Scharlachroter Regen überflutet die Stadt

Kapitel 82

Xiao Yi stood up with Xiao Yu's help. He sneered, patted his robe, and abruptly pushed away Xiao Yu's hand that was supporting him. "Why did you stop hitting me, sister? Didn't you say you were going to beat me to death?"

"you……"

Xiao Yi pursed his lips. "I still have genuine feelings for Yu Chang, but what about you, sister? You don't even have half the love I have for Yu Chang as much as you have for brother."

"Yi'er, that's enough," Xiaoyu interrupted hastily.

Xiao Yi chuckled, "You should have killed me. Shouldn't all of us from the Xiao family die at your hands? Compared to my brother, you were too lenient with me!"

I stood there, frozen, completely numb, only one hand trembling uncontrollably. My heart felt empty for a moment. I clenched my fist tightly and looked at Xiao Yi with a sorrowful expression, "Say it again."

Xiao Yi trembled, his face deathly pale. "You killed him, didn't you?" His lips were shockingly white, and his voice was icy. "You've been lying to me all along! All along! You knew perfectly well he wouldn't come! Yet you still said my brother would return!"

"Yi'er..."

"...Really?" His eyes glazed over, looking at me with a dazed expression. "I've always wanted to hear you say it. I'll forgive you if you explain, and I'll believe you if you say it's not true. I can disregard rumors and claims with solid evidence, but if you say just one word, I'll believe nothing but you!"

There is a faint floral fragrance and a refreshing coolness; the willows sway weakly in the wind.

Everything around me fell silent, except for my voice, which echoed repeatedly in the inner room, "Yes... I killed Xiao Xuan."

The extreme pain finally caused him to lose control; his whole body trembled erratically, and he choked out a difficult voice, "Why..."

I looked at him, a hint of fragile despair in my eyes. I took a deep breath, and with trembling lips, I raised that eerie smile. A streak of crimson seeped from between my lips, dripping onto my hand with Xiaoyu's scream, drop by drop, forming a plum blossom pattern.

It was a chilly winter day when a young man in white robes emerged gracefully from the plum grove, his smile pure and gentle. "My name is Xiao Xuan..."

It was just a game, but Xiao Xuan used this method to permeate all my childhood memories.

It should have ended long ago, shouldn't it? Just like everything that should never have started...

Chapter 45 Turning Hands into Clouds

I felt a hand groping incessantly on my forehead, and I was immediately agitated. I opened my eyes, but the dim candlelight stung them. I sat up and pulled Lu Li's hand away.

Lu Li looked at me, full of reproach, "When will you be at ease after scaring me to death?"

I forced a laugh, feeling a tightness in my chest. "How is Xiaoyu? How is Yi'er?"

Lu Li draped a robe over my shoulders. "Why don't you ask yourself why you don't ask me why I'm so desperate to be with you?"

I sighed. "I was too harsh on Yi'er."

"You're just disappointed in him." Lu Li shook his head. "He'll eventually understand everything you've done."

"I don't ask him to understand, I just hope he's well." I gave a pale smile.

Lu Li stared at me, stunned. After a long while, he came to his senses. "I feel the same way." I couldn't understand it. I looked up at him, but he instead helped me lie down again. "You can sleep a little longer." He got up to leave, but I reached out and pulled up one leg of his robe. He didn't turn around, but just stopped.

"The game is almost over." I closed my eyes, and my hand, which was gripping my robe, slowly fell.

He still didn't turn around. After I had completely lowered my hand, he stepped around the screen and walked out of the inner chamber.

Hua Yushang, a once-glorious scion of a prominent Yangzhou family, was the object of countless aristocratic sons' fierce competition. Then, she vanished without a trace, only to reappear years later in the capital. Many said she was destined for good fortune, a life of privilege. Now, that good fortune has turned into this inexplicable entry into the Fifth Prince's household, where, despite her noble status, she hasn't even been granted the title of a concubine.

Just before leaving for the manor, she acted as if nothing had happened. She put on her usual dress, styled her hair in front of the mirror, and neatly applied makeup. She quietly waited for the people from the Fifth Master's manor to arrive.

"If I can't make it with Fifth Master," Xiaoyu smiled, turning to me. "I'll come back to you."

"No way. I can't handle that." I rolled my eyes at her, not daring to look away for a moment. "If that day ever comes, you might as well find a place to bury yourself."

"I'm genuinely afraid of pain. Otherwise, I would have dared to commit suicide long ago and make a name for myself in history as a woman who died for love." She was still smiling. Smiling as she looked at me. Smiling as she shook her head. Smiling as she frowned.

"Xiaoyu..." For the first time, I couldn't keep up with her teasing.

"I used to think each day was harder than the last! But now I think, what day can't I get through?" Yu Chang snorted. "It's just about staying awake, eating, laughing, making a fuss, crying... and living."

I got up and walked to her side. The advice I had prepared beforehand seemed hypocritical and empty in front of her.

"Miss Hua, someone from Fifth Master's side has arrived." Si Liang said softly, lifting the curtain of the inner room, as if afraid of startling someone.

"I understand, I'll go now." Xiaoyu smiled and nodded, stood up, and remained motionless for a long time. Then, a sentence drifted to my ear, "Don't worry, I can manage." I wanted to cry, but tears wouldn't fall. I bit my lip tightly, unable to imagine what Xiaoyu's future would hold. The secluded courtyard, her awkward status, her husband in name only, and the open and covert attacks and gossip throughout the household. Perhaps the most tormenting thing was the unspeakable bitterness in her heart and the unspoken longing.

I understand how helpless the sky above the courtyard must feel, and I also know what kind of person Fifth Sister-in-law is.

suburbs.

Beside the city moat, inside the Cuijiang Tower.

I held in my hand the letter forwarded by Yelü Mengshuo, which clearly stated that the Liao Dynasty and the Rong family had no dealings whatsoever. This statement had already reached the Emperor through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Works, causing chaos in the court. Thanks to Qiu Ming, the news seemed to have spread even faster among the common people; even young children knew that the Rong family had been framed. Right now, the Emperor only needed to find a scapegoat to extricate himself, and I knew this was something he excelled at.

Qiu Minghao lazily pushed open the window of Cuijiang Tower, looking at the crowds coming and going on the street with a leisurely air. It seemed as if he was talking about romance rather than matters of state. "The current situation is getting more and more interesting."

"Do you think the Emperor can still sit down at this hour?" I smiled, gently rubbing my slightly cool fingers.

“You have laid out a very good plan. Right now, the capital is under control, we have a lot of people, and 60% of the high-ranking officials in the court are also biased towards us.”

My gaze drifted to him, and I couldn't help but shake my head, saying, "It's more accurate to say that you're good at managing your money."

Qiu Minghao strode over and asked, "You ordered Yang Wei to garrison outside the city and swiftly mobilized the reorganized Huainan army to press forward. Are you ready?!"

I swirled the wine in my glass and squinted at him. "It's quite surprising to hear the name Yang Wei come out of your mouth."

Qiu Ming turned back to his seat and poured himself some tea. “You’re someone who values talent, so there’s no reason to waste a genius like him. This time, Lu Hong’s advance force was led by Yang Wei, right? Having followed you for so long, I should be able to figure out seven or eight parts of your thoughts. But I also have some doubts. Yang Wei is a man of unyielding integrity. I’m afraid that Yuan Xin Nuo alone can influence such a thing as rebelling against the court.”

“This is all thanks to Lu Hong.” A breeze picked up, and I got up to close the window for him. “Lu Hong certainly has the qualities of a benevolent ruler. He’s very good at using capable people for his own purposes, or rather, the people of Da Meng have always done a very good job.”

"I don't understand."

"I didn't understand at first either. But later, after hearing the rumors about the Duke of Dingguo, I naturally believed them."

"Dong Guo?"

"That's Yang Wei's biological father, the Duke of Dingguo who died more than ten years ago in the Great Mongol Empire and whose name is etched in history. He should be in the Great Mongol camp right now. I saw him when I was with Lu Hong, but at the time I only thought his identity was suspicious. The other day, Lu Hong revealed the truth in a letter. Back then, the Duke of Dingguo and my father, the Prince of Huainan, went to war together, both holding significant military power. The Emperor wanted to use the war against the Great Mongol Empire to eliminate the Duke of Dingguo's power. The Duke of Dingguo knew this perfectly well, and he would rather die on the battlefield and have a good reputation. However, the Great Mongol general, Hudutai, greatly admired such talent. He captured the Duke of Dingguo but did not kill him. Instead, he allowed him to live peacefully in the Great Mongol Empire. My father knew the inside story well. After the battle, he brought back the Duke of Dingguo's tomb, which was just a decoy, but it ensured the Duke of Dingguo's safety for ten years. I believe that after Yang Wei was captured, Lu Hong must have given them a chance to recognize each other and exposed the dramatic sacrifice of ten years ago."

"Unexpectedly, the support that the Prince of Huainan provided back then has resulted in the vast territories we see today." Qiu Ming smiled. "The Prince of Huainan has indeed left a good legacy for future generations."

"Do you really think he's dead?" I turned abruptly to look at Qiu Ming. "I don't know why, but ever since I learned about the Duke of Dingguo, I often think about him, yet I'm afraid to think about him. I'm actually terrified..."

Qiu Ming was stunned, his lips hovering over the rim of the glass. "What do you mean?"

“He did not collude with the Liao people; this was a frame-up by the emperor and Pang Jian.” I took a deep breath. “However, I am terrified… He has the ambition of a wolf and the intention to win over foreign powers. However… he is not like the fox-like Liao people, but the vicious wolf of the Great Mongol.”

Qiu Ming was stunned for a long time, then picked up his teacup and laughed almost inaudibly, with a hint of coldness in it. The words on his lips struck my heart hard.

"To be a pawn for others, to pave the way for their own success!"

More chess pieces! Her throat felt like it was being choked. She abruptly looked up at Qiu Ming, only to see Rong Jihe's bed of scattered chess pieces from that day. She hadn't expected her to understand so clearly!

The arrow was already on the bowstring, and it had to be released...

He gritted his teeth and said, "Even if I'm just a pawn, I have to keep going. Some accounts need to be settled one by one. I can't be greedy, but I can't complain about not having enough either."

There was silence in the room. Qiu Ming and I held our breath, gently pushed open the window, and looked at the fires on the river above the city moat, and at the heavy troops on both banks, poised to strike. I was waiting; perhaps in less than an hour, Yang Wei would break through the river and enter, and we could drink together in this Cuijiang Tower.

Far beyond my expectations, Yang Wei's army crossed the river without losing a single soldier, and the two garrisons under Grand Commander Yao returned to the city without any reaction. I turned to look at the composed Qiu Ming and couldn't help but laugh, "I didn't expect you to spend all your money on the enemy's army."

Qiu Ming raised his glass to celebrate, "I dare not accept such praise. I only heard that the commanders of these two armies once served under Yang Wei. I simply delivered a few letters for Yang Wei and also gave a small treat to the families of the two commanders as a token of my appreciation."

Yang Wei, dressed in military uniform, sat in front of me, the tea beside him already cold.

I rubbed my slightly sore shoulders and looked at him with a slight smile, "General, you are indeed brave!"

“If it weren’t for your secret rescue, I would have been dead long ago.” Yang Wei lifted his robe and knelt straight in front of me.

I do intend for Lu Hong to be spared even if he refuses to surrender. Of course, I'm doing this solely for my own benefit.

“I can’t take that responsibility.” I reached out to help him up. “All of this is thanks to the general’s wisdom.”

"The Second Prince's army will arrive at the city walls early tomorrow morning and join me in attacking the capital."

I nodded, and sure enough, everything went according to plan.

“Tomorrow, I will open the city gates for him myself.”

I naturally didn't need to tell him that just three days ago, Qiu Ming had already colluded with the city's commander, and was waiting for Yang Wei's army to arrive so that he could replace the previous guards with his own men to ensure that those stationed at the city gates were all his own. All I needed to do now was reassure him.

This night will surely be another sleepless one. Leaning quietly against the window, the imperial city felt eerily quiet. Yang Wei's swift crossing of the river only served to stir a restlessness within this tranquility. I don't doubt Qiu Ming's ability to win over the hearts of the people, cultivate relationships with high-ranking officials, and orchestrate events from top to bottom; it's just that this has been too smooth, causing me hesitation. Before leaving the city, I heard that Grand Commander Yao's main defensive force wasn't in the capital, but rather had been relocated to the southern camp for urgent training. Qiu Ming and I were marveling at the perfect timing, location, and human factors, but now we vaguely sensed an eerie atmosphere from the west, tinged with bloodshed and slaughter…

Is Lu Hong really able to meet up with his troops at the border as planned early tomorrow morning?

At the third watch of the night, the sounds of battle indeed came from the west. Horses neighed, cannons roared, and beacon fires illuminated the night sky as bright as day. The emperor had indeed already deployed a large force to the west, awaiting Lu Hong's army, while Yang Wei and his troops were able to cross the river unharmed. The river blocked Yang Wei's forces from returning to reinforce, while the emperor waited on the opposite bank, hoping to ambush them. This was a strategy of feigned retreat, a vow to annihilate the enemy outside the city, while the people inside remained safe and sound, unaware of the widespread fighting and carnage outside. The emperor was indeed still concerned with stabilizing the court and appeasing the people. Could it be that, like Lu Li, he truly cared for the peace and well-being of the realm?

Such shrewdness, such planning, such dedication—I truly admire them.

Chapter 46 Turning the Hands to Make Rain

As dawn broke, the blood stained the rising sun, but the fierce battle showed no signs of abating. The crimson glow simply moved from west to east, growing ever closer and heavier.

The air was thick with the stench of blood. The city guards, their faces expressionless, sealed the city gates, forbidding the people from leaving. The simple-minded people thought it was the royal family sealing the city gates, but dared not imagine that a fierce battle was taking place outside the city.

At noon, the sounds of battle drums continued. Yang Wei finally couldn't sit still any longer and wanted to cross the river to return and support Lu Hong, but Qiu Ming and I naturally stopped him. Even if Lu Hong's army was defeated, it would be a lose-lose situation, and the survival of Yang Wei's forces would be the key to victory or defeat. This was a last resort, and I didn't want to think about the horrific scene of Yang Wei leading his army into the capital, with blood covering the palace and its surroundings. Perhaps, like the emperor, I didn't want the capital to see bloodshed. Therefore, I preferred to trust Lu Hong, wait to open the city gates wide for him, welcome him back in triumph, and lead him into the palace to face off against those in the Chaoyang Hall.

As dusk approached, the sky was already dark. The evening breeze carried the acrid smell of cannons from the west, and thick smoke swirled and enveloped the capital city.

Qiu Ming suddenly pushed open the door, his voice hoarse and trembling, "They're getting close. The army is already pressing in on the other side of the moat."

Sure enough, looking out the window, the army, though heavily damaged, remained as solid as iron, its imposing presence overwhelming. A deep bugle call sounded from the riverbank; this was Lu Hong's signal to me—three calls meant I should open the bridge and the city gates.

"Follow me to the east city tower." I replied to Qiu Ming, then turned to Yang Wei, whose eyes were piercing. "First, lower the golden bridge over the moat to let Lu Hong's army cross the river. Order the main army to guard the city. Yang Wei, you hold your position and temporarily garrison at Cuijiang Tower on the south side. Do not join forces with Lu Hong's army at the city, in order to prevent the reserve army of the capital from attacking from both sides."

I followed Qiu Ming up the city wall, paying no attention to Lu Hong's massive crossing of the moat. I turned back to gaze at the now tranquil capital, and for a long time, no dust rose from the east. I had a premonition that the defending army would launch a full-scale attack to hold the city, but I dared not think whether the scattered troops in the west might still have a main force remaining, waiting to attack from both sides.

"Sound the alarm!" I ordered decisively. "Order Lu Hong's army to maintain their speed and cross the bridge at an accelerated pace!"

The bugle sounded again, and Lu Hong's army quickened its pace as it crossed the bridge. I ordered Qiu Ming to keep an eye on the situation to the west, while I kept a close watch on the palace city to the east.

Sure enough, the sound of horses neighing and hooves sounded again from the west. Grand Commander Yao's scattered army had returned, relentlessly pursuing Lu Hong's main force. However, they had taken too long to regroup and set off again. By the time they reached the riverbank, Lu Hong's army had already crossed the river and were facing each other on both sides.

"Raise the golden bridge. Cut the bridge chains!" Qiu Ming gave the timely order. Sure enough, the enemy was trapped on the riverbank. A narrow victory.

I turned to look down at the city walls. Lu Hong also looked up at me. He nodded blankly, indicating that he understood a fierce battle was yet to come. I had no time to respond. Behind me, to the east, the palace city was already in turmoil. Thick red smoke rose from the highest point in the city, the Heavenly Cloud Pillar, soaring straight into the heavens. The court finally issued an order to sound the alarm. The troops stationed around the capital were to converge at the city gates from all sides upon seeing the smoke and defend the capital. A vast army swept in. After the dust settled, the imperial guards, their armor gleaming, were already waiting inside the city gates. Swords were drawn, and banners stood high.

The rebel army outside the city had completely surrounded the palace. Inside, the imperial guards were also arrayed in a strict formation, spears and halberds standing tall, cannons firing in unison. The city gates and surrounding areas were ablaze with fire, awaiting only the order to "open the city gates." I looked at the imperial guards within the city, ready to march, and of course, I didn't miss their gaze. Fourth Prince!

I almost forgot. He and Lu Li jointly command the capital's imperial guards. But right now, the one below the city is him. So, the one trapped on the other side of the river outside the city must be Lu Li.

The Fourth Master stood on his horse, looking at me who had already seized the city gate. His words were curt: "Open the city gate!"

I stood atop the city wall, smiling calmly at them. "It's bound to happen sooner or later. There's no rush!"

Yes, Lu Hong's army still needs to catch its breath.

My jest before a vast army showed no respect for anyone. Perhaps it's more accurate to say that a mere woman secretly usurped the city gates, rendering the defending army unable to open them—a colossal joke that tarnished the court's reputation.

Behind him, heavily armed soldiers raised their bows and roared, "Kill her! Protect the city! Kill her! Protect the city! Kill her! Kill! Kill! Kill!"

The sound was as powerful as a mountain. He remained motionless on his horse for a long time until the thousands of soldiers behind him had drawn their bows and were pointing them at the city walls, waiting for his command.