Consultor de vida de la dinastía Song del Sur

Capítulo 76

"Why is Miss Leng so certain that there is an ambush?"

Leng Shuangcheng turned around and said calmly, "I wonder if Young Master Lin has thought this through?"

What's the reasoning behind that?

"Since the young master revealed your name in Xianju, he must not be afraid of letting the Tantric sect know that you have escaped. His blatant disregard suggests that he intends to use the Tantric sect to make things difficult for you. Therefore, the assassin who came tonight must be one of the two sides."

After Leng Shuangcheng finished speaking, his expression remained calm as he continued forward. Lin Qingluan paused, then seemed to remember something, her body trembling: "By doing this, isn't he neglecting you as well?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"It might be to punish me."

Lin Qingluan wisely kept quiet. Leng Shuangcheng silently led the way, a thick bundle wrapped around her back. With her unhurried movements, she resembled a gentle scholar wandering the world. Her black silhouette blended into the ink-wash forest, as serene and resolute as a distant mountain. Lin Qingluan looked at her footprints and tried to step on them one by one.

The pine trees, weathered by the harsh winter, stood firm against the wind, their branches reaching towards the azure sky, their verdant peaks towering high. Leng Shuangcheng held the spear shaft horizontally in her right hand, pointing it diagonally towards a place where the wind whistled and the moonlight cast heavy shadows. She stopped and paused coldly: "Eight people have arrived."

"Lin Qingluan—" A thunderous shout rang out, and darkness descended upon them. Lin Qingluan was startled, her clothes billowing as she darted into the shadows. Leng Shuangcheng, seeing her unwitting display of lightness skill, sighed, "They weren't sure, they were just testing the waters, otherwise they would have already launched a sneak attack..." Before her sigh could finish, she suddenly rose into the wind, her spear and staff sweeping gracefully across the surrounding trees.

With a "whoosh" like a soapberry bursting open, eight figures fell in succession, surrounding the two of them. Leng Shuangcheng pressed forward without saying a word, his spear thrusting out like a dragon, each stroke like a pear blossom appearing, never missing the throat of the attacker.

The eight figures swiftly dodged, forming a four-man formation to surround the two. Lin Qingluan, her sleeves billowing in the wind, weaved through the gaps between the four men's spears and halberds, her figure swaying like smoke, making it difficult to trap her for the time being. Leng Shuangcheng glanced at him, his worries subsiding. His spear and staff seemed to gain a newfound power, instantly transforming into an impenetrable wall of light.

The spear tip, swaying like a dome, swiftly pierced the night, and with a whoosh, it pressed against the chin of the leader of the Eight Guests. This move, "Spring City Flying Flowers," was indeed a long-lost technique of the Overlord Spear, said to have been created to compensate for the lack of wrist strength among the female disciples of the sect. The moves were complex and beautiful, and even when used by a man, the posture was elegant and the demeanor extraordinary. Leng Shuangcheng used this move with a relaxed and leisurely air, his tall and handsome figure exuding a refined and elegant air, like a scholar composing poetry. Upon seeing this move, the leader of the Eight Guests couldn't help but narrow his eyes and exclaimed, "Overlord Flower Spear, who are you?"

Seeing that their eldest brother had been subdued, the others stopped attacking and turned to stare intently at Leng Shuangcheng.

Leng Shuangcheng's bright eyes slowly swept over the crowd, and she smiled slightly: "I'm sorry... I have offended you all twice. I apologize to you all." As she spoke, she withdrew her gun and sincerely bowed deeply on behalf of everyone.

To everyone's surprise, all eight guests paled instantly, exchanging glances, their faces turning deathly white, their expressions more chilling and eerie than the pale moon in the mid-sky. Leng Shuangcheng, seeing this clearly, asked in astonishment, "Are you all still blaming me, brothers?"

The leader looked at the group and said with a bitter smile, "So that's why the young master sent eight men; it turns out he's punishing us." Leng Shuangcheng was startled and suspicious. He reached out to one of them and asked urgently, "What's wrong?"

"Madam, please." The leader cupped his hands in greeting, watching the seven people disperse. In the blink of an eye, his expression returned to normal, making it seem as if it had all been a dream. The eight men stood in a row, their fierce eyes gleaming. The leader added, "I hope that when you see the young master in the future, Madam, you will tell the eight of you that your skills are inferior and you are unable to complete the mission."

Seeing their earnest expressions, Leng Shuangcheng nodded in surprise but did not leave. Lin Qingluan, worried that the eight might change their minds, hurriedly tugged at Leng Shuangcheng's sleeve, pulling her along with a hesitant, back-and-forth path. After the two had disappeared from sight, the leader of the eight suddenly turned to the seven and said, "The young master didn't reveal that the madam was breaking into prison, but instead sent us to ambush Lin Qingluan. Clearly, he's blaming us for our negligence… The young master also gave a death order: we are not to return until Lin Qingluan is killed. But he knew that with the madam nearby, we would dare not act, so we simply cannot complete this mission… When the ruler commands death, the subject has no choice but to die…" With a long sigh, he flipped his hand and suddenly struck towards the crown of his head.

The trees were dark and gloomy, like outstretched arms, claws reaching out to seize people, appearing sinister and terrifying. Leng Shuangcheng glanced at the deep forest under the moonlight, a thought flashing through her mind. She exclaimed, "Not good!" and rushed back the way she came. Lin Qingluan stood under the menacing, sprawling trees, looking at the dim light of the summer night, waiting for a long time before seeing Leng Shuangcheng approach, her face pale and her long hair curly and flowing.

"What happened?" Lin Qingluan asked curiously.

“The Eight Guests are dead. They shattered their own skulls with a single palm strike. Their technique was swift and left no room for error…” Leng Shuangcheng turned to Weiguang, a faint spark of light rising in his heart, like the morning glow rising in the forest: “It’s a pity that I only just realized it now. They must not be able to go back and report, and were indirectly forced to their deaths by Qiuye Yijian.”

"Is that really the case?" Lin Qingluan hesitated, then said, "Young Master Bixie had no reason to kill his subordinates."

Leng Shuangcheng paused for a moment, her eyes gradually reddening, and said coldly, "That beast... is truly ruthless and heartless, capable of anything. Do you remember what I said earlier? He sent those few to me specifically to warn me and condemn my escape..."

Her words were somewhat disjointed, revealing her deep grief and indignation. Lin Qingluan listened, understanding only partially, but gaining a deeper understanding of Qiu Yeyijian's character and conduct. The two walked in silence for a while. When Leng Shuangcheng turned back, Lin Qingluan's amber eyes were tinged with the morning light, like colorful fireworks blooming within brownish-yellow glass beads. She smiled woodenly and said, "Dawn is breaking. Let's have a contest of lightness skills and see who reaches the rising sun first."

The night was deep in front of Lin Qingluan, who had the advantage of being in the dark. He tested the balance of power between himself and Leng Shuangcheng and replied with a smile, "Okay."

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do…” Leng Shuangcheng said calmly, then shouted, “Rise!”

Two figures leaped into the air with perfect precision. The one in black, her long hair billowing in the wind, moved nimbly through the gnarled ancient trees, the dark green sapwood on either side forming a screen of wind that receded behind her like a revolving carousel. Lin Qingluan, her movements slightly lighter, like drifting smoke, flew for a while before shouting, "Miss Leng, stop running! I, Lin, concede defeat..."

Leng Shuangcheng stopped and slowly walked back, saying, "Riding the wind is truly liberating. Thank you for your kindness, I feel much better now."

Lin Qingluan, whose old injuries had not yet healed, saw that the two had already used their lightness skills to reach the end of the dense forest, and exhausted, she fell asleep.

Leng Shuangcheng silently walked to the riverbank, carrying her spear. Watching the flowing water, she swiftly thrust it into the water, catching two fish with a couple of quick movements. The fish struggled desperately on the silvery tip of her spear. She gutted and cleaned the fish, then set up a fire to roast them slowly, staring blankly at the flickering flames.

The white light gradually seeped into the forest, and she suddenly woke up. She took out her dagger and walked towards the trees. She used her strength to cut down some thick trunks, and after hugging them, she tore off some vines and carefully wrapped them around the raft.

A delicate fragrance drifted through the woods, carrying a fishy, pungent aroma. Lin Qingluan was half-asleep, leaning against a tree trunk, oblivious to the strands of his hair falling across his face. Suddenly, a push landed on his shoulder, and he involuntarily opened his eyes.

"Look, the sunrise!" Leng Shuangcheng lightly leaped two steps away, turning her back to him and exclaiming in surprise.

As the sun rose, its rays spread across the sky, illuminating the fish-scale tree trunks with a mother-of-pearl-like brilliance. The spruce stood tall, the morning breeze rippling, lifting her shirt and causing it to sway in the shimmering light. The colors of the mountains and rivers faded, leaving only the crimson glow shining through her silhouette, making Lin Qingluan's eyes sparkle.

All things are filled with blessings, water and sky meet with a single line, and the red sun, like a traveler who has traveled for thousands of years, has overcome countless hardships and gradually leaps out of the water.

"Like being reborn," Lin Qingluan murmured, forever remembering this person and this scene.

The colorful brocade, like a rainbow reflected in the blue water, made Leng Shuangcheng silently watch Lu Liguang's brilliance for a long time before finally sighing, "I suppose you've seen many sunrises over the sea, but those born with radiance will never understand the hardships of surviving in the shadows." But the sigh stopped abruptly.

What is he doing right now? Leng Shuangcheng asked herself silently. If I saw him, what should I say?

20. Chain reaction

The sky shone with extraordinary brilliance, and the dazzling sunset filled the treetops and courtyard, clustered like rouge. Qiu Ye sat silently by the window, facing the radiant light. A flushed blush shone on his pale face, as if shrouded in clouds, creating a beautiful scene. He met the light with a bright gaze, his expression as cold and indifferent as ever.

Yin Guang stood respectfully to one side. After escorting Princess Linghui to bed at dawn, the young master sent more men to the South Garden, while he himself sat quietly in the hall, watching the day and night change without saying a word. Yin Guang carefully stood with him all night, staring at the young master's chiseled profile, constantly trying to guess his thoughts.

"Young master, please rest for a moment," Yin Guang called out, mustering his strength.

Qiu Yeyi turned her icy gaze toward the sword and said coldly, "Everyone's gone, how can I sleep?"

Yin Guang hesitated for a moment, then said, "The messenger sent word that the Eight Guests of Sichuan committed suicide in the dense forest."

“It seems we’ve run into Leng Shuangcheng.” Qiu Yeyi’s voice remained unchanged, as calm and still as an ancient well. “In that case, the Tantric sect will find the body sooner or later and will definitely chase after them along the river. I’ll see when they launch their first attack.”

Yin Guang hesitated before replying, "Madam's martial arts are superior to those of the Tantric sect, she should be fine." He paused, then realized the young master's implication: "Young master is waiting..."

Qiu Yeyijian coldly said, "If the two ambushes were not far apart, it can only mean that there are secret agents of the Tantric sect among us."

Yin Guang sighed inwardly. He hadn't expected that the Tantric sect might have planted spies; otherwise, the assassination attempt wouldn't have been launched so soon after the incident at the headquarters.

"Who does the young master consider to be an inside man?"

"The princess's attendants are the most likely candidates."

"Should we make an arrest?" Yin Guang asked casually.

"No, it will be useful in the future."

Qiu Yeyi turned to look out the window at the abundant flowers and fruits, where the brocade and crimson were draped in the colors of the sunset. He stood up and stomped to the window, then suddenly said coldly, "Leng Shuangcheng couldn't even wait ten days, almost ruining my plans."

Yin Guang could hardly help but be surprised upon hearing this, and asked, "What does the young master mean?"

"After An Jie was kidnapped, Leng Shuangcheng always wanted to repay his favor. Because the tribute items were leaked into the market and the White Stone Wolf pack appeared, she guessed that something had happened in the mountains, so she couldn't help but go and find out what was going on." Qiu Yeyi turned around with her sword, her voice becoming solemn: "But she never thought that I would also be worried. Given her inherent bloodlust, if she encountered the wolf pack, would she..." She stopped talking and slowly sat down again.

Yin Guang didn't understand the young master's hidden concerns, and since he couldn't find out anything, he could only ask, "What kind of change has occurred? Please tell me, young master."

"On the same day that An Jie was dispatched, I ordered Shao Yu to thoroughly investigate Baishi and the surrounding villages. Everything can only be concluded after the news is sent back."

Yin Guang recalled what the young master had said earlier and couldn't help but ask, "How does that relate to the plan you mentioned?"

Qiu Ye replied with a sword: "Within ten days, there will surely be a high tide. The Tantric sect will launch a full-scale attack without any effective strategy. We must wait until the high tide opens up the gap in the clouds."

Yin Guang's body trembled, and he was greatly alarmed: "Since you are so certain, why have you held back your troops?"

"The hidden agent has been sent out."

"who?"

"An Jie."

Silver Light shouted, "Master An?"

Qiu Yeyi glanced at him coldly and said, "An Jie will definitely make mistakes when he drinks, and he will talk too much when he is drunk. I carefully instructed him to believe that I sent him to do the job. Then, after the Tantric sect captures him, they will believe whatever they find out, and my plan will succeed."

Yin Guang remained deeply shocked, both by the young master's hidden thoughts and by An Jie's inescapable fate. On the lush, boundless island, An Jie personally cultivated a flower garden, spending his days smiling as he drank wine and basked in the sun. The young master had always warned him against overindulging in wine, lest he speak carelessly and make a mistake. Yin Guang remembered An Jie once boldly replying: "I can't change my ways, so please let me die drunk, young master."

What were once jokes about what would happen after death have now come to pass.

"How can you be so sure, young master, that the Tantric sect will definitely arrest Master An?"

Qiu Yeyijian said confidently, "If we don't capture her, I'll create an opportunity to deliver her to her."

Yin Guang stood there, stunned, and asked, "What secret does Master An carry?"

Qiu Yeyi no longer concealed anything and told Leng Shuangcheng everything she had kept from him:

"Ten years ago, An Jie made a drinking contest with me at my coming-of-age ceremony. After getting drunk, he followed my advice and found his younger brother, Chai Jincai. Before going into hiding, Chai Jincai was a master of civil engineering and water conservancy. He couldn't resist An Jie's request and set up a trap at the bottom of Bixie Manor for me. This time, the Tantric sect kidnapped the two brothers, so they will obviously know all of Bixie's plans."

"When Dongge was alive, he detected signs of the island sinking year by year. With my consent, four chains were fastened to the unalterable mechanism to stabilize the foundation. These chains are the key. Chai Jincai and I both know the layout of the mechanism, but only I know about the chains. We will use them in the first battle. Since Huang Yushuxue is curious about me, she will definitely attack Bixie first. As long as the chains are cut, the foundation will collapse and the manor will be overthrown. No one will be able to escape."

Silverlight broke out in a cold sweat and said, "Young master, you're telling me all this... could it be..."

“That’s right.” Qiu Ye stood with his hands behind his back, staring coldly into the silver eyes and said, “The one who has failed in battle is Leng Shuangcheng. As my wife, she cannot stand in the world if she does not make merit. After she goes to Bixie, Wu Suan will be ordered to cut the chains, and you must subdue her and send her out safely. Do you understand?”

Yin Guang understood and was deeply shocked. He slowly asked, "What happens after the first battle?"

Qiu Yeyi slowly approached the table, extended two fingers to push open the scroll, revealing a panoramic view, and said, "Having crossed the sea from Wufang, there are two ambush points: one is Qinglong Town, and the other is Qixing Manor. This is the territory of Lonely Triumph, so he must have his own plans."

Yin Guang, considering Lonely Triumph's dual identity, realized he couldn't possibly manage both operations simultaneously, and tentatively said, "Lord Lonely Town Commander is in command of two places, I'm afraid..."

Qiu Yeyi sneered: "He should bear the responsibility, and he really cannot shirk it."

Yin Guang immediately fell silent; given the young master's hidden anger, no one dared to speak rashly. Qiu Yeyijian continued, "Without a proper name, one's words will lack authority. Since he is the prince consort, he must take action. Besides, even if he can't win, I'm still there." Yin Guang felt slightly relieved; the young master's words were certain, clearly not a joke. "Does the young master intend to use the guards?"

"No need, the imperial army has more important tasks."

When Qiu Ye Yijian spoke these words, his demeanor was calm and aloof, like a commander reviewing his troops on the battlefield. Yin Guang's heart stirred, and he was about to ask further when Qiu Ye Yijian turned his gaze back and said, "You don't need to worry too much, or you'll lose your composure. Go and fetch the falcon; I'll write a secret letter." He glanced at the drifting clouds and sky, then instructed, "According to common sense, the princess should be fast asleep at this time. Tell Prince Zhao to take good care of Ling Hui. I need to go out for a while."

A gentle morning breeze carries the faint fragrance of flowers from distant high-rise buildings. How refined it would be to savor a cup of fragrant tea in a quiet room!

As one of the four young masters, Yu Xue inevitably possessed the elegance of a noble young man in his demeanor. At this moment, in an ordinary inn in Qingzhou, Yu Xue opened the window, chose an excellent spot, and sat down to slowly sip tea.