World-Ending Demon Emperor
Chapter 898 - 422: Slay Jian Ze! Assassinate the King!_2

Chapter 898: 422: Slay Jian Ze! Assassinate the King!_2

Jian Ning immediately kowtowed and said, "Yes, your humble servant is indeed a villain. But I strive to be a capable villain, one who can alleviate my lord’s worries and achieve great deeds."

This saying, "Embrace the wise and shun the wicked," comes from Zhuge Liang’s "Memorial on the Deployment of Troops."

This statement is both right and wrong!

From Zhuge Liang’s perspective, it is certainly correct. It is also seen as correct by scholars and literati, as they identify deeply with the virtuous ministers.

But for a lord, this saying may not be so accurate. How many virtuous ministers and noble gentlemen are there in this world?

Sometimes, villains are much more useful than virtuous ministers!

"Suo Lun, give you an opportunity," said Suo Lun. "Go to the Southwestern Legion, remain as your thousand cavalry commander, but your future achievements will depend on your performance!"

Upon hearing this, Jian Ning was ecstatic, frantically kowtowing to Suo Lun, his head bleeding from the force.

No words could describe the ecstasy in his heart at that moment. Despite still being a thousand cavalry commander, as a clever person, he immediately perceived the implied meaning in Suo Lun’s words.

Perform well, and in ten years, Jian Ning, you will be the commander of the Southwestern Legion.

"Your servant, Jian Ning, is willing to serve loyally for generations. Should I betray, may heaven and earth annihilate me," Jian Ning said tearfully.

Back then, Jian Ning had sworn in the same way to Zhi Li.

And after Zhi Li’s defeat, he immediately switched allegiance to Suo Lun, swearing in the same manner.

But Suo Lun would not mind. After all, overly clear waters are void of fish, and overly scrutinizing leaders are void of followers.

Life is like a play, it all relies on acting. They are neither your wife nor your family, why should they confide in you completely?

Moreover, if Zhi Li had not been defeated, why would Jian Ning have betrayed?

"Let’s go, let’s meet your Uncle Jian Ze," said Suo Lun.

Jian Ning was startled, then bowed and said, "Yes!"

At that moment, Suo Lun, Zhi Yan, Zhuang Zhixuan, Jian Ning, and Tuli Ming mounted their Griffin Beasts and set off for Tianlang Pass!

At this time, through the efforts of certain individuals, both the Southwestern Legion and the so-called Southeast Rebellion Quelling Army had already learned of Zhi Li’s significant defeat, and the entire military camp was in turmoil!

...

An hour later, Suo Lun and others landed at Jian Ze’s large camp!

Jian Ze was a proud man, his central army tent unique, perched atop a mountain. Every time he stepped out of the tent, he could overlook the tens of thousands of troops below.

Hearing the sound of the Griffin, Marquis Jian Yong immediately rushed out, and upon seeing Suo Lun and Zhi Yan in person, was startled before immediately kneeling on the ground, his forehead touching the ground without stirring, not even acknowledging his son, Jian Ning!

Why had Suo Lun come to Jian Ze’s large camp?

He wanted to give Jian Ze one last chance, as he had said - he really was short on people. In Suo Lun’s eyes, Jian Ze’s ability was mediocre, but as they say, "A short man must jump to become a general." After a long peace, where could he find many great generals?

Had there been an Ashimo in his prime, Suo Lun would visit two or three times if necessary.

If there was a perfect general like his father, Suo Long, Suo Lun would even act submissively to him.

After learning about Suo Long’s achievements, Suo Lun really only wanted to curse one word, "Fool!" But after becoming the lord himself, he deeply longed for a perfect commander like Suo Long.

Count Suo Long, his martial prowess was no less than Turing Tuo, his military achievements even greater. But he did not seek power or wealth. Brave and upright, powerfully loyal.

But each time a campaign ended, he would immediately return to Tianshui City Territory, not taking a single soldier with him.

In all the years since the Rage Wave Kingdom other than the great war with Rouran, no other large-scale warfare occurred, but minor skirmishes with neighboring countries were continuous, and Barbarian Tribes also raided deep into the kingdom several times.

Every time Turing Tuo was called to deploy troops, he demanded benefits, either advancing his family members in rank, expanding his fief, or increasing his military power.

But every time Suo Long was called to deploy troops, no promises were needed. He would thoroughly complete the King’s tasks and proactively conserve national resources, achieving the greatest victory with the least cost. After a triumphant return, he immediately turned in his military power and returned to Tianshui City Territory.

Every time the King wanted to elevate Suo Long’s noble rank, he rejected using the ancient laws of the kingdom. Thus he established extraordinary military exploits but was still only an Earl when he passed away, while Turing Tuo, already a Duke, was still thinking about ascending to Kingly rank.

Before his death, Suo Long still only had over ten thousand Tianshui City Guards under his command. Turing Tuo, however, already controlled five or six hundred thousand troops.

Count Suo Long was a nobleman so upright he was almost stubbornly old-fashioned.

Now there is one person somewhat similar to him, namely Lord Luan Yang, Tuli Ming.

Of course, whether in martial prowess, military talent, or even character, Tuli Ming is far from equaling Suo Long. But compared to others, Tuli Ming is already very rare.

Suo Lun brought Tuli Ming to replicate his father Count Suo Long’s path, assigning him command over the Southwestern Legion.

Of course, he was still willing to give Count Jian Ze a chance.

Now, as long as Jian Ze took the initiative to come out and kneel loyally, then Suo Lun and Zhi Yan’s visit would be regarded as honoring the virtuous.

But if Jian Ze continues to be foolish and maintains his arrogance, then...

...

After dismounting from the Griffin Beast, Suo Lun stood silently outside the central army tent.

Marquis Jian Yong immediately shouted loudly: "Jian Ze, Princess Zhi Yan and Lord Suo Lun are here personally, this is an enormous favor, come and kneel quickly!"

Inside the central army tent, Jian Ze’s breathing hastened, his face flushed with excitement and his heart pounding furiously.