Compared to the almost frenzied tone of Gongsun Yi, Mu Houchu remained calm, though his words held an edge of coldness that he could not hide: "I have already ordered troops to be drawn from Cangzhou, and they will arrive in the capital within at most five days. Their hooves can trample you to death, you still say I’m losing?"
Gongsun Yi laughed heartily at the sky: "Cangzhou? Cangzhou is too far away from the capital! Distant waters cannot put out a nearby fire. You think the capital can withstand my assaults for another five days? Dream on!"
Indeed, Cangzhou was a border city located far from the capital. Even if the troops rushed, it would take at least half a month for them to arrive from there.
Mu Houchu spoke in an indifferent tone: "Whether it can hold out or not, will not be decided by your words."
"Mu Houchu, don’t put on this arrogant and overbearing act. Where do you get this self-confidence that you are incomparable? It is not for me to decide, then it definitely won’t be for you to decide either!" Gongsun Yi uttered these words, his tone revealing his humiliation and rage.
In his whole life, Gongsun Yi had lived under the shadow of Mu Houchu. It was he who was the legitimate eldest son of the Prime Minister, deserving of attention and praise, yet this commoner-born man had surpassed him in every aspect. Even during the Imperial Examination eight years ago, by virtue of his status, Mu Houchu had grabbed the top scholar’s spot. After that, who ever mentioned him, the top scholar? People always talked about this man who had only earned the third-place scholar’s position.
The words of Chen Yining were indeed true, Gongsun Yi had never won against Mu Houchu.
Because he never won, his anger and sensitivity intensified, vowing to kill him with his own hands to relieve his hatred.
Moreover, Mu Houchu had personally killed his father and caused his family’s downfall. Their enmity was deep as the ocean!
Gongsun Yi gripped his sword harder, his hatred almost caused him to grind his teeth.
"Bring her here!" Gongsun Yi declared provocatively, sneering at Mu Houchu.
Immediately, two attendants brought a thin and beautiful woman to stand in front of Gongsun Yi.
It was Chen Yining.
Gongsun Yi laughed heartily: "Mu Houchu, your woman is in my hands. You tell me, shall I kill her or torture her?"
Mu Houchu had no weakness because he was parentless, brotherless, and heartless.
This hostage situation was desired by both Chen Yining and Gongsun Yi.
Unable to find Mu Houchu’s weakness, Gongsun Yi couldn’t inflict painful blows on Houchu. He did not know about the romantic feeling Mu Houchu had for Chen Yining, nor did he have any interest in learning about it. However, rumors suggested that Chen Yining and he were a couple. Therefore, holding "his woman" hostage made him feel extremely satisfied.
This seemed to put Gongsun Yi at an advantage.
However, the expression on Mu Houchu’s face remained unchanged. He said indifferently: "She’s not my woman."
Chen Yining’s face turned pale, her blood drained. Was he so emotionless?
"Hou Chu..." Chen Yining’s voice was tinged with a crying tone and trembled. Her pitiful appearance surely softened many men’s hearts.
She looked at his red attire, were these the festive clothes he wore nine days ago for his wedding?
The pain in Chen Yining’s heart intensified as she thought this. He who usually disliked bright colors, had never worn festive clothes for her, yet he did it for that woman...
The hatred in her chest burned more intensely, her hand clenched tightly as if strangling the neck of the woman she was insanely jealous of.
Mu Houchu remained unmoved, showing no sympathy.
Gongsun Yi sneered cruelly: "Still calling yourself a man? Your woman is held captive, yet you dare not even utter a word. Since it’s this way, there’s no need to spare her life! Let everyone see clearly that you, Mu Houchu, is a spineless coward!"
After saying that, he yanked Chen Yining towards him, raised his knife, laughed sarcastically: "Where to start carving? This face is not bad, why not, let’s start here."
Chen Yining suddenly became frightened, suspecting that Gongsun Yi, under the current provocation, really wanted to break their agreement and hurt her. She was also afraid that Mu Houchu would remain cold and wouldn’t save her even at the very end.
"Hou Chu, Hou Chu, save me, Hou Chu!" Chen Yining’s eyes reddened, she was about to cry out of fear, her body trembling.
Just as the blade of the knife was about to fall on her face, Mu Houchu finally spoke, "Wait."
Gongsun Yi’s eyes lit up, perhaps this woman did have some uses after all?
"Hmm?"
Mu Houchu looked at him, "Release her, and tell me your demands."
Gongsun Yi chuckled heartily, "That’s straightforward! I only have one request, let me enter the palace! Do you dare?"
Chen Yining’s face was stained with tear tracks, crying miserably, "Hou Chu..."
But Mu Houchu didn’t even spare her a glance, and coldly commanded, "Someone, allow Miss Chen to return home."
"Yes."
Chen Yining was in a daze, at the moment he said he would save her, her heart almost melted. Indeed, he did have her in his heart. However, his cold attitude at that moment seemed to show that he did not care about her life or death at all.
Just as Chen Yining stood there, stunned, Mu Houchu had already mounted his horse and led all the imperial guards into the palace.
Gongsun Yi felt he was on the verge of victory, galloping towards the Golden Throne Hall where the Emperor resided. Excitement clouded his judgement and he forgot the old saying, ’all’s fair in war’.
The Emperor was already waiting for him outside the hall’s entrance, his golden robe and jade crown were conspicuous.
Gongsun Yi was thrilled and laughed loudly, "Leng Yao, today is your end!"
However, the Emperor stood there, showing no sign of panic, but was calm: "Is it?"
Gongsun Yi suddenly realized something was not right. As he was still trying to figure out what was happening, he saw archers protruding from the surrounding palace rooftops, aiming at him, and numerous soldiers with long spears rushing in, surrounding him.
Fearful, Gongsun Yi immediately turned to escape, but as he turned, he saw Mu Houchu had already blocked his way out with all the imperial guards. He was surrounded with no way to escape.
"You, you, where did you get all these soldiers?!" Gongsun Yi asked in horror, "The journey from Cangzhou is long, it takes at least half a month to come to the capital, how could they have arrived today?"
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