IDWBE -Chapter 344 Dismounting Armor

If his Ninth Brother could return his mansion, he would wake from a dream laughing with joy!

Of course, as a vassal prince, his treatment had to be improved. After all, his fief was Yong’an, the richest land in the realm. Even if it wasn’t tens of thousands of dan of grain annually, at least a few thousand had to be granted—otherwise, how could he support himself and all the servants in his residence?

Thinking of his scattered servants and guards, he ground his teeth. Those bastards truly had no loyalty!

He was now lodging at Lin Yi’s residence, yet not one would come looking for him!

Could it really be, as his Ninth Brother said, that he lacked the spirit of a prince, lacked prestige, and thus no one would follow him?

“Thank my Ninth Brother for me,” Prince Dai said happily upon returning to his mansion. As he walked through the gate, he continued, “I am glad to be back. From now on, I will stay in Ankang City—go nowhere else.”

The Twelfth Prince glanced at the crowds of attendants and servants lining the sides and whispered, “With your army nearby, why not make achievements?” He disliked his Sixth Brother and did not want him staying in Ankang City! Otherwise, would his position with his Ninth Brother not be even lower? His Sixth Brother was a threat!

“Do you think I’m a fool?” Prince Dai rolled his eyes at him. “Old Third and Father with over a hundred thousand troops couldn’t accomplish anything—what could I do? Though I have thirty thousand soldiers, they’re only for show. Twelfth Brother, I bear you no grudge, nor have you offended me recently—do not try to harm me.”

“How could I harm you, Brother? You are overthinking,” the Twelfth Prince smiled. “I only pity Sixth Brother. With his talent and ambition, it is a shame he must be a mere tail of the phoenix.”

“Only losing one’s life would be regrettable,” Prince Dai turned and patted his shoulder. “Twelfth Brother, put away these small tricks. I won’t fall for them. Otherwise, the day I truly lead troops into the city, I’ll tell Ninth Brother you provoked it.”

“Ah!”

The Twelfth Prince jumped and waved his hands. “Brother, you mustn’t act rashly!”

If Ninth Brother knew he stirred trouble, there would be no mercy.

Unbeknownst to them, Lin Yi was watching from afar, gazing at the thirty thousand troops outside the city, full of regret.

His Sixth Brother ought to act impulsively; otherwise, he would have no reason to act and would be too polite to strike hard. From now on, he would have to treat him with courtesy.

The drumming sounded outside the city, and someone shouted, “By order of Prince Dai, dismount armor!”

“Dismount armor!”

“Dismount armor!”

A dozen messengers waved flags, galloping through the Dai troops and shouting commands.

In an instant, all thirty thousand soldiers set down their weapons and removed their armor. Some kept only their undergarments, some bare-chested, some completely naked.

Yet, every single one obeyed without hesitation.

Lin Yi sighed, “The order was given—no one hesitated. Old Sixth truly knows how to command troops. Let’s see who his generals are, and whether any can be retained.”

He admired Sixth Brother’s decisiveness the most.

This army command and fief, handed over without question—ordinary people could never do this.

After all, who would claim victory was still uncertain.

Had Sixth Brother acted too early? Lin Yi didn’t know whether to call him foolish or wise.

Liu Kan saluted, “As ordered. But what shall we do with these men?”

Lin Yi replied, “This is the time to utilize talent. After reorganization, send them to the Liangshui River area under Shen Chu’s command.”

Liu Kan smiled, “Your Highness is wise.”

Lin Yi continued, “Tonight, hold a banquet at the palace for civil and military officials. Sixth Brother gave me such a great gift—I must show courtesy. Inform the imperial kitchen: lavish food, no stinginess.”

“Yes.”

This time, the response came from Guard Jiao Zhong.

News of the banquet spread like wildfire in Ankang City.

Many officials anxiously waited at home, sending servants to peek outside, some even standing themselves, looking for the imperial messenger.

This was the first banquet since Lin Yi took control of the administration.

What an honor!

If they were invited by others but not by him, how could they save face among colleagues?

Most importantly, if not invited, did it mean Lin Yi disapproved of them? Were they in danger of losing favor—or worse, being executed or exiled?

Everyone remembered what Lin Yi had done in Jinling and Wulin cities. They feared becoming accustomed to his rule—like Emperor Delong, who had purged anyone who offended him.

At that time, hardly anyone among officials and generals would survive.

For now, Lin Yi had not acted so harshly, perhaps because of the imminent threat from Wadan.

Once free, these people would be in grave danger!

Yet others had fewer worries—they were more interested in Prince Dai.

This Sixth Prince was truly a remarkable man!

He had chosen the perfect moment to ally with Lin Yi.

Moreover, thirty thousand troops dismounting in unison—that took courage and generosity!

With internal and external crises, it was the right time to make use of capable men. Sixth Prince’s timing was neither early nor late; he was content to serve humbly.

Unless he rebelled, Lin Yi would not harm him, for trust with the people must be maintained.

Guided by Little Xizi, Lin Yi entered the imperial garden and saw his father, the emperor, frail and stooped. For a moment, he was filled with emotion.

That once mighty, formidable man had inevitably grown old.

“Greetings, Father.”

Lin Yi stood straight.

Emperor Delong turned, scattering all the fish feed into the lotus pond, and said lightly, “You’re here.”

“Sixth Brother has returned,” Lin Yi took the teacup and sat on a stone bench. “He must have missed you greatly. Today, I arranged a banquet to invite you, Father, to share family joy.”

“He’s back, which is good. Throughout history, brave troops come from Daizhou,” Emperor Delong snorted. “Would he surrender willingly?”

Lin Yi smiled, “Father, you worry too much. Sixth Brother is wise and righteous—he would not oppose me.”

Just now, Sixth Brother had already had thirty thousand Daizhou troops dismount. Lin Yi planned to send them north to fight Wadan.

“He dismounted?”

Prince Dai’s action seemed to surprise Emperor Delong. “Among all your brothers, he is the cleverest.”

Yet no one could have expected that this clever son would surrender so readily—bringing troops to hand over arms voluntarily!

Truly unheard of.