The hot sunlight was dispelled by the river breeze and the marine soldiers’ sweat was blown dry. One of the soldiers stole a moment to glance at the several pavilions that had just been set up beside the city gate. Upon meeting a pair of icy eyes, he couldn’t help but shiver and goosebumps immediately formed all over his exposed skin. His nearby companion asked in a low voice, “What’s wrong?” He ducked his head and said quietly, “Work! It seems like the Young Prince of An Qing Palace wants to murder someone today.”
By the time the fire was out, the new pontoon bridge was close to completion. There were just two boats that were not yet connected. Liu Jue stood up and leapt on his horse without a word. The other two forces of the black-clothed cavalry had already returned to the palace and only the Xuan forces had accompanied Liu Jue the entire time. Seeing their master make a move, they turned and mounted their horses simultaneously. With Liu Jue alone at the front, they charged over to the opposite shore.
After crossing the pontoon bridge, there was only one main road that led to the cities in the south. The closest one to Feng City was Shun He Town and further away was Gu City. The black-clothed cavalry followed Liu Jue closely and only the sound of hooves could be heard on the deserted main road in the afternoon. Whenever they encountered a trail, one of the soldiers from the black-clothed cavalry would automatically leave the group and search the trail.
There was a tea house ten li away from the city, owned by an eldery couple with graying hair who were drowsy from the hot sunlight. They suddenly heard the quick sounds of horse hooves and the old man opened his eyes, a strong gust of wind blowing into his face as a group of masked cavalry soldiers in flexible dark armor rode past hurriedly, bringing with them a light thundering sound. The old man’s body suddenly weakened and he fell off the stool onto the ground. He dusted himself off and slowly stood up. Raising his head, he staggered once again and fell back onto the ground. The masked rider softened his tone as much as possible and asked, “Old man, have you seen a handsome young man drive a carriage past here?”
The old man opened his mouth but was unable to make a sound. The masked rider became a little impatient and his voice became slightly cold, “Early this morning, have you seen a handsome young man drive a carriage past here?”
The old man returned to his senses and stammered, “I, I opened the tea house early this morning, but didn’t, didn’t see them.”
The masked rider did not question further and throwing down a handful of copper coins, he spurred his horse towards Shun He Town. When he was far away enough, the old man picked up the scattered coins on the ground with shaking hands. He muttered to himself in a low voice, “How terrifying!”
Liu Jue rode all the way to Shun He Town. The town was not big and it only had two streets. With a wave of his hand, the black-clothed cavalry scattered and surrounded the town. Liu Jue stood at the entrance on his horse. Not long after, the soldiers of the Xuan forces reported, “No one in the town has seen the Third Miss and the others, nor have they seen a carriage pass by.”
The mount seemed to sense its master’s irritability and twitched its front hooves uneasily. Liu Jue calculated the time. Ah Luo and the others should have reached Shun He Town long ago. Shun He Town was located between two tall mountains and the main road passed through it, with no other way to go through. It was unlikely that the three women would climb the mountain. As long as they were headed south, they definitely needed to pass through Shun He Town. Where had they gone now?
Suddenly, he heard a clear sound and a trace of green smoke spread in the sky. It was a signal from a soldier of the black-clothed cavalry who had gone down one of the trails. Liu Jue turned his horse around and rushed towards the signal location.
Entering the dense forest, Liu Jue immediately saw the carriage. The Xuan soldier knelt on the ground and explained the situation. Liu Jue walked past him straight to the carriage. There were a few pieces of clothing scattered in the carriage and Liu Jue picked up one. Suddenly, he saw small blood stains on it and when he looked at the ground, he saw there were also bloodstains on the grass. He felt shocked, his pupils contracting sharply as he felt as though his heart was being squeezed. His face paled in an instant, his sweat becoming cold and clinging to his clothes.
He heard the soldier who had discovered the carriage speak, “It was a very clever technique. There are no traces in the surroundings. It’s like the people and horses have disappeared from here.”
“Are there strange people nearby?”
“There is a group of bandits in the mountain west of Shun He Town, though they rarely rob common carriages. If you bribe them with some money to pass through, they won’t hurt anyone.”
Liu Jue sneered, “There are bandits this close to the imperial city who take bribe money? Very good!”
“This group of bandits is quite strange, it seems like they have something to do with the Crown Prince. The secret sentry of the Ge forces reported that they almost never came down the mountain, except to occasionally rob things. The things they rob are not enough for their expenses. It appears that robbing is just their pretense at being thieves.”
Liu Jue looked at the mountains in the distance and thought to himself, this Shun He Town was the throat of Feng City. If this strategic passage was blocked, it would be equivalent to controlling the main roads of Feng City and all the southern cities. If the Crown Prince had planned his move earlier, this was truly a good move. “When did these bandits appear?”
“After the Mid-Autumn Festival last year.”
Liu Jue thought inwardly that after the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Crown Prince married the Wang family. It was rumoured that the Crown Princess’ astuteness surpassed others, so could it be that this move was made by Wang Yan Hui? The more he thought about it, the more alarmed he felt. He suddenly recalled Ah Luo’s zither playing the night of the Crown Prince’s banquet. Could it be that the Crown Prince had placed an informant in the Minister’s residence long ago to catch Ah Luo? At this moment, Liu Jue’s heart felt chaotic. If he destroyed the bandit’s hideout, he would be indirectly doing Zi Li a big favour while simultaneously ruining the Eastern Palace’s plans. If he did not go, how would he be able to rest at ease? Liu Jue’s gaze became more and more determined. The corners of his mouth curled slightly into a cold sneer. Since they claimed to be bandits, then he would deal with them as such. If this move was made by Zi Li, then it would be ruined today all the same.
“Before midnight tonight, I want the bandit’s hideout to disappear. It is our duty to protect people by eliminating harm and to share the Emperor’s burden.”
“Rest assured my Lord!”
The moon was slowly obscured by the clouds. The large mountain cast shadows. According to the information gathered by the Ge forces, the Xuan forces of the black-clothed cavalry made a plan. Around 7-9 pm, they silently surrounded the bandits’ hideout under the cover of light clouds. Liu Jue observed the hideout carefully. It was just as the Ge forces had reported and unlike the usual hideout, it seemed to be a small military camp. Liu Jue sneered coldly. It seemed like they were familiar with military tactics, knowing how to lay out battle formations. Around 9-11pm, Liu Jue mimicked an owl’s cry. It was time for the action to begin.
Shadows flashed in the darkness and with Liu Jue leading his men forward, the Xuan forces scattered and entered. The hideout was laid out in an array, yet they unfortunately met with the black-clothed cavalry who easily found their way straight into the main hall. When Liu Jue walked in leisurely, everyone in the hall was so shocked that they dropped and broke their wine bowls.
Surprised, the leader rubbed his eyes and heard Liu Jue say, “I’m not a ghost. Look, I have a shadow.”
It was only then that the leader reacted, “Who are you? How did you enter the hideout?!”
“You needn’t worry about that. I just want to ask if you have robbed a carriage today.”
“What if we did? What if we didn’t?”
Liu Jue suddenly made a move and the tip of his sword flew out and fragments of silver light like the softest moonlight brushed the bodies of everyone in the hall. All of them in the hideout only felt a sudden chill and they saw shimmering light like snowflakes fluttering quietly in the hall. Up until the snowflakes turned red and they fell down, they were still wondering who this smiling asura was.
When the last drop of viscous blood dripped slowly from the tip of the sword, Liu Jue smiled lightly and said, “Answer me.”
The leader suddenly hissed and shouted, “No! No! We were only ordered to station here and never hurt anyone or take their lives!”
The black-clothed cavalry filed in and after counting the corpses in the all, they reported, “There are 173 people in the hideout and 172 are dead. They have not seen Third Miss nor Seventh Mistress and the others.”
The leader was horrified, “Black-clothed cavalry, you are the black-clothed cavalry of the An Qing Palace! Young Prince, you are Liu Jue! This, you, you actually killed all of the Imperial Lieutenant’s elite. You, are you trying to rebel?”
Liu Jue laughed so hard that his stomach hurt, “Is it rebelling if I exterminated a group of bandits? Haha!” A quick wave of his sword cut off the leader’s cry. He stopped laughing and said coldly, “After searching, set everything on fire!”
He turned around and walked out of the hall. Liu Jue closed his eyes, the pain in his heart hadn’t lessened at all from the bloodbath just now. He opened his eyes, his gaze as dark as the night. Ah Luo, where are you going? Did you truly head south through a small trail? “Send out an order. Starting from the Shun He Town in the south, set up checkpoints with portraits and examine everyone strictly. Notify all states and counties that the princess consort of the prince of the An Qing Palace has been abducted. State that the reward for any information will be a thousand silver taels and those who make the princess consort stay will be rewarded with ten thousand gold taels.”
Early morning the next day, during the morning imperial court session, Emperor Ning’s thin face reddened with anger, “Who was so bold to set the pontoon bridge on fire?!”
Minister Li stepped out and prostrated himself on the ground in tears, “Your Majesty! An unknown person kidnapped my daughter and concubine yesterday. When An Qing Palace learned about this news, they charged out through the South Gate. The thief actually set the pontoon bridge on fire. I have been a minister for many years. I have been honest and kind, how could this disaster happen!”
Minister Li was gentle and polite to everyone when doing his duty. Apart from being an old fox who liked to act as a diplomat between sides, he truly was honest! Crying bitterly in the hall, the sounds of pitiful sighs came and went.
Liu Jue stepped and knelt down, “Your Majesty, the Minister’s third daughter was engaged to me. Last night, I searched everywhere up to the large mountain west of Shun He Town. There was actually a den of thieves hidden inside, merely a few dozen li away from the imperial city. They had built a hideout and were running rampant. I have already destroyed this hideout and had heard one of the thieves say that the Third Miss and Seventh Mistress were being held hostage, heading south. Your Majesty, please give orders!”
A bright light flashed across Emperor Ning’s eyes and he revealed a smile, “Good, well done. Yun Zhi, how could such a bold thief be allowed to run freely so close to the imperial city? I appoint you as General Ping Nan to patrol and investigate the southern cities. There are many mountains and dangerous roads in the south. If you encounter such thieves, act first then report afterwards! Minister Li, you need not be sad. General Ping Nan will go south and definitely bring back your daughter safely.”
After saying so much in one breath, Emperor Ning was slightly out of breath. He glanced briefly at Minister Gu and Zi Li. Seeing their concern, he nodded at them slightly. He paused for a while, then said, “Imperial Lieutenant, General Ping Nan will head south this time. You can hand over the Tiger Tally of the South Army to him. Let him command the South Army.”
The Imperial Lieutenant was stunned for a moment, still feeling distressed about the elite soldiers that he had stationed on the mountain who had all been strangely regarded as bandits and killed. Right after, Emperor Ning had seized the military power of the South Army in such a straightforward manner and in front of the imperial court, under their watchful eyes, how could he refuse? He replied helplessly, “A year ago, soldiers had reported that the Chen Empire was on the move. Now, I appointed the Gu family’s son as General Tian Xiang, is the commander of the southern navy. I appointed General Wang Lie and General Tian Xiang to draft a comprehensive plan. Changing the leader at this time will not benefit our military. Your Majesty, please reconsider!”
Emperor Ning chuckled and said, “I remember that Yun Zhi and Tian Xiang grew up together since childhood and are close friends. For the two of them to work together, there will be no problems so worry not Imperial Lieutenant. Let’s settle it like this. Yun Zhi, set out tomorrow and take over General Wang as soon as possible. Pay close attention to the Chen Empire’s movements and don’t forget to remove any ruffians who dare to act as they please.”
Liu Jue couldn’t help smile and reply loud and clear, “I understand, the emperor is wise!”
Zi Li and Minister Gu glanced at each other and a smile flashed across their eyes.
The Crown Prince pursed his mouth tightly. His face did not reveal any expression.
After court was dismissed, the Crown Prince returned to the Eastern Palace and sighed dejectedly, “Father Emperor has begun to make preparations.”
Wang Yan Hui who was slowly reading the book in her hand glanced at the Crown Prince and said, “In terms of the Ning Empire’s military strength, the right-wing army is in the hands of Emperor An Qing and the left-wing army is dominated by the South Army. Now the majority of troops are under the An Qing Palace’s command. If Liu Jue and his father want to usurp the throne, it would be easy for them to do so. Emperor An Qing is old. You just need to ask Prince Li to go to Xi Chui City at the border to replace him! Father Emperor will allow it!”
“But wouldn’t this be handing the right-wing army to Zi Li?”
“Military movements are risky. Use this military power in exchange for putting him far away from the imperial city. You are the rightful Crown Prince, it would be logical for you to be enthroned. Emperor An Qing can spend his time at home leisurely in retirement. After working so hard to train the right-wing army for many years, how could he hand them over to Prince Li so smoothly? Even if Prince Li is dissatisfied and raises arms against Emperor Ning, it would be up to Emperor An Qing. This Emperor An Qing is incomparably shrewd, going to the border city so early. His attitude is ambiguous and with the Crimson Dragon Authorisation Token in his hands, even your father, the Emperor, fears him a little. Besides, Gu Tian Xiang holds nothing but the southern navy. Most of the South Army is in my father’s control. It would not be easy for General Ping Nan to subdue the South Army so easily. Moreover, my father still has the East Army and even though it is not as large as the South Army, they are truly elites. As for the North Army, they are hidden in the forests of Black Mountain and this is most likely unknown even to the Emperor.”
The Crown Prince was both alarmed and delighted, “My princess has a clever plan as expected. When did the Ning Empire have a North Army?”
Wang Yan Hui smiled, “They are my personal soldiers. I have loved military affairs since I was a child and have begged my father year after year for a few elites in the army to be my personal soldiers. Hidden in the forest of Black Mountain, there are 20,000 cavalry. Under my training, one of them can fight ten.” Wang Yan Hui faced the Crown Prince directly and said, “You and I are husband and wife. What I told you today is the truth. From now on, we will share fortunes and disasters. Your Highness must not betray Yan Hui’s good will.”
The Crown Prince let out a long sigh. All his troubles had been wiped out. He suddenly asked, “Does my princess dislike my concubine?”
Wang Yan Hui smiled pleasantly, “How could I not like the daughter of the Right Minister? I simply dislike her zither playing. However, I like her younger sister, Qing Luo. It would be great if she was my own younger sister, just seeing her makes me happy. I really want to have her marry General Ping Nan soon. I would have another sister and you would gain another brother-in-law.”
