The entire hall fell silent.
A buzzing filled everyone’s minds, the content of the imperial decree Liang Xiao had just recited echoing repeatedly.
Burn after reading!
He simply burned the imperial decree? Burned it!
The Zuo Xian King stared, seemingly forgetting to breathe.
Qin Feng was the first to snap back to reality, his hand hidden in his sleeve trembling with excitement.
What a remarkable individual this Liang Xiao is!
Xiao Qing regained his senses, his heart bursting with joy. He gazed at Liang Xiao, struggling to suppress his elation and prevent himself from losing composure due to overwhelming happiness.
See, this is my loyal subject, my elder brother!
Wang Canghai, Ding Wuyi, and Ning Xuejun also recovered, looking at Liang Xiao as if they had found a priceless treasure.
They couldn’t help but admire Xiao Qing’s discernment.
Such a prodigy, and so handsome too, truly suited to continue the royal lineage…
The remaining eleven foreign envoys wore expressions of disbelief.
Half of the civil and military officials, upon regaining their senses, showed expressions of delight.
The other half wore complex expressions.
Just like that, the deadlock was broken?
Everyone knew about the barbarians’ conspiracy, yet they were powerless. After all, Great Qian had received the decree and was supposed to safeguard it.
The Zuo Xian King’s few words had, they thought, cornered Liang Xiao.
Unexpectedly, it was Liang Xiao who had cornered the Zuo Xian King!
At this moment, the Zuo Xian King felt as if he had swallowed a fly, utterly miserable and disgusted.
Produce the original scroll?
But to prevent Liang Xiao from requesting a backup, he had publicly stated that the Chanyu’s decree had no duplicates and he himself didn’t remember the content. To change his tune now would only bring him shame and completely erode the Chanyu’s authority!
The Zuo Xian King slowly came to his senses, feeling on the verge of tears.
He had suffered a crushing defeat in the Yan Prefecture campaign. To atone for his sins, he had specially devised this cunning plot with his subordinates, even utilizing a pawn planted in Great Qian to exchange the imperial decree. It was, he thought, foolproof!
Yet, a mere twenty-year-old youth had utterly destroyed his flawless plan, even publicly trampling on the dignity of the barbarians!
What "Great Qian’s Holy Emperor, Heaven’s might vast and mighty!"
What "Barbarians tremble, Chanyu submits!"
The decree contained none of these things, merely a simple greeting to the Emperor of Great Qian.
But now, he had failed spectacularly once more!
After confirming the imperial decree was burnt, Liang Xiao said with a look of pity, "It is truly surprising that the barbarians would show such sincerity. Perhaps they were psychologically scarred by our soldiers' might."
With that, Liang Xiao didn't forget to sigh theatrically.
Xiao Qing's hearty laughter echoed through the hall, followed by the civil and military officials stroking their beards and laughing heartily.
"So the barbarians came with sincerity. I never imagined they would be so cautious," Xiao Qing could not hide his amusement, his gaze shifting from Liang Xiao to the Zuo Xian King.
"Your Majesty is wise, the enemy nation is subdued!" the officials chimed in praise.
The Zuo Xian King’s face was ashen, speechless.
Even if he confronted Liang Xiao now, it would only be self-inflicted humiliation!
"Our nation resides at the center of the world, inheriting the Mandate of Heaven. Militarily, we have General Tian; intellectually, we have Liang Xiao. How can petty barbarians insult us? Let all nations be aware!" Xiao Qing’s tone turned stern, though a strange urge to weep welled up within him.
I have already lost General Tian, I cannot possibly lose him as well!
Qin Feng was the first to cup his hands in salute, solemnly promising allegiance, but his gaze never left Liang Xiao.
Except for the Zuo Xian King, all other envoys were deferential and inwardly shaken.
Fortunately, they had chosen to observe earlier. If they had colluded with the Zuo Xian King, they would be facing the same embarrassment now!
"Liang Xiao!!"
The Zuo Xian King, enraged and ashamed, blurted out Liang Xiao’s name, his entire body trembling violently as he took a step forward.
Ding Wuyi and Ning Xuejun narrowed their eyes and simultaneously stepped forward, guarding Liang Xiao’s side.
"What is the meaning of this, Zuo Xian King?" Xiao Qing’s face darkened, his gaze sharp.
The Zuo Xian King realized his outburst and became even more flustered, forcing a dry laugh. "This King merely did not expect Imperial Censor Liang to be such a young and outstanding talent, exceeding all expectations. I was momentarily overcome with admiration…"
Xiao Qing smiled with satisfaction, then kept a close eye on Liang Xiao, afraid he might be snatched away.
Liang Xiao let out another light chuckle, fixing his gaze on the Zuo Xian King, his words becoming increasingly sharp.
"I hope, Zuo Xian King, that upon your return, you will explain the spirit of our Great Qian to your Chanyu. And incidentally, the deep-seated hatred of the Yan Prefecture soldiers and civilians remains unavenged. Should your kind repeatedly commit border incursions, one day Great Qian’s battle flags will be planted in the barbarian royal court, letting you understand what it means to: 'Though distant, they shall be punished!'"
As he spoke, a rare glint of killing intent appeared in Liang Xiao’s eyes.
Hearing the hatred in his words, everyone couldn't help but shudder. Even Qin Feng and Xiao Qing were startled.
This man, who appears gentle, is actually so sharp and decisive!
Unlike the tension of others, the Zuo Xian King, who had already been staring at Liang Xiao, keenly caught the change in Liang Xiao's eyes, including that trace of killing intent.
This stature, this gaze…
The fear that figure had instilled in him was deeply etched into his mind!
"Tian, Tian, General Tian!!"
The Zuo Xian King shrieked, stumbling back several steps, falling to the ground, his throat trembling violently, his breathing extremely rapid.
Everyone looked at the terrified Zuo Xian King, astonished once more.
The dignified Zuo Xian King of the Xiongnu, reduced to such a state by fear??
The Zuo Xian King could only point at Liang Xiao in terror, his finger also trembling, his voice sharp and no longer possessing its usual booming resonance, "It, it's General Tian…"
The crowd was even more aghast, turning their gazes to Liang Xiao, utterly bewildered.
Only Liang Qing looked ecstatic, deep in thought!
Why is it that everyone who has encountered General Tian suspects him of being General Tian?
Xiao Qing and Wang Canghai couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Wang Canghai said proudly, "It seems the Zuo Xian King fears General Tian like a tiger! I almost forgot to inform you, Your Highness, General Tian has become the God of War of our Great Qian. He even manifested in the Temple of General Tian that day, protecting Imperial Censor Liang!"
Xiao Qing’s eyes were teary, and he also said proudly, "Indeed! It must have been General Tian manifesting again just now, startling the Zuo Xian King! We hope the barbarians understand that my beloved Liang is protected day and night by General Tian, and cannot be harmed by your petty schemes!"
The civil and military officials’ hearts tightened, and they all knelt and praised.
"Your Majesty is wise, the God of War is majestic!"
The dignified Zuo Xian King of the barbarians, scared to the point of urinating himself by a youth, this incident alone was enough to spread the might of Great Qian throughout the realm!
Qin Feng's breathing also became somewhat labored as he gazed at Liang Xiao, his mind racing with thoughts.
Strange!
Did General Tian truly manifest?
He didn’t believe in supernatural phenomena; he usually kept a respectful distance from deities.
General Tian manifesting in the Temple of General Tian, protecting both Liang Xiao and his fiancée…
At this moment, Qin Feng was filled with doubt, yet dared not pursue the matter further, only impatiently hoping the Zuo Xian King would leave quickly and not waste his precious time.
The Zuo Xian King finally recovered, wiping the cold sweat from his brow, not daring to look at Liang Xiao.
"Beloved Liang, the Zuo Xian King has been stunned by you. How do you suggest we entertain him?" Xiao Qing asked cheerfully.
Liang Xiao smiled and said, "This subject believes it would be best to first escort the Zuo Xian King to compose himself and calm his nerves. However, Zuo Xian King, there are individuals like myself in Great Qian, as numerous as fish in a river. I hope you will remember this: in our Great Qian, everyone is a General Tian! Because, in our Great Qian, everyone is a dragon!"
"What a fine saying, 'Everyone is a dragon!'" Qin Feng finally exclaimed.
The Zuo Xian King dared not meet Liang Xiao's gaze, nor did he respond. He merely turned around and hastily fled the scene.
Xiao Qing was already overjoyed, laughing heartily.
"Excellent! Beloved Liang has performed another great service. Today, within this Golden Hall, I shall proclaim to the world, letting all know of Beloved Liang's other merits, and bestow rewards upon him accordingly!"