Chapter 118. Blood stains the surging Baihao River red. ...
Tilanchero slammed his hand on the table. "Damn rats!"
Not far away, the military report that had just been delivered was burning in the stove fire, crackling and popping.
The paper was quickly consumed by the flames, but the bad news did not.
Tilanqie Luo was the closest and most trusted general under Tilan Wangyue. He was a fierce general with an extremely decisive and efficient style. It was this general who was the first to lead his personal guards to surround the royal court and protect Tilan Wangyue.
Later, he made great achievements in pacifying the unruly tribes in Tilan Wangyue. Because he was fond of beheading people and killing people like flies, he was respectfully called "Iron Axe" General by the tribes.
The general was now sitting in his tent, furious, his large hands clenching so tightly they were cracking.
The king entrusted him with important political and military affairs, but instead of making any progress, he was completely outmaneuvered by Ji Chengning.
The month-long stalemate left Tilanchero in a state of utter disarray. It wasn't that the Cangzhou army was particularly formidable in combat—after all, they had never faced the main force of the Cangzhou army before. He also harbored doubts about the legendary, incredibly powerful new cannons. If the Central Plains court truly possessed such powerful weapons, why did they remain hidden and refuse to engage in a fair and square battle with them?
Moreover, Tilanchero gritted his teeth. Furthermore, no matter how much they provoked them, the Cangzhou army refused to leave the city to meet them in battle.
But if they retreat to their garrison, the Cangzhou army will send cavalry to harass them. Not to mention the Cangzhou army's usual tactics of disrupting supply lines, they won't even let them get a good night's sleep.
"Bang!!"
As if in response to his idea, a commotion broke out outside the tent.
The sound was like something exploding above his head, making his brain throb with pain.
Tilanchero suddenly stood up and shouted angrily, "What is it now?"
The guards entered tremblingly, "Reporting to the general, the Cangzhou army is here again!"
Tilanchero was furious. "Bring me my sword!"
He didn't even wear armor, but instead wielded a long, dark blue-green sword and rode off on horseback.
He was extremely tall and strong; as he charged forward, he resembled a dense black cloud, making people feel uneasy.
Elite cavalry charged out with him, their hooves flying and dust billowing.
However, when they rushed out of the camp, the Cangzhou cavalry that had been harassing them earlier had vanished.
Tilanchero saw something on the ground, flicked his long sword, and a bamboo tube about the size of a forearm flew up. He grabbed it; the thing was still warm, obviously having been thrown down by its owner not long ago.
There are still requests for lead eggs inside that haven't been sent out yet.
Tilan Chero clenched his teeth tightly.
The sound they had just heard came from here. It didn't seem loud, but it was as loud as a thunderclap. When they first heard it, they thought the main force of the Cangzhou army had launched a sneak attack. The sound woke the entire army from their sleep, and they hurriedly went to meet the enemy.
As a result, they didn't even see a single person.
They later learned that the bamboo tube was just a firecracker that children in the Central Plains used to play with during the New Year. The gunpowder inside was made into a round shape and iron filings were added to make it extra loud. As for its lethality, as long as it didn't hit the eyes, it was just a pure toy!
It was this little thing that kept them on edge, on high alert every day. What Tilanchero saw was a dark, gloomy landscape, with both soldiers and generals covered in bruises.
Because they couldn't determine whether the approaching force was a large army or just scattered cavalry, they could only remain on guard day and night.
What's even more infuriating is that the cavalrymen who fled after seeing them assemble were clearly riding their own warhorses from the grasslands!
All the Shojas are useless!
Tilanchero was filled with great hatred.
If the Sawu tribe hadn't been tricked by Ji Chengning into giving them the horse, and hadn't used a scheme to cause internal strife among the Sawu tribe's brothers, leading to their disintegration and forced escape to the depths of the grasslands to survive, how could they have been in such a passive position!
But he was truly helpless.
What kind of man hides his head and tail? Tilanchero gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, the veins on the back of his hand bulging as if they were about to burst. If he had the guts, he would come out and fight to the death.
Left with no other choice, she had to go and meet Tilan Wangyue.
The king was busy with countless affairs of state, and Tilanchero was deeply ashamed that a mere twenty-year-old boy would bother him. His tall stature seemed to want to prostrate himself on the ground, and he looked like a large dog that had accidentally bitten its master.
After listening to Tilan Cheluo's ashamed report, Tilan Wangyue lowered her eyes slightly, lost in thought.
Ji Chengning... Marquis of Yongning.
With a slight upturn of his thin lips, he was the son of the general who was reduced to ashes and his bones scattered across the Baihao River.
They're coming on strong!
A hint of a smile appeared in Tilan Wangyue's blue eyes, yet she remained as cold as the surface of a lake where troops were being summoned in early winter.
He pondered for a moment and said, "Ji Chengning has been delaying the decisive battle. If the Cangzhou army had sufficient troops, he wouldn't need to do this. The best course of action now is to force them out of the city for a decisive battle."
After years of confrontation, he was well aware of the fighting strength of the imperial army. Over the years, their armor had become outdated and their soldiers had little experience. Only the border troops could barely put up a fight, but their supplies and weapons were severely outdated.
Having enjoyed peace for so long, the central government had long since stopped paying attention to military preparedness.
So, what methods can be used to force Ji Chengnin to send troops?
The most vulnerable point of Changyang Pass, which is as strong as an iron barrel, is not the border guarded by foreign tribes, but Luoyang, in the highest imperial court!
As the younger brother of the murdered Prince Tilan, Tilan Wangyue, though only fifteen years old at the time, understood the key to how Marquis Yongning died. How could his elder brother, a hostage, possibly go mad and assassinate the emperor? It was simply a case of infighting among the people of the Central Plains, using them as a tool to kill Marquis Yongning.
The methods the people of the Central Plains used on Marquis Yongning back then can now be used on Ji Chengning as well.
Tilan looked up at the moon and turned her head to say something to her close advisor who had been silent all along.
In Mandarin, it would be: "Write to those in Beijing; we've supported them for so long, it's time they came in handy."
Meanwhile, military reports were being sent to the capital.
The detailed military report circulated within the Ministry of War, which shocked many veteran generals. Ji Chengning was so young, yet he was steady and methodical in his military tactics, showing no signs of impetuosity. However, when it came to actually launching an attack, he was fearless and hesitant, daring to venture alone into the desert to borrow grain. He was both brave and composed, truly a genius!
Some people sighed inwardly, "He is so skilled in military strategy and is deeply favored by His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince. As long as Ji Chengning does not rebel, the Ji family's glory and favor will last for three generations."
However, the military reports sent to Beijing were not all expressions of emotion.
The decision to remain inactive regarding Ji Chengnin sparked intense debate within the imperial court.
Take today, for example.
A minister spoke with righteous indignation, “Your Majesty, I believe that General Ji has now cut off the barbarian army’s supply lines. We should seize this opportunity to advance into the barbarian royal court in one fell swoop.”
"Yes, the barbarian tribe has already retreated more than a hundred miles. If we don't attack now, when will we?"
Some people were worried, saying, "But the barbarian tribes have already infiltrated the grasslands. It would be dangerous for our army to fight inside the grasslands where we don't know the situation."
"Can we stop fighting just because it's dangerous? Speed is of the essence in war, and the battlefield is ever-changing. What if we miss our chance because of this?"
A murmur rippled through the room.
The officials of the Ministry of Revenue were itching to grab their abacuses and do the math on the spot. “If the army stays here for even a day, the amount of grain, fodder, and supplies used will be countless. I believe we should fight a quick battle and resolve this.”
Yu Qiushen held back for a long time, but finally couldn't hold back any longer. "General Ji mainly uses the military rations of the Cangzhou army, as well as the grain obtained from the barbarian tribes. How can the amount of grain he uses be countless?"
"Lord Yu," the official who was refuted said with great dissatisfaction, "that may be true, but does General Ji not need the court's assistance in the future?"
The barbarian tribes aren't stupid. It's one thing to let Ji Chengning rob them once, but to let him rob them a second or third time? Once the military rations are used up, won't they ask the court for more money?
These words made the generals quite indignant. What did they mean by "using the imperial court's resources"? If they were to distinguish so clearly, then wasn't Ji Chengning fighting for the imperial court?
We can't just look at General Ji's glorious battles and refuse to provide him with logistical support!
Even gods couldn't win a battle like this!
A civil official stepped forward and said with a smile, "Since General Ji entered the border, his merits have been outstanding, as everyone can see. General Ji is a born general. If General Ji wants to, defeating the enemy is just a matter of snapping his fingers."
Yu Qiushen suddenly turned his head to look at this person.
How cruel!
These words seemed to imply that Ji Chengning's failure to win battles was intentional. Sure enough, the next moment a worried voice rang out, hesitantly saying, "General Ji, could it be that you intend to nurture an enemy to enhance your own power?"
Although Yu Qiushen was usually calm and collected, he was so angry that he gasped and said bluntly, "Your Majesty, when General Ji quelled the rebellion, there were criticisms in the court that he was using his troops to enhance his own power. As the world has seen, it is clear that General Ji was waiting for the best opportunity to strike decisively. Now he is far away in Cangzhou, and none of you here know the full situation on the battlefield. Yet some people still say that he is raising an enemy to enhance his own power. It is a misfortune for the court to have such despicable people as you!"
The emperor narrowed his eyes.
"Yu Qiushen, you...!"
Before he could finish speaking, Zhou Yu casually interrupted him, "Your Majesty, General Ji has a hard time away from home. If he were to learn of these words, it might discourage loyal ministers."
"Alright, they're just being overly concerned," the emperor finally spoke, seemingly impatient. He looked at Zhou Yu, "The Crown Prince is quite right, but he's oversimplifying Ji Qing's perspective."
Zhou Yu clenched his fingers and remained silent.
After the court session ended, Ji Lin strode out of the palace gate.
Just as he was about to leave, a soft, feminine voice sounded behind him, saying solicitously, "Lord Ji, please wait."
Ji Lin stopped and turned around, only to be met with Qin Min's beaming face. "His Majesty summons you to the Imperial Study."
Ji Lin nodded, "Thank you for your trouble, Father-in-law."
Qin Min quickly bowed, "Your Excellency is too kind to this humble servant. I dare not accept such an honor."
After escorting the person to the Imperial Study, he gently closed the door.
"Creak—"
Ji Lin bowed and greeted him, "Your Majesty, may you be well."
The emperor waved his hand, "No need for formalities. I summoned you here simply to chat." He seemed still angry and casually tossed out a document pleading for leniency. It was about the Third Prince's encroachment on farmland. The Third Prince was currently under house arrest, and the date of his release was uncertain. Officials who were aligned with the Third Prince were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, pleading for his life.
The emperor seemed to be thinking of something, "My sons, huh."
Ji Lin picked up the fallen document and advised, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Your health is the most important thing. Don't let this upset you."
"I'm glad I haven't died of anger..." The emperor sneered, then suddenly realized that his words were really ominous. He paused, then faced Ji Lin with a kind face and said with a smile, "Let's not talk about those scoundrels. Just talk about Cheng Ning. I thought that after the great victory in Luanyang, Cheng Ning would be arrogant and complacent. But I didn't expect him to be more composed than before."
“He’s over twenty years old, so naturally he should be more mature.” Ji Lin placed the document neatly on the table.
The emperor was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed and said, "I think Cheng Ning looks more and more like the Marquis of Yong Ning."
Ji Lin paused, "Your Majesty, he is far from being good enough."
The emperor stared at Ji Lin.
The latter bowed his head respectfully.
Nearly twenty years have passed, and he has grown old.
The emperor thought.
He could hardly recall what Ji Lin looked like when she was young, only that she wasn't as thin as she was now, like a gnarled, sickly plum tree.
With his eyes drooping at the corners, he appeared exceptionally respectful.
There was no resentment, no hatred.
The emperor rose.
The robe brushed against Ji Lin's sleeve, making a rustling sound.
Ji Lin remained motionless.
It wasn't until a hand landed on his shoulder and patted him gently that the emperor smiled and said, "Things on the battlefield change in an instant, beyond the comprehension of those of us in the capital. However, if this drags on for too long, it might cause us to miss our chance." He raised his hand, interrupting Ji Lin's explanation, "Moreover, it's been so long since we last saw each other. Not only do I miss him, but even the Imperial Concubine misses him very much."
Ji Lin swallowed the words she was about to say and replied respectfully and obediently, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will write a letter to Ji Chengning as soon as I return, and I will certainly convey His Majesty's thoughts."
Not long after, Ji Chengning received a letter from Ji Lin.
Ji Lin explained the whole story clearly, but in the end she only said one sentence: Be extremely careful.
That's all.
Ji Chengning gripped the letter tightly.
The emperor doesn't trust him. Once this battle is over, the emperor will surely order him back to the capital immediately. His closest relatives and loved ones are all in the capital, and he cannot gamble with their lives.
But how could he possibly swallow the hatred for his mother's murder and serve such a treacherous and cruel emperor as his master?!
Even if we could find a way to get A-Yao and Second Uncle to come to Cangzhou, what about the Imperial Concubine... what about his uncle?
Ji Chengning received a reply from Cui Yao, but it wasn't quite a letter; it was more like a series of small packages.
It was filled with delicious and long-lasting candies from shops in the capital, all wrapped in oil paper, with small decorative stickers indicating the type of candy on each wrapper.
In addition, there was a short letter that simply said that everything was fine in the capital and that I could rest assured.
Ji Cheng picked up a piece of candy and put it in his mouth. As he moved his lips and tongue around it, the sweet taste of osmanthus instantly spread in his mouth. He closed his eyes.
After a while, he picked up his pen and wrote back to Cui Yao. Apart from some sweet nothings between lovers, he also attached a picture of ants pushing a big tree. Ji Chengning was not a good painter, but he drew these messy things quite vividly, and his few strokes were very lively.
Finally, he wrote on the bottom of the drawing: "Seeing ants trying to shake a tree, I recorded this for your amusement."
...
Ten days later, outside Luoyang.
In early November, the first snow fell in Zhongzhou.
The snow was light and sticky, melting as soon as it hit the ground. Instead of giving off a sense of purity, it made the ground muddy, wet, and cold.
The rooftops were still damp with snow, which looked particularly cold against the backdrop of the azure sky.
As night fell, Huaijing Hall welcomed a special guest.
The guest's carriage was unremarkable, but exceptionally clean and tidy, and looked like the carriage of an ordinary wealthy family.
"Roll, scroll—"
The wheels rolled over the ground, mixing snow and mud together.
The carriage slowly came to a stop, and the heavy curtain was lifted by a hand.
The hand was completely covered by a glove, with not an inch of skin exposed.
Then, a tall figure slowly descended, her veil swaying, making it impossible to see her face clearly.
The two large doors creaked open and then quickly closed again after the person entered.
The mute servant bowed deeply as he ushered the man into the inner hall.
cold.
This was his first thought upon entering the inner hall.
The cold air seeped into his bones, and since he was already intolerant of the cold, he couldn't help but cough twice.
He spoke, his voice even colder than the one inside the hall, "Is this how Young Master Cui treats his guests?"
As he spoke, he tore off the veil.
He had a handsome face with long eyebrows and bright eyes. His complexion was so pale that it resembled a traditional Chinese ink painting, and even his lips were a pale pink.
The visitor was none other than the Crown Prince.
Cui Yao's voice, as if suddenly realizing something, rang out from behind him, "I forgot His Highness can't stand the cold. Someone, go and get His Highness a hand warmer."
He asked Zhou Yu to sit down.
The two knelt facing each other with forced smiles.
The mute servant quickly brought over a hand warmer.
Zhou Yu looked down and saw a plump rabbit embroidered on the hand warmer cover, happily holding a bright moon. He didn't take it, but asked with a stern face, "What do you want with me?"
Cui Yao poured Zhou Yu a cup of tea, speaking in a polite and gentle tone, "Cheng Ning heard that His Highness the Crown Prince spoke well of him and was very grateful, so he specially asked me to come and thank His Highness."
Zhou Yu sneered.
Who is Cui Yao anyway? Xiao Ning is talking to him, and Cui Yao is the one who relays her message?
It seemed that Xiao Ning and Cui Yao were closer—Zhou Yu paused, and his heart pounded with fear at the thought.
"Does Xiao Ning have anything else to say?"
No.
"No? How could Xiao Ning possibly..." I only asked you to pass on this one sentence.
The words abruptly stopped.
Yes, if Xiao Ning had a lot to say, why would he need Cui Yao to relay the message? He could have written to him as before. Besides, Xiao Ning had no idea that he had any dealings with Cui Yao!
The teacup creaked as it was squeezed, and the slender fingers revealed a terrifying bluish tinge.
Zhou Yu held back for a long time, but finally couldn't hold back any longer. His eyes flashed with undisguised murderous intent. "I shouldn't have let you into the capital back then!"
Cui Yao poured tea casually, looking at Zhou Yu with some doubt. His voice remained steady, "Your Highness, now that Zhou Zhuo is under house arrest and Zhou Yan has been stripped of his title, no one can pose a threat to you anymore. What else are you dissatisfied with?"
Zhou Yu said in a sinister tone, "You actually have the audacity to ask."
He gave Cui Yao a chilling smile. "I never say anything. Do you think I really don't know anything? Don't you know how you seduced my Xiao Ning? First, you dressed as a woman to arouse her, and then you slowly made your move. Cui Yao, Cui Yao, didn't you look down on Xiao Ning before? Look at your face now, it makes me want to vomit."
The events of that year cannot be thought about in detail. If one does think about them in detail, it is enough to make Zhou Yu regret it so much that he wants to slap himself a few times.
Knowing Cui Yao's proud and aloof nature, and knowing that she would never develop any affection for Xiao Ning, he figured keeping her at the Yongning Marquis's residence would facilitate surveillance and avoid attracting attention. That's why he had someone give Cui Yao the identity of a cousin. He never expected this...
Cui Yao was not ashamed at all. "It's because His Highness the Crown Prince likes someone so wonderful. Not only do you have your eye on him, but others are also drooling over him." He smiled, his handsome face shining brightly. "I got there first. I hope His Highness will forgive me."
Zhou Yu gripped the teacup tightly, tilted his head back, and took a sip. When he lowered his head again, he exuded an air of composure and smiled slightly, saying, "It's alright, I don't care about such trivial matters."
For Xiao Ning, Cui Yao was nothing more than a plaything to be summoned and dismissed at will.
Given Xiao Ning's fickle and pleasure-seeking nature, how long can Cui Yao stay by his side?
Only he, only he will always be with Xiao Ning.
"What exactly do you want from me today?"
...
"Bang bang bang!"
A loud noise ripped through the night sky.
After being repeatedly baited for almost a month, the soldiers of the Le Rong tribe were numb. They yawned and got up lazily. It wasn't that they were lazy, but that the Cangzhou army could appear at any time. Their spirits were high and they were on edge. Their momentum would weaken after a while. They couldn't sleep. The fact that they could still carry their swords and push their cannons to meet the enemy was a testament to their good training.
but.
Today seems different.
The sweet smell of gunpowder permeated the air.
Before the barbarian soldiers, who had just been cursing the Cangzhou army, could react, a dazzling flash of fire illuminated their eyes.
Enlarge it, and it gets bigger and bigger.
"boom!!"
His eyes were bloodshot.
This time it's actually true!
The Cangzhou army surged in like a tidal wave. Their black armor remained somber even under the brilliant firelight, as if it could absorb all the light in the world. They swung their swallow-feather blades heavily, splashing crimson blood, yet they showed no sign of retreat. Their eyes were cold and excited, like demonic soldiers.
Blood stained the surging Baihao River red.
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Author's Note: If there's a bonus chapter after the story ends, what would you like to see?
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