#219 - Wei Changtian's version of "Calling a Stag a Horse" - I am the villain in the book

For the tens of millions of ordinary people in Da Ning, this "Spring Dragon Rebellion," though foreshadowed, came somewhat unexpectedly.

But for the various forces who stirred up this storm, everything at the beginning of the chaos was unfolding according to their respective planned scripts.

Whether it was the royal family or the Liu, Wei, Xu, and other families, they all believed that everything was under their control and that they would be the ultimate victors.

However, a "win-win" situation would certainly not occur.

As for who would be the real "winner," mortals standing on this side of the wheel of fate naturally could not foresee it.

Just like no one could have predicted six months ago that Wei Changtian, the sole son of the Wei family who had just committed the great crime of "assassinating the Prime Minister" in the capital, would transform into the true ruler of Shu Province half a year later.

"Everyone, the world is in chaos now, and it is impossible to stay out of it."

In the study, Wei Changtian's "united front speech" had entered its final stage.

Those present were all middle-of-the-roaders or officials loyal to the imperial court. They couldn't be killed for the time being, so he could only try to win them over first.

"I reiterate that my Wei family has absolutely no intention of rebelling. Everything we are doing now is only for the tens of millions of people in Shu Province."

"I hope that you adults will lend this young man a hand and seek a pure land for the common people!"

“…”

By coercion and inducement, reasoning with emotion and appealing to righteousness, Wei Changtian talked until his mouth was dry, and finally finished what he wanted to say.

After all, if society wants to continue to operate, it still needs to rely on these officials. It's impossible to just kill everyone who doesn't cooperate.

It would be refreshing, but at that time, it is estimated that the entire Shu Province would be completely messed up.

"Young Master Wei, if it is for the sake of the people, I am willing to listen to your dispatch!"

Among the officials, the "shill" who had been arranged in advance was the first to take the lead in expressing his position.

And with his lead, a few people really nodded and said that they would stand on the Wei family's side.

The others exchanged glances, obviously not wanting to say anything definite, probably wanting to wait and see how the situation develops.

"Hehe, what about these adults?"

However, Wei Changtian didn't give them too much time to think and asked directly, "You can just say what you think."

"Cough, Young Master Wei..."

An old man with white hair coughed dryly and slowly opened his mouth, "Since we have said everything to this point, I will just say it bluntly."

This old man's name was Chen Zhong, and he held the official position of Shu Province Judge. His official rank was not high, but he was still considered an indispensable position.

Wei Changtian nodded: "Master Chen, please speak freely."

"Yes."

Chen Zhong cupped his hands towards Wei Changtian and carefully considered his words: "Young Master Wei, we are just small officials and have no intention or ability to participate in this struggle between the Liu and Wei families."

"If you are really for the sake of the people of Shu Province, we will naturally do our best."

"But if you insist on us standing on the Wei family's side... I am sorry for being presumptuous, but if the Liu family gains power in the future, then wouldn't we be..."

“…”

Chen Zhong didn't finish his words, but the meaning was very clear.

We can't see who will win in the future, so we don't want to take sides, lest we bet on the wrong side and end up in a tragic end with our heads in different places!

To be honest, this kind of thinking is not wrong.

After all, although they do not stand with the Wei family, they also do not stand with the Liu family or the Ning family, so it is not considered a big hidden danger.

However, what Wei Changtian wants is a monolithic Shu Province, so he must make them publicly take sides.

As long as they have expressed their position on such an occasion, then it will be impossible to get off the "thief ship" in the future.

"Master Chen, I understand what you mean."

Wei Changtian remained calm on the surface, but the left hand hidden under the table stimulated a trace of internal force, making the matching jade pendant on his waist hot.

"Seeking survival in the cracks, this way of being an official would be fine in normal times."

"But now the entire Da Ning is in chaos. If you don't choose a backer at this time, I'm afraid you won't be able to survive anywhere..."

"咚咚咚!"

An opportune knock on the door suddenly sounded. Wei Changtian glanced at Chen Zhong, who was frowning, and shouted loudly:

"Come in!"

"Young Master."

Zhang San pushed the door open in the next second, holding a large wooden box in his hand.

Wei Changtian asked knowingly: "What's wrong?"

Zhang San respectfully placed the wooden box on the table: "Young Master, please take a look at this thing."

"Oh? What is this?"

"A dog's head."

"Hmm..."

Wei Changtian gently opened the box, and immediately a pungent bloody smell spread out.

Chen Zhong and the others subconsciously raised their sleeves to cover their mouths and noses, but Wei Changtian's expression remained unchanged. After glancing at the contents of the box, he suddenly smiled and said:

"It's so bloody, how can you tell it's a dog's head?"

"Master Chen, you are knowledgeable, why don't you help me identify it?"

"Ah?"

Chen Zhong felt a great sense of foreboding in his heart, but before he could refuse, Zhang San had already carried the open wooden box directly to him.

"This, this is!"

"Ah!!"

"Thump!"

With a scream, Chen Zhong fell directly from his chair to the ground.

He widened his eyes and crawled backwards with his hands and feet, as if trying to get away from the wooden box.

Where was there a dog's head! It was just a bloody human head!

And it was the head of the previous governor!

Chen Zhong, a mere civil official, had never seen such a bloody scene before. It was already a good performance that he hadn't peed his pants.

On the other side, Wei Changtian ignored the crowd, who were also terrified, and ordered indifferently: "Zhang San, help Master Chen up."

"Yes, Young Master!"

Zhang San immediately stepped forward and lifted Chen Zhong from the ground, regardless of how the latter struggled.

"Master Chen, you have also seen this head."