Substitute Marriage

Zhang Shi's face could not help but surge with waves of wild ecstasy.

Surrender! A surrender!

Finally, he, Zhang Shi, had finally waited for this day!

This good fortune of receiving a surrender and smoothly taking a city gate was no longer exclusive to Wang Ming. He, Zhang Shi, now had this opportunity too.

However, Zhang Shi, having tempered himself on the grasslands for a long time, was not blinded by joy. He quickly calmed down to verify her identity and the sincerity of her defection.

He asked coldly, You say you are surrendering, just like that?

How can you make this general believe you?

It cannot just be empty words. You cannot just spout nonsense and expect this general to believe it, right?

The woman immediately dropped to one knee and said sincerely, General, my name is Yun Wanyi. My late father was once the garrison commander of Huaian City.

Saying this, the kneeling Yun Wanyi took out the token of the Huaian City garrison commander and handed it to Zhang Shi. After Zhang Shi examined it, he believed her for the most part, though he felt a bit of regret.

The token Yun Wanyi produced was a personal item. To him, it did not hold much practical value; it would have been much better if it were a military token capable of mobilizing the troops of Huaian City.

Nevertheless, his facial expression softened somewhat.

He said, I can believe you a little.

However, as far as I know, the former garrison commander of Huaian City was single-handedly promoted by the Yunjing imperial court and was fiercely loyal to Yunjing. Although he has passed away, would his descendant come to defect to the Duke so easily?

Hmph, if you do not give me a proper explanation.

The blade in this general's hand has never lacked sharpness!

Not daring to hide anything, Yun Wanyi replied, General, as a daughter of a military family, I originally did intend to defend Huaian City alongside its City Lord.

But...

As she spoke, Yun Wanyi clearly recalled something heartbreaking. Her exceptionally beautiful face, which carried a hint of valiant grace, suddenly revealed an expression of absolute anguish.

But the newly appointed City Lord of Huaian City, he... to me...

She stammered for a few words but could not bring herself to say it. She paused, gathered her emotions, and slowly continued, The old City Lord of Huaian City gradually stepped down years ago due to health reasons, planning to pass the position of City Lord to his eldest son, Xu Shang. And I am Xu Shang's fiancee.

Originally, Xu Shang prepared a grand wedding to marry me in these next two days.

After all, I represent my father. Tying the knot with me meant that the two major factions of Huaian City would be twisted into a single rope, allowing them to better resist the Duke.

But...

But...

But...

Yun Wanyi said the word but three times in a row, yet she could not continue for a long while. It was obvious that she had been triggered by her sorrow again, and small teardrops even began to fall from the corners of her eyes.

This made Zhang Shi incredibly anxious.

Feeling utterly exasperated, he immediately asked, Did that Xu Shang go back on his word and refuse to marry you, so you came to seek refuge with the Duke?

Seeing Yun Wanyi merely shake her head, Zhang Shi anxiously pressed on, Could it be that he does not plan to hold the wedding anymore? He slighted you, so you are unwilling?

Yun Wanyi shook her head again.

Just as Zhang Shi was so anxious he was about to jump up, Yun Wanyi bit her lip, tried hard to calm down, and said, Xu Shang will still marry me and take me as his official wife.

But on the day of our grand wedding, Xu Shang will not appear as the groom. Instead, he will sit among the guests and congratulate me in the capacity of a guest.

Zhang Shi: ???

He understood every single word Yun Wanyi said, but when put together, it left Zhang Shi completely baffled.

What did she mean by the groom not being present on the day of the wedding?

And appearing as a guest?

What the hell... why did his head feel like it was buzzing? He could not understand it at all!

He could not help but ask, If the groom does not show up, then who are you marrying? He cannot possibly find someone to take his place, right?

Yun Wanyi nodded heavily.

Zhang Shi: ???

Immediately, just as Yun Wanyi was about to explain, Zhang Shi raised his hand. Wait a moment. Let me sort this out.

On the day of your wedding, there is no groom.

The groom is a guest.

And the groom found someone else to be the groom!

Damn it, you better explain it yourself.

Her face full of sorrow, Yun Wanyi said, Xu Shang has a twin brother who looks exactly like him, named Xu Sha. On the day of my wedding, Xu Sha will take Xu Shang's place and be my groom!

Sniffling, Yun Wanyi looked up, her gaze resolute. Xu Shang has always been the man I loved, but now I know that what I loved was trash.

But my love is not trash!

Since Xu Shang treats me like this, I will not defend the city with him. All grievances and ties between him and me are settled and severed.

We children of the Yun family have our own strength of character. I am willing to surrender to the Duke, and I beg the Duke to accept us.

Once the city is breached in the future, I, Yun Wanyi, am willing to rally the soldiers of Huaian City for the Duke and help him quickly stabilize the city.

Yun Wanyi finished speaking, and Zhang Shi finished listening.

However, Zhang Shi did not actually fully understand the situation, but he keenly caught the tactical opportunity within it.

That was...

Huaian City was going to be in chaos!

Once Huaian City falls into chaos, it is the perfect opportunity! If I just use blitz tactics, will I not easily charge right into Huaian City?

Wang Ming can take down one stronghold a day. I, Zhang Shi... can absolutely take down a massive city in a single day!

After all, Huaian City is much larger than small strongholds like Qingfeng Relay Station, Luoyan Crossing, and Pingling Market.

Zhang Shi became excited.

Was this merit not delivering itself right to his doorstep?

He immediately said, Since you are surrendering sincerely, I promise you that as long as you do not pull any tricks, the Duke will definitely accept your Yun clan.

However, for now, you will have to compromise a little and stay in my designated military camp for a while.

By the way, I am Zhang Shi. In case you know...

Before he could finish, Yun Wanyi cried out in surprise, The General Zhang Shi who swept across the grasslands and decimated the enemy camps?

So you are General Zhang Shi.

This humble girl pays her respects to General Zhang Shi.

Zhang Shi was even more pleasantly surprised.

Sure enough, when a person reaches the absolute depths of bad luck, they will eventually be met with monumental good fortune.

He immediately took Yun Wanyi back with him. However, he did not report to Ren Tianye right away. Instead, he made arrangements for Yun Wanyi. At this moment, his complexion had undergone an earth-shattering change.

From being so depressed that he wanted to shed tears, to bearing a face full of smiles which, paired with the scars on his face, looked rather terrifying.

When he saw Wang Ming again, he held no grudges whatsoever. Instead, he went up to him with a beaming smile. Old Wang, I have to say, you fought beautifully at those three strongholds: Qingfeng Relay Station, Luoyan Crossing, and Pingling Market.

Wang Ming hurriedly replied with modesty, You flatter me, you flatter me. Compared to your conquests sweeping across the grasslands, it falls short by more than just a little bit.

Old Wang, you are just too modest. Zhang Shi grabbed Wang Ming's hand and said, The Duke is about to hold a military council; it seems he is preparing to attack Huaian City. This time, this general will still have to compete with you.

Huaian City will definitely be in the bag for me, Zhang Shi!

...