The Secret Princess – Fan Fiction by AC Chapter 83: Rolling in the deep

March 4, 2018 / Angel Chua

12 Votes

♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥

Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography

Rolling in the deep (08.12.2021)

As soon as this remark came out, Yuan Che felt like it was all the same. As long as Yuwen Yue dared to step in the Wei grounds, the various positions of the government officials immediately set up a private relationship with him.

This is what exactly happened.

Today, Yuan Che could not help but face each other. It is uncommon for the Seventh Prince to see them stay and unable to form a defensive act.

However, he cannot anticipate a positive outcome even if he is seeing the same long time ally and friend Yuwen Yue in front of them.

Now, there are several military leaders who have the courage and strength to make this mission work out have one comment in common.

“The command has made this expedition very good and I am so convinced. Since there are people who openly support it, while others have disagreed.”

Yuwen Yue did not expect many promises of gains today. So to strongly oppose the Seventh Prince, everything depends on your skills.

Yuwen Yue can only give a fair chance to take a rest today, eat dinner with the freedom community and have a good meal.

While the prisoners will take a chance to talk to him starting with the Seventh Prince Yuan Che.

Yuan Che took a sigh of relief, and pointed to the man who is lying inside the infirmary.

“What about this General?”

Yuwen Yue gave him a cold look he said.

“His blocked blood was saved on time when you have surrendered and did not put so much effort in fighting the ghost shock warrior. He will live but may be disabled for a few years until his damaged nerves goes back to normal.”

“I gave them warning and caution, he did not listen,” said Yuan Che.

Yuan Che wants to open the table of negotiation he asked.

“You do not plan to keep us, prisoners, here? Name a reward for each head of these generals and mine as well.”

Yuwen Yue smirked, said.

“What I want is more than a reward. I want this freedom community to be untouched. It doesn’t matter who will suffer or die. I will defend it until every empire recognizes the value of slaves the right to choose to live their own life decently or voluntarily serve their masters, treated as a human being and have the right to gain a decent salary.”

Yuan Che thought for a while.

After hearing what Yuwen Yue wants, sending out some of the military general’s first words in dealing with various troops, Yuan Che couldn’t help but face this talk with different generals thinking and needs.

These are often complicated. These generals won the Emperor’s favor and cannot be kicked out as the general troops.

They have their own background, accumulated wide experience in winning wars until their own qualification means not as good as it is now.

How to command this force is really like a mess.

Suddenly, an idea flashed through Yuan Che’s mind.

This freedom community is a new idea and it will burn Great Summer’s slavery system over the aristocrats, it is impossible to straighten out.

Yuan Che thinks it is better to disrupt everything and push it back.

Carefully weighing in the results of gains and loses, he raised his head, glanced at each of the head of the generals sitting underneath the prison walls, smiled and said.

“You were once in the same uniform. What made you change your master ice cube, cold heart?”

Yuwen Yue did not respond but Yuan Che pushed the talk further to personal involvement he asked.

“Was it the lowly Yuwen maid who died many years ago?”

Cold air passed in between them, still waiting for words but none of it came.

Yuan Che could only look at the expanse of hidden valley skies like an innocent boy trying to hold everything in his palms.

While Yuwen Yue raises his eyebrows, sighs, then drinks his rice wine, looked up above the twinkling stars.

This is just like the way they used to before.

“My way is to invest in idle, it is expected to have a fat shortage.” Yuwen Yue closed the matter.

Yuan Che understood replied.

“So it means you will stir the public security, investigate all crimes committed by the suspects, search for the spoils of Yanbei, detain the goods of merchants and sealed these business shops to prevent it to public distribution. And if they dare to offend these slaves, the businessmen need not do business? This is damn commercial warfare! You are not going to kill Wei troops before I could come back to the Xiaoqi camp?”

***

The climate is getting colder and colder. Before the winter solstice, Yanbei still buried with thick snow.

Yan Xun has already arranged the Yan troops to attack Yanmingguan Pass while the Yanbei King is still waiting for Prince Yuan Yang’s decision to join or become Yan troops enforcements.

There has been on and off argument between the King of Yanbei and the Wei Prince.

“Come let’s have a drink!” Yan Xun in surprise walked in Yuan Yang’s royal sleeping tent.

Yuan Yang greets Yan Xun with happy eyes and took the jade goblet said.

“What made you walk into this cold ground at night? Hey thanks for the effects you sent, it was more than enough to tame this hungry troops!”

Yuan Yang tossing the jade goblet with Yan Xun but threw it sideways, look back at him with curiosity.

Yan Xun laughs and said.

“If you think the first pour has poison in it…”

Yan Xun paused then puts the wine in his mouth and drink it straight to his gut.

Then Yan Xun poured more wine in Yuan Yang’s jade goblet, said.

“I told you I never fail with my goods and provisions. I control the economy between this border and even the vassal state of Huai Song and Liang. Yuan Yang drinks the jade goblet straight to his gut and asks for one more pour: “I will have another drink to that.”

***

Large swathes of snow, fall in the empty courtyard of Wu Dao Ya said.

“These troops belong to the king of mud that does not help The Datong Way. But we should take a closer look at the positive sides. First, they are all Wei’s valiant troops Yan Xun can use to invade Chang’An. Second, we need eyewitnesses to make it a victory and close the wounds of Yan.”

The price of Datong Way did not request any special treatment for these vicious gods who were not in their waistband.

The Datong Way is continuing to whip their reserves when they were forced to give up half of its provisions for the Yan people and money to support the Wei allies and it’s silver spoon Prince Yuan Yang. This stirred up much negative thinking about them.

Wu Dao Ya had to postpone some wire transfers of money and logistics of some goods to Zao Baocung that delayed the Moon Kingdoms provision. One day, Wu Dao Ya got the report from Zhong Yu.

It silenced his mouth and looks at the teenager Huan Huan.

Huan Huan is already sixteen years old, beautiful, genius and full of life.

Aside from Yan Xun, she is the last Yan descendant that can qualify to inherit the Yanbei throne if Yan Xun fails to produce an heir from its Queen. She was a daughter to Yan Xun’s Uncle from her mother side Bai Schicheng, but the uncle died many years ago murdered by the Emperor itself.

They even said that Bai Schicheng is the only sister of the Great Summer Emperor and was handed over in political marriage for the Duke of Yanbei, Yan Schicheng to seal their brotherhood as close as possible.

Lou He saved Huan Huan when she was still a baby from the annihilation of her entire family and kept her identity in custody of Wu Dao Ya.

The Eyes of god searched the baby for many years but failed as it grows in the hands of Datong Way that became a central figure to inspire many elites and support the child.

They believed that one day Huan Huan would save Yanbei or Yan Shizi in what they call The World. But what Datong did not know, Yan Xun discovered their existence accidentally after Feng Mian died that indeed Datong is real and operating.

Wu Dao Ya also discovered who Lui Xi is but kept his mouth shut and continued to pretend unknowingly to the Prince of Yanbei now King of Yanbei.

So for Yan Xun, he continued to play as Lui Xi inside Datong through A’jing as his person.

Lui Xi is the personality used by Yan Xun to collect heavy taxes from Yanbei people from Hong Chuan plains and Beishou Cities.

Lord Feng of the Datong Way is the same as Feng Mian. Feng Mian was the favorite name called by Yan Shizi when the boy was still growing up. Feng Mian arranged Yan Xun’s comeback in Yanbei and help him recapture some of its sleeping allies using Lui Xi’s personality.

Lord Lui Xi is a popular name inside Datong Way.

Feng Mian used it frequently to hide the Prince of Yanbei identity to the secret chamber commerce.

Before Feng Mian died, Lui Xi murdered and burned down many Yan elite families and cut off their business so they have no choice but to join Yan Xun in building Yan throne.

These families did not want to break from Datong and stubbornly continued the secret chamber of commerce called Datong Way which Yan Xun himself did not believe it exists until Feng Mian died.

These Yan elites families who lived in Yanbei all died in the hands of Yan General Cheng Yuan except for Mo’er of the Ouyang family who escaped Yan Xun blades by the help of Yuwen Yue and Chu Qiao.

The only remaining Yan elite family who lived up to this day were the ones who migrated in Liang and Huai Song.

Wu Dao Ya helped them flee after Zhong Yu warned them to leave Yan borders to save their lives.

Wu Dao Ya, like a big fish hard to catch in the vast ocean of Yanbei, it came to a time when Yan Xun orders A’Jing to meet him but got an empty response. Yan Xun knew Wu Dao Ya is very hermetic in nature.

It is almost impossible to reach him as the Longyi Guan Mountains are stiff made of limestone rocks good for a rock climbing.

As he gets tired, he decided to go on a journey and climb the stiff rocks of Longyi Guan Mountains.

Meeting the  General counselour of his father Yan Schicheng, settled some peace in his heart for a short while. Wu Dao Ya did not think twice to meet the prince hoping that he may enlighten him and diffuse his suspicions about Datong Way.

That day, he also hid Huan Huan, and Huan Huan had a glimpse of Yan Xun’s back. It is very risky yet Zhong Yu is ready to defend her at that time.

***

At this moment, there is a secret room of another dining area next door, a middle-aged dressed in monkish attire, earth tone in color, stared into the paper in his hand. He looked at it quietly, suddenly, brandished a dagger in towards the next door.

The disguised servant grabbed something from his sleeve and secretly pushed a switch, the secret room became dark.

Its been a long time General, how’s the weather in Yanbei?

Well, the snow never stops, hardly seen the sun, and shooting stars often seen in the skies. The man sips his teacup. Did you bring the master list of account?

Another man showed up to the secret room and lightens a small candle did not show his face. The dark secret room is brightened enough for the Master to see the master list of accounts.

“This is not complete, where is the half?”

“Master, I am sorry. I failed to handover these account to the real Liu Xi,” said the disguised servant.

Recite to me the order of events, said the Master.

“The directions are clear, the master list of account must be handover to Master Liu Xi. However, I was captured as a slave and traded in the black market. I met a lovely girl disguised as a man. The lovely girl bought me but she is very poor. She steals to have some money in her pocket. She gave gold coins that night, yet we were ambushed by the traders’ men. She was injured and both of us were captured as slaves and traded in the black market. Another rich Lord looked for this lovely girl at the black market, the trade is legitimate, we were bought at a high price. We stayed at the ship’s cabin and her injuries were treated very well.”

Then he paused in between then continued to tell the story.

“We were shipped by a big ship that sailed in Wupeng City. When we landed in the Peng Cheng port station, the rich lord freed us. I asked the lovely girl who is behind our safety protecting us but she did not speak about it. Because I trust her so much and have excellent gongfu martial arts, I gave half of the master list of account to the lovely girl. Whatever happens to me, I knew these account will be useless if the other half is not found. We parted in Wupeng City and I was captured by Hou Tian’s men. I was held as a hostage but I tried my best to flee from them. I disguised myself from thereon.”

Another pause, this time Liang Shaoqing’s went very sad continued.

“The next day, when I went to Master Lui Xi’s house, there were local authorities investigating the house. It appears to be that the entire household was massacred. The gossipers told me the suspect was looking like a bright man with good stature and well-mannered apparently looking for the half of the master list of accounts. I became afraid that day. So I ran away as far as possible and went to Xianyang. I met the Master trader of relics and he helped me. Since then I disguised myself as a servant, not the beautiful scholar whom I used to be.”

Zhan Ziyu the Master thought.

“It’s no other than the Afterlife camp leader who saved her. How come he changed his ways from killing to saving?”

Questions linger in the Master’s thought.

“You have blended yourself well, said the Master and paused for a while,” said the Master.

The Master continued to speak, said.

“I know what happened to the half of the account.”

Liang Shaoqing’s eyes went big like an owl, asks.

“Did you found the lovely girl Master?”

“What’s her name?” asked by the Master in a curious tone of voice.

“Master, the name is Xiao Qiao.” said Liang Shaoqing proudly.

“The name is fake.” said the Master coldly.

“But I call her by that name,” said Liang Shaoqing with a sad voice.

“She was chased by  King of Yanbei’s General Cheng Yuan and his men that almost caused her life when she dropped the half master list of account. Cheng Yuan took half of the list then started to trace and slaughter the real Lui Xi and his family. We all know this when feather girl saw it.”

Liang Shaoqing realizing his failure opened the bloodbath and massacre of the half of Yan noble families who were loyal members of the Datong Way asks.

“Master, why didn’t you intervene?”

He heard the Master said.

“My directions did not include the specifics like the killing and being traded in the black market, meeting this lovely girl, splitting the master list of account into two and all of the actual events that have happened? It’s my fault. But I am glad you stayed alive to meet me today.”

Wu Dao Ya is not the kind of leader who expects perfection from the smartest scholar Liang Shaoqing admitted his share of fault.

Wu Dao Ya continued to laments.

“No one could have prevented it anyway even if I intervened. Not even the Chu Jing Secret Princess because the Xiao Long King (Yan Xun another code name in Datong Way) is determined to kill everyone involved in it. We cannot let our presence be revealed. It is too risky.”

Zao Baocung who wants to clarify something asked Wu Dao Ya.

“Are you saying that real Liu Xi and all of his family is dead but Xiao Long King used the name Liu Xi to slaughter half of Yan noble families listed in the master list of accounts?”

“That is what truly happened,” said Wu Dao Ya like he is going to tell a long story once again recalled.

“The real Liu Xi whom I taught how to trade and trusted all of Datong Way’s transactions lives in Xianyang. Like many other Yan citizens, he came from Beishou city who lost his parents and their properties in war. I met with him and taught him lessons in business and trading.”

Wu Dao Ya pauses and put his index finger in her pulse and continued to recite the order of the Datong Way story.

“Later on, Liang Shaoqing a lost scholar who escaped from Liang came to me. Because of his hunger for knowledge and wisdom, he earned a spot in my own exclusive private classes and sat down with Liu Xi. Later on, when I decided its time to go, I fast-tracked teaching Liang Shaoqing so he could become tutor of Liu Xi to make Datong Way successful.”

“Apparently, Feng Mian or Lord Feng Si (Yan Xun’s most trusted person) found Liu Xi and brought the Yan family treasures to be used as a bond in Datong Way. It put the assets or stocks of the Xianyang chamber of commerce to grow, creating a bubble economy. The Wei assets or properties plummeted to high prices, unreasonable to anyone which no one wants to buy.”

“Turning it upside down, the merchants who did not pay attention to Datong Way’s properties before, bought Datong Way’s assets and properties. It was even considered the most prime lots almost equal to Wei value of assets. The property price is almost as high as Wei valued assets and yet, these merchants chose to buy Datong Way for a very small difference in price.”

“Wei Traders then have to put on sale these valued assets, creating a crash of the bubble economy to compensate for the loss and to stop Datong Way’s gaining more profit. If you would ask me, how? Datong Way purchased these properties and lots of assets at very low prices. The elites of Yan thought the worst times of Yanbei is the best time to invest. Everybody in Yan cities, its citizen’s needing a bowl of porridge and shelter, sold all of their properties at low prices.

They even said in those time of crises, “a bowl of porridge is like a bowl of mercy if  one of these Yan elites choose to buy all of your properties.”

“The Datong Way has to guide these Yan elites to keep the resilience effective. It made these Yan elites start trading in order to support their fellow countrymen who are suffering the inside turmoil in Yanbei. As smart as Feng Mian is, he even shared these profits to support Xiao Long King when he was in Oriole Prison Courtyard, supply and rearms its army, and financed their military expeditions in addition to the heavy taxes imposed by Xiao Long King using Liu Xi.”

“Liu Xi even though dead, continued to be used as a dummy personality by Xiao Long King to get all of Yan citizens to pay a higher taxes. As for Yan citizens including the Yan elites, they consider Liu Xi as Yanbei’s hero in most unexpected ways, he saved them by buying their properties in unforgivable low prices and trading their properties in the Xianyang chamber of commerce that made him the richest man in Xianyang but was cuffed in the neck when Lord Feng Si (Feng Mian) entered the Datong Way.”

Zao Baocung in darkness realized the story of Datong Way he asked.

“How come you did not intervene General?”

“I knew you would ask the same question but like I said, we cannot compromise our presence or reveal myself into it.”

Wu Dao Ya became silent waiting for the two figures to reveal and realize something.

“I know you used a dummy person as well. Someone named as Mr. Wu and his family was also murdered by Cheng Yuan himself?” Asked by Liang Shaoqing waiting for its confirmation.

The two were waiting for answers and there is none.

Suddenly a cold wind blew in their faces and the secret room turned on lights realized their host already left without a trace took the master list of account with him.

Zao Baocung and Liang Shaoqing looked at each other as they were left alone in the secret room.

Zao Baocung started to strangle Liang Shaoqing and said

“You knew a lot of information yet you pretend you don’t know anything!”

“How can I speak? I will tell you whatever the Master did not answer today if you should be kind to me. Put down your hands.”

Liang Shaoqing pouted, gave Zao Baocung winking eyes looked at the hands of Zao Baocung.

Zao Baocung became relaxed and put down his hands, laughs and said: “You are a useless scholar!”

“I am the most trusted scholar of Wu Dao Ya you mean”

Liang Shaoqing is smiling and arranging the creases of his servant dress.

“It is imperative to know if the Wei chamber of commerce knows that these traders are from Yanbei and not really from Liang State?”

“Hmmm…yes the Wei nobles know. But it was all too late to react when their assets and properties were already selling low and they cannot do a bad report to their Emperor,” said Liang Shaoqing.

“It means, Datong Way traders went to buy these Wei assets at incredibly low selling price?”

Zao Baocung realized something.

“You can guess and whatever that guess of yours is always right,” Liang Shaoqing like a child repeatedly nodding his head, rolling his eyes and waiting for a father to beat his head.

Zao Baocung got annoyed with his gestures he spanks Liang Shaoqing’s head and said: “Ah! You smart same time idiot scholar! Get out of my sight!”

***

Time flies and its been three weeks since Yuan Che and his generals left and did not come back to Xiaoqi camp. Not even the six spies sent, came back to report news from the hidden valley.

Yuan Song arranged another two spies to climb the rocks and promise them a rank and army to lead said.

“This is a great motivation if you come back and report to me what happened to that damn hidden valley.  Otherwise, do not come back or I will cut your head!”

The two spies headed to their way and started to trail the treacherous and dangerous paths that lie ahead of them.

A group of troops came to report said.

“Your Highness, our food reserves are thin, and yet our black markets are taking a long time to ship the items to restock our shelves.  Order us to fast track the process and we will raid these black markets.”

“Raid it by force?”

Yuan Song chuckles and continued to say.

“Are we so desperate that we are to raid our own black markets by force?”

The prince hasn’t gotten the response yet to the first troop and another troop came, violently dragging a youngster said.

“I think its time for you to check this rabbit caught running around Xiaoqi camp, said General Bali.”

Yuan Song went to look at the youngster’s face and saw a young supple skin, with brown chinky eyes reacted.

“This is not a rabbit General! This is a bait!”

***

As soon as Yuan Song said the bait word, he unsheathes his Cheng Yin sword.

A million fire arrows meet his eyes, set the Xiaoqi camp one on fire.

He was rushed over by his guards and drove him to Xiaoqi camp seven.

General Bali took the youngster spy, ordered his guards to put him in the dungeon and everyone else is dispersed.

The crown prince looked at many troops running in panic before his eyes.

His lips couldn’t say anything but wanted some sort of clarity softly asked: General Bali, did you send someone to guard the Xiaoqi camp two?”

He nodded and gazed at the people who were desperate to escape. General Bali’s eyes were very complicated.

At dusk, the 13th crown prince is standing on the hilltop of Xiaoqi’s camp seven, watched the Xiaoqi camp one burning in fire.

No casualties were reported but lots of properties and military ground were put into ash.

It is not clear who is the enemy behind this.

A long telescope was put down and whispered.

“One on fire! What do you plan for camp two?”

He Xiao turned his head, not far away, his eyes chased behind a beautiful General dressed in her stunning stature, shining armor, and braided hair.

In front of them were stinky brawny young men with swords and sticks.

They seem more of like trouble than a threat.

“Hey, what about these two beefy cunning hares?”

Chu Qiao wants He Xiao to decide for their fate.

We have captured six of their spies, these two is just an addition. How about a trade for our spy versus between their brawny spies today?

He Xiao wanted to tickle Chu Qiao’s thought.

“And let them know, all of their spies sent stranded in Xiuli army are all incompetent? Six spies in exchange for one Xuili spy? This is a big slap in Yuan Song’s face don’t you think?”

Chu Qiao smirks to He Xiao.

“Why not?” He Xiao took the two young men and ordered Ge Qi to lock them up in the iron cage for interrogation.

Chu Qiao said.

“Find out if these young men were promised blue skies by foolish princes. And I think our one and only spy is too expensive for them to kill right away if they can kill him.” Chu Qiao winks confidently.

“All we wanted are clear paths and here we are capturing spies every day. Isn’t too tiring for the 13th prince to send spies over and over? Somebody should stop him sending or I will not hesitate to turn them to use Xuili uniform and train far better to do their job well.”

Chu Qiao smiles and said to He Xiao.

“Are you complaining general?”

“No.” said He Xiao dryly.

“As long as you treat these captured spies the Xuili way, then I won’t worry about anything right?” Chu Qiao said.

“Intimidate to get information first hand. How to handle a captured enemy, all of our ways are reasonable and advocates life. As long as someone is not in danger, we can even have these spies run as freely as you want them to be Commander.” He Xiao opened his arms and clasps them like he is going to hug the spies, waits for Chu Qiao response.

“Or I can be their teacher,” said Chu Qiao.

“Its not a far from the future,” encouraged by He Xiao.

**

In the early morning of the next day, soldiers under the dike are like ants busily transporting sand and kept raising the walls, digging trenches. A’Jing still felt a bit of impatience. The strategic pass of one of the villages in Beibei city near Yan Mingguan mountain is extremely important. The smooth flow of river water here is a good place for the troops to land and conceal the weapons.

If Beibei is not lost, Xiaoqi camp in the East will have to worry about the safety of its back road. The Beibei City was originally defended by Yan Mingguan 20,000 troops, and the general who led the army was Cao Meng Tong. Its deputy generals Yin Liangyu and Xiao Feng were the older recruit from  Tang army, both veterans of the Liang Dynasty courtesy of Queen of Yanbei Xiao Yu. All three were rough heroes who do not like to ruin military service. When A’Jing arrived at the village, not only did he saw disguised Yan Xun’s spies, even the layers of walls were also impractical.

“When someone falls into this position and decides to leave a lot of lives, then I’ll be able to do enough.”

Chu Qiao warned Yuan Song to prepare because she knew exactly Yan Xun’s cold and brutal heart said again: “If Yuan Song is wise he would have arranged defenses in Xiaoqi camp two. It seems he is not aware of Yan Xun’s big troops attacking Xiaoqi camp any time of the day. Yuan Song seems wanted to clean his blades, adjust the bow strings and prepare few spear edges. This is your fault Deputy.”

He Xiao grinned, wanted to clarify: “General Chu, I want to know whose side are you? Is it Xiaoqi camp or Beibei camp? You burned Xiaoqi camp one to warn Yuan Song. But the burning of camp one also gives a better view for Beibei camp to attack openly.”

“Deputy, I am not here to take sides. I only want a clear path that our troops can pass without burning its tail,” said Chu Qiao dryly. Then paused and look at He Xiao with curiosity she added:” If you did not capture Xiaoqi camps spies, then Yuan Song should have been informed.”

“We have no choice, one way or the other the spies will reveal our location and we wanted to be an invisible army. However, these roads we pass were open roads of both mighty empires, we cannot avoid the cooking,” said He Xiao with a high pitched voice.

Chu Qiao then said: “We both know this and we used to own these roads as far as Xuili’s timeline states we came from both of these camps. Meaning, we cannot be caught in between the cooking of their game. We knew better. This is our edge. So I’ll leave it to you. I am taking a nap.

Chu Qiao yawns and He Xiao gave Chu Qiao a clumsy eye contact.

***

Meanwhile, Xiaoqi’s commander in chief wants to do many speeches today, said in a calm but sarcastic voice.

“eight spies and none of them are competent enough to do their job! This is useless camp and dumb troops! Now, who can tell me where does this spy belong?”

The guards dragged a handcuffed spy looking down who looks like have never been beaten or experienced the hardships in the dungeon.

The troops started to murmur and said.

“He is a spy from the other side. So bold, who dares like him who looks untouched even if we lock him out of the dungeon? He maybe a spy from an alien out of this world troop. What did you say? Have you heard of the Underworld spies? You are out of your mind again!”

One of the soldiers hits the head of another soldier.

Yuan Song can hear many voices until one of the troop soldiers boldly said.

“He is not a spy. He is just a quiet boy who went to fetch water from the stream.”

“Are you saying he is a mistaken identity?”

Yuan Song sways his head, rolls his eyes and sighs, angrily shouts to the crowd troops.

General Bali wants to say something but seems he also thinks this is not a real spy either.

He ended up saying, “he looks innocent.”

“He looks like a bait!” Yuan Song smiles to the youngster but suddenly gave a formal face and ordered the guards.

“Release him and put the Xiaoqi military dress uniform. He will be my person and will be my personal bodyguard.”

Everyone was shocked to hear it and the Deputy of General Xue shouted to the stunned standby guards, said.

“You heard the Commander in chief! Go! Stupid idiots!”

Ping’An succeeded in this disguise again, and he does not know why he always attracts that fate of serving the crown prince’s side.

His face looks stunned as if he is not aware of what’s really going on with the Great Summer Crown Prince and Yuan Song is looking at him with an impatient face.

***

Meanwhile, Cao Meng Tong said with a smile: “The soldiers had served Yanbei for life. More than conquerors, they have attacked frontiers and have rolled their swords to defend Yan Mingguan Pass reason that it still remains an unconquered territory.

The dancers will treat this night very well for them.  Natural dance moves are superb skills and the troops like it.

We need a natural beauty to get the troops at ease through the night as they prepare their horses and sharp swords when dawn comes.”

A’Jing shouldn’t say anything except.

“Hey relax, I am not here to be a killjoy!”

Cao Meng Tong wants to annoy him, said.

“Do you want to come to sing and dance for my troops?”

He laughs hard for being foolishly drunk and A’Jing smirked at him, said.

“Ah, Shut up! I am not a raw pervert and shameless like you!”

A’Jing walks out and left Cao Meng Tong.

“Hey, come back here! You butt wrinkled fat ass General!”

Cao Meng Tong is not in control of his tongue, too much drunk suddenly fell from the ground while his horse came near him and licks its face.

He slept in the bare ground,  an exposed general with no honor or pride.

***

Two beautiful presence was talking under the pleasant snowy moonlight. Nearby owls sets the mood, the night owl bird heard once again beautifully sings the sound of the haunted snowy forest.

“I do not recommend that you attack at dawn. Look at the sky, there is no single star that shines,” said Yuan Yang.

Yan Xun squinted his eyes and stared a bit at the night sky.

Sad gazed eyes, he shifted back his gaze to the Wei Prince who looks so handsome tonight wearing his battle gear military uniform.

“Let’s talk about loyalty.”  Yan Xun fixes his eyes on Yuan Yang.

“Oh, you do not have to drink this word! It makes you sacrifice everything for what?! What are you up to?” Yuan Yang does not really want to talk about it but it seems Yan Xun is wanting a hard talk about it.

The best example is the Xuili army.

Yan Xun clasps his palms and seems he wants to punch someone.

“Ah, that undying loyalty to their General Chu Qiao is unbeatable. Who could forget the day you trapped them to die was the day Chu Qiao saved them to live today?” Yuan Yang cannot control his bestie mouth.

“It is really important that I meet those sergeants in Xuili troops who are profit-seeking ends up losing sight of their loyalty to their troops. How should their Generals manage to dispose of them? I must know if I can infiltrate their ranks and bring in the money and prove that loyalty can be bought.” Yan Xun talks straight with no pause in between.

Yuan Yang suddenly wants to imply something, did a role play, replied.

“If I am the Xuili General, I must think of a way to make these sergeants solid to the vision and cause so that they will not be easily bought. You want me to continue this?

Yuan Yang’s bestie role playing mood is now looking for affirmation from Yan Xun.

Yan Xun have no idea, laughs at it and said.

“What do you know about loyalty in a sergeants heart?”

Loyalty is nothing more than an old man who is guaranteed to return to his hometown to be able to eat and drink without worry. If you can buy this freedom of thought, you can cut the Xuili Army’s badge of loyalty from their Generals.

“Ah, that is too simple!” Yan Xun sways his head, threw smirk and a smile at the same time.

“Most of the soldiers will absolutely follow this generous treatment. This is what exactly Chu Qiao made them swear their loyalty to her. She did this for you but tell me, what did you do? Did you just betrayed them again? That’s what I heard! I couldn’t believe it was really you. I even strangled the scout ranger who reported it to me.”

Yuan Yang said like he was insulting someone, his bestie attitude reached the bottoms.

Yan Xun feels the insult, remembers the fatal encounters, shows gloomy eyes and beautiful arched lips frowned, explained.

“Wealth and labor, if they go together, make every heart greedy and unpleasant but it is hopeful that wealth can do ease for their families and live a good life when you reach that old age.”

Yan Xun does not want to recognize the good she does for him, in the name of loyalty, Chu Qiao reaped betrayal.

Because for him, it would be better if Chu Qiao follows and obeys his orders.

Defying them is not an option.

Yan Xun completely lost his sense of loyalty and all he wants to do is to revenge and kill his very own army. It does not matter who gets in the way not even Chu Qiao.

Yuan Yang sees an ugly King’s face, sighs, threw some hint of annoyance, a cold voice said.

It is difficult to expect men to be completely free of temptation. Yet, if wealth’s only requirement to achieve loyalty and reap the old age retirement benefits, the military will surely be distracted. The other side will have difficulty developing an iron army that is truly indestructible.

Both handsome rulers looked puzzled at each other.

Yan Xun cannot drop the matter and just let it float in the air continued to speak.

“I think the military can be divided into two kinds. One, the military as a means to earn a living. Two, its a shortcut route to enter the world of the rich. The two kinds of people in the military cannot be judged as misdeed to rely on their courage to achieve prosperity. Therefore, we can reason, since the family has enough money, they have no worry.”

Yuan Yang compelled to remark.

“With Xuili army, they learned and earned their loyalty at their most hopeless moment. Whether in lack and abundance, they have fought and sworn their lives in it. This is a hard spot, you know, pain and despair mark a scar in every soul that money can never buy. Still, everyone reminds themselves, they cannot betray nor sell the same robe to the enemy twice. I think this is the bottom line of Chu Qiao’s core of loyalty.

Well, well, Yan Xun shrugged his shoulders since he cannot use wealth as a means to infiltrate the ranks in Xuili army asked further.

“What should be done in the latter then?”

“Tell me what are you up to with this?”

Curiosity creeps into Yuan Yang’s sleeves, paused and looked at Yan Xun he added.

“Are you really infiltrating this forsaken, freelancer troops or isolating their General Chu Qiao?”

“Whether they have turned their backs to Yanbei, their past cannot be undone. The fabric where they cut belongs to the hem of my robe. And I know some of them maybe can be swayed still, to come back to their homeland and settle peacefully in Xuili Mountain and Hong Chuan City. Like what you said, loyalty is nothing more than an old man who is guaranteed to return to his hometown to be able to eat and drink without worry. Isn’t it still obvious?”

Yan Xun said in a mocking voice.

“And what about the general?”

Yuan Yang leaned slightly to see Yan Xun’s facial expression.

“As for their General, once the army gives up on her, I am more than open arms to receive her again but on one condition.”

Yan Xun is already out of his mind and shows dreamy eyes.

The night is cold and the night owl sings its haunting tune while Yuan Yang’s eyes are blinking. He wants to say bad words and burst in laughter but tames his bestie mouth said.

“I think you need to sleep Yan Shizi!”

Yan Xun looks at him and said.

“Hey you didn’t ask me what’s the one condition?”

Yan Xun is talking to a ghost.

But Yuan Yang is already walking away from him and heard his murmurs like this.

“I cannot believe this! Its all for the girl! This is fucked army! A fucked coalition of forces!”

“Fucked!!!”

“Ha..ha..ha..”

This is just like when they were young, they always end up hanging the matters in the air and leave it to the winds.

***

Every move of Xuili army was spied in Liang. Just as expected, Xiao Yu provided the intel to Yan Xun and knows some of their movements including their General Chu.

Xiao Ce served as their warm blanket for a while, yet it is flawlessly executed in the masked face of the Beauty Emperor faking the torture of the fugitive beauty army by spreading the news that they were burying them underground in Tang Jing mountain using its concentration camps.

In reality, the fugitive Xuili army came out strong and well.

To cleanse his empire while the Xuili in marching outside Liang Empire walls, the eunuchs called in for a special minister council meeting. Xiao Ce ordered Sun Di.

“You can do the dirty works, I must watch the production and wait for the coming attraction.”

That day, Sun Di identified all ministers who opposed it strongly were killed with their own mouths using their jade goblets.

The banquet of the Beauty Emperor became a death sentence to all ministers who drank the poison of their fate.

**

The arrangement is made. Two separate cavalries went on their own ways. Thousands of troops following its tail. Two valiant commanders shouted to each other.

“Take it for granted! Do not love compassion!”

Yan Xun raised his voice.

“Chu Qiao you are a genius military General but very stubborn. If you did not attack the Xiaoqi camp, do you also attempt to shock Yan Mingguan Pass?”

Reaching for the sword at the side of his shining waistband, Yan Xun ordered for the flag bearers to waive their proud Black Hawk cavalry flags.

Every heartbeat can hear the march of the thousand troops and thud of these horse hooves echoes fear. Everybody has a strong smell to devour and plunder.

No one can hinder.

The paths were straight and troop lineups were structured, as if any one of them cannot make a mistake. The sound of drums hails the other side to surrender or taste defeat.

The archers already marked the targets, who can stop them now?

It is unwise not to expect this to happen, but Chu Qiao knows this is a possible encounter and it will be an overkill. Chu Qiao came up with a battle plan and the title is Outnumbered. 

Chu Qiao called for He Xiao said.

“We are outnumbered but we are smart.”

He Xiao is not worried nodded his head and said.

“Sure, cannot avoid this cooking! I know you can handle this. Do not aim for nothing, stand and deliver General!”

He Xiao doubled Chu Qiao’s courage and power he started to shout.

“Adults!!! Put down your armor and swords.

“Archers!!! Stand aside!”

“Spearmen!!! plant your spears on the ground.”

The other side was shocked, this is not what they expected so they underestimated.

This combat formation is not worth the scratch of my sword and the King’s attention.

Yan Xun laughs.

The General used to be at my collar, she is genuinely smart who can prop it up. You cannot be at ease!

Yan Xun is cool in the outside yet he, himself, cannot predict his next moves.

Truth is, all his plans likes to fade away.

Whenever he sees Chu Qiao’s face, seems he wants to melt all the way.

***

Chu Qiao winked at He Xiao and said.

“Thanks for the grinding Deputy! Tapped the side of her horse, Hi Yah!”

No matter how loud the drum rolls, it seems someone’s heartbeat is much louder than the beat of drummer’s hands. 

Yan Xun cannot contain himself wants to wrap up this war, declare an independence day and go home with A’Chu. General Cao Meng Tong sees the softness in Yan Xun’s eyes, wants to warn the Yanbei King said.

“Your Highness, we are dressed in battle gears and you are not going to a reunion.”

A’Jing cannot stop blinking his eyes as he sees Chu Qiao running fast with her horse towards Yan Xun direction asked Yan Xun.

“My Lord, your orders? General Chu significantly passed the critical line and the archers are waiting for your command.”

A’Jing seems more afraid than Yan Xun is shaking his hands.

Yan Xun like a rock cannot move his mouth to speak.

He is just staring at A’Chu and seems waiting for the moment of face to face encounter.

Chu Qiao riding in her prime horse seen in the fast run took a huge sprint.

Defying the thousands of troops, archers stood frozen and Military stars buried into their ranks.

The Black Hawk cavalry flags beautifully paraded in the skies and blocked the sun.

Chu Qiao finally pulled the horse reins, horse hoofs slows down, panting and tames the rush of bloody veins. Y

an Xun took a deep breath, his body unable to move.

Chu Qiao stopped three steps away from Yan Xun’s mighty prime horse and unsheathes her sword pointed it straight to Yan Xun’s neck.

Yan Xun anxiously raised his hands to halt the Yan army and A’Jing do not really know what to do, eventually followed.

All weapons were at ease, archers were left standing confused and paralyzed.

Yan Xun’s beautiful eyes took all the time in the world to look at A’Chu, swallows hard as he clears his throat as his heart bursts all the questions he hid inside from all of these years.

“Is this real?”

“Are you the real Chu Qiao?”

Yan Xun looks at Chu Qiao with a light heart and once again remember the goodness in his heart.

There are many words but Yan Xun’s voice became voiceless.

He stood there straight and mighty but his innocent looking eyes betrays all of his generals and armies.

There were unkind smirks and unlikely remarks passed in between their ranks.

***

Time rewinds, back to the youngster years, the first time he met the small child Chu Qiao in the bloody royal hunting of maids.

He secretly rejoiced in his heart, knowing this is who Chu Qiao now.

The helpless but fearless child has reached her womanhood, beautiful and strong.

Its Chu Qiao’s turn to speak.

Yan Xun hopes to hear many words to come in between but there were none only the cold air, in the middle of a vast snowfield, nothing to warm their hearts.

Chu Qiao threw the King of Yanbei a lingering mocking look, pointing her Canhong sword in front of him.

The King of Yanbei is deliberately mocked in front of the thousand-foot soldiers, in front of his mighty generals, in front of the cold snowfield.

He must attack, seize her and capture her.

But surprisingly, he is unable to retaliate or counter-attack the Tiger General.

He just let her walk away without being harmed.

He just let her silence the entire Yan troops, their drum beats start to fade.

Chu Qiao started to turn the horse reins, slowly marching away from Yan Xun.

Yan Xun still in awe, finally grasps the reality of the moment, went down from his horse.

The handsome King as if hypnotized, followed the Tiger General alone and unmanned.

Suddenly Chu Qiao shouted and Yan Xun was startled, he raised his sword eyebrows and heard what she said.

“Next time, do not come to this battlefield if you are not ready to shoot me. Do not come to this battlefield if you are not ready to kill me!”

Yan Xun finally heard the music, slowly smiles and stopped from his walking.

In the middle of the vast snowfield, in the middle of slow snowfall, he was left alone standing, handsome and hauntingly cold.

He watched Chu Qiao’s back with free spirit, with lots of memories passing in between Yan Xun’s eyes, the love in his heart for the Tiger General never grew tired.

Yan Xun admits, after all these years, A’Chu is the only person who could destroy him, who could disarm the thousand-foot soldiers, who could bring his eternal downfall.

It is hard to become her enemy, Yan Xun secretly thought.

He changed the shortcut route of bloody killing vision in his mind.

From killing the long time forsaken Xuili troops to winning it, the shift of his decision in the middle of the battlefield was too fast. When in fact, this is one of the hardest tasks involving long methods and must reach an agreement from the rest of the Yan generals.

The forsaken Xuili troops shines as bright as the Yan Military stars today.

The battlefield is now filled nothing but shouts of victory as they received their Tiger General alive and breathing.

On their high morale on the other side, the Xuili deputy with a flirty smile greeted Chu Qiao.

“Holy Cow General, just one look at you and you killed all their hearts today. Well done!”

Chu Qiao went down from her horse winks at He Xiao, said.

“Day one is over. This is not a drill. We must continue to grind!”

***

When a prince is determined to capture the absolute power in his hands, it does not matter who wins or loses. What matters is the end of the journey. Is he able to catch the fire of his own uniform and turn them all to his glory?

The black smoke from the bodies of the dead soldiers that had been killed in the Xiaoqi’s camp burning seemed to have never been broken. It was filled with a terrible scorching smell.

Soldiers who were seriously wounded could only lie in the empty barracks of the soldiers full of mud and dirt.

While General Xue is absent, his troops’ casualties are also very heavy, and more soldiers are temporarily pulled from Xiaoqi camp two and three.

General Xue’s deputy who is getting more nervous, has no spare time to take good care of the wounded soldiers. He can only send them water every other day, and then send the dead to the crematory in a timely manner.

The Xiaoqi’s seven camps unleashed the offensive and defensive warfare continued. Yan Minggguan Pass occupied by Xiaoqi camp two is small and its perimeter is only ten miles long. However, the camp’s wall is tall and thick.

There are water resources in the inside. There is a deep moat and scattered animals in the flat grounds all around.

The three-day nonstop siege war inside and outside the Xiaoqi camp has caused heavy casualties. Prince Yuan Yang is not a hero or even pays respect to benevolence neither morality.

With the absence of the seventh Prince Yuan Che, Yuan Song tasted his own brother’s fury and hunger for power struggle were unable to fight back.

Xiaoqi soldiers died inside and outside Xiaoqi camps two and three.

Under the piles of dead bodies, as long as you see the corpses of the dead, the crown prince refuses to bury.  Instead of following the protocols according to the usual practice, the 13th crown prince Yuan Song had to abandon these corpses before and after seeing it several times.

Outside the Yan Mingguan Pass, the corpses were everywhere. Although it is mid-winter, more than a day’s dead bodies already begun to the stench.

After the third day of the siege war, Xiaoqi soldiers who pushed the cart with a ladder at its back used a wet cloth to cover their mouths.

Close your nose and mouth before you can bear to travel on these roads, for one’s heart should complain to the heavens and say.

“Why would the gods let these dead bodies fought a useless fight?”

The situation inside Yuan Yang’s army is also similar. Every day, the number of dead and wounded is more than a thousand.

The number of soldiers who died on the walls of the Xiaoqi camps two and three from stone bombs and arrows was far higher than that from the close combat.

Prince Yuan Yang defended his troops very well and has discovered to look at the Black General Bali commanded by the Prince Yuan Song.

As long as the banner is found to be and exchanged, the soldiers immediately escort from the position of battlements and run back to the road to hide.

In the case of Xiaoqi camp two, there were also incidents in which Yuan Yang troops ganged up to crush to death and put humiliation of their own uniforms about a dozen soldiers.

What Prince Yuan Song did was to forsake the sky and flew himself with the stone bullets that he launched. He was forced to be evacuated to the highest hilltop of the Xiaoqi camp seven.

General Bali also urged his soldiers to attempt to fire back on the stone bombs and reject the arrow rain to defend the Xiaoqi camp walls.

This time the team of 500 soldiers went down.

The damage is left to the scribes to record.

A big loud voice is shouting.

“Hold on to your posts! Otherwise, this group of beasts will come in and kill all of us, including you,  our sisters, our brothers, our parents and then put the shame in your name.”

He sees every Xiaoqi soldier who wants to give up fighting.

General Bali would threaten them constantly appeared in the battle of the most critical times.

The Black General literally pulled the arrows and aimed at those soldiers who could not pull arrows.

Even Yuan Song under Xiaoqi camp seven knew that there were so many soldiers including Yan armies forces who helped, entirely sweep the two big Xiaoqi camps.

The loss cannot be counted by hands, it must be remembered in the mind.

The eagle soars above the skies finally breaks the day into twilight.

The defenders of the Xiaoqi camp felt low morale after Yuan Song ordered General Bali to raise all shields and swords on the fifth day of all our war.

***

Some nearby small cities and blacksmith villagers around Yan Mingguan pass were swept by Yan Xun’s blade.

Yet, Chu Qiao knew Yan Xun’s strategic pass movements, she strategically deployed fire archers and stone bombs around its perimeters, creating a circle of protection.

Yan Xun clearly knows who is helping these helpless small cities and villagers left the rest into the heap of ruins, forced to spare poor children, that became victims of wars, now an orphan.

The villagers asked the name of the leader who is protecting them but the Xuili soldiers simply said.

“We are neither on your side or their side, but we are here to stop the war at all costs and save the children.”

The Xuili army spread strategically throughout the Yan Mingguan Pass frustrating Yan Xun to advance his penetration inside Chang’An, the main capital city of Great Summer dynasty.

All of Yan Xun’s movements were accurately coordinated by Chu Qiao’s secret spies stationed all over the Yanmingguan pass.

One can say, this is truly a street smart wise spying, Yan Xun would not like to recognize Yuwen Yue’s style of spying applied to Yanbie forces would definitely exhaust their numbers, losing their own uniform gaining nothing.

Yan Xun actually swaying his head after hearing the report that Yanbei’s troops were blown by a large stone bomb while at the south gate, a mad archer mob advanced and took the Yanbei troops in surprise.

The Xuili archers upgraded on their arm guards can stretch their bows almost impossibly far distance on fast shot arrows, simply let go double-triple flaming arrows.

The flaming arrows ignited the fire lines around the small cities and literally created a circle firewall as high as it reached the black smoke in the skies.

Anyone who dares to step into it whether a horse or a warrior will be burned before it can cross.

Having no visibility of the Xuili’s mob archers, their enemies will have a difficult time to locate them.

This offensive warfare is dedicated to protecting both Xuili and the people inside the cities.

They really look trapped inside. Xuili army’s silent and cold weapons coupled with strategic offensive moves inflicted heavy damaged on the frontline troops.

Creating real fear and uncertainty, the troops marched in a backward direction and a ground report was passed to the Yanbei King.

Meanwhile, a calm handsome Prince riding on his horse, a cavalry behind his back were running towards the secret tunnels of the fortress.

Almost close in capturing the fortress of Xiaoqi camp he said.

“I will hold your damask cape little brother and crush your face into the ground.”

The 13th Great Summer Prince, Yuan Song could only hold his breath, he hears the horse hooves closer to where he stands, he tightens the grip of his Cheng Yin sword.

He knows what is going to happen next and whatever it is, he won’t accept the force to raise his hands and surrender the Great Summer Xiaoqi camp.

Ping’An holding a fire torch saw something, move in front of Yuan Song to pick up an object.

He knows someone is close and intentionally dropped the object which is clearly seen in the knee-deep tunnel waters.

Suddenly two whizzing arrows of the opposite direction, trailing two separate bodies shot in the air at the same time.

Bang!

One human body was down to the tunnel waters were shot at its shoulders, blood gushed out.

There is another face, so shocked cannot believe what happened.

Bang!

One animal body was shot dead on the spot.

The horse fell and Yuan Yang was outbalanced, lost his control and handgrip of the bow.

All of his men went down and came to rescue him while the prime warhorse died.

Chu Qiao not dressed on military gears, revealed her presence dressed in white flowy princess cut dress, a white veil that covered the head, with her indigo scarf covered her soft glowing and beautiful face.

Dressed like a ghostly princess, everyone can only see her fearsome shadow in a distance.

Looks like she is waiting for someone from the far distance.

Yuan Song was lying on the water tunnels and Ping’An pressed his shoulders to stop the flow of gushing blood. Checking the wound, it is deep.

The Prince must be evacuated or he will die of blood loss.

Yuan Song wants to speak to Ping’An but cannot.

So The13th Crown Prince coughed blood and nose is full of blood. This is not a good sign.

Yuan Yang saw what is happening did not expect the scene. He was aiming for the little boy but his little brother saved the little boy.

His mind cannot understand what has just happened, inspecting the arrows that killed his horse, said.

“This belongs to the underworld spy! I saw her in a white dress! Lou He is alive! Find her and capture her! She must pay for this!”

Sounds of fighting swords continued to clamor the secret tunnel. General Bali attacked Yuan Yang and his cavalry of skilled men of Great Summer.

After a while, dead bodies were dipped into the water tunnels that turned the clear waters into a bloody one.

Yuan Song was looking at the great skies then suddenly went blank while Ping’An rushed him out of the secret tunnel riding on his warhorse.

Outside, they met tall prime warhorses and men of good stature and calmness meets the Great Summer’s Crown Prince almost half-dead body.

Ping’An does not have many choices to make but to defend the dying Crown Prince in front of other god looking Princes who came to block their way.

Sun hides and thick snow starts to fall, everything about Great Summer’s future will depend on the little boy’s hand.

♥♥♥

---

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