Li Sui was still marveling inwardly at King Zhou's wisdom and martial brilliance.
The noble lords were still hurling abuse with righteous conviction.
"Ji Chang is still in Youli, yet Bo Yikao has thrown in his lot with the Qiang. Such beastly conduct, such utter unfiliality-it makes one's hair stand on end! How could I tolerate such a vile scoundrel remaining alive in this world?!"
The noble lords rose shakily one after another, pounding the tables and shouting, "Such a villain should be escorted to Chaoge and subjected to Death by a Thousand Cuts!"
"Besides, there are Qiang men such as Ehe and Shaoge. Bo Yikao cannot command their allegiance, and our Great Shang cannot tolerate a man who acknowledges neither father nor sovereign becoming King of the West Qiang. Lord Li, please join Commandery Governor Jiang in mobilizing the troops. Those of us with money will contribute money, and those with strength will contribute strength. We will help crush the villain and capture Bo Yikao alive-tomorrow!"
"Our families have lived on the frontier for generations, and we know the suffering of its people well. If we fail to strike first and wait until next year, when the Qiang and Xiqi wallow in the same mire and turn on us, our days will be hard indeed!"
"Exactly, exactly! Besides, the Qiang have plundered the frontier for so long. If we cannot pacify them, how will we have the face to meet our ancestors?"
At the mention of their ancestors, several noble lords paused in unison. It was strange, really. Lately, servants had repeatedly reported seeing short, dark figures around their ancestral tombs, but whenever anyone went to investigate, the figures vanished. It was all far too eerie.
Li Sui already had the whole situation under control. He still did not