Chapter Thirty-Two: Turning the Tide

The decision by Gao Changwen and Gao Changfei's men to launch a night raid on the army at Longling Mountain was doomed to fail from the start. Perhaps the two hundred men were simply too rushed, leaving them no other choice, or perhaps they were just mindless. Gao Changsheng preferred to believe the former, for a group of mindless men would never have thought to use military uniforms to conceal their identities.

In the Great Yong Dynasty, the military operated on a strict conscription system. Clothing and armor were issued uniformly, with dedicated departments responsible for oversight and management. For an ordinary person to acquire even one set was as difficult as ascending to heaven. To obtain two hundred sets at once not only required an extraordinary status but also constituted a grave crime.

"Drop your weapons, or be executed without mercy!" Dou Yuan commanded. Thousands of crossbows were drawn and aimed, ready to turn the two hundred men into a hornet's nest in the blink of an eye.

"A bold 'executed without mercy' indeed!" the leader of the attackers shouted. "General Dou, have you forgotten the promise you made to my master?"

The remark immediately stirred a commotion within the camp. These intruders actually knew Dou Yuan? Although the man did not reveal his master's identity, both Dou Yuan and Gao Changsheng were certain that the culprits behind this were Gao Changwen and Gao Changfei.

"Soldiers, do not listen to the ramblings of these villains," Miaofa said, stepping in to stabilize the morale of the troops. "He is trying to sow discord; his intentions are treacherous!"

The whispering in the camp vanished instantly. Dou Yuan cast a look of gratitude at Miaofa, then drew his sword, preparing to order his men to open fire.

"Wait!" Gao Changsheng called out suddenly. "I know you are all death-sworn warriors who have already resolved to leave your lives here in this camp. You would never betray your master. However, just because you won't speak doesn't mean there are no cracks in your armor. These two hundred sets of uniforms and equipment alone are enough to trace the source, provided someone is willing to investigate. Unless the one who sent you decides to cut all ties to this event—which would include eliminating everyone you hold dear. Only then could they truly ensure there are no future troubles!"

Gao Changsheng spoke with a blank expression, though his heart was far from calm. He knew nothing of these men’s backgrounds. If they had no families or attachments, his psychological warfare would be useless.

"Impossible! The Master promised us that he would treat our families well, regardless of success or failure!"

"Sir, the Master wouldn't lie to us, would he?!"

Dozens of helpless eyes turned toward the leader, who grew visibly frustrated. "You idiots! Can't you hear that he’s just trying to provoke us? Rest assured, as long as you do as you're told, your families will be perfectly safe!"

He tried desperately to steady his men, but once a crack appeared, it became a fatal weakness. How could Gao Changsheng let such a heaven-sent opportunity slip by?

"Heh!" Gao Changsheng laughed mockingly. "Villainous dialogue is always so poorly reasoned. Do you and your master really think you are the smartest people on earth and everyone else is a fool?"

"Sigh," he continued. "Use your small brains and think carefully. Private possession of armor is a capital offense. Stealing two hundred sets of military gear and launching a night raid on the main camp is a crime punishable by the extermination of one’s entire clan! Even if your master has a prominent status, he would be lucky to survive such a charge himself. How could he possibly have the capacity to protect your families? If my guess is correct, once news of this reaches Jinyong City, your master will immediately strike at everyone involved to protect himself. The Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Justice, even the Ministry of Revenue—and your families—will all have to be eliminated. Only by leaving no trace can he ensure his own safety. As for you, aside from your bones, no evidence that you ever existed will remain. I've already written the script for you; believe it or not, that is your choice."

Gao Changsheng stood silently, waiting for their response. The seed of suspicion had been sown; now he just had to wait for it to sprout. Whether it worked or not would depend on luck.

A brief silence followed. The emotions of the two hundred warriors were etched clearly on their faces, shifting rapidly. Their internal struggle was intense.

"You... you don't actually believe his words, do you? He's lying to you!" the leader said in a panic, clearly sensing he was losing control.

*Clang!*

Someone dropped their weapon. It was like the first domino falling. Soon, more and more warriors discarded their arms, proving their resolve to stop resisting.

"Damn you all! I'll kill you!" The leader flew into a rage, swinging his blade at his own men.

*Thud!*

The warriors who had abandoned their resistance offered no defense, falling into pools of blood. The leader hacked away like a madman, while the warriors stood like hollow shells, neither dodging nor parrying, allowing their lives to be reaped.

"There is no sorrow greater than a dead heart. What a waste of good men," Gao Changsheng sighed with regret.

*Whoosh!*

Suddenly, a crossbow bolt tore through the darkness and pierced the leader's chest. With a spray of blood, he collapsed and stopped breathing shortly after. Gao Changsheng looked back to see Dou Yuan still holding the crossbow, the shot clearly his.

*Thump! Thump! Thump!*

The remaining warriors knelt before Gao Changsheng. "We know that raiding the main camp is a death sentence, and we do not expect Your Highness to spare our lives. But our families are innocent. If Your Highness promises to save them, we are willing to testify!"

These men were not stupid; they knew their value to Gao Changsheng. It was a transaction. Yet, they overestimated his strength. As he stood now, he had no standing to challenge two princes, let alone rescue their families from Gao Changwen and Gao Changfei.

"I am sorry, but I do not have the ability to rescue your families," Gao Changsheng said bluntly.

"What?" The warriors panicked. They had given up only because of his words, and now he was telling them he couldn't help? Were they being played?

"Do not rush," Gao Changsheng added. "While I may not be able to rescue them, ensuring they remain unharmed is simple. You must stay alive. As long as you are alive, he will not dare to target your families."