Chapter 22 (1/2)
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Secret Battle
Feel that in the mortal world, everything will come to autumn, all shaken down.[1]
Feng Shan (maple mountain) in the northern area of the Capital City, is famous for its entire mountain of red leaves, every autumn, leaves continues to endlessly fall across this boundless land, such scenery half dyed in red, attracts many visitors here, someone has once poetically described this: “Gently lingering in the autumn wind, the red leaves of Feng Shan descends.”
Feng Shan today seems to be particularly lively, during this early morning, a group of esteemed guests have arrived at the foot of the mountain, dressed in silk clothing, golden headdress with jade belts, dressed in whole bodies of extraordinary worth, along the way, they have attracted many watchful eyes. The mountain visitors were all speculating the ident.i.ty of these people, no one would have thought that they are royalty and n.o.ble gentlemen from within the Capital City being accompanied by beauties as they tour Feng Shan together.
The entire group sits in the teahouse at the foot of the mountain, quenching their thirst, chatting and joking around, planning to get a little rest first, before they go up Feng Shan.
“The scenery of this Feng Shan is indeed phenomenal,” Lightly swaying the paper fan in hand, Zheng Liu carries a warming smile as he asks the other people, “What does everyone think of it?”
In fact, most of the accompanying officials has lived in the Capital City for many years, the scenery of this place, they have already seen it before, but with the Emperor asking this, not one person did not put on a joyful smile, compet.i.tively fighting for the first praise, to match up with the Emperor’s aesthetic mood.
The Third Ranked Scholar[2] in the same cla.s.s of year as Guan Xiu Wen, has always struggled for a chance to present himself, to actually catch onto the opportunity for flattery, he immediately steps forward, a straight face saying: “I have always thought that the Three Greatest Sceneries in the world, without Feng Shan, is indeed a great pity.”
The officials were speechless, within officialdom, flattery, shameless bootlicking is but a basic requirement, but to only touch and go, leaving behind no traces, such is the true essence to it, this new Third Ranked Scholar speaks so exaggeratingly, all the officials were secretly laughing inside, cynically watching on, waiting to see how he will make a fool of himself.
Seeing everyone watching him, the Third Ranked Scholar grows complacent, even his voice had tuned three points higher: “A scene of red dyes Feng Shan, such magnificent scenery, is able to rival that of the Three Greatest Sceneries, but when the Three Greatest Sceneries were chosen, Feng Shan was actually not included amongst them, is this not odd? I propose that Huang……Gentleman should write a pet.i.tion, to have Feng Shan included amongst the Four Greatest Sceneries.”
Zheng Liu faintly smiles but says nothing, the entire group of officials secretly chuckles, the Three Greatest Sceneries were appointed by the people of the world, Feng Shan may be beautiful, but also falls very short, to impose such idea right now, afraid that one must want to become the laughing stock, it just so happens that this Third Ranked Scholar is uninformed, and is even rather proud of himself.
“Gentleman Liu’s words are absolutely right ah.” Thin lips hooking up into a smile, Lou Che’s eyes like the night skies looks directly at the Third Ranked Scholar, speaking his praises.
Hearing Lou Che’s words, the Third Ranked Scholar’s smile spreads even more, to receive the imperial court’s Prime Minister Lou’s appreciation, how could he still be afraid of not being able to rapidly go up the ranks in future? His lips modestly saying: “Not at all, not at all.”
“The other three sceneries have all become famous with the mentioning in writings of reputable literary people, since you are full of praises towards the scenery of this place, how about this, you stay here, raise your brush in composition of a literary piece, when we come back down the mountain, not only would we have explored the scenery of Feng Shan, but will also get to admire your excellent writing, is this not better?”
Hearing up to here, he too comes to understand the underlying meaning behind Lou Che’s words, face stiffening, suddenly pale, suddenly red, lightly saying: “But……this……”
“Come, prepare brush, ink and paper, allow Gentleman Liu to compose a good piece of writing.” Upon hearing this order, the disguised imperial guards immediately steps forward from the side, with the Emperor and officials travelling in disguise this time, everything that has been brought along is left to the imperial guards and domestic servants to carry, hearing the orders, they take out the brush, ink and paper, placing it to one side.
At this moment, how could anyone possibly continue to hold it in? Immediately roaring out in laughter.
Seeing this Third Ranked Scholar Liu’s face like that of sour pickles, it is just too funny, causing the laughter to well up, even Gui Wan couldn’t hold it back, laughing out loud.
“Is your heart feeling at ease now?” Lou Che whispers as he turns his head to Gui Wan, those calm eyes glowing with tenderness. Thinking of how much Gui Wan seems to have been worrying since this morning, gloom overcasting her face, his heart was absolutely pained, always wanting to think of a way to make her laugh, wholeheartedly laughing out loud.
Lightly nodding her head, Gui Wan smiles, pitying that Third Ranked Scholar Liu, who fails to understand why he has been publicly mocked by Lou Che, containing a smile as her eyes glances elsewhere, she meets eyes with Consort Ying who had her attention over here, those eyes seemingly quiet, seemingly resentful, and Zheng Liu next to her is also carrying a slight smile, with a complete appearance of gentleness and well-cultured demeanour.
Gui Wan quietly gathers up her smile, the autumn wind brus.h.i.+ng against her face, actually bringing with it, a trace of chilliness.
What exactly is he scheming?
……
Once the entire party was done chatting around, other than that Third Ranked Scholar Liu, everyone sets off along the mountain path that spirals upwards.
Originally a great day with clear autumn skies and crisp air, thousands of li with no clouds, the cloudless sky washed blue, laughter and joy all along the way, as times goes by, Gui Wan’s heart also gradually settles down, a day of fun for both monarch and subjects flies by in a blink of an eye, the sun descends into the west mountains, half leaving behind an afterglow, it is already time to head down the mountain.
“Huang……Gentleman, it should be time to return now.” Li gong-gong’s shrill voice gently reminds.
“That’s right ah,” Someone interrupts from the side, “Perhaps, Gentleman Liu has already written out his literary piece, heading down the mountain to admire such is also of great aesthetics.” Everyone bursts into a roars of laughter again.
Taking the same route back, all the female partners were a little tired, their walking speed slowing down, walking down half the mountain, the usually greatly pampered senior officials were all tired from walking all day, and could only stop and take a short break.
“Strange……” Minister of Personnel Yan Gang lightly beats his legs, whilst muttering to himself.
A few people turns their heads over, a tall official asks in wonder: “What is Old Yan looking at?”
Yan Gang raises his hand and says to the person not far from him: “Look, it is already almost evening now, why are there still people heading up the mountain? And there is so many people coming up too.”
Several people looks over towards the mountain path, indeed a group of people has come, the tall official sneers and says: “Probably someone is in the mood to enjoy the night scenery, it is not a bad idea ah.” His words led to the laughter of many, these officials are usually this arrogant, often finding people to make fun of and does not even feel that anything is wrong with it.
The group of people are getting closer and closer, in a blink of an eye, they already reached the halfway point of the mountain, even the Emperor and his courtiers who were sat in the distance came to realise this, Lin Rui En walks closer a little, carefully looking over the approaching people, after a moment of observation, solemnly appearing stern, he coldly shouts: “Heads up, on guard.”
The imperial guards immediately surrounds them in a circle upon hearing orders, the officials who were still laughing and poking fun at the situation also pales, backing themselves towards the Emperor’s side, that arrogant att.i.tude instantly wiped clean without a trace. The noisiness immediately disappears.
Waiting till that group of people was in close proximity, turns out it is a local landowner leading a group of aggressive retainers up the mountain, and even loudly shouts: “Go catch that shameless little b.i.t.c.h for me, let me see where she can go hiding to……”
Such matter is already considered commonly occurance, they presume that that local landowner’s concubine must have eloped with someone, fleeing into the mountains. Everyone lets out a huge sigh in relief, and cannot help but to grow annoyed of Lin Rui En making such a fuss, the tension from before immediately loosens up, their ridiculing att.i.tudes once again resurfacing.
The local landowner’s party and the Emperor’s party pa.s.ses by each other on the same path.
Just when everyone treated it like a joke and took it positively, a shocking turnover hits.
Within a mere moment, the one who looks like a local landowner suddenly turns back, his hand holding a bomb, a trail of grey smoke spreads towards the Emperor’s party, the officials who were nearest, had not even the time to cry out, and had already fallen to the ground. The few who reacted quickly all moves closer towards the Emperor, seeming in search of shelter, Li gong-gong seems to have been completely stunned, loudly shouting out: “There’s a.s.sa.s.sins! Guard his majesty––––”
The scene immediately turns into chaos, the group dressed as retainers pulls out their sabres and swords, charging towards the centre of the resting team, the guards responds quickly, circling around them, standing in front of the Emperor and courtiers, blades meets blades with the disguised a.s.sa.s.sins, within that moment, the clas.h.i.+ng of metal rings throughout the entire area.
a.s.sa.s.sination? This thought quickly flashes past Gui Wan’s mind, freezing for a moment, she immediately turns to Lou Che, “Husband?”
Seeing that these a.s.sa.s.sins are remarkably fierce, the imperial guards’ protective circle grows smaller and smaller, the mood within Lou Che’s dark eyes cannot be read, reaching out to stroke Gui Wan’s face, he turns his head shouting out: “Protect Madam.” Lou Sheng and two others steps forward upon hearing the order, the weapons in their hands thoroughly ready.
The sounds of fighting is already brus.h.i.+ng by his ears within a blink of an eye, Lou Che sweeps his eyes across the entire scene, suddenly spotting a panicking official hiding by the Emperor’s side, a hint of smile floats to the surface of his lips, loudly shouting towards that official: “Your majesty, careful a.s.sa.s.sin!”
As soon as his voice was heard, the a.s.sa.s.sins swiftly moves inwards, all charging towards that person. That pitiful official who had already been scared out of their wits, is even more frightened right now, unable to utter a single word, his mouth widely hangs open, only able to emit sounds of whining and choked back sobs.
The a.s.sa.s.sins were either slas.h.i.+ng or slicing, in a life for a life manner, the imperial guards were losing their grounds, and have even changed their target, the situation remains extremely critical. Lin Rui En stands by the Emperor’s side, a sliver sword clenched in hand, light and shadow flas.h.i.+ng by with every strike, killing off any who comes close, blood splatters in all directions, a b.l.o.o.d.y stench diffusing into the air.
Standing by the Emperor’s side, the shadows of sabres, shadows of swords, shadows of people, all confusingly flies by the eyes, unrestrainable tension and panic rushes up Yao Ying’s heart, the hand originally holding onto the Emperor’s has unknowingly let go, wildly looking all around……where is he?
Not this one……nor that one……they’re all not it. Where is he? Need to find him……must definitely find him……
Head slightly turning to the side, turns out he is just three steps away, calmly directing other people, I found him……this is great, I found him……grabbing onto him this time, never letting go again……never letting go……
Sleeve suddenly sinking down, Lou Che looks back in surprise, “……Lady Consort Ying?”
“Lady Consort Ying, it is safer to retreat back,” Lou Che knits his brows together, showing his impatience, “Let go!”
No! Cannot let go……her heart seem to have only left behind this one faith, like grabbing onto the last straw before she drowns, Yao Ying stubbornly grabs onto Lou Che, her tears have already blurred her vision, it seem like only the thing she is grabbing onto can give her a moment of security, trust and warmth, that is why she need to firmly hold on……
Within this hectic moment, he cannot attend to much, the a.s.sa.s.sin has already came before Lou Che’s eyes, the shadow of the blade shaking, actually coming towards his face, a sound of ringing metal, horizontally intercepting the attack, preventing the potential slas.h.i.+ng, Lou Sheng charges in front of Lou Che protectively, “Lord Prime Minister, are you alright?”
“What are you doing, didn’t I leave you to protect Madam?” Lou Che’s raised voice carries agitation, hurriedly looking towards the left, Gui Wan was actually not at the original spot, his face slightly changes, those cold eyes glaring at Lou Sheng.
Lou Sheng swings his blade, whilst taking advantage of a quick interlude to answer: “Lord Prime Minister may rest a.s.sure, Madam has been retreated to a safe place.”
Heart slightly easing up, the situation is chaotic, he cannot look back, and even has a heavy burden next to him that he cannot discard aside, the aggravation in his heart was unspeakable, it just so happens that this situation is of special circ.u.mstances, he cannot lose him temper, and can only calmly look over the scene again, his eyes darkens, this matter……seems a little odd.
Whilst following the Prime Minister Estate guards to the back, Gui Wan keeps her attention on the fight scene, the fierceness of the a.s.sa.s.sins is extremely similar to the phantom soldiers. The situation is critical, whilst retreating, she continues to look back, suddenly catching a glimpse of a figure, is that not Consort Ying? Stunned with terror, her head collides into a figure, looking up, it is actually Zheng Liu.
Coldly watching over the entire scene, Zheng Liu’s expression was deep and heavy, seeing Gui Wan approach, a light satirical smile emerges: “What, Madam also came to protect the Emperor?”
Pressing her lips together, Gui Wan does not refute, just indifferently glancing at him, before returning her gaze back to the situation.
The situation gradually turns for the better, Lin Rui En’s sword swift like flas.h.i.+ng lights, blocking off any threats that can harm Zheng Liu and Gui Wan, the imperial guards after all is rich in experience, well-trained, not long after the fighting started, Lou Che on one hand, had already kept the situation under control, the Prime Minister Estate guards surrounds the leading a.s.sa.s.sin who is dressed as a local landowner, sure enough, this distracted the a.s.sa.s.sins’ attention, and also spiritually scattered them.
The other guards are all Lin Rui En’s personal attendants, have been on the battlefields for many years, in terms of perseverance and fighting spirit, they are all of the best warriors, over time, they display their formidability, the majority of the a.s.sa.s.sins were either killed or captured.
Yet the a.s.sa.s.sin leader remains stubborn, despite being surrounded, he is still exerting his force and spirit to wrestle.
Lin Rui En kills off all those that have come near, his body of lightly coloured Confucianism robe has actually been dyed blood red now, the traces of blood stains extremely horrifying, his wrist makes a slight move, throwing off the blood on the soft-edged sword, seeing the a.s.sa.s.sin leader and guards fighting it out into a circle, his killing intent immediately raises, wanting to go up, he turns his head to report to the Emperor, under one glance, he actually sees a touch of a familiar figure, heart hit with surprise, he freezes on the spot, the chilliness on his face fades away, withdrawing the soft-edged sword behind him.
It was in this moment, that the a.s.sa.s.sin leader sounds a roar, springing towards the official who was mistaken for the Emperor, everyone all shocked, before they even had the chance to scream, Lin Rui En flips his hand, shooting the soft-edged sword in hand over, with the interference of a silver light, the a.s.sa.s.sin leader was blocked off, the force of the sword piercing into the official’s arm, fresh blood dripping, the official’s throat could not produce a single sound, before fainting on the spot.
The guards immediately goes up front, capturing the a.s.sa.s.sin leader that is dressed as a local landowner alive.
The fierce fighting lasted half-a-pot-of-tea time, but feels like half a day, the originally bright and beautiful scenery of red leaves, has actually been overshadowed by the flas.h.i.+ng of swords right now, a foul wind carrying b.l.o.o.d.y rain. Corpses lies all over the mountainside, amongst them, there were also several officials who had been ga.s.sed unconscious. The guards promptly had their injuries treated, even the relatively calm senior officials, also felt the lingering fear after the fighting, their sluggish expressions sunken into gloom, the aesthetic mood from touring the mountain had already drifted beyond the highest level of heaven, disappearing without a trace.
Gui Wan watches as Lin Rui En captures that a.s.sa.s.sin leader and heads into the distant to interrogate him, only then did her heart settle down, turning back towards Lou Che, the moment her eyes settles, her heart sank, secretly crying out “this is bad” inside.
Yao Ying was spilling tears as she clutches onto Lou Che, that bitterly helpless look, makes people’s heart grieve at the sight. The situation has calmed down, several officials who stood at a closer proximity were first to discover this scene, following on, more and more doubtful and surprised eyes were directed towards the two people, but because one is the current court’s Grand Secretary, one is the doted consort of the back palace, they did not dare to casually speak of it, only able to secretly observe, leaving the muttering in their hearts.
This bizarre and undistinguishable atmosphere very quickly spreads across the entire mountainside, sound of quiet murmuring floods the place, everyone seems to have already pushed the attempted a.s.sa.s.sination incident to the back of their minds, and instead grew greatly interested in the strange situation before their eyes.
Lou Che tightly knits his brows together, under everyone’s watchful eyes, it is not like he can throw off Yao Ying with great force, noticing that all eyes are overtly and covertly watching secretively, he already feels somewhat impatient and angered, sending eye signals to the two people beside him, the two guards hurries forward, one on each side grabbing Consort Ying’s arms, they practically had to forcefully yank her off, to separate Consort Ying from Lou Che’s side. Consort Ying was originally blanked out, only wanting to grab onto her only hope, surprised by the external force just now, her mind immediately clears up, looking all around, she freezes on the spot, docilely not daring to say anything.
The current situation is already considered extremely awkward, everyone simultaneously turns to the Emperor, wanting to pick out a clue from looking at his expression.
Zheng Liu still carrying that warm smile, says to Lou Che and Consort Ying: “Minister Lou and Beloved Consort, is everything alright?” That tone very gracious, as though it is able to warm people’s hearts.
Gui Wan feels a chill run up her spine, looking at the nearby Zheng Liu with that flawlessly fake kindness, even more so feeling deep and heavy, deep down she knows, him questioning like this, highlights his own innocence, and also have all condemnation pushed onto Lou Che and Consort Ying.
Sure enough, a discerning eye is able to see the mystery behind this type of situation, right now, to see the Emperor still seem to be kept in the dark, their eyes turns back to Lou, Ying with an addition of condemnation and contempt, and towards that monarch, they could only sympathise with him, there were even some of the more powerful ministers, who began to question, is Prime Minister Lou’s power too great? In the dark, everyone’s hearts gives rise to a mood filled with concerns.
Lou Che loosens his brows, lowering his body in a respectful bow, answering in a smooth and steady tone: “Thanking your majesty for such concern, Lady Consort Ying was swept away from your majesty just now, grabbing onto this subject insisting to return to your majesty’s side, it has but made this subject overly worried……”
This pleasantly smooth voice entering the ears, has eased some of the atmosphere from before, but everyone although has temporarily solved their doubts, the scene from before has been deeply engraved in their hearts, their mouths say nothing, but the potential problems have been planted.
It was in this atmosphere of a bizarre and complex situation, that Lin Rui En comes back from the other side of the mountain, bending into a bow, he says: “Your majesty, do you want personally interrogate the a.s.sa.s.sin?”
Zheng Liu sterns his face upon hearing this, folding the fan in hand, he lightly touches his chin, leisurely saying: “Bring him over.”
The a.s.sa.s.sin leader was very quickly brought over with his hands tied behind his back, all the officials has seen his fierceness just before, although he has been captured now, but that air of ferocity still remains, one after another, they turn their heads away, not daring to look.
A sound of “pu tong” as he drops to his knees, the guards standing on the sides. Zheng Liu also takes a close look at the man, asking: “Who was it that sent you?”
Up until now, did he finally realise he had killed the wrong subject, a look of surprised flying past his eyes, disappearing in a flash, his lips remains sealed. Upon seeing the situation, the guards at the side unleashes the whip, severely slas.h.i.+ng at the a.s.sa.s.sin leader’s chest, a trail of blood is revealed under the already tattered clothing, streams of blood dripping, forget saying the accompanying women could not bear to watch this, even most officials, were making a show of their pitiful states.
The a.s.sa.s.sin leader sure is truly a man of dauntless bravery, not even a gulp can be heard, still that face of leaving the monarch to dispose of him, no pain, no itch, seeing this situation, all the guards were gritting their teeth in hatred, but it is not like they can do anything.
Zheng Liu knits his brows, his eyes locked onto that a.s.sa.s.sin leader, silently. Lou Che originally wanted to lay down a command, but thinking back to the situation just now, it is not the right time to speak up right now, his eyes quietly darkens, pressing his lips together, saying nothing.
“Looks like you truly are a man of dauntless bravery, I cannot bear to harm you, I believe you must also have your own parents, spouse and children back home, should you be inflicted any harm, would it not pain their hearts?” Such moving words, hoping to open up that kneeling man’s soft spot.
The a.s.sa.s.sin leader’s expression instantly loosens up a bit, adjusting his position, dumbly speaking: “You need not keep up the farce, I will not tell you master’s name.” His tone seems to have already faltered from the firmness of before.
“It does not matter even if you do not say it, I will not force you, but what I really do not understand is, where have I offended you people, to require lives in exchange for lives?” Zheng Liu innocent tone along with his elegantly refined outer appearance, even his expression was penetrating, as though it is able to make one sense his heartache and innocence, “Exactly who could have wanted to a.s.sa.s.sinate me?”
Gui Wan was slightly shocked by his long drawn out tone, the moment she turns her head, she sees that Zheng Liu’s lips covered under his fan has clearly hooked up into a faint smile, extremely devilish.
Li gong-gong who stood at the side, immediately understood the Emperor’s hint, immediately following on: “Your majesty, it can’t be…..Prince Duan right?”
Once those words were spoken, all was rendered shocked, before anyone can produce any sound, that a.s.sa.s.sin leader was already stunned, those sharp eyes turning deep, looking towards the Emperor in surprise. Everyone upon seeing this, speechlessly freezes on the spot, this a.s.sa.s.sin leader’s expression has undoubtedly confirmed the previous speculation, suddenly, the mountainside bursts into an uproar of mumblings.