In his smile, there were traces of helplessness, sarcasm, and ... sadness.

"That's it?" Chu Mo glanced at the eunuch who delivered the order, asking softly.

Third Prince Xia Hao was likewise left speechless by the contents of the imperial edict. Hearing Chu Mo's tone, he couldn't help letting out a cold chuckle, saying, "Confering you the title of King of Chu, granting you eighteen amnesty tokens that can be passed down through generations… Even we, the sons of the emperor, cannot get such rewards. What more do you want?"

Xia Hao's words were somewhat heart-wrenching. Chu Mo hadn't expressed dissatisfaction, although everyone else could tell he was upset, he hadn't openly voiced it out, had he?

Off to the side, Fan Wudi's gaze was icy. His entire life he'd been a straightforward man, never one to hide his feelings. But that doesn't mean he doesn't understand the ways of the world. If he didn't, how could he have climbed from being a foot soldier to a general?

Julius Caesar has quoted, "Veni, vidi, vici," but how many of them have managed to become a Yan Marshal?

Ever since Xia Hao confronted his grandson, Fan Wudi held very little regard for the third prince. His evaluation of him had plummeted further.

Listening to Xia Hao's words, Fan Wudi couldn't hold back his anger, "Chu Mo earned his rewards through real military merit! As a prince who hasn't accomplished anything, what gives you the right to compare with him? Who do you... think you are?"

Xia Hao's handsome face had turned ashen, almost purple, as he glared at Fan Wudi: "How dare you talk to me like that?"

Smack!

A crisp sound echoed.

Xia Hao was slapped hard across the face.

Chu Mo standing before Xia Hao, looked into his eyes with an icy stare: "You, are just a prince, not yet a true king. Referring to you as 'Your Highness' is a concession given to you, but don't forget your place. In my presence, you do not have the rights to be arrogant."

Chu Mo's verbal assault set Xia Hao on fire with anger, ready to erupt. A strategist at his side, barely holding him back, whispered, "Your Highness... Calm down!"

Xia Hao's chest heaved fiercely as he glared ferociously at Chu Mo. After a long while, he suddenly laughed: "So what? Be it King of Chu or amnesty tokens... The final victor is still me! Chu Mo, just go enjoy being the king of the Chu region as you were!"

The ruthless look in Xia Hao's eyes gradually turned into one of satisfaction. He smirked whilst looking at Chu Mo, then said, "Ultimately, this world will belong to the Xia Family!"

Everyone, from the high-ranking officers of Fan Wudi's side to the officers of the Miner's Army, heard these words. The look they gave Xia Hao was one of extreme annoyance.

He Xu cupped his hand towards Chu Mo: "Young master, this subordinate wishes the young master a bright future. I have some military affairs to attend to, so I won't see you off. Please excuse me!"

Once Chu Mo left from the Miner's Army, He Xu would become the chief commander. This army followed the orders directly from the Emperor, and no one else could intervene.

Therefore, He Xu's actions were not meant to slight Chu Mo. He felt only gratitude towards Chu Mo. He simply didn't want to see Xia Hao's repulsive face, and wanted to leave as soon as possible.

"Wait..." Xia Hao smiled faintly and said, "The Emperor has ordered that the Miner's Army be stationed here for now to coordinate with my troops and launch an attack on Great Qi..."

"What?" He Xu raised his eyebrows at Xia Hao upon hearing this

Xia Hao casually took out an imperial edict from his pocket, handed it over to He Xu, and murmured, "This is the Emperor's secret decree!" He even glanced at Chu Mo provocatively.

You have a secret decree, I have one too!

Chu Mo remained unresponsive. After all, the Miner's Army was not originally his. Despite being grateful to him, the hearts of He Xu and the soldiers of Miner's Army remained loyal to Great Xia and the royal family.

However, He Xu was truly uncomfortable!

Just as General Fan Wudi had said moments earlier, what right did an unremarkable prince like Xia Hao have to flaunt in the presence of accomplished soldiers? We obey the royal family, but you, Xia Hao... do not represent the royal family!

Who do you think you are?

In truth, Xia Hao wasn't brainless. Being royalty and having received top-notch education since childhood, he shouldn't be lacking basic social etiquette.

However, he truly detested Chu Mo. Anything related to Chu Mo would drive him crazy.

Seeing how He Xu and the officers of the Miner's Army respected Chu Mo greatly, the anger in his heart fumed.

He Xu took the secret decree. After reading it, he spoke with an unsightly expression, "I got it. If there's any military situation, inform me then!"

After that, He Xu simply saluted Chu Mo and Fan Wudi and then left.

His underlings stood stiff-faced, bidding farewell to Fan Wudi before they each departed.

Finally, only Chu Mo, Fan Wudi, the eunuch who had delivered the edict, Third Prince Xia Hao and a few of his close followers remained.

The little husky dog was snoozing in Chu Mo's pocket, and the big rooster was not around. But it always found its way to Chu Mo, so Chu Mo was not worried.

Seeing that the officers, as well as those from the Miner's Army, were ignoring him, Xia Hao's face displayed an exceedingly ugly expression. However, he still had absolute confidence in himself.

"Where there is unrest in the Phoenix Empire, there is opportunity. As long as I give these people enough benefits, they will quickly align themselves with me," Xia Hao thought to himself, smiling coldly, then looked at Chu Mo and Fan Wudi, arrogantly saying, "Take care... on your way out!"

Fan Wudi's eyes widened. As an experienced general who had contributed greatly to the nation, he truly couldn't endure Xia Hao's demeanor.

However, Chu Mo gently pulled Fan Wudi back, "Let's go, grandfather. As you said, you've had enough and are going to retire..."

Fan Wudi sighed. Suddenly he seemed to have aged a decade. He nodded, "Alright, let's go."

Xia Hao's mouth curled up in a triumphant smirk.

Even the eunuch delivering the imperial decree could not bear to witness this. However, he couldn't say anything. He just thought to himself: Use a long line to catch a big fish… While the emperor appears to have given Chu Mo and Fan Wudi a great reward, isn't this just another way to get rid of them?

Perhaps, it's because Chu Mo is too powerful, causing the royal family to be wary. Otherwise, these rewards… might not exist. There might even be a fatal disaster awaiting!

Being favored by the emperor granted him experience of such situations; he had seen plenty of it.

Fan Wudi took a last look at the military camp behind him, shook his head slightly, and said, "Let's go!"

Chu Mo, however, smiled, gripping his grandfather's hand softly, murmuring, "It's alright."

His smile was filled with cracks. (to be continued. If you like this work, please vote and recommend it at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for more information.)

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