Chapter 373 Zhao Hong's Conspiracy
Chapter 373 Zhao Hong's Conspiracy
Inside the fort, the sound of cannons was like thunder, making people feel uneasy.
However, he seemed like a bystander who was not involved in the matter, with a calm and composed look on his face, without any sign of anxiety.
"Let this bomb fly for a while...it's still hard to say who will win in the end."
Zhao Hong crossed his arms in front of his chest, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness and cunning.
He silently calculated in his mind that the direction of this war was still full of unknowns and variables. If he acted rashly at this moment, it would probably not be a wise move.
"Quickly gather the troops and push out those cannons later. Also take six shotgun double-barreled cannons. Let's take Dingbian City in one fell swoop."
Zhao Hong issued orders in an orderly manner, his voice steady and powerful, with unquestionable majesty.
It was not until the deafening sound of artillery stopped that Zhao Hong received the news that Conicoda was about to attack the city, and then he began to prepare for departure in an orderly manner.
The fort was not far from Dingbian City. In less than two quarters of an hour, Zhao Hong's artillery and soldiers were ready for battle at the foot of the city.
Zhao Hong raised his head and looked at the dilapidated earth wall, on which stood a few sparsely frightened guards.
He couldn't help but sneer. In his eyes, this city was so fragile that it could not withstand a single blow.
However, just as the battle was about to break out, a figure suddenly emerged from the city. He carried three white flags behind him and walked cautiously towards the outside of the city.
"We have something to discuss with the King of Zhenbian. Please suspend the siege for now."
The messenger's voice trembled like a fallen leaf in the wind, and it was obvious that his heart was filled with extreme fear.
"When will we find our prince?"
The leader of the guards frowned and asked in a stern voice, his voice as loud as a bell.
"I have a letter here, please be sure to pass it on to the King of Zhenbian."
The messenger's hands trembled like autumn leaves in the wind as he handed over the letter with great respect, looking as if he would be killed if he was not careful.
The guard took the letter and without delay ran towards Zhao Hong to present the letter.
Zhao Hong slowly unfolded the letter and read its contents carefully with focused eyes.
Gradually, a look of understanding appeared on his face, and he finally understood the reason why the Qiang soldiers did this.
It turned out that Moulihei was unfortunately captured, and most of the cavalry leaving the city were killed.
When Daraxinbu saw this tragic scene, he suddenly felt strongly disgusted with war.
Especially when he learned that there were 300,000 troops besieging the city, he became even more panicked, like a frightened bird.
Therefore, the letter expressed sincere support for Zhao Hong's self-determination as king, and claimed that the 40,000 soldiers and more than 20,000 cavalry under his command were willing to obey Zhao Hong's orders wholeheartedly.
This letter was like a blazing fire, instantly igniting the fire of ambition that had been hidden deep in Zhao Hong's heart for a long time.
He already had the ambition to establish himself as king, and now he felt that the time was ripe.
"Go and send a letter to Conicoda, telling them to stay where they are."
Zhao Hong turned his head and said, his eyes falling on the Corgi beside him.
Even though Corgi was unwilling in his heart, he knew at this moment that he had no choice but to respond helplessly: "As ordered!"
After all, in this army, delivering letters has always been his duty.
As for Conikoda and others, they were indeed not familiar with them. Only Kan Laxian was relatively familiar with them, and handing this matter over to him was indeed the most appropriate choice.
After receiving Zhao Hong's order, although Connikada was unwilling, he had no choice but to stop attacking Dingbian City.
However, Daraxinbu declared his loyalty to Zhao Hong rather than surrender.
As soon as this news came out, everyone looked confused, as if they had fallen into a fog and were completely at a loss.
"What does this mean? Zhao Hong actually wants to be king?"
In the tent of Conikoda of Liang State, everyone received an invitation from Zhao Hong, inviting them to work together to plan how to become king.
"He's the son of the King of Zhou, yet he wants to be king now? Is he trying to harm our Liang Kingdom?"
Connicada's men all looked confused, and it was obvious that they had not yet figured it out.
"What are you all imagining? If he really wanted to attack Liang, why would he consult with us?"
Conicoda glanced at his men, feeling extremely helpless about their stupidity.
The reason why Zhao Hong suddenly came up with these bold ideas was actually because he was deeply inspired by Daraxinbu's loyal oath of allegiance.
He suddenly realized that instead of just being a small border king, it would be better to take the entire Qin territory into his own pocket.
To the Great Zhou, he had already lost power, but as a member of the royal family, he was still Zhao Qin's elder brother.
In his view, establishing himself as a king or even as emperor was not an impossible delusion.
Daraxinbu, Connikada and others gathered in Zhao Hong's dock.
Although Moulihei had been released, he unfortunately passed away due to his severe injuries.
However, this did not affect Darasimbu's mood.
On the contrary, he thought that to Zhao Hong, he was an unwavering idealist and always followed him loyally.
"I asked you all to come here because I have something to discuss with you."
Zhao Hong sat steadily in the middle seat, his temperament as calm as a mountain. After all, as the King of Yue, he had a perfect grasp of the innate pomp and majesty.
"Why did Prince Zhao invite us here?"
Conicoda asked the question first, his eyes full of inquiry.
"So, I'll make it short. I have only one goal: to capture Chang'an and then become king."
Zhao Hong spoke decisively, and his words not only shocked Connikada, but also Qi Guanlie and others, who widened their eyes with disbelief on their faces.
"The King of Qin is your brother. Why do you want to replace him?"
Conicoda continued to ask, his heart full of doubts.
"Taking Chang'an is not my ultimate goal. My ambition is to unify the entire Great Zhou. My cowardly and incompetent brother will only hinder the development of my great cause by sitting in that position."
Zhao Hong raised his voice and looked around at the people in front of him. His eyes were full of eagerness and desire, and he desperately wanted to get firm support from their eyes.
Today is undoubtedly a great stage for Zhao Hong, allowing him to freely display his ambitions and aspirations.
"I am from Daliang. I can support you as the King of Border Guard, but..."
When Connikada thought about the failure in the attack on Yanzhou, he still felt a little resentful and couldn't let it go.
"Those around you must be reinforcements from your own tribe. Let me ask you, are you willing to join hands with me to unify the Qin land and make me king?"
Zhao Hong turned his gaze to Qi Guanlie and Sai Jinzhu, his eyes full of anticipation.
Qi Guanlie and Sai Jinzhu couldn't help but feel puzzled when they heard Zhao Hong ask this question.
Before they set off, they should have completely obeyed the instructions of Liang State. After all, the land distribution south of Shizuishan had already been agreed upon.
Seeing the two men's troubled expressions, Zhao Hong smiled slightly and said, "Originally, since you helped me, this Dingbian City should naturally belong to you as a reward. But now it seems..."
"I do!" Qi Guanlie answered loudly and impatiently before Zhao Hong finished speaking.
Sai Jinzhu looked at Qi Guanlie in surprise and was stunned for a long time. He never expected that he would make a decision so quickly. His heart was full of doubts: What on earth is going on?
"Brother, you must join me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a great time to expand our land."
Qi Guanlie was eager to enlighten Sai Jinzhu, with burning desire in his eyes.
Seeing this, Conicoda asked, "With so many of us, how should the benefits be distributed?"
Obviously, he was also deeply moved by the grand blueprint drawn by Zhao Hong.
Zhao Hong calmly spread out the map, pointed at several cities, and said, "I will give you the entire Shangjun Dingbian area as a reward for your assistance."
Daraxinbu, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up: "I am your most loyal partner. We will always be by your side."
These naked words concealed his cowardly nature completely, and no one else noticed it at all.
In the eyes of others, this person was considered extremely shameless and despicable. Faced with such a great achievement, he did not even fight for it.
GBP