5003

Chapter 5003: 5.0755 Arrest

At the same time, at the north gate of Fengdi City, a green-canopied carriage moved swiftly past the slowly advancing line of vehicles, speeding forward like the wind. The carriage wheels rattled over the cobblestone path. Pedestrians at the front couldn't help but turn to look at the vehicle cutting ahead.

"The Marquis of Anxing is acting on imperial decree, with matters to attend to." A fast rider on horseback came forward, holding a round token in his hand, which he displayed to the city guards. The two guards immediately bowed respectfully, glanced at the token, and quickly made way for the pedestrians to move aside. "Marquis, you've worked hard. Please, please, please."

The Marquis of Anxing's carriage rumbled along, just about to pass through the city gate's arched bridge tower. Then, a series of thundering hooves approached from behind, followed by a cold shout, "Everyone, listen to my command! Arrest the Marquis of Anxing!"

Hundreds of soldiers, armed with spears and long swords, swarmed forward, and within moments, they had surrounded the Marquis of Anxing's carriage, leaving no escape. The carriage curtain was gently pulled aside, revealing the Marquis of Anxing's aged, gaunt face at the window. He smiled at the middle-aged, bearded general who had ridden up to pursue him. "King Dongshan has come with his troops. May I know the reason?"

"This King is here by imperial decree, Marquis. Please, His Majesty wishes to see you."

A faint smile appeared on the Marquis of Anxing's gaunt face. He let out a dry chuckle twice and said, "May I ask why His Majesty has summoned me?"

King Dongshan, Wu Heng, said expressionlessly, "Marquis, you jest. Since it's an imperial summons, it's a subject's duty to appear. There's no need to make extensive inquiries before appearing."

The smile on the Marquis of Anxing's face gradually faded, and he moved his lips, saying coldly, "This humble minister has been feeling unwell these past few days and fears passing on his illness to His Majesty. Perhaps King Dongshan could convey this to His Majesty..."

"Marquis, are you trying to defy the imperial decree?" King Dongshan, Wu Heng, looked at the Marquis of Anxing with a half-smile, fiddling with a short, double-pointed blade in his hand. King Dongshan chuckled, "I'm afraid the Marquis has no room to refuse."

The Marquis of Anxing's face alternated between green and white, and his hands, resting on his knees, clenched tightly into fists.

"Men, escort the Marquis of Anxing back to the palace to meet His Majesty!"

"Yes!" Hundreds of soldiers surrounded the carriage, and two even directly climbed onto the coachman's seat, kicking the trembling coachman down.

The Marquis of Anxing remained silent for two seconds, then sneered, "King Dongshan, there's no need for this."

"Heh, if the Marquis is willing to cooperate with this King, this King naturally doesn't wish to use force on his colleague."

"Hmph," the Marquis of Anxing gritted his teeth, angrily slammed down the carriage curtain, and sat inside. However, after only a moment, the curtain was pulled open again. King Dongshan, Wu Heng, chuckled as he leaped into the carriage, sitting alongside the Marquis of Anxing.

The Marquis of Anxing was furious. "Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?"

"This King is a bit tired today. I'm borrowing the Marquis's carriage."

"Heh, Your Highness need not go to such lengths. Since this Marquis has already agreed to accompany you to meet His Majesty, it's naturally impossible for me to do anything else. You don't need to monitor me so closely."

King Dongshan, Wu Heng, shook his head and laughed, "That's not necessarily true. It's hard to guarantee that the Marquis doesn't have some instant teleportation talismans or treasures on him. Since this King is acting on imperial decree, I must naturally take precautions against all eventualities."

"King Dongshan is indeed loyal."

King Dongshan, Wu Heng, didn't mind the sarcasm in his words and chuckled, "To share His Majesty's burdens is a subject's duty; there's no talk of loyalty."

The Marquis of Anxing closed his eyes and remained silent.