TSWRLM -Chapter 315 Villain, Why Don’t You Just Die?

“I don’t like keeping useless people around. Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you all right now.”

Xuanyuan Lang leaned back, adopting a lazy yet domineering posture. His aura filled the room. Though they were in the Wengzhou Prefecture mansion, it felt as if they were on Yuexi territory—and he was the king of this domain.

Prince Ying’s face darkened.

In his imagination, Xuanyuan Lang should have been humble, kneeling at his feet, applying the incense-making formula in exchange for a little grain—not reversing roles and stepping on him.

Prince Ying couldn’t bring himself to speak to Xuanyuan Lang. He turned to Wei Lingze, hoping he could find a way to save them.

But as soon as he turned, Lanshu delivered a heavy slap across his face: “Your Highness, you offended General Xuanyuan. General Xuanyuan is waiting for your apology. If you don’t speak, we’ll all die.”

Prince Ying: “…”

That bastard! He would definitely kill Lanshu and feed him to the dogs later!

Lanshu wasn’t afraid. After the slap, he knelt before Xuanyuan Lang: “General Xuanyuan, I am Lanshu. Back in Hanjing, I worked for the Crown Prince. I know many secrets of the court, and I am fluent in both Yuexi and Zhaoling languages. I can help you with many things.”

He spoke in Yuexi. Without waiting for Xuanyuan Lang to respond, he continued: “Young Master Wei has already become addicted to the incense. Although he is currently suspended, he knows many things about the Zhaoling army. You can use the incense to compel him to act. As for Prince Ying, since he is royal, you can use him later during battle to crush the enemy’s morale.”

Perhaps out of fear, Lanshu spoke rapidly.

Xuanyuan Lang was pleased with Lanshu’s insight. After studying him for a moment, he asked, “How did you learn the Yuexi language?”

Lanshu hesitated, then said, “After Yuexi’s defeat, many prisoners were sent as slaves. Some were trained as male entertainers. I interacted with them and learned some of the language.”

Xuanyuan Lang’s face darkened immediately.

Years ago, Yuexi had been defeated by Zhaoling, losing much of its vitality and forced to pay yearly tribute of cattle, sheep, and horses. Three years ago, after the Yuexi royal transition, Xuanyuan Lang tried to assert military authority with a surprise attack—but Wei Lingze unhorsed him and he lost an arm.

That battle was the greatest humiliation of his life. Lanshu’s words had struck a painful nerve.

It had been his impatience for success that had endangered his soldiers.

Those soldiers should have died on the battlefield, but were humiliated by Zhaoling instead. Zhaoling deserved death!

Yet Lanshu was right—keeping these three alive was useful.

A cold gleam flickered in Xuanyuan Lang’s eyes, then he regained his composure.

He had Wei Lingze and Prince Ying taken away first, keeping only Lanshu behind to gather more information.

With his silver tongue, Lanshu quickly established his position beside Xuanyuan Lang.

Wei Lingze remained defiant, but his addiction flared again.

He tried to commit suicide but was stopped by Xuanyuan Lang.

Xuanyuan Lang demanded that he speak of Zhaoling army matters—a critical point for the upcoming war.

“Xuanyuan Lang, if you still have any honor, kill me! Don’t use such vile tricks to disgust me!”

Wave after wave of discomfort coursed through Wei Lingze. Sweat poured from his body, making him feel as if he had just been dragged out of water.

Xuanyuan Lang said nothing. Lanshu quickly advised: “Young Master Wei, General Xuanyuan has planned this for years. His great scheme is coming to fruition. Even if you resist, nothing can change. All of Wengzhou now bows to him, and Yuexi’s 30,000 troops have already entered the city. After the autumn harvest, more will arrive. Zhaoling will inevitably be defeated.”

Wengzhou was the first place to use the Forget-Worries Grass to make incense. Most of the citizens were already under its control. They opened the city gates for Yuexi forces, willingly offering the food they worked hard to produce, all for a little intoxicating incense.

Wei Lingze had already guessed Xuanyuan Lang’s intentions, but Lanshu’s words enraged him.

First, the Xiao Hun incense would slowly erode and control Wengzhou’s people. Then their harvest would feed Yuexi’s army. Finally, Zhaoling’s lands would be trampled, its people slaughtered. It was utterly hateful!

“Pah!”

Wei Lingze spat at Lanshu, sneering: “Spineless traitor, do you think you’ll have a good end?”

Lanshu wiped his face and sighed: “Young Master Wei, at this point, you must go with the flow. Do you think anyone will appreciate you if you keep resisting? Once His Majesty learns of this, the nine branches of the Wei family could be wiped out. Don’t you want to secure a way out for them?”

Wei Lingze’s dull eyes twitched.

He wasn’t in cahoots with his aunt and uncle. He too was a victim of Xiao Hun incense, and the Wei family knew nothing.

But now… who would believe him?

After a long pause, Wei Lingze rasped: “Take me to see Xuanyuan Lang.”