"When you tasked me with the assassination, you didn't say it like this!"
Grand Tutor Wen sneered, "Now you want to cross the river and tear down the bridge, saving yourself. Do you think you can do it?"
"Grand Tutor Wen, show mercy and leave a way for future encounters. This matter was your doing!"
General Chen shrugged, "Are you going to blame me for it?"
"What a joke, truly a joke!"
Grand Tutor Wen coldly laughed, "Since you insist, I'll bet you won't live past three days. Don't blame me for not warning you!"
After speaking, Grand Tutor Wen turned and left, unwilling to waste more time. He couldn't fathom General Chen's thoughts and didn't want to say more.
General Chen frowned. He could clearly sense that Grand Tutor Wen's words had hidden meanings, making his expression gradually darken. He knew that if this matter were exposed, the Heavenly Emperor would surely be enraged, and it wouldn't be easy for him to escape responsibility.
"What, have you thought it through now?" Grand Tutor Wen sneered. "Let me tell you the truth! I didn't just ask you to raise an army to act alone. It was to defect to Prince Jin'an. Once you reach Prince Jin'an's city, you don't need to worry about anything else!"
"General Chen is considered a veteran general in the army. If he can gather many generals, he will be a honored guest at Prince Jin'an's residence!" Grand Tutor Wen said with a cold smile.
"Prince Jin'an?"
General Chen was taken aback, "Are you saying Prince Jin'an is planning a rebellion? Otherwise, why would he take us in!"
"Don't forget, Prince Jin'an is my son-in-law. I tread on thin ice within the Heavenly Court, all for him to become the Lord of the Heavenly Court one day!" Grand Tutor Wen said coldly. "This is a rare opportunity. If you lead your troops to defect, you will surely be greatly valued. When Prince Jin'an ascends, you will enjoy supreme glory!"
"So, everything you've done is to drag me down with you!"
General Chen looked at Grand Tutor Wen, "In this way, you can help your son-in-law, Prince Jin'an, strengthen his forces and resist the Heavenly Court?"
"To deal with the Hell Dynasty this time, the Heavenly Court's forces have been greatly depleted. It is the opportune moment to act against the Heavenly Court!" Grand Tutor Wen stated frankly. "If General Chen is unwilling, I will naturally not force you!"
"Grand Tutor Wen has spoken so plainly. If I were to refuse, it would be ungrateful!"
General Chen said helplessly, "Since that is the case, I will defect to Prince Jin'an. When the time comes to attack the Heavenly Court, I can become a commander of one side!"
"That's the way it should be!"
Grand Tutor Wen revealed a sinister smile, tinged with a chilling coldness, as if everything was under his control.
After Grand Tutor Wen left, General Chen, holding his token, prepared to leave by force. He knew very well that if Grand Tutor Wen were exposed, he would be exposed too. At that time, his entire family would be ruined, and even his own life would be lost.
Three days later, the imperial palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners. To celebrate Lu Fanhai's triumphant return, many ministers were invited. Lu Fan was the protagonist of today's celebration banquet.
The Heavenly Emperor sat at the head of the table, looking quite pleased. Having dealt a blow to the Hell Dynasty this time was a great display of power for the Heavenly Dynasty. As the ruler of the Heavenly Dynasty, he was naturally overjoyed.
"King of the Northwest, I promised you that within these three days, I would capture the mastermind and give you justice!" the Heavenly Emperor said with a smile. "It will be achieved soon!"
"Thank you, Heavenly Emperor!"
Lu Fan clasped his fists in greeting. He could see the Heavenly Emperor's intentions.
Many ministers present were puzzled, not knowing what was going on. Had the Heavenly Emperor already identified the culprit? Otherwise, why would he be so calm?
"By the way, why haven't General Chen and Grand Tutor Wen arrived yet?"
Among the civil and military officials, many voices were raised, filled with curiosity. After all, these two held considerable status and had great influence throughout the Heavenly Dynasty. Under normal circumstances, they should have been present.
At the same time, the Heavenly Emperor was drinking fine wine, looking indifferent.
However, at this moment, the leader of the Dragon Court rushed in, as if something had happened.
"Reporting to the Heavenly Emperor, General Chen has left the imperial city with the Tiger Tally!"
Upon hearing this, the hall erupted in an uproar, filled with disbelief. General Chen's actions were a crime punishable by extermination of the entire clan.
"And Grand Tutor Wen?" the Heavenly Emperor asked coldly. It seemed they were still a step too late. He had intended to present a great gift to Lu Fan at this celebration banquet, but instead, this was the outcome.
"Grand Tutor Wen is also missing. He left the capital several days ago!" the leader of the Dragon Court reported, cupping his fists.
"It seems they have colluded!"
The Heavenly Emperor's wine cup shattered instantly. "How audacious! To go to such lengths! Is this realm not the King's domain? Where can they possibly escape!"
"I heard Grand Tutor Wen's son-in-law is Prince Jin'an. If my guess is correct, they have likely gone to Prince Jin'an's city!" the leader of the Dragon Court added, cupping his fists again.
"In that case, immediately take the Dragon Court personnel and proceed to Prince Jin'an's residence to capture them!" the Heavenly Emperor's eyes were icy.
"This matter might not be so simple!"
Lu Fan spoke up, "If these two were indeed the ones who tried to assassinate me, and they went to Prince Jin'an's residence together, they must have plotted it. After all, General Chen leaving with the Tiger Tally means he has mobilized the army!"
"Is the King of the Northwest implying that Prince Jin'an's residence is planning a rebellion?"
The leader of the Dragon Court was slightly taken aback, his expression becoming grave. If that were the case, it would be no trifling matter.
"I didn't say that, but the facts suggest so!"
Lu Fan shrugged slightly, his words devoid of any concealment.
"If Prince Jin'an dares to rebel, I will make him pay the price!" the Heavenly Emperor's gaze was cold, with a chilling glint.
Lu Fan stood in place, but said nothing more. Prince Jin'an's rebellion was by no means a simple matter. If he didn't have absolute confidence, he wouldn't act like this.
"Heavenly Emperor, what should we do now?" the leader of the Dragon Court asked, cupping his fists.
The Heavenly Emperor looked at Lu Fan, "King of the Northwest, your million-strong army is just outside the imperial city. Since the Prince's residence harbors ill intentions, you shall lead your troops to flatten Prince Jin'an's residence!"
"I obey the Heavenly Emperor's command!"
Lu Fan clasped his fists. "However, Prince Jin'an's residence must have been well-prepared. It might take some time to apprehend them!"
"No matter the cost, they must be made to understand the might of the Heavenly Dynasty!"
The Heavenly Emperor's voice was cold. "Those who dare to rebel will be killed without mercy!"
Lu Fan bowed and turned to leave immediately, his demeanor imposing. He had long been displeased with Grand Tutor Wen, and now that he had the opportunity, he would certainly eliminate him to quell his anger.