Chapter 67 Returning Dream, Lonely Grave, and Bell.
"Hancheng, the Hancheng of the Khitan, the place of Aluyebaoji, have you searched for it?"
In her previous life, Chen Sangguo disappeared during the war in Chang'an. It was only during the Battle of Youzhou that Feng Huaihe learned that she had been captured and taken to Hancheng in Khitan, where she became Abaoji's concubine.
But Bao Fu sighed and said, "We searched. After the incident, the first place Mr. Bao looked for was Seoul. But no one had seen her."
Zhu Qing's last hope was shattered, and her lungs felt like they were stuffed with cotton, making her feel suffocated and heavy.
She never imagined anything bad would happen to her family. When she saw Feng Huaihe, she didn't ask about him immediately. She thought that many people were still doing well even if they hadn't seen each other for half a year. But she forgot that this was the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, when the Tang and Song dynasties were at the turn of the dynasty. Wars were raging everywhere, and there were refugees everywhere. Most of those ordinary meetings were the last time they would see each other.
She was prejudiced by applying the mindset of civilized society to measure the world, wasting so much time reuniting with her family along the way.
Zhu Qing felt somewhat guilty and, not wanting to waste any more time, carefully put away Feng Huaihe's divorce papers. As she and Bao Fu walked out of the military tent, she asked, "How is Third Brother's injury? And what is Zhang Yin's connection to this matter?"
"Third Brother was stabbed several times. It's a miracle he came back alive. I asked the doctor for his opinion on this matter. He said that it's a miracle Third Brother is alive. Even if he wakes up, if he only sees a string of bells, he might not last long."
Bao Fu led Zhu Qing to the outside of the military camp, where two strong horses were tethered under a tree covered in snow, with sacks of grain on their backs.
As Bao Fu mounted his horse, he continued, "Third Brother and Chen Sangguo went to Kaifeng to look for you. They couldn't get anything out of the clerk, so they assumed your sudden disappearance was related to Zhang Yin. But Zhang Yin wasn't in Kaifeng at the time; Tian Jiuzhu received them."
"Afterwards, Zhang Yin reported their actions in Kaifeng to Zhu Wen, requesting that more men be sent to capture people and obtain weapons. Although Zhang Yin was in Luzhou and did not participate directly, he was the one who brought this matter together."
A surge of hatred welled up in Zhu Qing's heart.
In her past life, Zhang Yin tacitly allowed her to sacrifice herself, and she could still deceive herself into believing that she was willing to give up for the Sixteen Prefectures. What can she use to deceive herself now?
On the surface, he is an innocent nineteen-year-old boy, but deep down he is Zhang Yin, whose past life was corrupt.
All the tricks Feng Huaihe used to force her were no match for Zhang Yin's sudden move.
What a tasteless yet deadly poisonous scholar.
But Zhu Qing couldn't understand why Feng Huaihe wouldn't tell her, pull her along like an ordinary couple, and give her a divorce agreement.
He also seemed to have said that no matter what happened, he should not come looking for him again.
Although this was what Zhu Qing had always wanted, the sudden and drastic change still left her feeling confused and uneasy.
Zhu Qing knew that they couldn't waste any more time. He wanted Bao Fu to deliver the grain to the old woman alone, but he was afraid that Bao Fu wouldn't know the way.
She had to do it herself, but she had to ride at full speed without stopping for even a moment. After delivering it to the old woman, she had to go to Jinyang immediately, otherwise she might never see her third brother again.
This is not the peaceful era she lived in; she must be cautious in everything she does.
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General's tent.
The generals in charge of leading the troops sat around a pile of firewood, finalizing the plan for the final battle.
Feng Huaihe sat in the center, holding a map of the Luzhou battlefield in his hand. The flickering firelight fell on his brows and made his dull eyes appear even more profound.
The routes on the map transformed in his eyes into strands of Zhu Qing's hair, exuding a faint fragrance, sometimes falling from above onto his shoulders, or sometimes he wrapped them around his fingers from behind, just as Zhu Qing's hair was intertwined with his own...
"Mr. Zhijian, she's gone." Someone suddenly spoke, abruptly pulling Feng Huaihe from his beautiful dream. He looked up and saw Li Sizhao opposite him, saying, "You said that after Zhu Qingren leaves, there's a plan to win this battle. What is it?"
Upon realizing this, Feng Huaihe seemed to wake from a dream. She was gone, and he could now win the Battle of Luzhou without any worries.
Feng Huaihe closed the map and said, "We'll launch a night raid to break through the encirclement and set fire to the fortified village."
Li Sizhao snorted, "But Zhou Dewei has been recalled by the new Prince of Jin. Who will break through the siege? Although I have the strength, I absolutely cannot leave Luzhou."
"Although Liang Jun's fortified camp is easy to defend and difficult to attack, it cannot withstand fire. The fortified camp is like a chimney. If a fire starts at one end, the smoke will quickly engulf the fortified camp. Once Liang Jun inhales the smoke and becomes dizzy, that will be the best time for a surprise attack."
Feng Huaihe stood up. “If the general is worried about not having anyone to command, I can lead the troops myself.”
"But you are a scholar..."
Li Sizhao was stationed in Luzhou year-round and was unaware that Feng Huaihe had revealed his martial arts skills in Jinyang City.
Feng Huaihe didn't explain. The war was intense, and soldiers were an important resource. As long as he defeated Zhang Yin and avenged Zhu Qing, he would also pave the way for the Jin army.
According to the course of history, once this road was opened, the Jin army's victory in the Battle of Luzhou was a foregone conclusion. Even if he had stood with the Liang army in his previous life, the Jin army would still have won.
Therefore, Feng Huaihe said, "I only need a hundred soldiers to destroy the fortified camp and open a path for the Jin army."
Li Sizhao hesitated.
At this moment, a soldier jogged in, bowed, and said, "General, Zhu Wen has retreated with some troops."
Li Sizhao exclaimed in surprise, "What? He came with such force that he even dared to send me a letter of surrender. Why is he suddenly withdrawing his troops now?"
Feng Huaihe continued, "Zhu Wen had just ascended the throne, and his foundation was unstable, with many regional military governors disobeying him. Initially, he was also at odds with Prince Qi, Li Maozhen. If he stayed in Luzhou for too long, Li Maozhen might launch a surprise attack, so he naturally wouldn't stay long. However, he did leave behind a great general, Liu Zhijun, right?"
The soldier said, "That's right, he replaced Li Si'an with Liu Zhijun, and he still wants to attack Luzhou."
Li Sizhao snorted coldly, "Even if Zhu Wen has retreated, the battle for Luzhou has been going on for too long. I have been holding on desperately, and the food in the city is running low. Zhou Dewei has also been suddenly recalled. If Liu Zhijun sends troops again, Luzhou will be doomed!"
Feng Huaihe said, "If you follow my plan, you will surely win the Battle of Luzhou."
Li Sizhao hesitated, but he had no other choice. Feng Huaihe was the only person around him who could be considered useful. He had heard that Feng Huaihe had fought on the front lines many times and killed countless enemies, but he had been stationed at the gate of Luzhou City and had never seen him.
Li Sizhao said, "You are, after all, a man sent by the Prince of Jin. If I really only give you a hundred soldiers, and something happens to you, I'm afraid some villains will slander the Prince of Jin and punish you. So I'll give you a thousand. How about breaking through the enemy's camp?"
"Thank you, General Xie."
Feng Huaihe didn't say much to Li Sizhao. In any case, no matter how many soldiers Li Sizhao gave him, Feng Huaihe would only take a hundred into battle.
Setting fire to the fortified village and forcing Zhang Yin out is far too simple.
He also knew that at this time, Prince Jin, Li Cunxu, and Zhou Dewei were already on their way to Luzhou to provide support.
Feng Huaihe had calculated the timing perfectly. As long as he breached the fortified village, Li Cunxu and Zhou Dewei would arrive around the same time. At that point, their reinforcements would arrive, and together with Li Sizhao, they would be able to win the battle.
The only problem is that Zhang Yin also knows the course of this war.
Feng Huaihe was unsure what scheme Zhang Yin would devise to retaliate. Although Zhang Yin lacked the talent to be a strategist, Feng Huaihe feared the sudden inspiration of a fool.
However, what you fear most is what you will eventually encounter.
As night fell, Feng Huaihe led a hundred soldiers and, after reporting to Li Sizhao, secretly headed towards the Liang army's fortified stronghold.
He had drawn up a map of Liang Jun's fortified camp in advance, found the most suitable place to set fire to it, and took advantage of the fact that the spring snow had stopped tonight. He and his soldiers split into several groups, some responsible for setting fire to the camp, and some responsible for guarding the outside of the camp. They would kill any who came out.
The fortified camp was only part of the camp; Liang's army still had many more soldiers stationed in the camp, waiting for Zhou Dewei and Li Cunxu to arrive so they could go up to the camp and kill the enemy.
Feng Huaihe arranged for people to set fire to the village, and he led more people to ambush outside the village. Each of them wore white snow branches on their heads, and when they lay in ambush, they almost blended into the snowy night.
Feng Huaihe held a bow and arrow in his hand, his eyes fixed on the exit of the fortified village. After waiting for an unknown amount of time, a huge burst of fire suddenly appeared in the deep night, and thick smoke mixed into the night amidst the towering light.
Immediately afterwards, there were screams and shouts from inside the stronghold. The gates were flung open, and Liang soldiers covered their mouths and noses, coughing violently as they ran out.
After running out, they were all bent over, gasping for breath. The leading general shouted, "The Jin army launched a sneak attack..."
Before he could finish speaking, an arrow pierced his throat.
The warmth of the arrow still lingered in Feng Huaihe's palm as he coldly ordered, "Kill. Capture Zhang Yin alive."
The Jin soldiers who were lying in ambush with him rushed forward with their swords. Before the Liang soldiers, who were still dizzy from being enveloped in smoke, could react, they were killed by the Jin soldiers with a single blow.
Feng Huaihe rode ahead, his night vision honed by years of archery practice allowing him to clearly see the blood gushing from the Liang army, mingling with that of the Jin army, flowing across the snow and staining the snowmelt red.
For some reason, Feng Huaihe suddenly remembered what Zhu Qing had said: "The old woman's husband and son both died in battle in Chang'an..."
Feng Huaihe raised his bow and arrow high and shouted, "Emperor Zhu Wen of Liang has returned to the capital and understands that the chances of winning the battle of Luzhou are not high, yet he still leaves you here to die. If you know what's good for you, lay down your weapons and remove your armor, you may be spared."
These words instantly demoralized the Liang army, making them even more discouraged. Before long, the Jin army completely breached the fortified camp.
Outside the fortified village, corpses piled up like mountains and blood flowed like rivers. The Jin army was overjoyed, having defeated the fortified village with only a hundred men!
Feng Huaihe stood quietly in the distance, not seeing Zhang Yin. Where had he gone?
At that moment, he saw a straggler sneaking around. Feng Huaihe shot the man in the calf with an arrow, and Liang Jun immediately fell to the ground.
The two Jin soldiers, knowing what was good for them, quickly seized him.
Feng Huaihe stepped forward, looked at the unfamiliar Liang soldier, and asked, "Where is your general's staff officer?"
Liang Bing said in a panic, "I don't know..."
With a whoosh, Feng Huaihe drew his knife and slashed hard at the other man's other calf. The man lost his balance and knelt down in front of Feng Huaihe.
Feng Huaihe asked coldly, "Where is your general's staff officer?"
The Jin soldier holding the man said, "The man before you is none other than the famous Feng Zhijian. Master Zhijian has calculated all the secrets of heaven. Since he has come to ask you, he must know that you do. If you don't want to die, you'd better speak up!"
Liang Bing cried out in terror, "Before His Majesty returned to court, he discussed tactics with Staff Officer Zhang all night. After that, Staff Officer Zhang left, and I really don't know where he went..."
"But I heard rumors in the army that His Majesty has put pressure on Staff Officer Zhang. He has already failed once in acquiring weapons, and if he fails to take Luzhou again, he will lose his head. Everyone says he is going back to Jinyang to seek help from his former master..."
Feng Huaihe pondered for a moment, then dropped his sword and mounted his horse.
Zhang Yin wasn't going to Jinyang to find any former master; he was probably going to see Zhu Qing. A man like him, all ambition and no ability, could only resort to despicable tactics of constantly finding fault and threatening others. Feng Huaihe couldn't imagine what other schemes he might have.
Just as Feng Huaihe was about to ride off to find Zhu Qing, he heard someone in the army shout, "Mr. Zhijian, there's something here!"
Feng Zhijian immediately reined in his horse. A soldier trotted over and held a letter above his head, handing it to Feng Zhijian. "We found this on the body of the Liang army's deputy general when we were unloading their armor, supplies, and provisions. I can't read, could you take a look and see if it's a secret letter between the Liang army?"
Feng Huaihe took it and opened it.
The text above is in unfamiliar handwriting, containing frightening content:
"I know you'll break through the fortified camp, but that's none of my business. All I care about is winning Luzhou. Zhu Qing and Chen Sangguo are both in my hands. Open the gates of Luzhou for the Liang army and let my troops storm in, and I'll give them to you."
Feng Huaihe's breathing became increasingly rapid. He crumpled the letter into a ball, pressing so hard that his knuckles cracked.
His face grew increasingly grim, his eyes filled with frost and a murderous intent.
The soldier who delivered the message felt the oppressive aura and lowered his head deeply.
Feng Huaihe casually tossed the letter aside and said to the soldier, "Go and inform Li Sizhao that there is a spy in the army."
Yes, but where are you going?
Feng Huaihe rode his horse into the night, his voice lingering in the cold wind: "The Prince of Jin will arrive in Luzhou tomorrow. Please ask Li Sizhao to tell him that I, Feng, am resigning from my post."
"What, resign?" The soldiers stood there bewildered.
Feng Huaihe did not believe that Zhang Yin had the ability to find Chen Sangguo. Sangguo had an accident in Weizhou, while Zhang Yin was on the battlefield in Luzhou at the time.
If Zhang Yin had such long arms, he wouldn't be limited to this level of skill.
Feng Huaihe realized almost immediately that this was Zhang Yin's tactic to buy time, a feint to the east while attacking the west.
If he really opens the gates of Luzhou and the Liang army storms in, not only will Luzhou be lost, but the time gained from the war will also give Zhang Yin the opportunity to find Zhu Qing.
Zhang Yin certainly has no leverage over Zhu Wen now, but what did he talk about all night?
He didn't believe Zhang Yin had the cunning to talk with Zhu Wen for so long and still get Zhu Wen to give him more opportunities; the conversation must have been about a treacherous scheme.
Who is involved in this treacherous scheme? Zhu Qing?
He might be involved, or he might not, but Feng Huaihe wouldn't gamble on even the slightest possibility.
He didn't want to spend the rest of his life guarding a lonely grave, holding a string of bells, living a solitary life.
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