Chapter 109 — Ten Years

Chapter 109: Ten Years

Now, in the wet and cold frontline of Jiangbei, those ten years have shrunk to an inch, in which he crossed over by a step.

The soldier was frightened out of his wits, stunned on the spot and was pushed aside by Chang Geng. Chang Gengs hair all over his body stood up, his hands and feet were colder than the winter weather in Jiangbei.

Gu Yun was just suffering from chest pain at first, after spitting out this blood, he had felt a bit better, but the coughing would not stop. The front of his clothes was stained with blood. He could not see clearly what was around him, waving his hand around, Dont make a ruckus,… cough, dont… cough…

Chang Geng suppressed his spirit that was on the edge of collapse and was about to pick him up when suddenly, he heard Gu Yun vaguely crying out to him: … Chang Geng…

He took a deep breath and leaned over to listen, Hm?

Gu Yuns nose was full of the scent of blood. This time, even his sense of smell was not working, it seemed only his brain was still clear as if on its last momentum, he speaks in intermittent, Chang Geng…Yan Wang is coming these days. This matter is not allowed to be spread, especially him…do not let him know…

Chang Gengs heart cracked, his eyes red, he told the guard next to him. Call the military doctor over!1

The guard ran away.

Yao Zhen was really exhausted both mentally and physically, wanting to cry but had no tears. He simply suspected that the feng shui of Jiangbei camp was not good. One person just fell down, another one followed, even an ancestor who could not afford to fall. At the moment, he could not help but asking Master Liao Ran who came along with Chang Geng. Are you here to pray for Old Zhong? Praying is not urgent, you should first chant sutras to exorcise evil spirits?

The master looked at him helplessly and gestured, The mute cannot recite sutras.

Chang Geng thought that as he had followed Miss Chen to study medicine all this time, he could be considered as half a doctor. But when it came to a critical moment, he found that towards one patient, he was really helpless. As he saw the blood of this man, his mind had already been blank, the medical books he had learned seemed to have all been given back to Miss Chen, let alone doing any treatment.

All the best military doctors in Jiangbei Camp were gathered in the marshal tents that had just been cleared up before anyone could live in. Everyone who came in and out was very nervous. Chang Geng held Gu Yun in his grip without letting go, he did not feel that he was being an obstruction either, sitting aside quietly, making the military doctors tremble.

Liao Ran was standing at the door with worries, he had heard how Chang Geng was pinned into a hedgehog that year when the capital was in danger. At this time, he was really afraid Chang Geng would suffer an attack in Jiangbei Camp there was not even one person here who could suppress him.

However, beyond his expectation, Chang Geng was very quiet from the beginning to the end. He didnt have the slightest sign of turning mad. Gu Yuns vague sentence do not let him know was like a needle, pinning his soul in his body.

Chang Geng suddenly felt that he was asking too much from Gu Yun, and he was carelessly getting more and more greedy. He had never let him have a peace of mind. How did he get all those new and old wounds while he had been kept in the dark about all of them? Chang Geng could imagine many times when Gu Yun was at a place where he could not see, wounded and sick at the same time, while still having to tell the others to block the news, not letting him know.

Your Highness, said a military doctor cautiously, Marshal overworking himself is half the cause of his illness, and… er… in addition, in the past year or two, he has suffered wounds on the front line, injuring his lungs and organs, the congestion has not come out. This time, although it looks dangerous, it is not necessarily a bad thing.

Chang Geng listened, silently reached out to place a hand on Gu Yuns pulse and forcefully calmed his nerves. Even after checking blindly for a moment, he still could not come to a conclusion and had to trust these military doctors diagnoses. Mm, he asked, what medicine should be used, have the gentlemen concluded yet?

The military doctor hesitated for a moment and said, Uh… in this case, it is better not to use too much medicine, he should rest and calm the mind…

When he finished, even he himself knew that he was speaking needless words, nervously looking at Chang Gengs hands holding Gu Yun with blue veins showing. He was afraid that Yan Wang would lash out on him, but after waiting for a long time with fear, Chang Geng did not say anything, he only sat there in a daze.

Then he politely said, Thank you, I hope you will do your best.

Several military doctors felt frightened by his grace, filed out, and each did their utmost. Liao Ran quietly came in and stood gloomily in front of Chang Geng for a while. Finding nothing else he could do, he stretched out his hand and brushed the slightly wrinkled eyebrows of Gu Yun, silently reciting Buddhas mantras.

Chang Geng sighed, Dont do it, Master, he disliked Buddha. Are you going to wake him up by angering him? Do you have wooden birds with you? Write a letter to Chen Qing Xu.1

Liao Ran looked up at him.

Chang Geng said expressionlessly, Ask her how many things she had helped Gu Zi Xi to hide from me.

Your Highness, are you alright? Liao Ran signed.

Chang Gengs shoulders moved slightly. In an instant, Liao Ran felt that he almost broke down, but Chang Geng did not collapse. He looked down at Gu Yun for a while, and did a thing that frightened the master into crying he was holding Gu Yuns hand in spite of himself, and slowly kissed his forehead, the kiss was respectful and pious, almost feeling solemn.

Liao Rans mouth was agape as he took in a cold breath.1

Chang Gengs eyes did not leave Gu Yun, theres no telling to whom did he whisper the sentence to: Still good, rest assured.

The Master was frightened, he thought non-existence is existence, existence exactly is non-existence, and took small steps to escape, leaving Chang Geng to silently keep watch on Gu Yun.

In the middle of the night, Gu Yun changed from being unconscious to falling into a deep sleep. He seemed to be trapped in a nightmare. Occasionally, he would move restlessly. Chang Geng remembered that Gu Yun could not lie still when he had a high fever that year, but it seemed that if he could feel that someone was accompanying him, he would be able to feel a little more secure, thus he had leaned on the bed and held onto him the whole time.

In the praying hall of General Zhong, the faint fire was still shining. It was a wonder if he knew about this and returned in Gu Yuns dream, and what would he say to him.

Chang Geng tightened his hands and held Gu Yun in a posture similar to protective. For the first time, he had no dependence on his little yifu, no desire for his loved one. Instead, he seemed to cherish a young and fragile child.

In those days of his unrequited feelings, Chang Geng had imagined countless times that if he had been born ten or twenty years earlier, what would be the scenario between him and Gu Yun?

Now, in the wet and cold frontline of Jiangbei, those ten years have shrunk to an inch, in which he crossed over by a step.

Unfortunately, even if on this side, he crossed over ten years within one night, it could not stop the Westerners discreet scheme.

That night, the messenger and the Pope completed their internal struggle, and ended with a brief victory for the messenger, reaching a consensus on launching a surprise attack on the Great Liang Navy.

The plan was scheduled for this gloomy evening, but before it could come into action, suddenly, news came from the watchtower that the Jiangbei defense line of Great Liang had been tightened and the alert level had been adjusted to the most serious and critical situation.

Master Ja quickly rushed into the main ship that was already full of power and ready to go: Your Majesty! Gu Yun came too fast. Great Liangs Navy is obviously not only in its infancy. The opponent had increased their defense, if we fight fire with fire like this, it wont benefit our economy…

Before he had finished, the messenger came in with an unsightly expression: No one is allowed to change my plan!

The messenger could represent the King and the aristocrats in the presence of the Holy See and the army, he must have strong supporters behind him, a highly trusted and talented young master. He was arrogant and ambitious. A few days ago as he was bluffing, not putting Great Liang army and the commander of the Black Iron Camp in his eyes, both outward and internally, turns out, he already receive this slap to the face not long after.

Not mentioning other things, the messengers self-esteem would not find this acceptable.

The Pope was also anxious: Please repress your personal feelings. War is not a matter of a joke or fighting to see who is better!

The messenger turned red and argued roughly: No one jokes about wars, Your Majesty! If the enemy is just bluffing, what can they possibly prove? This is precisely the best time for us to attack!

Master Ja immediately asked, What if it wasnt a bluff?

Theres no such possibility, said the messenger, giving him a somber look. These fragile navies have no fighting power at all. Youre just worried about taking risks-

Master Ja: These are illogical excuses!

Pay attention to your wording, sir, said the messenger coldly. Then, with a turn of his eyes, he drew a roll of parchment from his arms. Im not here for discussion, gentlemen. I signed the highest call order on behalf of the Holy Land half an hour ago. This is a backup copy. Please see through it carefully.

Master Jas face was red from anger, before he could protest, the main ship sea monster suddenly gave a long sigh, it seemed he had already acted without letting anyone voicing their opinions.

Are you crazy? Master Ja roared. Instinctively, he pulled out his sword at his waist and said, Stop!

The messenger showed no sign of weakness and immediately drew his shining knight saber, It is our honor to fight to the death for the King and infinite glory! We are not on the frontline to hide in our harbor and pray!

Master Ja: What did you say!

The Pope shouted: Enough!

The messenger made a sneer: Why, what else does your majesty wish to instruct?

The Popes cheeks twitched for a moment as if his nerves were abnormal and finally compromised helplessly on the departed main ship: If we must follow your absurd plan, at least the battlefield will be directed by my men.

The messenger could not agree more, if this expedition failed, the Pope was a ready scapegoat. He gave Master Ja a pleased look and laughed, withdrawing his saber and loudly said, Go at full speed!

Tonight, a line of Western Dragons under disguise dispersed in the long battle frontline of Liangjiang, quietly bypassing the Jiangbei Camp, ready to land in the glory of God.

In the Northern Frontier, thousands of miles away, the Eighteen Tribes also sent a second group of envoys to contact Great Liang.

Cao Chun Hua himself arrived in Northern Xinjiang. He and Chen Qing Xu had gone deep into the barren land in the north before, they were very familiar with the Heavenly Wolf Tribe, supporting the delicate situation in Northern Xinjiang and accompanied Shen Yi to see the Man envoys outside the Black Iron Camp defense line.

Through the Qian Li Yan, it could be seen that this time, the Northern Man envoy did not come empty-handed. They pulled a convoy behind. From the appearance and rutting impression of the convoy, it seemed that it was specially designed to transport Ziliujin.

A twenty-five to twenty-six year old young man, surrounded by a group of messengers, seemed to be the leader of this group at first glance. However, after a closer look, they saw that the young man was pale, with obvious fear and anxiety, caught in the middle of several horses, appearing as if he was forced to be here against his will.

Shen Yi dared not take the initiative to talk to Chen Qing Xu, he had to asked Cao Chun Hua in a low voice, Who is that man?

Cao Chun Hua looked at it through the Qian Li Yan and said, The second prince of Jia Lai.

What? Shen Yi frowned. Are you sure, are you not mistaken?

Cao Chun Hua threw a glamorous eye at him, pointed his fingers to Shen Yis chest. Ah, General Shen, Teacher Shen, I remember two things very well in my life One is the face, the other is the tone of a persons voice. You can trust me.

When he was a child, Shen Yi also taught him how to read books. At that time, he felt that he was a fairly normal girl. Who knew that when he grew up, as he recovered his male body, the whole person turned into having this conduct. Shen Yi, as an old age scholar and an unmarried man, he really was not able to endure Cao Niang Zis fierce provocation. At the moment, with goose bumps all over, he unconsciously moved closer to the direction of Miss Chen and dodged that finger.

Xiao Cao. Miss Chen glared and coldly opened her mouth to warn Cao Chun Hua.

In the entirety of Lin Yuan Pavilion, he could offend anyone but could not afford to offend Doctor Chen. Cao Chun Hua immediately closed his lips and sat properly on the horses back, feigning decency as he analyzed to Shen Yi. General, it seems that the Eighteen Tribes really are sincere this time. To hand over the Wolf King truly is a humiliating deed, perhaps they plan to push everything the envoy did in the capital onto this puppet Second Prince to ease things up.

Shen Yi tapped his finger gently on the horses bridle: Wait a minute, dont be too excited so soon. I always think that for the Barbarians to give in like this, it was too easy.

He had dealt with the Northern Man many times, he knew how much of a bastard they could be.

For most of these cattle raising bunch, they would not shed tears before seeing the coffin. At this time, the Black Iron Camp had only threatened a little, they had not even reached the frontline of the Man, let alone doing anything. Shen Yi always felt that logically, the Eighteen Tribes should still struggle for a while longer.

Cao Chun Hua looked at the suspected large quantities of Ziliujin, licked his lips and asked, What should we do? Do we let them in?

Shen Yi said cautiously, All Baihong arrow archers, take aim. Forbid the Barbarians to approach, summon the Ziliujin inspectors to come and open them one by one for inspection.

Cao Chun Huas expression changed, he looked back at Shen Yi. The two men both remembered the Trojan horse that was the Giant Kite in Yanhui Town that day.

If it was someone else, at least a fierce tiger would not eat their young, but normal logic could not be used to deduce Jia Lai Ying Huo. He truly could commit such a thing as using his sons own life to trick the enemy into opening the gate.

At Shen Yis command, the Black Iron Camp immediately drew up its swords and arrows. The killing intent on the northern ground greatly increased, surrounding the envoys.

The Second Prince trembled on his horses back, seemingly about to fall off, a team of trained Ziliujin inspector ran out, opening the chests and checking in front of the Man envoys.

Several carts of Ziliujin, which made people drool, were thus exposed to Shen Yi and others.

The Ziliujin inspector dared not be careless. He inspected the purity of Ziliujin in each cart one by one, and put the characteristic pole into the sealed carriage to check the volume.

Several long poles stained with Ziliujin were presented to Shen Yi. The scale on them was almost full. The inspector quickly reported, General, purity is of no problem, reaching the proper level for tribute.

Shen Yi made an Mm sound, still did not put aside his doubt, then looked up at the Second Prince. On his forehead, there was an angry purple mark, appeared as if it was created by a whip. The princes face was wet with tears and snot, opening his mouth as if wanting to cry out but could not make a sound.

Chen Qing Xu whispered, General Shen, you see, there is a purple mark on his forehead. I have heard about it in the Eighteen Tribes. It is a witchcraft poison for extinguishing ones ability to speak. His entire body is stiff now, which is equivalent to being fixed on the horse. He would not even be able to let out a cough. In a few moments, when the purple mark darkens, he will fall to the ground and die. Even if doing an autopsy, he can only be found to have been overly frightened and died of fear and palpitations.

Without blushing or shying away, Shen Yi shouted, Wait, stop them!

The Eagle in the sky gave a sharp cry: Stop!

The horse of the Second Prince stopped suddenly, his whole body leaned forward as if his center of gravity was unstable. His hard boots hit the top corner of the nearby oil tank, making a lingering noise of an echo.

One corner of the tank is empty!

Follw current novls on rewebnol.cm.

Shen Yis pupils suddenly shrank: Fall back!

As he finished, a man in the group of envoys rushed to an oil tanker and was shot dead by an Eagle with quick eyes. The whole Black Iron Camp silently fell back at the fastest speed, Shen Yi pulled Chen Qing Xus horse rein, urging it to move back.

A cluster of sparks erupted into the sky.

It turned out that there was a small teenager hiding under the tank, waving a torch in his hand, lighting a hidden lead under it then looked up at the sky and smiled.

At the next moment, the first Ziliujin cart exploded, the young man turned into the dust in the air.

From that point, a huge impact burst, several dozen feet of purple flame shot up to the sky, the surrounding air boiled instantly, invisible heat waves rolled in, the cold black armor of the Black Iron Camp soldier following behind were burnt red, and the golden boxes exploded like a chain reaction.

Chapter 108 — Jiangbei

Chapter 108: Jiangbei

Without warning, he coughed out a mouthful of blood.

In the early of February second, ninth year of Long An, on the day of the Longtaitou Festival, Jiangbei Camp sent an urgent letter to the Grand Council. While patrolling the camp, General Zhong Chan fell down from his horseback and was unconscious.

The military doctors of the whole Jiangbei Camp gathered in his tent, it seemed that he will not be able to make it.

After urgent confirmation, the Grand Council immediately decided to send a red-label urgent letter to Gu Yun, but the letter had not yet been sent, the second urgent letter from Jiangbei Camp arrived.

General Zhong had passed away.

He died in the frontier, but he did not die in battle. Instead, he died like a thousand other ordinary old people in the world painless, without illness or disease.

This kind of death makes people feel empty, because there were no enemies to hate, no hatred to vent, and it was not a bedridden illness with no one to take care of him either.

Suddenly, a person disappeared, making one feel it was very unreal.

Gu Yun held the red label letter and looked at it for an incense time, then slowly let out a breath from his chaotic heart. Only then did he regain his mind it was not a dream.

The silence in the Marshal tent lasted for a moment, then not knowing who started it, everyone started saying Condolences one after another.

Shen Yi comforted, Marshal, the old general is seventy-six years old, it is already very rare to find. This could also be considered as a happy funeral*, you shouldnt let it weigh down your heart.

**, x sng, a Chinese custom on funerals for somebody who lived to a ripe old age and lived a good life.

I know, Gu Yun sat silently for a while and waved his hand. I know, its all right, but the situation in Jiangbei is delicate. At this time, the general in charge had an accident, and Chong Ze had just taken over as the governor of Liangjiang, it would be difficult for him to manage everything. Im afraid there will be troubles. Hmm… Let me think…

However, although he said let me think, his heart was completely blank, as if all thoughts had been cut off and he could not feel them.

Shen Yi looked at his indescribable painless face and murmured, Marshal, since the day it was formed, the Jiangbei Navy was trained by the joint effort of both General Zhong and Master Yao, Im afraid someone else will not be able to handle the navy.

With him taking the lead, Gu Yun finally had a reaction. He unhurriedly replied: Yao Chong Ze and Old Zhongs deputy general will be able to deal with it for the time being, but it seemed that Master Yao will have to serve as the governor of Liangjiang until the end. Yang Rong Gui is only out of action for less than half a year, it had taken a lot of effort to stabilize again…

The latter part, it was inconvenient for Gu Yun to say aloud in front of the generals. The situation in Jiangbei was not easy to stabilize. The refugees, businessmen, and local officials had just returned to their places. The factories in many areas had just been built, and the peoples houses had not even warmed up yet.

But Yan Wang just resigned recently. Who would take over the Jiangbei Canal Office?

Was there going to be a bloody struggle for power once again, or all previous efforts would vanish in the fire?

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Gu Yun said, I have to go and take a look at that side, over here…

Cai Fen hurriedly said, General He and General Shen are both here. Marshal can rest assured that there will be no trouble in the Northern Frontier.

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Today was the barbarian, but if the capital city was taken over that year, maybe the one at the end of their road would become Great Liang.

Its good that you understand, Gu Yun said. The kind of lunatic who would make their own children into Bone of Impurity like Jia Lai Ying Huo and Hu Ge Er, no one knows what they can do at their last moment. General Cai is already old in age, He Rong Hui is too hot headed, Ji Ping, this side may mainly depend on you.

Gu Yun was also a talkative fellow in his free time, but he was not a lengthy person in official business. For him, this was already quite long as an instruction, but he could not help himself, he truly did not feel reassured.

Shen Yi: Leave it to me. If something happens in the Northern Frontier, Ill go see you with my head in my hand.

What do I want your head for? Gu Yun shook his head and laughed. I never eat pigs head meat.

Shen Yi: …

Gu Yun ran away from him at a safe distance before he could unleash his anger and pulled a Wind Slasher, placing it on his back, Im leaving.

Wait, Zi Xi! Shen Yi suddenly stopped him and said, Take Miss Chen with you.

After the death of General Zhong, Gu Yun could still write reports, handing over his military affairs in an orderly way. He instructed the generals one by one, and even cracked a few jokes as if nothing had happened. To outsiders, this reaction seemed calm to the point of cold hearted, but Shen Yi was very worried that year when he learned of the Black Iron Camps incident from Jia Lai Ying Huo, he was also acting calm this way at the beginning.

What do I do with her? Gu Yun did not turn around, You really think the Chen family sells miracle medicine that can revive people who have been buried?

Before the words were finished, his shadow had disappeared as if it he was rushing to get reincarnated.

At the same time, there was no impervious wall in the world.

Although Great Liang have tried their best to keep it quiet, but when the two armies confronted each other, it was impossible to hide what happened to the opponents commander. Just when Gu Yun received the news and rushed to Jiangbei overnight, the Jiangnan Western Army also had their lights lit bright and did not sleep through the night.

Master Ja took the medicine from the servants hands and said, Ill bring it to His Majesty. Go tell the others not to disturb.

The servant bowed respectfully and ran quickly.

Before he was near the door, Master Ja already heard the quarrel inside.

No, that is too greedy, said the Pope, his voice hoarse and mixed with the occasional coughing. I do not recommend it. You cant swallow anything bigger than your own mouth, being this greedy, sooner or later, something will happen!

Another person replied in a voice that was oily like a reptile. To be frank with you, Your Majesty, this is not greed, but the interest that is within reach. If I dream of eating one star at a time, then I am greedy, but on the contrary, I only want one cookie, and it happens to be at my hand…

Master Ja frowned and knocked rudely at the door: Excuse me, Your Majestys medicine is here.

The man who was confronting the Pope closed his mouth, reached out and touched his beard, and shrugged rudely.

This messenger from the Holy Land has stayed in Great Liang for more than half a year for various reasons. He had no intention of leaving at all. Everyone knew that this man was sent here by the King and noble lords of the Holy Land to manage the situation.

On the side of the Holy Land, the King could no longer wait and was eager to gather up lands and monarchical power, he only wanted the Pope to fall down. At the very beginning, the messenger had no good intention, he had tried every means to prove that this war was a complete mistake. However, gradually, with the increasing number of financial and mineral resources they managed to rob and bring back home, the noises within the country gradually became quiet.

The bottomless greed of the Holy Land was completely fired up by the richness of the mysterious eastern land. Those noblemen who wanted to see the Pope return defeated began to change their attitude. They were more active than ever before in promoting the interests of the Western Army in Great Liang, wishing they could open up their small mouth to swallow this large animal whole.

This time, they used the north to switch the strategic focus of Great Liang. When the people of the Central Plains have no time to pay attention to anything else, they would fish in troubled water, this was the plan the messenger had used all his might to push forward.

The Pope had strongly opposed to this because there was a vast northern part of the Central Plains between the two battlefields. Since there was a disconnection of the transport and communication lines in the west, the efficiency of the connection between the two sides was very low. When the Pope integrated the ambitious people in the siege of Great Liang, he had used the time lag when the information was interrupted while on its way he knew full well that in battle, an opportunity was as fleeting as a second. Whats more, Jia Lai Ying Huo in the north, in his view, has a radical and crazy side engraved in his bones, there was not enough calmness to sustain a long-term cooperation.

Unfortunately, although the Pope held the command of this army, its ownership belonged to the King and the nobles of the Holy Land. The material could be plundered from the local land, but Ziliujin could not Jiangnan did not have even one drop, it must rely on domestic transportation. In general, he lacked many advantages.

Now, Gu Yuns plan led to the civil strife of the barbarians, which further aggravated the destruction of the barbarians.

Although the Pope did not want to cooperate with Jia Lai, he did not want to let the Black Iron Camp in the northwest go south either. Once Great Liang got hold of a large number of Ziliujin deposits from the Eighteen Tribes, the battlefield in Jiangnan would fall into a very passive situation.

In this dilemma, they received the news that the commander of Jiangbei Camp was dead and the Holy Lands envoy once again came out with his absurd schemes.

Master Ja put the medicine on the table and said respectfully: If you notice, the Central Plains people have been sending more troops to Jiangbei, but they may not really want to fight. They also want to take a chance to catch a breath. Under such circumstances, the peace talks between our two sides can be operated. Why do we have to take a risk and gamble with our warriors lives?

The messenger laughed and turned to the Pope: Your Majesty, your right-hand assistant is very talented, but in my opinion, he is still too young both sides sat down at a negotiating table to sign a contract, which seems to fulfill their respective signing procedures, but the content is very different. The profits gap between the advantageous side and the disadvantageous side is as far as the distance from the Holy Land to the Central Plains. Do I need to stress this common sense again and again? The commander of Jiangbei Navy has died. Isnt this a chance given to us by God? If we really miss it because of our cowardice, I have a hunch that we will regret it in the future!

Master Ja did not change his expression, You are right. The commander of Jiangbei Navy is dead, but Gu Yun is still alive. He will come!

The messenger looked at him gloomily. Then we can launch a surprise attack on them when they transfer military commands and turn him into a dead man. Your Majesty, didnt you say Gu Yun had used us to convince the Northern Heavenly Wolf tribes that our alliance with them has been broken? Why dont we prove to the Heavenly Wolf tribes with practical actions? How do you know that old allies in the past wont surprise us?

Master Ja thought, Absurd!

But for a moment, he was not able to find the words to argue back and was speechless.

The Pope swallowed the medicine as if it was poison and shivered, he picked up a piece of silk cloth to wipe his mouth then sighed: Messenger, a war of this magnitude, is impossible to fundamentally change anything because of the death of one or two people. Over the past year, the Jiangbei Navy has established a relatively complete system. Have you ever thought about what would happen if our attack can not achieve the desired effect? What will we do then?

The smile of the messenger turned cold. You are right. Such a war on this scale, one or two people is of no importance, then why are you gentlemen so afraid of Gu Yun in this way?

Then, without waiting for a rebuttal, the ambassador suddenly stood up: I admit that the possibility that you said really exists, but even if the worst happens, we at least showed a strong attitude. It is a stimulus to the northern battlefield, we still attain more benefits Your Majesty, I must say, you are too cautious. We have absolute advantage in the battle along the river. So what if the navy of the Central Plains had been built? One year? Two years? It is still only in its infancy! If I were you, I wouldnt let the Liangjiang battlefield be silent for such a long time. I will not let the Jiangbei Army of the Central Plains people have any time to be build at all!

Master Jas eyes twitched, witnessing the two words arrogance and greed so clearly for the first time in his life.

The Pope stood up and exclaimed, Messenger, it is very irresponsible of you to say so.

The messenger put his hands together and raised his chin: Your Majesty, the right to dispatch Ziliujin of our army is in my hands, and the Holy Land has given me permission to execute orders in your place at the most critical moment!

Master Ja stepped forward angrily and laid his hand on the hilt of his sword at the waist: You!

The messengers ferocious and sly eyes fell on him, the Pope grabbed Mr. Jas sleeve

After a moment of stalemate between the three, the messengers gaze averted slightly, his lips raised in a smile, and said hypocritically, I have never doubted Your Majestys wisdom. Please consider my suggestion carefully. Now, if you excuse me!

After that, he grabbed his hat, put it on his head arrogantly, and turned away.

Master Ja: Sire, why do you hold me back? If you kill him…

If he was killed, the troops belonging to the king and nobility would immediately turn their face. The Pope gave him a fierce look. Do you really think your men are as loyal to their commander as the Black Iron Camp?

Master Ja was stunned. What shall we do then? Do you compromise?

The Pope remained silent for a moment: All we can do is to pray for Gods blessing

Blessing that the Jiangbei Navy was just as the ambassador said, still in its infancy. Blessing that Jia Lai in the northern battlefield was crazy enough to hold Great Liang people firmly in check, so that they might be able to find a good outcome on this dangerous road.

When the Jiangnan Western Army were brewing a new scheme, Gu Yun arrived at Jiangbei. The first thing he did after landing was to reinforce the defense line. The watchtower guards will change shifts every two hours, everything will be on standby. He then calmed the mood of the army and the officers were reorganized, everyone can return to their positions. Master Yao was only a civil officer, although he can temporarily control the frontline, he did not possess the authority and efficiency of Gu Yun.

Busy from noon until the evening, Gu Yun finally had some time to drink a mouthful of water, his throat was dry enough to emit smoke, he could almost taste a bit of blood. He could not pay attention to whether it was tea or water, grabbing a bowl of cold water and drank.

This year, Jiangbeis spring arrive strangely late. Just a few days ago, there was a snow rain, everywhere was the gloomy air of bone-piercing cold. The cold water made Gu Yun cool from inside to outside, he shuddered, thinking in a daze, What else is about to come?

At this time, Yao Zhen came closer and said, Marshal, when we sent an urgent message to the Grand Council, the court sent a letter informing that they will send someone here in the next few days. We got the news that Yan Wang is coming on behalf of the Emperor.

Although Yan Wang resigned from office, his identity and status were there, he still shared a relationship as master and disciple with General Zhong for a period of time. To show the Emperors grace, it was also reasonable for him to take this trip on behalf of the royal family.

Mm, he should also come and see it. Gu Yun finally remembered that he had forgotten something. Um… Chong Ze, where is the praying hall located, take me to have a look.

Yao Zhen took him to the praying hall.

It was even colder than other places. The coffin of Zhong Chan laid in the middle, the incenses smoke scattered all around.

Gu Yuns footsteps suddenly stopped at the entrance of the hall. These days he was too busy, running around two places in the north and the south, taking care of matters both big and small, it had naturally separated him from the truth, only until this moment, a thought suddenly hit his chest.

He thought, My teacher is gone.

1

Yao Zhen turned around and said, Marshal, whats wrong?

Gu Yun took a deep breath and shook his head. He went in and lit incense for Zhong Chan You should go take care of your business. Ill stay here with him for a while, call me whenever you need to.

Yao Zhen whispered: No one can escape the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Marshal please do not be so sorrowful, the Marshal tent had been cleaned up, after you are done mourning, you should go take an early rest, Ill leave people by the door, you can call them as you need.

Gu Yun nodded, there was no telling if he could hear it or not.

When the praying hall was empty, his eyes slowly fell on the face of Zhong Chan. Since it was disease-free death, General Zhongs facial features was not fierce, but it was not calm either. The face of a dead person was always ashen, the skin was wax-like, not the same as when one was alive. The spirit was gone, the body was the body, empty.

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Gu Yun sat down beside the coffin with his elbow propped up. He quietly remembered the days when he was young with Zhong Chan as his teacher.

At that time, the great general of the cavalry had not yet been shrunk by age and was not all skin and bones. He was a talented and brave man, majestic and vigorous. His gaze seemed to always contain two blades, when he fixed his eyes on someone, the blade tips could be exposed.

Little Marquis, memorizing all the strategy books does not prove that you know how to fight a battle, isnt it not the same as listening to those young masters discussing strategy on papers? If you are so complacent, Im afraid you will not be able to even organize a group fight among the street urchins and win.

Little Marquis, a persons ability is two things combined. One is hard work and the other is pain. Nowadays, the old Marquis and the First Princess are no longer around. You are of noble status. Nobody would dare to hurt you except the Emperor. If you want to be comfortable, want to spoil yourself, nobody can push you forward, what you want to be in the future, you must think about it carefully for yourself.

Wealth and fame is not the end goal for a military commanders life. Since the Emperor insists on putting the bow away as there are no more birds, it is also peaceful at the moment, so let him put it away. From now on, this general will not be able to be around, the little Marquis should remember to take care of yourself.

Mountains and rivers are bound to meet again, the two of us will reunite someday.

Changjiang Rivers new waves continue to push over the last, a talent of thousands generations will eventually grew old.

Gu Yuns ear gradually buzzed, his eyes could no longer see clearly, he could not help squinting under candlelight, still immersed in the old memories of the past.

A general who could live until their seventy and pass away without any illness, many people would have felt envious, it truly was a happy funeral. Gu Yun felt that he could not tell if he was sorrowful or not, it was just that his chest felt tight.

Chang Geng also came all the way here. When he arrived at Jiangbei Camp, it was already dark, not having a moment to rest, hearing that Gu Yun was at the praying hall, he dismissed all the servants and went straight to it.

The guard who stood at the gate of the praying hall knew Chang Geng. Seeing him coming from afar, he immediately went in to inform, Chang Geng did not have time to call him back.

The soldier shouted, Marshal, His Highness Yan Wang had arrived.

Gu Yun did not respond, Chang Geng estimated that he was too busy to take medicine on time, he lifted his robe to step in and said, Its all right.

The guard carefully reached out and patted Gu Yun on the shoulder: Marshal?

Gu Yun was suddenly startled, in the state of being half-blind, unable to see who was coming, he stood up abruptly from his chair, there was a sudden sharp stabbing pain in his chest.

Without warning, he coughed out a mouthful of blood.

Chapter 107 — Troubles

The first night Gu Yun left the capital, as he put on the liuli glass, the clip suddenly broke. Then, the glass rolled down the bridge of his nose, knocked on one side of the black iron shoulder armor, then cracked.

For a general about to depart on an expedition, the damage of his belongings was an ominous sign. The guard was frightened, afraid that Gu Yun would not favor such things.

Gu Yun rubbed his nose and said, Gee, did I already mastered Golden-Bell Armor and Iron-Cloth Shirt without being taught?

*two techniques from the 72 techniques of Shaolin, which both refers to making oneself invulnerable to attacks

The guard said, This is many years of peace* Marshal. Ill bring you another one.

*The word break is pronounced the same as the word year, when breaking something, people would use this and say many years of peace instead

The guard took care of his daily routines, knowing that he must have a spare liuli glass in his luggage, in the process of searching, he accidentally saw a large envelope placed together with Gu Yuns stack of clothes and belongings. It was thick to the touch, sealed with wax, the words To Marshal Gu was written on it.

The Marquis of Order with his hands full daily certainly did not have the hobby of writing letters to himself. This thing mixed in his clothes had the aura of skin-to-skin closeness, which naturally brought an ambiguous feeling of intimacy.

Who could be the one who packed Gu Yuns clothes?

Apart from the white-bearded old servants of the Marquis Manor, perhaps it could only be a significant other.

The seal was still intact, Gu Yun himself probably hasnt found the envelope yet. The little guard had a bright idea. He gleefully took both the backup glass and the envelope to Gu Yun altogether, speaking in a sly tone, Marshal, theres an important letter in your clothes, you should look at it quickly, it would not be good if you forget.

Gu Yun put on the glass, looked at the familiar handwriting on the envelope with a subtle look. As he raised his head, he instantly caught the sly look on the guards face, he laughed and scolded: What are you looking at, get out.

The guard laughed, no longer probing, he made a face and ran away.

The envelope in hand was quite weighty, resembling a thick book when picked up. If it was a love letter, it would probably have to be written starting from the years when His Royal Highness still wore diapers. Gu Yun opened the envelope while guessing: Housing deed? Land title? Feng Huo ticket? Silver? Or the secret of immortality?

However, when he opened the contents, he was almost shocked by what was inside.

It was a thick stack of drawings, with all soft and durable sea grain paper. Sea grain papers do not get affected by fire and water, but some places were still yellowing and the edges were curved, it seemed to have been drawn throughout many days, the ink on the paper was different in depth, perhaps the original owner had commented on it many times and was not just finished in a flash.

The top one was a large picture of the whole nation of Great Liang, which could cover the floor when spread out, three rivers and five lakes, from Manjing to Ouyue…its all on the paper. On the top of the map, there were also countless small letters in Kai style to mark where he wanted to open mountains, where to set up factories, where there were plenty of fish and rice in green mountains and waters, which ports were suitable for expansion and facing the four seas, where could the Sea Dragons truly travel, where could a route specially made for Ziliujin could be opened.

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Which official roads need to be repaired, where to use Giant Kites and the improved Large Eagle to connect with each other, there were railings painted on the paper resembling an artery running all over the country this was the railing of the Westerns steam train Chang Geng once talked about, long like dragons and snakes, could travel thousands of miles a day.

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Under the map, there was another drawing of the design of the steam train, accompanied by the professional annotations of Master Feng Han, with the calculation of transportation capacity along with funding and rations written by Du Wan Quan beside it.

In addition, the thick sea grain paper also had the explanation of the reformed official system in Great Liangs future, Grand Council and Canal Office have been achieved, but it also included many positions Gu Yun had never heard of before, hierarchical, highly efficient.

There were plenty of examples as such

If Gu Yun were to see these things five years ago, he might have thought it was the imagination of a common folk storyteller. Now, although many things have not yet been completed, it was all as vivid as real, whether it had been achieved or have yet to, it was no longer a fantasy.

Under these drawings that resembled a fantasy, there was also a painting, the strokes were not exquisite, it could be seen that the painter was not good at this subject, but the artistic conception was straightforward. With a few strokes, it outlined a child playing with firecrackers on the roadside, behind him there was a fruit tree, no one knew what had grown, but there was a large bunch of bright colors in the branches, there was no telling if they were flowers or fruit and in the distance, mountains and rivers layered on the edge, it appeared both joyful and peaceful.

There was neither inscription nor poem on the painting, only the words heaven and earth at peace were written, resembled a note.

Infinite rivers and mountains, all were gathered in a stroke of ink.

Gu Yuns heart was very hot, he unconsciously reached out his hand and lightly pressed his chest. Only then did he find that he had been holding his breath without himself knowing and could not help but laugh silently while pressing his forehead. Xiao Chang Geng, who would act spoiled, was pitiful and endearing, but Yan Wang who sketched and designed the nation, was the one that moved his heart.

2

In the blink of an eye, Gu Yun and Shen Yi had arrived at the front line of the Northern Frontier. Meanwhile, they secretly transferred a part of the Black Iron Camps three factions to join behind the North City Defense Army. The former commander of the North City Defense Army had died when the barbarians invaded. The crucial frontier area cannot lack a veteran general, hence General Cai had been temporarily taking over this position.

Cai Fen truly was old, and he was getting older year by year. The last time Gu Yun joined forces with him to suppress bandits, he felt that his back was not so bent and his hands were not trembling this much.

In fact, how could it not? How many years could a man have in his life? How much blood can be spilled at will and not become cold? When one was in their twenty or thirty years old, they ventured on the battlefields, full of merit and fame. When they grew old and tired, even though the spirit cast in iron was still there, one could only start to waste their effort, isnt it the same as a persons beauty that could not last?

The battlefield in the Northern Frontier had been in a deadlock, but unlike Jiangnan separated by Changjiang, although the barbarians dare not make any big movement, there were many daily frictions. There would be a medium to small-scale battle between the Central Plains and Barbarians every three to five days. The whole army would have to be on standby throughout the night to patrol and dared not relax. Fortunately, Cai Fens youngest pair of twins would soon be 20 years old. Most of his children were grown adults. The Cais family army had taken shape, for better or worse, they could share his burden and not let the old general exhaust himself to death.

Now, along the way, nine out of ten houses in the villages and towns in the vicinity of the Northern Frontier were empty. This area was originally not flourishing, plus suffering from repeated war disasters and bandits, if they did not give up their houses, they would have to give up their lives.

It had only calmed down a bit after the Barbarian envoy entered the capital for peace talk. Cai Fen coughed a few times then said, The scouts reported that the barbarians are gathering Ziliujin for tribute as per the condition of the peace treaty. If thats the case, I think that the peace talks are not exactly insincere. Is Marshal coming for their Ziliujin tribute?

The news of the Man envoys imprisonment was blocked. Gu Yuns group traveled too fast, even if there were leaks, it had not yet arrived at the frontline. Cai Fen was still unaware of the incident of the peace talks.

Gu Yun and Shen Yi looked at each other. As the commander of the four sides, he was aware of everything inside, but for the sake of insurance, he asked in detail about various situations in the Eighteen Tribes.

Thats right, Cai Fen said. This year, the North has suffered a severe wind disaster. Many cattle and sheep have died. There is not enough meat. The meager amount planted and raised in the local area is not enough to eat, let alone support the war. After Marshal defeated the Western Regions, you had basically cut off the supply and transportation routes of the barbarians. I heard that the Westerners in Jiangnan are not doing well themselves either, even if the routes were not cut, they dont necessarily have the power to take care of the barbarians.

Shen Yi said, I learned from another line that the Second Prince who usurped the throne did not seem to have done so intentionally, but that there was something wrong within their Eighteen Tribe Alliances.

Cai Fen thought about it and nodded, General Shens statement is reasonable. In fact, just before winter this year, some barbarians had secretly dug Ziliujin to trade for food. Looking at the quantity, it was not necessarily done by regular civilians. At that time, I felt that the Eighteen Tribes might be dispersed. As expected, after a short time, the Second Prince imprisoned his father and brother.

Shen Yi looked at Gu Yun, who nodded slightly to him.

Cai Fen sensed something unusual and asked, Marshal, whats the matter?

Shen Yi gave a brief summary of what happened and the arrest of the envoy in the capital.

Cai Fen was horrified, then shook his head in a solemn manner after a moment: Marshal, General Shen, even if there were internal disagreements among the Eighteen Tribes, whether Jia Lai Ying Huo wanted to bring outsiders to calm the insiders, or simply wanted to burn everything altogether, why bother sending people into the capital city? Just coming to the Northern Frontier station to set off a fire, that will be more effective. Does he have no one else to deploy except for a single guard?

Shen Yi shook his head. Thats convenient, but the people currently in power in the Heavenly Wolf Tribe are likely to push one or two people out as a scapegoat, it would not solve anything.

The Eighteen Tribes have been unified under the Wolf Kings banner for hundreds of years. The Wolf King family has a high prestige in the hearts of the tribespeople. It was a bit like the imperial family of the Central Plains. Those who have ambitions dared not touch Jia Lai Ying Huo, they have made every effort to push the Second Prince out as a puppet. And if it was like the plan Chi Ku Yo had said, which triggered the Bone of Impurity in the palace and controlled Yan Wang, Great Liang would have to go straight to the hinterland of the Eighteen Tribes and ask the Wolf King to surrender the antidote. Jia Lai wanted to force the traitors to either fight Great Liang or hand the Wolf King out and bear the humiliation.

Cai Fen frowned: Jia Lai Ying Huo is a mad dog, but he may not be mad to that extent. If he can still endure, he would. What does he have to depend on if he initiates a war now? The starving people in the Eighteen Tribes?

Shen Yi was unable to answer this question.

Gu Yun went to the edge of the sand table and stood for a moment with his hands behind his back: He actually had something to depend on if the foreigners in Jiangnan want us to shift our strategic focus to the north.

Shen Yi and Cai Fen were both surprised.

Gu Yun stretched out his hand and swept across the sand table: The supply routes were blocked, rations and resources were exhausted, if it continues, there is only death, either surrender, or fight till the end unless the North and South both join forces to take this risk, not letting Great Liang have any room to rest. A sudden and unexpected penetration into the hinterland, launching a surprise attack, forcibly re-opening the supply routes, that way, there will be a way out. If I were to be Jia Lai Ying Huo, perhaps I would also be willing to take such a risk, if the foreigners are willing to cooperate.

Cai Fen: Marshal means…

Shen Yi suddenly came to a realization, Westerners are occupying the fertile soil of Jiangnan, continuously using wars to feed more wars, scraping the ground three feet under to rob the civilians hard work and also capture a large number of laborers to dig the mines for resources to transport back to their country in exchange for domestic support. They also have the intention of resting and recuperate.

Recently, General Zhong constantly adjusted the deployment of the naval force in Jiangbei, Ling Shu Institute had also transferred a new batch of Dragons to the Jiangbei frontline, these actions had made the foreigners uneasy, thus the Pope had deceived Jia Lai into using his full force, pushing the Eighteen Tribes out as a shield. Once our strategic focus shifted northward, we would have no time to look south. At that time, when the Pope sends a message for peace talks, the court will be forced to accept it, the south could then rightfully belong to them!

Cai Fen was stunned, Marshal, what should we do now?

Gu Yun laughed: We wait, the foreigners are not the only ones who know misdirection.

Three days later, the secretly assembled Black Iron Camp appeared on the front line of the Northern Frontier, the ambiguous atmosphere at the front line due to the peace talk suddenly become tense.

The Eighteen Tribes had a deep fear towards the Black Iron Camp. On the same day, unable to sit still, they had sent someone over at top speed to inquire about it. Gu Yun ordered his men to bind the messenger and spread the news about the rebellion of the Man envoy, Chi Ku Yo. At the same time, using the Black Tiger emblem to order Jiangbei to lock down the water, stop the daily patrolling routine and withdraw a large force at the south distributed by the Ling Shu Institute, creating the illusion that the two sides were discussing a truce.

The barbarians also had their own eyes on the south side. After a few days, the news along Liangjiang had arrived.

The Eighteen Tribes exploded, General Cais spies reported back that there were two internal conflicts in the Eighteen Tribes alliance within a day and Jia Lai Ying Huos tent was enclosed tightly, no one was allowed to approach.

The next day, the barbarians hastily gathered a part of Ziliujin and sent it to the front line of the Northern frontier along with two heads. Gu Yun collected the goods but threw the messenger out. At the same time, the Black Iron Camp was pushed forward ten miles, obviously unwilling to stop.

The enemys civil conflict was on the verge of eruption.

Shen Yi was very anxious, barging straight into Gu Yuns tent. What about Miss Chens side?

Gu Yun was discussing with He Rong Hui and Cai Fen. As he heard these words, he looked up leisurely and asked, Which Miss Chen?

Of course, General Gu would share this kind of gossip with the others. He Rong Hui and Cai Fen obviously already knew everything. He Rong Hui only smiled silently while General Cai shook his head helplessly.

Shen Yi could not take so much into account at this moment and said frankly, Stop pretending! Im afraid Miss Chen had already arrived in the Eighteen Tribes. Theyre in such a mess…

Before he finished, a person wearing a veiled hat came in from the outside.

Shen Yi: …

Chen Qing Xu brushed aside her veil and asked, Was General Shen referring to me?

Linyuan Pavilion had its own wooden bird communication, Chen Qing Xu had received the news on the road and directly rushed to the garrison in the Northern Frontier.

The generals burst out laughing, He Rong Hui laughed until his face reddened. He went and put his arm around Shen Yis shoulder, already prepared a belly full of jokes.

At that moment, a Black Eagle suddenly fell down outside, the dust flew high and almost knocked over half of the marshal tent. if it wasnt for the cushion of the protective gear in the Eagles armor, this fall would have caused someones life.

Black Eagles were well-trained and seldom had such accidents. The generals were quiet for a moment then laughed aloud, asking which recruit of the scouting team he belonged to. This time, He Rong Hui turned from red to purple, he let Shen Yi go and was about to give a good scolding.

Before waiting for him to open his mouth, the Black Eagle who fell to the ground raised his dirty face. He Rong Hui was stunned on the spot this was a veteran in the three scouting teams and was once registered with him.

Marshal, the Black Eagle scout ignored the laughing and teasing of others, took out an urgent letter from his bosom and said quickly, An urgent document from the Grand Council!

There were three kinds of urgent letters sent by the Grand Council to garrisons all over the country. There was a ribbon at the tail of the carrying tube yellow for the emperors order, green for the copied document when something major had happened to the court, black for the military affairs, and red for the emergency military affairs. For example, when foreign enemies invaded, Gu Yuns Feng Huo Order issued to all places was marked with the red ribbon.

The Black Eagle was holding a red marked letter in his hands, making peoples scalp itch. Gu Yun stood up violently and his heart suddenly emptied. It seemed that his steady heartbeat suddenly met a threshold then rose and fell randomly. His mouth dried up for no reason. He Rong Hui did not dare to delay, He quickly took over the letter tube and brought it up.

There was no telling how many words the letter had to cause Gu Yun to look at it for a long time. Everyone had stretched their necks. For a while, even the idea of the capital being surrounded again had manifested, only then did he slowly put the letter down.

He Rong Hui was quick-tempered, he immediately asked, Marshal, isnt the red label meant urgency? What the hell is going on?

Map of the Song Dynasty

from https://www.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/6a2sat/mapofsongdynastychinain112020002057oc

SPL timeline is loosely inspired from the events of Song Dynasty, thus weve attached a map of the Central Plains during this period for everyone to have a geographical image of some events. The phrase Manjing to Ouyue from this chapter refers to the westernmost and easternmost state of Central Plains.

Other notes:

-bei refers to North, -nan refers to South, -dong refers to East, and -xi refers to West, e.g. Jiangnandong = Eastern Jiangnan, etc.

Taiyuan in the north is where Miss Chens family manor is located

Chang Geng and Gu Yuns reunion in Sichuan is located in the Zizhou-Lizhoi-Kuizhou area of this map.

Chapter 106 — The North

Chapter 106: The North

Overnight, the wind and clouds suddenly changed.

Imperial Uncle Wang who was favored by two generations was imprisoned, many of the palaces servants who had connections with him were dragged out one by one for investigation, within the nine layers of the palace, the peoples hearts were anxious, the investigation brought out loads of other matters like dragging a radish out of the dirt, the old case of the Black Iron Camp was inevitably overturned. When the tree falls, the monkeys will scatter. The entire court busily cleaned themselves of their relations with the Wang family, for fear of being implicated.

The Barbarian envoy who maliciously created disturbances were secretly detained, being patrolled by the Northern Camp in shifts.

But even Fang Qin did not anticipate the final result of the incident

Yan Wang, the nail in his eyes had resigned from his official position and Emperor Long An even gave his permission.

Fang Qin lived to this age, for the first time, he knew what was called unpredictable fate. When he used hundreds of schemes wanting to deal with Yan Wang, the man was perfectly alright, while he himself almost fell into the mud. This time, he had no intention of interfering, anxious to get rid of the relationship with Wang Guo and did not hesitate to stand on the side of his political opponents… Turns out, as God would have it, it did not go as he hoped!

No wonder the ancients said, An Emperors mind, gods and demons could not predict.

There was a heavy snowfall that night. The plum blossoms in the Marquis Manor were covered with a layer of transparent frost. The colours were condensed in it, appearing very beautiful.

The return carriage stopped at the door, on the open gate, the steam lamp continued to cast a small bright light faithfully even after being covered by the snow. After a long sigh, the iron puppet guarding the door turned around, the steam quietly drifted away, and the door of the manor opened wide.

Gu Yun jumped out of the car and waved at Huo Dan. He lifted the curtain and said, Give me your hand.

Chang Gengs wound caused by the silver dagger, although appeared horrifying, in fact, it did not affect the muscles and bones. Even if Chen Qing Xu left him be, with Wu Er Gus body, it would scab quickly. He had soon stopped feeling shit.

But in the face of Gu Yun, he would look for an excuse even if there was nothing.

Chang Geng pretended to hold onto Gu Yuns arm and got out of the carriage. He rushed up as if he had no bones, grabbed Gu Yuns shoulder and arm with great strength that could not be shaken off. He did not know what kind of injury could make one so powerful so quickly.

Gu Yun knew that he was pretending, he also knew that he truly was wronged and did not have the heart to criticize. He only put his hand on Chang Gengs back and gave it a gentle pat. He drew over the cloak and wrapped it around him, walking inside the gate.

Their entry brought along the cold wind inside and woke up the birds hanging by the window in a cage.

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The bird was deep in a dream, being blown awake by the cold wind, it cursed, Damn it, cold as hell… Ga… Quack… good luck and happiness to you! Blooming flowers and a full moon! Profits pouring in from all sides! May all your wishes come true!

Chapter 105 — Retired

Chang Geng was silent for a while, his expression quite gloomy. He rubbed Gu Yuns finger joints back and forth absentmindedly, then sighed, In this matter, there is nothing I can do. A person cannot prove their own origin.

Let alone he had never recognized his identity since he was young, even after he already became Yan Wang who had the power to overwhelm the world.

Chang Geng thought he could support the world, but he could not tell who his father and mother were and now, as he already had Gu Yun, he no longer wished to find out his origins and backgrounds.

Unfortunately, even if he did not want to pursue it, it did not mean that the others would let him go.

Chen Qing Xu stopped his bleeding, wrapped Chang Gengs wound carefully and prescribed a tranquilizing medicine for him. She did not interrupt, nor expressed any emotion. Suddenly, an unspeakable grief and indignation sprang up in her heart.

Because of the Bone of Impurity, Chen Qing Xu was against handing the Lin Yuan wooden emblem to Yan Wang. Unfortunately, it was useless for her to oppose it alone. So for a long time, she had done her best to look after Chang Geng, and at the same time, take all his actions into account.

From the restoration of the capital to now, Yan Wang had slowly gathered the court with a thousand holes step by step. He travelled all four sides, even fell into the rebellion mobs, almost losing his life there. He did not hesitate to touch the interests that no one else dared to touch. For this reason, he alone endured the whole courts open measures and covert tricks.

All these merits that could last for a thousand years, could they all be erased with just a few sentences about his unknown origins?

Even if he truly was not the son of the former emperor, then the Feng Huo ticket, the Canal Office, and even the one hundred thousand refugees living and working in peace and contentment in Jiangbei were they all non-existent?

Chen Qing Xu had spent years running around the pugilist world, she was not naive. She knew the truth well, but occasionally there would still be such a moment in which she would shiver by how cold human hearts could be.

By the way, Miss Chen. Chang Gengs voice drew her attention back.

Chen Qing Xu blinked: What is it?

Chang Geng: If the Emperor asks, Im afraid Ill have to bother you to cover it up for me.

Chen Qing Xu busily restrained her mind and nodded.

Gu Yun pinched his nose and stood up: Alright, you two discuss it just now you angered me to the point of being delirious. I really cant stay here for a long time, I should go and have a look at that side.

Chang Geng let go of his hand reluctantly and looked back at Gu Yun. As soon as he caught Gu Yuns eyes, he seized the opportunity and gave him a brilliant and pleasant smile without hesitation.

Gu Yun did not buy it at first. He said expressionlessly, What are you smiling about?

Chang Geng did not retract his smile, but continued to cast it on him. If he had a tail, it would probably have become bald from his wagging. After a while, Gu Yun finally could not keep a straight face and helplessly reached out and patted his forehead, laughing and scolding, Shameless.

Only then did he depart, leaving behind Yan Wang with his face full of spring aura and Miss Chen with her face pale green.

The Barbarians captured by the Northern Camp were temporarily distributed to the capital, separated and detained in prisons and awaited trial separately. In the midst of everything, a servant wanted to sneak out of the palace during the chaos and was captured by the patrolling Imperial Army. Chen Qing Xus medicine disciple easily identified him as the man who deceived Yan Wang into the palace feast by falsely delivering the Imperial Decree.

The servant was only a minor character running errands. Not waiting to be questioned, he was already frightened by the scene in front of him and collapsed. He shouted, Your…Your Majesty be my witness, the Masters be my witness, this servant did not falsely deliver the Imperial Decree, I did pass on Your Majestys oral decree exactly word for word, it is Yan Wang who wished to enter the palace to see you…

Before the words were finished, Jiang Chong waved his hand to let Doctor Chens medicine disciple in. Although he was young, the little medicine disciple already bore the characteristics of Chens family. Even when seeing all these grand characters, he was not in a panic at all. He also had the ability of remembering what he had heard, he repeated the conversation between the servant and Yan Wang without fail.

Everyone standing here were elites, how could they not understand?

Before Li Feng had time to get angry, Fang Qin had taken the lead in questioning the servant with an irrepressible rage. Who had directed you to say it?

The servant, who was a little quick-witted, immediately evaded the crucial point and replied: Its Imperial Uncle Wang! Imperial Uncle Wang often instructs us servants on how to serve the ruler, Imperial Uncle said…said that at times like this, His Majesty had inquired about Yan Wang, he should be intending to summon him into the palace, that I should be smart and change the words…

Li Feng turned the ring on his finger and sneered, I really dont know what I mean anymore.

Wang Guo knelt down with a thump. The moment he couldnt find the old doctor, he knew that he was probably already tossed out by Fang Qin. Fang Qins face was merciful but his heart was cruel. Feelings and morality generally did not mean anything to him. He should have known better at first, that Fang and Lu Chang were also incredibly close, didnt he directly sell him out, stabbing him in the back?

The servant shouted out his grievances and was dragged aside and had his mouth blocked after a few shouts. Fang Qin said, Your Majesty, Lord Wang is the Imperial Uncle of our court. Your subject doesnt believe that he can do such a thing as communicating with foreign countries. I also ask Your Majesty to make a clear observation and must return the uncles innocence.

Wang Guo: …

Uncle Wangs words of grievance were blocked by Fang Qins words. He originally intended to shout for discrimination of injustice. He wanted to gamble that the Emperor still had affection for his uncle, or did not want to kill an old minister from the last dynasty and open his net to let him go.

If they were to make a big deal out of this, it was the big crime of falsely preaching the imperial edict and disrespecting the Emperor. But if the Emperor himself did not want to investigate it, it could be passed off as Uncle Wang being senile and confused, mishearing the decree plus meddling in and creating a misunderstanding.

But Fang Qin was too cruel. When he opened his mouth like this, Li Feng would not be able to protect Wang Guo even if he wanted to do so. That was to admit that his uncle really had a problem. If Wang Guo was truly clean, he would welcome a thorough investigation. The problem was, he was completely dirty.

Would the Barbarians cover for him? Would the gifts sent to him cover for him? Would the traitorous eunuchs cover for him?

Wang Guos heart was crossed at the moment. As it had already come to this, except stirring it up even further, he could not think of any other solution.

This old subjects crime is worth a thousand deaths, Wang Guo said. At that time, I truly was eager to see Yan Wang, thus I have distorted Your Majestys meaning.

Li Feng narrowed his eyes slightly. I dont know when Yan Wang had become a rare treasure that was difficult to seek. Normally, you all see each other in court everyday, you have never been close to him. He only took a two-day vacation but Imperial Uncle already missed him so much?

Wang Guo had nothing left to lose, his guts also grew bigger, touching the ground with his head, his cheeks were tense: Your Majesty, please listen to me. This is a long story. There is something else inside. When I visited Master Fangs house a few days ago, I was drunk and lost my way in the garden, I accidentally saw a man who appeared quite familiar at that time. Then I remembered that I had seen him before in his early years. Even Your Majesty was still young at that time. He was the most popular doctor in the Imperial Physicians Department. He had a very good relationship with the former emperor and the concubine of the Northern Man. Later, he was implicated in the disappearance of the concubine and fled in fear.

Fang Qin gave a sneer in his heart, but on the outside he said with fear, What does Uncle Wang mean? Is it to say that I harbored a criminal in my household? Your Majesty, that is absurd!

Li Feng looked at them coldly.

Wang Guo turned a deaf ear and continued, I was only surprised at that time. Only after a few conversations did I know that the old doctor had deliberately turned to Lord Fang due to his sons lawsuit.

Fang Qin: Nonsense, how can I bend the law for personal gain!

Wang Guo sneered and said, Of course, Master Fang is naturally immovable, but if the old doctor exchanged the secret of Xiu Jun Zhu fleeing the palace while pregnant at that time, then I wont be so sure! This old subject knows the agility of Master Fang. At this time, the old doctor and his family must have already been dealt with, and there is no proof left but Your Majesty, you all know that Xiu Jun Zhu colluded with Jia Lai Ying Huo in Yanhui Town and intruded into our border, some generals even experienced it personally. I may not be able to know the truth, but the Barbarians do. You can question them, then you will know whether what I said is true or false!

It was almost bluntly stated that there was a problem with Yan Wangs lineage, Li Feng took a slow breath.

Fang Qin said, Is this old man Wang Guo mad? He would rather drag people down onto the water with him even at the cost of his own life!

He cried out, The Barbarians are full of tricks. They only wish Great Liang would never be peaceful. Can Your Majesty believe their absurd words? On the other hand, Imperial Uncle you really have an affair with barbarians in private!

Wang Guo also brought out everything he has. He knocked his head down on the ground with sounds as if there were firecrackers flying to the sky, accompanied by the exploding sounds in the streets and alleys of the capital. He must be able to scare away a Nian* by this sound alone.

*A type of beast in legend that attack people at the end of the year,

its weakness is the color red, loud noises and fire,

hence the traditions of lighting firecrackers on New Year.

My loyalty has the heaven and earth as my witnesses, but the royal blood can not be mixed up, Wang Guo shouted. I have my doubts and wasnt able to bear it for even a moment, thus I have to resort to this lowly trick to let His Royal Highness Yan Wang go to the palace…

In order to get the evidence from the Barbarians that His Royal Highness Yan Wang was not the former emperors own? Fang Qin interrupted him, It seems that Lord Wang is still very concerned about the country then! Your majesty, if His Royal Highness is a traitor who was planted in the palace by Barbarians to confuse the blood of the royal family, then the one that the Marquis of Order brought back from Yanhui Town by the order of the former emperor was also a false prince. You might as well call on General Gu and General Shen to ask for the truth, to see what these two famous generals of our court are scheming!

Fang Qin seemed to have calculated it. As soon as he finished, outside, an attendant came to report that the Marquis had arrived.

Li Fengs face was as silent as water: Invite him.

Gu Yun just heard Fang Qins words outside the hall and came in with no politeness. He knelt down and went straight to the topic: Your Majesty, Your subject and other officials were ordered by the former emperor to search for the Fourth Prince. All his features, appearance, age, relics and so on were endorsed by the former emperor. Only when they were accepted by him did we bring His Highness back, the man was also recognized by the former emperor himself.

And I also remembered Your Majesty had told me that when he was young, His Highness Yan Wang had lived a difficult life and suffered abuse from his adoptive mother. That Barbarian woman must have not treated him with any sincerity, but only due to the reluctance to give up her sisters bloodline did she raise him. Even fierce tigers did not eat their young, if His Highness Yan Wang did come from her womb, could you tell me what kind of mother in the world would treat her own flesh and blood like this?

Gu Yun could slap a face when he opened his mouth, Fang Qin smiled as if his facial muscles was pulled.

After Gu Yun finished his words in one breath, he turned to Wang Guo and said, Theres another thing I want to ask Master Wang, what advantage would there be for me to mix up the royal blood? Allow me to say a few words that are difficult to hear the Black Iron Camp has stayed in the Northwest for so many years, if I truly have any relation with the Barbarians, the northwest gate would have been broken a hundred and eighty thousand times on the other hand, Imperial Uncle, you are always concerned about other people, but have you cleansed yourself off of the suspicion of colluding with the Barbarian woman to murder a loyal subject twenty years ago yet?

Wang Guo really was afraid of Gu Yun, his fear was also mixed with guilt. He was originally a coward. It was due to being on his last leg fighting for his life that he could hold on for a while. At this moment, when he saw Gu Yun, let alone being stubborn, he could not even speak coherently, cold sweat came down like rain.

Gu Yun lowered himself to say one sentence to Wang Guo, as if he had exhausted his meager amount of patience, he no longer looked at him and went straight to the front to say: Your Majesty, the Northern Barbarians are too arrogant, Your subject has been in the capital for half a year, the rust on my Wind Slasher is two fingers deep, there is no need to hide any longer, I wish to go to the Northern Frontier!

Gu Yun repeatedly considered this matter on the way here. At this time, the Northern Barbarian envoy played tricks, combined with the rumors that General Cai had heard from the report, it was very likely that Jia Lais side were fighting internally. He must immediately go to confirm this matter in Northern frontier, If the Northern Barbarians political situation changed, it would be a great opportunity for them to charge in. There was nothing much in the north, but Ziliujin mines were abundant. If they could maintain war through war, maybe it was not consumption, but a support.

Li Feng frowned. In his opinion, Gu Yuns request was too hasty. He was in a dilemma.

On one hand, it was also the fall of half of the country. But for the nobles, the feeling between fleeing and transferring the capital and an area a distance away being occupied by foreigners were different. The latter seemed less urgent. After all, the bones of the desolate villages in which all the tears were in the dust did not grow on their bodies of silk and satin.

Now, the treasury had slowly gathered some real gold and silver, a large number of refugees have settled down, livelihoods had stabilized. Li Feng did not really want to go to war at this time.

On the other hand, although Li Fengs ambition had been worn down recently, his character still remained. If he would find out that the Barbarians truly came to his door to slap his face, he would not be able to swallow this anger.

He did not immediately answer Gu Yun, but waved his hand: Uncle should get up first, the matter of mobilizing troops should not be recklessly decided, lets discuss it after the trial Men, took away Wang Guos official attire, detain him for trial, Dali Temple will deal with it, and that rampant servant, take him away as well.

After that, Li Feng did not give Gu Yun a chance to speak. He stood up and said, I will go visit A Min.

Yan Wang appeared to be very normal when dealing with Gu Yun, Chen Qing Xu felt that there was nothing serious with his current condition. Just as she was leaving, she saw Li Feng coming in and bowed her head in a rush.

When he broke his leg, Li Feng had already met her, he politely said, May I trouble Doctor Chen, how is Yan Wang?

Chen Qingxu quickly lied, The Barbarians used a special witchcraft poison to control the mind. Perhaps they wanted to take His Highness as their hostage for their escape. Fortunately, His Highness responded in time, cutting himself and released the poison, hes alright.

Li Feng didnt understand much about other things, but frowned slightly. He seemed to unintentionally say to Chang Geng, What did you use to cut? Youre too hard on yourself.

These words sounded like a concern about Chang Gengs injury, but in fact, he was questioning him as to why he carried a blade.

Chang Geng pretended to be sick and weak and slowly knelt down holding the head of the bed. When I received Royal Brothers oral decree, I was at Miss Chens place. I like playing around with herbs in private. At that time, I was helping her to arrange the medicines at hand. When the palace people urged me, I had brought along her silver knife in a hurry… It was only an expedient measure.

As he spoke, he took a knife with the length of a finger from the tray next to him, it was basically a knife for cutting medicinal materials, not even as sharp as a dining knife. It cannot be considered as a weapon at all.

It could be seen that Yan Wang was very cruel to himself at that time. With just one cut, the knife was already deformed.

The hidden calculations in this exchange revoked many emotions in Chen Qing Xu, she requested to be excused, leaving only Li Feng and Chang Geng in the room.

Li Feng couldnt help looking carefully at Chang Geng, his appearance was good, but not the type with plenty of riches and blessings.

He had deep, affectionate eyes and a thin, heartless pair of lips. As he just shed blood, his cheeks were pale and slightly sick. Looking at it closely, Yan Wangs facial features seemed to bear a slight resemblance to the Barbarian concubine in those days. His straight nose resembled the former emperors, but when mixed together, he seemed to resemble neither of them, it was the appearance of someone with a short and lonesome lifespan.

Li Feng quietly averted his eyes and said to Chang Geng, There are some rumors outside. Dont take it to heart and focus on your recovery. Wang Guo, that old thing has become more and more cocky and arrogant these years from receiving favors. I will make sure he gave you a proper explanation.

When he said Dont take it to heart, Chang Geng knew Li Feng had taken it to heart, he took the initiative and said, They suspect that I am not from the bloodline of the former emperor?

Li Feng used Gu Yuns words and laughed casually: You thought too much. You were accepted by the emperor himself. Who would dare to oppose?

Chang Geng thought for a moment and said, No one can explain such a thing. In this case, in order to avoid suspicion, please allow me to temporarily retire as the leader of the Grand Council?

Li Feng squinted, but did not answer immediately.

Chang Geng smiled bitterly and said, When the new policies come into being, I may not be able to make much progress in my stay but instead only garner further hatred. Royal Brother, please show sympathy.

This remark touched Li Fengs heart subtly.

The weight in the Emperors hands was nothing more than the word balance. The rebellion of Lu and Yangs two parties and the rebellion of the Imperial Army forced him to suppress Great Liangs old noble families by himself. At the same time, the new officials rushed to the front in no time using the power of large businessmen, becoming more and more powerful.

This content is taken from fгeeebove.cm.

Li Feng could tolerate the growth of seedlings and was happy to see them stand up against the family forces whose eyes were above the top, but he never wanted the seedlings to grow into tall trees and topple the roof. This force had been growing too fast

Even Imperial Uncle could not stay out of this affair. This time, it was Wang Guo, then who would it be next time? Was it to ask the Emperor to dispose of all the nobles in the court? At that time, what name would this nation bear?

The new policies were going to cause a stream of blood, and there would inevitably always be sacrifices in the face of upheavals.

Li Feng looked at Chang Geng and said, Very well, youve been in a lot of trouble recently. Taking a rest at the right time is something one should do.

Chapter 104 — Leading Battle

Gu Yun turned his head around without saying a word, like a Black Iron Camps Wind Slasher, his sharp killing intent caused Imperial Uncle Wang to be stunned on the spot

The Barbarian envoys smile was constantly twisting and morphing in Chang Gengs eyes, with an unspeakable demonic aura. It was the same expression as Hu Ge Ers when she was cursing him before dying. It deposited the bitterness of Eighteen Tribes who fought against heaven and earth, against people and for life.

Chang Geng stared closely at the silver cup in the hands of the Third Prince. His whole body seemed to be shackled by a thousand weights. However, in the eyes of outsiders, he was silent for only a moment.

Not long after, Chang Geng raised his hand in front of the eyes of the crowd. His thin lips were almost bloodless, he gracefully and calmly took a glass from a nearby servant.

Anyone with eyes could see that Yan Wang had just come out of illness. His hand and cheeks lacked blood. The finger holding the cup trembled slightly. He lowered his eyes and touched the silver cup of the prince lightly, saying coldly, Third Prince, help yourself. I have taken medicine recently and cannot drink alcohol. When the Eighteen Tribes will bring this years tribute, you and I will have the opportunity to drink together.

The Third Prince stared at him through the double pupils. Chang Geng touched his lips with the wine in his glass then put the silver cup aside, walking past the Barbarian envoy without looking sideways.

In other peoples eyes, maybe His Highness Yan Wang was only indifferent towards the enemy envoy, but Gu Yun saw from his ghostly pale face the violent and repressive impatience.

There truly was something abnormal about that Third Prince after all. Gu Yuns heart sank and turned to Shen Yi to make a signal. The latter immediately understood and quietly went out of the hall. Gu Yun got up and pushed aside the people blocking the way. As he walked towards Chang Geng, he said in a loud voice, Your Highness, please come and have a rest.

Before he could get close, his sharp nose that was different from ordinary peoples detected a very subtle odor of blood, and his heart was in a state of confusion when he recalled Miss Chens vague line about blood.

At that moment, the Barbarian envoy was seemingly unable to read the situation and took a step forward to say, I still remember that year when our goddess strayed to a foreign land, I didnt expect that one day I would get to see her bloodline, it must be a blessing by god.

Xu Ling coldly answered, Yan Wang is the true royalty of our Great Liang. It would be inappropriate for you to say so.

The Barbarian envoy stared into Chang Gengs eyes intensely, as if wanting to see a little bit of clue from his pupils. But the more he looked, the more shocked he felt.

The reason why it was so difficult to refine the Bone of Impurity was that besides being cruel, it also required every element to be aligned. The host must have a strong temperament, so as to leave a long fermentation time for the blood of the evil god. He must not lose control too early. Otherwise, the mental development of the host would remain at the level of a moronic child for the rest of his life.

The Third Prince was one such example of a failure. This innocent child had a twin brother, both died together due to his fathers hatred. Failing to survive the first attack of the Bone of Impurity, he had been destroyed and could only serve as a sacrifice to evil gods. In contrast, Yan Wang in front of them was the perfect product. Even now, he still maintained his sanity, and even in front of the sacrifice, he had not revealed an opening, how strong could his will be?

The evil spirit of the Bone of Impurity originated from devouring. When it was near another weak and incomplete Bone of Impurity, it aroused its instinct and would lose its mind. Therefore, the latter was also called a sacrifice. At this time, if someone nearby guided him properly, controlled his mind when the Bone of Impurity was distracted, then supplemented him with medicines, the evil god would be able to follow ones orders until he collapsed completely.

Perhaps, even Xiu Niang herself didnt realize that the evil god she abandoned halfway through could be this powerful. Unfortunately, these years, the evil god was taken away by the people in the Central Plains, not only did they fail to exert the true power of the evil god, but it also became a sharp weapon against the Eighteen Tribes.

At Yanhui Town, my king had seen Your Highness once, but at that time, he thought that Your Highness was a dirty child birthed by Hu Ge Er, he was rude to Your Highness. During this peace talks, he had ordered me to bring his apologies. The Barbarian envoys lips curved up slightly and silently hid the secret keywords that evoked the Bone of Impurity in his questioning, I wonder if Hu Ge Er has ever spoken to His Highness about the Eighteen Tribes?

Hu Ge Er… spoken, These four words of a nonsensical question set off a storm in Chang Gengs ear that nobody knew of. Before his eyes, the tall and rough Barbarian envoy merged with the gorgeous and demonic Hu Ge Er. The curse that the woman exhausted on her deathbed exploded like thunder in his ear, with an unspeakable peculiar scent coming from the Third Prince and plunged into his lungs a little fishy, a little bitter. It spared no effort to pull Chang Gengs nerves and aroused his bloodthirsty impulse.

The door of memory which he had deliberately closed was suddenly knocked open, and the fragmented memories fiercely drowned him down.

Hu Ge Ers nightmare-like beautiful face, the hill filled with bandit corpses, the first fire in memory, the stench of blood on his face, the endless abuse and beating… the old scars under his gorgeous court attire came alive, the blood-sucking leeches drilled into his skin and flesh, but his mortal body seemed to be unable to withstand the enormous power of the evil god. Chang Gengs chest and limbs were cut like knives. The sharp pain was the symptom of the Bone of Impuritys attack.

Whats worse was that the Barbarian envoys words aroused thousands of waves, which was totally seemingly speaking unintentionally for an intended listener.

Wang Guo immediately added oil into the fire and said, Is it inappropriate for you to mention Hu Ge Er here? Although Xiu Jun Zhu had a great achievement in raising His Royal Highness Yan Wang, it was also true that she provoked the relationship between the two sides at that time, which almost led to war nine years ago.

As soon as the words came out, the cowards following Imperial Uncle Wang did not know what the situation was, and the civil officers who simply hated the barbarians immediately jumped out to dance along.

Wang Guo smile and said shamelessly, Besides, I also heard there is nothing good about that Xiu Jun Zhu, she conspired to harm the Black Iron Camp. After it failed, she persuaded the Royal Consort who was pregnant to escape. Not knowing who she had gotten intimate with, if this old man remembered correctly, that year, there was even a rumor spread by a doctor that Xiu Jun Zhu was pregnant before marriage. Someone like this is not worthy of being our courts Jun Zhu and your tribes goddess.

Even if someone were any dumber, they could also hear the hidden meaning in his words. Seeing that Wang Guo was courageous enough to point the sword at Yan Wang, the people who danced along just now all silenced, waiting for the follow-up.

Looking at Yan Wang, no one could tell whether he was ill or what. cold sweat rolled down from his forehead, it seemed that he had no strength to stand.

Fang Qin frowned and realized the problem on the spot: before he knew it, Wang Guo had colluded with the Barbarian!

At this time, Fang Qin had no time to rejoice in Yan Wangs misfortune, he was very uncomfortable internal struggle was internal struggle. It was normal for people on the same side to fight for power and influence. Whether the winner takes all or they fight to their last breath, these were all internal affairs. But at this moment where the border had not been taken back and the country was at a loss, how could he drag outsiders into this?

If this was exposed no, there was no need for it to come to light at all, even if Wang Guo was successful in proving how Yan Wang had mixed up royal blood, what would others think afterward? No one would think that the Fang family was innocent. He had been clearly in the same party as Wang Guo, but the old doctor was still waiting to be judged, the one who leaked the secret was kept in Fang household, there was no way for him to rid himself of this relationship!

Fang Qin broke out in a cold sweat. Wang Guo was not only using him, but he also dragged him into being a national traitor who colluded with the enemy!

He thought he was no worse than anyone else in terms of intelligence, but looking at Yan Wang, even though he was still young, he already had Jiang Chong as a strong right hand man, Xu Ling, the defender of justice, half of Ling Shu Institute, and even the Northern Camp who had fought side by side with him. Even the important figures in the army, such as the Marquis of Order and the governor of the Southwest, they all shared very close personal relations with him. But what about Fang Qin himself?

All around him was the likes of Wang Guo and Lu Chang. If it was not poisonous snakes, then it was villains. Not enough success but failure was plenty.

For a moment, Fang Qin felt a cold exhaustion in his heart. He truly learned what was called fate.

Was it impossible for manpower to resist the tide of fate?

The Barbarian envoy heard Wang Guo fishing in troubled water and laughed with contempt. He saw the color of Yan Wangs pupils deepening. He knew that they would completely turn into double pupils before long. Then Yan Wang would fall into an illusion. He would not hear a single voice from the outside world. Only special secret words and key sentences could enter his ear that was the moment he would achieve the true evil god.

The Barbarian envoy stretched out his hands as if to help Chang Geng: Why, Your Highness does not feel comfor

Before the word comfortable could be said, someone shouted, You dare!

The envoys pupils shrank and a strong wind blew past his ears. The cold air almost penetrated his pore. In a moment, the envoys hairs all stood up, but he could not respond at all. His neck felt cold, a sword was placed at his throat.

Gu Yun was holding a sword drawn from the waist of the guard, holding Yan Wang in his arms with one hand in full view of the public. Chang Geng grunted and leaned on him as if he collapsed. However, the double pupils the envoy anticipated did not appear. Chang Gengs mind was clearly clear. He whispered along with Gu Yuns voice: Barbarians… Voodoo…

Xu Ling exclaimed, Yan Wang, whats the matter?

A line of blood ran down the sleeve of Chang Gengs court attire, it only took a moment for his sleeve to be soaked.

All the court guards drew their swords in unison.

Wang Guo did not anticipate this situation, but after a short surprise, he still refused to give up all his efforts: Marshal… we…we can talk about it. What are you drawing your weapon for… what happened to His Royal Highness Yan Wang? Call for a doctor, wheres the doctor?

Gu Yun turned his head around without saying a word, like a Black Iron Camps Wind Slasher, his sharp killing intent caused Imperial Uncle Wang to be stunned on the spot, letting out an Ah then falling flat onto the ground.

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As soon as the word doctor was said, Fang Qins eyes twitched violently, he could not sit still any longer. He knew that he must clean himself of his relationship with Wang Guo instantly, finding every possible method to push all the blame onto this goddamn old mans head, otherwise he would have to bear this humiliation for thousands of generations.

On one hand, Fang Qin ordered his underlings to kill the old doctor who was bought by Wang Guo at the fastest speed. On the other, he stood up calmly and shouted, The Barbarians guts are so large that they dare to act wildly in this court. It is clear that they hide their evil intentions, capture them!

Unfortunately… apart from the internal guards, most of the soldiers were members of the Imperial Army and the Northern Camp. The newly formed Royal Army and the Northern Camp could not afford to follow the command of a civil officer such as him. They all stood still in place waiting for Gu Yuns order.

Fang Qin was choked for a moment, but there was not much time for him to take back his dignity right now. He quickly returned to his senses and said, Marshal Gu, I think what happened here today was very strange. You see, the servants should know that the Emperor had already left, why would they invite Yan Wang into the palace at this time? Even if he was invited, they must directly take His Highness to see the Emperor, why did they take him to the palace banquet? Lets first take these mobs away for trial, report it to the Emperor, then send someone to investigate carefully. We still dont know if there might be barbarians spy mixed in all of this…What do you think? How about you bring Yan Wang to rest first, call a doctor…

Gu Yun coldly interrupted his self-conscious chattering No need to trouble yourself.

Fang Qin had never touched such a hard nail since he was born from his mothers womb. He momentarily forgot his words.

At this time, a guard dressed in the Northern Camp uniform came in hurriedly: Marshal, we have surrounded the post station and kept the barbarian envoys under control.

Fang Qin was very frightened. Was Gu Yun going to declare war?

Quickly report to the Emperor, Gu Yun ordered. Besides, the palace doctors would not understand the barbarians trickery. Invite Doctor Chen.

With Gu Yun keeping watch, even if the sky falls, they would only become busy but not disorderly. Chen Qing Xu and Emperor Long An were notified and came running at the fastest speed. Li Feng quickly looked over Chang Gengs situation. Without waiting for Gu Yuns orders, Fang Qin immediately went forward and explained everything from start to end along with his own speculations.

Emperor Long An was furious, all the palace attendants were detained in an instant, only Chen Qing Xu was allowed to enter to see Yan Wang, her medicine disciple was kept behind to identify the servant.

With the interrogation going on this side, Gu Yun was too lazy to see them bite each other for longer, staying by Chang Gengs side the whole time. Just now, his hand was stained full of blood. Even the bead bracelet given by the emperor dyed in red, his face was even worse than that of the injured one.

Its alright. This time it was me who made myself bleed, Chang Geng looked at him and said, I know my limits…

Limit my ass! Gu Yun shouted at him in a low voice. You really have to come and see what a barbarian looks like, dont you? I really…

Chen Qing Xu made salt water for Chang Geng without anyones help and said, Marshal Gu can rest assured, Wu Er Gus body is different from ordinary people. This little injury would not be able to affect him. What on earth did Your Highness encounter that you must bleed like this?

Chang Geng slightly closed his eyes for a moment. His gaze seemed clearer than usual. If the blood in Gu Yuns hand hadnt been wiped off, he would have thought that he was only pretending.

I was tricked into entering the palace. In order to prevent eavesdropping, Chang Geng used sign language, Even though the Eighteen Tribes may not be well-intentioned, I think that whether they really want to talk peace or falsely suspend their troops, the present time when our army is on standby and fully ready is not a good opportunity for them to play tricks. I did not expect that the Barbarian envoys dare to make a move on me boldly and publicly… moreover, with Fang Qins cautious personality, he generally would not want to easily bear a crime of colluding with the enemy.

Gu Yun angrily said: Generally?

Chen Qing Xu quickly avoided Gu Yuns anger and asked, Your Highness, can you elaborate?

Chang Geng cautiously looked at Gu Yun and described the abnormalities of the Third Prince and the special scent he was able to catch. Chen Qing Xu stopped the bleeding for him quickly while paying attention to his gestures, her eyebrows wrinkled slowly.

Its not necessarily Fang Qin who brought me here, Chang Geng said. Hes not going to be as foolish as to let himself be exploited by the Barbarians. Its very likely that the purpose of his eagerness just now was to prove he had nothing to do with this… but the motives of the envoy of the Eighteen Tribes deserve further study.

Gu Yun felt uncomfortable whenever he looked at him. He simply turned his head towards the window out of sight, out of mind one hand inadvertently wandered on the scabbard hanging at his waist, the fierce expression on his face had yet to fade.

He had already thought of this even without Chang Geng saying more. The one who had bribed the servants was most likely Wang Guo who jumped up and down just now. He always regarded Wang Guo as the dog of the former emperor and did not bother himself with a dog. Now, it seemed that some people really thought he had a good temper!

Chang Geng reached out a cold hand and held the back of his hand, saying pitifully, Zi Xi, I feel terrible. Look at me.

…This time, Chen Qing Xu was the one who did not look to give herself peace of mind.

Gu Yuns heart tightened from aching, unable to vent it, he wished he could immediately don his armor and set out to behead Jia Lai Ying Huo. After a long silence, he reluctantly suppressed his anger and said, Maybe they wanted to assassinate the Emperor at first. When they arrived in the capital, they found that the capital was more strict than they had imagined, so they wanted to make their move on you. Otherwise, they came especially for the purpose of the Bone of Impurity. Barbarians must have the means to control the Bone of Impurity. When the Bone of Impurity is unleashed, the manpower is infinite and can exceed ones limit. The palace guards would hesitate to attack you. If they use you as a shield, the guards may not be able to stop it. There is only one reason I can think of for them to waste so much effort, that is, the envoy is provoking a war.

If Jia Lai wanted to fight, he can simply mobilize his army. It was not necessary to trouble themselves for provocation, Chang Geng said. General Cais news may not be entirely baseless. There must be something wrong with the internal affairs of the Eighteen Tribes after all.

What happened to the Eighteen Tribes is not of concern at the moment, Gu Yun interrupted him. You also heard the words said by Wang Guo. He is on his last resort, theres no telling what he would do next. You might as well think about how to deal with it first.

Chapter 103 — Meeting

Miss Chen, do you have a silver dagger?

While the banquet was in full swing, Chang Geng was helping Miss Chen collect herbs in the courtyard where she temporarily settled in the capital.

His cold went away as quickly as it arrived, cured after two doses of medicine. As a matter of fact, he was almost as good as before. The reason why he still took his leave was due to his sensitive background, Gu Yun had deliberately let him avoid it. Second, it was because he heard that Chen Qing Xu found new clues about Bone of Impurity.

You mean that Bone of Impurity is in my vein?

Chen Qing Xus hands were full of all kinds of yellowed old books, she often had to rescue the pages fallen off. Her hands were busy, but her mouth was as orderly as before. The Bone of Impurity damages ones mind. I always thought its root was in the brain. If it werent for the Marquiss reminder, I would not think of this aspect… You see here the barbarians earliest record of the evil god Wu Er Gu born malicious, eating his brothers flesh and blood, refining himself, with four feet, four arms, two hearts, blood flows in the chest like a tide, especially tyrannical, I thought that the blood flows like a tide part was only a metaphor, but it actually refers to how the Bone of Impurity attacks.

Only when she talked about these things could she utter so many words at a time.

Blood and flesh, Chang Geng was silent for a moment, shaking his head and smiling bitterly, What Miss Chen means is that my entire body is poison, unless I follow the myth of scraping bones and picking flesh?

It seems that this was much worse than having a ruined mind.

Chang Geng unhurriedly sorted out the herbs and put them in containers in order. The gears on the shelves clenched together with a squeaky sound and slowly rose to the top to reveal the empty space below. This was meticulous work, it could not be done by an impetuous person.

Chen Qing Xu looked at him with admiration. There was no historical record of those who were entangled by the Bone of Impurity but could still stay sane until adulthood, let alone one who could maintain such a calm and gentle temperament.

There was no telling whether he was born with perseverance, or if he was better than the others by one Gu Yun.

Chang Geng: To tell you the truth, I dont feel very well recently. The Bone of Impurity attacks are becoming more and more frequent.

Chen Qing Xu casually said, The Marquis had already told me.

Chang Geng was startled for a moment, He…

Gu Yun always seems to follow the attitude of it was only the barbarian witchcraft poisoning and never took this minor skin and flesh illness seriously. He seldom talked about it and never showed any concern in front of Chang Geng.

Turned out…it had always troubled him?

Chen Qing Xu paused and realized that she had said too much. She shifted the topic, Your Highness, if there is nothing else to instruct, Im going to return to Chen family old residence in Shanxi. Its much easier after I find the roots, there will be a solution in the end.

Ah, Chang Geng answered, putting his hands together, I have troubled you, and about Zi Xis antidote…

He was interrupted by a visitor from the palace before he could finish.

The medicine disciple brought in a servant, who respectfully greeted Chang Geng and said, Your Highness, the Emperor heard that you are ill, he had specially asked your servant to come and see. I also brought along a doctor, but he did not dare to enter Doctor Chens courtyard and was waiting outside.

Chang Geng frowned: I have troubled Royal Brother for his concern, but I only caught a regular cold, not a serious illness.

The servant laughed and said, Yes, I also saw that Your Highness was in good spirits, eh… Your Highness, there is a banquet in the palace this evening for the Third Barbarian Prince and their group of envoys. The envoy of the Eighteen Tribes mentioned Your Highness in front of the Emperor. His Majesty ordered me to tell you that if your body isnt feeling well, theres no need to trouble yourself, if youre feeling alright, you should come join in on the fun.

Chen Qing Xu was stunned for a moment and looked up at Chang Geng quickly. If nobody said anything, it would be all right. But the Man envoy already said so, Chang Geng could not refuse. There was a dilemma in the middle of this: the Man was not only the enemy of Great Liang, but also the family of Yan Wangs mother. He certainly could not intentionally approach them, but it was not appropriate to intentionally avoid them either.

The envoy already named him, but the key to going or not was to assess Li Fengs attitude, that was the direction to avoid offending.

Chang Geng grabbed a purse from his body, stuffed something to the servant and asked, Excuse me, what did my brother say?

The servant measured Yan Wangs generosity and laughed so much that his face blushed and said incoherently, I dare not… Yan Wang is taking years from my life, and this… its a shame to receive it…

As he said he was ashamed, he put the money away happily and said to Chang Geng, What kind of person is our Yan Wang, theres no need for you to respect those barbarian bunch. The Emperor said that if you want to go to avoid boredom, you can come to the palace to pay New Years greeting to him, sit around for a bit and go back, no need to interact with those people. Its the new year, the Emperor would feel more reassured seeing you.

Chang Geng understood, Let me take a rest and change my clothes, then I will go with you to the palace.

The servant happily answered, I will prepare you a carriage.

Chang Geng smiled and watched him leave. As soon as he turned and entered the room, his smile immediately turned cold.

Chen Qing Xu followed after him: What can I do for you?

Chang Geng shook his head: This years banquet is very strict, Zi Xi is there, the people coming in and out have to go through several inspections. For the Barbarians, except the Third Prince and the envoys, all the servants have been locked up in the post station. Even if the Barbarian Third Prince has Ziliujin flowing under his skin, there is no guarantee that he can explode into anything worthwhile I only need to borrow a room to tidy up my attire.

Chen Qing Xu didnt understand these matters, she did not say much and asked the medicine disciple to lead the way.

Chang Geng went to the door with his arms crossed, his footsteps then halted, he turned around again. Miss Chen, do you have a silver dagger?

Wang Guo was sitting among the civil ministers, listening to a group of sharp-tongued civil officials vent their hatred for the country and families, using mocking words to oppress the Man envoy.

The Northern Mans envoy could not be said to have a flexible mouth, but he knew proper advance and retreat. Once the topic became too sharp for him to answer, he only laughed and did not speak. It seemed that he really bore the burden of humiliation and came for peace talks.

Imperial Uncle Wangs eyes also paused on the silent Third Prince bowing his head, but quickly shifted his attention he had no interest in that idiot, he had arranged a better play.

Wang Guo was different from people like Fang Qin who often talked about the national economy and peoples livelihood. He knew that nobody thought highly of him. Even for Fang Qins bunch, they only reluctantly addressed him as Master this and Lord that when they have a use for him. They all call him eunuch uncle behind his back, saying that he was very dutiful towards his role as an Imperial Uncle, even taking on the duty of inner management.

Wang Guo used to be a minor character who ran errands for the former emperor. He was destined to play the role of a flattering subject and bearing the ill name for the ruler. Ever since the matter of the former emperor and the barbarian concubine came to light, he had been living in fear.

He had no opinions towards Gu Yun or even the Gu family, there were few contacts between civil and martial officers in Great Liang in terms of interests. As long as neither of the party harbored great ambition and covered the sky with one hand, even in the struggle for power, they would not struggle for a single pot.

Not to mention that Gu family was the true nobility, its just that they were few in members and their object of marriage was too special.

But Wang Guo himself and Gu Yun had no difference in viewpoints either. He had no opinions on the important affairs of the country. His only opinion was what were the proper ways to please the Emperor.

Every man in the court were grand characters, talented in martial and literary, each of them was full of ideals, there needed to be a few men such as this to allow the Emperor to relax after the battle in wisdom and courage.

If it was possible, even if he was overfed with rat poisons, he would never dare to touch the Gu family.

But fate was difficult to detangle, and a rulers order was hard to oppose. Now the old man himself had died, at least he could still find one broken excuse of the ruler wants the subject to die, yet he had left him behind as a scapegoat to bear the scolding of the people.

At present, Emperor Long An was willing to protect this worthless being out of respect for him as an uncle, letting him continue his dying breath and beg for food.

But what about the future?

It was not horrifying how much land tax, civil and commercial trading Yan Wang reformed. What was horrifying was that once Yan Wang took the throne, what would he do to Wang Guo?

Yan Wang had a close relationship with Gu Yun since his childhood. As the son of the emperor and the barbarian concubine, it was impossible for him to investigate his parents sins. In order to further attract Gu Yun and strive for military support in the future, the first thing he would do was to drag him out to be the offering for Gu family.

The thing Master Fang and others worried about were nothing more than how Yan Wang was reforming the court. In the end, it was for their own fame, fortune, and their familys future, while Imperial Uncle Wangs life hung by a string, he was constantly worried about the head on his shoulders even if there were high positions and rich salaries, he still needed to stay alive to enjoy them.

When the Barbarians first arrived in the capital, they truly knew their place and did not bribe people all around. The nobles in the capital were not so poor, insane, and shallow-minded to the point of being willing to bear the charge of treason and allied with the enemy for a little benefit.

Before the palace banquet, the envoys of the Eighteen Tribes reached out their tentacles for the first time and contacted a man it was Imperial Uncle Wang, a seemingly insignificant flatterer.

The envoys of the Eighteen Tribes swore an oath to their god and gave Wang Guo two promises: first, let Yan Wang no longer be the sword hanging over his head.

Second: Whether it was a success or a failure, Wang Guo would not be implicated. If in the future, Wang Guo was backed into a dead end, the Eighteen Tribes were willing to save his life.

The mobs of the Eighteen Tribes were uncivilized, cruel, murderous, and were good at tampering with poisons, but there was one good point they kept to their promises.

And what they wanted him to do was a simple task. Yan Wang most likely wanted to avoid appearing, this time, Wang Guos job was to make sure that Yan Wang showed up at the palace banquet.

The barbarians didnt reveal what they were going to do. Wang Guo planned to wait and see what would happen. In case the Barbarians failed, he also prepared another scheme thanks to Lord Fang, who kept a man secretly in his household in order to overthrow Yan Wang.

When the barbarian imperial concubine escaped, a large number of palace men, guards, and doctors were involved, many of them died unjustly, but the ones who were truly guilty had already prepared their way out beforehand.

The old doctor in Fangs household was one of the people who escaped that time due to fear. His son accidentally killed someone, and carrying the debts of his child, he had no choice but to sell a secret: When the Man imperial concubine escaped while pregnant, Xiu Jun Zhu who was with her was also pregnant while unmarried.

Xiu Niang Hu Ge Er colluded with the barbarians at Yanhui town and brought them inside the border. She despised Great Liang to the bone. Would she really and honestly raise her enemys son?

Was the person Gu Yun brought back the son of the former Emperor, or a wild bastard child of Hu Ge Er whose father was unknown?

Fang Qin took in the doctor but did not act rashly. He had learned his lesson from failing to kill Yan Wang last time. This time, he planned to hit the target in one move, but while he was still slowly brewing the plan, Wang Guo did not want to cooperate with him anymore.

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The righteous have methods of the righteous, the villains have the way of villains. Their scheme did not have to be superb, it did not matter even if it was lowly and dirty, it only needed to be effective.

When the Eighteen Tribes envoy opened his mouth inquiring about Yan Wang, Li Feng didnt answer immediately, but when he heard that Yan Wang was ill, he had asked his servant to come to check in his stead. Li Fengs original words were, Take a doctor to see him and tell A Min to rest well. If hes better in the next few days, dont stay put in the house all the time, come into the palace to pay New Year greetings, theres no need for him to interact with those people.

After saying this, Emperor Long An saw it as having fulfilled his duty to appear at the Palace Banquet and took his leave.

Imperial Uncle Wang did not gain the title eunuch uncle for nothing. He had soon bribed some seemingly insignificant servants running errands. As long as the words of Li Feng were skillfully bent a little, Yan Wang would certainly come.

After the Emperors departure, Yan Wang who was taking a sick leave would deliberately come to see the Man envoy, then the story of confusing royal blood and unknown origin would come to light in front of the eyes of all people how would he end up?

Since Li Feng left, the whole palace feast passed quietly for the most part. Nearing the end of the feast, Gu Yun finally felt a little relieved. He picked up a cup to have a sip. Before he could even taste it, the servant suddenly announced that Yan Wang had arrived.

Gu Yun had not yet had time to clear up his thoughts, his heart thumped.

Fang Qin was a little surprised, but Wang Guo bowed his head. The envoy of the Eighteen Tribes turned towards the outside of the hall with a smile. The Third Barbarian Prince, who had been keeping his head down to eat and drink in the corner, stopped abruptly.

When Chang Geng entered the hall and saw at first sight that nobody was on the throne, he knew that he had fallen into someones trap.

However, it was too late to turn back now. Chang Gengs footsteps did not stop, his slightly ill face was calm and quiet, he retained the gentle smile, walking slowly and unhurriedly, took off his cape and used this opportunity to sweep a glance around by passing it to an attendant. The servant who deceived him was nowhere to be seen.

Although one man from the noble families party did not know why Yan Wang appeared here, he still refused to give up the opportunity to throw stones down the well, he immediately laughed with profound meaning: His Highness Yan Wang had already requested to be absent from todays banquet. But it seems that the guests of the Eighteen Tribes truly have lots of respect, actually managed to invite Yan Wanghere with only one sentence.

Another man continued his words, These words need to be punished, not mentioning anyone else, but todays guests are not ordinary. The Eighteen Tribes are the maternal family of His Highness, they must be treated differently.

Chang Gengs loose court attire almost fell to the ground. He calmly returned, I have troubled the Emperor for sending his people to inquire, I especially come to the palace to pay New Years greetings to His Majesty, but unfortunately, did His Majesty already leave?

Yan Wangs arrival was untimely, but ours isnt. Today, we get to meet Great Liangs two talented individuals, it was a great privilege and blessing for us. Our prince also wants to offer one cup to Your Highness as respect!

During the conversation, the envoy of the Eighteen Tribes helped the Third Prince to stand up.

Gu Yun quickly signaled Shen Yi with his eyes. Several guards hiding in the dark suddenly showed their murderous intentions and circled the barbarian envoys and the prince.

The Third Prince stepped out from the table, seemingly very nervous, his hands trembling violently all the way while carrying the wine cup. Before he could approach Chang Geng, the wine had been spill more than half.

As the teenager approached, Chang Gengs body gave birth to a dry heat that could not be suppressed. The fever that had already faded fiercely rushed forward once again. His ears roared and his blood boiled as if it were burning Ziliujin, bubbling intensely.

Chang Gengs hairs stood up, countless pairs of calculating eyes, or joyous eyes of those who delight in others misery did not exert as much pressure on him as this boy. He endured the severe discomfort, struggling to maintain the dignity of a prince and forced himself to laugh. Why, when your tribes prince offers wine, are they all this quiet?

The Man envoy suddenly smiled and slowly retreated one step behind the Third Prince.

The Third Prince, shivering all over, stopped silently without warning. His hands that halted in the air were blue and white, heavy with the aura of death.

He then raised his head and looked straight into Chang Gengs eyes.

The young mans pale face had a pair of red eyes, his double pupils like an icicle, pierced Chang Geng without warning.

This boy turned out to be another Bone of Impurity!

No one knows what happens when two evil gods face each other, there had never been any record of it. How much madness was in one Wu Er Gu, how much hatred could there be, how lucky could one be to achieve one?

To what extent should an era be chaotic in order to make two Bone of Impurity meet face to face?

There seemed to be an indescribable feeling between the two for a time. The whole palace now turned into dust in front of Chang Gengs eyes. His chest was so painful that it seemed as if he was about to burst open.

All hallucinations and realities entangled together, the poison that had been suppressed in his bone and blood for many years was like scorching oil poured onto the fire, which erupted into roaring mountains and tsunamis. All the indigestible hatred and rage poured into Chang Gengs heart. All the nightmares in the abyss poured out, opening their large terrifying mouths to swallow him down.

Chapter 102 — Palace Banquet

Chen Qing Xu muttered, Impossible, then it is the blood?… Did I make an error in my assessment?

When Gu Yun was still in the Northwest Frontier at the beginning of the year, the whole country of Great Liang was engulfed in gloomy clouds, on the verge of losing at any moment.

But this year, the whole country was reborn with incredible vitality. Even though grand banquets and dancing of the past could no longer be seen, the children queuing on the streets to buy candy have put on their new clothes one after another. During the day, the sound of firecrackers could sometimes be heard, each and every family were also busy preparing the New Years goods.

The collapsed city wall was rebuilt again, and the anti air net on Qi Ming Altar broadened its stern sight. The Baihong bows and silent iron puppets on the wall watched the unexpected visitors enter the city. The Northern Camp accompanied them stopped outside the Nine Gates in a clean and orderly manner. The absolute silence seemed to be the essence, vitality, and spirit that had been honed through blood and fire.

With this years many ups and downs, only counting the merit of bringing the country back to life alone, in the future, history books would not lack Yan Wangs name.

The Third Barbarian Princes carriage drove slowly through the long street. The cold wind raised the corner of the curtain, revealing a thin and pale face, but a hand immediately pulled the curtain down and blocked both sides from peeping.

At this time, Gu Yun was sitting in casual clothing on the Wangnan Tower, with a liuli glass on his nose it was not the one he usually used for emergency when blinded, but a kind of Qian Li Yan for long-distance targeting on the battlefield.

Chang Geng and Shen Yi were all present. A moment later, the door was pushed open and a figure flashed in. It was Cao Chun Hua who had disappeared into mystery since Jiangbei.

Cao Chun Hua entered the room and paid simple courtesy then sat down. Im thirsty to death.

Chang Geng was accustomed to it, carrying a large bowl and filling it with wine. Cao Chun Hua took it without blushing or panting and drank it dry. If someone did not know, they would have thought he was drinking cold water. Gu Yun, a drunkard, stared with wide eyes and felt like he had met a wine bottle in a human shape.

Another bowl, Cao Chun Hua sighed comfortably. I have been traveling back to the North since I separated from Marshal at the capital city… there were wind, snow, and rain on the journey, I have endured plenty.

Cao Chun Hua had possessed great talent in disguise since he was a child, learning foreign languages by ears, taking only half a month to be fluent. He was sent by Chang Geng to the border of Northern Frontier for a long time to keep watch, only when he needed a perfect double to travel to Jiangbei for investigation did he call him back.

Cao Chun Hua took the second bowl of wine and threw a flirtatious eye at Gu Yun who looked as if he was craving for wine, and successfully evoked Gu Yuns unforgettable memory of this man who was twisting his waist and hip while wearing Chang Gengs face.

Gu Yun silently patted off the goosebumps on his body and turned his eyes away with an ashen face.

Chang Geng: How did you become this worn down?

Dont mention it anymore, counting all the male and female slaves, they are a team of elite. I cant get close to them within a mile, I have to follow after them by groveling on the ground again and again.

Cao Chun Hua said softly and delicately with a flowery voice, To tell the gentlemen the truth, when I was in Northern Frontier, I once sneaked into the rank of Jia Lai Ying Huos guards, even pretended to be the female slave the Second Prince favored the most, swayed around in front of him for a day and a night without being discovered, but for more than a year, I could never approach the Third Prince, even his appearance could not be seen.

Chang Geng asked, Cant even take a look from the distance when he travels?

He never goes out at all. The Eighteen Tribes said that the Third Prince is gravely ill and could not go out to the wind, Cao Chun Hua sighed. Aside from Jia Lai Ying Huo himself, others could not even see a hair of him. The Third Prince is a taboo topic of the Eighteen Tribes. He lived inside three layers of guards. I tried to mix into the outer layer, it was successful, but the second layer is already no good, the people inside resembled iron puppets, they do not communicate, but they are all top tier masters and even suicide soldiers to boost. I tried several ways, but it was all for naught, even almost alerting them. I had to retreat first. Did Your Highness see the envoy accompanying them?

Everyone looked towards the direction where Cao Chun Huas chopsticks were pointed, just to see a middle-aged man turn around and speak to a guard. He was ordinary in appearance, but there was a vague unspeakable aura on his body, as robust and sturdy as a mountain.

Cao Chun Hua: That man is the guard captain of Jia Lai and one of his most important confidants, very powerful. I will not recognize the wrong person.

Several of the people present were surprised.

Shen Yi frowned and said, If thats the case, General Cais news is not necessarily accurate. The usurper of the throne may be only the barbarians putting on a play of disorder to show us. Perhaps the hostage they sent this time was intending to use a vile trick.

Gu Yun did not say a word. Suddenly, he felt very uneasy.

In the ongoing war between the two countries, it was conceivable that the arrival of this group of hostage and envoys would not receive any courtesy. The Third Prince and his party did not even have one decent person to welcome them. Li Fengs instructions to Hongqi Temple were act depending on the situation. The officer of Hongqi Temple really understood the meaning of the ruler and placed the barbarian hostage in an envoys post and left them be. On the day of residence, the citys internal defense was renewed. The newly formed Imperial Army surrounded the post station by three layers inside and outside, changing shifts half an hour and patrolling twelve times a day, regardless of day or night.

Everything seemed unusual in those two days. First came a strange and mysterious hostage of the barbarians, then Chang Geng became seriously ill at an unusual time, contracting a high fever with just a bit of cold wind from sitting on Wangnan tower.

Chang Geng practiced martial arts all year round and was very good at maintaining good health. He was in his twenties, logically, even if the wind was any stronger, it would not be able to affect him. But no one knew what was going on that day, his fever was fierce. When Gu Yun rushed back from the Northern Camp in the middle of the night, Chang Geng had already taken the medicine and went to rest, his cheeks were burning red from the fever.

Gu Yun checked his forehead and laid down on one side still in his full clothes. Whether he returned home or not, Chang Geng always occupied only half of the bed, and even with the disturbing nightmares, his sleeping posture was very orderly and he never rolled around.

Afraid that Chang Gengs fever would burn higher at night, Gu Yun did not dare fall into a deep sleep, he woke up immediately whenever the person on the next pillow moved, when he reached out and checked, he found that Chang Gengs body was as hot as charcoal, his breathing was also erratic.

Chang Geng being disturbed by nightmares was a normal occurrence. Gu Yun was used to them. Most of the time, Chang Geng himself would calm down as long as he reached out and held him for a little comfort. But this evening, it was probably due to illness, Chang Gengs face suddenly appeared painful. Instinctively, he grasped Gu Yuns wrist and closed his fingers tightly. He involuntarily let out a grunt, unable to wake up no matter how he was called.

Gu Yun had to reach out and take a silver needle from the small medicine bag at the head of the bed. He pressed Chang Geng down and pinch him gently on his wrist.

Chang Geng shivered then woke up.

Gu Yuns pupil shrank slightly double pupils.

However, compared with the chaos of the last Bone of Impurity attack, Chang Geng obviously restrained himself a lot more, there was no frantic movement. He only looked at Gu Yun in a daze, the rims of his eyes were slightly red.

Gu Yun called out to him nervously Chang Geng, do you still recognize me?

Chang Geng blinked quickly, a drop of cold sweat rolled down his eyelashes. He said in a hoarse voice, How come…you are back?

During this sentence, the pupils in his eyes slowly merged into one and the red mark gradually disappeared, as if everything was only Gu Yuns imagination. Gu Yun kissed him, wiped his sweat and coaxed him back to sleep. In the end, he was still not at ease. The next morning, he sent someone to the palace to take a sick leave and went to find Chen Qing Xu.

Its alright, said Miss Chen after the check up, she diagnosed, His Highness is in good health, but the weather has changed a little recently, he only caught a bit of cold wind. It will be alright after taking the medicine.

Chang Geng laughed and said, I said so as well, but he didnt believe me and also made a fuss about it, troubling Miss Chen for a trip here.

Although Miss Chen was polite as usual, she truly didnt want to look at the triumphant expression of His Highness Yan Wang any longer. Even a bride who had just given birth to her first child would not be as happy as he was.

Miss Chen could no longer bear it and bid farewell to the two, Gu Yun personally saw her off. As they passed the cold corridor of the manor, Gu Yun suddenly whispered, The reason I invited Miss Chen here today was not to check a cold. When he had a high fever last night, his double pupils suddenly reappeared, Im not feeling very reassured.

Chen Qing Xu immediately turned serious and frowned, Marquis, please tell me more in details.

Gu Yun described the scene of the sudden attack then immediately sobering up of Chang Geng and asked, What do you think about this situation?

After listening, Chen Qing Xu was silent for a long time. Her eyes lowered slightly, she seemed to be carefully recalling the pulse she had taken just now. When Gu Yun grew nervous waiting, she said, His Highness has strong mentality, truly inspiring admiration in others.

Gu Yun immediately responded, You mean that his usual sanity was due to him using his will to suppress it, and yesterday, due to the fever that caused him to be confused, it was momentarily revealed?

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Chen Qing Xu nodded: His Highness was tormented by the Bone of Impurity from childhood. He should have been used to it. Even when he falls asleep, he still keeps a little consciousness. I just worry that…he is young, strong and energetic now, if he were to grow weak from old age in the future, will he still have this kind of mental strength?

Gu Yun, however, thought of something and asked in return, According to you, if he were to get sick, injured, or get to drinking something that muddle his mind, it will always lead to this scenario?

Chen Qing Xu: That is the case according to logic, it depends on whether the situation is serious or not.

But there is one thing I dont quite understand, Gu Yun said. A while ago, he was injured in Jiangbei, it was me who went to pick him up. At that time, because of the excessive blood loss from the wound, he was in a coma for a whole day and night, but during this period, he was very stable. Not only did he not have an attack, but he seemed to have no symptoms of waking up from nightmares.

Chen Qing Xu was suddenly stunned.

Gu Yun: Miss Chen?

Chen Qing Xu muttered, Impossible, then it is the blood?… Did I make an error in my assessment?

Gu Yun was frightened.

Chen Qing Xu did not explain anything. She turned around and left without saying a word.

Gu Yun: Hey… Miss Chen…

Let me think about it. Chen Qing Xu left this sentence and drifted away with her feet not touching the ground. In a blink of an eye, she was already a few feet away and disappeared in a flash.

Shen Yi, who happened to be visiting, was bad-mouthing about Gu Yun to Huo Dan, all the way from the gate, he had not stopped to take a breather. Commander Huo was dejected, not knowing what method he should use to get rid of this man. Before he could think of anything, Shen Yi shut up without warning.

As soon as Huo Dan looked up, he saw a ghostly white shadow sweeping by in front of his eyes. General Shen resembled a wooden board standing on top of the heaven and earth, saving his words like saving gold in the midst of nervousness: Miss Chen.

Chen Qing Xu already did not speak much, and likewise, she returned, General Shen.

After greeting each other, the two stared at one another for a long time, Shen Yi realized that he was blocking the way and retreated to one side in panic: Miss Chen please!

Chen Qing Xu originally thought he had something to say, she gave him a confused look and then blew away like a storm.

Commander Huo pulled his ears and led the suddenly muted General Shen to Gu Yun.

Gu Yun made a sound in response and changed an ice bag for Chang Geng, making the others face twist from the cold, he then went out to meet the visitor: Whats the matter?

Shen Yi had not yet recovered from his mute meditation and looked silently at Gu Yun as his soul travelled far.

Gu Yun was very surprised, he turned to Huo Dan and asked, Whats wrong with him?

Huo Dan speculated, Suddenly cant speak anymore. Maybe Doctor Chen had given him mute drugs.

Shen Yis visit to Gu Yun was actually due to business.

Shen Yi: The Emperor has been giving the cold shoulder to the Barbarian envoys for several days. He intends to meet them at this years Palace Banquet and display our might. But the Barbarian witchcraft is very powerful. He is afraid that there are still some remnants left by the Barbarian women that year that had not been cleaned up. In order to prevent the scenario of the rebellion of the Imperial Army on Qi Ming altar happening for the second time, the defense of the palace is carried out by the Northern Camp, the inner guard and the newly formed Royal Army, jointly responsible for and mutually restraining each other. The Marshal was invited to personally oversee this.

Gu Yun nodded. He understood that Li Feng was once bitten, twice shy.

This years Palace Banquet was grand and almost wasteful, the intention of demonstrating their power was clear. The guards were strictly keeping watch on both sides. All the generals doned armour and swords, separated on both sides. Even their own people thought they had entered the Hong Men banquet* as they entered.

*refers to a historical event in 206 BC where the future Han Emperor Liu Bang was attempted to be murdered by his rival Xiang Yu in a banquet at Hongmen

Gu Yun also saw for the first time the legendary Third Barbarian Prince that could be blown to death by a gust of wind.

The boy was at the age of fourteen or fifteen, his appearance was very delicate, but his face was pale and his complexion was dull. He never looked up. He had to follow the reminders of the servants in everything he did. As if he could not walk well, he was led to see the Emperor before the imperial court.

The envoy said to Li Feng, Emperor of Great Liang please pardon the Third Prince who was naturally born weak, if there are any disrespectful actions during the feast, please forgive him for being only a child.

Li Feng waved his hand to allow them to be at ease, but the teenager turned a deaf ear, it was clear he could not understand Mandarin.

The envoy bent down, whispered and coaxed in his ear, yet the Third Princes blank face remained, in the end he was held up by the envoy, half-supported and half-dragged to sit at the banquet table.

Gu Yuns ear was very sharp, and he could hear someone commented beside him: Could it be that this Third Prince is an idiot?

What did Jia Lai Ying Huo mean by sending his idiot son to the capital as a hostage?

Gu Yun and Shen Yi who were not far from each other exchanged a look. Their expressions turned grave. He wondered if he thought too much, but Gu Yun always felt that there was something about the young man that evoked chill in him.

Just then, the display of politeness between Li Feng and the barbarians came to an end. The Barbarian envoy suddenly deliberately or unconsciously mentioned: Before coming here from my home country, I had heard that under the Emperor of Great Liang, there were two people who one must meet no matter what. One was Marquis Gu, an invincible hero, I was lucky to have met with him here today, but there was another…it seemed he is not present in this banquet?

Li Feng: I am unsure who the envoy is referring to?

The Man envoy laughed and said, It is the young leader of six ministries in your court, His Highness Yan Wang, this man still has a lot of links with our tribes.

The corners of Gu Yuns eyes slightly twitched.

Li Feng swept a glance around and found that Chang Geng was absent, he asked the servants, Wheres A Min?

Chapter 101 — Dense Fog

The feng shui of the Grand Council momentarily invoked confusion in others.

Chang Geng had gone too smoothly through this period of time. First, he solved the problem of Jiangbei perfectly, all his set goals were achieved. On the way back, he was also accompanied by Gu Yun. Except for the days in Yanhui town, since Great Liang had been suffering from a shortage of troops and continuous chaos, Gu Yun seldom had the chance to be with him for such a long time. It let a person have the illusion of being able to stay by each others side until heaven and earth grew old, completely unable to feel the silence and cold at the beginning of autumn and winter.

Chang Geng used to be extremely uneasy, cautious about everything around him, a little bit of a clue could alarm him. At that time, although his nerve was tense all day long, he was truly thorough with his calculation and seldom made mistakes. At this time, he was trapped in gentleness for many days. After one of Gu Yuns words, he was surprised that he had felt too triumphant.

Chang Geng steadied his mind and silently recalled the scene in which Li Feng summoned him to the palace for a moment and found it quite strange the current ruler shrunk into a room filled with heady medicinal scent, the thick palace and the quiet attendants gave off the aura of gloomy whither, everywhere there was the scent of death, but Li Feng was still in his prime, how could he be senile? What would he feel inside?

For some people, when experiencing their own incompetence, they would become disheartened and willingly step back, but Li Feng would never be that kind of person. If he was so easy to give in, he would not angrily step out from the crowd when the Northern Camps uprising happened, nor would he board the Red Kite when soldiers surrounded the capital.

Gu Yun truly did remind him. Chang Geng was startled, a little cold sweat oozed from the back of his neck, and the delightful expression on his face quieted down.

Gu Yun knew that he had understood. This person was too smart. Sometimes, only one word was enough. Without saying more, he reached out and patted Chang Gengs head.

Chang Geng grabbed his hand and pulled it down. Gu Yun waited for his self-reflection in the meantime. He thought that at the very least, he would hear such words as What am I supposed to do without Zi Xi?.Unexpectedly, Chang Geng held his hand for a while, not only did he not reassess himself, but also made an unreasonable blame: Its all your fault, making me delirious.

Gu Yun: …

Less than half a day after arriving in the capital, he had played both roles of a leecher and a disaster, truly he was busy.

How shy and introverted was His Royal Highness Yan Wang when he was young? How could it be that the bigger he grew, the more shameless he was?

Gu Yun threw away Chang Gengs hand that was becoming more and more lawless. He picked up the bottle hanging on one side with his hand. Chang Geng leaped up with training and reached out to grab it, On such a cold day, you are not allowed to drink cold wine!

Gu Yun lifted his hand and threw the bottle from his left hand to his right, catching it lightly. The empty left hand just happened to grab Chang Geng and embraced him. He lifted his chin and gave a quick kiss. Before Chang Geng could respond, he turned around and put on his coat and laughed, Im going for a trip to the Northern Camp. You can sleep by yourself tonight. Read the scriptures twice before going to bed, so that you dont become delirious again.

Chang Geng: …

What about the matter he had promised on the way?

The Marquis of Order would swallow his words back like this!

Gu Yun was playing with him, but there was indeed business to attend to. He should have stayed in Northern Camp directly, but not feeling reassured about Chang Geng, he returned to the manor and waited for him to come back for a meal first. At present, as he had learned more about the situation in the palace, he quickly left home and rushed to the Northern Camp. The Northern Camp not only commanded the defense outside the capital, but it was also the central station for transferring all emergency military situations in the capital.

With the Man envoy arriving suddenly, Gu Yun did not feel reassured. It could be said that he would begin to worry about the state affairs after he had finished worrying about family affairs.

It was late autumn in the capital, and as soon as he went out, the irrepressible taste of winter came out and poured on his face gloomily. The night wind was becoming colder, but Gu Yun still retained the habit of wearing a single layer for many years.

Only on this day, Gu Yun had just got on his horse but not yet left the house, when suddenly, he felt that the wind of the outskirts was a bit biting. He sighed secretly and turned back, hung the cold wine bottle in the stables, and told Huo Dan to bring him a cloak to wear then hurried away.

During this time, Gu Yun has had to rush back and forth due to the refugee uprising and the rebels forcing the Emperor to abdicate, but Gu Yuns communication with Cai Fen in the Northern Frontier was not interrupted. If Jiangnan was already a tragic situation of the tears of the survivors are in the dust of the earth, he did not need to think carefully about what was going on in the Northern Frontier.

The blood feuds between the Barbarians and the Central Plains, perhaps it would last until a hundred years later, only when those of these two generations die off could they be alleviated slightly.

But now they came for a truce, what could it possibly mean?

Gu Yun just arrived at the Northern Camp, but before he even had time to drink water, Cai Fens letter came.

The content of the letter was simple, but there was a lot of information in just a few sentences: With the two armies confronting each other for so long, each had their scouts and spies planted inside the enemies. The people lurking in the enemys line reported that in spring, Jia Lai once fell gravely ill, from then on, they had not seen him appear again.

What was even more strange was that his eldest son, in the name of filial piety, had not been seen all day, all his duties were temporarily taken over by the second son.

Jia Lai had three sons, all were birthed by one woman. They imitated the Han system and made the eldest son as their crown prince. With the father bedridden, it was not unusual for his sons to compete with each other in displaying their filial piety. But to the point where the First Prince no longer paid any mind to affairs, letting his younger brother handle everything, was it appropriate?

According to this description, what happened in the Barbarians tribes seemed to have come to light the talented Second Prince was unwilling to live under the shadow of his brother simply because he was born a few years too late. In some way, he had put Jia lai and the crown prince under house arrest and usurped the throne.

The current commander of the Northern Camp said, Marshal, in addition to the thirteen conditions, the Eighteen Tribes also agreed to send Jia Lais youngest son here as hostage, giving us a tranquilizing pill for the next stage of peace talks. General Cai had just informed that the little Man boys carriage will enter the border soon. They have sent their pass to the court awaiting approval. I was about to send someone to the Marquis Manor, but you arrived just in time.

With that, he handed Gu Yun another booklet of documents.

The northern barbarians affair involved frontier military affairs. Before delivering to the Grand Council, the commander in charge of the Black Tiger emblem could look through it first. The booklet handed by the barbarians was very sincere. It carefully describes the Third Prince and who his servants and followers were.

The Third Prince was only fifteen years old, he was said to be sick and frail. They were accompanied by an ambassador translator, ten young male and female slaves, twelve guards escorted them. Everyones name and background were clearly written, even the age of the slaves and their supervisory duties were listed in detail. They strictly followed the passing-through regulations of Great Liang. Gu Yun looked over it three times from beginning to end, but did not see anything out of order.

Shen Yi said with his arms crossed on the side, It seems that it is true, the ambitious Second Prince imprisoned his father and brother, even chased his younger brother away to be a hostage, making it easy for him to overtake the Eighteen Tribes.

Whats the advantage of dominating the Eighteen Tribes? Gu Yun threw the document aside. He sat by the warming stove of the camp tent for a long time but was unable to warm up. At this time, he still intentionally or unintentionally put his hands close to the heat source and rubbed them gently. If they were defeated this time, the Barbarians would not be able to fight back. Every year, the amount of Ziliujin they dig up will all have to be sent over as tribute, even the goddess and the Wolf Kings daughter cannot be protected.

The feuds between barbarians and the Han people in the Central Plains were not something from just a day or two, as early as several dynasties ago, the nomadic people in the north had the custom of barging down south to rob when the years harvest was not good.

The north had the fierceness of its strong people, the south had its many famous generals. Both sides have been in a stalemate, neither was able to conquer the other for a hundred years until Great Liang took the lead in developing steam technology.

The scenery of those years, people could only get a glimpse of it from the records of history. It was the golden age of the Mechanics. The fertile land of the Central Plains was like a giant monster awakens from its slumber, iron armors springing up like bamboo shoots after a rain, Light Suit, Heavy Armor, Giant Kite, flying Eagle and so on. Thick steam rising like a tide, iron puppets spreading across the capital, the range of long and short artillery was changing with each passing day.

At the beginning, when Great Liang had not yet opened its sea route, concentrating their manpower and resources on the development of iron armor and firepower, it was once despised by the uncivilized barbarians as the southerners who wasted their resources on luxury and heresy. The Wolf King of the North had too much confidence in his claws, arrogantly missed the opportunity to sit on the clouds of Ziliujinto soar to the sky and was later suppressed by the Central Plains for decades unable to turn the tide. The Ziliujin in the territory was forced to be offered as a tribute, unable to catch up with their own steel armor technology, even now, their equipment still had to be relied on the support of the Westerners.

This blood-soaked lesson from the past could not be ignored by the Eighteen Tribes. It was impossible for them to watch Great Liang with its factories springing up, lifting the ban, and about to set off the peak period of development of fire engine and steel armor technology for the second time if the present momentum continued to develop, if they allow Great Liang to survive the cold winter and recover slowly, perhaps the Barbarians would truly have no room left for survival.

I dare not comment on how the Second Prince is, Gu Yun said, but I understand Jia Lai Ying Huo. The old thing would rather die than sit idly and wait to be mangled, let alone send a son, even if he sends his father, we still have to be on guard fetch my seal.

This night, ten or so Beacon Orders were issued from the Northern Camp, the level was the same as when the foreign soldiers came to Dagu Port. The post stations along the northwest to the capital were all equipped with additional troops ready to face a great enemy. The Ling Shu Institute sent a batch of people to the garrison of the North Defense Forces to inspect the situation of armors and prepare to go out to battle at any time.

Great Liang entered winter in the midst of the approaching storm, and soon entered a new year. However, the court was strangely quiet.

Yan Wang held the Grand Council, at the center of the whirlpool, his return made the whole court pay close attention to him, but Yan Wang was beyond everyones expectation, he did not come back and immediately starting the follow-up reform dramatically as Fang Qin imagined. Instead, he started cooking the little fish.*

*referring to Lao Tzus quote about governance: Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish too much handling will spoil it.

After he returned to the capital, Yan Wang completely changed from his previous busy state. First, he stayed at home for half a month, then quietly appeared in the Grand Council. At the court meetings, he did not speak up very much either, as if he had returned to being the invisible young man before the war.

In regular days, he handled some daily affairs in the Grand Council. If he needed to write a summary, he wrote a summary, if they need to be sent to the palace, he sent them, completing everything within his duties thoroughly. Leaving no room for people to vilify him, it could not be described as being lazy and passive, but he will no longer exhaust himself for any extra affairs.

As far as the quantity and quality of the papers Li Feng received in the palace were concerned, whether Yan Wang returned or not had little effect.

Among the people who stayed until late at night in the Grand Council, there was no longer the figure of Yan Wang. He strolled around during the day and left in the evening, resting in time as the court dismissed. If there was no business, he would not see any visitors.

He also made a small garden in the suburbs of the capital. When Gu Yun stayed at the Northern Camp without going home, he would stroll there to plant flowers and play with birds. It took him less than half a month to cultivate the bastard bird receiving from Shens family to have a honey-coated mouth, praising anyone it would see… but its tail was now bald, Chang Geng gathered all its feathers and asked for them to be made into a shuttlecock for the little prince to play.

Li Fengs legs could almost be used again. After checking the reports every day, he could walk around the room with the help of the attendant. This day, he happened to remember to come to the princes study. The prince was very obedient, never playing tricks while studying. Li Feng did not disturb him, only leaning on the attendant and stood at the back door for a while. His eyes were then attracted by a small trinket on the princes desk.

It was not an ordinary clay ornament, but a metal shelf with thin steam at the tail. There was a delicate carriage on both sides of the metal track. The body of the carriage was a Western clock, running round and round the track, circling a small flower pot in the middle. The pot was still empty, and the special ventilation holes could be seen at the bottom. Perhaps, the prince had not yet decided on what to plant inside.

Li Feng slowly walked over to take a closer look, surprising the prince, he quickly got up to pay the proper courtesy, secretly glancing at his father, afraid of being scolded for being too engulfed in playing and losing his determination.

Li Feng was probably in a good mood. He didnt seem to be angry, he only asked, The Ministry of Household has cut down on expenditure. Arent they not allowed to bring up these luxury playthings during these years? Where did this come from?

The Prince dared not breathe, carefully replying: Royal Father, this is not purchased by the Ministry of Household, it is given to me by Fourth Uncle.

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Li Feng frowned slightly. I havent seen A Min for some time, turned out hes busy with these things?

The attendant came forward and said, Your Majesty, didnt your Highness Yan Wang request a garden from you last time? Recently, when he was not busy with his official duties, he built a warm shed in the garden, nurtured many rare flowers and plants, he also studied many types of pots with a variety of shape with Ge Ling Shu. Now, it is almost New Years. Every family wanted to display flowers. His Highnesss fresh bonsai is hard to find. You see, the carriage has water in it, and it will automatically and regularly water every day. If the light is good, after it runs several rounds, there can be a small rainbow in the water.

The Prince whispered beside him: Uncle said what he bought were only ordinary flowers and plants from the countryside, one coin for a large bouquet. He brought them back and put them in a pot, cut them into shape, fooling the rich people with demand for highly luxurious taste very well.

Li Feng: Nonsense, disgraceful! Last time I told him to support the prince more, was that to let him teach you how to play with flowers, walk birds, and fool people?

As soon as his face sank, the Prince was frightened, standing aside quietly.

Li Feng put down the flowerpot heavily and asked with a straight face, I want you to follow Yan Wang to learn how to govern the country. What did he teach you? Tell me.

The Prince gave him a quick look. He was terrified, but dared not answer. He returned in a soft voice, Royal Father… Fourth Uncle taught me that governing a great country is not to spend all night and exhausted every effort. The most important thing is to make the best use of resources and people. Laws and systems are the basis of the person in charge. As long as a perfect system is established, all civil and military officials can all perform their duties, the source of the national treasury will become stable, um…

Li Fengs eyebrows softened slightly. Hearing his son stumble, he couldnt help but press on, Then?

The Prince tried his best and boldly said, … You can stay idle away from court once and for all and lazily eat imperial salary.

Li Feng: …

The little prince held his tongue for fear that his father would burst into anger at these preposterous words that went against every moral lessons. However, after waiting for a long time, the anticipated scolding and punishment did not fall onto him. He raised his head with trepidation and looked at Li Feng. He found that the unambiguous face of the Emperor was calm, as if lost in thought, after a while, he agreed, Hes right. A Min can see through it better than I.

The Prince looked at him in confusion, always feeling that his father was in a very good mood today.

In the court, some blinded people thought that Yan Wang would be silent from now on due to Yang Rong Guis rebellion that caused him to lose the monarchs favor, thus he dared not make any move. They boldly brought up reports accusing Yan Wang in secret, listing many crimes. Emperor Long An, who seldom appeared in the court meeting, made a thorough attack in court and expressed his clear intention of protecting Yan Wang.

Not only that, the next day, the stingy emperor unexpectedly approved an excessive expenditure of the Ministry of Household. He paid a high price for a pile of exquisite metal pots with rare shapes and bonsai from the garden of Yan Wang and sent them to the palaces. It could be said that Li Feng had used his own pocket money to support his little brother.

The feng shui of the Grand Council momentarily invoked confusion in others.

The accusing papers Fang Qin and others prepared were written and rewritten, all the way to the New Year, but still does not have the opportunity to deliver up. Fang Qin could not help but wonder was it possible that there were people in this world who would overtake the responsibilities in critical times, then hand it back and take their leave without any grand ambitions?

This peaceful life lasted until the 23rd of December, when the Mans hostage arrived in the capital.

Chapter 100 — Wind Rising

To make up for last times delay, Emi worked on this chap fast ^^ Happy 100th chapter to everyone ,w,

A brewing storm was gathering once again.

Gu Yun was still immersed in Li Fengs broken leg and the Mans envoy. He momentarily did not realize and answered in confusion, Miss Chen? I cant say Im close to her she doesnt talk to people very much, why?

Shen Yi said with discontent, She doesnt mind exhaustion serving as a military doctor for you in that godforsaken Northwest area for so long, yet you can only say one line of not very close?

The words coldhearted and fickle were vividly visible on Governor Shens face.

Gu Yun: … Huh?

Shen Yi looked at him angrily.

Two people one with his thoughts on the clouds, one furious did not understand one another, staring at each other for a long time, Gu Yun finally reacted a little, giving Shen Yi a strange look: What do you mean?

The usually chattering Shen Yi in the past suddenly closed his mouth, his cheeks were tight, appearing like a martyr who would rather die than speak up. He met Gu Yuns hostile eyes with greatvigorr and became a mouthless gourd.

Gu Yun raised his eyebrows innocently, stretched out a finger and poked Shen Yis chest: I said, Lord Shen, did the wisemen not teach you not to ask about improper things? In broad daylight, you and me, two single men, gathered together to inquire about the affairs of a grown woman from another family, where is your dignity?

He remembered Shen Yis rude and merciless remarks from just now, immediately taking the opportunity to give him a stab in return: Despicable!

Shen Yi: …

Gu Yun managed to catch a large weak point of Shen Yi from out of nowhere. He was in a very good mood, his waist was no longer sore and his back was no longer painful. He ushered his horse forward, whistling a tune that sounded not much different than his flute playing ability.

Gu Zi Xi! Shen Yi gritted his teeth, catching up with him. You… You…

You bastard!

In broad daylight, to avoid insulting his superior on the open street, Shen Yi used all his strength to suppress the latter part of the sentence.

After Gu Yun had entertained himself enough using Shen Yi. They had already dismissed their family guards and walked to the Imperial City together. Only then did he say with seriousness: Miss Chens character is not bad, she also has a lot of ability as for the likes of you, I guess she should have no problem beating three or five at a time.

Although this sentence asked for a beating of its own, yet Shen Yi did not feel offended at this moment, he listened with relish especially when Gu Yun talked about the first time he met Chen Qing Xu on the traitors ship many years ago, Shen Yi sighed with grief and regret, wishing that he could insert himself into that moment.

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As for her temperament, likes and dislikes… I dont know very well either. Maybe Chang Geng is even closer with her. Gu Yun said, But there is one thing, I need to tell you about her family background.

Chen family of the Shanxi manor, I know, Shen Yi answered. With many generations of doctors, practicing medicine to save people. Their family style is very clean and honest.

Gu Yun gave a slight huff: You investigate so thoroughly, are you planning to come and ask for her hand in marriage?

Shen Yi said, Three letters and six etiquettes*, of course, cannot be lacking.

*traditional Chinese pre-wedding custom

Gu Yun: …

This brother of his was an odd person. In his early years, he read a basket of books and was deeply poisoned by the family traditions. However, people only teach etiquette to outsiders, proper and decent towards outsiders. After closing the door, they each showed their dirty side only to themselves, not affecting anyone, they all understood each others false image of decency.

Only this Shen was different. From an outsiders point of view, he abandoned Han Lin to enter Ling Shu, and later degenerated into the rank of soldier, infamous for deviating from the classics and betraying the Tao. But inside, he was a true upright and proper man of see no evil, hear no evil, to the point of even though he had been mingling with a group of veteran soldiers all day long, he was not stained with their mud for over ten years.

During this period, Chen Qing Xu stayed in the capital, experienced both great and minor disturbances together, Miss Chen of Lin Yuan Pavilion probably had a lot of contact with Shen Yi. However, throughout all these interactions, this Shen did not dare to say anything to her in person, he could only dare to come and inquire Gu Yun about it behind her back.

It seemed that he might not even understand the involvement of the Chen family and Lin Yuan Pavilion and still feel that Chen Qing Xu was simply dedicated to serving the country!

Gu Yun sighed. Shen Yi, this type of wooden block truly did not have the manners of being his underling for even the slightest.

Then let me tell you something you dont know, dont tell anyone. Chens family in Shanxi is not an ordinary doctor family. They are the strong beam of Lin Yuan Pavilion, Gu Yun whispered. I heard Old Zhong mention once that Miss Chen is the head of Chens family in this generation. If thats the case, shes unlikely to be able to marry you as a governors wife.

Shen Yi was stunned immediately.

Gu Yun thought for a moment: Otherwise, Ill go and find someone to express it on your behalf, to see what she thinks inside…

No, dont, Shen Yi said quickly. That is too abrupt!

Gu Yun: …

He felt that he was like a eunuch in a rush while the emperor remained leisurely. According to Shen Yis character, he probably could not get a wife in this lifetime, thus with his vast experience, he gave advice: This kind of thing can not be done without hurry, brother Ji Ping, if someone else were to come before you, at that point, you would have no room left to talk.

But Shen Yi thought for a moment and shook his head and said, Lets not. Ill think about it again.

Gu Yun shook his head after hearing this, he knew too well that if a man hesitates after hearing the identity and background of the woman, it most likely means he was just a little interested, not to the degree where it has to be her. However, it was not convenient for him to comment on how the involved parties felt. He only said, Alright, you can think about it first, whatever you need my help with, just say a word.

But this sentence did not enter Shen Yis ears. He was still immersed in his own thoughts and seriously analyzed to Gu Yun. I really didnt know of this situation before, but after hearing you said so, I also felt that its not appropriate.

Gu Yun nodded: Mm.

Shen Yi: Then, theres no other choice. I have to wait until this battle is over. I will then resign and no longer serve as a general.

Gu Yun: …

He almost fell head first off his horse.

Shen Yi looked sorrowful, But proposing before the battle is finished, I feel that it is quite unlucky. People like us, if we are too concerned for someone, we would easily tie our hands and feet on the battlefield. On the contrary, its even more dangerous this way. In case something happens, wont we waste a ladys lifetime?… but Im afraid after the war, both the flow of time and her will no longer wait for me. Its really a dilemma. Zi Xi, do you have any way to keep those miscellaneous people far away?

… You dont have to worry about that. As far as I know, Miss Chen herself possessed this ability. Gu Yun paused for a moment, narrowed his eyes slightly, and suddenly laughed.

Shen Yi wondered, Why are you laughing?

Gu Yun: Laughing at you, graduated in literary, but running against the way of Han Lin in the next day to enter Ling Shu. After making some achievements in the Ling Shu Institute, just as some people were speculating that you will be the next successor of Master Feng Han, you bade farewell to Ling Shu Institute and entered the Black Iron Camp as a mechanic. Now, step by step, you have achieved great military achievements. In the end, you are ascending into the sky in the eyes of others. Relieving the siege of the capital city and saving the Emperor, theres a chance you will achieve higher ranks. Others think you have made very thorough calculations, but you are different, youd rather resign for the sake of marrying a wife.

Shen Yi continued to grin in sorrow. He had no ambition. He had been following his heart of a wet nurse all these years, watching over this, taking care of that. He was only following Gu Yun around. Unfortunately, there was too much bloodshed in Gu Yuns life, causing him to accidentally become famous. What he got was not what he wanted, hence why it was nothing that he couldnt let go of.

Some people were easily changed, becoming entirely different in only a few years. While others resembled quiet waters, going through a hundred and eighty thousand miles yet their hearts remain the same.

Gu Yun looked at him and suddenly felt emotional. The feelings accumulated after hearing about the court affairs all vanished. He affectionately grabbed Shen Yis shoulder and gave a pat.

In the future, whatever you need Miss Chen for, you can ask me. Shen Yi did not realize the ups and downs of the mood of the Marquis of Order. Still immersed in his worries, he unconsciously started his routine of endless chattering. But… I have no status, keeping on seeking her out like this, is it alright? Would she end up thinking that I am improper in the future? Zi Xi, tell me no, you dont need to say anything, youre originally not very proper in the first place, I feel that…

General Shen had entered the process of repeated self-argument and self-doubt.

Gu Yun: …

Although his heart need not be changed, this habit of endless nagging would be better if it could be changed.

Gu Yun felt his head ache with Shen Yis chatter. Unable to bear it for any longer, he whipped Shen Yis horses buttock and took this opportunity to run away.

At the same time, the news that Yan Wang was invited into the palace as soon as be arrived in the suburbs grew wings and quickly flew into the perked up ears of the capital. Fang Qin was at home, a few of his staff and confidants were sitting around him. With the Jiangbei upheaval this time, Fang Qin had the feeling his action was all for the profits of someone else.

For Fang Qin, the Lu-Yangs party was a bit like a rotten tooth. Although it grew in the same mouth, it suffered from inflammation and caused pain from time to time. Not only did it cause difficulty in chewing, but it was often a hindrance. It was not a bad thing to have it pulled out. But he did not expect that Yan Wang would have so many tactics ready, the aftereffect of the pulled-out rotten tooth was too wide. Although Yan Wang was not in the capital, he had taken advantage of when Fang Qin had not come back to his senses to gather the canal into his own pocket.

Now the Canal Office had been set up, factories were sprouting like mushrooms everywhere, it was already an irreversible fact. With the senses that the old fox Fang Qin honed after going through ups and downs for many years, the next step would be a series of reforms, such as farmland tax, civil and commercial trading, so on and so forth.

He was about to use the tactic of the mantis caught the cicada, but the bird was preying from behind. Unexpectedly, when struggling with him, Yan Wang had already built a warehouse in the dark and built a warehouse in the open. Thinking ten steps ahead before moving, in the end, Fang Qin still made a wrong move.

Before, when he had just taken office as the Minister of Housing, they once had a honeymoon period with the Grand Council. At that time, when the rivers and mountains fell into captivity, it was difficult to move, a pile of rubble waiting for someone for it to be rebuilt once again, no one had the mind to fight with anyone. The entire court withstood this disaster together, they were once anxious to find the slightest hope and a way out for the nation, they once respected and admired each others talents. Who would have known that their moment of separation came so fast?

Fang Qin sometimes couldnt help but admire and envy Jiang Han Shi. If they were to switch places, he thought he would be much more talented and dependable than that Jiang Chong and Xu Ling bunch. If he didnt bear the surname Fang, even if he was only a student who had been painstakingly studied for ten years to achieve a lowly official position…

But life had many ironies its no use thinking about such things now. Yan Wang was determined to exterminate the old forces. After the upheaval in Jiangnan, this butcher knife was already revealed. Now, they resembled water and fire.

An aide opened his mouth carefully: Sir, I heard that when foreigners invaded, the Emperor once mentioned the matter of passing on the throne to Yan Wang. This time, he called him into the palace in such a hurry… even after the country was at peace and the Emperor no longer had this intention, still, the position of being an important subject to support the young prince remains. Perhaps we should think of a plan to deal with this?

Only now did Fang Qin come back to his senses and squinted.

Another said, Last time Yang Rong Gui rebelled using the name of Yan Wang, the Emperor must undoubtedly have had this thorn in his heart. But Yan Wang played the victim like this and took advantage of the injuries to temporarily avoid danger. Staying silent for so long… now the Emperors doubts seem to have all been dispelled, he also took this chance to return to the capital to resume his position, Im afraid he will soon make a big move.

In fact, Fang Qin was still a little hesitant. He stroked his beard lightly. The Man sent their messengers, Jiangnan is still ready for war. We will still need to go out to battle for the next two or three years. The canal is on the path of growth and refugees all over the country have settled down. If we were to touch Yan Wang at this time, would it affect the countrys fate? If thats the case, I will become a sinner who will be denounced for generations.

The chief executive laughed, The Masters loyalty towards the court is as clear as day, inspiring admiration in others. But it is not certain that the court could no longer function if it left Yan Wang. Lowly businessmen, even the bunch calling themselves merchants will not be able to escape their greedy nature for profit. As long as it does not affect their profits, there is no need for them to care about whose hands the court is in?

With Master Fangs love for the country and the people, even if Yan Wangis absent, we can still smoothly settle the refugees and continue to go out to battles as usual you must think carefully. Yan Wangs ambition is as clear as day. With his high status, sooner or later, he will try every method to oppress us, planting his own people in. If we continue to let him run rampant, eating and devouring, one day, you and I, and all of our families will be in danger of losing our lives.

The crowd immediately echoed this sentiment.

Yan Wang, though talented, acts too radically. If he is allowed to go on like this, Im afraid it will be a disaster to the country and the people.

Master Fang cannot be lenient anymore. If he is allowed to take office once again, Im afraid he wont be able to tolerate us…

Fang Qin sighed, stretched out his hand to suppress the murmur of the whole room, turned to the trusted confidant beside him and said, Go and fetch that man.

A brewing storm was gathering once again.

Completely unaware of this, Chang Geng left the deep palace and returned to the Marquis Manor. It was unknown what Li Feng had said to him, but he looked to be in a good mood. As soon as he got home, he found Gu Yun to glue himself to, refusing to let go and delightfully eat dinner.

Gu Yun did not ask him what Li Feng said when he invited him into the palace. He could guess from his observation. He knocked off Yan Wangs hand that wasnt paying attention to carrying his bowl and chopsticks but climbed on his thigh. He inadvertently said, When are you going to return to the court to work?

Chang Geng rubbed the back of his hand and pick up more food for Gu Yun in an effort to please him. He looked at him absently and said, I will after a few days rest. The Emperor said that he does not have much energy right now and wants me to return to my position as soon as possible. Zi Xi, you should eat more.

Gu Yun waved his hand: Its already too late, only have a few bites. It would be uncomfortable to eat too much. Have you heard about Jia Lai Ying Huo sending someone?

Mm, Chang Geng nodded. He stopped him from fetching the teacup and gave him a bowl of soup instead. How to negotiate, it still needs Marshal Gu to have the final say.

When a beast is seriously injured, it often pretends to be dying, luring the enemy to lay down their defense, then deliver a violent attack. Be careful. As Gu Yun said this, he looked at Chang Geng, blowing the vegetable bits in the soup bowl away and drinking it.

Chang Geng was stunned, he suddenly felt that Gu Yuns words were not only about the barbarians but also seemingly wanted to warn him about something else.