Chapter 17

Chapter 17

It was only when Zhou Ke opened the gates of the Wei State capital to welcome the Xia Army that everyone realized he was actually an undercover agent sent by Great Xia.

His former comrades-in-arms laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “You sly dog! That was some act! We all really thought you had turned traitor and defected!”

Zhou Ke’s smile was a bit bitter.

The rebellion had been real.

At one point, he had truly intended to revolt.

He had never seen the version of Cui Yan who was decisive and ruthless on the battlefield; he had only grown up listening to stories about him.

By the time Zhou Ke entered the imperial court, Cui Yan had long since shed his violent edge, appearing to be nothing more than a kind and amiable old man.

He felt that the rumors might have been exaggerated. He thought that perhaps he was even more capable than the old man.

During the campaign against the Wei State, he had won victory after victory. His confidence soared, and he felt that the opportunity to leave his name in the history books was right before his eyes.

But at that moment, the New Emperor actually agreed to the Wei State’s plea for peace!

Damn that Cui Yan! It was all his idea! He must have been jealous! He was afraid that Zhou Ke’s achievements would overshadow his own!

He directed all his fury and regret toward Cui Yan.

Yet, despite his repeated provocations, Cui Yan didn’t even spare him a glance. He was being looked down upon!

And then there was the New Emperor, who was always putting in a good word for Cui Yan!

Even though Zhou Ke was the Emperor’s own uncle.

This time, he even began to resent the New Emperor.

As time passed, his resentment grew more intense until the seed of rebellion slowly took root.

He thought to himself that the Late Emperor didn’t have only one son, and he didn’t have only one nephew.

So, he went to seek out Prince An, with whom he usually had the closest relationship.

Prince An was stupid and easy to control.

Who would have thought that the fool would not only refuse but also take on a preachy tone, making veiled accusations that Zhou Ke was seeking his own death? In a fit of rage, Zhou Ke gave him a severe beating.

Later, he thought that since they were all useless cowards, he might as well become the Emperor himself. When the time came, he would surely lead Great Xia to even greater heights.

However, he lost.

He lost miserably.

That nephew of his-the New Emperor he had always looked down upon-defeated him as easily as a cat playing with a mouse.

His heart turned to ash, and he sought only a quick death.

His sister drew a blade to execute him, but the New Emperor stopped her.

Zhou Ke looked at him with great curiosity. “Why not kill me?”

The man didn’t answer. He smiled very gently, but then turned around and threw him into the Great Prison.

In prison, he endured every kind of torture device available.

It wasn’t until the third day that the New Emperor reappeared.

He walked toward him through the morning light, his smile still warm and radiant. “Little Uncle, there is an opportunity to atone for your crimes and perform great service for Great Xia. Do you want it?”