Maestro de la ambigüedad

Capítulo 38

Looking at his imposing appearance now, a world of difference from his near-death and dejected state before, Han Xiao couldn't help but happily reply loudly, "It's been a long time, General Mu."

Their eyes met, and they both smiled. At that moment, two coughs came from inside the room. Mu Yuan turned his head to look, but could not see what was happening inside. Han Xiao said softly, "It is my master, City Lord Nie."

Mu Yuan nodded: "I know. I rescued the princess on the street, and I heard that you were the one who treated her illness. I came here after I settled her in. I never thought we would meet again so soon." He raised his severed arm and said, "Now they all call him the One-Armed General."

Han Xiao smiled with relief, feeling a little excited. Remembering their promise, she said, "Now, I have also learned a lot of medical skills."

“I’ve heard about it.” Mu Yuan kept staring at her. “They all say there’s a Miss Han in Baiqiao City who is a skilled doctor and has even written a book on detoxification. I know it’s you.”

Han smiled and said, "So we all did it, right?"

Before Mu Yuan could answer, Nie Chengyan's voice came from inside the room: "Xiaoxiao, my foot hurts."

Feng Ning, who had been watching the commotion, nudged Long San with her elbow: "What's going on now?"

Author's Note: La la la, General Mu has appeared too!

War is about to break out

What's the situation now?

Even if Long San knew, he wouldn't dare say anything. He knew Nie Chengyan too well; he was in a sensitive and irritable state right now. If he spoke up, and Feng Ning caused further trouble, there was no guarantee that Master Nie wouldn't lose his temper. His outburst wouldn't be the problem; the real fear was that if he threw a tantrum and Han Xiao suffered, he would then torment himself and Han Xiao in return. To avoid trouble, it was safest to know nothing.

Receiving no response, Feng Ning pouted and nudged Long San with her elbow again.

When Han Xiao heard Nie Chengyan complain of foot pain, although she suspected he might be faking it, she was still a little worried. Besides, she knew that if she didn't immediately respond to her master's outburst, things would get out of hand. She smiled apologetically and turned to go inside to check on Nie Chengyan.

Mu Yuan watched her figure disappear through the doorway, then turned to look at Long San and Feng Ning. He didn't recognize Feng Ning, but he did recognize Long San. So he clasped his hands in a salute and said, "Third Master Long."

"Young General Mu." Long San returned the greeting in a formal and formal manner.

Feng Ning looked around and found them rather uninteresting, so she turned to go back to her room to sleep. However, Long San grabbed her, held her shoulders, and placed her in front of him, saying to Mu Yuan, "This is my wife."

Mu Yuan bowed again: "Third Madam Long." Feng Ning wrinkled her nose, quickly turned her head to look at Long San, who patted her head, and she then bowed as well: "Young General Mu."

After exchanging greetings, the three of them stood there silently. Mu Yuan and Long San both stood there calmly. Feng Ning looked around again, no longer wanting to sleep, and asked, "General Mu, the waiter just said you wanted to see City Lord Nie, but it seems to me you wanted to see Xiao Xiao. So who did you actually want to see?"

Mu Yuan was taken aback by the question. Long San coughed twice, and Feng Ning turned to look at him and said in a low voice, "Is it wrong to ask that?"

Long San was almost choked by her words, so he could only pat her head again and give Mu Yuan an awkward smile. Mu Yuan was quite generous, saying only, "I am looking for City Lord Nie to discuss matters concerning the Xia Kingdom, and I am looking for Miss Han to see an old friend."

Feng Ning nodded vigorously and said to Long San, "You see, you can actually ask." Long San had no choice but to give Mu Yuan an awkward smile again. Mu Yuan smiled back and nodded to Feng Ning as well.

Feng Ning admired Mu Yuan's frankness and waved, "Come on, let's sit at that table over there, have some tea, chat, and wait for our old friend and City Lord Nie to come out."

Long San rubbed his forehead, helpless against Feng Ning's overstepping of the bounds. Mu Yuan, on the other hand, smiled generously, clasped his hands in thanks, and actually went to sit at the round table in the courtyard with Feng Ning. Long San quickly went to Nie Chengyan's door and knocked hard: "Ayan, General Mu wants to talk to you about matters concerning the Xia Kingdom, it's important business!" He emphasized the words "important business," and added, "If your foot doesn't hurt anymore, come out and receive the guest quickly." There was no response from inside, so Long San added, "Xiaoxiao, quickly treat him, General Mu is still waiting, it's important business."

He turned his head and saw Feng Ning and Mu Yuan chatting happily. He cursed inwardly. Anyway, he had delivered the message, and whether this guy came out or not was none of his business. Long San quickly went to the round table and joined in the conversation between the two.

The three were discussing weapons. Feng Ning was initially curious about Mu Yuan's ability to wield a large sword with one hand, as maintaining balance and fighting at high speed while holding such a heavy weapon with one hand on horseback was extremely difficult. Mu Yuan told her he had practiced for a long time and had summarized some techniques. Feng Ning suddenly looked at her own hands and asked Long San, "What weapon do I use?" She had noticeable calluses on her hands, indicating her preferred weapon. Long San was unsure how to answer when Han Xiao and Nie Chengyan came out.

This relieved Long San, and Mu Yuan's attention immediately shifted. He stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Nie Chengyan: "City Lord Nie." Nie Chengyan, with a stern face, also cupped his hands in a salute: "Young General Mu." Han Xiao smiled slightly at Mu Yuan and quietly rubbed Nie Chengyan's shoulder, which softened Nie Chengyan's expression.

After everyone settled down, Mu Yuan began to explain his purpose. It turned out that for the past two years, Mu Yuan had been accompanying his father to guard Yanhun Pass, the border with the northern desert. It was a military town not far from Gusha Town, named for the way sandstorms resembled smoke that beckoned souls. The northern desert had been making constant covert maneuvers in recent years, so Yanhun Pass was heavily guarded. However, the northern desert was separated by a vast desert, and their power dynamics remained unclear. Therefore, when spies sent by the court reported that the Xia Kingdom in the north intended to invade, the emperor considered using a marriage alliance as a trial balloon. The Xia Kingdom immediately showed sincerity, which led to Princess Ruyi's marriage to the northern desert.

Unexpectedly, not long after, the princess returned, badly injured and barely alive. This matter was of great importance, and Mu Yuan dared not make the decision himself. However, given the princess's current condition, he could not send her back to the northern desert. Moreover, having witnessed Princess Ruyi's miserable state, Mu Yuan was furious at the Xia King's cruelty. To dare beat a princess sent for a political marriage like this, he clearly didn't respect their Emperor. Such an invasion was something they couldn't ignore.

Knowing that the princess was being abused, it would be a disgrace to the nation and unbecoming of a true man to send her into the lion's den. Therefore, Mu Yuan temporarily kept the princess there, firstly to protect her from being abducted by the Xia Kingdom, secondly to allow her to recover in peace, and thirdly, he had already sent someone to the capital to report to the emperor and hope that he would make a decision on the matter.

After he finished speaking, Han Xiao nodded repeatedly, but she said, "From what Eunuch Cui said, I'm afraid the Emperor won't save the princess. He said that for the sake of peace between the two countries, the princess still has to be sent back to Xia Kingdom no matter what."

Mu Yuan said, "Princess Ruyi has a stubborn personality and is known in the palace as a spoiled princess. I've heard about that too." When he said this, Long San laughed and chimed in, "Yes, yes, her favorite saying is, 'I want your head.'" Feng Ning glanced at him, and Long San quickly coughed lightly to straighten his expression.

Mu Yuan continued, "If the Xia Kingdom is truly sincere in wanting to befriend and live in harmony with our country, the Xia Kingdom will likely portray the princess's beating as a punishment for her acting unruly in the Xia King's palace. In that case, the outcome that Eunuch Cui mentioned will be certain: the princess will definitely be sent back to the Xia Kingdom."

Han Xiao frowned: "General Mu, do you mean that if the Emperor thinks the princess is just being willful, then it's fine to let her be beaten in a foreign country, but instead send her back to be beaten again?"

Mu Yuan paused, then said, "Miss Han, what I mean is that marriage alliances are originally meant to secure peace between two countries. Without sufficient justification, the princess's personal safety is naturally no match for the peace of the entire nation. Once war breaks out, it won't be as simple as just a few deaths and injuries." He lowered his voice, "While she deserves sympathy, this is the mission of a princess sent for a political marriage. Once married into a foreign land, few have the chance to return; their life or death is no longer in their own hands. However, Princess Ruyi is the only one who dared to escape and return."

Han Xiao remained silent, only sighing inwardly. Who said being born into royalty was a blessing? In the end, she was still destined to be a pawn. Nie Chengyan squeezed her hand gently, as if to comfort her, then turned to Mu Yuan and said, "Young General, did you come to see me to talk about the princess? This is none of our business."

Mu Yuan was staring blankly at their clasped hands. Hearing this, he was slightly startled and replied, "It's not about that. I came to tell City Lord Nie that a few months ago, when I was leading troops on patrol around Shahun Pass, I saw a lone old man who looked like the Divine Physician from a distance. He was heading towards the Xia Kingdom. I originally thought it was just a similar appearance, but today I heard that City Lord Nie has arrived here, so I thought it would be best to inform the City Lord of this news."

"They went to Xia Kingdom?" Nie Chengyan frowned. No wonder the clues went cold at this border of the desert. They had never thought of neighboring countries, assuming that the desert region was vast and sparsely populated, with many hidden places that were rarely visited by ordinary people, making it easy for people to hide. They never expected that they could cross the border.

"General Mu, have you ever heard of any highly skilled physicians in this desert land?"

"Not in the last few years. If it were earlier, I would have to inquire," Mu Yuan replied, his gaze intentionally or unintentionally sweeping over Han Xiao and Nie Chengyan's clasped hands.

No one said anything more. Nie Chengyan pondered intently, while Long San went through the information reported by the scouts in his mind, wondering if there was anything they had missed.

Only Feng Ning suddenly asked, "General Mu, you haven't finished speaking yet?"

"What?"

"You're saying that if the Xia Kingdom is truly sincere in wanting to befriend our country, the princess will definitely be sent back to the Xia Kingdom. But you're keeping the princess detained and not sending her back, and you've even sent someone to report to the Emperor. There must be more to this than meets the eye, right?" Feng Ning's words made Mu Yuan give her a serious look. He couldn't believe that this Third Madam Long was so shrewd.

"My spies have indeed discovered that the Xia Kingdom is secretly deploying troops. The marriage alliance is likely a cover-up to lull our defenses into a false sense of security. That's why he dared to brutally beat the princess, showing no remorse. He just didn't expect the princess to run away and is worried about being suspected if the matter is exposed, so he hastily ordered his soldiers in plainclothes to search for her and bring her back. I have evidence that the Xia Kingdom intends to launch a military campaign. I'll have it presented to the Emperor. If the Emperor also believes that the Xia Kingdom has ill intentions, then the princess naturally doesn't need to return to the Xia Kingdom. Instead, we should reinforce our border defenses."

Han Xiao didn't understand the matters of war, but she felt that things were more complicated than she had imagined. If the two countries went to war, the princess might escape unscathed, but wouldn't the people suffer? Would the civilians and soldiers on the border be in danger? How many people would die? If the solitary old man Mu Yuan saw was indeed the Cloud Mist Elder, then why did he travel to the Xia Kingdom? If the two countries really went to war, would his situation be precarious?

Mu Yuan continued, "I came to tell you about this matter. I hope you are mentally prepared and do what needs to be done quickly. There may be war later, and this city may not be safe."

Nie Chengyan nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, General Mu. We will take note. General, you are very busy with military affairs, so I will not disturb you any longer today. Please take care."

Mu Yuan remained unfazed, showing no displeasure at the order to leave. He simply rose, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and took his leave. Han Xiao also hurriedly rose to see him off. As they walked to the inn's entrance, Mu Yuan suddenly said, "Miss Han, I received the token Shi Er brought that day. He is currently with my army and is doing well, so don't worry."

Han Xiao said happily, "That's wonderful!"

Mu Yuan added, "Although the princess is seriously ill, I have a highly skilled military doctor, so please don't worry, Miss Han."

Han Xiao nodded, pondered for a moment, and said softly, "If war breaks out, I hope General Mu will take good care of himself and stay safe." Mu Yuan smiled gently upon hearing this, "You too, take care." He glanced at her a few more times, then finally turned and mounted his horse, leaving with the guards who had been standing at the entrance of the inn.

When Han Xiao returned to the courtyard, she saw Nie Chengyan glaring at her, saying, "Xiao Xiao, my foot hurts."

Han Xiao replied, "Yes, Master, let's go back to our room."

Feng Ning, resting her chin on her hands, said from the side, "Yes, hurry back to your room. I think if you keep delivering him any longer, he'll start to get liver pain."

Han Xiao, who was originally feeling troubled, burst out laughing after Feng Ning's words.

Nie Chengyan turned his head and glared at Long San, shouting, "Long San!" Han Xiao laughed even louder. Feng Ning was right; even though she was the one causing trouble, Nie Chengyan was the one scolding Long San.

Long San looked helpless and pulled Feng Ning up, saying, "Feng'er, let's go back to our room. I'm the one who's really in pain." The two of them walked away, tugging at each other.

Han Xiao pushed Nie Chengyan back into the room, closed the door, and pulled him into her arms. She knew him all too well. Sure enough, Nie Chengyan rested his head against her chest and abdomen, his voice revealing vulnerability: "Xiao Xiao, I can't let the old man die like this in a foreign land. My parents' bodies are still missing, I can't let the old man die like this too."

"We will find him, we definitely will."

Ready to go

With the news brought by Mu Yuan, Nie Chengyan adjusted the arrangements for his spies to gather intelligence. After waiting for nearly two months, they finally obtained useful information: the Elder of Clouds and Mist had indeed gone to the Xia Kingdom and appeared in the capital, but his whereabouts were unknown afterward. The most renowned physician in the Xia Kingdom was the imperial physician, Master Qishan. However, the true origins of Master Qishan remained unknown.

Nie Chengyan intuitively felt that this Mr. Qishan was related to the old man Yunwu's past grievances. However, since he had joined the Xia Kingdom's royal family and was famous in Xia Kingdom, he must have some influence. The old man Yunwu would definitely not gain any advantage by going there alone.

Nie Chengyan pondered that if this person was truly involved in stealing the Green Snow and poisoning him, then his cunning and strategy must be extraordinary. To have planted an informant thousands of miles away, tracked his and Xie Jingyun's journey, and then sneaked back to the Northern Xia Kingdom without leaving a trace—what kind of person was this? Was it really Chi Yanxing? Yet, in all these years of investigating the desert, they had never found him. Several skilled doctors in border towns had been spotted, but none of them were the same person.

Nie Chengyan believed that Chi Yanxing would definitely take on disciples, just like the Cloud Mist Elder, but he didn't know where their true lair was. Now, upon hearing about the Xia Kingdom's royal family, he suddenly had an epiphany.

While Nie Chengyan was painstakingly searching for clues, Feng Ning ran away again and disappeared without a trace. Long San eventually found her and brought her back. Afterwards, he talked to her about it, and Feng Ning actually settled down.

In the past two months, the atmosphere in several border towns has indeed become tense. The emperor's orders have been delayed, and the Xia Kingdom is eager to make a move. However, the subtle point is that both sides know that the princess is being protected in Gusha City, but they both pretend that nothing has happened and neither side mentions the matter.

The news that Mu Yuan brought to Nie Chengyan and the others was that in Qingshan Valley, another important border town north of Yanhun Pass, the two countries had been fighting several battles in silence. The Xia Kingdom did not raise its battle flag but secretly launched a sneak attack to break through the pass. After being repelled, they did not admit that it was their doing, only saying that they would definitely go back and investigate thoroughly. However, a few days later, they launched another surprise attack. This time, the Xia Kingdom's attitude was that these were the evil deeds of bandits and not Xia Kingdom troops.

The Green Valley, despite its name, is mostly sandy slopes and rocky cliffs, making it a complex terrain that is difficult to attack and defend. Mu Yuan's grandfather, General Mu Yong, believed that these raids were a test and that a fierce battle was likely to follow. Therefore, he personally led troops to guard the pass, but fearing it might be a feint, he instructed Mu Yi and his son Mu Yuan to guard Yanhun Pass carefully.

Mu Yuan specifically came to tell Nie Chengyan and the others this because a few days ago, when the situation was tense, Feng Ning fled to Qingshan Valley. With the two armies clashing and vigilance against spies heightened, Feng Ning's origins were unclear, and a lone woman appearing in such a place naturally aroused suspicion. Therefore, Feng Ning had a falling out with General Mu, and it was only after Long San arrived and vouched for Feng Ning that General Mu relented. That's why Mu Yuan came specifically to explain the current situation and to warn Nie Chengyan and the others not to wander around the city unnecessarily.

Only then did Han Xiao realize that Long San's family also received government pay. His only sister was a concubine, his eldest brother was a general, and his second brother managed the family business. Long San, on the other hand, was a wandering swordsman. No wonder the Mu family gave the Long family some face. However, in comparison, Long San seemed to be the least productive member of the family. Feng Ning nodded vigorously as she said this.

"What are you nodding for? It's all your fault." Long San tapped her on the head and kept apologizing to Mu Yuan, saying that once the situation improved and the Mu family grandfather and grandson returned to the capital, he would definitely bring Feng Ning to apologize.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Mu Yuan said that he had finished his business in the city and needed to return to his post to prepare for his journey back to Yanhun Pass. He then took his leave. As usual, Han Xiao saw him off to the entrance of the inn and said, "Take care." Mu Yuan looked at her for a while, then softly replied, "You too." Without looking back, he mounted his horse and rode away.

Mu Yuan hadn't expected that Princess Ruyi would be waiting for him when he returned to the camp. She had recovered considerably after two months of illness, and now asked somewhat flusteredly, "Young General Mu, are you leaving?"

"The battle is urgent, and I need to rush back to Yanhun Pass to defend it."

"Then who will protect me?" This was Princess Ruyi's fear. Now that the Emperor knew she had fled, he hadn't said he would send her back to Xia, so there was no point in her running away any longer. She could only hope to receive an imperial decree to bring her back to the palace. She knew in her heart that if Xia invaded, the marriage agreement would be broken, and she would have a chance to return to the palace. But if Xia continued to show goodwill, she would probably have to fall into the tiger's den again.

The thought of her time living in the Xia King's Palace made her tremble. She had heard the screams of the palace maids and servants being tortured, and heard about the tragic deaths of concubines. She herself had experienced it firsthand, and she was truly terrified.

Hearing that the war with the Xia Kingdom was escalating, she was both happy and panicked. She was happy because this greatly increased her chances of returning to the palace. However, she was panicked because with General Mu gone, leaving behind those useless soldiers to protect her, what if the Xia Kingdom's soldiers infiltrated Gusha City again and kidnapped her? Her successful escape was a slap in the face to the Xia King, and if he caught her, he would certainly not let her off easily.

Upon thinking of this, Princess Ruyi was terrified and asked repeatedly, "Isn't General Mu in Yanhun Pass? Can't General Mu stay in Gusha City? I can return to the palace first, and then General Mu can go back to Yanhun Pass."

"Princess Ruyi!" Mu Yuan was furious upon hearing this, and his voice rose: "Soldiers and generals are here to guard this land and protect the people, not just to protect a princess."

Princess Ruyi, annoyed by the rebuke, couldn't help but raise her head and shout, "Isn't it for the peace and tranquility of the common people that I'm putting myself in such a dangerous situation?"

"Very good." Mu Yuan said coldly, "It's good that the princess has such self-awareness."

Princess Ruyi stood straight with her back straight, but after a while she went limp and her voice trembled: "I can't be taken back, General Mu, that place is really scary."

Mu Yuan was taken aback by her sudden show of weakness and didn't reply. Princess Ruyi continued, "The general has left, but he will still leave some useful people to protect me, right?" The fragility and fear in her voice softened Mu Yuan's heart. He knew that as a woman, her plight was pitiful, but as a princess, she had no choice.

Mu Yuan couldn't figure out what the Emperor wanted to do with the princess, so he didn't say anything. He could only say, "General Xie will take care of the princess's safety. The princess doesn't need to worry."

Xie Chen? Princess Ruyi didn't believe in his abilities. She bit her lip and struggled to say, "General Mu, can't you postpone your departure for a few more days?" Perhaps someone from the capital could come to escort her back to the palace in the next few days?

Mu Yuan sighed inwardly. He put down the bundle in his hand, stood in front of Princess Ruyi, and asked, "Princess, who decided to escape from the Xia King's palace that day?"

Princess Ruyi straightened her back: "It's me."

Why?

"Why what?"

Why did you dare to flee?

Princess Ruyi was stunned. Why did she dare to run away? Because she was afraid, terrified. She was afraid of being beaten again, afraid of living a life worse than death. She couldn't bear the pain, she couldn't endure the hardship, she absolutely could not bear such a life again. Princess Ruyi thought and thought, then gritted her teeth and said, "King Xia is cruel. To hurt me is to disregard my dynasty. My royal family has the dignity of the royal family, and we will never tolerate him doing this."

Mu Yuan pursed his lips, seemingly knowing that she wasn't speaking from the heart. He said, "Princess, if you were to be submissive and obedient in the Xia Palace, you might have a good life. But if you escape, it would be a provocation and a declaration of war. If you are caught, you know the consequences. Yet you still have the courage to escape. Not everyone has that kind of courage."

Princess Ruyi was stunned. Was that so? She didn't understand what Mu Yuan was trying to say, and then she heard him say, "Princess, no one in this world can protect you all the time. Many times, you have to rely on yourself. When you decided to escape, were you sure you could succeed?" He didn't need her to answer and went straight to the point and said, "You probably weren't sure, but you escaped. Sometimes what you can do is far greater than you imagine."

He raised his right arm, which was now only half its original length: "When I lost my arm, I was determined to die. I thought that if I lost an arm, I would never be able to pick up a sword and go back to the battlefield. For a military officer, death is the better outcome. But in the end, I survived. Look at me now, I'm perfectly fine, aren't I?"

Princess Ruyi stared at his severed arm and murmured in a hoarse voice, "She survived." She had survived too; from the moment she was beaten, she thought she wouldn't live, but now she was perfectly fine.