Chapter 175 A Huge Hollow Then don't tear it apart, in your room...
A revenge without ever seeing bloodshed.
Yan Yue's mourning hall was set up in the main hall of the temporary residence, with dense white banners and candles, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Huan Xun, dressed in mourning clothes, stood calmly to one side of the coffin.
The generals who came to pay their respects all had red eyes, and even Duan Tingxian, who was stationed in the northern frontier, rushed over.
Huan Xun personally wrote a memorial to the throne announcing Yan Yue's death and dispatched a fast horse to deliver it to Jian'an day and night.
The imperial court responded quickly, almost urgently.
On the ninth day of the mourning period, the eunuch who was to deliver the imperial edict arrived. His high-pitched voice echoed in front of the mourning hall. Huan Xun knelt at the front, leading the generals to receive the edict and express their gratitude.
The imperial edict praised Yan Yue's achievements to the fullest extent, posthumously conferred a noble title and bestowed upon him a posthumous honor, and granted permission for his coffin to be buried next to the Jian'an Imperial Mausoleum.
For a subject, this was undoubtedly an immense honor.
When the body was handed over, Huan Xun supervised the soldiers as they placed the heavy coffin. Despite the delay of so many days, Yan Yue's body had not decomposed thanks to the special treatment with medicinal liquid by the Southern Yin shaman, as well as the large amount of herbs and spices inside the coffin.
As a general, Huan Xun was unable to escort the hearse back to Jian'an, so he had to entrust this journey to Guan Zheng and Yan Yue's two nephews.
The hearse, escorted by the imperial guards, slowly started and drove away from Hexia City towards Jian'an.
Yu Nie stood quietly with Huan Xun outside the city gate, watching Guan Zheng's entourage grow further and further away.
No matter how sorrowful the imperial edict was, she could easily guess how happy Zhao Yunfu must have been. The powerful minister he feared most was dead, and he, the emperor, hadn't even lost a single soldier.
Zhao Yunfu had no idea that his truly formidable opponent was only just beginning to appear. Her thoughts shifted slightly, and she quietly turned her head to look at the person beside her.
Huan Xun's face remained expressionless.
Just then, they heard footsteps behind them.
Staff officer Fan Tian stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, and comforted them, saying, "Young General, the hearse has gone far away. Please take care of your grief and return to the city. There are still many important matters in the army that require your attention and decision-making."
At this moment, Huan Xun was clearly already the new commander-in-chief in front of these people.
Huan Xun did not turn around, nor did he speak.
Fan Tian assumed that he was grieving the passing of Yan Yue, so he spoke even more earnestly: "The Grand Commander's achievements are unparalleled. He has received great favors from His Majesty after his death and enjoyed special honors. This is the highest honor a subject can receive. The best way to honor the Grand Commander is for the young general to carry on his legacy and pacify the world. The entire army is now relying on the young general. I hope you will take good care of yourself."
Hearing Fan Tian's words, Huan Xun stood there for a while, his face still showing an inscrutable calm.
He did not respond to Fan Tian's words of comfort, but simply gripped Yu Nie's hand, then turned around and pulled her straight into the mansion.
Inside the temporary residence, white banners hung low, and white candles were still burning.
Fan Tian and several core generals and commanders exchanged glances, all seeing the same worry and hesitation in each other's eyes.
They had many military matters to discuss immediately, but seeing Huan Xun's condition, no one dared to disturb him at this moment. Fan Tian sighed, waved his hand to everyone, indicating that everything would be discussed later.
Huan Xun led Yu Nie in silence through the quiet corridors draped with white banners. Only when they reached the gate of Yu Nie's courtyard did he stop and let go of her hand.
He looked at her and said, "You've worked hard these past few days following me. Go back and get some sleep."
Gazing intently at the weariness in his eyes, she asked, "And what about you?"
"I have some military matters to attend to immediately." He gently stroked her cheek, his touch tender. "Don't worry about me."
She still had something to say, something to tell him that he didn't have to bear everything alone.
But seeing his resolute attitude, he turned and went inside.
After she went inside, Huan Xun turned and left.
Back in her room, Yu Nie did not rest immediately; her worried expression was evident as she sat in her chair.
In the days since Yan Yue's funeral, she hasn't even seen him close his eyes once.
She didn't know if he only felt hatred for Yan Yue, or if he had other emotions.
In any case, his performance did not make her feel that he was at ease.
Seeing that she was still not asleep, Cuiwei gently comforted her: "Princess, the general has been working hard these past few days and has also encountered great changes. It is normal for him to be depressed. Please put your mind at ease and let the general have some peace and quiet. Your own health is also important."
"It's been so long since you've had a good night's sleep. You should lie down for a while."
She turned to look at Cuiwei: "Do you really think the Prince Consort is alright?"
“Of course,” Cuiwei said. “In my opinion, the prince consort is just in a bad mood. He has very few relatives to begin with, and now his only adoptive father is gone. He will definitely have a hard time getting over it for a while. He needs to be left alone for a while.”
She thought that Cuiwei might be right; he should be given some space to be alone and have some peace and quiet.
Thinking of this, she felt a little relieved and went to the bed.
*
As the sun set and the moon rose, Yu Nie woke up in the evening.
Just as she was about to go to the main hall for dinner, she turned around and encountered Fan Tian coming to pay his respects.
From him, he learned that Huan Xun had not stepped out of his room all day, and the food and tea that had been delivered during the day were left untouched outside the door.
No one dared to go in and disturb him, so they asked her to go and check if he was alright.
Upon hearing that he hadn't come out all day, she immediately lifted her skirt and headed towards his bedroom.
Looking out at the dark window, a look of worry crossed her brow.
After a moment, she took the food box from Cuiwei's hand and said softly, "You go back first, I'll go in and take a look by myself."
Cuiwei glanced worriedly at the closed door: "Can the princess manage alone?"
"Don't worry, it's alright." She squeezed Cuiwei's arm, indicating that she didn't need to worry.
Seeing this, Cuiwei withdrew.
In the blink of an eye, she was all alone in the corridor.
It was extremely quiet all around, with only the soft rustling of the white banners in the wind.
After standing silently in front of the door for a moment, Yu Nie knocked: "Huan Xun?"
No one answered from inside.
She called out again, but only the sound of the wind passing through the corridor answered her.
After repeating this action twice, she pursed her lips and pushed open the door.
There were no candles lit inside; only the moonlight, as white as jade, poured in from the window, making the room appear brighter.
By the dim moonlight, she placed the food box on the round table, looked around, and saw the person lying on the bed.
She approached quietly and found him asleep with his eyes closed.
Even in his sleep, his brows were furrowed, his forehead was covered in fine beads of cold sweat, and his temples were damp.
"Huan Xun?" she called softly, leaning down and shaking his body. "Huan Xun, wake up."
With her voice, he finally opened his eyes from the bloody dream and grabbed her wrist.
When his gaze focused on her face, he stared at her for a long time, as if trying to discern something from her features.
"You had a nightmare," she said softly, letting him hold her hand. "Are you alright?"
Huan Xun shook his head without saying a word, but simply reached out and pulled her into his arms. His hand slid down her wrist, took her hand, and pressed it against his cheek. His arms were tightly wrapped around her, and his chin rested lightly on the top of her head, as if he had grasped life in her.
She nestled quietly against his chest, listening to his strong, powerful heartbeat.
The moonlight cast their shadows on the ground, merging them into a complete silhouette.
The moment their skin touched, Yu Nie felt a chill; his body temperature hadn't been like this before.
The icy touch made it seem as if all the blood in his body had frozen during the few hours he had been alone.
Her gaze fell on their clasped hands, and she gently cupped his hand to her lips, placing a soft, warm kiss on his cool fingers.
Her lips were soft, carrying a comforting warmth, trying to dispel the chill that had seeped into his very bones.
He lowered his head, and his eyes met hers.
“I’m here,” she said with a smile, her fingers tracing his eyelids and eyebrows. “It’s all over.”
That hatred wasn't based on blood ties, but on gratitude. All the unspoken pain and the grudges that hadn't been settled with my own hands were over.
“You no longer need to endure. Fate has intervened ahead of you, not giving you the pleasure of killing your enemy, but also allowing you to avoid the karmic burden of patricide.” She called to him, placing her hand on his chest: “Zijing, this may not be the result you wanted, but it may not be a bad thing.”
"You can let yourself go now."
Let yourself go?
Yan Yue had been kind to him, but he did not allow him to die peacefully.
Even in the final moments of his life, he used the truth as a sharp blade to deliver the cruelest blow.
Can someone like this find liberation?
The hatred and purpose that had sustained him for so long were suddenly removed, leaving not only emptiness, but also a loss of meaning in his own existence.
The moonlight illuminated his eyes, revealing a vulnerability and uncertainty he had never felt before, as he asked the question that had lingered deep within his heart:
"Qiqi..." He gazed at her, "Do you think I'm a bad person? After all this, will you leave me?"
He didn't ask whether she was right or wrong, he only asked whether she should stay or leave.
She could sense the unease behind his tone, and she did not immediately respond.
She simply gazed deeply at him, then leaned forward and gently but firmly covered his lips with hers.
This was a kiss filled with reassurance and comfort.
She was using this gesture to tell him that she was here, that she knew everything, and... that she wouldn't leave.
Feeling the warmth she gave him, he responded to the kiss with unwavering force.
He gripped the back of her neck with one hand, broke through her teeth to deepen the kiss, their lips and tongues intertwined, leaving no gap between them.
He drew all the warmth from her to dispel the emptiness within him. Only with her did he feel alive.
When the kiss ended, both of them were still breathing heavily.
Yu Nie, slightly out of breath, asked softly, "Would this... make you feel more at ease?"
Gazing into her eyes, so close to his own, he shook his head, his voice hoarse, filled with pleading and a deeper longing:
What if I said... that's not enough?
She understood the meaning behind his words perfectly.
The comfort of their lips and teeth was no longer enough to reassure him; he sought a more thorough and intimate connection to confirm that she was his.
In that instant, a myriad of thoughts raced through Yu Nie's mind.
She knew what it meant to give herself to him at this moment.
But she was willing to be the anchor of his life, the only certainty of reality in his chaotic world.
If everything she has can bring him warmth and temporarily fill the huge void in his heart, then she is willing.
This was not an impulsive decision, but a choice she made for love.
Without further hesitation, she kissed him again.
This time, her kiss was not just a comforting gesture, but a silent promise and surrender.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, her breath slightly ragged, and whispered to his lips, "Do you know how to untie my belt?"
Her words instantly shattered Huan Xun's last shred of restraint.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and the dark turmoil in his eyes almost swallowed her whole.
The next moment, the world spun around him, and he flipped her over, pinning her beneath him. He braced himself on either side of her, completely enveloping her in his breath.
“If you’re willing…” his deep voice carried a seductive glint: “I will.”
Confined by him, she slightly propped herself up and moved closer to him, her soft tongue lightly tracing the line of his lips.
Her eyes glistened with tears, and her tone carried a rare hint of spoiled arrogance: "Then don't tear them. There aren't any of my clothes in your room."
These words were like a spark that ignited the long-suppressed wasteland.
He looked into her eyes, put his arm around her slender waist, leaned down, and at the same time reached out and pulled down the bed curtains.
The layers of gauze curtains slid down, isolating the bed into a private world and filtering the moonlight outside the window into an ambiguous state.
In the final moment before the curtains fell, his hot breath brushed against her neck as he replied, "Okay, if it's bad... then use mine."
A cool breeze brushed against her shoulders, and her fallen clothes draped softly over the edge of the bed. In the blink of an eye, she was covered by his body temperature, which had returned to its previous warmth.
The hoarse voice was replaced by a yearning kiss, and the strength of his fingers, which had started tentatively, became irresistible, sinking into a soft whiteness and leaving one finger mark after another.
His chest pressed against hers, and every inch of his thrust made her limbs tremble. Her thoughts followed him, sinking and floating upwards. Her breathing was intermittent and broken, and she clung to him, her strength waning.
He greedily absorbed every inch of her body, as if he could only survive through the most intense intimacy. His movements were brutal but didn't cause her pain, only a tingling sensation that permeated her entire being, disrupting her thoughts.
All the trials, anxieties, pains, and promises have transformed into a knot of sweat and breath mingling within the veil.
They could never be separated again.
Yu Nie awoke in the warm morning light.
The bed beside her was empty, leaving only a faint, lingering warmth and his unique, invigorating scent of sandalwood on the pillow. She stirred slightly, feeling a strange sensation wash over her, and the passionate memories of last night flooded her mind, causing her ears to flush red.
As her gaze wandered, she noticed a brand-new belt neatly placed beside her pillow.
The lake-blue brocade, embroidered with lotus scrolls, is even more exquisite than the one that was accidentally torn yesterday.
She ran her fingers over the patterns on it, and a sweet feeling quietly welled up in her heart.
"Princess, you're awake?" Cuiwei's voice rang out from outside the tent, carrying a knowing smile as she gently brought over hot water and a handkerchief.
Yu Nie responded somewhat awkwardly.
Cuiwei put down the hot water and handkerchief, walked into the tent, and smiled, "Princess, don't worry. The Prince Consort already told me this morning. He only said that you stayed here last night because you were too tired from taking care of him. As for the rest, I know what's important and I will keep it a secret."
As soon as she finished speaking, Yu Nie's face grew even hotter, and she mumbled an "Mmm." Inappropriately, Huan Xun's scorching breath, his iron-hard arms, and his body that was hard everywhere flashed through her mind last night.
Unaware of what she was thinking, Cuiwei picked up the neatly folded dress and said, "Princess, let me help you change."
"No, no need." Yu Nie hurriedly took the clothes: "I can do it myself." She was still a little embarrassed and didn't want Cui Wei to see what she shouldn't see.
Seeing that she was shy, Cuiwei didn't insist. After putting down the clothes, she went out to prepare some aromatherapy for her to wash her face.
On the bed, Yu Nie hurriedly put on her clothes.
After she got out of bed and finished washing up, she asked casually, "Where...did he go?"
While tidying the bed, Cuiwei replied, "The Prince Consort went to the drill ground early this morning, saying he was going to distribute military duties and inspect the troops."
She paused, then, as if remembering something, added, "Oh, the Prince Consort instructed the kitchen to prepare red date porridge, saying it was for you. The porridge is on the table, Princess, don't forget."
Glancing at the white porcelain bowl on the table, Yu Nie replied, "...Understood."
After saying that, she went to the table and finished the bowl of warm, sweet, and sticky red date porridge.
After finishing her porridge, she got up and said she wanted to go to the drill ground.
Cuiwei thought about what Huanxun had told her, which had been going on since last night, so she followed Yu Nie to the training ground where banners were waving and people were making a ruckus.
Inside the training ground, a somber atmosphere mingled with a blanket of white mourning clothes.
Even though Yan Yue's mourning period had not yet passed, the entire army continued to wear mourning clothes according to the law, with plain white cloth strips wrapped around the foreheads of every soldier.
In the vast arena, apart from the occasional snort of warhorses and the sound of flags being tossed by the wind, the usual clamor was nowhere to be seen; a somber sense of grief and indignation permeated the air.
Yu Nie immediately spotted Huan Xun on the command platform, and then she noticed that Xie Cheng had also arrived.
When they left the previous town, Xie Cheng was left behind. His arrival now must mean that Huan Xun's plans have changed.
On the stage, Fan Tianzheng asked Huan Xun when he planned to continue the attack on Shangjing.
After a long silence, Huan Xun looked at the well-organized troops and asked, "Uncle Fan, when do you think we should attack Shangjing?"
In the days leading up to Yan Yue's funeral, they had postponed their original attack plan. Taking advantage of this, Xiao Daozun launched a counterattack, capturing two passes in succession.
Fan Tian was taken aback, not expecting him to bring up military matters at this time. He pondered and said, "This matter... still needs to be considered carefully. At present, Nan Yin is in high spirits and has won one battle after another. Our army has just suffered losses and its morale has not yet recovered. I am afraid it is not advisable to attack immediately."
As soon as he finished speaking, several other voices echoed in agreement.
"This humble general also believes that Mr. Fan's words make sense." A senior general said, "Our army's morale is currently low, while Nan Yin is riding high on its winning streak and is unstoppable. If we rush into battle now, we will be playing right into Xiao Daozun's hands."
“General Wang is right,” another interjected. “The Grand Commander has just passed away, and the entire army is in mourning. At this time, it is best to stabilize morale. Perhaps we should adopt a defensive posture for now and wait…”
"Defense? How long will that last?!" A furious shout suddenly rang out, and a burly, black-faced general with a full beard stepped forward: "Defend! Defend! Defend! If we keep defending, are we just waiting for that brat Xiao Daozun to stand on our heads?!"
"General Zhang's loyalty and bravery are commendable, however..."
"What do you mean 'still'!" another young general said. "We have been deeply favored by the Grand Commander. Only by fighting a bloody battle can we comfort his spirit in heaven. We, the elite soldiers of Beiye, have never been afraid of them!"
The crowd immediately split into two factions: one advocating for a cautious approach, while the other insisted on a swift victory.
The argument began, with each person having their own reasons.
Yu Nie looked at Huan Xun, wondering what he was thinking.
Huan Xun suddenly turned around, looked at everyone, and said in a deep voice, "Opportunity knocks but once. In my opinion, now is the best time."
Before Fan Tian could respond, he leaped off the platform and landed steadily on the back of the black steed. With a tug on the reins, the horse reared up, letting out a long neigh.
He faced hundreds of thousands of soldiers, his mourning band on his forehead fluttering wildly in the wind, his voice drowning out the sound of the wind:
"It's been ten days."
“For the past ten days, we have been wearing mourning clothes. Everyone must have thought that the backbone of Beiye had been nailed into the coffin along with the Grand Commander. Xiao Daozun thought so too.”
Looking around at the sorrowful faces, his tone suddenly rose: "That's why he dared to seize our pass. He wanted to tell the world that with the Grand Commander dead, Beiye is finished. Today, we will use our swords to tell him he's wrong! The flag of Beiye has not fallen yet, and from this moment on, the one who holds the flag is me, is you, is us!"
"At this moment, there is only one thing we need to do—" His gaze was piercing, sweeping over every burning eye, each word carrying immense weight: "We must use the vast rivers and mountains of Nan Yin, and the head of Xiao Daozun, as a sacrifice to comfort the spirits of the fallen heroes!"
Before he finished speaking, he drew the sword from his waist. With a flash of cold light, the blade sliced across his left palm, and blood gushed out immediately.
In Beiye, swearing an oath with blood on the palm of one's hand is the heaviest vow in the world. Yu Nie, witnessing this scene, understood this.
Without any instructions, this silent action is more awe-inspiring than any command.
Having done all this, Huan Xun raised his bloodied hand and clenched it into a fist: "I, Huan Xun, hereby swear that within three days, I will crush Nan Yin, take Xiao Daozun's head, and fight to the death!"
Fan Tian and the others standing at the front, their eyes filled with tears, almost simultaneously drew their knives and slashed their palms without hesitation.
Immediately afterward, more and more people drew their weapons. Without a moment's hesitation, they slashed their flesh.
In an instant, tens of thousands of bloodstained hands were raised.
Huan Xun declared in a triumphant tone: "This battle—we will surely win!"
The others roared in response: "Victory is certain in this battle!"
"We will trample the mountains and rivers of Nan Yin and offer our blood as a sacrifice to the heroic spirits of Bei Ye!"
"We will trample the mountains and rivers of Nan Yin and offer our blood as a sacrifice to the heroic spirits of Bei Ye!"
"We will trample the mountains and rivers of Nan Yin and offer our blood as a sacrifice to the heroic spirits of Bei Ye!"
The roar swept across the land like a tsunami, drowning out the howling wind, shaking the heavens and the earth, and was unstoppable.
As Yu Nie listened to the surging, thunderous roar, he felt the ground beneath his feet tremble.
Amidst the deafening roar, she inevitably thought of the question they had yet to resolve.
However, Huan Xun clearly had no intention of waiting any longer.
Before the roar subsided, he turned around, his bloodied hand slashing through the air. All the shouts ceased instantly, leaving only the sound of the wind and his cold, iron-like voice echoing:
"All generals, heed my command!"
He glanced at his generals without looking at any map, clearly having a complete grasp of the strategic situation.
"This battle is not a fight over a single city or place, but a three-pronged attack to encircle the capital of Nan Yin. I will make sure Xiao Daozun has nowhere to escape."
Sergeant Fan.
"Your subordinate is here!" Fan Tian immediately stepped forward, his face showing no hesitation whatsoever.
"From this day forward, you will assume the position of Chief Military Advisor, assisting with military affairs. All intelligence documents and the allocation of provisions will be under your command and will be submitted directly to me."
"Yes, sir!" Fan Tian bowed deeply.
"Zhang Dianjun".
The dark-faced, bearded general who had just opposed holding the position clasped his hands and said, "Your subordinate is here!"
"You are hereby appointed as the Grand Commander of the Vanguard Army, leading 100,000 troops as the first echelon. You will be given all the siege equipment. Advance steadily along the official road, clearing paths through mountains and building bridges over rivers. Your task is not to be fast, but steady, to approach the main gate of the capital and draw its main force to defend it."
"Your subordinate obeys!"
Sun Fujiang
"Your subordinate is here."
"I hereby appoint you as the commander of the left wing, with 50,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry, to infiltrate from the flank. Your objective is to occupy the high ground along the Luoshan line, cut off the connection between Shangjing and the eastern prefectures and counties, and guard against enemy reinforcements."
"As you command! This humble general will not allow a single soldier to enter the capital."
"The right wing army also numbered 100,000, led by Wu Wei, and marched down the river to block the waterways, forming a pincer movement with the left wing."
"Understood!" another general readily agreed.
"The central army will accompany me on my personal campaign, heading straight for the capital." He spoke very quickly and clearly.
After issuing all the orders, he surveyed the entire field: "All other generals, return to your respective camps. Two hours later, the entire army will set off, advancing simultaneously from the left, right, and center. Our destination—the capital!"
"There is no turning back from this journey!"
"No retreat!" The resounding cheers echoed once more.
With the deployment complete and military orders as firm as mountains, the entire Northern Cliff Army and the Red Armor Army sprang into action.
They rushed off in all directions, their hoofbeats echoing everywhere. The flags of the Northern Cliff Army moved swiftly through the crowd, leading their respective troops. The sounds of footsteps, the clanging of armor, and the neighing of warhorses merged into a massive and chaotic wave of noise.
Amidst the commotion, Huan Xun's gaze pierced through the swirling dust and locked onto her figure.
He tightened the reins, and the spirited horse reared up and charged towards Yu Nie.
He didn't ask any questions, but simply extended his hand to her, his bloodied palm facing upwards, his gaze burning with intensity—this was his invitation.
Yu Nie looked up at him, at his handsome face, reshaped by grief, anger, and determination, and at the army gathering behind him that could turn the world upside down.
She knew perfectly well that he was like an arrow released from a bow, unstoppable.
Last night's tenderness wasn't enough to stop him. She had to follow him; she had to stop him when he was consumed by revenge and did something irreversible.
Looking into his hand, Yu Nie did not hesitate and placed her own hand in his palm.
Huan Xun's fingers tightened instantly, and he pulled her onto the horse's back, placing her in front of him, his hard chest pressed against her back.
"Go," he whispered, spurring his horse forward.
The warhorse carried the two men toward the Red Armor Guard's camp.
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