Plop!

The head was raised high, then fell heavily onto the Moon Gold Stone floor of the City Lord Mansion hall.

Everyone could even see Wang Bota's angry and astonished expression that hadn't completely changed; it was rigid and peculiar...

"Hiss..."

Quite a few people present gasped.

They looked at Shen Qingping in shock, observing this person with a delicate appearance, seemingly young yet having accomplished great feats just now, leading the Dushan Army to annihilate tens of thousands of troops from the Shen Family's corps...

The Shen Family's Direct Lineage personally beheaded Shen Wuxiang's general Wang Bota. Is this a complete break with the family?

Everyone knew, he can't go back to the Shen Family.

Not only can't go back, but there's also the possibility of being expelled, removed from the family records.

Even if dead... he can't be buried in the ancestral tomb, becoming a wandering soul.

Is this to follow Tang Fei down a dark path?

Tang Fei looked at Shen Qingping, Shen Qingping's expression was solemn and his gaze was unusually firm.

Evidently, he found his 'path'.

Wang Bota slightly bowed to Tang Fei and Phoenix, explaining in a deep voice, "Wang Bota was obstinate and foolish, even though we repeatedly called for his surrender, he remained unrepentant and launched an attack... severely damaging our fleet and killing countless comrades."

"To avenge my fallen brothers, and to serve as a warning, letting those who harbor delusions, those who attempt to resist know... blood debts must be repaid in blood. Those who block the way have only one path: death."

"Therefore, I beheaded the enemy leader Wang Bota... I ask Your Highness for punishment."

Phoenix is nominally the Empire Princess, with the highest status among everyone.

Therefore, he can only seek punishment from Phoenix.

Their army is also under the banner of 'clearing the Emperor's side'... only this way can they occupy the high moral ground.

Otherwise, their unjustified uprising, waging wars all over would be considered rebellion.

They would lose the hearts of the people.

Perhaps the populace doesn't mind this; they just hope for peace in the world...

But, those vying for power and gain care about it.

Phoenix looked at Shen Qingping, secretly amazed.

She knew Shen Qingping, at that time Shen Qingping was proud and indulged, blindly imitating his brother Shen Xinglan, seemingly able to get along with anyone yet giving off an absurd feeling of poor imitation.

In Tang Fei's entrance trial with obstacles, this was evident.

But unexpectedly, after guarding Dushan for several years, he underwent such a transformation.

Phoenix's rebirth is no less impressive.

Hmm, Phoenix... has your own transformation been significant?

"General Qingping is straightforward and well-reasoned, how could there be any guilt?" Phoenix spoke aloud, naturally unable to convict Shen Qingping: "Even if you hadn't acted, after deliberation, we would've executed him."

Not only can Phoenix not convict Shen Qingping, but she also must find a way to reward him.

After all, as a member of the Shen Family's Direct Lineage, he killed Wang Bota...

Firstly, severing his own path, allowing Tang Fei to fully trust him.

Besides Tang Fei, probably no one dared to use him anymore.

Secondly, tarnishing the Shen Family's reputation, undermining the military god Shen Wuxiang's prestige... when even the Shen Family's Direct Lineage doesn't believe they can succeed, how would others perceive them?

"Thank you, Your Highness." Shen Qingping bowed deeply.

Phoenix nodded and surveyed the surroundings, her gaze resting back on Shen Qingping's face, seriously and solemnly saying: "But, the nation has its laws, the military has its discipline. Only this once, not to be repeated. Understand?"

Acting without orders, indiscriminately killing prisoners is a serious violation.

If everyone acted like this... the army would be in chaos, and the ranks would be difficult to manage.

Besides, under those circumstances, would they still be a regular army?

They're bound to gain a bad reputation, aren't they?

Thus, executive powers and decision-making must be held by oneself, others should not act unruly.

"Yes, only once, not to be repeated." Shen Qingping bent even lower, saying in a deep voice: "If I violate military orders, I am willing to accept any punishment."

"I believe that General Qingping can accomplish this."

Phoenix glanced at Tang Fei, indicating it was his turn to calm the situation.

Tang Fei understood Phoenix's meaning, and for some reason, since Phoenix arrived this time, they seemed to communicate or meet each other's gaze, they could understand each other's needs and thoughts.

There was this feeling before, but not as intense as now.

Moreover, previously it was small matters between them, whereas now... whether it was marching, fighting, governing the nation, managing affairs, motivating subordinates, or securing strong allies, they cooperated extremely well.

It's like being in love.

This feeling of telepathy is very delightful, making the two of them unconsciously indulge in it.

Like playing a thrilling new game, with everyone present being a part of the game...

Tang Fei looked at Shen Qingping and spoke, "General Qingping is loyal and wise, brave and fearsome. In Xing Huai's name, he persuaded the Dushan Army top to bottom to abandon rebellion and join the Righteous Army."

"Fearless and undaunted, leading by example, he led the Dushan Army to intercept Wang Bota's retreat, preventing them from escaping easily, and alongside the Sky Wolf Army, surrounded and destroyed tens of thousands of enemies."

"To highlight General Qingping's accomplishments, I propose reorganizing the Dushan Army into a new force. By General Qingping commanding a single army, what does Your Highness think?"

Spend freely for valuable results.

Since Shen Qingping is willing to sacrifice the most, one shouldn't be stingy and freeze his heart.

The existence of the Dushan Army was meant to resist Barbarians, but now that Barbarians are on their side, keeping the Dushan Army at Dushan is unnecessary.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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