Chapter 909: Chapter 907: Publicly Chastising and Beating
Chapter 909: Chapter 907: Publicly Chastising and Beating
He cleared his throat, knelt on one knee, and respectfully said, “In my humble opinion, what the generals have said is very true. Su Hao’s rash deployment and entrapment within enemy lines are not worth lamenting. We must not compromise the majesty of the Great Cheng Dynasty or weaken our cities because of one person. If necessary, this old minister will personally lead the troops to battle and order Su Hao to sacrifice himself for the country as an example to our army!”
“Hiss——”
After Su Qingzhi finished speaking, everyone gasped in shock.
Su Qingzhi was known for his strict military discipline, and his reputation was widespread, but they had never imagined he would be so ruthless even to his own grandson, the only direct descendant of the Marquis of Martial South’s Manor.
After Su Jinxuan’s death, there was only young master Su Hao left in the Marquis’s Manor.
If Su Hao died, the Marquis’s Manor would have no successor.
Yet, upon further thought, they admired the fact that Su Qingzhi, as the Defender General, did not show favoritism towards Su Hao just because he was his grandson.
Everyone stood up in respect and said in unison, “Old General Su’s righteousness is truly admirable, sir!”
Su Qingzhi slightly bowed to them, “I have not been strict enough in my discipline, allowing Su Hao to make mistakes. I am ashamed!”
“The Old General is too modest!”
Zhou Tang said, comforting him.
Up to now, Su Qingzhi had not uttered a single biased word. Just yesterday, he had taken his punishment bravely, making those who had blamed Su Hao seem somewhat excessive.
After much thought, Zhou Tang stepped forward and suggested, “Your Highness, why not let me lead the troops for another attempt? I will exert all my efforts to rescue General Su Hao.”
Chu Yihan pointed to the sand table, “You demonstrate for Your Highness, how do you plan to rescue Su Hao.”
“This…”
Zhou Tang clenched his fists and walked up to the sand table, pointing to the location where Su Hao was surrounded, he said, “This place is the One-Line Sky Canyon, surrounded by mountains on three sides and with only one entrance, which is tightly guarded by the Qi army. There are about fifty thousand soldiers, and the terrain is treacherous. However, the original troops of the Qi army are stationed far from here. Your Highness, give me a hundred thousand troops, and I will lead them straight into the canyon to rescue General Su Hao.”
Everyone gathered around the sand table and agreed with Zhou Tang’s proposal, “Your Highness, our army currently has three hundred thousand troops at the border. Giving General Zhou a hundred thousand troops is more than enough. Although the canyon is treacherous, we can force our way through. The Qi army is no match for us, and General Zhou will surely be victorious.”
“Yes, by gathering our troops, we can also directly attack the Qi army’s main camp and capture their Liaoking! To counter-threaten Qi State!”
Chu Yihan’s face was grim, “Three hundred thousand troops moving out, splitting into two groups, but the Qi army also has two hundred thousand troops. He only sent fifty thousand to guard the canyon, don’t you understand what this implies?
They are waiting for our large forces to strike at the canyon and then circle around to attack us. Once our military camp is vacant, they will break through Jingcheng!”
“This…”
After hearing this, Zhou Tang felt a chill run down his spine, “But after all, the Qi army only has two hundred thousand troops, and there are more than a hundred thousand troops near our army that can be mobilized. Even if we lose Jingcheng, we can take it back, can’t we?”
“Someone, beat Zhou Tang with twenty military sticks immediately!”
Chu Yihan roared angrily.
All the generals knelt down in fear, “Your Highness, please calm your anger!”
Mo Qi led the men and directly pressed Zhou Tang in front of everyone, beating him with twenty military sticks. Zhou Tang spat out a mouthful of blood from the beating.
He genuinely did not understand what he had said wrong to warrant a public punishment from Chu Yihan!
“Your Highness, please calm your anger. General Zhou was just eager to save General Su Hao.”
Among the generals, a slender but steady middle-aged man stepped forward.