You Hun gritted his teeth. Matters had come this far; he could only tell the truth according to King Zhou's plan.
Trembling with apprehension, he said, "Your Majesty, the Eastern Yi Rebellion has begun. Under the leadership of the Yu Yue chieftain, Baiyue has also risen in rebellion. That Yu Yue chieftain has even proclaimed himself king."
"Ah?!" Zi Shou feigned such shock that he could no longer hold the stone in his hand, letting it drop to the ground.
His breathing quickened. "Is this true?"
You Hun confirmed it.
Zi Shou cried, "This is truly a moment when our survival hangs in the balance! Even the barbarians beyond our borders dare defy Great Shang's heavenly might! What do you all think we should do?"
Ji Chang said, "The world seethes with unrest, and the tongues of men are fearsome. Your Majesty killed the Tu Fang Leader during an alliance ceremony. Such a betrayal of virtue and your sworn pact, such disregard for righteousness, was bound to displease the barbarian tribes and make them wary of Great Shang. They have lost their trust in Great Shang, so naturally, they have rebelled."
Zi Shou said, "I ask you all to share this burden with me."
Gonghou had never imagined that this was what King Zhou had in mind. First he had killed Marquis Li and then enforced the law, followed by stripping titles and imposing fines as a deterrent. Just moments ago, Gonghou had thought King Zhou intended to move against the feudal lords and had even been ready to surrender. Now the tables had turned.
Baiyue and the Eastern Yi Rebellion had begun!
Every word and gesture from King Zhou just now had been nothing but a show to save face!
Now King Zhou needed their troops to suppress the