Chapter 80 The Wind Whistles
The windows in the house were half-closed, and the biting mountain wind roared in through the gaps, making the hanging bronze wind chimes jingle.
The King of Huainan sat upright, his tall figure casting a dark silhouette against the gray window.
"The heaven is not on my side." He sighed softly, with a hint of unwillingness in his voice, "If it weren't for this sudden rainstorm, I would never be trapped here. If I delay any longer, I'm afraid the night will be long and full of dreams..." Before he finished speaking, a bolt of lightning struck outside the window, illuminating the gloom between his brows.
Feng Yanyuan and Yun Yuan looked at each other.
Those few people suddenly came to investigate, which must have been leaked by someone. Although they managed to fool people for the time being, those eyes hiding in the dark had probably seen through their disguise long ago.
"Abandon your chariot and ride lightly through Humen Pass," the King of Huainan dipped his fingertips in tea and traced a winding line on the table. "In just two days, we can sneak into Luoyang." The water marks on the sandalwood twisted like a snake. His fingers suddenly paused and drew another winding route. "If we bypass Hulao Pass..."
"Not only will it take five more days to travel," Feng Yanyuan stared at the gradually drying water, his brow furrowed. "More importantly, it's the rainy season now, and flash floods are common in the northern foothills of Mount Song..."
The Prince of Huainan nodded slightly, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the table. "Hulao Pass is, after all, an official road. The most dangerous part isn't natural disasters, but the human heart." He closed his eyes in thought for a moment, then suddenly opened them and looked directly at Feng Yanyuan, his gaze as sharp as a torch. "Zi Shang, are you willing to follow me through this gate of hell?"
Feng Yanyuan's heart trembled upon hearing this. This wasn't just an ordinary inquiry; it was clearly a trust, a commitment of life. He immediately stood up and knelt, clasping his hands before his forehead. He spoke each word with measured emphasis, "I will not refuse, even if death is the cost."
The King of Huainan's eyes were slightly red, his throat moved slightly, and he firmly supported Feng Yanyuan's arms with both hands and helped him up: "If this king can survive this disaster... I will not let you down."
Yun Yuan knelt at the side, watching the two figures standing opposite each other, stretched out by the candlelight and cast on the wall. Suddenly, her heart tightened, knowing that they would never take her with them again. She suddenly knelt forward and banged her forehead heavily on the floor: "Please, Your Majesty, have mercy on me and allow me to accompany you and serve you!"
"No." King Huainan's voice was as hard as stone.
"Pharmacist, this antidote will last for half a month. After half a month, if..." Prince Huainan paused, "I will personally come to the inn to greet you, Pharmacist." Yun Yuan looked up, and a bolt of lightning struck at that very moment. In the blinding white light, the prince's eyes were filled with unquestionable determination. All the words of argument were stuck in his throat, and in the end, he only said, "...Yes."
Thunder roared outside the window and heavy rain poured down. The raindrops, as big as beans, hit the tiles, and the sound was like the sound of war drums urging the troops to march.
Yun Yuan had returned to his wing room early. When Feng Yanyuan finished discussing important matters with the King of Huainan and returned at the sound of the night watch, he saw the dim candlelight still streaming through the carved wooden window. He knocked lightly on the door, but when he got no response, he simply pushed it open and entered.
The flickering candlelight inside the house illuminated the frail figure standing by the window. The young girl stood quietly, her white fingertips lightly tapping the window frame, as if counting the rhythm of the raindrops. The night wind, wrapped in raindrops, swept in, ruffling her unbound black hair and casting a messy shadow on her moon-white dress.
He approached silently and put his arms around her from behind.
Her body trembled violently, and two lines of clear tears fell, splashing tiny water droplets on the windowsill.
"Zi Shang..." She turned around with sobs, and met his smiling eyes. Her throat suddenly felt like it was blocked by a ball of cotton.
"Are you so worried about me?" Feng Yanyuan chuckled, his thumb gently wiping her wet cheek. The warmth from his fingertips burned Yun Yuan's heart, and she pounded his chest with her fist, clutching his collar. "I'm about to face the gates of hell, and you're still laughing!"
The punch made Feng Yanyuan groan, but he held her tighter. Outside, the rain was gathering speed, the sound of water dripping from the eaves mingling with his whispers, "What's left is nothing but a bloody fight. You, a young military advisor, should stay here to plan and strategize. How can you risk going to that Shura Field?" His eyes darkened, a hint of self-blame rising from his brows. "Your Highness is right to be considerate. It's me who always fails to think things through." His fingertips stroked her pointed chin. "You've lost so much weight after all this hard work and hard work."
Yun Yuan buried her face in his chest and said in a muffled voice, "Your Highness is right. If I insist on following you, it will distract you..."
Feng Yanyuan rested his chin against the top of her head, letting out a soft sigh. "Don't worry. The prince and I will be safe." He paused, his voice adding a touch of assurance. "Those guarding Hulao Pass are the Imperial Guards, and perhaps some of the prince's former subordinates..."
Before he could finish his words, the woman in his arms suddenly broke free from his arms and turned to run towards the package beside the table. Feng Yanyuan followed her and saw her pull out a piece of gold silk soft armor from among the layers of clothing - it was the one he had asked Feng Jiu to deliver to her when she was going through the Feng Spy Trial.
"Remember Feng Jiu said at the time, 'Young Master, let me do whatever I want with it, even make shoe soles.'" Yun Yuan's fingertips gently stroked the fine lines on the soft armor, remembering Feng Jiu's awkward expression at the time, and she couldn't help but smile, "How can this thing be used to make shoe soles? It's so uncomfortable." She handed the soft armor forward, her eyes sparkling, "Put it on. Hulao Pass is full of arrow towers. If you encounter archers..."
Feng Yanyuan raised his hand to block the attack and said with a smile, "When I cross the canyon, I will use my internal energy to protect myself. Ordinary arrows will not be able to get close to me." He reached out and gently scratched the tip of her nose. "It's a little girl who doesn't understand internal energy who should wear this."
The two of them pushed and shoved each other, and the candlelight made the soft armor flicker with golden light.
Finally, Feng Yanyuan pulled her into his arms, rubbing his chin against her head as he sighed softly, "We're leaving at 11:00 AM. Just obey me this time, ok?"
The warmth of the man's chest made Yun Yuan's heart tremble. She looked up into his gentle eyes. Suddenly, she made up her mind, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his lips hard.
She almost fell on top of him.
The soft and fragrant body and the sudden heat surged like a wave, making his mind go blank in an instant, leaving only a roar in his chest.
They slept on the same bed every night these days. He would hold her in his arms, kissing her long, deep, hot kisses, and then stop abruptly, holding her tightly against him, motionless.
She could feel his suppressed breathing, his hot body temperature, and the hard touch that made her blush.
She knew he was waiting.
She didn't want him to wait any longer, as she didn't know what would happen tomorrow...
The woman expressed her feelings with her nimble tongue, but suddenly she felt her shoulders tighten - he actually pushed her slightly away.
She stared at him blankly, at a loss for a moment - he... didn't want to?
Feng Yanyuan suppressed the surging emotions in his chest, breathing heavily: "Yuan'er, how can I say to you at a moment like this..."
"Because of moments like this..." Yun Yuan's voice choked with sobs, and tears as big as beans rolled down her cheeks.
He held her in his arms again, his voice low and firm: "After this... when the prince comes to you in person to get the medicine," the corners of his lips curled up slightly, a gentle smile appeared on his face, "I will come to find you with the betrothal gifts, okay?"
Yun Yuan smiled through her tears: "I am originally a slave of the Feng family, why do I need a betrothal gift?"
"Yes." Feng Yanyuan responded softly, his chin gently stroking her hair, each word as solemn as a vow, "I must."
The sound of rain outside the window gradually subsided, and the water drops dripping from the eaves made clear sounds on the bluestone slabs, each sound seemed to be counting the hours of farewell.
Dawn arrived as promised.
The remaining raindrops on the eaves fell silently, creating dark dots on the stone steps.
The Prince of Huainan sat upright on his horse, his dark tunic stained even darker by the morning mist. The horse trotted restlessly, leaving shallow hoof prints in the damp mud.
Thirty-seven guardsmen had formed up. These veterans had shed their disguises and donned armor. Water droplets slid down the armor plates, gleaming coldly and silver in the morning light. No one spoke, only the subtle sound of metal rubbing against metal echoing in the mist.
The King of Huainan rode slowly past the column. His gaze lingered on each face—the man with the scar on his forehead who had saved his life at Shaobei; the short, always joking figure who was the best archer; the taciturn old soldier at the edge, who had just had a grandson...
There were no grand speeches, no parting words. When the face of the last guard had become etched in his mind, the King of Huainan yanked the reins. The warhorse reared to attention, carving a sharp arc through the mist.
Feng Yanyuan and Commander Xiao spurred their horses forward in unison, one on each side protecting the other. Thirty-seven riders mounted their horses simultaneously, the clang of armor clashing like the clashing of swords. Their hooves crushed the stagnant water, sending splattering mud, yet they landed in an eerily measured rhythm.
This silent team disappeared in the gradually brightening morning light, leaving only a series of deep horse hoof prints on the post road.
On the ridgeline, the clouds finally dissipated.
When the Prince of Huainan and his entourage turned the last cliff, the view suddenly opened up - they saw a black-armored army lined up in the open space in front of the pass, standing solemnly like an iron city wall.
Feng Yanyuan narrowed his eyes. Each of the banners before the formation was embroidered with the unique golden patterns of the Imperial Guard. Commander Xiao unconsciously tightened his grip on his sword.
However, to everyone's surprise, a man in white suddenly emerged from the enemy's formation. He wore no armor, only a plain white robe. He reined in his horse about ten feet away, staring at the two men from a distance.
Feng Yanyuan was slightly stunned. This person was actually the leader of Wuji Sect, Gongsun Bai, whom he had met at the Shouchun Banquet in Baguan Mountain.
"Your Highness." Gongsun Bai performed a standard scholar's bow on horseback, his wide sleeves rustling in the mountain breeze.
The King of Huainan tightened his grip on the reins, his knuckles turning pale. "I never knew when Mr. Gongsun joined the King of Zhao's camp."
Gongsun Bai sighed softly, "I have no choice!"
"Sir, are you here today to take my life?"
"King Zhao does have a secret order here."
"Secret order?" The King of Huainan suddenly laughed, his laughter echoing through the canyon and startling a flock of crows. "That old thief still wants this fig leaf today?"
Gongsun Bai sighed deeply, his brow thick with unwavering sorrow. "I truly do not wish to engage in battle with Your Highness, but the orders of the King of Zhao cannot be disobeyed. If Your Highness is willing to turn back now, I will pretend that You have never been here..."
"Turn back?" King Huainan's voice was low, suppressed anger surging between his words. "My family is all in Luoyang City. Do you want me to flee to the ends of the earth?"
He turned around suddenly, his eyes sweeping over the faces of every soldier behind him, "Do you still want me to watch these soldiers' wives, children, and elders being slaughtered by that traitor?"
He swung the long whip in the air, making a crisp crack as he pointed it at the clear sky. "Prince Zhao has imprisoned the emperor, desecrated the imperial decree, and manipulated the government—does he want me to be a coward and sit by and watch my brother suffer humiliation?!"
The last sentence was practically a roar, resonating throughout the canyon. The soldiers' swords clanged, as if echoing the commander's wrath.
Gongsun Bai sighed to the sky, his sleeves fluttering in the wind: "All I want is the best of both worlds..."
"Sir, I appreciate your kindness." The King of Huainan sneered, "There's no need to waste any more words. Return and prepare your army for battle!"
"Your Highness, please allow me a moment." Gongsun Bai raised his hand to stop him. "The Imperial Guards were once under Your Highness's command, and these soldiers have always respected His Highness. This time..." He paused, "I have made some arrangements."
The King of Huainan frowned: "What do you mean?"
"I am helpless, and neither are the soldiers." Gongsun Bai waved his sleeves, pointing to the army formation behind him. "They won't fight to the death. All they need to do is stage a bloodbath, and Your Majesty's cavalry can march straight in."
The King of Huainan was stunned. "Sir, what are you doing..."
Gongsun Bai suddenly bowed deeply from his horse: "I have arrayed my forces here to give an explanation to King Zhao; I will retreat in defeat to give an explanation to this heart..."
The King of Huainan was stunned for a moment before returning the greeting, "Sir...you are so righteous."
Commander Xiao and the others were initially skeptical, but the ensuing battle unfolded precisely as Gongsun Bai had predicted. The hundreds of imperial guards, seemingly formidable, held back during the encounter, and were quickly scattered by the dozens of cavalrymen. As the cavalry passed through the checkpoint, Feng Yanyuan couldn't help but glance back. Gongsun Bai had reorganized his troops, standing at the front in flowing white robes, his gaze fixed on their direction.
"I didn't expect Gongsun Bai to have some sense of chivalry!" Commander Xiao laughed heartily, the blood splattered on his armor still wet. "I've never fought such a smooth battle in my life, and the opponent was the Imperial Guard!"
The King of Huainan gave Feng Yanyuan a meaningful look. "Gongsun Bai is a very cunning man," he whispered. "I think he's assessed Zi Shang's abilities and knows he can't get any advantage, so he's doing a favor to avoid offending both sides."
Feng Yanyuan frowned slightly. At the Bagong Mountain birthday banquet, the Gongsun couple had indeed been the first to test his martial arts, and in their casual conversation, they had already gotten a good feel for his abilities. Yet, he still had no idea of the Wuji Sect's master's abilities.
While I was thinking, I had already entered the heart of the canyon. The cliffs on both sides were as sharp as if they had been cut by a knife, and the narrow valley was filled with mud from yesterday's heavy rain. The muddy water splashed by the horses' hooves.
Commander Xiao laughed and said, "I've been dreaming of witnessing Third Young Master Feng's legendary Dragon Roar Palm! They say the sound is like thunder when it's in use, and that wherever the palm strikes, thousands of troops are evaded. But I won't get to see it today!"
The hearty laughter echoed back and forth between the rock walls, causing the tense expressions of the soldiers to relax a little.
Suddenly, Feng Yanyuan turned around abruptly, his pupils shrinking suddenly - arrows rained down from above the canyon!
He raised his wide sleeves, and as his sleeves fluttered, a sharp gust of wind suddenly blew up, deflecting all the flying arrows in the sky and making them stick diagonally on the rock walls on both sides.
Everyone was still in shock when they heard a deafening roar - a huge rock as big as a millstone rolled down from the top of the cliff and hit the King of Huainan with the force of thunder!
"Your Highness, beware!" Commander Xiao roared, his arms swiftly reaching out to grab the reins of the Prince of Huainan's mount. The warhorse reared up in pain, barely avoiding the roaring boulder. The steed neighed in fear as the rubble flew.
"Hahaha--"
A laugh came from the top of the cliff, echoing in the canyon.
"Mr. Feng San is indeed worthy of his reputation! It's a pity that this Soul-Falling Gorge..." The laughter suddenly turned cold and stern: "It is the burial place that Mr. built specifically for you!"
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