In Xiangcheng's magistrate residence, Chu soldiers had already captured all the household members. Only after confirming safety did they allow Roy to take residence, temporarily establishing it as their military headquarters.
Orders flowed continuously from Roy's lips, throwing the entire residence into organized chaos.
Amidst this bustle, Liu Ji arrived with Xiao He and a few others.
"Are we disturbing the General's work?"
Standing at attention, Liu Ji clasped her fists toward Roy at the front and bowed her head slightly. Her tone was soft, far gentler than the thorny, thick-skinned demeanor she'd shown during their first meeting.
She stole a glance upward, only to panic when she noticed Roy's gaze meeting hers, hurriedly lowering her head again. Fortunately, her bowed position hid her face—had anyone seen the famed "Duke of Pei" blushing, it would have been sensational news.
Yet Xiao He, standing behind Liu Ji, noticed. A keen observer of expressions, he felt indescribably odd seeing Liu Ji's earlobes tinged pink.
First, he studied Roy.
Hmm. Though General Xiang fights like a demon god on the battlefield, his appearance is undeniably that of a handsome youth.
Then he glanced at his lord beside him.
True, the Duke of Pei often acts like a ruffian, but one can't deny his delicate features—why else would so many widows in Pei County fawn over him?
At this thought, Xiao He's suspicions deepened. Could these two share the same proclivities as the King of Wei and Lord Longyang? A 'Duke of Pei preference,' so to speak?
His mind instantly conjured endless scenarios. Were this the modern era, he'd have been a dedicated shipper of male couples.
But even if his lord had such inclinations, it wasn't his place to interfere. Xiao He fixed his gaze neutrally ahead, remaining silent.
"My orders are already given. How could you disturb me?"
Roy smiled and replied. He glanced at Liu Ji, who had already put back on her fiery red robe. Yet she stood there so quietly, like a demure young bride, which made Roy feel a bit awkward. How had this female rogue suddenly turned into a refined lady in front of him? And remember, you're supposed to be a man now—a man shouldn't show such bashful expressions!
"Is the Duke of Pei's injury serious?"
"Not at all," Liu Ji waved her left hand and quickly answered. "The physician said it's just a minor flesh wound. With some ointment applied, it'll heal completely in a few days without leaving any scars."
After hesitating for a moment, she half-knelt again and said, "...Ji has failed the general's trust and is deeply ashamed. To have the general personally take the field to save my life—I beg the general to rescind your command and let Ji serve as a mere foot soldier."
If this were the Liu Ji of the past, such words would have been a strategic retreat—admitting fault to gain a good reputation while also provoking the other party into giving her another chance.
After all, her position had been appointed by Roy. If he revoked the command now, it would easily make him appear as someone who lacked judgment in selecting subordinates.
Many in positions of authority cared deeply about face and would never admit their own shortcomings. People like Liu Ji, with her exceptionally thick skin, were rare to begin with.
But the current Liu Ji genuinely hoped Roy would rescind the command. She had realized she truly wasn't cut out for warfare and feared she might ruin Roy's grand plans.
Roy shook his head. "...No one is born knowing everything. No one is born capable of all things. Everyone learns step by step, makes mistakes, and grows from them. There's no need for such discouragement, Lord of Pei. A single defeat means nothing—just don't repeat the same mistakes next time."
"I..."
Liu Ji was deeply moved. Her feelings had already begun to shift when Roy saved her on the battlefield. Now, facing his words directly, each sentence seemed to expand endlessly in her heart, sending her thoughts spiraling.
'Could it be that the general truly has feelings for me? Otherwise, why would he treat me so well...'
Her mind was in a daze, yet her heart swelled with joy. She analyzed every word Roy spoke, interpreting meanings that might not even exist.
A faint sense of pride also stirred within her. A woman adorns herself for the one who delights in her; a scholar dies for the one who understands him. Roy's actions seemed to encompass both. In the past, when she had seen Yu Ji, she had only thought of how to get closer to her, harboring ulterior motives. But now, as Yu Ji's face flashed through her mind again, Liu Ji found herself comparing instead.
Seeing Liu Ji's flustered and touched expression, Roy found it amusing—even the thick-skinned future emperor could be shy.
Xiao He, standing nearby, continued to pretend he was a wooden figure, as if he didn't exist. He sighed inwardly—these two definitely had something going on!
"Report! General, we've captured the city lord at the gates. Should we bring him before you?"
Just as the atmosphere in the lord's residence was growing peculiar, a soldier rushed in with a loud announcement.
"How is the city?" Roy set aside his thoughts and asked gravely.
"The entire city has been secured. We've captured over two thousand Qin soldiers!" the soldier shouted.
"Good. No need to bring the city lord before me. Order his execution by waist-cutting immediately."
Roy answered without hesitation.
The kind of drama where enemies resist desperately, refuse to yield even after capture, and then the lord, overjoyed, personally unties them and spares their lives—that only happened in legends. Reality was far less fairytale-like.
If the enemy fought so fiercely that they caused countless casualties, and you still spared them out of admiration for their loyalty, wouldn't that chill the hearts of your own soldiers? Wouldn't it send the message that as long as you resisted desperately, you'd be spared?
Therefore, the most appropriate course of action was to execute them with the cruelest punishment, instilling fear in all who dared oppose him—forcing them to consider the consequences before making an enemy of him.
"Have you investigated the attitude of the city's residents during the defense?"
"General, our investigation shows that the residents of Xiangcheng colluded with the tyrannical Qin soldiers during our righteous army's siege, providing them with substantial support!"
The soldier answered again.
"In that case, issue an order to the entire army—let them celebrate wildly for three days to vent their pent-up frustrations."
Roy waved his hand and spoke coldly.
This command was undoubtedly a decree for massacre!
"Yes, General!!"
The soldier replied with great delight.
Massacring a city may seem inhumane by modern standards, but in ancient warfare, it was simply the norm—and it had its benefits.
First, it served as a warning to the next cities to be attacked: resist me, and you will all be slaughtered. If you wish to live, surrender without resistance—this was deterrence. Second, ancient warfare was not like modern combat, where one merely pulls a trigger. Ancient battles required close-quarters killing, which easily inflicted immense psychological pressure on soldiers. If this pressure was not released, it could push the army to the brink of collapse.
Thus, massacring a city was undoubtedly a means of relieving that pressure.
Countless renowned generals and emperors had done the same. Only in times of peace would civil officials vehemently condemn such acts. But if those same officials were thrown onto the battlefield, they would either become cold-blooded butchers or be the first to die.
War has never been merciful. War has never been child's play.
Liu Ji hesitated, on the verge of speaking.
"Does the Duke of Pei have something to say?"
Roy asked with a smile.
"Reporting to the General, carrying out this massacre now would be highly inappropriate and damaging to your reputation. I believe this order should be issued by someone else instead."
Liu Ji frowned as she spoke. She did not oppose Roy's command—she understood its necessity—but she was concerned about his reputation and did not wish for him to be tarnished by such actions. Thus, she tactfully suggested he find someone else to bear the blame.
Roy then turned to his side and addressed an elderly civil official who was recording on bamboo slips:
"...Have you recorded the Duke of Pei's words?"
"H-How should this old servant record them?"
The elderly official stammered, sweating nervously.
"Write this: After the fall of Xiangcheng, Yu was enraged and sought to massacre the city. The Duke of Pei, benevolent and compassionate, pleaded earnestly on behalf of Xiangcheng's people. Yet Yu refused to listen and proceeded with his ruthless ways!"
Having said this, Roy turned back to Liu Ji and spoke gently:
"...Since those Qin soldiers left a wound on your arm, I shall console you with the lives of the entire city."
His words—cruel, vicious, and domineering—sent chills down the spines of those who heard them.
Yet when the future High Emperor heard Roy's words, she nearly wept from the depth of his care for her.