Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

Chapter 362: The Imperial Generals’ New Bargain

A heavy atmosphere seemed to permeate the air, as if even the surrounding trees had begun to bow their heads in silence. Xie Linchuan stood aside, his expression still stern, but the complex light flickering in his eyes constantly reminded Ye Wan that this game was no longer just a matter of threat and counterattack.

Li Haoran seemed to notice the subtle change. He raised his eyebrows slightly, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Xie Linchuan, your identity is a huge bargaining chip."

This question was no longer a simple question; it was like a sharp sword, piercing the softest part of Ye Wan's heart. Her breathing paused slightly, and she began to have a premonition. Upon learning of Xie Linchuan's identity, Li Haoran, the imperial general, clearly saw potential that could not be ignored.

Xie Linchuan's eyes remained as cold as ice, as if none of this had anything to do with him. He never even looked at Li Haoran, and even a hint of provocation lingered in his gaze. Although Li Haoran's words weighed heavily on Ye Wan, Xie Linchuan's attitude undoubtedly told her—it's naive of you to use me as a bargaining chip.

However, Li Haoran was clearly not one to give up easily. He looked at Ye Wan, his tone softening slightly, yet with a certain sense of oppression that could not be ignored. "You know, Ye Wan, what Xie Linchuan's identity means to the court. If you continue to oppose the court today, I'm afraid not only you, but also Xie Linchuan, will be in irreparable trouble."

A cold glint flashed in Li Haoran's eyes, like a cheetah precisely staking its claim on its prey. "If you refuse to surrender, I can report Xie Linchuan's identity to the imperial court at any time. By then, countless eyes will surely be fixed on him. You know, the Xie family's influence within the imperial court is far greater than you can imagine."

These words were like a bolt of lightning, splitting the last shred of rationality in Ye Wan's heart. She subconsciously turned her head and looked at Xie Linchuan beside her. His expression was still as calm as water, but she knew that he must understand the meaning of Li Haoran's words.

"You want to threaten me?" Ye Wan's tone was cold, her eyes full of determination and resolve. "Do you think I will give in to such a threat? You are wrong. I will not let you control my choice."

Li Haoran's lips curled up slightly, as if he had anticipated her reaction. He approached step by step, getting closer and closer, finally standing in front of Ye Wan, looking down at her. His voice was low and magnetic, "Ye Wan, I'm not threatening you, but giving you a choice. If you choose to be an enemy of the court, I will immediately report Xie Linchuan's identity. At that time, the court will not only send a stronger force to suppress you, but all of you will be in danger. And Xie Linchuan will no longer be your patron saint."

Before he finished speaking, Li Haoran pointed his finger at Xie Linchuan, his tone filled with an irresistible firmness: "You don't understand how much Xie Linchuan means to the court. He is more than just the heir to a family. His existence represents power, wealth, and even the honor and disgrace of the entire court. If I hand him over to the court, not only will you lose the courage to resist, but even your hope of survival will become slim."

Ye Wan's heart was suddenly shaken. Xie Linchuan's identity was so heavy. She clearly realized that Li Haoran was using Xie Linchuan as a bargaining chip to force her to make a choice - either surrender or fight against the court, and there was not much room for maneuver.

Her fists clenched slightly, the emotions surging in her heart making it difficult for her to calm down. She knew very well that what she faced was not a simple threat, but a test that required her to make a life-or-death decision.

Xie Linchuan finally spoke at this time, his voice low and calm, "Li Haoran, I have never been afraid of anyone, and I don't care about the bargaining chips in your hands. If you think I will back down because of this, I'm afraid you will be disappointed."

Ye Wan looked up and saw the determination and sternness in his eyes, and her heart couldn't help but relax a little. She knew that Xie Linchuan's past and background might put them at greater risk, but it also made her more convinced that no matter what pressure they faced, they would not give in easily.

"If you think you can make us surrender by threatening us, then you overestimate yourself." Ye Wan looked at Li Haoran with a piercing gaze, her eyes full of determination. "We choose to protect our homeland, not become your tools."

Li Haoran's smile faded slightly, his face no longer relaxed. He stared at Ye Wan, his eyes gradually colder. "Okay, very good. Since you are so determined, don't blame me for being rude. The court will not tolerate any rebels, and Xie Linchuan will not be able to escape the court's control."

As soon as Li Haoran finished speaking, the soldiers behind him began to form a tacit formation. It was obvious that the situation was about to escalate. Ye Wan also understood that this was not the end, but the beginning of another battle.

She took a deep breath and whispered to Xie Linchuan beside her, "If you think this battle is worth it, then I will go on with you. We will not let you become their bargaining chip, nor will we let anyone control our fate."

A hint of tenderness flashed across Xie Linchuan's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He whispered, "I've always been your partner. I'll never let you face this alone."

At this moment, Ye Wan finally understood Xie Linchuan's resolve. His choice wasn't just for his own freedom, but for the future of everyone involved. She resolved not to back down, either. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she would hold fast to her beliefs and face the coming storm alongside her team.

And the imperial court will obviously not let them off easily.

But she knew that it was precisely because of this that they had the reason and strength to resist.