Chapter Ninety-Three: The Massacre of the City

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Ye Sansi clearly understood the location of the Wang residence. Halfway through the journey, he asked the three armored guards, “How many patrol units are there in the city?”

“One lord, there are fifty units in total, each consisting of three men.”

Hearing this number, Ye Sansi was puzzled. “Why are there so many?”

The lead armored guard chuckled, “My lord, you don’t know—our king’s temper has become even stranger every time he goes out and returns. He stays in the mansion every day, and also…”

Another armored guard nudged the first on the elbow, signaling him to stop speaking. Ye Sansi glared and shouted, “Speak quickly! What else? You can trust me with the truth. No matter what you’ve done, Wei Feiliang wouldn’t dare touch you.”

Hearing that, Ye Sansi’s heart felt as if cut by a knife, anger rising, but he concealed it well. He knew he couldn’t let a moment’s impulse ruin the plan he had crafted.

Smiling, Ye Sansi continued, “How many troops are stationed within Janzhou city?”

The lead armored guard lowered his voice as he walked beside Ye Sansi. “My lord, whatever I say, please don’t mention it to the king. If he finds out, even if I had a hundred heads, it wouldn’t be enough to save me.”

Ye Sansi nodded, signaling him to continue.

“Our king has ordered us to collect corpses, the more the better. The more we gather, the higher the chance of promotion. There was a young man who hadn’t found any corpses for many days, so he captured a whole family of five and handed them over to the king. The king was very pleased and promoted him three ranks. Now they’re our commanders. We have no choice but to imitate this method—catching the living for the king.”

“My lord, may I boldly ask what you intend to command?”

Ye Sansi smiled, patting the armored guard’s shoulder. “Good things. If you three are efficient, I’ll speak to Wei Feiliang and have you appointed generals.”

“My lord, most of our troops are stationed within the Xizhou territory; it is safe and secure. The guards in Janzhou add up to about a thousand. There are less than two hundred inside the city, and except for those on patrol, all are guarding the Wang residence.”

Ye Sansi nodded, stopped, and said, “You two, go notify the other armored troops to gather at the Wang residence. No need for patrols. I will find Wei Feiliang and give instructions.”

Guard A: “Why do you tell him everything? This is a secret. Aren’t you afraid the king will blame you?”

Guard B: “Why fear? Listen to his tone—he’s more powerful than the king, probably an imperial envoy or an old acquaintance of the king. If we curry favor with him, our future wealth and glory are assured.”

The three armored guards expressed their thanks, and the two named hurried off to carry out the orders.

On the way, the two guards talked.

Guard A: “But…”

Guard B: “No buts. Let’s take it step by step. First, we notify the troops. If he truly is some high official or imperial envoy, and we miss the timing, the king’s wrath would be terrible.”

Guard A: “Do you believe everything he says? Look at his age—he’s not even twenty. What kind of high official could he be?”

Guard B: “It’s fine. Look at how timid you are. He’s alone. If he is a spy, we kill him and offer him to the king. Our task’s done; what could the king do? Besides, telling the city patrol to gather at the Wang residence doesn’t benefit him at all.”

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Once inside the Wei king’s mansion, Ye Sansi asked, “Where is Wei Feiliang?”

The armored guard replied, “The king should be in the secret chamber practicing martial arts. No one may disturb him. If you want to see him, I can lead the way, but you must call him yourself. I dare not notify him.”

…

Accompanied by an armored guard, Ye Sansi arrived at the mansion. The guards tried to block his way, but seeing the armored guard bowing and nodding respectfully, they assumed he was a noble guest. They sheathed their swords, stood straight, and allowed him entry.

Ye Sansi nodded and said, “I will wait here until all the city’s armored troops have gathered. Then I will call for Wei Feiliang.” He was secretly pleased. He had thought Wei Feiliang would be a difficult obstacle, but now that he was training inside a secret chamber and couldn’t hear anything outside, once he came out and saw the mansion full of corpses, he wouldn’t know whether to be happy or angry.

The armored guard fetched a redwood stool and placed it in a high spot, inviting Ye Sansi to sit, facing a wide-open space.

Ye Sansi smiled, waved his hand, and said, “Nothing much, but I have one question. Will our discussions in the mansion disturb Wei Feiliang?”

“My lord, rest assured. Our king likes quiet. When the secret chamber was built, skilled craftsmen were employed to ensure no sound passes in or out. No matter how loud we are, it won’t disturb the king.”

Ye Sansi cleared his throat and lowered his voice, then said loudly, “All guards, come and form ranks. I have inspected Janzhou city—there