“Have you ever fought in battle before?” Ye Xian suddenly asked Chen Yan Yun.
Without turning his head, Chen Yan Yun replied, “I’m a civil official, how could that be possible?”
Ye Xian said, “My spies told me you know martial arts…”
Chen Yan Yun avoided the topic, “Have you ever fought in battle?”
Ye Xian shook his head, “I’ve been physically weak since childhood and never even studied martial arts. My health still isn’t very good… but when my father fought against the Mongols, I did provide strategies from behind.”
Chen Yan Yun narrowed his eyes; the rain was too heavy to see the scene below.
“When the Mongolian Jala’er tribe rebelled, you were only thirteen, weren’t you?”
“Yes,” Ye Xian answered. “When Master Chen was thirteen, you must have been studying at the Imperial Academy, right?”
“I never attended the Imperial Academy. My uncle taught me,” Chen Yan Yun said. “Why are you making small talk with me?”
“Just chatting,” Ye Xian said, then fell silent.
Their forces could no longer hold back the enemy.
The city gates were finally broken open, and a tide of people surged forward with gleaming weapons. The sound of marching troops, their footsteps in perfect unison, was so overwhelming that even the rain couldn’t drown it out. Arrows flew from all directions, as numerous crossbowmen were hidden throughout the Imperial City.
But the vanguard consisted of heavily armored soldiers who, though slow-moving, had extremely strong defenses.
Ye Xian frowned at the sight and waved his hand.
His men immediately withdrew silently, replaced by another group of crossbowmen. Their crossbows were specially made, with extraordinary power.
Arrows rained down like a storm, covering the sky.
This volley was much more powerful, killing many, but still could not stop the advance.
“Your crossbows are quite formidable,” Chen Yan Yun complimented.
Ye Xian replied self-mockingly, “We’re still going to die.”
“I will die, but you won’t,” Chen Yan Yun said with a smile. “You’re the sole heir of the Changxing Marquis Manor. If you died, the Changxing Marquis would suddenly retaliate, and Zhang Ju Lian wouldn’t be able to withstand it. You’d be captured as a puppet, and Zhang Ju Lian would use you to negotiate with the old Marquis.”
“Then I’d rather die,” Ye Xian said flatly.
Ye Xian’s deputy, who was directing the shield bearers nearby, quickly said, “Young Master, you mustn’t come to harm! If anything happens to you, how will this subordinate answer to the old Marquis!” This deputy had accompanied the Changxing Marquis in campaigns north and south for years and was skilled in military tactics.
But no matter how skilled, he couldn’t overcome the disparity between the opposing forces.
Ye Xian glanced at him, then said, “Chen Yan Yun, this counts as a miscalculation on your part, doesn’t it? Didn’t you anticipate that Zhang Ju Lian would be driven to desperate measures?”
Chen Yan Yun remained silent.
The city gates were wide open, and cavalry had already entered. Leading them on horseback was Fu Chi. As soon as he appeared, arrows flew toward him from all directions.
Fu Chi stopped just inside the city gate, beyond the range of the archers.
Ye Xian signaled his men to cease fire and not waste arrows.
After he stopped, Zhang Ju Lian slowly rode forward. Looking at the two men before Huangji Hall, he smiled, “Jiuheng, you may be skilled in strategy, but I fear you’re no match in actual warfare. If you surrender now and hand over Zhu Jun’an, I might spare your life.”
“Teacher, we’ve known each other for so many years and understand each other’s nature,” Chen Yan Yun said. “You would certainly kill me, so there’s no need for false promises.”
Zhang Ju Lian laughed heartily. “Indeed, after all these years, you, Chen Yan Yun, understand me best. Our teacher-student relationship hasn’t been in vain.”
Their men had already been subdued.
Ye Xian noticed black shadows stealthily infiltrating the city walls, countless in number, their arrows aimed at them, and he drew a sharp breath.
“Looks like I really will die alongside you,” Ye Xian said softly.
Fu Chi directed the troops to enter; they no longer posed any threat.
His forces split into two groups and fanned out. Zhang Ju Lian and his party slowly rode forward on horseback.
The rain had stopped, the air was chilly, and now an extraordinary silence prevailed, even a solemn one.
During each court assembly, Zhang Ju Lian would walk this path, never feeling it was special. But today he sensed it—he was walking step by step toward the highest position. All of this could be his if he desired it.
“Master Chen needn’t worry,” he said with a smile. “I’ve already dispatched a garrison’s worth of troops to the Chen residence. They’ll slaughter everyone there. If you die, you’ll soon be reunited with your family.”
Chen Yan Yun coldly regarded him, “Zhang Ju Lian, though I understand you—at times like this, I feel I don’t know you at all. Your cold-bloodedness is truly unmatched.”
Fu Chi waved his hand, and dozens of men quickly swarmed forward, surrounding them.
Suddenly, Ye Xian stepped forward and stood in front of Chen Yan Yun.
“What are you doing?” Chen Yan Yun asked in a low voice.
Ye Xian smiled and said, “I once promised Gu Jin Chao that I would do something for her. But she never asked anything of me. If I save you, it could count as fulfilling that promise. My deputy will protect you. You know martial arts, so you should be able to break through, right?”
Chen Yan Yun frowned and was about to speak, but Ye Xian had already addressed Zhang Ju Lian: “Minister Zhang, I have an idea. Would you like to hear it?”
Zhang Ju Lian continued smiling, “Oh, the Young Master has always been resourceful. I dare not listen to your suggestions. Since you wish to protect Master Chen, why don’t I send you both on your way together? Whether I eliminate one or two makes little difference. You can keep each other company on your journey.”
Ye Xian was about to speak again when a hand rested on his shoulder.
“Step back. I’ll handle this,” came Chen Yan Yun’s voice.
Before he could respond, Chen Yan Yun firmly pressed his shoulder and moved to the front.
His encircles immediately tensed, stepping back. Their spring-decorated sabers pointed at him.