Chapter 62: The Crown Prince's Pie in the Sky Was Huge and Round!

Facing Zuo Liangyu's response, Zhu Cilang said expressionlessly,

"Zuo Liangyu, to be honest with you, this Crown Prince also wanted to issue a second imperial edict to you."

"After all, although you have committed crimes, your contributions and capabilities are indeed real."

"Therefore, this Crown Prince will give you another chance."

"This time when you go to Shaanxi, this Crown Prince needs you to fully cooperate with Sun Chuanting in suppressing the rebels. As long as you give your all, your past offenses will be completely wiped clean, and you will still receive that second imperial edict."

"Conversely, what awaits you is the first imperial edict."

"In short, trade your merits for the imperial edict in this Crown Prince's hands."

"If you can kill either Zhang Xianzhong or Li Zicheng, this Crown Prince will confer upon you the title of Marquis!"

"If you manage to slaughter both of them, it is not entirely impossible to be conferred the title of Duke."

Well...

You heard that right. At this very moment, our Crown Prince is dangling a grand promise before Zuo Liangyu.

Of course, calling it a mere empty promise would not be entirely accurate.

If Zuo Liangyu could genuinely kill Zhang Xianzhong or Li Zicheng, conferring the title of Marquis upon him was well within reason.

As for the title of Duke, Zuo Liangyu probably didn't have the destiny to attain it!

Meanwhile, Zuo Liangyu was completely and utterly shocked by Zhu Cilang's words!

Years ago, when he led his troops against the roving bandits, he was virtually undefeated in every battle and triumphant in every siege. How valiant he had been back then!

However, as the imperial court grew increasingly corrupt, unable to even provide military pay and rations, his soldiers could only follow him into battle on empty stomachs.

It was during those times that he deeply felt the Ming Dynasty was tottering on the edge of collapse, which planted the seeds of disloyalty in his heart as he began plotting for his own and his son's future.

Yet, faced with Zhu Cilang's stern reprimand at this moment, he was thoroughly subdued!

Recalling the more than thirty million taels of silver recently confiscated from various households by the court, Zuo Liangyu knew that the Ming Dynasty currently possessed immense financial resources and lacked no military funds whatsoever.

If he were to harbor any further disloyal intentions now, it would undoubtedly be courting death.

Moreover, at this juncture, he no longer had a choice!

Either die right here and now, or throw his life away working for the Ming Dynasty from this moment on, striving to secure a hereditary title for his son that would endure as long as the state!

The next second, Zuo Liangyu hesitated no longer!

Thud!

With a loud crash, Zuo Liangyu heavily slammed his head against the stone floor.

Then he shouted loudly:

"Your Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince, may rest assured! Once this subject arrives in Shaanxi, I will definitely cooperate fully with Lord Sun to suppress the bandits!"

"This subject will personally sever the heads of Zhang Xianzhong and Li Zicheng and present them to Your Imperial Highness!"

"If this subject ever harbors disloyal intentions again, may I die a violent death without a burial place!"

Seeing that the intimidation had achieved its desired effect, Zhu Cilang continued:

"Very well, rise. This Crown Prince believes you!"

Saying this, his tone shifted:

"I heard you have a son named Zuo Menggeng?"

As he stood up, Zuo Liangyu replied,

"Reporting to Your Imperial Highness, my entire family was previously slaughtered by the rebellious bandits, and only this son managed to escape the calamity. He is this subject's sole remaining bloodline."

Zhu Cilang nodded and then said,

"Let him stay in the capital. If he likes to study, let him study at the Imperial Academy; if he dislikes studying, this Crown Prince will grant him the position of a brocade-clad guard captain."

"As for whether he can attain any noble titles in the future, it will all depend on your performance, Zuo Liangyu."

Hearing this, Zuo Liangyu's expression flickered through a myriad of emotions, but ultimately, he kowtowed once more and replied respectfully,

"This subject obeys the decree. Thank Your Imperial Highness for your boundless grace!"

Zuo Liangyu was no fool. Of course he knew that Zhu Cilang was using his son as a hostage to force him to serve loyally.

After all, what does a person live their entire life for, if not to ensure their descendants can live well?

Since Zuo Menggeng was his only heir, as long as the boy remained in the capital, no matter how far Zuo Liangyu ran, he would never escape the palm of the Crown Prince's hand!

This was an open strategy, and an inescapable one at that!

At this point, Zhu Cilang had completely subdued the most powerful warlord of the late Ming period!

Secretly letting out a sigh of relief in his heart, Zhu Cilang added,

"Alright, you may withdraw for now. You must be exhausted from the journey these past few days. Rest well; Lord Sun will also be heading to Shaanxi in a few days, and the two of you shall set out together."

"This subject takes his leave!"

Zuo Liangyu kowtowed respectfully once more before turning and departing.

The moment he stepped out of the East Palace, Zuo Liangyu's legs grew weak. If Zuo Menggeng, who had been waiting anxiously outside the door, hadn't caught him in time, he truly would have collapsed.

"Father, what is wrong with you?"

Looking at Zuo Liangyu, who appeared completely drained of all strength, Zuo Menggeng was filled with utter astonishment.

For this was the very first time he had ever seen his father in such a state.

However, Zuo Liangyu said nothing, merely waving his hand to signal Zuo Menggeng to hurry and help him away from this place.

One had to admit that today's ordeal had truly been a trial of life and death for Zuo Liangyu.

He had never imagined that he would feel such overwhelming pressure from a mere thirteen or fourteen-year-old youth.

It felt as though the person sitting before him was not a young boy at all, but a true dragon capable of looking down upon the entire world.

He was truly terrified!

Meanwhile, inside the East Palace.

Until Zuo Liangyu completely vanished from sight, Zhu Cilang slowly spoke,

"Come out. He has gone far enough."

Immediately after, from behind the screen to the side, a figure slowly walked out—none other than Sun Chuanting.

Zhu Cilang had previously informed Sun Chuanting that he would discipline Zuo Liangyu so that Sun Chuanting could better control him later.

Therefore, before meeting Zuo Liangyu, Zhu Cilang had instructed Sun Chuanting to listen from behind the screen.

At this moment, the gaze Sun Chuanting directed toward Zhu Cilang was extraordinary.

It was a look filled with admiration, reverence, and a myriad of other extremely complex emotions.

Approaching Zhu Cilang, Sun Chuanting cupped his hands and said,

"Your Imperial Highness is resourceful and wise. This subject is deeply in awe."

Zhu Cilang smiled and signaled Mabao to hand the first imperial edict over to Sun Chuanting.

Sun Chuanting was slightly stunned and asked,

"Your Imperial Highness, what is the meaning of this?"

Zhu Cilang replied,

"Take this imperial edict and keep it with you. As long as Zuo Liangyu shows the slightest sign of disloyalty, you have the authority to execute him on the spot."

Sun Chuanting was inwardly astounded, but ultimately nodded,

"Since it is so, this subject obeys the decree."

With those words, he carefully received the imperial edict.

Then, Sun Chuanting asked again,

"Your Imperial Highness, the Ministry of War has already prepared sufficient provisions, equipment, and military funds. Everything is now in place, and this subject is preparing to depart within the next two days."

"Before setting out, does Your Imperial Highness have any further instructions?"

Zhu Cilang nodded, his expression turning solemn as he said,

"I do, and it is of utmost importance."

Hearing this, Sun Chuanting's expression shifted as well, instantly turning grave.

Instead of speaking immediately, Zhu Cilang turned to Mabao beside him and instructed,

"Go bring a chair for Lord Sun, and then clear the area around the palace. No one is allowed to approach."

Upon hearing this, Mabao hurriedly fetched a chair and placed it behind Sun Chuanting, then withdrew along with all the palace maids and eunuchs.

Even Li Hu and the imperial guards did the same!

In an instant, only Zhu Cilang and Sun Chuanting remained within the entire palace.