Chapter 66 I only wish that the Princess would achieve great fame and success. ...

After a long and arduous journey, Yokobo finally arrived at the ferry crossing, only to find the scene before her somewhat unexpected. Several large ships, packed with people, were eyeing the passenger ships that were surrounded by them, and for a moment she couldn't tell which side was the Japanese pirates led by Taira Sosuke.

Fortunately, she recognized a few familiar faces in the crowded throng; they were none other than Madam Hu and others from the White Dragon Gang.

As Hengbo looked around blankly, the third leader, who was also on the ship, spotted her and quickly waved to her.

Hengbo lightly touched the ground with his toes and soon landed on the boat where the White Dragon Gang members were.

When Madam Hu noticed her arrival, she immediately beamed with joy: "The brothers have been waiting for a long time, why did it take you so long?"

Hengbo:?

However, before she could figure out the situation, Madam Hu immediately pulled her to the front of the crowd, and the others spontaneously gathered around as if they had received some kind of call.

Madam Hu glanced around, and finally spoke amidst the breathless silence of the crowd: "As the saying goes, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. Over the years, how many brothers of our White Dragon Gang have lost at the hands of the Japanese pirates? Tonight, they will repay us with just as many lives!"

"But that's not enough!" She raised her torch and pointed it at the passenger ship not far away: "The Japanese pirates have occupied my Great Jin for too long, robbing my treasures, abducting my wives and daughters, taking my lives, and destroying my Great Wall. Taking their heads will not quell my hatred, and eating their flesh will not avenge my shame. Only by uprooting them and driving them out of Great Jin can we comfort their spirits. Today, with the Divine Firmament before me and the White Dragon protecting me, I will reclaim this land for the Princess!"

"Go." With a gentle push, Madam Hu exposed Hengbo, who was still in a daze, to countless pairs of eyes filled with longing.

Hengbo turned around, somewhat at a loss, only to be met with Hu Niangzi's firm and unwavering eyes. She opened her lips, her voice no longer as impassioned as before, yet it clearly reached the ears of everyone on the boat: "Princess, destiny is in your hands."

After she finished speaking, there was a moment of silence, so quiet that even the sound of the wind seemed unbearable. Then, someone spoke up first, and a ripple effect spread, with one voice after another pouring into Hengbo's ears.

"I will reclaim the land for the princess! Heaven's mandate is with me!"

"I will reclaim the land for the princess! Heaven's mandate is with me!"

...

As the crowd waved their arms, the torches in their hands flickered in the air, leaving trails of flame. The scattered sparks that fell from the torches disappeared into the night but accumulated in Hengbo's heart.

This was just the beginning. The voices of the people on board reached the vast, all-consuming sea, but the deep ocean responded with an even more magnificent echo. Hengbo looked in the direction of the sound and saw that it was another ship, laden with flickering torches.

But after that, the transverse wave could no longer discern direction.

Because, from all directions, there are those who are utterly loyal, and layer upon layer, they all proclaim their devotion.

Finally, amidst the boundless roar, the sparks gathered into a seed. Hengbo closed his eyes briefly and then opened them again, his eyes reflecting a resolute determination that could tear through the darkness.

Princess Shenxiao, who was buried in a fire thirteen years ago, has finally been reborn from the ashes. Hengbo rose with the wind and took down the white dragon flag that fluttered in the wind from the mast.

Against the backdrop of a banner as wide as several strong men, her slender figure resembled a lone, sharp blade, yet the surging waves of sound behind her were relentlessly infusing this blade with an unstoppable conviction.

The white dragon soared into the darkness, its gaze sweeping across the distant Japanese pirates. This time, destiny was in its hands.

At Madam Hu's command, everyone on the ship immediately dispersed and returned to their original positions. The ship was not only filled with the brothers of the White Dragon Gang, but also with many civilians who had spontaneously volunteered to drive out the Japanese pirates. Most of them had suffered greatly from the ravages of the Japanese pirates, and their eyes were now filled with fierce and ruthless light as they stared at the large ship ahead.

With a wave of their flag, Hengbo led the way, and their ship sped forward to close in.

The grappling hooks were lowered, and those skilled in light-footed martial arts swiftly moved along the iron chains, reaching the Japanese pirates' ship in no time. Along the way, they encountered resistance from the pirates, at which point those adept at using throwing knives and concealed weapons came in handy.

Before long, several Japanese pirates were shot down into the sea, and some cowardly pirates, relying on their good swimming skills, simply jumped off the ship in an attempt to sneak across the sea and save their lives. At this moment, small boats lying in ambush seized the opportunity to board them. Those who were seriously wounded were given a ride, and those who tried to escape were killed with a single blow, leaving no one who slipped through the net.

Seeing this, the other ships also selected an enemy ship, following suit and not wanting to fall behind.

Madam Hu pointed to a two-story passenger ship in the center and reported to Hengbo, "According to the mark left by Miss Xiuqin, the Japanese pirate leader Ping Cangjie is on this ship."

Hengbo had already realized that Kazama Noko's "betrayal" was a scheme laid by Shen Guitang when she saw this scene. She should not have had any doubts and should have just followed the path that Shen Guitang had laid out for her.

However, she frowned slightly and couldn't help but ask: In your opinion, what kind of person is Hirasawa Sōsuke?

The fact that Madam Hu was able to protect the White Dragon Gang in the territory of the Japanese pirates shows that, aside from anything else, her understanding of the Japanese pirates far surpasses that of Madam Hu. Hengbo doesn't mind condescending to ask her for advice.

Madam Hu was surprised by the question. After a moment of contemplation, she replied based on her previous interactions with the other party: "Ping Cangjie is usually very low-key. He is cunning and cautious, and he is a difficult person to deal with."

Hengbo nodded, then asked a completely unrelated question: How many ships did you mobilize for this operation, and how many large ships and small ships were there?

Because this sea area had been sealed off by the White Dragon Gang in advance, the only people here now besides the White Dragon Gang's ships are Japanese pirates.

Although Madam Hu was puzzled, these details had all been discussed beforehand, so why did Hengbo, who seemed completely unaware of them, still answer her questions so respectfully?

Instead of relaxing after receiving the answer, Hengbo's brows furrowed even more. Because of her martial arts training, she could see the entire sea area within a mile radius even in the dark, and thus, she almost immediately discovered the trickery that the White Dragon Gang members had failed to notice.

In this sea area, besides the White Dragon Gang's ships, there was another small boat.

Small boats are no match for the waves, so small boats are rarely seen at such a seaside ferry crossing. This time, due to the need for battle, the White Dragon Gang has brought over more than ten small boats.

Therefore, that extra small boat seemed particularly out of place at that moment.

Hengbo immediately ordered: "Make room for a small boat; I want to go to sea."

Seeing this, Madam Hu's expression changed drastically, and she hurriedly advised, "Princess, you mustn't! A noblewoman shouldn't sit under a dangerous roof. How can you, of such high status, put yourself in such a perilous situation!" If anything were to happen to this person before her...

The more Hu Niangzi thought about it, the more frightened she became. Her legs went weak and she knelt down before Hengbo.

Hengbo's eyelids twitched slightly. She really couldn't understand how someone as rough and thick-skinned as a mischievous monkey since childhood could suddenly become a porcelain doll in Hu Niangzi's mouth.

She had no choice but to tell Madam Hu her suspicions. Upon learning that Hiracakura might escape using a clever ruse, Madam Hu's expression turned solemn. Even if they annihilated many Japanese pirates in this campaign, if Hiracakura escaped, it would be a complete failure.

After hesitating for a moment, Madam Hu finally agreed to Hengbo's request, but she seemed rather reluctant and insisted that Hengbo bring along another brother who was good at swimming.

Hengbo had no choice but to agree.

On the dark, inky sea, a swaying awning boat had no lights on inside; it would be easily overlooked in such a chaotic scene unless one specifically looked for it.

However, once you notice it, you will have doubts. The reason is that the ship is too quiet. In this noisy sea, it is almost integrated with the sea.

The closer Hengbo got to the swaying, helpless boat, the colder his heart grew. Even at such close range, the person on board didn't reveal their aura at all—a level only a master of internal energy could achieve. Furthermore, this person remained calm despite sensing the hostility of the newcomer, suggesting immense confidence in their martial arts skills.

"Who's on board? Show yourself at once!" The person on board Hengbo was a fair-skinned young man named Shuisheng. His ancestors had made a living at sea, so he was a very good swimmer and was said to be able to stay submerged for three or four hours without sinking.

He called out loudly, but received no response. Just as Hengbo gripped his longsword, preparing to board the ship, a soft laugh finally came from the boat. Then, a pair of slender hands pulled back the curtain separating the windows from the wind, revealing a handsome face. "Your visit so late at night, why not board the ship for a chat?"

As soon as he appeared, Shui Sheng exclaimed in surprise, "Hira, Hira Sosuke!" Although Madam Hu had briefly explained the relevant advantages and disadvantages to him beforehand, he still couldn't help but feel terrified when he suddenly saw this infamous Japanese pirate leader.

Heisuke smiled gently, "Oh? You actually know me?"

Shui Sheng instinctively wanted to protect Heng Bo, but a slender yet strong hand pressed down on his shoulder from behind. Turning around, he saw Heng Bo's wary yet calm face.

She gently shook her head, then lightly leaped onto the ship where Hirasawa was.

Shui Sheng wanted to stop him, but Heng Bo's unwavering gaze made him hesitate. In that one breath of hesitation, he could only watch helplessly as Heng Bo lifted the curtain in front of the cabin and crouched down to crawl inside.

He wiped the cold sweat from his brow, wondering when the once approachable young princess had acquired such imposing manner.

In the narrow, dark cabin, Yokomami and Hirai Sosuke sat facing each other.

Hirai Sōsuke lit a dim candle beside him, examined Yokobo for a moment, and sighed, "Your actions are so swift; it seems my double is still not powerful enough."

Hengbo looked at him and shook her head; she hadn't gone to find his so-called substitute at all.

Ping Cangjie was taken aback, then smiled bitterly, "So you guessed my strategy. I was out of my depth."

He opened the curtains again, gazing at the distant firelight in the night. Seeing his trusted men dead and wounded in droves, he remained unmoved. "Would you like to hear my story?"

Hengbo stared at him for a moment, then drew his sword and thrust it straight at his heart.

She didn't want to listen.

However, her elusive, sharp sword tip was caught by Hira Sosuke, and as a price, his once smooth palm now bore two deep, bone-revealing wounds.

Ping Cangjie deflected her invincible sword blade, his voice tinged with helplessness: "I am already a dying man. You people of Great Jin say that a dying man's words are good. Can't you be a little more patient?"

After saying that, he could no longer hold back and covered his mouth with his hand, coughing. Gushing blood dripped down his already bleeding palm onto the boat.

It was only then that Hengbo noticed that his blood had a dark, murky color.

Her eyes widened in surprise: He had been poisoned?

Heisou noticed Yokoha's surprise and looked puzzled: "So this poison wasn't planted by you?"

Then, he gave a bitter smile: "I originally wanted to ask you to enlighten me, why did you go through all this trouble when you could have taken my life immediately? Was it just to torture me for the next few days? Now it seems that this question will have to go with me to the afterlife."

Hengbo suddenly realized that she must know who did it. In fact, all that person did was probably for her.

“Since you cannot answer my question,” Hirai Sōsuke smiled slightly, and then the sound of a sharp blade piercing his abdomen reached Yokoha’s ears, “I don’t want to wait any longer.”

"These past few days have been really tough."

After saying this, the person who ultimately failed to tell his story passed away, leaving only a pair of lifeless eyes still gazing southward.

Hengbo shifted her gaze from his face, slowly and methodically wiping her longsword clean, her expression as calm as still water. After tonight, it would be difficult to discern anything from her face anymore.

The Japanese pirates, having lost their leader, were routed, while the White Dragon Gang and its members fought with increasing ferocity. Although there were unavoidable casualties, the outcome was ultimately good.

When Kazama Noko, covered in wounds and carrying a severed head, found Yokobo, she saw him solemnly exchanging words with Madam Hu.

"Princess, rest assured, I will certainly provide generous compensation to their relatives. The brothers all left their last wishes before fighting this battle, and I will fulfill them one by one."

Yokobo nodded, and only then did he catch a glimpse of Kazama Noko, whose eyes were completely red.

Kazama Noko rushed forward, "Princess, I couldn't uncover Taira Sosuke's scheme." She showed Yokoha the face of the severed head in her hand, noticing the disguise marks on the neck and behind the ears. "He might be... he might be..."

Yokomami patted her on the shoulder to interrupt her self-blame, and then pointed out the real body of Hirasawa Sōsuke in a corner of the ship to her so that she wouldn't worry too much.

Kazama Noko finally breathed a sigh of relief. If she had messed up this siege, she would have been beyond redemption.

By the time the battlefield was cleaned up, it was already dawn.

As the sun broke through the sea, the golden-red glow at the horizon shone on the people who had fought all night. But in all the years I've watched this sunrise, none has ever been as dazzling and scorching as today's, bringing tears to my eyes just by looking at it from afar.

At this moment, Qiu Yun and a group of officials, who had finally noticed the commotion at the beach, arrived late.

Upon receiving the news, Qiu Yun rushed over in a panic. When he saw the glaringly severed limbs and the scarlet stains that even the seawater couldn't wash away, he almost fainted on the spot.

"What are you doing!" he shouted, his voice trembling with rage. "Don't you have any respect for the law?!"

As he spoke, the guards behind him moved to surround the White Dragon Gang members.

However, before they could get close, Madam Hu dragged out Ping Cangjie's corpse, shouting, "Princess Shenxiao led us to kill the Japanese pirate leader Ping Cangjie! Why don't you all pay your respects to the princess?!"

Qiu Yun was momentarily stunned. “Princess Shenxiao? What Princess Shenxiao?! My Great Jin has no…” As he spoke, he finally remembered the name that had been lost thirteen years ago.

At this moment, a slender yet resilient woman emerged from behind Madam Hu. Although her clothes and attire were extremely simple, she appeared more elegant and noble than anything else in the world, bathed in the glow of crimson light behind her.

Upon seeing that pure and elegant face, Qiu Yun suddenly turned around, only to see Shen Guitang, who had fallen half a step behind, gazing at the person who stood before everyone, radiating the brilliance of the sun and moon.

A smile played on his lips, his eyes filled with tenderness.

I offer this burial ground in Zhennan as a ladder for your ascent to the heavens. I only wish that you, my princess, will achieve great fame and glory.