PFC Chapter 7206 The Justice I Chose
Chapter 7206 The Justice I Chose
Chapter 7206 The Justice I Chose
“I know you don’t quite believe it, but with so many accidents, it’s impossible that every single one was an accident.” Meng Kangbu didn’t doubt Xun Qi’s smile; it was normal for Xun Qi not to believe it.
“No, what I mean is that some things are actually open secrets.” Xun Qi sighed, looking around as if revealing something to Meng Kangbu, and said in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Meng Kangbu's eyes instantly sharpened as he stared intently at Xun Qi, as if trying to discern something from Xun Qi's expression.
“There are some things I can’t say too clearly, but it’s wrong of you to be thinking about espionage. In such a vast Kushan Empire, why are you the only one paying attention to this? Haven’t others really considered related issues? If you really want to know the answer, you can talk to Oswin. The Imperial Will is a very mysterious entity; it can know a lot of things.” Xun Qi looked at Meng Kangbu, as if deliberately trying to enlighten him, and suggested that he go to Oswin.
“He told me to stop investigating,” Moncomb replied directly.
After Oswin raised the banner of imperial will and gained a deeper understanding of the true nature of the country, he realized that spies never existed in the first place, or to put it more directly, the country lacked certain consensus from the beginning, so discussing the issue of spies was meaningless.
Xun Qi was speechless when he heard Meng Kangbu's answer. So you've already gone to find Oswin.
At this moment, the two stared at each other wide-eyed.
“General Oswin told you to stop investigating, you’d better give up,” Xun Qi said with difficulty. Based on his previous meeting with Oswin and his exchanges with Vasudeva I, Zhu Helai and others, Xun Qi had more or less figured out the operating logic of the imperial will that Oswin had mastered.
Meng Kangbu stared wide-eyed at Xun Qi, hoping Xun Qi could give an answer.
"We can't investigate everything, can we? What if we find something we shouldn't be investigating?" Xun Qi advised.
Moncomb's heart sank. This answer, along with Oswin's suggestion, from these two pillars of the empire whom Moncomb considered absolutely trustworthy, had given such a response. This made Moncomb wonder just how deep the water really was.
“General Meng Kangbu, take my advice, don’t investigate anymore. Even if you find out, what good will it do? Or even if you find out, what will it solve?” Xun Qi patted Meng Kangbu on the shoulder, looking concerned for him, then shook his head with a hint of disappointment and left.
"General, shall we continue the investigation?" After Xun Qi left, Aruno walked slowly behind Meng Kangbu and asked in a low voice.
"Investigate!" Moncomb's voice seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying the chill and determination of the dead of winter, because from all the suspects and trusted individuals, Moncomb had pieced together an absolutely impossible answer.
"Investigate whom?" Aruno asked, startled.
Moncomb glanced at Arno without saying anything, but turned his head to look at the highest point of the palace. Having eliminated all the impossible answers, the only remaining, most unlikely answer must be the real one—Your Majesty, is it really you? Are you really going to abandon the Empire?
[Tsk, that idiot Mongkamp, is he really going to investigate Vasudeva I? But to be honest, Vasudeva I didn't really try to hide this. If Mongkamp really investigates, he might get results very quickly.] Xun Qi quickly left the political center of Kushan. Compared to here, Peshawar was Xun Qi's stronghold and his safest place.
More importantly, after returning to Baishawa this time, Xun Qi will truly begin preparing to inherit the position of Marquis of Wuxi, for that is his own territory!
"What the hell? How come Moncombe has disappeared from the Imperial Will after I woke up?" Oswin, after waking up from a nap, habitually checked the Imperial Will.
After all, checking on his teammates every day to understand their current situation was something Oswin had to do. But today, as soon as he checked, he discovered something big had happened—Vesudeva I, Zhuhelai, and Prince Qi, three guys who either never logged in or only logged in occasionally, were all online, but Mongkangbu, who was always online, was offline. Oswin was speechless.
This situation inevitably reminded Oswin of the questions Moncomb had asked him when he came to him before. Upon further reflection, he wondered if it was Vasudeva I, Zhuhelai, and Prince Qi who had bullied Moncomb. After all, what Moncomb wanted to ask was simple, but for someone like Moncomb, knowing the answer was worse than not knowing at all!
As for the three newly added big shots, well, the reason Xun Qi was able to join is very simple: he really wants to become the Marquis of Wuxi, and he does indeed see himself as the future Marquis of Wuxi, using the Yuezhi who are willing to return to the Han Dynasty as his base. There's nothing more to say; given this situation, the imperial will cannot deny it.
Vasudeva I and Zhuhelai, after talking with Xun Qi today, had their original intentions awakened for a moment, so they all came online for a while.
The problem is Mongkamp. Mongkamp realized that there was something wrong with Vasudeva I, and then the things that had puzzled him before suddenly became clear. Although the spy problem was not completely solved, Vasudeva I was already preparing to flee. It was only natural for some close ministers to consider the emperor's interests!
This almost caused Mongkangbu to have a mental breakdown. Could such an empire be the one that Mongkangbu recognized? Could such a Vasudeva I be the emperor that Mongkangbu recognized? All the filters that had been added to Vasudeva I before have now shattered. What a joke, he ran away!
"Forget it, let's go see what's wrong with Moncomb. It feels like ever since I raised the Imperial Will, I've been dealing with the psychological problems of my own people all day long. The Empire has just too many problems." Oswin, feeling somewhat exhausted, got up to go find Moncomb. However, Oswin didn't think that Moncomb's disappearance from the Imperial Will was a big problem. After all, he had seen it many times, especially since Zhuhelai had gone offline again after he got up for a short while. Oswin didn't think it was a problem at all.
“General Oswin.” He saw Falgon as soon as he stepped outside, and the instant he saw Falgon, Falgon appeared in the Imperial Will and shone brightly. Oswin nodded expressionlessly. See? It’s like this now, what else is there to say?
“General, when will we negotiate with the Brahman leaders again? I think my dual-talented subordinates also need muscle-building and bone-strengthening needles, as well as a follow-up food supply.” Baras also appeared in front of Oswin, speaking with a somewhat excited tone.
The reason why the Royal Guard could receive muscle-building and bone-strengthening injections was because Oswin and his men gathered the Brahmins, had a formal and friendly talk with them, and obtained enough food and jerky. Although some of the smoked jerky seemed to be older than Oswin, it was edible and could be used to supplement nutrition.
This is also why Kusroy has basically stayed aligned with the Imperial will recently. The Dawn Legion gained huge benefits in this round of negotiations, which further deepened Kusroy's identification with Oswin. Whether or not they recognize the Imperial will or the Kushan Empire, let's put that aside for now. Oswin is reliable!
“You should complete the popularization of the Royal Guard level first, then we can talk about dual talents.” Oswin glanced at Baras. “As for negotiating with the Brahmin high command, wait for my notification.”
At this moment, a certain star within the Empire's will shone brightly. Oswin felt even more weary upon seeing this. To be honest, some things are better left unknown; knowing them only makes one feel exhausted.
Most of the officers and soldiers who came from the Yuezhi tribe spent their days figuring out how to open the minds of Brahmins.
Before Oswin could find Moncomb, Moncomb had already appeared before him. However, even though Moncomb was in front of Oswin, he still did not appear in the Imperial Will.
“What happened?” Oswin asked Moncombe.
"So you really do know everything," Moncombe asked Oswin with a complicated expression.
Oswin was completely confused; what was this guy talking about?
"Why didn't you tell me?" Moncombe looked at Oswin's gloomy face.
Oswin remained silent, unsure of what to say or even what Montcomb was asking. Worse still, Montcomb seemed to think Oswin should know.
"But is this your choice?" Moncomb sighed softly, and then the light representing Moncomb reappeared in the Imperial Will. Oswin was at a loss for words.
After saying that, Moncomb turned and left. Oswin looked at Moncomb with a puzzled expression, but in the end, he didn't say anything. After all, he was used to it; it was just coming and going, normal! Uh, maybe!
"Moncombe, what happened to you?" Oswin asked as soon as he saw Moncombe about to leave. Although he was puzzled and the problem had been solved, Oswin knew that communicating with others could reduce misjudgments.
“It’s just that some dreams have been shattered,” Moncombe said with a hint of disappointment. “Oswin, what are you fighting for?”
"For the sake of the Kushan Empire that I endorse, and incidentally to make their lives a little easier," Oswin said simply.
"If the Han Dynasty were to attack, would these people have an easier time?" Meng Kangbu asked directly. "If that's the case, wouldn't your current actions be contrary to your own beliefs?"
“Actually, it’s impossible. The Han Dynasty can’t fully accommodate us. There will always be some who are excluded. Since the Kushan Empire can exist, it at least accommodates everyone currently on the Kushan territory. Some may live poorly, and some may live well, but they are all alive. If the Han Dynasty comes, some people will definitely die.” Oswin sighed and said, “I can’t be sure who will die, but I don’t think that those whom the Han Dynasty thinks deserve to die should die. There is a chasm between sin and death.”
"So you agree that with the arrival of the Han dynasty, some people in the Kushan territory will be able to live better lives?" Meng Kangbu raised an eyebrow, speaking with a hint of mockery.
"The Yuezhi's invasion of this place has also made life better for some of the people here," Oswin said calmly. From the moment he raised the Imperial Will and manipulated it to see through the darkness, his beliefs and will became incredibly firm, and there was no longer the slightest bit of confusion.
This is also why the few traces of aura that Banerjee acquired through the sacrifice had no effect on Oswin. To be honest, let alone a few traces of aura, even if Oswin were possessed by Brahma, Brahma could only kill him, not distort his beliefs.
Unyielding and unyielding—that's the Oswin of today.
“People should still control their own destiny. Even if the Kushans exist on the earth in a filthy state, it is better than being cleansed into the form the Han Dynasty wants.” Oswin concluded that at least the former was the Kushans’ own choice.
"How could you say something like that?" Moncomb looked at Oswin in shock.
“Because I can see many things clearly now,” Oswin said frankly. “But it is precisely because I see many things clearly that I am even more convinced that the Kushan Empire has many problems, but they should be solved by the Kushan Empire itself, not by the Han Dynasty.”
“The correctness of the Han Dynasty is different from the correctness of the Kushan Dynasty,” Oswin sighed. “The Han Dynasty never aimed to save the Kushans. The so-called elimination of the Brahmins and restoration of the Yuezhi to the glory of the Five Marquises was merely a means to divide us and make it easier to deal with us.” Oswin looked quietly at Mongkombu and said, “That is why I have done my best to integrate all forces.”
“I see.” Moncombe was silent for a while. For the first time, he clearly realized that there was a fundamental gap between him and Oswin in terms of cognition and level of understanding.
“We are not acting out of selfish desires.” Oswin extended his hand to Moncomb. “I don’t know what kind of blow you suffered, but what we have done has indeed made the Kushan Empire better, and that is enough!”
“I am indeed not as good as you.” Moncomb sighed, then clapped his hands.
“You really have no confusion whatsoever,” Moncomb said with utmost seriousness.
"No matter how eloquently the Han Dynasty speaks, it cannot change the fact that they definitely want to eliminate most of us," Oswin said calmly.
"Hahaha." Moncomb laughed upon hearing this.
“The simplest point is that if we submit a memorial to the Han court now, saying that we fully accept surrender and that we can enjoy the same rights as the Han people, the Han court will not accept it.” Oswin spread his hands. “So no matter how high the tone is, it doesn’t matter. We will definitely still have to fight the other side. Only if we win can there be any follow-up. As for losing the battle, if we can’t win on the battlefield, then it’s only natural that we will be at the mercy of others. Besides, by then, we will already be dead, right?”
Moncomb nodded slowly, fully understanding Oswin's thoughts and perceptions.
“Just do what you’re supposed to do,” Oswin advised Moncombe. “No matter what you face, there’s always something you should do.”
“Yes.” Under Oswin’s persuasion, Moncomb’s chaotic thoughts calmed down, and he began to face the facts he had verified. Finally, he couldn’t help but chuckle twice. Indeed, so what if Vasudeva I’s filter was shattered? He had lived to this day because of the sacrifices of so many people, and so many people had entrusted him with their lives before they died. Could he really surrender?
If I had even a slight thought of surrendering back then, I would be off gallivanting with Gan Ning by now, instead of waiting until today.
“I feel like this is a losing proposition.” Moncombe was able to regroup after being persuaded by Oswin, but then voiced his doubts.
"Hilalach explained your question to me." Hilalach's knowledge was actually very important in helping Oswin get to where he is today. Oswin only had faith, but Hilalach, with the help of Sogdian historians and many Han records, helped Oswin to completely perfect the entire system.
"Were those officers who fought to the death against the Mauryan Empire when it was established heroes?" Oswin asked Moncomb earnestly.
“Yes.” Moncomb thought for a moment and felt that, judging from his own perspective, those officers who fought for their country to the last moment and died on the battlefield were definitely heroes.
You can't say that the people who resisted the Mauryan unification were bastards just because after the Mauryan dynasty, Brahmanism dominated the land and everyone became a theocratic entity. That logic would be that you have to kneel down in the face of invasion, because once you kneel down and unify, you're one of our own, and there's no need to fight anymore.
These days, even India hasn't accepted this approach! How much less could the Yuezhi, who were deeply influenced by the Han Dynasty, possibly agree with the idea of lying down and letting invaders beat them, and joining them as dogs?
“That settles it.” Oswin looked quietly at Moncombe. Since you acknowledge these people as heroes, there’s no need for further words. We just need to do the right thing!
Upon hearing this, Moncomb said nothing more. He had completely understood Oswin's position and the true situation of the entire Kushan upper class. Everyone had their own position, their own awareness, and their own beliefs. As for himself, he only needed to find someone suitable to follow or build his own team within this group!
"What is it that Your Highness Prince Qi is carrying?" Meng Kangbu asked tentatively.
“Probably after the Five Marquises, they will win if they can, and if they can't, they will preserve themselves and wait for the future. It's a kind of indirect way to save the country. For now, they can coexist with us and are willing to give us support, but if we lose, then don't count on them.” Oswin said calmly.
Oswin completely understood the existence of such people among the Yuezhi. After all, if only the Yuezhi were considered, the Han Dynasty would still be willing to give them some face.
The problem is that after eating the Brahmins' rice for so many years, shouldn't they bear some responsibility? Just patting their butts and leaving doesn't seem right, in Oswin's opinion.
"I see, now I understand," Moncomb said with a smile.
I feel like the maker has really had some issues these past two years. Sigh, I'm a follower with 10,000 followers, and even with updates, I'm only getting less than 30,000 new followers per day. It's frustrating! And now it's the end of the month, time to cast some votes!
(End of this chapter)