuang’s men disappeared in increasing numbers. A few retainers finally couldn't stand it and whispered amongst themselves. "I think he's going too far. If so, why don't we all act together and show him our might!" "Agreed, brother, as you say!" "Just give the order, and we'll do it!" The crowd thumped their chests in assurance, but the next moment they collectively faltered. "Brothers, who is going to act? How about you? You go!" Several people were pointed out, but they remained motionless. After all, how could they, who couldn't even get enough to eat or stay warm, confront the seemingly imposing Xing Daorong? It would be like walking into a trap. Seeing that no one was willing to speak up, the leading retainer sighed heavily, his face filled with sorrow. "We eat the King's salt and bear the King's worries. I never thought you would be so timid. What kind of conduct is this? How heartbroken would the Lord be if he knew!" "Sir?" The retainers were dumbfounded, unable to utter a word. They lowered their heads, looking at each other. After a long pause, someone hesitantly asked, "We naturally cannot compare to you, sir, so this matter will trouble you." "You all misunderstand!" the leading retainer said with a smile. "I naturally cannot handle this kind of matter, but there is one person who can. Have you all forgotten about Gan Quan!" Gan Quan! The words struck the hearts of everyone present. He was a man of great eloquence, unafraid of King Chu, Ye Feng, let alone Xing Daorong. To protect more soldiers, he was the only one who could act. "What if he refuses!" someone asked timidly. Immediately, sharp glances swept around him. The leading retainer coughed softly and said slowly, "If he refuses, we will reason with him, appeal to his emotions, and then we need not fear his refusal!" Xing Daorong watched with folded arms as the retainers slowly rode towards Gan Quan, merely snorting. Gan Quan turned his head and saw they had surrounded him. He could only cup his hands respectfully and ask, "May I ask what important matters you have, sirs? Gan Quan will surely not fail his mission!" The retainers exchanged glances. Finally, the leading retainer coughed softly and spoke first, "Sir, you have saved so many of us. We are truly grateful for your kindness and have come to thank you!" "It is a small matter, unworthy of mention. However..." Gan Quan stared at the distant sun and spoke slowly, "After this, I fear we must part ways. But it matters not; please take care of yourselves!" "What? Sir, you are leaving!" The retainers’ eyes lit up. If it were one of their own, they would truly be reluctant to act, but a stranger... they could fleece him dry! The retainers exchanged glances, their minds in agreement. They would feign sympathy, like a cat crying for a mouse. "We thought sir was a pillar of strength. It is truly a pity that fate has brought us to this end." "If sir ever has the chance, please visit us often. We are deeply grateful for your life-saving grace!" "..." A torrent of pleasantries flowed from them, but like old foxes, none were willing to speak first. They pointed and gestured behind each other. The leading retainer felt a prickling sensation on his scalp. He flexed his thick skin and said awkwardly, "Alas, to be frank, we have come today with a request. Since sir is loyal to our Lord, after much thought, only you can accomplish this matter." Gan Quan’s posture on horseback paused slightly. Then, he forced a smile and said, "May I ask what matter you speak of, sirs? If I can help, I will do my utmost!" This was exactly what they wanted to hear from Gan Quan. Their faces lit up, and without further ado, they hurried to speak, "Sir, you are truly making us ashamed. It's nothing major, but General Xing Daorong only listens to you." "Hmm?" Gan Quan's heart skipped a beat, and he asked in confusion, "Aren't we descending the mountain together? What else requires your trouble!" Gan Quan forced out a sentence, "Trouble that esteemed sir!" The leading retainer lowered his head and sighed, "Sir, you truly do not know. Our soldiers are already exhausted. How can they possibly forge a path!" Gan Quan’s brows furrowed, and he slowly looked up, "What are your intentions, sirs? Speak directly, and perhaps I can assist you more readily!" After exchanging glances, the leading retainer spoke without hesitation, "It’s not a major matter, but could we have that General's men clear the path!" What arrogance! Gan Quan was horrified. What kind of logic were these people operating on? It was already a tremendous favor that they weren't being forced down with spears. Why must they act like this? "Generals, have you considered the consequences of doing so!" Bearing his friendship with Wang Kuang in mind, Gan Quan patiently said, "Can the men under their command deal with those wolf-like soldiers? If not, then let this matter be dropped!" "Gan Quan, what do you mean? Our Lord has shown you great kindness. To act like this, are you not afraid he will die with his eyes open!" one retainer angrily cursed. "Hmph, our Lord has treated you well too. Why don't you go say it yourself," Gan Quan retorted indignantly, "If we act according to your wishes, I fear not a single soldier will survive. You fools!" His words stirred up a hornet's nest. They were, after all, arrogant. How could they tolerate Gan Quan’s insults? Immediately, they began to speak sarcastically, "He calls us fools, is he the only smart one in the world?" "Who knows, maybe he received some benefits and forgot the Lord’s kindness. A rotten-hearted fellow. The Lord should not have spared him when he was dying!" "Now that the Lord is in trouble, this is his attitude. Killing him would not be enough!" "..." Amidst the barrage of words, which struck Gan Quan to the core, his face darkened instantly. "If you all believe you can persuade that person, why come looking for me? If so, please leave. There is nothing more to say!" The leading retainer, seeing that his provocation had failed and he had nearly offended Gan Quan severely, hurriedly apologized with a smile. "Those foolish people, what do they know? I see things clearly. If not for you, sir, we would not be alive!" Gan Quan looked at the hypocritical leading retainer and had no desire to play along. He reprimanded, "You are no good yourself. If you truly wanted to help me, you should have spoken up earlier, not waited until now. You merely wanted to curry favor. Do you expect me to thank you now!" The leading retainer, his intentions exposed, was neither angry nor annoyed. He suppressed the retainers’ emotions and slowly said, "What do you mean by that? I am doing this for you, sir. If it’s truly impossible, perhaps we can discuss sharing the soldiers, half and half." Indeed, Wang Kuang’s soldiers were also divided into factions. If his own men died, it didn't matter much, especially since Hua Xiong's elite troops were initially leaderless. "A clever plan! If I were to believe you, it would be my mistake!" Gan Quan said mockingly, "Perhaps you should spend your time considering your own future!" "The General has found a good place and can't concern himself with us anymore. It's just that he has found a better patron!" the leading retainer said enviously. "Fine, fine. Let these soldiers all die in the snow mountain. At least I'll have an explanation for the Lord." Veins bulged on Gan Quan's forehead. He cursed, "If you have the guts, go persuade him yourself! Our Lord is not yet dead, and you already have this attitude. Are you all hoping our Lord dies so you can seize your positions? I tell you, with your character, you'll never be a true emperor even if you wear the dragon robe!" The retainers were momentarily stunned, looking at Gan Quan. Some even gripped their swords, wishing they could kill Gan Quan on the spot. Gan Quan sneered, "You want to fight? Come on, I'm not a pushover either." In the end, no one had ever seen Gan Quan like this. They hesitated, not daring to step forward. Some锦衣卫 (Imperial Guards) had already reported everything to Tang Er. Tang Er laughed heartily, "It's a good thing Gan Quan sees things clearly. No wonder the King favors him. They want our men to clear the path; they'll all die without exception!" "General, Gan Quan is, after all, a man favored by the King. Shall we help him..." Before the锦衣卫 could finish speaking, Tang Er raised his hand to stop him. "Not yet. I want to see what he's capable of. If he dares to speak so boldly by relying on me, he will eventually harm himself, and the Lord will be implicated!" Seeing the锦衣卫 about to remind him again, Tang Er quickly said, "If it truly comes to that, don't worry. I will intervene, and he won't suffer too much." The锦衣卫 hurried off to gather more information. Meanwhile, the leading retainer wore a troubled expression. "They are, after all, the Lord's men. Why insist on forcing the issue? Let's each take a step back. Sir suggests we proceed slowly, and the rest of you should not mention this matter again. How about it?" "Since that is the case, we will give the General some face and agree to this condition!" The retainers reluctantly accepted the terms. Gan Quan gritted his teeth in anger. "Whoever proposed the condition should go and speak it themselves. Don't expect me to help you!" Gan Quan snorted coldly and said indifferently, "As for the Lord waking up, he will naturally judge. I will also explain my intentions, and you need not worry about it!" "Sir, do you truly intend to do this?" the leading retainer asked, stunned. "Is there no room for negotiation?" "When have you all given me time to negotiate? You have always been the ones forcing me!" Gan Quan drew his soft sword and glared at them fiercely.