"General the Falsely Accused Tool Man 03

The Fang Manor had already set up a mourning hall. Concubine Liu knelt to the side, feigning tears as she wept theatrically, while her son muttered under his breath, "Mother, your crying is too fake."

Concubine Liu covered her mouth with a handkerchief. "You little rascal, how can I cry? I'm exhausted from managing all this! And that fool of an elder brother of yours still hasn’t returned—what a heartless wretch!"

"Mother, is it true that Grandfather said the Emperor would arrange an official position for me?"

Concubine Liu gave him a light slap in mock annoyance. "How many times have you asked that? Would your grandfather lie to you?"

Fang Wenyuan grinned. As a concubine-born son, his father had always favored his elder brother. He had hoped that after the death of his brother’s birth mother, his own mother would naturally rise in status. But to his dismay, his father remained fixated on his deceased first wife, refusing to budge. If things continued this way, the entire Fang estate and the title of Duke would eventually fall to his elder brother, leaving him with nothing.

His grandfather had brought a secret decree from the new Emperor. When he first heard about poisoning his own father, Fang Wenyuan had hesitated, but the future his grandfather painted was too tempting to resist. Once his elder brother surrendered his military authority, the new Emperor would gradually push him out of court. Then, with a fabricated charge, the Fang estate and the dukedom would be his for the taking.

After discussing it with his mother, they decided to go through with it. Old General Fang and Fang Zhiyi were both stubborn men who cared little for social maneuvering. Since the first wife’s death, Concubine Liu had taken charge of the household, and now the entire Fang Manor was under their control. Poisoning the old general would be effortless.

"Stop grinning—we have guests!" Concubine Liu hissed at her son.

Fang Wenyuan quickly wiped the drool from his mouth and threw himself to the ground, wailing, "Father! Waaaaah..."

The visitors glanced at the pair, their eyes flickering with brief disgust before they composed themselves. They were family members of Old General Fang’s subordinates. "Our condolences, Madam. Our condolences, Young Master. We heard of the general’s sudden passing and came to pay our respects."

Concubine Liu pretended to wipe away tears, though inwardly she was annoyed. What business did these military families have coming here? She had hoped for high-ranking officials from court. Still, she forced herself to bow in gratitude.

Strangely, many visitors arrived that day—all from the families of Old General Fang’s former subordinates. The endless bowing and returning of condolences left Concubine Liu and her son dizzy.

When news reached the new Emperor in the palace, a trace of unease flickered in his eyes. "Good riddance to Fang Daowen. Who knew his influence in the military ran so deep? What was the late Emperor thinking, allowing him to build such a faction?"

Liu Wenhui, standing nearby, quickly added, "The late Emperor fought side by side with Fang Daowen to establish this kingdom. Their bond was understandable. But over time, loyalty can twist into something else."

"Your Majesty’s reign requires stability. The Fang family is a stumbling block that must be removed. Now we just wait for Fang Zhiyi to return to the capital."

The Emperor nodded. "Any news from the northern frontier? Fang Daowen’s burial is approaching, yet Fang Zhiyi still hasn’t returned?"

"Your Majesty, our spies report that Fang Zhiyi was about to depart when the northern barbarians launched a raid, delaying him."

The Emperor flicked his sleeve. "What? Does the northern border collapse without Fang Zhiyi?"

Liu Wenhui immediately dropped to his knees. "Your Majesty, calm yourself. Clearly, Fang Zhiyi has ulterior motives. Ignoring his own father’s funeral proves he’s a filial imposter!"

The Emperor’s voice turned icy. "Send more men to hasten his return."

"Does Your Majesty mean to summon him back to the capital?"

After a moment’s thought, the Emperor replied, "A summons might make him wary. Tell him I intend to posthumously grant his father the title of 'Prince of the Northern Garrison' and that he must return to accept it on his father’s behalf."

"Brilliant, Your Majesty!"

"And those in Fang Manor who knew too much—have they been dealt with?"

Liu Wenhui smirked. "All taken care of. Only Your Majesty, myself, my daughter, and my grandson remain privy to the truth."

The Emperor’s eyes darkened. In his mind, he had already sentenced Liu Wenhui’s family to death—but he wouldn’t be the one to do it. Fang Zhiyi would.

What a genius I am.

Meanwhile, at the northern frontier camp, a dozen heads hung at the gates. A row of fully armored commanders stood grim-faced, hands resting on their swords.

"These were the Emperor’s spies planted in our ranks—five commanders, eight captains!" shouted a military governor. "From this moment, all troops will obey Young General Fang’s orders! Anyone who deserts will be executed on the spot!"

Fang Zhiyi, clad in crimson armor, sat at the center and slowly raised his head. "Our scouts report that your families have been safely extracted in batches. They will soon arrive in the northern frontier."

The commanders knelt in unison. "We thank the general!"

"My family and the late Emperor fought to build this kingdom, toppling the tyrannical Northern Yuan. Alongside my father, you have guarded this desolate land for the prosperity of the Xia Kingdom! Yet the new Emperor, upon ascending the throne, ordered my father’s poisoning! This proves that treacherous officials surround him! They seek to destroy Xia’s foundation, to exterminate its loyal generals! Therefore, I, Fang Zhiyi, declare today—"

"We march on the capital! To purge the court of evil! To restore justice to Great Xia!"

"Purge the court!"

The Garrison Commander of Ning Fort was asleep with his concubine when the clamor outside jolted him awake. "Who the hell is making that racket?"

A Deputy General burst in without knocking. "Commander! Disaster! A massive army approaches our gates, demanding entry!"

The Garrison Commander bolted upright. "What? Have the northern barbarians broken through? Impossible—the northern border army would have sent word..."

The Deputy General grimaced. "Their banners—the vanguard is the Ghost Face Army of the northern border! Behind them, Fang’s Thunder Riders! Tens of thousands strong!"

"What?" The Garrison Commander’s legs gave way. "What are they doing? Without orders, they dare to—" Then it hit him. With the recent news from the capital—Fang Daowen’s death—there was only one explanation.

"They’re rebelling?"

"Commander, what do we do? Order our men to hold the fort?"

The Garrison Commander stood frozen for minutes before turning to his deputy. "Hold? With what? That’s the northern border army! Fang’s Ghost Face and Thunder Riders! Let me think, let me think..."

"Right—send for reinforcements!"

Before he could finish, another Deputy General rushed in. "Commander, worse news!"

"What now?"

"The watchtower reports—behind the Thunder Riders are the Dragon Guard Cavalry and the Vanguard Corps! Countless numbers!"

The Garrison Commander’s legs buckled, and he collapsed to the floor. "They’ve all turned. The entire northern army has mobilized."

With the northern frontier long secure, Ning Fort had seen no real conflict in years. Even their ranks were padded with ghost soldiers, their commanders pocketing the pay of nonexistent troops.

"Pass... pass my order. Open the gates."