"We ask that the Grand General put the bigger picture first."
"With Zhongzhou City breached, countless civilians will once again be dragged into the flames of war. Who knows how many lives will be ruined or lost?"
"We hope you will pity and aid them for the sake of the hundreds of millions of Xifeng's people."
Xu Da's face was as dark as still water, his brows deeply furrowed.
Clearly, half his burden came from his responsibility to the country, and the other half from brotherly loyalty. He was caught in a terrible dilemma.
"General." Hu Qing saw that there was hope and dropped to his knees with a thump. "We ask that you write to the Young Duke and ask him to come out and take charge of the situation, saving the people from the flames and waters of disaster. No matter how many grievances or resentments the Young Duke harbors in his heart, he is still our Young Duke of Xifeng, the son of the Old Duke in the hearts of our countless soldiers."
"Please write to the Young Duke, General. Ask him to step forward and support Zhongzhou, to resolve the crisis facing its million citizens."
"General!"
A wave of kneeling swept through the hall. Everyone wore a sincere, pleading expression, hoping Xu Da would write to Lu Qingming, the Feng City Lord, asking him to come forward and take charge of the situation, and to dispatch the Gongshu Clan's divine craftsmen to support and rescue Zhongzhou.
Otherwise, Zhongzhou was doomed.
Xu Da sat upright in the highest seat, looking down over the entire hall. In a deep voice, he said, "Rise. I'll write the letter now. Whether it succeeds or not will be up to Heaven."
"Thank you, General." All the generals shouted in unison, bowing