Inside the magnificent palace of the Mu Kingdom, Murong Xuan stood alone before a massive military map. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting iridescent light on his ornate robes, but the brilliance could not illuminate the gloom in his eyes. He gazed at the borders of the various countries on the map, his eyes finally settling on the territory of the Rong Kingdom, which bordered Mu. A slight smile, tinged with ambition, appeared on his lips.
Murong Xuan, a prince of the Mu Kingdom, grew up amidst the power struggles and intrigues of the court. His father, the King of Mu, was a wise yet stern monarch who placed high hopes on him, expecting him to become a capable ruler. However, these hopes gradually twisted into an extreme thirst for power and territory in Murong Xuan's heart. He was unwilling to be merely a minor prince, guarding the existing lands; he wanted more. He wanted to build a vast empire, making all nations submit to him.
During his education at the palace, Murong Xuan learned countless military strategies and methods of governance. He was exceptionally intelligent, and his understanding of these subjects far surpassed that of ordinary people. His teachers praised him as a prodigy, a talent rarely seen in a century. However, this talent was not used for good; instead, it became a tool to satisfy his ambition. He often spent entire days in the palace library, studying ancient war records and intrigues, constantly devising plans to expand his territory.
Murong Xuan had a strategist named Su Ran. Su Ran was resourceful and loyal to Murong Xuan, but his loyalty also fueled Murong Xuan's ambition. One day, Murong Xuan summoned Su Ran to a secret chamber. The chamber was filled with a mysterious atmosphere, and the walls were covered with various weapons and maps.
"Su Ran, I have something to discuss with you." Murong Xuan sat in the main seat of the secret room, looking sharply at Su Ran.
"Your Highness, please speak freely. I will do my utmost to offer you advice and suggestions," Su Ran replied respectfully.
"Look at the surrounding countries. Although the Mu Kingdom is quite powerful, its territory is limited. I believe we cannot be satisfied with the status quo and should take action," Murong Xuan said, pointing to the direction of the Rong Kingdom on the map.
Su Ran followed Murong Xuan's finger and understood. He frowned slightly and said, "Your Highness, although Rong Kingdom is adjacent to our country, there have been no major conflicts between the two countries for many years. If we act rashly, it may cause domestic turmoil and alert neighboring countries."
Murong Xuan sneered: "Hmph, how could I not know these things? But if there is a suitable reason to make Rong Kingdom the target of everyone's criticism, then we can take advantage of the opportunity."
Su Ran pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Your Highness means... to provoke a war between the two countries? But once this war begins, it will inevitably cause immense suffering, and the outcome will be unpredictable."
"War is inherently cruel; how can one achieve great things without sacrifice? As for victory or defeat, I, the prince, am confident. As long as our plan is thorough, the Rong Kingdom will undoubtedly be defeated." Murong Xuan's eyes gleamed with fanaticism.
From that day on, Murong Xuan and Su Ran began their secret plot. They first sent out spies to infiltrate various parts of Rong Kingdom to gather intelligence. These spies disguised themselves as merchants, refugees, and other identities, moving through the cities and villages of Rong Kingdom. They gathered all useful information, including Rong Kingdom's military deployments, the situation of its officials, and public opinion.
Meanwhile, Murong Xuan also began his operations within the Mu Kingdom. He used his influence to win over nobles and generals dissatisfied with the status quo. Some of these men craved more wealth and land, while others harbored resentment towards certain policies of the king. Murong Xuan understood the weaknesses of human nature; he used benefits and promises to buy them off one by one, making them part of his plan.
During a court banquet, Murong Xuan skillfully engaged in conversation with several generals who commanded significant military forces. He first expressed his admiration for their military achievements, and then gradually steered the conversation toward the future development of the Mu Kingdom.
"Generals, the Mu Kingdom may seem prosperous now, but it is surrounded by powerful nations. If we do not seek a breakthrough, we will surely suffer humiliation in the future." Murong Xuan said, while observing the expressions of his generals.
A general frowned and said, "Your Highness is absolutely right, but war is not child's play, and we must proceed with caution."
Murong Xuan smiled slightly: "This prince naturally understands. But if there is an excellent opportunity, how can we miss it? This prince recently received news that Rong Kingdom seems to have treacherous intentions, and we must be on guard."
The generals were all surprised to hear Murong Xuan's words. They began to discuss among themselves, while Murong Xuan added fuel to the fire, revealing some false information he had obtained from spies, causing them to become suspicious and hostile towards the Rong Kingdom.
As time went by, Murong Xuan's conspiracy gradually unfolded. His ambition, like a vine in the darkness, continued to spread and grow, while the Rong Kingdom remained completely unaware that a great crisis was quietly approaching.
In Murong Xuan's plan, framing Xiao Yichen was a crucial step. Xiao Yichen was a renowned general of Rong Kingdom, deeply loved by the people and highly respected in the army. If he could be brought down, Rong Kingdom's military strength would be severely weakened, and this could also be used to provoke conflict between the two countries.
Murong Xuan and Su Ran meticulously devised a plan to frame Xiao Yichen. They fabricated a series of evidence, including letters alleging that Xiao Yichen colluded with hostile forces in the Mu Kingdom, and intelligence suggesting that Xiao Yichen was secretly mobilizing troops to attack the Mu Kingdom. This fabricated evidence was so convincing that it was almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
To lend credibility to the evidence, Murong Xuan also arranged for small-scale conflicts to be instigated on the border between the Mu and Rong kingdoms. These conflicts appeared accidental, but were actually carried out according to Murong Xuan's plan. During the conflicts, clues related to Xiao Yichen were deliberately left behind, leading the Rong people to mistakenly believe that Xiao Yichen was behind it all.
Within the Kingdom of Mu, Murong Xuan used his connections to secretly spread this fabricated evidence. Some nobles and officials, unaware of the truth, began to suspect Xiao Yichen, and they gossiped in the court, demanding that the king take action against him. Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Rong, Murong Xuan's spies were also spreading rumors among the common people and the army, undermining Xiao Yichen's position.
All of this was under Murong Xuan's control. He was like a behind-the-scenes chess player, meticulously planning each move. Watching his plan unfold step by step, he felt a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future. However, unbeknownst to him, his scheme had already attracted the attention of some unscrupulous individuals, and a battle between good and evil was about to begin.
Deep within the Mu Kingdom's palace, the king also heard the rumors about Xiao Yichen. He was skeptical, given Xiao Yichen's unwavering loyalty to the Rong Kingdom. However, under pressure from court opinion, he had no choice but to send people to investigate. Upon learning of the king's actions, Murong Xuan was secretly delighted, feeling that his plan had taken another significant step forward.
In Rong Kingdom, Xiao Yichen was utterly bewildered by these sudden rumors. He couldn't understand why anyone would frame him; he had always strived for the stability and prosperity of Rong Kingdom. He began investigating the source of these rumors, but found himself shrouded in mystery. His friends and subordinates trusted him, but public opinion left him feeling somewhat powerless.
Lin Wan'er, Xiao Yichen's confidante, also sensed something amiss. A clever and resourceful woman, skilled in medicine and some unusual arts, she decided to help Xiao Yichen uncover the truth. She knew there must be a massive conspiracy behind this, one that could endanger the entire Rong Kingdom.
In this turbulent era, various forces are stirring. Murong Xuan's ambition, like the calm before a storm, looms over both the Mu and Rong kingdoms, while Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er become the beacon of hope for justice amidst this tempest. Whether they can uncover Murong Xuan's conspiracy and save their nations from this catastrophe remains to be seen.
In Murong Xuan's palace, he once again summoned Su Ran and others involved in the conspiracy. The atmosphere in the palace hall was heavy; everyone knew they were dealing with a matter of great importance concerning the fate of both nations.
"Everyone, our plan is progressing smoothly so far, but we cannot afford to be complacent. We need to continue to increase the pressure on Xiao Yichen so that Rong Guo completely loses his trust in him," Murong Xuan said solemnly.
Su Ran nodded: "Your Highness, we have arranged for more people to operate in Rong Kingdom. I believe that Xiao Yichen will soon be in dire straits."
“Excellent. Once Xiao Yichen falls from power, we can use Rong Kingdom’s provocation as a pretext to launch a war. At that time, Rong Kingdom will surely be thrown into chaos, and we can take the opportunity to seize their territory.” Murong Xuan’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
However, they were unaware that their every move was being watched by an unseen eye. A mysterious organization within Rong Kingdom sensed the impending conspiracy. This organization, which had been secretly protecting Rong Kingdom, decided to intervene and help Xiao Yichen stop Murong Xuan's insane plan.
At this moment, Murong Xuan was immersed in his ambition. He seemed to already see the day he would become a great emperor, and the entire continent would be under his rule. But he didn't know that his ambition was about to lead him into an abyss of no return, and this struggle between conspiracy and counter-conspiracy would become the most thrilling legend of this era.
In a small border town, the people lived in fear due to a conflict orchestrated by Murong Xuan. Houses were burned, farmland was trampled, and people were displaced. The plight of these innocent people became sacrifices to Murong Xuan's ambition, but he was indifferent to it all; in his eyes, only territory and power mattered.
Upon learning of the suffering of the people on the border, Xiao Yichen was deeply distressed. Despite being caught in a whirlwind of rumors, he decided to travel to the border to investigate. Lin Wan'er insisted on going with him, and together they set off for the border with a small group of trusted followers.
Along the way, they witnessed the cruelty of war. Wounded soldiers and civilians groaned by the roadside, and the air was thick with the stench of blood and death. Xiao Yichen clenched his fists, vowing to find the mastermind behind it all and ensure these people would never suffer again.
Upon learning that Xiao Yichen had gone to the border, Murong Xuan smirked. He saw this as a golden opportunity to further frame Xiao Yichen. He once again dispatched assassins, disguised as rebels from Rong Kingdom, to strike Xiao Yichen at the border.
This battle between conspiracy and justice is about to clash fiercely on the border, a place shrouded in the smoke of war. Will Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er be able to escape this crisis, and will they be able to uncover Murong Xuan's conspiracy? Everything becomes increasingly unpredictable amidst this turbulent situation.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, accompanied by their trusted confidants, rode swiftly towards the border, their hooves kicking up clouds of dust along the way. Their eyes were filled with worry and anger; witnessing the suffering of the people along the route, their sense of mission grew stronger. Xiao Yichen's brow was furrowed; he knew this border conflict was no accident, and that a deeper conspiracy lay behind it.
Meanwhile, the assassins dispatched by Murong Xuan were also making intensive preparations. These assassins were specially trained death squads, dressed in the uniforms of the Rong Kingdom rebels, and hidden in various corners of the border town. Their mission was to create the illusion that Xiao Yichen was colluding with the rebels after he arrived at the border, causing the entire Rong Kingdom to completely lose trust in him.
When Xiao Yichen and his group entered the border town, the scene before them was horrifying. The town was in ruins; most of the houses had been burned down, leaving only rubble. Wounded civilians and soldiers lay scattered across the streets, their cries and groans mingling together, creating a scene reminiscent of hell on earth. Xiao Yichen dismounted, his eyes filled with rage. He began to check on the wounded and, at the same time, inquired about what had happened from those around him.
“General, these people are too ruthless! They suddenly rushed in, killing anyone they saw and stealing anything they could find,” an elderly surviving man said, trembling.
"Can you see clearly who they are?" Xiao Yichen asked.
“They are wearing our Rong Kingdom’s clothes, but they are definitely not our own people. They are like a bunch of demons,” the old man replied with grief and indignation.
While treating the injured, Lin Wan'er kept an eye on her surroundings. She felt an uneasy atmosphere hanging over the town, as if countless eyes were watching them from the shadows.
"Yichen, something's not right here. We need to be careful," Lin Wan'er whispered to Xiao Yichen.
Xiao Yichen nodded slightly; he too had noticed the anomaly. He ordered his trusted men to be on high alert and protect the civilians and the wounded. Just then, shouts of battle came from outside the town, and a group of people dressed in Rong Kingdom attire rushed in, wielding weapons.
"They're rebels! General, be careful!" a trusted aide shouted.
Xiao Yichen swiftly drew his sword and led his trusted men to meet the enemy. The battle erupted instantly. These "rebels" appeared fierce, but Xiao Yichen and his men were no pushovers either. Xiao Yichen was highly skilled in martial arts, his swordsmanship swift and deadly, each strike capable of repelling several enemies. Lin Wan'er healed the wounded in the rear and used various unorthodox techniques to disrupt the enemy.
However, these "rebels" didn't seem eager to fight. Shortly after engaging Xiao Yichen and his group, they began to deliberately retreat. Xiao Yichen sensed something amiss and didn't pursue them. But just then, another group of Rong Kingdom soldiers arrived in the town. Seeing Xiao Yichen and the retreating "rebels," they mistakenly believed that Xiao Yichen was colluding with the rebels.
"General Xiao, what are you doing?" a Rong Kingdom officer in the lead questioned loudly.
"Captain Li, you've misunderstood. These people are imposters, they're here to frame me," Xiao Yichen hurriedly explained.
"Hmph, the evidence is conclusive, and you still dare to argue! Look at these people, they are all wearing our Rong Kingdom's uniforms, and we saw you fighting together with our own eyes." Lieutenant Li did not believe Xiao Yichen's words.
Xiao Yichen smiled bitterly to himself; he knew this was another enemy plot. But he was speechless, and the surrounding soldiers looked at him with suspicion. Just as the two sides were at an impasse, Lin Wan'er stepped forward.
"Captain Li, calm down. Think about it, General Xiao has always been loyal to Rongguo, how could he do such a thing? It's obvious that someone is framing him behind the scenes." Lin Wan'er tried to persuade Captain Li.
Lieutenant Li frowned. He knew Xiao Yichen's character, but the scene before him made it hard for him to believe that Xiao Yichen was innocent.
“Miss Lin, I also hope this is a misunderstanding, but given the current situation, I must take General Xiao back and hand him over to the imperial court for punishment,” Lieutenant Li said helplessly.
Xiao Yichen knew that resisting now would only make things worse, so he decided to go back with Lieutenant Li and explain things to the court. He believed that given the chance, he would be able to find out the truth and clear his name.
In the Mu Kingdom, Murong Xuan received news from the border that the plan was progressing smoothly, and he was very pleased. He called Su Ran to his side, and the two began to discuss the next steps of the plan.
“Su Ran, Xiao Yichen has fallen into our trap this time. Next, we need to add some more fuel to the fire in the Rong Kingdom's court so that they can convict Xiao Yichen as soon as possible,” Murong Xuan said.
"Your Highness, I have already arranged for some people to operate within the Rong Kingdom's court. They will produce more so-called evidence at the appropriate time, ensuring that Xiao Yichen has no chance of recovering his reputation," Su Ran replied.
Murong Xuan nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. In addition, we should continue to create chaos on the border, making Rong Kingdom believe that it is Xiao Yichen's accomplices causing trouble, and further disrupt their morale."
In the Rong Kingdom's court, news of Xiao Yichen's collusion with the rebels had spread. The court was in an uproar, and the ministers were divided into two factions. One faction believed that Xiao Yichen had been framed, as they knew his character and contributions to the Rong Kingdom well; the other faction believed that the evidence was conclusive and that Xiao Yichen should be severely punished.
The emperor of Rong sat on the dragon throne, his face grim. He had always valued Xiao Yichen highly, but this incident had made him waver. He decided to imprison Xiao Yichen first, and then send people to investigate further.
Xiao Yichen was imprisoned, filled with helplessness and resentment. In his cell, he constantly pondered the ins and outs of the entire incident, trying to find the mastermind behind it all. Lin Wan'er, meanwhile, was out searching for evidence to prove Xiao Yichen's innocence. She found some civilians who had survived the border conflict and asked them to explain the situation to the court, but their testimonies were not taken seriously by certain factions within the court.
Lin Wan'er also visited some ministers who were on good terms with Xiao Yichen, hoping they could speak on his behalf in court. One of the ministers, Minister Zhang, said to Lin Wan'er, "Miss Lin, I also believe that General Xiao has been wronged, but the situation in the court is complicated right now, and the evidence against General Xiao seems very convincing. We need more evidence to convince His Majesty."
Lin Wan'er was extremely anxious. She knew time was of the essence; if she couldn't prove Xiao Yichen's innocence quickly, he might be convicted. She decided to risk everything to investigate the source of the fabricated evidence. Through some friends in the martial arts world, she learned that the evidence might be related to the Mu Kingdom. Therefore, she disguised herself and prepared to infiltrate the Mu Kingdom.
At the border, Murong Xuan's men continued to create chaos. They attacked Rong Kingdom's border outposts, looted supplies, and further escalated the situation. The Rong Kingdom's court was forced to send more troops to suppress the unrest, but due to suspicion of Xiao Yichen, the army's command became somewhat chaotic, affecting its combat effectiveness.
Seeing Rong Kingdom in such a predicament, Murong Xuan felt even more smug. He decided to personally go to the border to assess the situation and direct the next steps. He led a squad of elite Murong soldiers and quietly approached the border area.
In the border forest between the Mu and Rong kingdoms, Murong Xuan and his men hid among the trees. He observed the chaos on the Rong border, a cold smile playing on his lips.
"Your Highness, our plan is progressing smoothly. Rong Kingdom is now in complete chaos, and their army is utterly vulnerable without Xiao Yichen's command," one of his subordinates said.
"Hmph, this is just the beginning. We will completely collapse the Rong Kingdom and then seize their territory." Murong Xuan's eyes gleamed with greed.
Just then, they suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves. It turned out to be a patrol from the Rong Kingdom passing by. Murong Xuan signaled his men not to act rashly, and they hid in the woods, observing the patrol's movements. The patrol did not notice them and continued on its way.
Murong Xuan realized they couldn't stay here too long, or they would easily be discovered. He led his men quietly out of the border forest and headed to their secret base on the border. At the base, they met up with other personnel operating on the border to discuss their next sabotage plan.
After many twists and turns, Lin Wan'er finally infiltrated the Kingdom of Mu. She cautiously moved through the cities, searching for clues related to the framing of Xiao Yichen. She discovered that some nobles and officials of Mu seemed to be secretly engaged in unusual activities. She followed one of the suspicious officials to a mysterious mansion.
The mansion was heavily guarded. Lin Wan'er used her light-footed skills to quietly sneak into the mansion. In one of the rooms, she discovered some documents and letters about Xiao Yichen. These documents and letters were copies of fabricated evidence used to frame Xiao Yichen. Lin Wan'er was overjoyed; she knew that as long as she brought this evidence back, she could prove Xiao Yichen's innocence.
But just as she was about to take the evidence, she suddenly heard footsteps. She hurriedly found a place to hide, and saw several soldiers from the Mu Kingdom enter the room.
"The lord instructed that these things must be kept safe and secure, and that nothing be done wrong," a soldier said.
“Understood. This is crucial evidence for framing Xiao Yichen. We can’t let the Rong Kingdom people find out.” Another soldier replied.
Lin Wan'er held her breath and waited for the soldiers to leave before quickly taking the evidence and quietly leaving the mansion. However, her actions still attracted the attention of some people, and the Mu Kingdom began to hunt her down.
Lin Wan'er ran wildly through the streets of Mu Kingdom, her pursuers closing in. She used various unorthodox techniques to escape, but the Mu Kingdom's pursuers were numerous and familiar with the terrain, leaving Lin Wan'er in a predicament. Just when she was about to be caught, she saw a small alley and rushed in without hesitation.
In the alley, she encountered a mysterious old man. Seeing Lin Wan'er being chased by pursuers, the old man came to her aid. He was highly skilled in martial arts and quickly repelled the pursuers. Lin Wan'er was extremely grateful to the old man.
"Thank you so much for saving my life, senior. I am deeply grateful," Lin Wan'er said.
“Young lady, you don’t need to be so polite. You don’t seem like a bad person. Why are you being hunted by the people of Mu?” the old man asked.
Lin Wan'er hesitated for a moment, then told the old man what had happened. The old man frowned slightly after listening.
"I see. Murong Xuan is truly despicable. Young lady, you are in danger now. I can help you leave the Mu Kingdom," the old man said.
Lin Wan'er was overjoyed. With the old man's help, she successfully escaped the pursuit of the Mu Kingdom and returned to the Rong Kingdom with the evidence.
Upon returning to Rong Kingdom, Lin Wan'er immediately went to the imperial court and presented the evidence to the emperor and his ministers. After seeing the evidence, the emperor realized that Xiao Yichen was likely framed. He ordered a reinvestigation and released Xiao Yichen.
After regaining his freedom, Xiao Yichen was filled with gratitude towards Lin Wan'er. He knew that his escape was entirely due to Lin Wan'er's efforts. But he also understood that Murong Xuan would not give up so easily, and they had to be prepared to deal with Murong Xuan's next scheme.
Upon learning that Lin Wan'er had taken the evidence and that Xiao Yichen had been released, Murong Xuan flew into a rage. He decided to accelerate his plans, launching a larger-scale war and directly attacking the Rong Kingdom. He began mobilizing troops within the Murong Kingdom, preparing for a full-scale offensive against Rong.
In the Mu Kingdom's military camp, soldiers were preparing for war with great intensity. Murong Xuan personally inspected the troops, boosting their morale. He extolled the benefits of attacking the Rong Kingdom, filling the soldiers with fighting spirit.
"Soldiers, the Rong Kingdom has always coveted our Mu Kingdom. Now we have the opportunity to seize their territory and make our country stronger. This is our honor and our mission!" Murong Xuan shouted.
The soldiers cheered, inspired by Murong Xuan's words, ready to fight for their nation's glory. But they were unaware that this war was an unjust one launched by Murong Xuan to satisfy his own ambitions, and that endless disaster awaited them.
After returning to the border, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er began organizing troops and strengthening border defenses. They knew that Murong Xuan's army was approaching, and a brutal war was inevitable. They would fight for the dignity of Rong Kingdom and the lives of its people, to protect their homeland.
In this turbulent time, war between the two nations is imminent, and the fates of countless people will be altered by this conflict. The battle between good and evil will reach its climax on the battlefield, and the final outcome remains uncertain.
Upon returning to the border, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er immediately threw themselves into defensive preparations. They organized soldiers to reinforce the city walls, train new recruits, and stockpile provisions, while simultaneously dispatching numerous scouts to closely monitor the movements of the Mu Kingdom's army. The atmosphere at the border grew increasingly tense, like the calm before a storm, with everyone feeling the oppressive atmosphere before a major battle.
In the Kingdom of Mu, Murong Xuan's war mobilization was in full swing. He mobilized elite troops from all over the country, and supplies and provisions were continuously transported to the border camps. Standing on the high platform of the military camp, looking at the neatly arranged soldiers, he felt a strong sense of satisfaction. In his eyes, these soldiers were tools to realize his ambitions, stepping stones for him to become the hegemon.
"Your Highness, everything is ready. When shall we send out our troops?" Su Ran approached Murong Xuan and asked in a low voice.
Murong Xuan narrowed his eyes, gazing into the distance, as if he could already see the land of Rong Kingdom trembling beneath his feet: "No rush, let them suffer in fear for a few more days."
However, Murong Xuan was not content with merely waging war on the border. He was well aware of Xiao Yichen's influence in Rong Kingdom, especially his prestige within the army. Even if the war was won, it would leave behind hidden dangers if Xiao Yichen wasn't completely eliminated. Therefore, he decided to launch a surprise attack on Xiao Yichen's general's mansion before deploying troops, hoping to eliminate Xiao Yichen and his family in one fell swoop and weaken Rong Kingdom's resistance from within.
Murong Xuan meticulously selected a group of elite assassins, recruited from the most secretive assassin organization in the Mu Kingdom. Each of them possessed unique skills and was adept at assassination and raids. He explained to them in detail the layout of the General's Mansion, intelligence he had obtained through spies he had long infiltrated within the Rong Kingdom.
"This mission must ensure that Xiao Yichen and his family are completely eradicated. There must be no mistakes," Murong Xuan commanded coldly.
After receiving their orders, the assassins stealthily infiltrated the capital of Rong Kingdom under the cover of night. Dressed in black night clothes, they moved swiftly, like ghosts, traversing the streets and alleys. When they reached the vicinity of the General's Mansion, they split into several small teams, sneaking towards the mansion from different directions.
Inside the general's mansion, all was quiet and peaceful. Xiao Yichen's family was asleep, and the soldiers patrolled the mansion, completely unaware of the approaching danger. The patrolling soldiers were conducting their routine patrols, passing through gardens and corridors, their eyes scanning the surroundings warily. But the assassin lurking in the darkness was far too cunning.
Taking advantage of a lull in the patrolling soldiers, the first group of assassins swiftly dispatched the guards at the gate, then opened it to allow the rest of the assassins to file in. Their movements were rapid and silent, the sharp blades in their hands gleaming coldly in the moonlight.
Soon, the first scream echoed through the general's mansion. A patrolling soldier was passing a corner when an assassin grabbed him from behind, covered his mouth, and pierced his throat with a sharp blade. The scream shattered the tranquility of the mansion, and the other soldiers immediately went on alert.
"Assassins!" the soldiers shouted, grabbing their weapons and running towards the direction of the sound.
But the assassins had already dispersed, unleashing a bloody massacre within the General's Mansion. Some rushed towards Xiao Yichen's family's residence, while others clashed head-on with the General's soldiers. In an instant, the General's Mansion was filled with deafening shouts of battle and towering flames.
Xiao Yichen's father, a veteran general with a distinguished military record, quickly got out of bed and grabbed his weapon upon hearing the commotion. Despite his advanced age, he remained imposing and fearless.
"Protect the lady and the young master!" the old general shouted to his personal guards, then rushed towards the direction with the most assassins.
In the fierce battle, the old general displayed extraordinary martial arts skills. His spear moved like a dragon emerging from the sea, each swing repelling several assassins. However, the assassins were numerous and well-coordinated, attacking the old general relentlessly from all directions, attempting to exhaust his stamina.
Xiao Yichen's mother and other family members, protected by his personal guards, hid in a secret room. The mother tightly held her young child, her eyes filled with terror and worry. She prayed incessantly, hoping the disaster would pass quickly.
On the other side of the general's mansion, the soldiers were locked in a fierce battle with the assassins. The assassins were highly skilled in martial arts, and their use of various hidden weapons and poisons made it difficult for the general's soldiers to defend themselves. Many soldiers collapsed from poisoning during the fights with the assassins, but they continued to fight to the death, and not one of them retreated.
Just as the assassins were closing in on the secret room where Xiao Yichen's family was, the general's steward stepped forward. He led a group of servants, armed with various crude weapons, to block the assassins' path.
"You beasts, don't even think about harming the general's family!" the butler roared, charging towards the assassins.
Although the steward wasn't a military officer, he had served in the general's mansion for many years and possessed considerable skill. Wielding a wooden stick, he engaged the assassins in a fierce battle. The servants followed suit, risking their lives to buy time for the general's family.
Elsewhere in the capital, Rong Kingdom's patrolling troops, hearing the commotion at the General's Mansion, quickly rushed to provide support. However, the assassins had set up traps and obstacles around the mansion, slowing down the arrival of the reinforcements.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, who were at the border, also received news of the attack on the General's Mansion. Xiao Yichen was extremely anxious; he wished he could fly back to the capital immediately to protect his family.
"Wan'er, I want to go back!" Xiao Yichen's eyes were filled with anger and anxiety.
Lin Wan'er gripped Xiao Yichen's arm tightly: "Yichen, calm down. It's too late for us to go back now, and this could very well be a diversionary tactic by Murong Xuan. Once we leave the border, this place will be in danger."
Xiao Yichen clenched his fists in anguish. He knew Lin Wan'er was right, but the safety of his family made him extremely anxious. Suppressing his inner turmoil, he said to the general beside him, "Immediately send a troop of elite cavalry back to the capital for rescue. Protect my family at all costs!"
The general accepted the order and left, while Xiao Yichen gazed in the direction of the capital, silently vowing to make Murong Xuan pay the price for his actions.
Inside the general's mansion, the battle reached its climax. The old general was wounded in several places during his fight with the assassins, but he continued to fight tenaciously. His body was covered in blood, but his eyes remained resolute.
"You bastards of the Mu Kingdom, come on!" the old general roared, charging at the assassins once more.
However, the assassins' attacks grew increasingly fierce. Taking advantage of the old general's momentary lapse in attention, one assassin threw a hidden weapon, striking him in the leg. The old general staggered, but he steadied himself and continued fighting.
Just as the old general was beginning to falter, reinforcements finally arrived at the general's mansion. The Rong Kingdom's soldiers surged into the mansion like a tidal wave, engaging the assassins in a fierce battle. Seeing the situation was dire, the assassins began their retreat.
But the soldiers of Rong Kingdom would not let them go so easily. They surrounded the assassins and launched a final siege. In the fierce battle, most of the assassins were killed, but a few escaped thanks to their superb martial arts skills and agility.
The general's mansion was in complete disarray, littered with corpses and bloodstains. Supported by his personal guards, the old general struggled toward the secret chamber. When he saw that his family was safe and sound, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and then he fainted.
Although Xiao Yichen's family survived the calamity, many were injured. The soldiers and servants of the General's Mansion suffered heavy casualties, and the attack brought enormous losses to the General's Mansion.
The news quickly spread throughout the capital of Rong, and the people were filled with righteous indignation at the atrocities committed by Mu. They took to the streets, demanding that the court severely punish Mu. The ministers in the court were also filled with righteous indignation, and they advised the emperor to declare war on Mu immediately.
The Emperor of Rong looked at everything before him, his heart filled with anger and worry. He knew that this war was unavoidable, and victory was essential to protect the dignity of the nation and the peace of its people.
"By my decree, the entire nation is to enter a state of war. Strengthen border defenses and prepare for war with the Mu Kingdom!" the Emperor declared majestically.
In the Kingdom of Mu, Murong Xuan was extremely frustrated to learn that the attack on the General's Mansion had failed. However, he did not give up because of this; instead, he became even more determined to attack the Kingdom of Rong.
"Hmph, they got lucky this time. But it doesn't matter, when our army is on the border, the Rong Kingdom will surely perish." Murong Xuan sneered.
He accelerated war preparations, ordering his army to set off ahead of schedule. The Mu Kingdom's army, like a black dragon, marched towards the Rong Kingdom's border. Along the way, they burned, killed, and looted, bringing immense devastation to villages and towns.
Upon learning of the approaching Mu Kingdom army, the border people fled their homes in droves. They carried their families and ran inland. The roads were filled with cries and screams as people struggled to survive under the shadow of war.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er stood ready at the border. They watched the dust rising in the distance, knowing the Mu Kingdom's army was approaching. Xiao Yichen stood on the city wall, his gaze resolute, his heart filled with hatred for Murong Xuan and loyalty to his country.
"Soldiers, the invaders from Mu Kingdom have arrived. They attempt to trample our homeland and kill our loved ones. We must avenge our fallen compatriots and defend our country!" Xiao Yichen shouted loudly.
The soldiers responded enthusiastically, raising their weapons and shouting slogans, ready to fight the Mu Kingdom's army to the death. Lin Wan'er also rallied the troops, using her extraordinary skills to boost their morale.
This war is not only a contest of military strength between two nations, but also a battle between justice and evil. The Rong Kingdom is united in its fight to defend its homeland; while Murong Xuan, driven by his own ambition, recklessly ignites war, plunging countless people into misery. In this brutal war, everyone will fight for their beliefs, and the outcome will determine the fate of both nations and the lives of countless individuals.
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