Shen Liangyu grabbed the Assistant Minister of Revenue by the back of his neck with one hand and dragged him out. Soon, the shrill screams from outside abruptly ceased, leaving only the sound of wind in the silence. Everyone inside understood that the Assistant Minister of Revenue was surely dead.

Only then did Shen Qingzhu sheathe her sword and stand guard at the entrance.

Bai Qingyan’s gaze swept over the people kneeling on the ground. Some held their backs straight, others trembled fearfully. She said: “All of you, rise! I apologize for frightening you all!”

Hearing Bai Qingyan speak thus, everyone slowly stood up, but all kept their eyes lowered in respectful postures, not daring to look at Bai Qingyan.

Bai Qingyan, accompanied by Bai Jinzhi, walked through the crowd and took her seat, speaking in a gentle voice: “When Prince Han Cheng gave me your list, he begged me to treat you well, saying you were all trustworthy people. I believed him! But this Assistant Minister of Revenue… betrayed Great Zhou, causing Prince Han Cheng’s death in battle. I… absolutely cannot forgive this!”

“I’ve gathered you here today because Prince Han Cheng trusted you, and I, too, am willing to believe you are all still loyal to Great Zhou! This also lets you know clearly who your enemies are and who your friends are. Whether acting in court or privately in the future, you must all be aware of this in your hearts!” Bai Qingyan’s fingers caressed the armrest of her chair. “Everyone, these years, whether for Great Liang or later… for Great Zhou, you have all suffered hardships…”

Bai Qingyan rose and bowed deeply to these patriots who had hidden their identities and lived in constant fear for their country and people.

These spies looked stunned and hurriedly returned the bow to Bai Qingyan.

“However, the outcome of our nation’s gamble remains undecided, and the Great Zhou still needs people to remain in Dongyi to serve loyally and risk their lives for the people! You have all been in Dongyi for many years, rendering countless services to our nation, and I am deeply grateful. If any wish to return to Great Zhou, you may accompany the army back to Great Zhou this time – high offices, generous rewards, fine mansions, and fertile fields will be yours in abundance! For those willing to remain in Dongyi until the three-year national gamble ends, I… will personally come to escort you back! After the three-year gamble ends, regardless of success or failure, I will ensure the future of your children and descendants. I will never break this promise!”

Upon hearing these words, one of the bolder spies bowed to Bai Qingyan: “Your Majesty has gathered all of us together. If we still choose to remain, should a traitor appear among us… We would likely die without burial in this foreign land.”

“Indeed!”

“Exactly, Your Majesty…”

Bai Jinzhi also had such doubts in her heart. She glanced sideways at her eldest sister, understanding that her sister’s actions naturally had their reasons. She remained silent, seeing her sister survey everyone with what seemed like a faint smile at the corners of her mouth as she sat down. Bai Jinzhi steadied her mind and stood beside Bai Qingyan, one hand gripping her sword hilt, the other behind her back, her posture upright in a stance ready to protect Bai Qingyan’s safety.

“I believe… those willing to remain in Dongyi for the Great Zhou must all be people of firm resolve and trustworthy loyalty!” Bai Qingyan observed the expressions and subtle hand movements of everyone present, speaking slowly. “Moreover, knowing each other’s identities, you can not only cooperate in serving Great Zhou faithfully, but also monitor each other and more easily detect warning signs, enabling early action! Naturally… I don’t believe such things will happen!”

All the spies couldn’t help but glance left and right at those around them upon hearing this.

Bai Qingyan tapped her fingers on the table, waiting a moment before speaking: “The southern gate’s city defenses are now all manned by our Great Zhou people. Anyone who wants to return with the army and bring their family should go outside now to register their names and household numbers. For your safety and the safety of your colleagues who choose to remain, you will be sent directly out of the city… Our Bai family army will also collect your families and escort them! The properties and wealth here are not as important as your and your family’s safety. When you return to Great Zhou, I will have people provide you with new arrangements! This also allows us to sell Dongyi a favor by saying we’ve taken all our spies back, returning them a clean court.”

This meant that those wanting to return with the army must go outside now to register their household numbers and leave the Dongyi capital immediately, without saying another word.

While framed as being for their safety, it was actually to prevent traitors among them from spreading information. Telling Dongyi they were all former Great Zhou spies was meant to cut off this path for any traitors among them – they all understood this…

Standing beside Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinzhi also understood her sister’s intention. She guessed… her sister was giving those who had previously betrayed Great Zhou a chance at life. If they returned to the Great Zhou today, they could still have wealth and honor. Bai Jinzhi guessed her sister was willing to give betrayers a chance because… of Prince Han Cheng!

“Time is pressing. Please make your decisions quickly!” Bai Qingyan urged.

Soon, someone knelt and kowtowed to Bai Qingyan before withdrawing to find Shen Liangyu to register for return to the Great Zhou.

Bai Qingyan watched as most people in the room quickly left, leaving those who stood motionless – whether still hesitating or willing to stay was unclear.

“Return now, and you can have a high office and generous rewards in the Great Zhou. Stay and… face three more years of danger. Are you all willing?” Bai Qingyan asked.

The small group remaining in the room knelt, each expressing their resolve to continue serving Great Zhou in Dongyi until the national gamble was won.

“Your Majesty, this subordinate once received kindness from Prince Han Cheng. Now that Your Majesty has personally come to Dongyi to escort Prince Han Cheng’s remains back to Great Zhou, it shows Your Majesty values loyalty and righteousness. Returning now brings high office, generous rewards, and vast wealth! But after three years… returning then could secure good prospects for one’s children and descendants – this benefits future generations. Moreover, given the current situation… Dongyi is already completely under Great Zhou’s control, so staying here for three years carries no real danger.”

Bai Qingyan looked at the person who spoke with a lowered head. This one was clever, actually knowing that Dongyi was now under the Great Zhou’s control.

“Good. I will have people quietly escort you all back shortly. Please endure another three years of hardship for Great Zhou!” Bai Qingyan’s tone shifted as she continued: “Among you, some have previously betrayed the Great Zhou. Now choosing to stay, perhaps… You also fear that returning to the Great Zhou and being discovered would leave you no way to live. Staying in Dongyi, if the Great Zhou loses the national gamble, everything would be fine. If we win, you could also plan your escape…”

Indeed, Bai Qingyan saw that among those who chose to remain, some bodies stiffened with barely perceptible trembling.

“I am only willing to give you another chance out of respect for Prince Han Cheng’s plea to spare your lives, allowing you to atone through merit. Otherwise… given my nature, I would certainly have you dragged out and executed!”