Bloodstained Justice
The biting north wind howled mournfully across the Dragon Head Plain, whipping up frozen snowflakes that stung the face like knives. The leaden sky hung low, as if about to crush this vast plateau, guarding the gateway to the northwest. In the air, besides the piercing cold, lingered a faint, lingering aura of burning herbs and decaying death, originating from the depths of the refugee camp.
Xiao Yuxuan reined in his horse atop the plateau. The wind blew into his tattered fur coat, but it couldn't dispel the deep, somber look between his brows, nor the lingering pallor of his illness. Behind him lay a hastily constructed camp, built along the gentle slope of the plateau. Wooden palisades were driven deep into the frozen earth, the plateau walls were sheared into steep cliffs, and several key gaps were barely sealed with large logs and rammed earth. Although the soldiers in the camp tried their best to maintain order, their faces couldn't hide their exhaustion and the weakness of someone recovering from illness—the shadow of the plague, a result of the backlash from the malevolent energy, had been somewhat alleviated by the guidance of Yun Youzi, but like a leech, it still lingered in the low-lying areas of the camp, draining the last strength of this remnant army. Sheng Guo's left arm was wrapped in thick strips of cloth soaked in herbs. Although the numbness and festering were under control, every movement brought excruciating pain, making his face ashen and his forehead beaded with cold sweat. Yet, his tiger-like eyes remained fixed on the plain below, burning with an indomitable flame, his only remaining right hand gripping tightly on the hilt of his waist knife. The cold, heavy bronze box in his arms pressed against his chest, the ancient character "工" (gong) on it seeming to resonate silently and heavily with the land beneath his feet, soon to be soaked in blood and fire, and with the lingering echo of the "嘘" (xu) mantra in the air.
Longshouyuan, shaped like a giant dragon raising its head, overlooks the winding Hanshui River (a tributary of the main river) flowing below. The plateau is composed of thick loess deposited over thousands of years, carved by the river into a natural fortress with steep sides on three sides, easily defensible and difficult to attack. The summit, however, is relatively flat and wide, large enough to garrison a large army. Controlling this plateau meant controlling the throat of the Di and Rong tribes to the north, protecting the Central Plains to the south, controlling the ancient road to the Hexi Corridor to the west, and watching the river crossing to the east. Since ancient times, it has been a "key" repeatedly fought over by strategists amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood. The ancient beacon tower foundations, almost blending into the loess by wind and frost, and the rusted broken halberds and spears deeply embedded in the rammed earth, silently tell the story of centuries of battles and bloodshed. Now, this silent ancient battlefield is once again shrouded in the shadow of war.
Across the cold water, the Di Rong's camp surged in like a black tide. The mournful sound of ox horns pierced the cold wind, deep and far-reaching, carrying the savage killing intent unique to the grasslands. Dense rows of felt tents, like poisonous fungi sprouting after rain, covered the riverbank as far as the eye could see. Even more chilling were the colossal structures being erected within the camp: massive wagons made of thick logs, like moving siege towers; heavy sleds wrapped in raw cowhide, like giant tortoises lying prone, ready to approach and destroy the plateau; and countless craftsmen were rushing to build ladders and grappling hooks, the air thick with the pungent smell of freshly felled timber and the stench of oil-soaked leather ropes. The Di Rong royal banner—a huge black flag embroidered with a ferocious wolf's head and edged with yak tails—fluttered at the highest point of the camp, proclaiming their unwavering determination. Upon closer inspection of the mortise and tenon structure of those weapons and the skillful techniques of certain craftsmen, one can vaguely discern a cold precision that is incompatible with the ruggedness of the grasslands—the shadow of the suspended blade has clung to the invading army like a maggot!
"General, scouts report that the Di Rong's main general this time is the Left Wise King, Huyan Zhuo." Sun Qian's voice rang out beside Xiao Yuxuan. This deputy general, known for his wisdom and strategy, also had a grim expression, his fingers tracing across the rough sheepskin map. "This man is fierce and cunning, especially adept at using vassal tribes as vanguard to wear down our army. His elite 'Iron Falcons' cavalry has not yet been fully deployed and will be the spearhead to break through our lines. There is also a shaman in the camp who uses evil magic to boost morale, claiming that if we capture Longshouyuan, we will be protected by the Eternal Heaven and free from plague!" The plague, this calamity that had just ravaged the land, was being used by the enemy as a psychological poison to undermine morale.
Xiao Yuxuan's gaze pierced the rushing, icy waters, landing deep within the Di Rong camp. He wasn't observing the clamor of soldiers and weapons, but rather trying to discern an invisible "momentum." The Di Rong's all-out attack was far more than just for a strategic location. Behind Longshou Plain lay the relatively prosperous granaries of the Central Plains and the passage to Hexi. Deeper still, Xiao Yuxuan sensed the cold fingers of Xuan Dao stirring—perhaps pushing this war forward, intensifying its depletion, was precisely to thoroughly muddy the waters, making it easier for them to search for the crucial "Records of Gongzheng"! Having traveled from the refugee camp in Beishuo City to this place with Sheng Guo, Xuan Dao's hounds had likely already caught wind of their arrival, lurking in the shadows of either the Di Rong or their own ranks.
“Sheng Guo,” Xiao Yuxuan’s voice was low and slightly hoarse, a trace of the plague and high fever. “Order all units: dig deep trenches and build high walls, be on high alert. Prepare plenty of rolling logs and stones, and keep the molten metal (for defense) boiling day and night. On the steep sections of the plateau, add more caltrops and horse traps. The wounded and exhausted should be rotated for rest, and we must maintain a minimum fighting strength. This plateau is our last line of defense, and also… the beacon for whether the thought of ‘stopping the war’ can spread! Tell them that behind us lies the homeland of our elders, which has just been ravaged by the plague. If we retreat, hell will return!” He deliberately mentioned the plague to inspire the soldiers’ shared hatred and determination to protect their homeland and prevent the resurgence of hostility.
"Yes, sir!" Sheng Guo roared, enduring the excruciating pain in his left arm, and strode into the camp to deliver the order. His steps were slightly limping due to the injury, but he still stepped on the frozen ground with immense force, like a moving fortress, silently conveying the commander's determination with his broken yet still mountain-like body.
Just as the Di Rong scouts began tentatively swimming across the icy water, and the garrison on the plateau nocked their arrows, the atmosphere tense as a taut bow, a rapid sound of hooves, unlike the Di Rong horns, echoed from the mountain path to the southeast! Several riders charged through the snowstorm, heading straight for the camp gate at the foot of the plateau. The leader dismounted, his movements swift yet revealing an undeniable weariness and frostbite—it was Gu Yan! His fox fur coat was covered in mud and snow, his face showing the weariness of a long journey, but his eyes shone with an astonishing light, and in his hand he tightly clutched a long, narrow scroll sealed with sealing wax and wrapped in bright yellow brocade!
"General Xiao! Gu Yan reports back!" Gu Yan's voice was filled with excitement, piercing through the cold wind.
Xiao Yuxuan's pupils contracted slightly, and he immediately ordered them to proceed. Gu Yan quickly climbed to the top of the plateau, not even having time to brush the snow off his body, before kneeling on one knee, raising the bright yellow scroll high, his voice booming and echoing across the plateau:
"His Majesty has issued an edict! General Xiao Yuxuan of Hexi Garrison, receive the decree!"
All eyes were instantly focused! The soldiers were filled with doubt and suspicion, and the supervisor planted by the Legalists changed his expression drastically!
Gu Yan unfurled the imperial edict and read it aloud, each word like a heavy hammer blow striking the howling wind and snow of Longshou Plain:
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"
"Upon investigation, it has been found that Xiao Yuxuan, the garrison commander of Hexi, was previously framed, with numerous slanderous letters filling his chest, accusing him of colluding with the enemy, violating the law, and misleading the army. I have thoroughly investigated this matter and found that these were all fabricated by cruel officials in the legal system, seeking personal gain through harsh scrutiny! The evidence is now irrefutable."
"Firstly, when the refugees in Beishuo City were rioting, Xiao Yuxuan used medicine to save them, stopping the conflict in its infancy. This was not a violation of the law, but rather an act of protecting the people!" (This is the result of Xuan Niao's operations in the enemy country, proving that its actions were not collusion with the enemy but rather an act of stopping the war.)
"Secondly, the artisan's blood letter reached the ears of the emperor! Black Stone Fortress enslaved artisans, and the harsh laws that branded their work with their names were a deep-seated legal flaw, not Xiao Yuxuan's fault! His infiltration to gather evidence and expose the darkness was a contribution to the nation!" (The artisan's blood letter became irrefutable evidence for overturning the verdict)
"Thirdly, the locust tree by the Wei River serves as a beacon of peace! I am deeply gratified to hear of this. General Bai Yu, who died a loyal and courageous death for his country, still possesses a spirit of 'benevolence,' which continues to this day. Xiao Yuxuan's sowing of locust tree seeds to spread the message of cessation of war is not intended to mislead the army, but to strengthen its foundation!" (The locust tree symbolizes recognition by the highest authority, and Bai Yu's complete exoneration.)
"Fourth, the resentment backfired, and a plague swept across the land. Even in dire straits, Xiao Yuxuan still followed the way of Heaven, clearing away the filth, settling the displaced, and protecting the remaining people. His will is commendable!" (Yun Youzi's "warning from Heaven" and Xiao's response became clear evidence of his concern for the people.)
"Therefore, Xiao Yuxuan shall be exonerated from all his stigma, reinstated as the garrison commander of Hexi, and granted the title of 'General Who Pacifies the Distant Regions,' with the authority to command all military affairs in Longshouyuan and the Northwest! All officials who framed Xiao Yuxuan shall be thoroughly investigated and punished by the relevant authorities! General Bai Yu shall be posthumously awarded the title of Marquis of Zhongwu and enshrined in the Temple of Heroes and Martyrs! His spirit of 'stopping war and protecting life' shall serve as a lesson for the border troops!"
"I hope you will live up to my expectations and the people's trust, guard this key, and protect our land! So be it!"
After the imperial edict was read aloud, the plateau was deathly silent, with only the howling of the cold wind!
His name was cleared! He was reinstated! He was awarded additional honors! He was granted the authority to command troops! Bai Yu was exonerated and posthumously honored! The emperor himself designated his concept of "stopping war and protecting life" as a lesson for the border troops!
This sudden and astonishing reversal left everyone stunned. The Legalist military supervisor's face turned ashen, his body trembling slightly. But the soldiers on the plateau, especially the veterans who had followed Xiao Yuxuan and witnessed the framing and purges, had an instant flash of disbelief in their eyes, followed by ecstatic joy and tears!
Xiao Yuxuan slowly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and accepted the heavy edict, seemingly still bearing the marks of the bloody battles of the imperial court, with both hands. The cold brocade touched his skin, yet he felt a surge of burning power coursing through his veins! This was not merely a clearing of his name; it meant that the will for the people embodied in the *Records of the Craftsmen*, and his ideal of "stopping war and protecting life," had for the first time received public and formal recognition from the highest authority (even if it was due to circumstances and the outcome of a power struggle)! This provided him with the most solid legal and moral foundation for uniting the people at Longshou Plain and forging a decisive victory! It also opened a crucial rift for the future spread of "the benevolent rule of the world"!
He stood up, raised the imperial edict high, and faced all the soldiers on the plateau. His voice trembled slightly with excitement, yet it carried an unprecedented power and radiance:
"Gentlemen! The treacherous officials who framed me have now been exonerated! Commander Bai's loyal soul can finally rest in peace! His Majesty, with his clear judgment, has reinstated me to my post, granted me the authority to command troops, and entrusted me with the land! He has also issued a decree to the world: 'Stopping war and protecting life' is not a heretical doctrine, but the duty of the border troops and the fundamental principle of protecting the people!"
He abruptly drew his sword from his waist, its blade pointing directly at the dark, imposing Di Rong camp on the opposite bank of the cold water, his voice like thunder:
"This plateau is named Dragon Head! Today, we will use our blood and flesh to hold back the invading army from the south! For the ravaged land behind us, for the people struggling to recover from the epidemic, we will safeguard a glimmer of hope! This battle is not for slaughter, but only for—**stopping the war!**"
"Stop the fighting! Stop the fighting! Stop the fighting!"
The frenzied shouts, like a landslide and a tsunami, swept across the entire Longshou Plain in an instant! Long-suppressed grievances, resentment, and despair transformed into a raging fighting spirit! The soldiers' eyes were no longer filled with numbness and fear, but with a resolute light—a fighting spirit for their beliefs, for their homeland, and for the newly recognized duty of "protecting life"! Sheng Guo, with all his remaining strength, slammed his remaining right hand down on the war drum beside him! The drumbeat, powerful and tragic, carried the catharsis of exoneration and boundless fighting spirit, clashing fiercely with the howling wind and the horns of the Di Rong!
In the Di Rong camp, the Left Wise King Huyan Zhuo frowned, watching the sudden, palpable surge of morale atop the plateau. Beside him, a man in an ordinary Di Rong fur coat, his face scarred (Scarface with a Hanging Blade), stared intently at the figure holding the imperial edict aloft on the plateau, and whispered, "Your Majesty, a change has occurred. That box is in his possession. This battle must be won quickly!"
A fierce glint flashed in Huyan Zhuo's eyes. He suddenly drew his scimitar and swung it forward: "Warriors of the Eternal Heaven! Flatten Dragon Head Plain! Wealth, women, and the favor of the Eternal Heaven are just ahead! Attack—!"
"Woo-woo-woo!" The mournful bugle call tore through the sky!
The black tide began to surge towards the cold water, towards the towering Dragon Head Plateau standing in the wind and snow! The huge chariot moved slowly, dragged by slaves and livestock, its wheels emitting a dull rumble like a steel monster.
The battle for supremacy has begun! Xiao Yuxuan, having cleared his name and carrying the secrets of the *Gongzheng Yilu* and the sacred blessing of "Stopping War and Protecting Life," faces the most crucial and brutal battle of his destiny. The outcome of this battle will not only determine the ownership of Longshou Plain, but also whether the spark of "Stopping War," which has just gained a brief respite, can truly ignite a prairie fire! And amidst the raging flames of war, the shadow of the hanging blade quietly reveals its deadly fangs, its target the bronze box in Xiao Yuxuan's arms!
Xiao Yuxuan stood atop the plateau, the wind and snow whipping against his reinstated general's robes. The bronze box in his arms remained cold, yet a flame burned within him like never before. He slowly took out a withered yet resilient locust seed—a seed from the Weishui locust tree—and gently pressed it onto the cold hilt of his sword. His gaze, sharp as torches, pierced through the wind and snow, fixed on the surging black tide.
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