stonecrandall Chapter 826 Xiao He, are you going to die?
Chapter 826 Xiao He, are you going to die?
"Clang!"
The long sword slipped out of his hand and fell on the smooth bluestone floor of the study, making a crisp and harsh sound that echoed in the silent room, as if knocking on everyone's heart.
Guard A quickly bent down, picked up his longsword, and smoothly sheathed it. The two guards exchanged a glance, then, like the most loyal shadows, silently retreated to the study door and gently closed it behind them. The entire process was smooth and fluid, a blink of an eye. The moment the door closed, only Gao Yao and the distraught Xiao He, a bloody scar on his neck, remained in the study.
Gao Yao looked at Xiao He helplessly. Xiao He really had such a stubborn temper. This was something Gao Yao had not expected.
"Alright, Old Xiao," Gao Yao's voice carried a subtle hint of fatigue, yet also an undeniable authority. "Get up. Why do you have to do this?" He leaned forward slightly, the jade beads on his crown tassels colliding softly, making a crisp sound. He stared sharply at Xiao He, "If it were someone else, desperately trying to stop me like this, believe it or not... I wouldn't stop him, I'd even give him a push, fulfilling his reputation as a 'loyal hero'?"
The words were calm, yet carried a chilling chill. Gao Yao was reminding Xiao He that his current stubbornness was challenging the emperor's bottom line.
"Your Majesty! I..." Xiao He raised his head, his face full of worry and earnestness, his throat rolling, as if he still wanted to seize the last chance to explain the pros and cons again, trying to save Gao Yao's decision which he thought was almost "crazy".
Before he could finish his words, Gao Yao cut him off with a decisive wave of his hand.
"Xiao He!" Gao Yao's voice suddenly rose, filled with unquestionable determination. "You should know my temper!" He stood up, his black dragon robe gleaming in the candlelight. An invisible pressure spread, causing Xiao He, standing on the steps, to gasp for air. "What's more," Gao Yao's tone slowed slightly, but the certainty in his voice became even clearer. "Since I dare to go, I'm sure I'll escape unscathed! You can rest assured about that."
Gao Yao took a few steps forward and stopped in front of Xiao He, looking down at the loyal old minister. A rare gentleness and comfort flashed across the depths of his eyes: "I promise you, this is the last time! There will never be a next time!" This "promise" was both a promise and a declaration that could not be discussed again.
Gao Yao understood that Xiao He's actions weren't simply a spur-of-the-moment move, but a sincere and unwavering commitment to his safety, even risking his own life. Gao Yao sensed the weight of his loyalty and concern. However, he knew even more clearly that this plan, after countless deductions, was the only path to achieve the greatest possible outcome at the lowest cost. As a king, he had no reason to abandon this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because of his ministers' concerns.
Listening to Gao Yao's resolute words and seeing the unwavering determination in the emperor's eyes, Xiao He's worry gradually faded, replaced by a deep, almost sad, wry smile. He finally let out a long, helpless sigh, his shoulders seeming to slump a little.
He understood the character of the emperor before him better than anyone else. Before making a decision, Gao Yao might entertain suggestions, weigh the pros and cons, and display rare tolerance and patience. But once he truly resolved on something, his words were truly golden, unchangeable! Any attempts at persuasion, resistance, or even threats of death would be ineffective, only widening the gap between the ruler and his subjects. This almost paranoid decisiveness, once the sword that established their foundation, now became a heavy burden of frustration for his subjects.
"Your Majesty..." Xiao He's voice was a little hoarse. He slowly stood up without resistance, his body looking a little hunched. "Since Your Majesty has made up his mind, I... will not say anything more." He bowed deeply, his posture was respectful, but it revealed a deep sense of powerlessness.
"Your Majesty," Xiao He gathered his thoughts and bowed deeply once more. His voice had returned to its usual calmness, yet it carried an unprecedented solemnity. "I do have a request to make. I hope Your Majesty will grant it!"
Seeing that he had finally given up on insisting, Gao Yao's expression softened, and he even smiled, as if the confrontation between the monarch and his minister had never happened. "Oh? Hahaha, great! This is my Prime Minister Xiao! Tell me, do you have any requests? I'm in a good mood today, so feel free to ask!"
His tone was heroic, with the generosity characteristic of a king. As long as Xiao He didn't resort to that "deathly remonstration" drama, Gao Yao wouldn't begrudge him money, treasures, promotions, or titles. He felt a sense of relief, akin to the sun after a storm.
Looking at Gao Yao's bright smile, Xiao He felt a mixture of emotions. He couldn't help but recall the past, when Gao Yao was still "Gao Yao" and not "King", when they had privately discussed those "ministers who died for their advice" in history books.
At that time, Gao Yao scoffed at this, thinking that those who wanted to bang their heads against pillars and splatter blood in the Golden Palace were simply stupid. He believed that if the king did not listen, you would just die, so why bother to put on a tragic posture to force the king?
Today, when Xiao He also stood in this position, when the worry about the king's safety and the sense of responsibility for the country's future were intertwined, so heavy that it was almost impossible to breathe, Gao Yao truly understood that behind the seemingly "stupid" behavior of those ministers, there was the sincerity and despair that was so heavy that it could only be expressed with life.
At this moment, Gao Yao must have finally realized the "dilemma" of being in power - you know that your subjects are thinking about you wholeheartedly, but you have your own ideas and opinions. When the two conflict, facing that heavy "intention" that is even risking your life, what else can you do except feel helpless?
"Your Majesty, I will follow you to Yangping Pass! If Your Majesty disagrees..." He suddenly leaned forward, slamming his forehead heavily on the cold ground with a dull sound, "Then Your Majesty, please sentence me to death immediately!"
This resolute gesture, this resounding "death plea," instantly froze Gao Yao's smile. His pupils shrank, and his body subconsciously leaned forward, completely stunned. He had calculated everything, but he had never expected Xiao He's "demand" to be a threat of his own life, to follow him to Yangping Pass, where it was about to be turned into a bloody millstone!
After a brief moment of astonishment, an indescribable emotion surged into Gao Yao's heart, it was absurdity, anger, and even a bit of a dilemma.
Gao Yao suddenly stood up and pointed at Xiao He, who was kneeling at the bottom of the stairs, his voice filled with disbelief and urgency. "Xiao He! You... are you kidding me?! That's Yangping Pass! It's a meat grinder about to be crushed by the Chu army's iron hooves! Swords and spears are blind, arrows are flying everywhere! You're just a weak scholar who can barely hold a sword steady. What are you doing there? Are you going to give your head to the Chu army, or do you think I'm not burdened enough?"