Gui Xingfu was at a loss for words. He clearly saw that Yan Wuzhi had been moved, but out of arrogance and pride, he demanded that Suo Lun demonstrate the deference accorded to an ancestor before offering even a glimmer of opportunity.
In fact, Suo Lun was even more arrogant and completely lacking in patience.
Taking a deep breath, Gui Xingfu said, "I will go back and inform Marquis Suo Lun immediately, ensuring he personally comes to pay his respects to your excellency."
"Then let him first seek my forgiveness," Yan Wuzhi said coldly.
"Forgiveness?" Gui Xingfu asked in confusion.
Yan Wuzhi said, "Do you know who Yan Tingyi was? Not only was he my nephew, but also my student. Suo Lun actually had him killed with a single strike. If he wants my forgiveness, he should build a ceremonial tomb for Yan Tingyi, then kneel, bow his head in reverence, and shave his head to atone for his sins! After completing these tasks, he may come to discuss the matters of the Southeast Province with me."
Gui Xingfu’s gaze narrowed as he said, "Chancellor Yan Wuzhi, you should know when to stop! Even though you currently have control over the entire Southeast Province, Marquis Suo Lun commands tens of thousands of troops, and he is a man with a murderous aura."
Yan Wuzhi said, "Are you threatening me? Behind me stand twelve thousand officials of the Southeast Province. Without us, how will he govern the Southeast Province? Moreover, at this time, all the nobility, feudal lords, and the bureaucratic factions across the land are watching. If he acts foolishly, he will only push all forces to Zhi Li’s side. If he is that stupid, His Highness Zhi Li will likely be ecstatic."
With a helpless sigh, Gui Xingfu said, "Very well, I will convey your message to Marquis Suo Lun. I take my leave!"
Then, Gui Xingfu was about to turn and leave.
"Hold on!" Yan Wuzhi said, "Send someone to inform Suo Lun; you must stay behind."
Gui Xingfu’s expression changed as he asked, "You wish to take me as a hostage?"
Yan Wuzhi said, "Not exactly. If my negotiations with Suo Lun break down, I might as well present you to His Highness Zhi Li—it would be quite an achievement!"
Gui Xingfu said, trembling, "Chancellor Yan Wuzhi, Marquis Suo Lun is far less patient than you imagine. What you are doing is very dangerous."
Yan Wuzhi spoke disdainfully, "Now the whole world is watching him. If he wants all the nobility, feudal lords, and bureaucratic factions to side with Zhi Li, then let him indulge in rash actions to his heart’s content."
Then, at his command, he ordered, "Bring me Gui Xingfu and his entourage; take them all into custody!"
A Suo samurai, covered in dust, hurried into the mansion of Tianshui City’s lord and, upon seeing Suo Lun, immediately collapsed to the ground, knelt, and kowtowed, saying, "Master, Chief Historian of the Governor’s Mansion of the Southeast Province, Yan Wuzhi, has taken Gui Xingfu and others into custody, and he sent me to deliver a message."
"What is the message?" Suo Lun asked.
The Suo samurai said, "He requests that you build a ceremonial tomb for Yan Tingyi and then kneel before it, bow your head in reverence, shave your head to atone for the crime. After that, you must personally visit the governor’s mansion in Donghai City to seek his forgiveness. Only after these tasks are completed will he be willing to discuss the matters of the Southeast Province with you."
Suo Lun’s gaze narrowed as he said coldly, "What a fool, thinking I have the patience for inviting the learned with utmost courtesy, as if trying three times to recruit the hermit? "
Then, with one command, he ordered, "Go invite City Lord Ashi Liren over!"
Four hours later, Suo Lun and Lord Ashi Liren led fifteen thousand cavalry, majestically riding towards the capital of the Southeast Province, Donghai City.
Yan Wuzhi, despite being moved, still assumed such an attitude—it really was courting death.
To seize the initiative in dealing with Suo Lun, he actually did something so provocative.
If Suo Lun became enraged, it would likely result in rivers of blood!
Note: Here’s the second update, asking for your support and monthly votes.