Morning Song Royal Palace.
In the solemn, imposing hall, the atmosphere was so deathly still it was suffocating. Di Xin sat upon his throne, his eyes wide as he stared fixedly at the scout kneeling below, his voice carrying overwhelming fury and utter disbelief. "Say that again!"
The scout trembled all over, cold sweat streaming down his forehead. He did not dare raise his head as he repeated in a shaking voice, "Y-Your Majesty! After Deng Jiugong was defeated and captured, his daughter Deng Chanyu married Tuxingsun of Western Qi. Deng Jiugong... actually led his army to turn against us in battle, completely betraying Yin Shang and submitting to Western Qi!"
"How dare that bastard deceive me!"
Di Xin roared in fury, his imperial wrath erupting as his oppressive aura swept through the entire hall.
"What a fine old general! To preserve his miserable life, he not only married his own daughter to an enemy general but also led tens of thousands of troops in betraying his nation and defecting to the enemy! Yin Shang has treated the Deng Clan generously for generations, yet he proved to be such a traitor—a rebellious minister and treacherous criminal whose sins are unforgivable!"
In his rage, Di Xin's gaze abruptly locked onto Jizi and Weizi below the steps.
He had not forgotten that it was the two of them who had repeatedly recommended Deng Jiugong, prompting him to make an exception and appoint the general after years of retirement.
Under the Emperor's piercing stare, both men wore ashamed expressions. They bowed their heads and bodies, pleading guilty in unison. "Forgive us, Your Majesty! We failed to recognize his true character and were negligent in our recommendation, leading to this great disaster!"
Di Xin swept a cold glance over them. Only after a long