On that vast and boundless continent, the Kingdom of Mu, like a lurking behemoth, roamed the fertile lands of the north. Its capital was magnificent and imposing, its walls soaring into the clouds, like an insurmountable chasm, guarding the city's prosperity and grandeur. Glazed tiles shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight, and palaces and buildings stood side by side, showcasing the Kingdom of Mu's profound heritage and formidable national strength.
Murong Xuan, as the prince of the Mu Kingdom, grew up in this magnificent palace. He was tall and handsome, with a cold and aloof air, and his deep, sharp eyes seemed to see through everything. He was exceptionally skilled in court etiquette and horsemanship, displaying royal bearing in every gesture. However, beneath that seemingly gentle and refined exterior lay a burning and ambitious heart.
Deep within the palace of the Mu Kingdom, a grand court assembly was underway. Inside the magnificent, golden hall, civil and military officials, dressed in their court robes, stood in neat rows on either side, the atmosphere solemn and dignified. On the throne, King Murong Hong surveyed his ministers with a commanding gaze, his deep, powerful voice echoing through the spacious hall: "Now, the situation among the surrounding kingdoms is unpredictable. How should our Mu Kingdom respond? My beloved ministers, please speak freely."
As soon as he finished speaking, an elderly minister with white hair slowly stepped out of the ranks. Holding a tablet, he bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, our country has been recuperating for many years, and our army is strong and our food supplies are plentiful. In my humble opinion, it is appropriate to expand outwards at the right time to demonstrate our power and expand our territory, so as to ensure the long-term peace and stability of our country."
This statement immediately sparked a great deal of discussion in the court. Some military generals nodded in agreement, eager to achieve merit on the battlefield and win glory for their families and the country; while some civil officials looked worried, knowing the cruelty and unpredictability of war, and fearing that easily launching a war would bring a heavy burden and unknown dangers to the country.
Murong Xuan stood aside, quietly listening to the discussions of the courtiers. He already had a decision in mind, and a slight smile played on his lips, revealing a hint of barely perceptible confidence. As the murmurs subsided, he stepped forward, bowed, and said loudly, "Father, I believe that while your words are reasonable, expansion requires strategy. Although our nation is strong, the surrounding countries should not be underestimated. If we rashly send troops, we risk a bitter war, suffering heavy losses, and may even provoke a united front against us, which would be detrimental to our Murong Kingdom."
Murong Hong nodded slightly, signaling him to continue. Murong Xuan cleared his throat and said with a firm gaze, "I have heard that the Southern Kingdom of Xiao has enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests in recent years, and its people are prosperous. Its general, Xiao Yichen, is renowned for his wisdom and courage. Although the Kingdom of Xiao is not currently in conflict with my Kingdom of Mu, I believe it is a formidable enemy for my Kingdom in the future. If we can take advantage of their unpreparedness and devise a plan to weaken the Kingdom of Xiao, then when my Kingdom of Mu launches a military campaign, we will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort."
Murong Hong pondered for a moment and asked, "Xuan'er, tell me, how do you devise a plan to weaken the Xiao Kingdom?"
A sly glint flashed in Murong Xuan's eyes as he slowly said, "I have heard that Xiao Yichen is an upright and loyal man, deeply loved by the people of Xiao. We can use this to our advantage, setting a trap to put him in a difficult situation and thus incite internal strife within Xiao. For example, we can secretly send people to create trouble on the Xiao border, framing Xiao Yichen and causing him to face a crisis of trust in the Xiao court; or we can send people to infiltrate Xiao and spread rumors to sow discord between him and the Xiao king and other ministers. When the people of Xiao are disaffected, that will be the perfect opportunity for our Murong Kingdom to send troops."
Upon hearing this, Murong Hong secretly praised him. He knew his son, Murong Xuan, was meticulous and resourceful, though perhaps a bit ruthless. But in this chaotic world, such methods were unavoidable if one wanted to achieve hegemony. He gazed at Murong Xuan and said, "Xuan'er's plan is good, but this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. We must not act rashly, lest we alert the enemy."
Murong Xuan quickly replied, "Father is wise; your son will act with caution."
After the court assembly, Murong Xuan returned to his residence. He dismissed his attendants and sat alone in his study, lost in thought. He knew that realizing his ambitions would be no easy task; the road ahead would be fraught with thorns and obstacles. But he was not afraid; instead, his heart was filled with fighting spirit. He recalled the cold stares and ostracism he had suffered in the palace as a child, how the noble children often mocked and bullied him because of his mother's humble origins. He secretly vowed to rise above his circumstances, to make everyone look at him with new respect, and to make the Mu Kingdom even stronger under his rule, becoming the undisputed overlord of this continent.
In the Xiao Kingdom, the General's Mansion was peaceful and serene. Xiao Yichen, dressed in a white robe, was agile and refined. He was practicing his sword in the courtyard, his longsword wielding like a dragon emerging from the sea, its movements powerful and graceful. His swordsmanship combined strength and gentleness, sharp yet elegant, each move imbued with profound inner strength and exquisite technique.
Lin Wan'er stood quietly to the side, her eyes filled with admiration and appreciation. She wore a pink silk dress, her face as beautiful as a flower, and her long, black hair fluttered in the wind. After Xiao Yichen finished practicing his sword, she gently stepped forward, handed him a handkerchief, and said softly, "Brother Yichen, you must be tired from practicing your sword. Wipe your sweat."
Xiao Yichen took the handkerchief, smiled at her, and said, "Wan'er, with you by my side, I don't feel tired at all."
The two grew up together, childhood sweethearts, and shared a deep bond. Lin Wan'er came from a prestigious family, whose influence was considerable in the Xiao Kingdom. She could have lived a life of luxury, but she was devoted to Xiao Yichen and willingly stayed by his side, weathering storms together.
Xiao Yichen was not only highly skilled in martial arts but also deeply concerned about the well-being of the people. He understood the weighty responsibilities of a general and was always mindful of the safety of the Xiao Kingdom and the well-being of its people. He frequently led his soldiers on border patrols to defend against foreign invasions; domestically, he actively assisted the ruler in implementing benevolent policies, reducing the tax burden on the people, constructing water conservancy projects, and developing agricultural production. Therefore, he enjoyed immense prestige among the people of Xiao and was regarded as a hero who protected the nation.
However, Xiao Yichen's rising fame attracted jealousy and apprehension from some. Within the Xiao Kingdom's court, some treacherous officials secretly conspired to harm Xiao Yichen and seize his military power. They slandered him before the king, accusing him of abusing his power and plotting rebellion. But Xiao Yichen was upright and honest, and the king trusted him greatly, so he did not readily believe these rumors.
On this day, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were discussing how to strengthen border defenses in the general's mansion. Suddenly, a soldier rushed over, knelt on one knee, saluted, and said, "General, something terrible has happened! An urgent report has come from the border that an unidentified enemy army is burning, killing, and looting on the border, causing heavy casualties among the civilians."
Xiao Yichen's expression changed, and a surge of anger welled up in his heart. He clenched his fists and said, "These invaders are truly despicable, daring to act recklessly on the border of my Xiao Kingdom. Wan'er, I will immediately lead a large army to the border and drive these enemies out of the Xiao Kingdom."
Lin Wan'er looked at him with concern and said, "Brother Yichen, you must be careful on your journey. I will pray for you in the General's Mansion and wait for your triumphant return."
Xiao Yichen nodded, turned, and strode away. He quickly gathered his soldiers, reorganized his forces, and led his army swiftly towards the border. Little did he know that this was the beginning of a meticulously planned conspiracy by Murong Xuan, and a thrilling contest was about to unfold between the two nations.
When Xiao Yichen led his army to the border, he saw only devastation. Villages were burned, and the corpses of civilians lay scattered on the ground, a gruesome sight. His anger reached its peak, and he roared, "Soldiers, today we will avenge our fallen people and annihilate these invaders!"
The soldiers were enraged by the sight before them. They brandished their weapons and shouted in unison, "Kill the enemy and avenge them! Kill the enemy and avenge them!"
Xiao Yichen led his soldiers in pursuit of the enemy. They traversed mountains and valleys, traveling day and night, and finally discovered traces of the enemy in a valley. Xiao Yichen observed the terrain and made a plan. He ordered his soldiers to split into two groups, flanking the enemy from both sides of the valley, while he led an elite squad to attack from the front.
The battle commenced, with Xiao Yichen leading the charge into the enemy ranks. His longsword sliced through enemy lines like butter, felling them in his wake. The soldiers fought valiantly, showing no fear. Under Xiao Yichen's command, the flanking troops successfully surrounded the enemy in the valley. After a fierce battle, the enemy was finally annihilated.
Looking at the victorious soldiers, Xiao Yichen felt no joy. He knew this was just the beginning, and a much larger conspiracy was surely lurking behind it. He decided to strengthen defenses at the border and send someone back to the capital to report to the emperor, requesting a thorough investigation.
In the Kingdom of Mu, Murong Xuan, upon learning of his failed plan, was not discouraged. Instead, he became even more determined to eliminate Xiao Yichen. He began to devise new strategies, searching for Xiao Yichen's weaknesses, preparing for the next attack. In this era of rapid change, the fates of the two nations were intertwined like threads, the future filled with unknowns and uncertainties, and the contest between Xiao Yichen and Murong Xuan had only just begun.
Xiao Yichen led his army back in triumph, and the people of Xiao Kingdom lined the streets to welcome him, their cheers and shouts filling the air and making the roads impassable. People offered flowers and homemade wine to express their respect and gratitude to this heroic general. Xiao Yichen, riding a tall horse, stood upright like a pine tree, smiling and waving to the people. His gentle and humble demeanor won the hearts of all.
Lin Wan'er had been waiting at the entrance of the General's Mansion for a long time. When she saw Xiao Yichen's figure in the distance, her eyes sparkled with joy. As Xiao Yichen approached, she couldn't wait to go to him. Ignoring the presence of others, she grabbed his hand and said reproachfully, "I was so worried about you when you left. Luckily you returned safely, otherwise I would not have let you off easily." Her voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of lingering worry and undisguised affection.
Xiao Yichen gently took her hand and smiled, "Wan'er, I promised you I would return safely. With you worrying about me from behind, how could I dare to take any risks?" His gaze was gentle as water as he looked at Lin Wan'er, as if she were the only person in the world.
Back at the general's mansion, Xiao Yichen instructed the soldiers to disperse and rest, then he and Lin Wan'er walked into the courtyard. The courtyard was a riot of color, with lush green grass and a gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers. Lin Wan'er pulled Xiao Yichen to sit on a stone bench and ordered a maid to bring tea and snacks.
"Have you discovered anything regarding the border incident?" Lin Wan'er poured Xiao Yichen a cup of tea and asked softly.
Xiao Yichen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and frowned slightly. He said, "I feel that this matter is too strange. The enemy army came suddenly and left in a hurry, and their fighting was disorganized, unlike that of a regular army. I suspect that someone is deliberately behind this to lure me into sending troops."
Lin Wan'er was startled and said worriedly, "If what you say is true, then the person behind this must have ulterior motives. Brother Yichen, you must be very careful."
Xiao Yichen nodded and comforted her, "Wan'er, don't worry, I will be careful. There are undercurrents in this court. Although I have a clear conscience, I am bound to be envied and framed. However, as long as I stay true to my principles and protect the Xiao Kingdom and its people, I will not be afraid of any conspiracies or tricks."
In the days that followed, Xiao Yichen assisted the king in handling court affairs while simultaneously strengthening the security of the general's mansion. He knew that danger could strike again at any moment. Lin Wan'er remained by his side throughout, managing all the affairs of the mansion for him, allowing him to focus on his work without any worries.
One day, Lin Wan'er suddenly had a whimsical idea and said to Xiao Yichen, "Brother Yichen, the servants in the manor work very hard for us. I'd like to hold a grand banquet in the manor to reward them properly. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yichen felt a warmth in his heart and smiled, "Wan'er, you are always so kind-hearted. This is a very good idea; these servants truly deserve our gratitude."
Thus, the entire General's Mansion sprang into action. Lin Wan'er personally directed the maids to prepare ingredients and set up the venue. She moved between the kitchen and the courtyard, her face beaming with excitement and joy. Xiao Yichen watched her busy figure, his heart filled with love and doting affection.
In preparing for the banquet, Lin Wan'er paid meticulous attention to every detail. She personally selected fresh ingredients and discussed recipes with the chefs, striving to make every dish delicious. She also ordered red lanterns to be hung in the courtyard, tables and chairs to be set up, and flowers and ribbons to decorate the entire general's mansion, making it festive and joyful.
Xiao Yichen wasn't idle either. He summoned the guards in the manor to strengthen patrols and security. He knew that danger might be lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly joyous occasion. He couldn't allow any accident to ruin this thanksgiving feast, nor could he allow anyone in the manor to be put in danger.
Finally, on a beautiful, sunny day, the General's Mansion's Thanksgiving Feast officially began. The servants, dressed in new clothes and beaming with happiness, flocked to the courtyard. Tables and chairs were neatly arranged, laden with a sumptuous feast, their aroma filling the air.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er walked hand in hand to the center of the courtyard. Xiao Yichen cleared his throat and said loudly, "Everyone, this banquet today is a way for Wan'er and me to thank you for your hard work. Each and every one of you is a member of the General's Mansion, our family. Without your efforts, the General's Mansion would not be so well-organized, and I, Xiao Yichen, would not be able to focus on my campaigns. So, I toast you all!" With that, he raised his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.
The servants rose to their feet, saying with emotion, "General, Miss, you have treated us so well. It is our blessing to work in the General's mansion. We will certainly work even harder to repay your kindness." With that, they all drank their cups dry.
At the banquet, everyone was filled with laughter and joy. The servants temporarily forgot their daily toil and fully enjoyed this rare moment of happiness. They savored the delicious food, chatted with each other, and shared their stories and joys.
Looking at the scene before her, Lin Wan'er felt a surge of satisfaction. She walked among the servants, chatting warmly with them and inquiring about their lives and needs. Her kindness and approachability earned her even greater respect and affection from the servants.
Xiao Yichen, meanwhile, quietly observed everyone from the side, a hint of vigilance in his eyes. He kept a close watch on the movements within the mansion, not overlooking any detail that might pose a danger. Although he hoped everyone could fully enjoy this joyful time, he knew that as a general, he must remain constantly alert and protect everyone in the General's Mansion.
Inside the bustling General's Mansion, a thanksgiving banquet was underway; meanwhile, in the distant Mu Kingdom, Murong Xuan was also meticulously planning his next move. His spies had already relayed the news of the grand banquet to the Mu Kingdom. Upon learning this, Murong Xuan was secretly delighted, believing it to be an excellent opportunity, a perfect chance to strike at Xiao Yichen once again.
Murong Xuan sat in his study, the candlelight flickering and illuminating his cold, stern face. His fingers tapped lightly on the table as he pondered various plans. He knew that this operation had to be flawless; otherwise, failure would leave him in an extremely passive position.
"Xiao Yichen, this time, I will not let you escape easily." Murong Xuan muttered to himself, his eyes revealing a hint of determination and ruthlessness.
At the banquet in the General's Mansion, no one was aware of the impending crisis. They remained immersed in joy and happiness, enjoying this rare and heartwarming time. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er hoped that this banquet would unite everyone in the General's Mansion, making them more united in the face of future challenges. However, the gears of fate were quietly turning, and a thrilling contest was about to unfold within this seemingly peaceful General's Mansion.
Inside the general's mansion, laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air as the thanksgiving banquet reached its climax. Sunlight streamed onto the bluestone bricks of the courtyard, illuminating the joyful faces of the guests.
Lin Wan'er flitted among the tables and chairs like a nimble butterfly. She personally placed a piece of tender fish on an elderly nanny's plate, smiling as she said, "Nanny Zhang, you take such good care of me every day; it's been so hard for you. This fish is so fresh and tender, please try it." Nanny Zhang was flattered and quickly rose to her feet, bowing, "Miss, you mustn't! It's my honor to serve you, Miss." Lin Wan'er gently pressed her down, "Nanny, let's not stand on ceremony today. Let's just consider this a family reunion."
Xiao Yichen sat at a table with several guards. Although he was a general, he was very approachable. He patted a young guard on the shoulder, "Little Li, you were very brave at the border last time. Those arrows were beautiful!" Little Li scratched his head a little embarrassed, "General, it was all thanks to your excellent command. I was just following orders." Everyone chatted, sharing anecdotes and battle experiences from the past, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Just then, a maidservant hurried in carrying a plate of steaming pastries. Her steps were hurried, and her eyes held a hint of nervousness. It turned out that these were newly made plum blossom cakes from the kitchen, which Lin Wan'er had specifically instructed were to be offered to the General and the elders first. The maidservant was afraid the cakes would get cold and lose their deliciousness, hence her haste.
Seeing this, Xiao Yichen said gently, "Don't rush, watch your step." The maidservant curtsied slightly and placed the pastries on the table. The pastries were exquisite and small, emitting a sweet fragrance, and everyone praised them.
In a corner of the courtyard, several musicians were playing. The melodious and gentle sounds of their instruments, like flowing water, added a touch of elegance to the banquet. A maidservant, skilled in dance, was captivated by the music and rose to dance gracefully. Dressed in a pale blue dance gown, her figure was slender and her long sleeves fluttering, making her appear like a fairy descended from heaven. All eyes were drawn to her, and people stopped their conversations to admire this beautiful dance.
Looking at the joyful scene, Lin Wan'er felt a great sense of accomplishment. She turned to Xiao Yichen and said, "Brother Yichen, seeing everyone so happy makes it all worthwhile." Xiao Yichen nodded and took her hand. "Wan'er, this is all thanks to you. You treat everyone with sincerity, and they will naturally reciprocate with sincerity."
However, beneath this peaceful facade, Xiao Yichen remained vigilant. His gaze frequently swept across every corner of the courtyard, observing everyone entering and leaving. He knew that in this seemingly tranquil moment, danger might be lurking unseen.
Meanwhile, in the Mu Kingdom, Murong Xuan had completed his initial plans. He selected a group of agile and skilled infiltration agents, all dressed in black night clothes, with cold expressions and ruthless eyes. Standing before them, Murong Xuan solemnly stated, "This mission concerns the future of my Mu Kingdom. You must be extremely careful. Infiltrate the Xiao Kingdom's general's mansion and burn their grain supplies. Success will be richly rewarded; failure will be ruthless."
The men responded in unison, "Yes, Your Highness!" Murong Xuan nodded in satisfaction, "Let's go!" The group disappeared into the night like ghosts.
The banquet at the General's Mansion continued as dusk settled. A bonfire was lit in the courtyard, its light casting a warm glow on everyone's faces. Lin Wan'er suggested, "Why don't we all share our wishes today? It would add a unique touch to this banquet."
An old servant spoke first, "This old servant's wish is for the General and Miss to live peaceful lives, and for the General to continue protecting the Xiao Kingdom so that the people can live a good life." Everyone echoed his sentiments. A young servant said somewhat shyly, "This humble servant hopes to work hard in the General's mansion, save enough money in the future, and get married." This drew a burst of laughter from the crowd.
Xiao Yichen stood up and said loudly, "Everyone's wish is also Wan'er's and my wish. I, Xiao Yichen, will do my utmost to live up to everyone's expectations." After saying that, he raised his wine glass and toasted everyone again.
Just then, the captain of the patrol rushed to Xiao Yichen's side and whispered, "General, some suspicious signs have been found outside the mansion. It seems someone is spying on us in the shadows." Xiao Yichen's heart tightened, but he remained calm. He gently put down his wine cup and said to Lin Wan'er, "Wan'er, you stay here and take care of everyone. I'll go check it out."
Lin Wan'er looked at him worriedly, "Brother Yichen, be careful." Xiao Yichen nodded and led several guards quickly towards the outside of the mansion. They arrived near the mansion wall, and Xiao Yichen used his lightness skill to leap onto the top, his eyes scanning the surroundings intently. The outskirts were silent under the cover of night, but Xiao Yichen, with his years of combat experience, sensed something unusual.
"Strengthen patrols; there can be no slackening," Xiao Yichen ordered. He knew in his heart that this might be the prelude to the enemy, and a battle might be imminent.
Meanwhile, Murong Xuan's men were quietly approaching the general's mansion. Using the cover of night, they evaded the patrolling soldiers and gradually closed in on the mansion's granary. One of the leading men wore a smug smile, as if he could already see the reward after their success.
Back at the banquet, Lin Wan'er tried her best to maintain a cheerful atmosphere, but her heart was filled with unease. She kept glancing in the direction Xiao Yichen had left, silently praying that everything would be alright.
Xiao Yichen carefully searched outside the mansion but found no trace of the enemy. After a moment's thought, he decided to return to the banquet. He knew that if he left for too long, it might cause panic among the crowd, and the enemy might be trying to lure him away.
When he returned to the courtyard, everyone cast concerned glances his way. Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "It's alright, perhaps I was overthinking it. Everyone, please continue to enjoy yourselves." Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and the banquet resumed its lively atmosphere.
However, Murong Xuan's men had already located the granary. They cautiously opened the door, preparing to infiltrate, when suddenly, a faint light flashed. It turned out that Xiao Yichen had been prepared, having cleverly set up mechanisms around the granary. The light was the signal to trigger these mechanisms.
In an instant, a huge net fell from the top of the granary, catching all of Murong Xuan's men. They struggled in terror, but to no avail.
Hearing the commotion, Xiao Yichen immediately led his guards to the granary. Looking at the enemies trapped in the net, he breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time, a surge of anger rose within him. "Speak, who sent you?" Xiao Yichen asked coldly.
The subordinates exchanged glances, remaining silent. Xiao Yichen snorted coldly, "Fine, don't talk then. Once I hand you over to the king, I'll find a way to make you talk."
Meanwhile, Murong Xuan was awaiting good news in the Mu Kingdom. He was convinced his plan was flawless, unaware that his men had already fallen into Xiao Yichen's trap. Inside the General's Mansion, the gratitude banquet, after a minor commotion, finally came to a close. While everyone was moved, they also admired Xiao Yichen's wisdom and foresight even more. Lin Wan'er nestled beside Xiao Yichen and whispered, "Brother Yichen, thank goodness for you." Xiao Yichen put his arm around her shoulder, "Wan'er, this is just the beginning. We still have many challenges ahead."
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