Третий учёный династии Сун

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Seeing that it was already dark, he knew that even with his best patience, he would not be able to wait any longer. Just as he was about to break down the door, he saw Yan Muqing walk in carrying some things.

"What are you doing?" Si Junxing asked. "Where is Su Yang? Is he with you?"

Yan Muqing didn't answer him. Instead, she pressed him down onto the stool, then opened the bundle she had brought. Inside was a bright red wedding dress. Si Junxing was puzzled. He looked at the dress and then at Yan Muqing, who remained expressionless. "Is someone getting married?"

"Silly boy, of course you're the one getting married!" A loud laugh rang out as Si Lian strode in from outside the door.

"How could I possibly get married..." Si Junxing was suddenly startled: "It was her, wasn't she right?"

Si Lian patted his shoulder and laughed, "You're a lucky guy! Look, your wife asked us to arrange things a long time ago, saying you decided to get married today, and that you were injured and couldn't go anywhere. I guessed she was giving you a surprise, and sure enough, you didn't know anything about it." Seeing that Si Junxing was still in a daze, she grabbed his clothes and put them on him without thinking twice, "Hurry up, don't miss the auspicious time, the bride is still waiting."

Si Junxing seemed still reeling from the sudden news, letting Si Lian and Yan Muqing fuss over him as they dressed and tied his belt. Si Lian was overjoyed. The child he had raised for over a decade, though he had left him later, was now being married to the person he loved. It was like fulfilling a lifelong dream, especially since he was Qing Yao's child!

Shen Xiao gently combed Lin Suyang's long hair with a wooden comb, then styled it into a bun, applied some light makeup, and looked at the stunning woman before her with envy: "Sister Suyan, you are so beautiful!"

Lin Suyang smiled brightly: "Silly girl, you'll be the most beautiful when you get married."

Marriage? A face flashed before Shen Xiao's eyes, and he sighed inwardly, thinking that he would probably never see that day.

"Xiao'er, do you already have someone you like?" Lin Suyang asked suspiciously, noticing her rapidly changing expression.

"Sister Suyan, why did you think of this? How could I possibly have someone I like?" Shen Xiao adjusted her expression and smiled at Lin Suyang. "Don't change the subject, Sister Suyan, the auspicious time is almost here, it's time to go out."

Volume Three, Heartbreak, Chapter Eighty-Five: Sleepless Nights (Part Two)

Red candles adorn the curtains, brocade windows frame the scene, and gentle music drifts through the air.

Through the thin red veil, one could vaguely see the nervous and bewildered look on the other person's face, and couldn't help but want to laugh. Lin Suyang had never imagined that her real wedding would be like this—no wedding dress and church, no traditional music or drums, and only three guests. Her wedding with Qin Yu was quite grand, wasn't it? But it was all just an act.

The shameless, gentle, and devoted Si Junxing—this man had finally become her husband, the one she would spend her life with. This decision likely came long before he took his own life for her; if not for the many concerns and obstacles, they might have already been husband and wife. Now, she didn't care about anything else. The road ahead, the difficulties ahead—she would face them together; it was better to endure a separation by death.

With a clear, crisp laugh, they bowed to heaven and earth. Si Lian sat in the superior position and accepted their second bow. When the couple finally bowed to each other, Si Junxing was trembling slightly. Lin Suyang reached out her slender hand and gently took his, then bowed with a silent smile. The ceremony was complete.

The simple room, with a "double happiness" character pasted on it and a pair of dragon and phoenix candles placed on it, is considered the bridal chamber. At this moment, there are no extra people here, only the world that should have belonged to them, a world that has been long overdue.

Still trembling, she lifted the festive veil, revealing Lin Suyang's face, more stunning than ever before. In her clear, beautiful eyes, there was no shyness or coyness typical of young girls, nor the usual aloofness and coldness; there was only complete acceptance and love.

"My wife," Si Junxing murmured.

"exist."

"My wife," he called again.

"exist."

"My wife," he smiled.

"Wife. Wife. Wife." He sighed and pulled her into his arms. "I can finally call you wife openly and honestly."

“You’ve always called me ‘openly and honestly,’ haven’t you?” Lin Suyang snuggled comfortably against him.

"Before, it was just wishful thinking on my part. But now, it's not. I've been waiting for this day for so long. From the day you first saved me, I've been thinking of you. From the first time you stopped resisting me, I've been longing for you. From the second time you came back to my side, I've been hoping and longing for the day you would become my wife. Then I could call your name every day, call you my wife. At that time, you would be mine. Only mine. No one else."

Lin Suyang listened to his words and hugged him back. "Now I am yours. And I always will be. I am yours alone. There is no one else. Never will be."

"My wife," Si Junxing pulled her away. Looking into her eyes, he said, "From this day forward, you will never leave me for the rest of your life." He leaned in and kissed her forehead...

Although they had been enjoying a very sweet time together, neither of them forgot that they still had many things to resolve. Lin Suyang originally wanted to give up the child in her womb that shouldn't exist for Si Junxing's sake. But Si Junxing refused to agree, because Si Lian told him that Lin Suyang's constitution was abnormally weak. If she lost the child, she would also be in danger. Moreover, Si Junxing originally wanted to keep the child, even though it wasn't his.

Si Lian offered a suggestion, saying that given Lin Suyang's situation, her pregnancy wouldn't be very noticeable even at four or five months. If they could complete their business within the remaining two or three months, it wouldn't be discovered. Lin Suyang smiled bitterly upon hearing this. How could two or three months be enough? Not to mention that returning to Yundu would take half the time, even if they did return, there was no guarantee they could resign smoothly. Besides, that person's threat was still looming.

After much deliberation, Lin Suyang came up with a plan to escape her predicament: to fake her death. If she "died," Qin Hao would be unable to continue his pursuit, thus avoiding implicating her family and Qin Yu. In this way, the Grand Tutor of the Great Central Plains' true identity as a woman would never be discovered.

Now, this is the only way. Si Junxing has done so much for her; she doesn't want to hesitate any longer. A clean break, cutting ties completely with those complicated matters, and leaving this place with him would be the best outcome. Remembering her promise to Qin Yu, Lin Suyang decided to go to Hedan first and meet her. As for how she would "die," she could only wait and see; the important thing was to do it before returning to Yundu.

Everyone thought the plan was excellent and decided that Shen Xiao and Si Junxing would accompany Lin Suyang to Hedan, while Yan Muqing and Si Lian would provide backup. If things went smoothly, they might be able to escape unscathed in just over a month.

However, things change, and when their group entered Hedan, which was already under full alert, they knew something was amiss. Lin Suyang had probably anticipated everything, but he certainly hadn't expected that the neighboring vassal state in the northwest would launch a war at this time.

One moment it was a time of peace and prosperity, the next it was teetering on the brink of war and chaos. A vassal state, citing an overpopulation and insufficient land, demanded to "borrow" three cities from the Great Yang Kingdom. The vassal king sent an envoy to negotiate, but Qin Ke, of course, refused and immediately detained the envoy. The vassal king then used this as a pretext to launch a military campaign in the northwest. Just then, Qin Yu and his entourage arrived in Hedan. Li Kuangjin, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, who was the brother of the vassal king's wife, volunteered to go and negotiate peace. However, Li Kuangjin was imprisoned the moment he stepped into the vassal state's territory. That same night, their camp on the border between the Great Yang and the vassal state was attacked. The enemy was unknown, but according to the camp commander, it was highly likely the vassal state was responsible.

Qin Ke was furious and immediately led his troops there personally. The border guards were all on high alert, ready for a major battle. To prevent a fire from breaking out in the rear, Qin Ke left 8,000 elite troops to Lin Ziyan, who had come with him. Together with the 2,000 elite troops he brought, Lin Ziyan now had a total of 10,000 troops to defend the rear.

Since the territory bordering the vassal state and the central government was entirely within the ten provinces of Kasha, Qin Ke concentrated most of his troops in the open areas, while the rest of his troops were deployed in a staggered, encamped manner.

Lin Suyang heard the news from Lin Ziyan that Qin Yu had also gone to the border military camp. Anxious, he ignored Lin Ziyan's objections and rushed to Qin Ke's location. Upon arriving at the border, he learned that the first battle was over, with Qin Ke emerging slightly victorious. However, Qin Ke was puzzled. The vassal state's strength had never been particularly strong, yet this time it had managed to contend with his elite "Iron Army." If the vassal state hadn't been secretly building up its military in recent years, it must have sought reinforcements. Since Qin Ke had only been in charge of the Northwest for a little over a year, he wasn't entirely sure whether the vassal state was secretly building up its military. However, he had a strong feeling that the vassal king was colluding with other countries. If so, the trouble would be immense. One vassal state wasn't a major concern, but if its ally was Yan or Liao, the Great Central Plains would be caught in a pincer movement.

When Lin Suyang entered the tent, Qin Ke was examining a map. Upon seeing her, his tense expression relaxed, and he smiled at her, saying, "Are you settling in well here?"

Lin Suyang nodded and said, "It's alright. So, do you have any countermeasures for the vassal state's next move?"

"In my opinion, the vassal king's intention is to attack Yanzhou in the northwest. In the previous battle, he used a feint to the east while attacking the west. His scouts have reported that he has sent 5,000 troops under the command of General Jike to the south of Yanzhou via a side road. However, he will not gain much advantage from this mission. Yanzhou is an important town in the northwest, and its military strength is already sufficient. The vassal king must think that I have already recalled the main force of Yanzhou. He does not know that I was just using a smokescreen. In terms of wisdom, the vassal king is certainly not a clever person. I am afraid that there will be cunning and deceitful people stirring things up behind the scenes. Today's battle between the two sides, I dare not say that the vassal state has been planning this for a long time, but the thoroughness of its preparations must be due to the support of the other side."

"You mean the vassal king is colluding with other countries?" Lin Suyang asked.

Qin Ke nodded and replied, "If a country has the ability to rival my Great Central Plains, then this 'other country' is none other than Yan and Liao."

Lin Suyang was taken aback. Could the same gentle and affectionate person who had treated her have such motives? "Does Emperor Shenghan really harbor such ambitions?"

Qin Ke sneered: "Since he ascended the throne, he has never stopped coveting the vast and rich land of the Great Central Kingdom. You are in the inner court, so of course you don't know that Han Yufeng not only coerces and entices small countries to win them over, directing the hostile spearheads at the Great Central Kingdom, but also allows their rioters to cause disturbances on the border between the two countries. His ambition is as clear as day!"

"If the vassal state really joins forces with Yan and Liao, wouldn't we be attacked from both sides?" Lin Suyang finally remembered what Han Yufeng had said when they were together. At that time, he had already placed many spies in the court. Now that the two countries are really at war, it is hard to guarantee that we will not suffer losses. Although people like Qin Hao may have already discovered it, it is hard to guard against hidden arrows. After all, this is related to the survival of the country. Hopefully, she is worrying too much. However, a sense of unease still inexplicably rose in Lin Suyang's heart.

Volume Three, Heartbreak, Chapter Eighty-Six: Sleepless Nights (Part Two)

Just as Qin Ke had predicted, three days later a report came that Ji Ke had led three thousand elite troops to attack Yanzhou City. After two days of unsuccessful attacks, he set up camp outside the city, intending to besiege Yanzhou to the end.

"Yanzhou is a vital gateway to our Northwest. If it falls, the nearby Hezhou and Qizhou will inevitably fall as well. The ten provinces of Kasha are weak in the center and strong on the outside, and these places are right at the heart of the ten provinces. In this way, our Northwest territory will be in grave danger." Qin Ke underestimated the strength of the vassal state. With Yanzhou's impregnable defenses and the tenacious defense of four thousand elite soldiers, it would be wishful thinking for Jike to take it down. However, the most crucial issue is that in recent days, the vassal king has not only not remained silent but has also repeatedly declared war on Qin Ke, intending to prevent him from sending troops to support Yanzhou. As a result, Qin Ke is even more certain that this action is not solely the work of the vassal state. He believes that it will not be long before the true mastermind behind this instigation will surface.

On this day, all ten of Qin Ke's generals gathered in the main tent to discuss the battle plan when they suddenly heard an urgent report from outside. Qin Ke frowned and called the man in.

"Reporting to the General, news has come from Yanzhou that the people in the city have been poisoned overnight. An investigation has revealed that half of the city's water supply has been poisoned. At this time, the people in Yanzhou are in a state of panic. Deputy General Yun requests that the General send people to provide assistance."

With a loud "smack," Qin Ke slammed his hand on the table, his face cold, and said in a chilling tone, "What a vassal king! What a Ji Ke! So despicable! He actually poisoned the water!" There are thirteen water sources in Yanzhou, six of which have been contaminated, leaving only seven that are still drinkable. However, there are still more than two thousand people in Yanzhou, plus four thousand soldiers, totaling more than six thousand people who need to use these seven water sources. If the sources never dried up, it would be fine, but these waterways are extremely susceptible to the weather in the northwest, and it hasn't rained recently. If Ji Ke is truly determined to suffocate Yanzhou, he may be able to do so soon.

"Report—" Another urgent report came through. At this moment, Qin Ke's face was as cold as ice, and he stood there without saying a word.

"Reporting to the General, a scout has reported that the Prince has reinforced his troops by two thousand and is heading towards Yanzhou."

The generals nearby could no longer contain themselves and stepped forward to receive orders to head to Yanzhou. Currently, Yanzhou was being defended solely by Yun Shuihan and another deputy general, and they were likely already overwhelmed by the poisoning incident. After much deliberation, Qin Ke immediately decided to dispatch his capable deputy generals Xiao Meng and Cui Qi with 5,000 troops to Yanzhou for its rescue. Xiao Meng and Cui Qi, after discussion, decided to advance simultaneously from the east and west, thus both misleading the vassal states and preventing ambushes.

The day after the two generals set off, Qin Ke secretly found dozens of highly skilled confidants to disguise themselves and escort Qin Yu and Lin Suyang back to Hedan. The situation was volatile, and even having them with him would be extremely dangerous; at least in Hedan, Lin Ziyan could provide full protection.

Lin Suyang knew that staying here would not help, so he thought it would be better to return to Hedan as soon as possible to ease Qin Ke's concerns. He persuaded Qin Yu, and the group returned to Hedan that night.

Si Junxing had always been by Lin Suyang's side. He was with ordinary soldiers in the military camp, so Qin Ke was unaware of his existence. Qin Yu, on the other hand, had been following Lin Suyang around every day since she arrived, so he had become quite familiar with Si Junxing.

After a long and arduous journey, they finally reached the outskirts of Hedan. Only one more day's journey remained before they were safe. Seeing everyone's exhausted state, Lin Suyang stopped and told them to rest for the night before continuing their journey.

Unlike the lush vegetation of the east, the Northwest is a vast expanse of Gobi desert and shallow plains. Sandstorms frequently sweep across the land, sometimes engulfing even people.

After finding a sheltered spot to start a fire and set up camp, Si Junxing sat down next to Lin Suyang.

Lin Suyang stared at the blazing fire and said, "I have a bad feeling about this."

Si Junxing was drawing randomly in the sand with a stick. He paused upon hearing her words and asked, "Why would you think that?"

"I don't know." Lin Suyang shook his head. He couldn't explain why either. It was just that the premonition was very strong.

Si Junxing glanced around and, seeing that no one was paying attention, leaned closer and said, "Don't worry, maybe you're overthinking it. I've heard that many pregnant women experience this."

Lin Suyang turned and glanced at him. "You know quite a lot."

"Of course, I'm going to be a father soon, how can I not know more about these things?" Si Junxing said with a smile. Seeing that Lin Suyang's expression was not very good, he knew that she must still be bothered by this matter, so he said softly, "You and the child are my only one. No matter what danger there is, I will protect you. So what you need to do now is to calm down and not worry. I'm here for you."

“Even if you lose your martial arts skills, I still believe you can protect us. As long as you don’t leave, I can keep going.” Lin Suyang sighed with his head down, but no one saw a strange light flash in Si Junxing’s eyes.

Qin Yu walked over with a water bag in her hand and a worried expression. Lin Suyang looked up at her and asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's out of water." Qin Yu turned the water bag over, and the last drop of water flowed out and dripped onto the ground, then instantly seeped into the yellow sand. "It won't arrive until tomorrow afternoon, right?" she said, licking her dry lips.

“I know where there’s water, give it to me.” Si Junxing reached out and took the empty water bag from Qin Yu’s hand. “You guys rest for a while, I’ll be back soon.”

Qin Yu turned to Lin Suyang and asked, "Has he been here before? How did he know there was water nearby?"

Lin Suyang shook her head, staring blankly at Si Junxing's retreating figure. Suppressing her unease, she pulled Qin Yu closer and whispered in her ear, "Yu'er, would you be willing to leave with us someday?"

Qin Yu was stunned for a moment before she realized who she meant by "we". She smiled bitterly and said, "How could I not be willing? As long as you don't leave me alone, that's enough. Besides, I can see that Si Junxing loves you very much. He is a good person."

Lin Suyang smiled, "Yes, he's a good person." Her smile was filled with boundless happiness. Qin Yu looked at her, and a wave of bitterness welled up inside him, a bittersweet feeling that was neither pain nor suffering.

The two fell silent for a moment, when suddenly they heard someone patrolling the area rush over and say, "Sir, pursuers are coming! Sir, please retreat with me!" Listening closely, they could indeed faintly hear the rumbling of hooves in the distance. Judging from the direction, there were quite a few people, and they were definitely not from He Dan. Lin Suyang's heart tightened; Si Junxing had not returned yet!

Seeing that Lin Suyang was still hesitating, the man said urgently, "My lord, please come with me."

Qin Yu looked around and suddenly exclaimed with delight, "He's back!" Lin Suyang looked in the same direction and saw Si Junxing rushing over anxiously with a full water bag. Seeing them still standing there, he shouted, "Why are you still here? Hurry up, the pursuers are coming!"

He placed the water bag in Qin Yu's hand, pulled the horse over and let them mount, then he turned and sat behind Lin Suyang. With a flick of the whip, they galloped towards Hedan City.

Qin Yu and Lin Suyang's horses galloped in front, with the rest of the group fanning out behind them. The violent jolting sent waves of nausea through Lin Suyang. She gripped the horse's mane tightly, trying to suppress the churning in her stomach, but her body slowly lurched forward. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her lower abdomen, and she abruptly released her grip, falling to her side. Si Junxing reached out and pulled her into his arms. In the bright moonlight, he noticed her eyes were tightly closed, and cold sweat streamed down her forehead. He then realized that she shouldn't be traveling like this.

Si Junxing glanced back and saw that the pursuers were getting closer. Without thinking too much, he gritted his teeth, grabbed Lin Suyang, jumped off the horse, and flicked the whip on the horse's rump. The horse neighed and continued to gallop wildly.

"Split up!" Si Junxing roared, and he vanished into the night like a swallow taking flight. Qin Yu didn't know what had happened, but she understood that if she went with them, it would inevitably put them both in trouble. Hardening her heart, she turned her horse around and rode off in another direction.

Because it was nighttime and the dust kicked up by the horse, the pursuers didn't notice that someone had abandoned their horse and left. Qin Yu's turn was immediately followed by everyone else.

Si Junxing carried Lin Suyang non-stop for a long time before finally stopping and putting her on the sand.

"Su Yang, wake up, wake up quickly!" he called out anxiously.

Lin Suyang blinked hard, opened her eyes and saw Si Junxing's anxious face. She forced a smile and said, "I'm fine."

Volume Three: Heartbreak, Chapter Eighty-Seven: Parting of Life and Death (Part 1)

Si Junxing placed his palm on Lin Suyang's back, continuously channeling his inner energy to alleviate her pain. Only after hearing her breathing stabilize did he withdraw his hand, turn around, and pull her into his arms.

Are you feeling better?

"Yes." Lin Suyang nodded. "You've regained your martial arts skills?"

"Yes," Si Junxing replied, "I... I didn't mean to hide it from you..."

“I know,” Lin Suyang interrupted him, “I’ve always believed in you. Please go and save Qin Yu, we can’t leave her alone.”

Si Junxing looked at her intently. "Tonight is a good time." Lin Suyang remained silent. Indeed, if they took this opportunity to run away, no one would suspect anything. But Qin Yu, she already owed Qin Yu too much. She couldn't let her down again. She couldn't.

Si Junxing felt her slight trembling, sighed, and said, "Wait for me here, don't leave, I will definitely be back before dawn."

Lin Suyang looked up at him and said, "Thank you."

“Who thanks their husband? Don’t worry, I’ll bring her back.” Si Junxing helped her lean against a large rock, then kissed her forehead and said, “Wait for me.” He got up and started heading back the way he came.

Only when his shadow was completely out of sight did Lin Suyang move to clear away a few pebbles from her feet. This simple movement caused her pain for quite some time. She placed her hand on her lower abdomen, but felt nothing. Perhaps the child that had just begun to grow had died just like that? It was for the best. He shouldn't have existed in the first place. Shouldn't she be happy without the burden? But why did her heart still feel so heavy, and why did the turmoil in her eyes seem about to burst forth?

"Child, I'm sorry." Lin Suyang closed her eyes briefly, concealing all her emotions, and when she opened them again, only her usual coldness remained.

Not long after, footsteps suddenly came from behind the large rock, crunching on the soft sand. Lin Suyang turned around alertly and saw someone standing beside him. The person had a pointed face and was covered in rashes. His small eyes were filled with a bloodthirsty desire.