Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors
Chapter 201 - 184 Ancient People Trap Ancient People_3

Chapter 201: Chapter 184 Ancient People Trap Ancient People_3

But it was not until he was in his seventies, in the last two years of his life, that he showed everyone his true self.

So, the question returned to square one: did Sima Yan really have an agenda?

Chuge could only say: "I don’t know."

Since it was impossible to verify any of it, even if one could relive that history or stand in the shoes of those involved, it was impossible to verify a possibility that never occurred.

From deep within, Chuge was more inclined to believe that Sima Yan truly had no intentions of rebellion and was also willing to believe it was just a wrongful murder, but if one looked at it from the emperor’s perspective, he indeed could not afford the risk.

Thinking of this, Chuge sighed softly and finally concluded the cause of Sima Yan’s death.

If Sima did not die, the strife in Huai region would not cease.

The officials born in the Huai region dominated the court at that time, from Sima Yan to Zhou Ping, continually nurturing their faction. The very reason Sima Yan could so decisively resign, was probably because he had picked Zhou Ping as his successor, knowing Zhou Ping would safeguard his interests well.

Emperor Taizu of Sheng did want to support other factions to counteract the Huai group, but after all, the Huai group’s foundation was too deep to be shaken.

So, it was simply letting the power of Zhou Ping’s faction inflate and then annihilate it at once.

As for Sima Yan, who was truly the spokesperson for the Huai group, his fate was naturally sealed.

Although Emperor Taizu was also quite adaptable, he could not foresee the future and had little confidence in this race against time.

More importantly, he had no need to compete with Sima Yan in longevity because after all, he was the emperor.

"Summon someone.

"I want to interrogate Zhou Ping’s relative myself, Li You."

Chuge knew this interrogation would yield extremely crucial information. Li You would confess that before Zhou Ping plotted the rebellion, he had sought Sima Yan, whose response was: "I am already old. After I die, you guys will have to fend for yourselves."

And this statement would become the trigger for Emperor Taizu to finally decide to kill Sima Yan.

As for who was at fault in this matter?

Really, no one was to blame.

From the emperor’s perspective, the emperor was right; from the minister’s perspective, it was the minister who was wronged; from the commoners’ perspective, it didn’t matter who killed whom, as long as the nation was stable, without violent political struggles, and without making the common people homeless again, that was enough.

If one really had to blame someone, it could only be the Sima Yi from hundreds of years ago, letting his descendants take the fall!

...

Meanwhile, Hu Yunying, assuming the identity of the "Rebel Army", had once again gathered a force of six to seven hundred people.

But the bad news was, he still hadn’t found General Gu Yuan, the one he hoped to rely on.

Hu Yunying suspected that this might be intentionally blocked by the game "Dark Sand".

If it really followed the true historical situation, then as long as a player found General Gu Yuan and obeyed him in every aspect, it might be possible to breeze through the game.

Clearly, that would not serve the purpose of testing the player.

So, Hu Yunying decided not to dwell on it any longer and planned to follow the established plan and propose to Marshal Peng to establish his own faction.

In the council hall, Marshal Peng greeted with a kind smile, "What brings you to me?"

Hu Yunying was well aware that although Marshal Peng seemed friendly on the surface, he had already developed a hostility.

The reason was simple: two tigers cannot share one mountain.

When Emperor Taizu initially demonstrated his exceptional talents, Marshal Peng was evidently delighted, believing he had found a great general, a promising talent.

However, it didn’t take long for Marshal Peng to realize that Emperor Taizu’s capabilities were not merely those of a general.

In other words, Emperor Taizu’s abilities surpassed his own.

Naturally, Marshal Peng hoped his own son would succeed him, and he naturally started to alienate and guard against this outsider.

In times of chaos, truly capable heroes who could unify the realm were incredibly rare, and among different factions of the rebel army, only the strongest could prevail in their struggles.

The struggle was not necessarily a fair and open military conflict; it could manifest in any form.

Yun Ying knew that to pass through with the identity of the "Rebel Army," she mostly needed to break away from Marshal Peng and establish her own faction, so she did not hide her intentions and directly stated her purpose.

"General Peng, now that we occupy Chuzhou City, although many heroes have joined us and we are developing rapidly, the world is in chaos and heroes rise everywhere. Outside of Chuzhou, there are countless opportunities.

"General Peng, you run Chuzhou and use it as a base for development, which is certainly the best strategy. But we should also seize some opportunities outside.

"So, I hope you will allow me to take some people out to explore new territories."

Marshal Peng’s expression, at first startled, then a trace of joy flickered across his face.

Clearly, he too had long felt that this young person was not ordinary and keeping him nearby might be a hazard. Now that the other party was taking the initiative to leave Chuzhou, it was naturally a good thing.

However, Marshal Peng did not show his feelings too obviously. Instead, after feigning contemplation, he said, "You have an enterprising spirit, which is good.

"But... how many people do you plan to take?"

Yun Ying hesitated for a moment but didn’t think much of it and answered, "I’ll take the 700 men I currently command."

Marshal Peng smiled wryly and then shook his head, "That might be inappropriate.

"Although the opportunities outside are favorable, Chuzhou City is not yet stable.

"That Dong Chengyun, the bandit leader from the Northern Barbarians, is always eyeing Chuzhou City and could attack at any moment. Taking these soldiers away now, although not many, still weakens our forces.

"If the other commanders saw this, it might not look good..."

Yun Ying hesitated for a moment, "But Marshal..."

Marshal Peng waved his hand, "Let’s discuss this matter later."

Having said this, he dismissed Yun Ying.

...

Leaving the council hall, Yun Ying returned to her room, filled with confusion.

"Strange, what exactly is Marshal Peng thinking?

"Since he has always been wary of me, he should be happier now that I’m leaving. Moreover, when I mentioned leaving, a look of joy clearly passed over his face.

"But why did he disagree later?

"He mentioned that Chuzhou City is not yet stable and that other commanders seeing this would have a bad impression... these are obviously excuses.

"Could it be... Marshal Peng means that I can leave, but the soldiers must stay?"

Yun Ying suddenly realized this and couldn’t help but see the light.

From Marshal Peng’s perspective, he didn’t want Emperor Taizu of Sheng by his side, as Emperor Taizu’s capability was too strong, stronger than him and not to mention his sons.

But he also didn’t want Emperor Taizu to take too many people with him.

On one hand, these soldiers were recruited under the banner of the Rebel Army, strictly speaking, they were Marshal Peng’s men. Is Marshal Peng willing to send these 700 men as a dowry for Emperor Taizu? Certainly not.

And indeed, Marshal Peng’s words had some merit.

If Emperor Taizu now took his men and left directly, claiming it was to explore new territories, everyone else could see that this was a parting of ways.

How could he lead this team then?

What if others made the same request?

Yun Ying finally understood.

"In other words... I can leave, but I cannot take all my men with me.

"I can only take a very small number, perhaps, select twenty or thirty...

"Otherwise, Marshal Peng will absolutely not agree."

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