Chapter 270
At the western gate of the capital, a small team of riders was about to enter the city.
“What’s the matter? The capital is under martial law now. You folks from the Western Moon Kingdom, why are you here?”
“Oh dear, Guard sir, it’s really a misunderstanding. We’ve been traveling for quite a while, and we had no idea there were such big changes here. We made an agreement with the owner of the Chunxiang Building to deliver some dancers. This… Oh! It’s Madam Liu!”
Just then, a graceful and charming woman walked over.
“Sorry, sorry, Guard sir. I’m Liu Wen’er, the owner of the Chunxiang Building. I noticed a few of you gentlemen look quite familiar, aren’t you…”
“Oh my, isn’t this Madam Liu? What brings you here?” the old customer guard captain asked with a smile.
“The dancer was booked by me two months ago, isn’t it to compete with the Golden Phoenix Pavilion? Who knew the situation would turn out like this now? Sigh, count me unlucky, but I can’t cause trouble for you guys. How about this, I’ll pay up, and you just send the people away.”
The guard also understood the situation and was about to speak, but the people from the Western Moon Kingdom objected.
“Madam, you can’t do this. It’s chaotic outside now, and our small team of people dare not roam around. We’ve lost all our food and drink on the way here, and we dare not enter other cities. Aren’t you forcing us to death? Please, let us stay for a while. We’ll leave after the situation stabilizes outside, okay? We’re all honest business people, not bad people. We have money, we can pay. This dancer and the craftsmen behind her are all skilled artisans who can create scenery. They’re valuable assets. We usually can’t afford them even with a high price. We can’t afford any trouble, otherwise, I’ll have to risk my life to compensate my boss.”
The young leader, with a pitiful expression, pleaded bitterly for a while. Seeing the dilemma, Madam Liu looked at the chief guard.
After some consideration and seeing the constant offering of pouches, the chief guard finally relented, “We’ll inspect each of you. If everything checks out, you can enter, but once you’re in, you can’t leave.”
“We’ll definitely wait until it’s safe and the city gates are open before we leave.”
Seeing that the guard was willing to compromise, the chief guard accepted the money and distributed it among his subordinates, then proceeded to handle the matter.
Apart from the young leader, there was a beautiful dancer and five men of varying ages, none of them appeared particularly strong or young, with calloused hands indicating they were honest craftsmen.
After careful inspection and confirming their tools were indeed those of craftsmen, they were allowed to pass.
Madam Liu led the way ahead, with the others quietly following behind.
On a rooftop in the distance, two figures stood in the shadows.
“Look at that graceful demeanor of Miss Wen’er, so beautiful. Her noble and selfless nature, taking the affairs of the world as her own responsibility, is truly admirable! No wonder she was once the leading courtesan of the Chunxiang Building in the capital.”
“Aren’t you a monk?”
“Don’t forget, His Highness promised that as long as I helped, I could wipe away the past. Once I’m free, there’s no need for me to be a monk anymore. When my hair grows out, I’ll be a charming butterfly fluttering in the wind.”
Liu Xiaowei couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to Wu Chang’s incessant questioning. Despite staying at the Chunxiang Building for several nights, he hadn’t seen this rascal even glance at anyone. Could it be that he’s so good-looking that even beauties don’t interest him anymore?
The two of them secretly escorted the group all the way until they arrived back at the Chunxiang Building. They greeted everyone warmly along the way, until they led them into their courtyard, ostensibly to educate the newcomers and arrange the design of the scenery. In truth, the buildings within the courtyard held hidden secrets.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please rest first. We can only work unnoticed when things get lively at night. How should I address you?” Liu Wen’er asked.
“You can call me Xinyue, and the leader here is Pei Jin,” Xinyue replied cheerfully.
“I’m Chang Jun. These are my apprentices and assistants. Could you please arrange for their rest first, Madam? I’ll take a look around.”
Liu Wen’er immediately began arranging accommodations for everyone.
After Chang Jun finished speaking, he walked to the center of the room where there was a downward passage. While he was examining it, suddenly a head popped out, startling him. However, Pei Jin recognized the person first. “Mr. Gu?”
Gu Jing looked around in astonishment. “P-P-Pei…”
“Why are you stuttering, Mr. Gu?” Another voice sounded, and another person emerged, only to be held by the neck. “P-Pei…”
Pei Jin took a look, “Chief Steward Hai is also here?”
Just then, Liu Xiaowei entered the room. Seeing the scene, he said, “We’ve all met, all for the same purpose. The sooner we finish, the sooner it’s over.”
After Liu Xiaowei spoke, the intermediary finished explaining the situation, leaving everyone looking at each other in confusion.
It wasn’t until an awkward exchange among them that they finally understood what was going on.
Since the news of Yuan Ran came, Mr. Cao knew his place was no longer safe. Fortunately, Yue Chen had run some errands before leaving, and he was good at judging people and using them. He knew that Liu Wen’er had always wanted to repay Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang’s kindness, so he used the most mundane place, the Chunxiang Building, as their new gathering point. Moreover, before entering the palace, he came up with a method, the most difficult method imaginable, to dig a tunnel into the palace to rescue someone.
In this plan, there were Yuan Ran’s remaining men acting as laborers, as well as Chief Steward Hai who was fully familiar with the layout of the palace, and Gu Jing, who could accurately determine directions. With these people gathered, they could accurately dig a tunnel into the palace, although it might take a long time.
At this point, Liu Xiaowei had already received Yuan Ran’s commission to bring in Chang Jun, the master blacksmith. They realized that rescuing people using skilled individuals would be too inefficient, especially with the heightened security in the palace. It was risky to bring in people as hostages, so they decided to use tunnels to rescue them.
Liu Xiaowei then brought Chang Jun and his team, skilled in construction and forging, near the capital. He personally sneaked into the city to find Mr. Cao. While Mr. Cao informed him that they were all in the Chunxiang Building planning their escape via tunnels, he realized it would be difficult to bring Chang Jun and his team into the city. Considering their options, they thought of sneaking them in one by one under the cover of night, as the security at the city gates was weaker compared to the palace. It was worth a try.
As a result, Yuan Ran bribed Wu Chang to deliver a message. Wu Chang was exceptionally skilled in lightness technique and was perfect for this role, akin to a messenger pigeon. He informed them that if they couldn’t think of a solution, they should seek help from Pei Jin and Xinyue.
Prior to this, Lin Qingyang received a letter from Qi Ci, stating that Pei Jin and Xinyue had been located at the border. Upon hearing that Lin Qingyang was acting as an envoy, they were concerned and decided to follow him. However, they missed him due to unforeseen events. Coincidentally, they encountered Qi Ci near Tongjia Pass, who was following Yuan Ran. Being aware of their relationship with the Western Moon Kingdom, Qi Ci immediately offered assistance.
Yuan Ran directly replied to Lin Qingyang’s letter, indicating the need for assistance from Pei Jin and Xin Yue and instructing them to head to the vicinity of the capital city. Waiting for them there would be the group led by Chang Jun.
Fortunately, Xinyue had experience as a dancer, and Pei Jin excelled in socializing and acting. They quickly devised a plan, with communication facilitated by Liu Xiaowei and Wu Chang. With their combined efforts, the plan was successfully implemented.
After bidding farewell to each other, they couldn’t help but sigh. Were they really working for the Crown Prince? Everything felt incredibly surreal.
Among them, Chief Steward Hai remained the most composed, while Pei Jin’s mood was complex. However, she was unwilling to dwell on the past any longer. This was the debt of gratitude she needed to repay.
So, the group discussed that it wouldn’t be feasible to prolong the standoff outside for too long. They asked Chang Jun for the fastest possible method.
Chang Jun proposed a method that would take about ten days but required digging during the day as well. Pei Jin immediately came up with an idea: she suggested that Xinyue pretend to be teaching dancing in the courtyard during the day and have other girls join in, with musicians playing music to cover up the sound of digging.
Xinyue and Liu Wen’er both expressed no problem. The girls in their courtyard were all sisters who had gone through hardships with Liu Wen’er. Even though they didn’t know what Liu Wen’er was busy with, in such turbulent times, nobody would speculate or gossip about anything strange they might see; they would simply pretend not to notice.
As the tunnel got deeper, they naturally became less concerned about any noise it might produce.
With the assistance of Chang Jun and his team of professionals, the mission of tunneling to rescue people was officially underway.
Meanwhile, unrest was growing within the court, with several ministers claiming illness and avoiding their duties.
Xu Lanxin pushed herself to attend to state affairs every day, not daring to slack off even slightly, barely maintaining stability within the court. Due to the lack of news from Zhao Cheng, Xu Lanxin secretly had Concubine Mei and the Fourth Prince brought into the palace for custody.
After enduring this torment for several days without receiving any war reports from the front, they were instead greeted with the birth of the young emperor.
Xu Lanxin gave birth to a prince, but he was… a dull-witted and slow-to-react child.
When the imperial physicians examined the child, they concluded that it might have been due to Xu Lanxin’s indirect exposure to poison during the early stages of pregnancy, which affected the fetus’s development.
The only thing Xu Lanxin could think of was the scripture that the emperor had been poisoned and weakened by, as she had copied it once to please him.
Unable to believe this revelation, Xu Lanxin immediately ordered a cover-up, ensuring that anyone who discovered that her son was slow-witted was silenced.
Immediately, Xu Lanxin carried the young emperor to the court. After all, for others, whether the child was feeble-minded or not was not easily discernible.
However, the sudden silencing of numerous concubines in the palace raised suspicions. People couldn’t help but wonder if it was because the child born was not a boy, prompting such actions. But now, it was pointless to speculate as the ludicrous event of the “new emperor’s accession” had occurred.
They thought that when this news reached Yuan Ran, he would be anxious. However, when Yuan Ran received this urgent message, Lu Yi didn’t even enter his tent to report. He just mentioned it from outside, and all he heard was Yuan Ran making a muffled acknowledgment, indicating that he knew about it.
Near Yuan Ran’s tent, there were no guards, only Lu Yi and Lu Shi could approach.
When Lu Shi saw Lu Yi returning, they exchanged a glance, both struggling to suppress a twitch at the corner of their mouths. The people around, waiting for the Crown Prince’s reaction, whispered among themselves.
“Look at how composed our Crown Prince is, as if he hasn’t heard a thing.”
“Yeah, this is the demeanor of royalty. Much better than those who make a newborn their emperor as soon as it’s born.”
“They’re just scrambling, but our Crown Prince doesn’t care.”
“But why did His Highness wait so many days?”
“He must be seeking talent desperately. His Highness is benevolent and doesn’t want to antagonize the Huo family’s army. He must be thinking of another way.”
“No wonder he spends most of his time inside the tent. He’s brainstorming ideas every day!”
“I see, the one accompanying him is rumored to be Lord Lin, a shrewd strategist. They must be busy discussing important matters!”
Mu Huichun, passing by, felt his heart sink. Discussing important matters? That means Lin Qingyang is in trouble. It seems like the ointment he provided them before isn’t enough. He should prepare more. It’s ironic that as a future renowned doctor, he’s spent more time and effort researching these types of things. It’s maddening.
Meanwhile, Lin Qingyang, unable to bear it any longer, pushed away the sweaty chest in front of him. After clearing his throat for what seemed like an eternity, he finally managed to speak, “Why… Why are you… always around… lately? Are you trying to… kill me?”
Lin Qingyang felt like he was living on borrowed time, destined to meet his end beneath Yuan Ran’s feet.
Yuan Ran’s breaths were shallow, his eyes simmering with restrained fury, like a storm brewing in crimson hues.
As their eyes met, Lin Qingyang froze, finally releasing the coiled tension of the impending storm.
After a moment, Yuan Ran regained his composure and, for the first time, inquired, “The medicine, how much longer until it’s ready?”
Lin Qingyang was barely holding on, “It might take a few more days. Did the ceasefire start? You’re so bored that you’re losing control?”
Yuan Ran tenderly kissed Lin Qingyang, though their encounters didn’t always reach completion, and the unique concoctions they used were relatively harmless to the body, it still took a toll on Lin Qingyang.
“Probably because the capital is within reach.”
“Is it excitement?” Lin Qingyang inquired.
Yuan Ran’s crimson eyes darkened. “Hmm…” In truth, it was the helplessness he felt as they neared this place, reminding him of the frustration he felt when he left last time. The resentment he harbored for those responsible for all this, the bitterness towards Lin Qingyang being left behind, it lingered. He hated the fact that Lin Qingyang had once been willing to die for him. He couldn’t forgive, and he wanted nothing more than to turn back immediately and seek vengeance. But he…
“Alright, I’ve reassured you enough. Don’t let my efforts go to waste. I’m glad you’re concerned about Yu Chen and Huo Luo. They’ll be your most important ministers in the future, and even now, they’re valuable friends. So, what you’re doing is right, and it’s good.”
Lin Qingyang chuckled and ruffled Yuan Ran’s hair.
Yuan Ran finally managed a slight smile. Yes, just for Lin Qingyang’s approval, he could endure anything.
“Oh, by the way, just now, when Lu Yi…” Lin Qingyang’s expression changed as he remembered the embarrassing incident. Lu Yi was outside reporting, and that rascal didn’t even pause. How dare he ask now? Lin Qingyang covered his mouth in disbelief. It was shameless! Probably, with Lu Yi’s keen hearing, he heard everything.
“What’s there to be shy about? Haven’t they heard everything already?”
“There’s no need to say such things out loud! You don’t need your face, but I need mine!” Lin Qingyang was already embarrassed and didn’t want to discuss it further, but Yuan Ran had the audacity to bring it up.
Yuan Ran chuckled, “What I mean is, you’ll have to get used to it. With more palace guards around, it’s inevitable. And I can’t promise it’ll only happen in the bedchamber every time.”
Lin Qingyang’s face turned even redder at Yuan Ran’s teasing, though his thick skin had grown accustomed to such comments.
“Let’s talk about…. serious matters.”
“Serious matters? Well, my cousin became emperor before me.”
“Will it have any impact?”
“No, once the time is right, we’ll launch our attack.”
Just then, a person arrived outside the military tent, requesting to see Lin Qingyang. When Lu Yi heard about the visitor, he was somewhat surprised.
Two days later, as the horns sounded, Xu Lanxin was forcibly carrying her feverish son to attend court when she heard the good news: Yuan Ran’s army had retreated without confronting Huo Luo directly. Huo Luo asked what should be done next.
Xu Lanxin was pleasantly surprised, thinking that they might have been affected by the flooding in the south. She immediately ordered Huo Luo not to move, but to wait until they had completely withdrawn before taking any action.
Upon hearing this, Yu Suoxi found it rather strange.
The next day, news came that the enemy forces had taken a detour in the completely opposite direction, preparing to attack the capital city from another direction, effectively bypassing the Huo family army.
Those who were gathering intelligence were stunned. They said the enemy was coming with great force, likely intending to seize the capital while the Huo family army was unable to return in time.
Xu Lanxin, who had just given birth, was in a terrible state both physically and mentally. She had been exhausted, and she had thought there was finally good news to rally around. However, the sudden turn of events was like a bolt from the blue. Xu Lanxin was momentarily stunned, feeling as if she had a ringing in her ears and couldn’t make out what the reports were saying. Then, she looked down and saw that many of the remaining courtiers were already showing signs of panic and retreat, realizing with astonishment that so many had already distanced themselves from the political power she held.
The feeling of the inevitable trend has never been so evident before.
Xu Lanxin was furious, her eyes wide with rage, and immediately ordered Huo Luo to lead the troops back for rescue. She also sent people to various households to arrest the ministers, forcefully commanding them to attend the court session, insisting they must be present alongside her to await the latest news!
At the same time, she instructed Duke Wei Guo to take Yuan Chen directly to the other side of the city wall to await Huo Luo’s arrival with the troops. The main army couldn’t pass through the capital; they had to take a detour. They could then ambush the rebel forces. The defenders of the capital could hold out for a while on their own.
As long as Yuan Chen is held hostage to threaten Huo Luo and boost morale, they wouldn’t be defeated naturally. If they were defeated, with the loss of the capital, Yuan Chen would be the first to suffer.
After that, it would be others.
When Duke Wei Guo came to take Yuan Chen away, the others in the courtyard had solemn expressions, some even cursing loudly.
Yuan Chen remained calm and earnestly said, “Stay here and don’t run around. Little sister, I’m counting on you.”
Little Sister Huo’s expression was solemn, her eyes red with tears. Finally, she nodded and said, “Big Brother Yue, you must come back safely. If something happens to you, I’ll lose my sister-in-law!”
Yuan Chen looked at her helplessly, then glanced at the two families, who were clearly shocked. This time, he didn’t make any jokes or explanations. He simply said, “Hmm, if I come back alive, I’ll be your brother-in-law.”
After saying this, Yuan Chen turned around and walked away with Duke Wei Guo.
Not long after Yuan Chen left, there was movement underground in his room.
Duke Wei Guo brought Yuan Chen to the other side of the city wall. Soon, they heard the thundering sound of hooves. The soldiers guarding the city walls tightened their grips on their weapons, all feeling tense.
Yuan Chen looked around calmly and said, “Duke Wei Guo, you can’t fail to see that this clearly won’t hold.”
“With Huo Luo there, he’ll definitely be able to hold his ground,” Duke Wei Guo said. “I don’t want to harm you. I’ve watched you all grow up. Don’t make it difficult for an old man like me.”
“Uncle Xu, why bother? That’s really the Crown Prince. Are you and Xu Lanxin really going to keep making mistakes?” Yuan Chen said slowly.
Duke Wei Guo’s expression turned grim. How could he not know? But his daughter had somehow ended up in this situation, and he couldn’t change it. He could only stand by his daughter’s side now.
Seeing Duke Wei Guo’s silence, Yuan Chen stopped talking as well.
Soon enough, the enemy troops approached. Their attire was different, indicating they were not allies. Duke Wei Guo anxiously scanned the surroundings, hoping to catch sight of the Huo family army.
But they were nowhere to be seen near the city gates.
Was it a matter of timing, or… Duke Wei Guo’s expression grew grave. Suddenly, he recognized the leader of the enemy troops—it was none other than Huo Luo.
Huo Luo was indeed leading the enemy troops?
Duke Wei Guo was shocked and immediately ordered his men to shoot arrows.
The army halted not far away, as Huo Luo had spotted Yuan Chen atop the city wall, held captive by Duke Wei Guo.
With a grave expression, Huo Luo slowly approached alone.
Duke Wei Guo cursed loudly, “Huo Luo, what are you up to? How dare you lead rebel forces? And where is… your Huo family army? Where’s… the traitor?”
Huo Luo ignored Duke Wei Guo and locked eyes with Yuan Chen. Yuan Chen gave him a slight smile and raised an eyebrow. Although they had both been in the capital for many days, they hadn’t met in person for several months.
Huo Luo had been anxious to see him, but he hadn’t expected it to happen like this.
Suddenly, Yuan Chen shouted, “Don’t worry, everyone is safe!”
Huo Luo’s heart skipped a beat. Yuan Chen was telling him that everyone had been rescued.
With a grim expression, Huo Luo shouted, “Duke Wei Guo, the Crown Prince has returned. If you continue to resist, then you are the true traitors.”
Huo Luo’s words carried more weight than any rumor. Even if Duke Wei Guo didn’t want to admit it, he knew that the so-called rebels were indeed led by Yuan Ran.
Upon hearing this, the soldiers of the Imperial City Army couldn’t help but feel uncertain.
“Huo Luo, order your rebel forces to retreat. You return alone, or else don’t blame me for disregarding our old relationship.” Duke Wei Guo’s dagger was already at Yue Chen’s neck.
Yuan Ran’s hands were tied, leaving him standing stiffly.
Huo Luo remained motionless, while Yue Chen was contemplating a solution. They couldn’t disrupt the Crown Prince’s plan, nor could they sacrifice themselves in vain.
But Duke Wei Guo was already frantic. The dagger had already cut through Yue Chen’s neck, leaving a fresh red mark, causing Huo Luo’s pupils to constrict.
“Stop!” Huo Luo immediately shouted.
“Retreat!”
“We can’t retreat!” Yue Chen yelled.
Huo Luo stared fiercely upward, feeling helpless for a moment.
And just then, a voice suddenly rang out from above, “General Huo, catch the person!”
Before anyone could react, the guards stationed on the city wall felt a gust of wind.
Although the shadow guards around Duke Wei Guo were all top-notch experts sent by Xu Lanxin, they couldn’t withstand the sudden attack from a master of lightness skill.
Yup Chen felt as if he had been heavily kicked, and then he was propelled into the air, directly kicked off the city wall by the assailant.
Yup Chen really wanted to curse, but the descent was too fast, and he couldn’t afford to think about anything else. He could only silently chant the name of Huo Luo in his heart.
Before he could finish saying it for the third time, he had already landed heavily in strong arms. The impact was not light, and it left Yup Chen dazed. Before he could regain his senses, he was tightly embraced by someone in front of the army, and fiercely kissed.
When Yup Chen came to his senses, he finally saw Huo Luo’s almost panicked face. It was quite amusing.
“You’re here.”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
A butterfly fluttered by without tangling with the shadow guards. The situation on the city wall was chaotic due to this unexpected turn of events, and arrows kept flying. Immediately, Huo Luo led Yup Chen to retreat to the rear.
With a command, they attacked the city!
Duke Wei Guo was injured and fled in embarrassment, but he never saw Yuan Ran and the Huo family army throughout the ordeal.
In the grand hall of the palace, the ministers had all been forcibly brought in, each wearing a look of anger, but surrounded by armed guards, they were powerless to resist and could only remain silent, waiting. The young emperor kept crying incessantly, his voice hoarse from the shouting. Finally losing patience, Xu Lanxin ordered the old nurse to find the royal physician. After the child was taken away, Xu Lanxin sternly questioned the court officials, but no one dared to answer. It seemed as if Xu Lanxin had been acting alone all along, and no one wanted to play along with her anymore. The sense of powerlessness made Xu Lanxin feel a bitter pang, but she had to endure it and continue to put on a brave front.
Duke Wei Guo was brought back by someone.
Xu Wenze, seeing his father return alone, immediately realized that there was trouble. He turned around and hurried to the place where the hostages from the Yue and Huo families were being held. He was certain that Xu Lanxin would soon take action against them, so…
When Xu Wenze arrived, however, he found no one. He searched every room, finally discovering traces of something in one particular place.
He had found the underground passage.
Just as he was about to peek inside, suddenly a figure flew up, reaching out towards Xu Wenze’s neck.
Xu Wenze thought he was about to be grabbed by the throat, but the next moment, the hand’s direction suddenly changed. Unable to retract it in time, it awkwardly slid along Xu Wenze’s neck, reaching up to his cheek and through his hair.
Xu Wenze was left baffled by this bizarre move. When he finally regained his senses, he realized that the person standing in front of him was none other than Fifth Lord Liu.
Liu Xiaowei looked at Xu Wenze with a complex expression.
Xu Wenze glanced at the tunnel and said, “I see. By the way, Yue Chen was taken away, he—”
“My friend has gone there. He’ll be fine,” Liu Xiaowei said calmly.
“Then I can rest assured. You should leave quickly. My sister will send someone over soon.”
Liu Xiaowei frowned and suddenly reached out his hand towards Xu Wenze. “Come on, let’s go.”
Xu Wenze was momentarily stunned, his expression somewhat dazed. “What?”
“I’ll take you away. Didn’t you want to leave?”
Xu Wenze’s expression gradually changed, and he finally smiled with relief. “I do want to leave, but I can’t. My family is still here, and I have to stay with them. Thank you, Fifth Lord Liu. I heard you enjoy traveling, and I’ve always wanted to travel too. If there’s a chance, let’s travel together in the future. Goodbye.”
After Xu Wenze finished speaking, he restrained the urge to flee, turned around, and left.
He had countless impulses to escape from it all. Liu Xiaowei wasn’t anyone special, just a symbol of freedom. If he held Liu Xiaowei’s hand, he could be free. But the shackles remained on him, and he could never truly be free.
He truly wanted to hold Liu Xiaowei’s hand…
On the other side, Xu Lanxin quickly learned about the situation outside, becoming furious and sensing trouble immediately. She ordered to bring the hostages, but only the escorts returned.
All the hostages had been rescued, and the guards outside hadn’t noticed a thing. They discovered the tunnels and sent people to pursue, but there was no news yet.
Xu Lanxin’s face turned pale, feeling powerless as she sat on a bench beside the dragon throne. She had no intention of sitting on the throne; she only wanted to assist a wise ruler. But now…
The sound of approaching troops seemed to echo inside the palace. Xu Lanxin had no more strategies at hand, only able to gaze blankly at the sky outside the palace gates.
Was it already too late to turn the tide?
Meanwhile, Yuan Ran and the troops from the Huo family were heading towards the original city gate.
The defenders of the city were surprised to see the troops of the Huo family heading towards them. They were puzzled; shouldn’t they have taken a detour?
They all recognized the deputy generals of the Huo family’s army, so there was a moment of hesitation before they could react to close the city gates. By the time they saw the Huo family’s troops charging towards them, it was already too late.
The city gates were easily breached, and the army advanced straight towards the main gate of the palace.
The Imperial Guards were no match, or perhaps, upon seeing the towering figure clad in red atop a fiery steed, they knew they stood no chance. They dropped their weapons one after another, signaling their surrender.
The people in the capital were filled with anxiety, with every household tightly shut behind closed doors. Yet, they couldn’t help but peek through their windows to see if it was true… if the Crown Prince was truly alive, if the impending change of power was real.
Entering through the eastern gate of the capital, closest to the palace, Yuan Ran and the Hou family’s army were the first to reach the palace.
The palace guards who were loyal to the former regime had already been removed, so the current palace guards belonged entirely to Xu Lanxin’s faction. They fiercely resisted at the city gates, raining down arrows incessantly. Coupled with the moat encircling the capital, it was proving difficult to breach the palace defenses.
At this moment, both Huo Luo and Yue Chen arrived with their armies to join the fray.
The streets of the capital were crowded with troops, and it seemed like the entire palace was surrounded. Everywhere one looked, there were enemies. If they were to launch a full-scale assault, the palace would undoubtedly suffer heavy casualties.
Seeing this overwhelming force, the palace guards felt like ants facing an elephant. Was there really any need to resist?
Just then, someone with powerful inner energy announced loudly that the Crown Prince had returned, and surrendering soldiers would be spared.
The Imperial Guards indeed hesitated, and the rain of arrows became sparse. Many among them had seen the Crown Prince before and instinctively felt a natural fear and reverence towards him, especially after the issuance of the false edict. So, when Chiteng appeared with Yuan Ran before them, the barrage of arrows involuntarily ceased.
Everyone stared in disbelief, momentarily unable to even hear their leader’s commands.
Yuan Ran’s aura of intimidation was not something ordinary people could withstand. Even though they were looking down at him from above, they felt as if they were gazing up at a towering figure, almost compelled to kneel down and pay homage.
“Open the palace gates!” Yuan Ran shouted loudly.
But at that moment, a voice echoed from the palace walls.
“Yuan Ran!”
Yuan Ran looked up to see a man clad in a black cloak standing atop the palace wall, with two assassins pressing a figure in a white cloak against him.
“Yu Suoxi!” Yuan Ran uttered each word with emphasis. “You really can’t do anything about Tianheng Kingdom? Is that why you’ve come here?”
“Yuan Ran… come up. Let’s have a chat, shall we? You should be obedient,” Yu Suoxi said, holding a strange weapon and pointing it at the figure in the white cloak, who had been bowing his head.
Many had seen the white cloak before; it seemed to be worn by Lin Qingyang recently due to illness.
As the commander of thecImperial Guards was about to approach to inquire, Yu Suoxi produced an order from Xu Lanxin and said, “Do not open the palace gates. This is an order. All of you, hold your positions.”
The commander of the Imperial Guards, seeing the order, naturally dared not say anything.
Yuan Ran dismounted and, accompanied by three others, leaped onto the city wall to confront Yu Suoxi.
Yu Suoxi focused solely on Yuan Ran, his gaze fixed on him. Upon seeing his veiled eyes, Yu Suoxi chuckled and said, “Take it off.”
Yuan Ran complied, revealing his blood-red eyes.
Yu Suoxi chuckled, “Indeed, you look better this way. You’re already so capable, why do you insist on playing the saint? Refraining from attacking Tianheng and using those petty tactics against the Great Zhou.”
“Even with those ‘petty tactics,’ you still lost, didn’t you?” Yuan Ran mocked.
“I admit, you’re clever, but too weak. There were more effective methods available. Have you forgotten? You’ve gone mad; you should be doing what madmen do!” Yu Suoxi reprimanded, somewhat displeased.
Yuan Ran looked at him coldly.
Yu Suoxi, on the other hand, smirked triumphantly. “I should have eliminated Lin Qingyang earlier. I just didn’t expect someone like you, after experiencing deception and betrayal time and time again, to still be so foolish as to trust one person, to be influenced by one person. You really… disappoint me.”
As Yu Suoxi spoke, he aimed a long tube-like object at the white-cloaked figure beside him. “But since you care so much, why were you so easily caught by me? Once you let your guard down due to softness, you become careless. You need a harsh lesson.”
“What do you want?” Yuan Ran asked.
Yu Suoxi laughed, “Naturally, to help you, to help you achieve the most perfect state.”
“Do you want me to be as insane as you, to go mad and kill everyone in the world?”
“Don’t you? You may deceive others, but not me, Yuan Ran. We’re the same, after experiencing those things, can you still be a normal person?” Yu Suoxi suddenly laughed manically, “Impossible, you can’t let go of the hatred in your heart. You hate those who harmed you in the past, and even more so, the heartless people of the world. You can never forgive them. Whenever you have a chance, you will surely find ways to vent your hatred!”
Yuan Ran suddenly smiled, “Yes, you understand me. I harbor hatred.”
The three people behind Yuan Ran were slightly taken aback, but none of them spoke.
Yuan Ran narrowed his eyes, looking at Yu Suoxi. “But I’m not like you.”
“You mean to say you have love? I don’t, right? But soon, you won’t either. Yuan Ran, I can’t defeat you, so I can only do this. Don’t hate me. I’m helping you. Only this way can you be invincible. This world is too absurd. Everyone, driven by their selfish desires, will not hesitate to harm the innocent. People are such disgusting and ugly beings. They don’t deserve to live,” Yu Suoxi said, his expression turning fierce as he spoke. “Your prophecy is actually implying that this is what you should do. Don’t you think that’s a divine appointment?”
“Stop using fate against me. I don’t believe in fate. But… is this your last resort? To deal with Lin Qingyang?”
“Isn’t it?” Yu Suoxi smiled.
“Indeed, this is the only way to destroy me.” Yuan Ran’s hand moved slightly, and the Silver Rainbow hummed softly, his voice full of malevolence. “Did you hear that, Lin Qingyang? If you get into trouble again, if you leave me again, I will destroy this world. I’ll die with you.”
The person in the white cloak opposite didn’t move, but one of the three behind Yuan Ran trembled slightly.
Yu Suoxi’s mind was filled with doubts. Why was Yuan Ran so calm? But Yuan Ran was already insane, and Yu Suoxi couldn’t determine if his behavior was normal or not.
However, a momentary hesitation crept into Yu Suoxi’s heart. The thing in his hand resembled the design of an early pistol, exuding the scent of gunpowder, extremely dangerous. Even a highly skilled martial artist would be defenseless against it, but it could only be used once.
This time, Lin Qingyang would undoubtedly die.
He would die, and the Yuan Ran before him would become just like himself. Yuan Ran was stronger than him; he was the son of destiny. As long as Lin Qingyang died, he would inevitably follow the path of prophecy.
So, Lin Qingyang had to die.
But… Yu Suoxi looked into Yuan Ran’s crimson eyes, which actually didn’t show much emotion. Yet, he seemed to see a blazing fire burning through that red hue.
His mother had died, and he had become insane.
Lin Qingyang died, and Yuan Ran would become even more insane.
“Don’t waste time, let’s get on with it,” Yuan Ran unexpectedly spoke up while Yu Suoxi hesitated.
The Silver Rainbow flickered once again, but Yuan Ran’s smirk remained, filled with bloodlust.
Yuan Ran spared Yu Suoxi’s life just to witness his twisted and agonized expression. It seemed that the lessons from Tianheng Kingdom were not enough. If there was anything that could truly affect Yu Suoxi, it would be seeing all his plans go to waste and being betrayed by someone he might still have a tiny bit of trust in.
This should be enough to cause him pain.
Yuan Ran’s unusual behavior naturally caught Yu Suoxi’s attention. When Yuan Ran suddenly approached, Yu Suoxi knew that without inner strength, he wouldn’t stand a chance against Yuan Ran. He had already prepared himself to sacrifice his life for another.
Yu Suoxi’s body leaned backward, attempting to evade Yuan Ran’s sword. His arm extended directly toward the white-cloaked figure behind him.
In that moment, beneath the cloak, a glistening tear rolled down.
Yu Suoxi’s expression changed abruptly, and with a swift movement of his arm, there was a resounding bang.
The white-cloaked figure’s shoulder was pierced, and blood gushed out instantly. The two individuals who had been restraining her seemed to awaken from a daze and released her, exclaiming loudly, “Master, this… something’s not right!”
And Yu Suoxi had already seen it.
Beneath the cloak was the breathtakingly beautiful face of the Saintess.
The Saintess had initially cooperated with Yu Suoxi’s subordinates to rescue him, but she was ultimately abandoned. She knew what Yu Suoxi might do, and she finally understood that as long as Yu Suoxi was alive, he would never give up. So she searched far and wide and eventually found the military camp, wanting to help. She didn’t want Yu Suoxi to continue making mistakes, nor did she want another ‘Yu Suoxi’ to emerge and threaten the world. She hadn’t stopped him before, but now…
When Yu Suoxi’s men arrived, they were misled by Mu Huichun’s hallucinogenic potion, believing they had captured Lin Qingyang. The Saintess willingly became a hostage, allowing herself to be taken back. This way, Lin Qingyang wouldn’t have to be constantly watched.
At that moment, the Saintess, clutching her wound, sat on the ground, tears streaming down her face as she watched Yu Suoxi’s furious expression.
Filled with hatred, Yu Suoxi was about to act when someone thrust a sword through his chest.
Due to Yuan Ran’s actions, the silver light stretched out, and Lin Qingyang was pulled out from between Lu Yi and Lu Shi.
It was only then that Yu Suoxi saw.
“You… you all…”
“How does it feel? Feeling betrayed, aren’t you? Even though you have nobody left to trust, how can you still feel betrayed?” Yuan Ran mocked.
Yu Suoxi’s face was as pale as death, and he staggered back, allowing the sword to leave his body. He leaned against the palace wall in a sorry state, blood flowing down the wall, and blood seeping from his lips.
Yuan Ran watched the scene with satisfaction.
“Ah Xi!” The Saintess, disregarding her own wound, approached anxiously.
Yu Suoxi couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “I lost.”
He lost, but he didn’t admit defeat.
Yuan Ran shook off the blood from his sword, and with a swift motion, he embraced Lin Qingyang, lowering his head to nuzzle against him, as if trying to suppress his own raging emotions.
Lin Qingyang gently patted Yuan Ran’s back and then looked at Yu Suoxi. “There is still much beauty in the world, but you have not opened your eyes to see it.”
Yu Suoxi’s gaze gradually turned melancholic as he looked at Lin Qingyang and then at Yuan Ran. “I still don’t believe it, Lin Qingyang. Yuan Ran won’t be okay.”
“He will recover, both physically and mentally,” Lin Qingyang replied.
But Yu Suoxi chuckled lightly. “Even if he recovers, what’s the use? You don’t understand what I’m saying. Unless you hold onto him forever, otherwise, he will be more terrifying than me when he loses control.”
“I appreciate your warning, and I will handle it,” Lin Qingyang said earnestly.
In Yu Suoxi’s eyes, there was still a flicker of unwillingness, but ultimately he leaned back, choosing death on his own terms, refusing to give anyone the satisfaction of trampling over him.
But just as Yu Suoxi was about to fall, the Saintess desperately grabbed onto him.
Looking up, Yu Suoxi saw the blood on the Saintess’s shoulder, and tears streaming down her face onto his body.
“I’m sorry, Ah Xi,” the Saintess cried out, her face contorted with anguish.
Yu Suoxi let out a cold laugh. “Sorry for betraying me?”
“No… I’m sorry for not holding onto you back then,” the Saintess cried. “I should have held onto you. I shouldn’t have let go. I’m sorry, Ah Xi. Master didn’t want to see you like this either, but I’m just so stupid. I couldn’t think of a better way.”
The coldness in Yu Suoxi’s expression gradually faded, replaced by a somewhat forced smile.
“Qin Chun…”
The Holy Maiden froze, hearing her real name, her mind blank as she looked at Yu Suoxi.
Yu Suoxi opened his mouth. “Let go.”
The Saintessn was stunned for a moment.
In a flash, memories flooded her mind. She remembered everything.
Years ago, she had held onto Yu Suoxi. But Yu Suoxi heard the approaching footsteps, knowing that the Saintess would be discovered. Under the tyrannical rule of the old emperor, the young Saintess would not fare well. So Yu Suoxi…
The Saintess’s tears gushed uncontrollably, but Yu Suoxi had already broken free from her grasp, just like years ago. It turned out that all these years, the Saintess had been feeling guilty for what happened back then. Her memory blurred, and she mistakenly believed that she had let go. In reality, it was Yu Suoxi who had voluntarily released her to protect her.
With a sudden change in her eyes, the Saintess stood up abruptly.
Lin Qingyang saw it and immediately reached out to stop her, but was intercepted by Yuan Ran. So Lin Qingyang could only watch as the Saintess leaped alongside Yu Suoxi.
Lin Qingyang turned back in astonishment to look at Yuan Ran.
Yuan Ran said, “That’s her choice. She wants to die with him.”
Lin Qingyang’s expression turned blank as he arrived at the edge of the city wall, seeing only the flowing moat, unable to see anything else.
With Yu Suoxi’s death, his guards were taken care of, and the resistance of the palace guards on the walls was also dealt with. Others surrendered one after another, respectfully welcoming the Crown Prince’s return.
The palace gates were wide open.
The army surged in.
Yuan Ran, with Lin Qingyang, descended from the high wall and walked slowly towards the main hall.
At that moment, Xu Lanxin, who had just received the report, had an expression of calmness. Everyone in the hall was waiting, waiting… Finally, Yuan Ran, dressed in red, appeared with Lin Qingyang.
And in that instant, Xu Lanxin seemed to finally understand something, her eyes turning red in an instant.
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