Chapter 932: Everywhere is Murderous Intent

Even before Liuzhou was officially recognized by the Liyang Imperial Court as the Beiliang Road's fourth prefecture, Qingliang Mountain had already begun constructing two major post roads. These roads originated from the Qingyuan military garrison, which guarded Liangzhou's western gateway, and from Jibozi Pass in northwestern Lingzhou, both leading to Qingcang City, where the Liuzhou Prefect's mansion was located.

Immediately after the fiercely fought Miyun Pass Battle concluded, three convoys, under the strict joint escort of elite cavalry from within the pass and Brushwater Chamber elite agents, successively entered Qingcang City.

The core figures of the three convoys all shared the same high status: a prefect and a general from each prefecture, truly deserving the title of high-ranking regional officials. Liangzhou was represented by Shi Fu and Bai Yu, Youzhou by Song Yan and Huangpu Ping, and Lingzhou by Chang Sui and Han Laoshang. Among these six individuals, three prefects had taken office in the third year of Xiangfu. Notably, the newly appointed Liangzhou Prefect, Bai Yu, surprised officials both inside and outside Beiliang Road; no one had expected Master Bai Lian of Longhu Mountain to become a "Xu family subject." In contrast, Chang Sui's swift promotion to Lingzhou Prefect was less astonishing, given that scholars had previously flocked to Beiliang, and he was a senior disciple of Grand Master Han Guzi of the Morality Sect of Shangyin Academy, as well as Xu Weixiong's elder brother. As for Song Yan, the former Lingzhou Vice-Prefect, his natural step up to become Youzhou's top civil official seemed even more unremarkable. It was now well known in Beiliang official circles that this harsh official, who advocated Legalist methods, had established ties with the new King of Beiliang when the latter temporarily served as Lingzhou General. He was considered among the second wave of loyal followers who pledged allegiance to the young feudal lord, trailing only behind figures like Li Gongde, Huangpu Ping, and Han Laoshang.

As the three convoys entered Qingcang City from east to west, a group of people soon galloped into the city from west to east. Including Liuzhou Prefect Yang Guangdou, a total of seven high-ranking regional officials emerged from the city to greet them. Such an extraordinarily high-level reception was exceedingly rare in Beiliang Road, whether for military or civil affairs.

Within sight of the city gate were over eighty cavalrymen, each bearing a sword, and Xu Yanbing, who carried an iron spear slung across his back. Also present were Mi Fengjie and Fan Xiaochai, two chief agents of the Brushwater Chamber, along with over twenty additional cavalrymen who, for reasons unknown, wore no armor and carried no sabers.

The cavalry halted outside the city gate. From the lead carriage, a dust-covered young civil official dismounted. After greeting the prefects and generals with a smile, he turned to the second carriage and called out, "We've arrived."

Following the young civil official's gaze, the Beiliang Road high officials, secretly gathered in Qingcang City, watched a man and a woman slowly descend from the carriage. They were not old, nor were their appearances particularly striking. The man was tall, [text missing in original], with a Xianbei-head jade belt at his waist, unique to Northern Mang nobility. The woman was slightly plump, and at her waist hung a delicate perfumed sachet, seemingly for airing clothes and warding off evil, embroidered with a pattern of a woman with a half-pipa makeup, though it was badly damaged. He looked at Qingcang City's not-so-imposing west gate with an indifferent expression.

The twenty cavalrymen surrounding the carriage were on high alert, each looking wary. Although these riders of unknown origin were unarmed, as battle-hardened veterans, they remained mounted, poised for an immediate charge.

For a cavalryman, dying in battle on horseback was considered a good end.

The young man with the Xianbei-head jade belt at his waist spoke calmly in Northern Mang language, "Dismount."

Despite their reluctance, the cavalrymen dismounted without hesitation. Many were clearly injured, yet each stood with a straight back.

The two young men, both of similar age, were from Northern Mang and of prominent lineage, yet their fates were diametrically opposed. The former was Xu Beizhi, grandson of the former Grand King Xu Huainan of Northern Mang's Northern Court, now visiting Lan Tuo Mountain as the Beiliang Road Vice-Jiedushi. The latter was identified only in prefectural gazettes and general intelligence reports: Zhong Tan, the Xia Nabot of Northern Mang, the eldest legitimate grandson of the Zhong family, and a notable rising general in the Northern Mang Imperial Court.

As the old saying goes, "you can escape the first day, but not the fifteenth." Zhong Tan, who had previously broken through the siege at Hulu Pass in Youzhou, was this time successfully intercepted at the border of Gusai Prefecture by Xu Yanbing leading eighty cavalrymen from the Wu Family Sword Tomb. He then rendezvoused with Xu Beizhi at Linyao military garrison and traveled together to Qingcang City.

When Zhong Tan, relying on his intelligence network, recognized the figures at the city gate, his already heavy heart sank further. His role in assisting Huang Songpu with the Liuzhou campaign seemed to be a consequence of his defeat at Hulu Pass, a sign that the Northern Mang court had sidelined him from the main battlefront where military merits could be easily earned. However, his family had placed great hopes on his resurgence in this campaign, and even Taiping Ling had shown considerable interest. Before the Miyun Pass Battle's outcome was decided, Zhong Tan was only a hair's breadth away from achieving a great success. Once tens of thousands of Lan Tuo Mountain monk soldiers defected to Northern Mang and coordinated with Huang Songpu's main army, it would mean that the strategic balance in the Liuzhou theater, beyond just numerical disparity, would shift decisively. Northern Mang would first establish a "great momentum" in a localized battle, leading to the inevitable annihilation of the Dragon Elephant Army. Furthermore, it would pose an immense threat to Liangzhou's western border, supported by the Qingyuan military garrison, and even directly to the entirety of Lingzhou, which had remained uninvolved in the first major Beiliang-Northern Mang war. Regardless of Huang Songpu's pyrrhic victory in Liuzhou, if he could retain just twenty to thirty thousand cavalry, he could sweep unopposed through northwestern Lingzhou. Destroying Lingzhou would shatter the morale and strength of Beiliang's border army, and the strategic depth of the Xu family's iron cavalry would inevitably shrink dramatically.

But all these became laughable "if-onlys." Not only that, Zhong Tan also saw this gathering of Beiliang's top officials here. Only at this moment did Zhong Tan fully confirm that Beiliang was determined to make a major move in Liuzhou, and thus the Miyun Pass Battle was by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision by two young Beiliang generals.

Fortune is found in danger; if one succeeds, it often leads to great prosperity.

Zhong Tan sighed softly, realizing he was no different; his own luck, however, had been truly terrible. He later learned that after discovering Cao Wei's cavalry, Lan Tuo Mountain had not merely watched from afar. Instead, they quickly amassed twenty thousand monk soldiers and rushed to the battlefield, with three thousand cavalry even breaking away from the main force, almost catching the tail of Cao Wei's unit. Lan Tuo Mountain's decisiveness was undeniable. If Zhong Tan had just half an hour more, he could have breached the bloody defensive line outside Miyun Pass that Xie Xichui had built with corpses. Or, if Cao Wei had been delayed even for a moment, he would have been completely entangled by the three thousand Lan Tuo Mountain monk soldiers. Zhong Tan simply couldn't understand it: Cao Wei was understandable, being a native Beiliang general, but why was Xie Xichui willing to fight so desperately to the death for Beiliang, even entrusting his life to Cao Wei?

Zhong Tan felt that this defeat was both incredibly unjust and perfectly justified.

What Zhong Tan didn't realize at that moment was that his defeat by the combined forces of Cao Wei and Xie Xichui would be hailed by future historians as a glorious loss, because for three hundred years after Xiangfu, Cao and Xie consistently ranked among the top ten renowned generals. Many years later, Zhong Tan became the first Northern Mang person to rise to a central position in the Central Plains imperial court, and he and Cao Wei each served as Vice Ministers of War. At that time, public opinion was overwhelmingly in favor of Xie Xichui, who was the most qualified to contend with Kou Jianghuai for the Minister of War position. However, Xie Xichui chose the path of the martial world over a high position in court. Later generations would jokingly say that if Xie Xichui had not abandoned his official career, the Ministry of War could have been called Miyun Pass itself.

On the way to Qingcang City, Zhong Tan, a military man, and Xu Beizhi, a civil official—both from opposing factions—had several candid conversations. Zhong Tan generally understood that, having become a prisoner, his head would not be temporarily used by Beiliang's border cavalry for flag-raising rituals, nor would it be directly chopped off and thrown towards Hulu Pass to "add bricks and tiles" to those massive Jingguan mounds.

Zhong Tan never believed in the saying "better dead than alive"; as long as one lived, there was always hope for resurgence.

Therefore, throughout the journey, Zhong Tan made no futile gestures. Of course, this was also because he knew full well that unless Tuoba Pusa, the Military God of Northern Mang, personally led his army to rescue him, with the terrifying combat power of Xu Yanbing and the eighty Wu family swordsmen, not even a land deity could save him.

Just then, a carriage emerged from the city gate, and three individuals alighted.

These were three Beiliang Road magnates, whose official ranks were even higher than those of the prefects and generals.

They were Song Dongming, Beiliang Road Vice-Governor-General, and Yang Shenxing, Vice-Jiedushi.

And the King of Beiliang, Xu Fengnian.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries with Yang Guangdou and the others, the young feudal lord approached Xu Beizhi and Zhong Tan. Looking at the Northern Mang Xia Nabot and his personal maid, he spoke in fluent, authentic Northern Mang official dialect: "We meet again after parting ways at the Hexi Prefecture Governor's mansion all those years ago."

Zhong Tan replied calmly, "If I had known Your Highness's identity back then, I would have certainly found a way to detain Your Highness."

Xu Fengnian shook his head, smiling. "Although my cultivation wasn't high back then, even if you and that expert from Princess Tomb tried your best to stop me, you might not have been able to prevent my escape."

Zhong Tan sneered, "Don't forget, Your Highness, my father and my uncle were both nearby at the time."

Xu Fengnian uttered a seemingly irrelevant remark: "Let me be clear, I have no other intentions, but I've always been curious. Your name is Zhong Tan, your brother is Zhong Gui, and your uncle is Zhong Liang—all two-character names. Why is your father named Zhong Shentong?"

Zhong Tan frowned, but did not answer the question.

Xu Fengnian instructed Song Dongming, Yang Shenxing, and the prefects and generals to proceed to the Liuzhou Prefect's mansion ahead of them. He then drew Zhong Tan and Xu Beizhi into walking with him into the city.

The young feudal lord and Liyang's youngest Vice-Jiedushi walked side by side, with Zhong Tan and his maid Liu Daogu following closely behind.

Zhong Tan looked at Xu Fengnian's back and asked directly, "May I ask, Your Highness, am I to live or die? If I am to die, when will it be? If I am to live, for how long?"

Xu Fengnian did not turn around, and smiled faintly, "That depends on you."

Zhong Tan stated gravely, "If Your Highness intends for me to persuade the Zhong family to switch sides on the battlefield, you both overestimate my influence and underestimate my family's traditions."

Xu Fengnian couldn't help but stop, turning to look at the resolute Xia Nabot. He smiled strangely and said, "It's too early to say that."

Zhong Tan was utterly bewildered by this but too disinclined to probe further. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Regarding Liuzhou, who will Beiliang use to target Huang Songpu's army, and who will lead a lone force deep into the territory, directly towards Xijing?"

Xu Fengnian slowed his pace, walking alongside Zhong Tan, and replied candidly, "Originally, it was my younger brother Huang Man'er and Liuzhou General Kou Jianghuai who were to target Huang Songpu. Now, however, Xie Xichui's Lan Tuo Mountain monk soldiers will be added to the force. Yu Luandao's Youzhou cavalry will also coordinate with Cao Wei's cavalry, jointly penetrating your Southern Dynasty's heartland."

Zhong Tan nodded. "In the Liuzhou campaign, Beiliang was originally barely able to contend, but now you are barely able to win. Our excellent situation has been ruined at the last moment."

Xu Fengnian smiled, "General Zhong, you are a great contributor indeed."

Zhong Tan's expression remained calm, but his personal maid lacked such composure, her killing intent palpable.

Xu Fengnian remained unfazed and continued, "When I said it was too early, I meant you needn't worry. If the war beyond Beiliang Pass goes unfavorably, for instance, if Jubei City falls, then you, Zhong Tan, will certainly die. But if the war outside the pass takes an unexpected turn, for example, if our Beiliang Iron Cavalry can recapture Hutou City next year, then you will naturally gain 'influence'."

Zhong Tan said expressionlessly, "Then I shall wait and see."

Xu Fengnian suddenly chuckled playfully, "When I went to Northern Mang all those years ago, I had to speak your Northern Mang language from beginning to end. You, Zhong Tan, are luckier than I; you don't have to speak the Central Plains official dialect here in Qingcang City."

Zhong Tan simply smiled, dismissing the remark.

However, the female expert from Princess Tomb sneered, "I hear the Beiliang Xu family and the Liyang Zhao imperial house have deep-seated grievances. Unexpectedly, Your Highness possesses a Bodhisattva's compassionate heart, repaying evil with good, and is wholeheartedly devoted to guarding the Liyang Emperor's household!"

Before Xu Fengnian could speak, Zhong Tan softly reprimanded, "Daogu!"

Her eyes were dark, and her lips were tightly pursed. Fearless, she met the gaze of the young feudal lord, a Grand Master of Martial Arts Rankings.

She faced death as if returning home.

Xu Beizhi, who had remained silent, interjected softly but firmly, "That remark... it's a bit hurtful, and not very considerate."

Pulling Liu Daogu behind him, Zhong Tan for the first time showed a conceding expression. "I hope Your Highness will forgive her."

Xu Fengnian glanced at the tattered brocade pouch at her waist and asked, "Have you ever drunk our Beiliang's Green Ant Wine?"

She replied, full of sarcasm, "I drank it once years ago and never wished to again; it's quite crude. However, I would like to drink Green Ant Wine if it's poisoned. Your Highness, remember not to be stingy then—a cup won't be enough, bring a whole pot."

Zhong Tan turned his head and angrily shouted, "Liu Daogu! If you want to die, don't drag me into it!"

Xu Fengnian withdrew his gaze from her face, feeling somewhat disheartened, and continued walking forward. "Alright, you two, stop acting. One of you wants to die a bloody death on the spot to appease His Highness's anger and earn a sliver more hope for your master. The other wants to distance himself from his personal maid to avoid incurring wrath. Ultimately, both of you are far cruder than the taste of Green Ant Wine."

Both Zhong Tan and she were speechless after being exposed.

Xu Fengnian looked up towards the distance, lost in thought.

The reason he asked that trivial question about Green Ant Wine was that, after seeing this Princess Tomb intelligence agent and death-sworn warrior, he inexplicably recalled the maid from Wutong Courtyard whom he had nicknamed Green Ant.

Men are willing to die heroically for their homeland; a scholar dies for one who understands him, dying with generous spirit.

Some women, however, live only for a man, beautifying themselves only for those who please them, and even in death, they die with a hundred turns of tender emotion.

As they neared the Prefect's mansion, Zhong Tan, Liu Daogu, and the twenty-plus Zhong family elite cavalry departed under the "escort" of Mi Fengjie, Fan Xiaochai, and several Brushwater Chamber intelligence agents.

Xu Beizhi stood at the foot of the steps outside the official residence, watching the departing figures, and self-deprecatingly remarked, "I had already prepared my words to tell you not to be hasty in killing Zhong Tan, but it was all for naught."

Xu Fengnian smiled but said nothing.

Xu Beizhi asked, "What, do you intend to persuade this excellent Northern Mang Xia Nabot to surrender? It doesn't seem like it; otherwise, you'd be following the protocol of treating worthy individuals with respect and regretting not meeting them sooner."

Xu Fengnian shook his head. "I wouldn't use Zhong Tan, no matter who else I used."

Xu Fengnian quickly added, "Besides, you didn't tie him up with five ropes, did you? How could I quickly step forward and personally untie him?"

Xu Beizhi grimaced, "Disgusting!"

Xu Fengnian suddenly asked with a laugh, "How many heads do you think Zhong Tan has?"

Xu Beizhi paused, then rolled his eyes. "Telling jokes? That's not funny at all."

Xu Fengnian looked into the distance and said softly, "Within Hulu Pass in Youzhou, there are two cities: Wogong City and Luanhe City. But Zhong Tan only has one head on his neck—not enough to divide among them."

Xu Beizhi nodded. "Then let's keep him for now. He might be very useful later anyway. If Northern Mang is indeed forced into widespread internal strife by us, the Zhong family, to which Zhong Tan belongs, could certainly add significant fuel to the fire."

Xu Fengnian hummed in agreement.

Xu Beizhi seemed to recall something and asked curiously, "Zhong Tan aside, why didn't you even kill that Northern Mang woman? Is it a matter of showing pity for a beautiful woman? I have to ask you, with that maid's ordinary looks, could you really bring yourself to...?"

Xu Fengnian said helplessly, "That's also not a very considerate remark."

Soon, the "persimmon" (Xu Fengnian) put his arm around the "tangerine's" (Xu Beizhi's) shoulder and said with a playful grin, "Didn't you notice just now that the woman, though appearing to face death calmly, was actually drenched in sweat? And didn't you sense my intense killing intent at the time? I almost couldn't resist reminding you, 'My killing intent is too strong, get out of the way!'"

Xu Beizhi merely offered one word: "Scram!"

Xu Fengnian pouted.

Xu Beizhi composed himself and whispered, "Zhong Tan's remark was truly excellent: 'I shall wait and see!' Northern Mang's western front commander Wang Sui, Hexi Prefecture Governor Helian Wuwei, Crown Prince Yelu Hongcai, the new Xijing Vice Minister of War Yelu Dongchuang, and certain 'Spring and Autumn chess pieces' deeply rooted in Northern Mang's territory. Now, add the Zhong family to that. It truly is..."

Xu Fengnian took over, slowly saying, "On the Liyang side, there's also the stirring Gu Jiantang, Lianghuai Dao Governor-General Han Lin, Jiaodong King Zhao Sui, and Jizhou's Han Fang and Yang Huchen! So indeed... there's so much killing intent."

The entire world was rife with killing intent.