The morning light filtered through the dappled leaves, casting a soft glow on the ancient road. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's figures appeared and disappeared in this light as they rode their steeds, galloping towards the mysterious mountains. The dust kicked up by their hooves left a long trail behind them, as if a testament to their unwavering determination.
Xiao Yichen, clad in a black, fitted outfit, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his deep eyes revealing a cold and resolute expression. His face was sharply defined, every line highlighting his heroic spirit. The sword hanging at his waist gleamed coldly in the sunlight, seemingly telling a legendary tale. He was a formidable figure in the martial world, possessing exceptional martial arts skills and extraordinary wisdom. Yet, at this moment, he had only one goal in his heart—to find Murong Xuan.
Lin Wan'er, dressed in pristine white, resembled a white lotus blooming in the mortal world. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, with crescent-shaped eyebrows, star-like eyes, a delicate nose, and naturally red, cherry-like lips. A gentle breeze stirred, causing her long, glossy black hair to dance in the wind, exuding an ethereal and otherworldly aura. She walked side-by-side with Xiao Yichen, their eyes equally filled with unwavering determination.
The two had known each other for a long time, weathering countless storms together. The name Murong Xuan haunted their hearts like a curse. Murong Xuan was originally a renowned chivalrous figure in the martial arts world, and had even shared a past relationship with Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. However, at some point, Murong Xuan seemed to change completely. His behavior became unpredictable and bizarre, and rumors of his various misdeeds began to circulate in the martial arts world. Some said he colluded with evil forces for a mysterious martial arts manual; others said he was being manipulated and caught in a massive conspiracy. But whatever the truth, Murong Xuan's actions had already caused turmoil in the martial arts world, and many innocent people suffered as a result.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er decided to unravel this mystery, find Murong Xuan, hold him accountable for his actions, and restore peace to the martial world. From various clues, they deduced that Murong Xuan might be hiding in that mysterious mountain range. That mountain range has always been shrouded in mystery, rumored to hold countless treasures and secrets, but also harboring numerous dangers. The mountain range is perpetually shrouded in mist, its paths intricate and complex, making it easy to get lost. Moreover, it is home to various ferocious beasts and unknown poisonous creatures, and is inhabited by mysterious sects and hermits who are wary of outsiders, lest any misstep trigger conflict.
But none of this deterred Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. They made thorough preparations before setting off. Xiao Yichen carefully studied all the information about the mysterious mountain range. Although the information was limited, he still managed to find some potentially useful details. He knew there were several key landmarks in the mountain range, such as a strangely shaped giant rock peak resembling an old man gazing at the sky, said to be one of the important markers for entering the depths of the mountain. There was also a stream hidden in the valley; following it might lead to some ancient caves, which might be related to Murong Xuan's whereabouts.
Lin Wan'er prepared various medicines and antidotes to deal with any poisons that might appear in the mountains. She also specially prepared some dry rations, which were not only nutritious but also easy to preserve, ensuring their supply for a long time in the mountains. At the same time, she also carried some simple tools, such as ropes and climbing claws, in case of emergency.
They sped along, the scenery along the way picturesque, but they had no time to appreciate it. Passing through a small town, the townspeople watched the two hurried travelers with curiosity. Children played in the streets, women hung laundry to dry, and the elderly sat in their doorways basking in the sun. This peaceful and serene life strengthened Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's resolve to find Murong Xuan. They knew that if they didn't stop Murong Xuan, this peaceful life would be shattered, and many more people would fall into suffering.
As they drew closer to the mysterious mountains, the air seemed to grow heavy. The occasional sharp cries of birds flying overhead served as a warning of the dangers ahead. The road became rugged and uneven, forcing their horses to slow. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er dismounted and continued on, holding the reins. Their eyes remained fixed on the distant, faintly visible mountain outlines, their hearts filled with anticipation and tension.
Suddenly, a gust of wind howled past, rustling the leaves. Xiao Yichen gripped his sword hilt warily, while Lin Wan'er tightened her grip on the reins. They looked around and noticed the surrounding woods seemed to have become somewhat eerie. Just then, a low roar echoed from the depths of the forest, like the sound of some large wild beast. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er exchanged a glance; they knew this was just a small test among the countless dangers ahead.
They cautiously walked towards the direction from which the sound came. Xiao Yichen led the way, his steps light and steady, each step precisely avoiding the dry branches and stones on the ground. Lin Wan'er followed closely behind, her eyes filled with fighting spirit rather than fear. As they passed through a thicket, a huge black bear appeared before them. The bear stood upright, easily the height of two people, its thick paws waving wildly, its eyes gleaming with ferocity.
Xiao Yichen whispered to Lin Wan'er, "Be careful, this guy is tough to deal with." Lin Wan'er nodded, and she drew a soft whip from behind her back. This whip was her weapon; it appeared soft normally, but under the infusion of her inner strength, it could become as hard as iron. Xiao Yichen, meanwhile, drew his sword. His sword gleamed dazzlingly in the sunlight, a light that seemed to possess a deterrent power, causing even the black bear to pause slightly.
The black bear roared and pounced on Xiao Yichen. Xiao Yichen dodged easily, his sword drawing a shallow wound on the bear's body. The bear, in pain, became even more ferocious, turning and launching an even fiercer attack on Xiao Yichen. Xiao Yichen remained calm, using his unique lightness skill to move nimbly around the bear, constantly searching for its weaknesses.
Lin Wan'er seized the opportunity and lashed out with her soft whip towards the black bear's eyes. The whip whistled through the air, striking its target with pinpoint accuracy. Sensing the danger, the black bear tried to block the whip with its paws, but it was too late. The whip grazed its eyes, impairing its vision. The black bear roared and wildly flailed its paws, sending the surrounding trees tumbling and bending.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xiao Yichen circled around to the black bear's back. He leaped high into the air, thrusting his sword towards the bear's nape. This strike concentrated all his strength, and the sword pierced the bear's neck like lightning. The black bear let out a piercing scream, its massive body crashing to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er breathed a sigh of relief. Although the battle was brief, it had taken a toll on their strength. They didn't linger and continued their journey towards the mysterious mountain range. They knew this was just the beginning, and many more challenges awaited them.
As time passed, the sun gradually sank in the west, turning the sky a vibrant orange-red. The outline of the mysterious mountain range became even clearer in the sunset's glow, the clouds shrouding it like a veil of mystery, waiting to be unveiled. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er quickened their pace, hoping to find a suitable place to camp before nightfall and make final preparations for entering the mountains.
As night fell, they finally found a relatively secluded valley at the foot of the mountains. The valley was covered in lush green grass, and a clear stream flowed through it. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er tied their horses to trees by the stream and began setting up their tent. They divided the work: Xiao Yichen was responsible for finding suitable branches and stones to build the tent frame, while Lin Wan'er used the fabric and ropes they had brought to secure the tent.
While setting up the tent, Lin Wan'er suddenly said, "Yichen, do you think we can really find Murong Xuan? This mountain range is so mysterious, and he's so cunning." Xiao Yichen stopped what he was doing, looked at Lin Wan'er, and said with a determined look, "Wan'er, we must find him. No matter how well he hides, we will not give up." Lin Wan'er nodded. She saw confidence in Xiao Yichen's eyes—a steadfast pursuit of justice.
After setting up the tents, they lit a campfire. The fire flickered in the night wind, illuminating a small area around them. Xiao Yichen took out some dry rations and handed them to Lin Wan'er. They sat by the fire, silently eating their rations and contemplating their actions after entering the mountains the next day. At this moment, the chirping of insects echoed through the valley, mingling with the crackling of the campfire to create a unique nocturne.
After finishing their rations, Xiao Yichen got up and checked the surroundings to make sure there were no potential dangers. Lin Wan'er took some dry grass from her pack and spread it inside the tent, preparing to rest. Xiao Yichen returned to the campfire and looked at Lin Wan'er, saying, "Wan'er, you go to sleep first, I'll keep watch." Lin Wan'er shook her head and said, "No, we take turns keeping watch, you need to rest too." Knowing Lin Wan'er's personality, Xiao Yichen nodded and said, "Alright, you keep watch for the first half of the night, I'll take over for the second half."
Lin Wan'er sat by the campfire, a soft whip in her hand, warily watching her surroundings. Xiao Yichen went into the tent and lay down on the hay. Although he was exhausted, his mind was still on Murong Xuan. He didn't know what awaited them in this mysterious mountain range, but he knew that no matter what, he had to protect Lin Wan'er and find Murong Xuan to unravel the mystery.
Everything was peaceful during Lin Wan'er's night watch. Only the occasional breeze and the flickering campfire kept her company. As night deepened, Lin Wan'er woke Xiao Yichen and then went into the tent to rest. Xiao Yichen sat by the campfire, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the mysterious mountains, silently praying for the success of this mission.
As time passed, the night deepened, and the surrounding temperature gradually dropped. Xiao Yichen added some branches to the campfire, making the flames burn brighter. He knew that the tranquility of this night was only temporary; tomorrow, after entering the mysterious mountains, they would truly face unknown challenges. But he was fearless, for he was Xiao Yichen, and for justice and truth, he was willing to forge ahead.
In the cold and silent night, Xiao Yichen stood alone by the campfire, awaiting the dawn. His figure, illuminated by the firelight, appeared exceptionally resolute, like an unyielding mountain peak, guarding his beliefs and those around him. As the first rays of sunlight pierced the darkness and bathed the valley, a new day was about to begin, and their adventure would continue.
The morning sun had not yet completely dispelled the chill in the valley, and Xiao Yichen was lost in thought about his upcoming journey into the mysterious mountains to find Murong Xuan. Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats shattered the tranquility, approaching from afar like the urgent beat of a drum, striking at everyone's hearts. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er instantly became alert, gripping their weapons and their eyes flashing like lightning towards the direction from which the hoofbeats came.
A soldier, dressed in Rong Kingdom's military uniform, stood there, his face covered in dust and sweat, his uniform splattered with mud from his journey. His horse, after galloping wildly, was foaming at the mouth, clearly having endured a long and arduous ride. The soldier leaped off his horse, nearly falling, but steadied himself, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in salute, and said in a hoarse and urgent voice, "General Xiao, Miss Lin, something terrible has happened! An accident has occurred in the capital of Rong Kingdom!"
Xiao Yichen frowned, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart: "Speak quickly, what has happened in the capital?" The soldier swallowed hard, took a breath, and said, "General, the people in the capital can't buy food anymore. Since this morning, the grain shops throughout the city have been crowded with people, but the shops are empty. The people are panicking, many families have run out of food, and the number of hungry people is increasing."
Lin Wan'er looked worried and hurriedly asked, "How could this happen? Is there a problem with the food supply, or is someone doing this intentionally?" The soldier shook his head: "I don't know. I only know that the situation is very critical. The order in the capital has begun to break down. There are cases of people fighting for food in some places, and many people are gathering in front of the government office, demanding that the government solve the food problem."
Xiao Yichen's expression turned extremely grave. He knew all too well that the capital city had a large population, and if the food problem wasn't resolved in time, the consequences would be unimaginable. The people would be plunged into hunger and panic, social order would completely collapse, and diseases would run rampant. Moreover, the capital city was the center of Rong Kingdom; if a major upheaval occurred there, the entire country would suffer a severe impact.
"What's the situation with the granaries in the capital?" Xiao Yichen asked. The soldier replied, "When I set out, I heard that although there was still grain stored in the granaries, for some reason they hadn't been opened to release it. The situation is quite complicated." Xiao Yichen was puzzled. Logically, in such an emergency, the government should have used the grain from the granaries to relieve the people immediately. Why were they holding back? There must be some hidden reason.
He glanced at Lin Wan'er, who nodded slightly. They both understood that this matter was urgent. Xiao Yichen said to the soldier, "You can go and rest now. You've worked hard." The soldier responded and left.
Xiao Yichen paced back and forth, pondering a solution. Lin Wan'er said from the side, "Yichen, we must return to the capital immediately. While finding Murong Xuan is important, the lives of the people in the capital are at stake, and we cannot ignore it." Xiao Yichen stopped, a resolute glint in his eyes: "That's right, let's put Murong Xuan aside for now; the crisis in the capital must be dealt with immediately."
They quickly packed their belongings, leaving behind tents and unnecessary items, taking only essential weapons and some dry rations. Mounting their horses, they galloped towards the capital of Rong Kingdom. Along the way, Xiao Yichen's mind was filled with the potential carnage in the capital; he was extremely anxious and constantly urged his horse to go faster.
During their journey, they passed through several villages. These villages had always been peaceful, with villagers living contentedly, working in the fields, and children laughing. But now, an atmosphere of unease permeated the air. The villagers, seeing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er galloping past on horseback, were filled with doubt and worry. They had all heard rumors of food shortages in the capital, and their hearts were filled with anxiety for their future.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er traveled without stopping, the scenery along the way rushing past. They passed a river where fishermen used to row their boats to catch fish, and women used to wash clothes and vegetables on the banks. But now, the riverbank was deserted, with only a few water birds circling on the surface. This sight made them more acutely aware of the severity of the food crisis, which had already affected the surrounding areas.
After a full day's journey, darkness was falling, but they showed no sign of stopping. The road was even more difficult at night, the moonlight flickering intermittently, and the path rugged and uneven. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, relying on their excellent riding skills and familiarity with the road, continued their journey in the darkness. Their horses were also exhausted, but urged on by their masters, they still ran with all their might.
As dawn broke again, they were not far from the capital. Looking into the distance, a layer of gloom hung over the city, not from the weather, but from an invisible, oppressive atmosphere. A large crowd had gathered at the city gates—citizens trying to enter, and soldiers maintaining order. The faces of the people were filled with anxiety and exhaustion; some carried baggage, others had their families with them, all hoping to find a way to alleviate their hunger within the city.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er rode their horses to the city gate. The soldiers, seeing Xiao Yichen, immediately saluted: "General Xiao, you're back." Xiao Yichen asked, "What's the situation inside the city?" The soldiers replied, "General, the city is in chaos. The food shortage is getting worse, and people are scrambling to buy food. Many shops have been emptied. The government is doing its best to maintain order, but the situation is not optimistic."
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er rode swiftly into the capital, where the scene before them was horrifying. The streets were littered with garbage and debris; shop windows and doors were smashed; people wandered the streets, their eyes filled with despair. Children cried loudly from hunger, and the elderly sat in corners sighing. The usually bustling markets were now a mess, with only empty shelves and scattered goods remaining.
They arrived at a grain shop, where a large crowd had gathered at the entrance. People were arguing, and some were even pushing and shoving. A man who appeared to be the shop owner stood at the door, looking helpless, and said, "Fellow villagers, it's not that I don't want to sell grain, it's just that I really have no grain left! I sold out long ago, and now I don't even have anything to eat myself." But the people didn't believe him; they thought the shop owner was hoarding grain, preparing to sell it at a high price.
Seeing this, Xiao Yichen shouted, "Everyone, stop arguing! I am Xiao Yichen. I will work with the government to find a solution to the food problem. Please calm down!" His voice boomed through the crowd, and people gradually quieted down upon hearing Xiao Yichen's name. Xiao Yichen enjoyed high prestige in the capital, and the people knew him as an upright, kind general who cared for the common people.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er continued walking into the city. They saw some soldiers patrolling, trying to maintain order. However, due to the severity of the food shortage, the soldiers seemed somewhat overwhelmed. They arrived at the government office, only to find it surrounded by people demanding an explanation from the authorities.
Upon entering the government office, the officials were anxiously discussing countermeasures. Seeing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er arrive, they were overjoyed, as if they had seen saviors. One official said, "General Xiao, you've finally arrived! This food shortage came so suddenly; we don't know what to do." Xiao Yichen asked, "What exactly happened at the granaries? Why aren't they being opened to release grain?" The officials exchanged bewildered glances. Finally, an older official said, "General, the keys to the granaries are with the Prime Minister. He said he was waiting for the Emperor's decree, but the Emperor has been unwell these past few days and hasn't been able to attend court, so things have been delayed."
Xiao Yichen was burning with anger. At such a critical moment, the Prime Minister was so stubborn, still waiting for the Emperor's decree, while the people were starving. He said, "Now is not the time to wait for the Emperor's decree. Open the granaries and distribute grain to relieve the people. I will bear all the consequences!" The officials hesitated, after all, opening the granaries without the Emperor's order was a serious crime.
Lin Wan'er said from the side, "My lords, if we don't open the granaries soon, the capital will be in chaos. It won't be as simple as just being accused of opening the granaries and distributing grain." The officials agreed with Lin Wan'er's words. However, some were still worried about the pressure from the Prime Minister. Seeing this, Xiao Yichen said, "I will go see the Prime Minister now. You all prepare to open the granaries and distribute grain. Once I have the keys, I will act immediately."
Xiao Yichen left the yamen and headed towards the Prime Minister's residence. Along the way, he saw the devastation in the capital worsen, and his resentment towards the Prime Minister grew stronger. He knew that in this emergency, decisive action was necessary; he couldn't be bound by the rules of officialdom.
Upon arriving at the Prime Minister's residence, Xiao Yichen was stopped by the guards: "General Xiao, the Prime Minister has ordered that no one be seen." Xiao Yichen angrily retorted, "Get out of my way! I have urgent business to discuss with the Prime Minister, which concerns the lives of the people of the capital!" The guards remained unmoved, and Xiao Yichen, without further ado, used his lightness skill to bypass the guards and stormed into the Prime Minister's residence.
The Prime Minister was drinking tea in his study when Xiao Yichen barged in. His expression changed drastically: "Xiao Yichen, how dare you! How dare you trespass into the Prime Minister's residence!" Xiao Yichen bowed respectfully, but his tone was firm: "Prime Minister, the people of the capital are starving and unable to buy food. Why haven't you opened the granaries yet?" The Prime Minister put down his teacup and said slowly, "Without the Emperor's decree, who would dare open the granaries? This is a matter of national importance; how can it be treated lightly?" Xiao Yichen said, "Prime Minister, the situation is critical. If we wait for the Emperor's decree any longer, the capital will be finished. The people are the foundation of the nation. If the people perish, what is the nation?" The Prime Minister sneered: "Hmph, what do you know? Don't you understand the stakes involved? What if someone takes advantage of the situation and releases all the food? How will we respond then?"
Xiao Yichen argued forcefully, "Prime Minister, now is not the time to consider these things. We can distribute grain to relieve the people while strengthening city defenses and security. If the people starve to death, that will be true chaos." The Prime Minister remained unmoved: "No, without the Emperor's decree, I cannot agree." Seeing the Prime Minister's stubbornness, Xiao Yichen hardened his heart and decided to take a forceful approach. He said, "Prime Minister, please forgive me!" With that, he flashed forward, lunging at the Prime Minister to seize the granary keys. The Prime Minister, not expecting Xiao Yichen's attack, panicked and hurriedly called for the guards.
Chaos erupted within the Prime Minister's residence as Xiao Yichen engaged in a fierce battle with the guards. Xiao Yichen's martial arts skills were formidable, and the guards were no match for him. However, the Prime Minister attempted to escape amidst the chaos, but Xiao Yichen pursued relentlessly. Finally, Xiao Yichen caught up with the Prime Minister, subdued him, and seized the key to the granary from his person. The Prime Minister roared, "Xiao Yichen, this is treason! You will regret this!" Ignoring the Prime Minister's rebuke, Xiao Yichen took the key and left the residence, heading towards the granary.
He knew that obtaining the key was only the first step; there was still much to be done. But no matter what, he had to solve the people's hunger problem first and restore order to the capital.
When he arrived at the granary, Lin Wan'er and the officials were already waiting there. Seeing Xiao Yichen arrive with the keys, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Xiao Yichen opened the granary door and saw the mountains of grain inside, his heart filled with emotion. This grain could save countless lives, and he hoped this crisis would pass quickly, allowing the capital to regain its vitality.
After the granaries were opened, officials immediately organized soldiers and civilians to begin unloading the grain. Lin Wan'er also helped, directing everyone to receive the grain in an orderly manner. Seeing the grain, hope rekindled in the people's eyes, and they lined up to receive it. A smile finally appeared on those hungry faces, the children stopped crying, and the entire capital began to show a glimmer of life.
But Xiao Yichen knew that this was only a temporary relief from the crisis, and the underlying reasons still needed to be thoroughly investigated. Who was manipulating the food supply behind the scenes? Was it a conspiracy by an enemy country, or the ambition of certain forces within the country? Looking at the busy crowd, he secretly vowed to find out the truth and ensure that the capital would never be threatened like this again.
During the distribution of grain, Xiao Yichen noticed some suspicious signs. Some people seemed to be deliberately inciting the people's emotions, causing some chaos at the grain distribution site. He became vigilant and ordered his soldiers to keep a close eye on these people's movements. At the same time, he also began to think about how to further stabilize the situation in the capital and prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to cause trouble.
As the food was distributed, the chaos in the capital was gradually brought under control. However, the impact of this food crisis was far from over. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er knew that they still had a long way to go and would face many more challenges before Rong Kingdom's capital could truly return to its former prosperity and peace.
Holding the granary key, Xiao Yichen watched the people orderly receiving their grain, his heart churning with turbulent emotions. He knew that his recent decision was like placing a crucial piece on the chessboard of fate; this decision not only concerned the lives of the capital's inhabitants but could also alter the entire situation of the Rong Kingdom. And all of this clashed dramatically with his original mission to find Murong Xuan.
Murong Xuan, that ghostly figure, had always haunted his mind. Finding Murong Xuan was something he and Lin Wan'er were determined to accomplish, because Murong Xuan's actions had severely disrupted the peace of the martial world. That mysterious mountain range might hold the key to unraveling Murong Xuan's mystery; if they missed this opportunity, finding him again would be far more difficult. Moreover, Murong Xuan's conspiracy might still be brewing in the shadows; if it wasn't stopped in time, the martial world would be plunged into even deeper bloodshed.
However, the current dire state of the capital was right before his eyes. The emaciated, desperate faces of the people, the weak cries of children, and the helpless sighs of the elderly pierced Xiao Yichen's heart like sharp blades. This was the capital he had protected, and its people were the subjects he had sworn to protect. If he abandoned addressing the capital's food crisis now in pursuit of Murong Xuan, this once prosperous city would quickly transform into a living hell. Disease, riots, and death would devour everything like a raging flood.
Two scenarios kept flashing through Xiao Yichen's mind: on one hand, there was the elusive trace of Murong Xuan in the mysterious mountains, perhaps he could be found in some hidden cave, and the conspiracy behind him could be uncovered, restoring peace to the martial world; on the other hand, there was the image of the capital city filled with starving corpses, burned houses, and displaced people, the entire country plunged into turmoil. He knew that he could not have his cake and eat it too, and he had to make a difficult choice.
Lin Wan'er approached Xiao Yichen, sensing his inner struggle. She said softly, "Yichen, I know what you're thinking. We've investigated Murong Xuan's matter for so long; it would be a real pity to give up now. But the people of the capital need us more; we can't just watch them starve." Xiao Yichen nodded slightly, looking at Lin Wan'er with complex emotions in his eyes: "Wan'er, I understand. But giving up might allow Murong Xuan's conspiracy to succeed, plunging the martial world into an even greater crisis."
Lin Wan'er grasped Xiao Yichen's hand, her grip warm yet firm: "The crisis in the martial world is indeed terrifying, but the capital is our foundation. If we can't even defend this place, how can we talk about protecting the martial world? Besides, once we solve the capital's food problem, we can continue our investigation of Murong Xuan." Xiao Yichen took a deep breath; he knew Lin Wan'er was right. The capital was the heart of Rong Kingdom, and its stability was of paramount importance.
At this moment, Xiao Yichen remembered his vow. On the day he became a general, he swore an oath to the people of Rong Kingdom and this land to protect their peace at all costs. Now, the people of the capital faced a life-or-death decision, and he could not break his vow. He looked at the soldiers and civilians carrying grain, and their busy figures seemed to tell him that his choice was right.
“Wan’er, you’re right. Let’s solve the food problem in the capital first and help the people get through this crisis. Murong Xuan, we’ll investigate later.” Xiao Yichen said firmly. Lin Wan’er smiled slightly. She knew that once Xiao Yichen made a decision, he wouldn’t waver.
However, this choice was not without its costs. Xiao Yichen knew that missing the best opportunity to find Murong Xuan in the mysterious mountains could make the subsequent investigation more difficult. Murong Xuan might use this time to further conceal his tracks or complete his evil plan. Moreover, some forces within the court might impeach him for opening the granary without authorization, and he might face pressure from within the court itself.
But Xiao Yichen couldn't care less about those things now; he was completely focused on solving the capital's food problem. He began discussing subsequent food distribution plans with officials to ensure that every citizen had enough to sustain their livelihood. They divided the capital into different food distribution points based on the population of each area and deployed soldiers to maintain order and prevent looting.
During the discussions, an official expressed concern: "General Xiao, although opening the granaries now can alleviate the immediate need, our grain reserves are ultimately limited. If we cannot find and resolve the cause of the food shortage as soon as possible, we will still face a crisis." Xiao Yichen frowned; he knew the official was right. This food shortage had come so suddenly; there must be a reason behind it.
“We need to send people to investigate the source and supply channels of the grain to see where the problem lies,” Xiao Yichen said. The officials nodded in agreement, and they decided to send out several teams to investigate the grain merchants, the transportation process, and the production areas.
Xiao Yichen personally led a team to investigate the grain merchants in the capital. They visited one grain shop after another, inquiring about the situation before the grain shortage. In a larger grain shop, the owner told Xiao Yichen, "General, this grain shortage is really strange. Before the incident, our grain supply was always normal, but suddenly one day, the grain supply channels were cut off. The suppliers said they also had no grain, but I always felt that things were not that simple."
Xiao Yichen asked, "Have you noticed anything suspicious?" The grain shop owner thought for a moment and said, "Before the food shortage, some strangers often appeared in the vicinity. They seemed suspicious. I didn't pay much attention at the time, but now I think it might be related to the food shortage." Xiao Yichen's heart skipped a beat. He ordered his soldiers to keep an eye out for the characteristics of these strangers and continue investigating the surrounding area.
While the investigation of grain merchants was underway, other teams were also working diligently. The team investigating the transportation环节 discovered that some checkpoints along the main grain routes to the capital were controlled by unknown forces, hindering grain transport. Meanwhile, the team investigating the production areas reported that although harvests in some major grain-producing regions were normal, the grain was not being transported to the capital according to normal procedures.
After gathering this information, Xiao Yichen realized that this was a premeditated food crisis targeting the capital. Someone had deliberately cut off the capital's food supply in an attempt to create chaos. He didn't yet know the purpose of this person or force, but he knew he had to resolve the issue as soon as possible and restore the capital's normal food supply.
In dealing with these matters, Xiao Yichen also had to contend with pressure from within the imperial court. The Prime Minister, harboring resentment over the theft of the granary keys, impeached him in court for acting without authorization and violating court regulations. Several officials colluding with the Prime Minister echoed this sentiment, demanding that the Emperor severely punish Xiao Yichen.
Although the Emperor had not fully recovered, he was aware of the severity of the food crisis in the capital. He summoned Xiao Yichen to the palace and inquired about the situation. Xiao Yichen truthfully reported the plight of the people in the capital and his own considerations to the Emperor. After listening, the Emperor fell into deep thought.
"General Xiao, you have indeed violated the law by opening the granary without authorization. But I know you were acting in the best interests of the people. What is the situation in the capital now?" the Emperor asked. Xiao Yichen replied, "Your Majesty, the grain has begun to be distributed, and the people's emotions are gradually stabilizing. However, the grain shortage is a deliberate act, and I am investigating." The Emperor nodded: "I trust you and hope you can resolve this matter as soon as possible and stabilize the situation in the capital. As for the matter of impeaching the Prime Minister, a decision will be made after this matter is resolved."
With the Emperor's support, Xiao Yichen became even more determined. He knew that he now had to solve not only the food problem but also the internal power struggles within the court. But he could not back down; for the sake of the people of the capital and the stability of Rong Kingdom, he had to forge ahead.
During his investigation into the grain issue, Xiao Yichen discovered clues pointing to a mysterious organization in the capital. This organization operates covertly and appears to be colluding with certain forces within the imperial court. They are controlling the grain supply to achieve some ulterior motive, perhaps to overthrow the court, or perhaps to gain greater profits.
Xiao Yichen decided to delve deeper into the investigation of this mysterious organization. He led a team of trusted confidants to begin their investigation in the capital's underworld. They traversed every corner of the city, from dark alleyways to the backs of bustling streets, searching for any trace of this mysterious organization. During this process, they encountered numerous attacks; the assassins of the mysterious organization seemed to be everywhere.
But Xiao Yichen and his trusted men did not back down. Relying on their superior martial arts skills and exceptional intelligence, they repeatedly escaped danger. After a fierce battle, they found a peculiar token on an assassin, engraved with strange symbols. Xiao Yichen realized that this might be the key to unlocking the mystery of the secret organization.
He took the token to a wise man in the martial arts world, who was quite knowledgeable about various mysterious symbols. After examining the token, the wise man told Xiao Yichen, "This is the symbol of an ancient organization that disappeared from the martial arts world for a long time, but unexpectedly it has reappeared. They aim to manipulate the situation and seek profits, and their methods are extremely cruel."
Xiao Yichen's heart skipped a beat; he knew he had encountered a formidable opponent. But he felt no fear, for he had made his decision: to protect the people of the capital, he must fight this mysterious organization to the bitter end. He returned to the capital with new clues, continuing his investigation into the organization's whereabouts, while also not forgetting to address the food shortage.
As the investigation deepened, Xiao Yichen discovered that this mysterious organization was colluding with some court officials, using control of the food supply to create chaos in the capital and then seize the opportunity to expand their own power. If their conspiracy succeeded, Rong Kingdom would fall into civil war, and the people would suffer even greater disaster.
Xiao Yichen decided to start by investigating within the imperial court, identifying officials who colluded with the mysterious organization. He gathered evidence through clandestine channels while secretly observing the actions of court officials. During this process, he discovered unusual behavior from some officials who were frequently in contact with suspicious individuals, seemingly plotting something.
Xiao Yichen reported these findings to the Emperor, who was furious upon hearing them and decided to support Xiao Yichen in thoroughly investigating the matter. With the Emperor's support, Xiao Yichen's actions proceeded more smoothly. He led his soldiers to investigate and arrest the suspicious officials, creating a storm in the capital.
During this process, the food problem in the capital was gradually resolved. By reopening food supply channels and strengthening the management of food merchants, the food supply in the capital gradually returned to normal. People's lives began to return to normal, markets became lively again, and children's laughter rang out in the streets once more.
Looking at the capital city, now restored to life, Xiao Yichen was filled with mixed emotions. His choice, though difficult, was without regret. He knew that only by protecting the capital could he have the strength to investigate Murong Xuan and safeguard the peace of the martial world. And now, he had another crucial task: to completely destroy this mysterious organization that sought to overthrow the Rong Kingdom, ensuring the capital would never again be threatened in this way.
While addressing the food shortage and internal court issues, Xiao Yichen did not forget Murong Xuan. He knew that the crisis in the capital was only temporarily alleviated, and Murong Xuan's conspiracy still cast a shadow over the martial arts world. He discussed with Lin Wan'er that once the capital was completely stable, they would resume their search for Murong Xuan. Before that, he wanted to ensure that the people of the capital could live and work in peace and that the Rong Kingdom could enjoy long-term stability.
These choices and actions made Xiao Yichen more mature and resolute. Facing difficulties and crises, he always upheld his beliefs, sparing no effort for justice and the happiness of the people. His story will continue to circulate in the capital and the martial arts world, becoming a legend.
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