Chapter 20 The truth will tell you what Wei Zhang is really like...
Wei Xuan understood that her grievances were probably because Wei Zhang wanted to marry Yuan Yi.
In fact, this matter had already spread in Shengjing yesterday.
The Emperor intends to arrange a marriage between Wei Zhang and Yuan Yi, and Wei Zhang has already tacitly agreed to the marriage.
Wei Zhang never considered the girl in front of him as someone to spend the rest of his life with; he only regarded her as one of his possessions.
Anger, heartache, pity—a mix of emotions welled up in Wei Xuan's heart, but he forced himself to suppress them.
There's no need to add fuel to the fire when she's already upset.
He took a handkerchief and wanted to wipe the corner of her mouth.
He changed his mind the moment he reached out his hand, and simply folded the handkerchief and handed it to her: "Wipe your mouth."
Xue Lanyi remained motionless, watching him warily.
Wei Xuan's sudden appearance here, and his intimate behavior towards her, made Xue Lanyi suspicious.
Wei Xuan stared into those unfamiliar eyes, her fingers curling slightly as she held the handkerchief. "Yiyi, you really don't remember..."
Don't you remember him?
Don't you remember their wonderful past?
Wei Xuan desperately wanted to know if she still had even a trace of him in her mind.
However, they had already communicated several times, and her aloofness spoke volumes.
Since Wei Zhang intended to alter her memories, he would naturally try to downplay Wei Xuan's existence.
Moreover, things have changed, and Wei Xuan now looks to be over thirty.
It's understandable that she didn't recognize it.
Wei Xuan hadn't come here to dwell on this issue, nor did he want to force her, so he put the handkerchief away and changed the subject: "Don't you remember... that you have a younger brother?"
"Younger brother?" Xue Lanyi felt a chill run down her spine.
Yes, I think so.
In her hazy memories, there was a beautiful little boy who loved wearing a gold necklace and always followed behind her, calling her "sister, sister."
They must have a very good relationship as siblings.
But if you think about it more deeply, you'll find yourself in a complete blank.
Wei Xuan said, "Your brother is still alive. Do you want to go see him?"
Xue Lanyi's mind was even more confused.
She asked Wei Zhang to investigate and found that her family had been beheaded for embezzling military funds, and all the female members had been forced into prostitution.
How can anyone still be alive?
That's impossible.
Xue Lanyi shook her head repeatedly, her head aching more and more the more she thought about it.
Her chaotic thoughts were about to overwhelm her, and she subconsciously looked for Wei Zhang's direction.
Over the years, she has become accustomed to all her information coming from Wei Zhang.
Her reliance and sense of security came from Wei Zhang.
Someone tried to break down this barrier. She was anxious and scared, and turned to rush out the door, crying, "I have no family left, don't lie to me!"
"Yiyi, don't you want to see the truth?"
Wei Xuan's voice sounded from behind, and Xue Lanyi's fingers, which were gripping the door latch, froze.
"The truth will tell you what kind of person Wei Zhang is." Wei Xuan slowly stepped forward, his voice gentle and persuasive. "Don't be afraid, I will stay with you."
Wei Xuan meant that Wei Zhang was lying to her.
How could that be? What could she possibly have that made Wei Zhang go to such lengths to deceive her for three years?
Xue Lanyi fiddled with the door latch, shaking her head repeatedly.
Wei Xuan could understand the insecurity she would feel when something she had firmly believed in for three years suddenly collapsed.
But this sense of security was a cage that bound her, and he couldn't help but help her break free.
"Lend me your earrings, I want to show you something." Wei Xuan's voice was very soft, afraid of startling her.
Xue Lanyi quickly covered her ears with her hands, her gaze lowered and unsteady.
The small body curled up, its shoulders pressed tightly against the partition door, only then could it find a little sense of security.
Her nerves were too tense, so Wei Xuan didn't dare to push her too hard. He stood at a distance from her, blocking the cold wind that was seeping in through the window cracks.
His long, slender figure gently enveloped her, and the breeze blowing from him carried the scent of lilies.
It was as if the whole world had become peaceful.
Her heart calmed down a little.
These earrings weren't unique to begin with, so they had lost their meaning for Xue Lanyi.
She hesitated for a moment, then took off the earring and handed it to Wei Xuan.
Wei Xuan spun the spherical earring, and white powder immediately scattered from the hollowed-out pattern.
Xue Lanyi subconsciously reached out to catch it, and the powder slipped from her fingertips, carrying a faint fragrance.
Though faint, the aroma lingers for a long time.
"Do you think this could be a good thing?"
Wei Xuan's words made Xue Lanyi's pupils shrink.
What good can come from something hidden in the shadows?
She couldn't understand what Wei Zhang was trying to do, and didn't even have the courage to ask what the powder was.
A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I staggered half a step.
Wei Xuan supported her through her clothes, and once she calmed down, he extended his other hand to her.
“Yiyi, give yourself a chance to see the world beyond Wei Zhang. He has never been your only possibility.”
She deserves a wider world.
Xue Lanyi looked up in surprise and met Wei Xuan's sincere gaze.
The two brothers had equally deep eyes; Wei Zhang's eyes were like bottomless cliffs, while Wei Xuan's eyes were like vast, boundless plains.
Yes, Wei Zhang never considered her the only one, so was there another possibility for her?
In a moment of impulse, Xue Lanyi placed her hand in Wei Xuan's palm.
As soon as the nimble hand landed, Wei Xuan's hands, which could bend an eight-stone bow, trembled slightly.
For many years, Wei Xuan had failed to propose to her, so he had never formally held her hand.
At that moment, her hand sank into his palm, and the tall man's ears turned red.
There was no time to savor the moment; he quickly pulled her toward the back gate of the estate.
None of the guards patrolling the courtyard appeared, and they proceeded without hindrance.
As they left the village, a tall, white horse galloped joyfully toward them.
Upon seeing Xue Lanyi, the horse affectionately nuzzled against her.
Xue Lanyi was startled by the sudden enthusiasm and took a step back.
Wei Xuan slapped the horse's head, and the white horse snorted at him for a long time before crouching down in front of Xue Lanyi.
Wei Xuan lifted her onto the horse, then mounted himself and sat behind her.
The two rode together on one horse, with Xue Lanyi's back almost touching Wei Xuan's chest.
It was too crowded. Apart from Wei Zhang, she had never been so close to any other man, and she felt extremely uncomfortable.
Wei Xuan quickly noticed her discomfort, and hurriedly stepped back a little, pulling off his cloak and draping it over her shoulders.
Only then were the two separated by a slight barrier.
"My eyesight isn't good, so there might be some bumps along the way. Hold on tight to the horse's neck and close your eyes. Don't be afraid."
Wei Xuan's detailed instructions made Xue Lanyi feel much more at ease. She obediently hugged the white horse and closed her eyes.
The horse neighed, and the wind whistled past our ears.
The rushing wind carried the scent of flowers and grass, the aroma of sunshine, and that unique freshness of spring washed away the gloom that had been weighing on my heart.
Her breathing became free and smooth, and she couldn't help but open her eyes a crack.
The verdant mountains before us rushed past, and the white horse galloped swiftly, its hooves treading on fallen leaves and flying blossoms.
In the distance, the horizon stretches to the horizon, bathed in the bright sunlight.
Their clothes fluttered as they chased the sun, the road ahead seemingly endless, yet bright and clear, allowing them to roam freely.
Xue Lanyi had never seen such a vast sky and earth before, and her horizons were suddenly broadened.
Wei Xuan's gaze never left her. Seeing the gloom in her eyes fade and her radiance return, he smiled and smiled back at her.
A horse and two people gallop wildly toward the horizon, merging into the boundless spring sunshine.
On the other side, in the dimly lit hall.
The crimson wine cup crashed to the ground.
The metallic thuds echoed in the empty room.
Wei Zhang sat on the chaise longue and rubbed his temples.
"You seem so distracted, are you drunk? Or... are you preoccupied with something?"
At the long table just an arm's length away, Yuan Yi sat gracefully to the side and handed Wei Zhang another cup of wine: "You've only drunk five cups of wine, and Lord Wei has looked outside so many times already. Could it be that you regret sending Miss Xue away?"
"She's just a concubine, Your Highness is overthinking it." Wei Zhang poured himself a cup and lightly clinked it with Yuan Yi's.
The clear wine sloshed and splashed onto Wei Zhang's index finger, leaving a slightly astringent taste.
"As the saying goes, even heroes find it hard to resist the charms of a beautiful woman; this is only human nature. Why should a great man make things difficult for himself?"
Yuan Yi chuckled charmingly, slowly swirling her wine cup. "There's a saying: 'In vino veritas'. My love wine is different from ordinary love wine. Just one sip, and you'll know who you're thinking of and who's right in front of you."
"My lord, who did you see?" Yuan Yi breathed softly at him.
A strong fragrance wafted over, accompanied by billowing smoke.
"Yun Jian!"
As the chaos faded from view, the girl's smiling face, now clearly visible after her successful stolen kiss, gradually became clearer.
She whispered sweetly in his ear, "You're blushing. Aren't you going to admit you like me?"
Wei Zhang's pupils contracted, and he shook his head, but his mind became increasingly confused.
Suddenly, he collapsed onto the chaise lounge.
Yuan Yi sat at the long table, looking down at the unconscious Wei Zhang, a cold smile playing on his lips: "Heroes love beauties, but unfortunately you are not a hero, and you are not worthy of beauties."
Yuan Yi stood up, her alluring expression vanishing. "Keep a close eye on him!"
"Here you go!"
Armed guards emerged from both sides of the main hall, responding in unison.
Yuan Yi did not glance at Wei Zhang again, and walked out of the main hall with her back straight, proud and dignified.
The light gauze in the hall was removed, leaving only the cold, hard blade.
Two quarters of an hour later, three short but forceful knocks sounded from outside the door.
Wei Zhang, who was in a coma, slowly opened his eyes.
He slowly sat up, dressed in a black robe, like a dark cloud pressing down.
"Are you...you're alright?"
The guards were terrified, and all pointed their swords at Wei Zhang.
However, no one dared to actually step forward, advancing and retreating intermittently, shouting, "Report to the princess! Quickly report to the princess!"
Wei Zhang remained unmoved, his knees spread apart, his hands resting on his thighs slowly turning the jade thumb ring.
"kill."
A single, light word echoed layer upon layer in the main hall.
Behind the guard, several streaks of silver light flashed.
Before they could rush out, their throats were slit in an instant, and blood trickled down the cracks in the brickwork.
The ten bodies were like carp struggling, unable to move, unable to live, unable to die.
Wei Zhang's rule: Those who oppose me must shed their last drop of blood before they can close their eyes.
Qingyang pushed open the door and entered. He glanced at the ten people, who were as pale as paper, and could not bear to look at them.
He looked away and stepped forward to report, "Young Master, the eldest young master has taken Miss Xue westward."
"Close the net." Wei Zhang pulled his fox fur coat tighter, stepped over the blood-soaked ground, and walked away.
Qingyang smelled the alcohol on Wei Zhang. "Is the young master alright?"
Wei Zhang glanced at him indifferently.
Qingyang realized he had been overthinking things.
A foreign princess, armed with a worthless promise, dares to interfere in the affairs of the Duke's household. How can the Crown Prince tolerate her?
The Crown Prince's reason for coming here is simply to see what Princess Yuanyi intends to do.
How could the prince not be prepared for such a mere sleeping potion?
Now that they've seen through Yuan Yi's true allegiance, they naturally don't want to keep him around.
Wei Zhang raised his hand and said, "Burn this place down."
This place inexplicably disgusted him.
A raging fire quickly erupted behind him. Wei Zhang didn't look back and strode westward.
To the west, Wei Xuan rode his horse at breakneck speed, and in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he left the territory of Shengjing and arrived at Sishui Pass.
Soon, very soon.
Wei Xuan raised his whip, and the horse rode up the winding mountain road.
Suddenly, Wei Xuan caught a glimpse of a dark figure at the foot of the mountain.
Clearly, Yuan Yi's plan to use drugs to delay Wei Zhang had failed.
Wei Xuan frowned, turned the reins around, abandoned the winding mountain road, and charged directly up the steep slope.
Qingyang watched from afar, amazed by the eldest son's horsemanship.
This mountain forest overgrown with vines is hardly a place for horseback riding.
But ordinary people cannot do it, but Wei Xuan can.
He was the number one equestrian in Dayong; there was no place his horse couldn't cross, from treacherous mountains and rapids to Gobi cliffs.
"We're afraid we won't be able to catch up," Qingyang said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "The garrison commander of Sishui Pass was originally the young master's vanguard. Once he enters Sishui Pass territory, it will be difficult for him to catch up."
Wei Zhang sat high on his horse, looking up at Wei Xuan who had disappeared into the dense forest.
It's been at least three years since I've witnessed his equestrian skills.
Now, dressed in light armor and riding swiftly like the wind, he truly possesses some of the heroic spirit he displayed when he single-handedly stormed the Xiongnu camp and defeated the Chanyu.
"If my brother is in the mood, I will accompany him." Wei Zhang also tightened the reins and rushed into the steep mountain forest, climbing uphill.
The others had no choice but to follow closely behind.
The pursuers closed in, and Wei Xuan spurred his horse and galloped away.
Another quarter of an hour later, he had left his pursuers far behind.
Upon arriving at the mouth of the Yellow River, a familiar voice suddenly came from ahead, "Young Master, it's been a long time."
In the Linjiang Pavilion, Shen Jinglan stood holding his sword.
The surging Yellow River brings a moist breeze, causing the hem of the flying fish robe to flutter.
Yes, Wei Zhang had already guessed yesterday that Yuan Yi was Wei Xuan's man, so he naturally also guessed that Wei Xuan would take Xue Lanyi and escape today.
Where could they have escaped to?
Wei Xuan's current power is all in the western border, and he has nowhere else to go.
Therefore, Shen Jinglan had been waiting for your arrival on the only road leading to the Western Region since yesterday.
Shen Jinglan beckoned, and the Imperial Guards in the dense forest appeared one after another, their swords pointing at each other.
Behind them, a tall figure dressed in a black fox fur coat was also approaching with his men.
There was no way forward or backward.
Wei Xuan tightened the reins and narrowed his eyes, focusing on the surging Yellow River estuary.
He was most invincible when he was alone without an army, and there was no danger he could not overcome.
With a spur, the white horse reared up and neighed, kicking over the Imperial Guards who had come to surround it.
They moved with incredible speed and agility, as if they were in an uninhabited place.
Just as the horse was about to leap up, shouts came from the Imperial Guards.
"General Wei, stop running! They're deliberately delaying you!" A slightly older member of the Imperial Guard rushed towards Wei Xuan from the crowd, shouting, "The man in black chasing you isn't Lord Wei! Lord Wei went after the late Crown Prince! Lord Wei went after the late Crown Prince!"
Wei Xuan turned his head in shock.
Fearing Wei Xuan wouldn't believe him, the Imperial Guard tore open his sleeve, revealing an old scar on his wrist. "I was once trapped in Gaochang County with you, General. It was you who gave me your rations and saved my life! I am from the Western Expeditionary Army! I am a former subordinate of you!"
The resounding sound echoed at the mouth of the Yellow River.
Although one person can be worth a thousand soldiers.
Behind him, a white-feathered arrow whistled through the air, heading straight for the Jinyiwei's back.
"Watch out!" Wei Xuan leaped into the air, trying to push him away.
But it was too far away, and Wei Xuan's vision was blurred. Before he could even see the Imperial Guard, the arrow suddenly pierced his heart.
Blood splattered everywhere.
The Imperial Guard collapsed to the ground with a thud, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, but a relieved smile appeared on his face. "General Wei is back, our general is back..."
He stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence, then peacefully closed his eyes, revealing the battle-worn, medal-like marks on his bare arms.
After Wei Xuan lost power, the Western Expeditionary Army was taken over, and his former troops were scattered to various places.
But they all shared a common goal: eagerly awaiting the general's return.
Wei Xuan walked sadly toward the soldier's body, closed his eyes, and said, "I'm sorry."
He took off his robe to cover the soldier's body.
"All land under heaven belongs to the king; I was unaware that the Western Expeditionary Army served another master."
Not far away, Shen Jinglan aimed his bow and arrow at Wei Xuan again, drawing the bowstring taut. "However, he is right about one thing: General Wei doesn't need to run anymore. He should just surrender."
As he spoke, he loosened his grip on his fingertip.
The white-feathered arrow flew like lightning, striking Wei Xuan and leaving a bloody gash on his cheekbone before piercing the cloak on his horse's back.
The cloak fell to the ground, revealing not Xue Lanyi inside, but a pile of straw.
A note from the author:
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