Seeing how stupefied Zu An was, Chu Yucheng helped to dispel his confusion. “The Red Cloak Army has remained loyal and devoted to our Chu clan ever since the time of our ancestors. They’ve fought side by side through countless battles. The duties of a soldier are passed on from father to son, and the wives that they married are all maids from the Chu clan. In this way, every single generation of the Red Cloak Army are descendants of the Chu clan, so our fates and theirs are closely intertwined.”
His tone was full of pride. This army was clearly a great source of pride for the Chu clan.
“Of course, for the sake of preventing anyone within the clan from using this army to start a rebellion, an ironclad rule was established. Only if the clan master personally arrived, or if the military seal was present, could these troops be mobilized.” Chu Yucheng gave him an envious look. “I didn’t expect that Uncle would even be willing to give you the military seal! It looks like he really trusts you.”
Chu Hongcai couldn’t resist a snort when he heard this. He was clearly unsatisfied with this result. “I want to make this clear. I am not doing this for you but for the Chu clan! I want to protect my mother too, because she didn’t participate in the rebellion either.”
Zu An smiled. “Brother Chu really is a man of honor. I have always admired your integrity. If the Chu clan makes it safely through this crisis, I believe Master and Madam will surely pardon your mother.”
It really was quite strange, now that he thought about it. Chu Tiesheng was such a treacherous and despicable character, yet his son, apart from being a bit of a disgusting simp for Qiu Honglei, was upstanding and honest. They were two completely different extremes!
Chu Hongcai’s expression finally eased considerably when he heard these words. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
He obviously understood Zu An’s status within the clan now. With his guarantee, his mother’s safety shouldn’t be an issue anymore.
The three of them marched into Brightmoon City, accompanied by the three thousand members of the Red Cloak Army.
The city gates had long been locked up when they arrived, and many soldiers stood guard along the gate towers. However, when they saw this red-clad army, all of them were stunned. They gripped their weapons more tightly, and their hands began to sweat.
All of them were aware of the Red Cloak Army’s reputation. If they really ended up fighting, they would be absolutely crushed.
A high ranking official challenged them from the city gate. “Mobilizing without an order from your superiors? Is your Chu clan trying to start a rebellion?” he roared angrily.
Zu An recognized this man as Vice Magistrate Pang Chun. As such, he urged his horse forward and held up the military seal. “Who said that no order has been given? I am acting under Brightmoon Duke’s orders to bring these men back to defend the Chu clan.”
“The respected imperial envoy is currently investigating the Chu clan. What else could you all be doing if you aren’t starting a rebellion?” Pang Chun replied.
Zu An chuckled coldly. “It seems like any random clan can come in and bully our Chu clan recently! We are worried that the respected imperial envoy might have been deceived. All we want is to head over and have a chat with him. The Chu clan is already in critical danger. If Vice Magistrate insists on standing in our way, I will have no choice but to disregard our past friendship.”
As he finished speaking, the Red Cloak Army gave a uniform battle cry. To a man, they drew their blades and bows in preparation for combat.
For a long time, Zu An had been confused as to the existence of armies in this world, especially when individual cultivators were so strong.
In that instant, however, he finally understood. Even though the individual cultivation of each soldier within the Red Cloak Army wasn’t anything special, he could see a light blue glow flowing through their bodies, linking them together. This was surely the result of a formation which seemed to gather up all of their strength.
Suddenly, he felt a great pressure being exerted outward from this army. It was far greater than that of what he’d felt from Liu Yao!
The soldiers guarding the city gates were in even worse shape. The overwhelming pressure made all of them instantly turn pale, and their limbs began to feel ice-cold. They all turned to Pang Chun, urging him to make a decision quickly.
Pang Chun was anxious as well. He understood that these regional troops had not been in combat for a long time, and were no match for these Red Cloak Army elites. However, he still had his duty to carry out! How could he let them inside the city?
I guess dying for my country is the only choice.
At this moment, a carriage slowly made its way over from the outskirts of the city. Noticing the situation, it stopped near the city gates.
The curtains lifted, and a woman in a graceful skirt slowly walked out. “Lord Pang, why are the gates closed in broad daylight? Please open them so that I can enter.”
Pang Chun didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Young miss, could you somehow have missed what is happening here right now?”
The one who had emerged from the carriage was none other than the City Lord’s daughter, Xie Daoyun. She turned around as if struck by a sudden realization. “Oh! Young master Zu is also here?”
Pang Chun’s face twitched. Young miss, can you at least put a little more effort into your act?