Old General Yuan composed himself and set down his cup. “Everything is just as General Feng has said — all arrangements have been made.”

“His Majesty has ordered it, and this humble subject must indeed hand over the military tally. It’s only…”

Suddenly, Old General Yuan stood up and knelt down.

“General Feng, this old subject has one request. If you do not agree to it, then even if it means defying the imperial order, this old subject cannot hand over the military tally.”

“Old General Yuan, are you planning a rebellion?” Feng Rui glanced at him and shook his head.

“Old General Yuan.”

“Old General Yuan.”

Old General Yuan’s two personal guards came forward, wanting to help him up.

But the moment they touched him, Old General Yuan pulled free.

“This old subject did not hand over the military tally right away, and General Feng grew suspicious of me. This old subject is not surprised in the least.”

Kneeling on the ground, the elderly general’s voice was hoarse, his eyes glistening with tears.

He was nearing sixty, his hair streaked with white, yet none of that diminished the respect and standing he held in the hearts of the common people.

When the people in the inn saw Old General Yuan kneel, many couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.

The atmosphere in the inn grew heavy all at once.

Old General Yuan’s actions were not what Feng Rui had expected.

He was well aware of the place Young Master Yuan held in Old General Yuan’s heart, and had thought that today he would easily obtain the military tally. He hadn’t expected this old fox to be so cunning.

Knowing that public anger was not something to be trifled with, Feng Rui had no choice but to suppress the displeasure in his heart, bend down, and help Old General Yuan up.

“Old General Yuan, what are you doing? You’re a venerable elder, held in such high esteem — kneeling before me like this, aren’t you trying to bring me misfortune?”

“Come, come, let’s sit down and talk this through properly.”

As Feng Rui helped Old General Yuan to his feet, he deliberately brought his lips close to the old man’s ear.

“You’re clever, but if you still want to see your grandson again, you’d best not test my patience!”

Feng Rui helped Old General Yuan up and settled him firmly back into his seat.

“Heh heh heh, Old General Yuan, I am a subject of His Majesty, and I certainly cannot defy the imperial order — so there’s no use trying to threaten me.”

Feng Rui’s strange, pointed look left the words Old General Yuan was about to say stuck in his throat.

He took a deep breath and said, “This old subject only hopes General Feng will place the common people above all else in everything he does.”

“This old subject is not the lord of this city, yet I have lived off the rice the people have grown for decades. When the people are in trouble, this old subject cannot simply look away.”

“Is Old General Yuan implying a reproach against this general?” Feng Rui’s brow furrowed.

“I, Feng Rui, have given my all, body and soul, for the Feng Clan. Which of my actions was not for the sake of the Feng Clan’s people? And just because I’ve lost two battles, Old General Yuan doubts me?”

Seeing things were not going well, Sister Feng led the servants carrying the food and wine and stood off to the side, not daring to approach further.

“Heh heh…” Feng Rui patted Old General Yuan’s shoulder. “I know Old General Yuan didn’t mean it that way. Come, let’s eat first.”

“After breakfast, you and I will work out our strategy together.”

“As long as we wipe out the rebel forces, we’ll not only keep the nation whole, but also give the people peace and security to live and work. Old General Yuan, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Quick!” Feng Rui glanced around. “Bring up the food.”

“Yes.” Sister Feng cupped her hands and took her leave to see to it.

Soon, the table was laden with fine food and wine.

Feng Rui warmly entertained Old General Yuan, the smile on his face appearing not only sincere but touched with a measure of respect.

It could be said that his goal in not clearing the hall had been achieved.

After all, if he shut the doors and killed the man in private, the matter would be hard to explain away.

Feng Jiu’er could almost guess Feng Rui’s plan — once Old General Yuan was dead, he would pin the blame on her or on her father, killing two birds with one stone.

The rescue plan had to be moved up!