By the time An Sheng received A Mei's second letter, the entourage had finally arrived at the frontier fortress of Chancheng.
General of Hussars Lu Zhengfeng and the Chancheng Regional Commander Wu Hai had long been waiting there with officials of all ranks. The frontier climate was bitterly cold; the military officers fared alright, but a few frail civil officials were already frozen stiff, shivering uncontrollably.
As the dense sound of galloping hooves approached, Commander An's carriage finally arrived, causing everyone's already tense hearts to leap into their throats.
The reason was simple: it was widely rumored that An Sheng, the Commander of the Inner Depot, was ruthless and tyrannical. He held the power of life and death, abused his authority for personal gain, and persecuted loyal officials. Yet, he was deeply favored by both the late Emperor and the current Emperor. Now, his power overshadowed the royal court, leaving all the court officials daring to feel anger but not to speak out.
With such a figure arriving at their doorstep, let alone the ordinary officials, even Commander Wu and General Lu Zhengfeng were standing by in strict readiness.
The highly regulated, opulent carriage came to a halt in front of the crowd. Everyone waited to pay their respects to Commander An, but they waited and waited, and there was no movement from within.
Everyone's hearts suddenly sank. They couldn't help but look at Commander Wu and General Lu Zhengfeng standing at the very front. The two men's faces were equally dark and purplish, whether from the freezing cold or some other reason, no one knew.
Finally, after half a quarter of an hour, the carriage curtain was lifted.
Draped in an ink-black cloak, An Sheng expressionlessly lifted the curtain and slowly leaned out of the carriage. Supported by an attendant, he stepped down. He slowly stood firm, revealing a pale, ordinary face. His gaunt figure appeared frail and even somewhat sickly in front of the numerous military officers, yet no one dared to truly underestimate him.
He slightly raised his chin, his eyes narrowing, his brows filled with a sinister and ruthless aura. His undisguised arrogance and unbridled insolence emanated a powerful presence that struck terror into the hearts of everyone present.
With the sharp, piercing voice unique to a eunuch, carrying a venomous tone like a snake's flicking tongue, he twitched the corners of his mouth in a faux smile and enunciated every word, Greetings, everyone.
At the welcoming banquet, An Sheng maintained a playful smile on his lips. He leaned lazily against the main seat, his slender fingers wantonly toying with a wine cup. Seated below him on either side were General Lu Zhengfeng and Commander Wu.
Those who could attend this banquet were naturally the central figures of power in Chancheng. At a glance, most were dressed in military armor. The frontier revered martial virtue and military merit; military officers outnumbered civil officials and naturally held higher status. Most of the military men were rough and uninhibited, accustomed to joking and shouting boisterously with their superiors on normal days. Suddenly faced with this gloomy and ruthless Lord An, they looked at each other, unable to utter any flattering or sycophantic words for the moment, causing the atmosphere to become eerily cold and awkward.
An Sheng's cold gaze swept around the room. He let out a soft chuckle and spoke faintly in his pinched voice, I am here by His Majesty's decree, touring on behalf of the Heavens to commend the three armies and boost morale. You all possess absolute loyalty and are vital ministers of the state. Now that His Majesty relies heavily on you and cares deeply for the soldiers, with such immense imperial grace, you must swear your loyalty to the death and not disappoint His Majesty's favor.
An Sheng's pointed and deeply meaningful words made everyone present shudder inwardly; the words grated harshly on their ears.
Sitting below An Sheng, General Lu Zhengfeng's face turned a mix of green and red, while Commander Wu beside him was sweating profusely.
Commander Wu gave a dry laugh and agreed, Naturally, naturally. Please rest assured, Lord An. The imperial grace is vast; we subjects shall naturally defend the imperial power, loyal to the Emperor and loving our country.
An Sheng chuckled lowly, his slender eyes turning up slightly as he deliberately spoke in a mocking tone, It had better be so.
As he spoke, An Sheng's gaze suddenly sharpened. Honest men do not speak in riddles. I imagine everyone here is whispering in their hearts: out of so many ministers in the imperial court, why did His Majesty specifically choose me to come here? Tell me, am I right?
Right! Absolutely right! Who among the attendees wasn't wondering? The Inner Depot was already a supervisory agency with immense power. Now, its Commander was representing the Emperor to exercise the powers of inspection, impeachment, and judgment. Anyone who thought deeply about it would feel their blood run cold and their heart tremble!
Commander Wu was already sweating buckets underneath his clothes. Feigning composure, he flattered, What are you saying, Lord An? Even though I am far away at the frontier, I have heard of Lord An's prominent authority and great contributions. You are deeply relied upon by the late Emperor and His Majesty. For such a heavy responsibility, Lord An is naturally the only candidate.
Immediately, others echoed.
Commander Wu is right. Lord An is a pillar of the state and is indeed the one and only choice.
Yes, exactly!
These flattering words sounded very pleasing to An Sheng's ears, making him inevitably feel smug. He curled the corners of his lips. Entrusted by His Majesty, I shall naturally offer my life and shed my blood for the cause.
Saying this, An Sheng's gloomy gaze suddenly fell upon the silent General Lu Zhengfeng. He asked with an intriguing tone, I see General Lu Zhengfeng does not seem very cheerful. Is it because of me?
General Lu Zhengfeng's face stiffened, turning a mix of pale and green. He cupped his hands toward An Sheng and said with full confidence, Lord An overthinks it. I have simply never been good with words.
Commander Wu hurriedly smoothed things over. Oh my, please do not take offense, Lord An. General Lu Zhengfeng has always been like this; I can testify to that. Lord An has traveled a long way, and although General Lu Zhengfeng cannot express it well, he has specially prepared a meticulous grand gift for Lord An. Saying this, Commander Wu glared at General Lu Zhengfeng. Lao Lu!
A hint of disdain and contempt flashed subtly in General Lu Zhengfeng's eyes, but he still raised his hand and clapped three times toward the outside. Immediately, two dancers with graceful figures and revealing attire walked in from outside the room.
As the exotic drum music began to play, the two beauties danced elegantly. For a moment, they captured everyone's attention, their beauty overwhelming.
An Sheng's expression changed instantly.
He ground his teeth, turned his head, and his pitch-black, chilling eyes met General Lu Zhengfeng's resolute face with a faux smile.
Leave the banquet. I have matters to discuss privately with General Lu Zhengfeng.
Everyone had long heard of Commander An's ruthless, arrogant, and temperamental ways. Hearing this, they immediately took their leave in quick succession.
Commander Wu's face was ashen. He hesitated repeatedly, but before he could speak, he saw An Sheng turn and stare at him sinisterly. Commander Wu, do not be impatient. After I finish chatting with General Lu Zhengfeng, I will find you to have a heart-to-heart talk.
Commander Wu: ...
When only An Sheng and Lu Zhengfeng were left in the hall.
An Sheng gave a cold snort. Speak. First you send someone ahead of time to deliver bank notes, and now you present beauties. What exactly is it that General Lu Zhengfeng seeks?
Lu Zhengfeng did not answer, but stared fixedly at An Sheng, suddenly asking in return, What exactly did Lord An come here for?
An Sheng's eyes suddenly became dangerous and vicious, as if his dark pupils were soaked in venom. He was clearly smiling, yet he was terrifying beyond compare. Naturally, I am here for your lives!
Lu Zhengfeng's face turned deathly pale, and his anxious heart finally sank into despair.
Then he heard An Sheng speak unhurriedly, Since it requires the intervention of my Inner Depot, you naturally know what this is about in your heart.
Lu Zhengfeng suddenly raised his face, looking sorrowful. I have guarded the frontier for years, killed countless enemies, and made innumerable contributions, big and small. How could His Majesty...
Hmph! It is useless to say more. If you cooperate with me and confess everything in full detail, revealing the mastermind behind this, I naturally have ways to protect you!
One man takes responsibility for his own actions. I fear nothing!
Lu Zhengfeng wore an expression of tragic resolve: "Lord An, since it has come to this, name your price! Wealth, beauties, how much will it take for Lord An to show mercy!"
An Sheng sneered: "Oh? That will depend entirely on General Lu's sincerity."
"Speak your mind!"
An Sheng let out a sinister cackle: "Even at a time like this, General Lu remains a man of such profound loyalty. I truly admire it. However, whether it is actually worth the cost is another matter entirely." As he spoke, An Sheng fixed a playful gaze on Lu Zhengfeng, his venomous eyes swirling with thick, unadulterated malice: "Since Lord Lu wishes to demonstrate his sincerity, I must say I have no interest in the two vulgar women you have offered. I have heard, however, that General Lu has a beloved daughter in the very bloom of her youth, blessed with natural beauty. Have her sent to my chambers tonight."
The moment those words were spoken.
Lu Zhengfeng's eyes widened in absolute fury. He sprang to his feet, his tightly clenched fists bulging with the sheer force of his rage, and threw a punch that whistled fiercely straight at An Sheng!
He roared: "How dare you, you eunuch scum!"
