Chapter 82

Yang Yanzong rode swiftly for a day and finally arrived at Gao Bian.

Looking up at the majestic city built among the mountains, the massive rock walls stood tall and imposing, weathered by time but still steadfastly guarding the border between Da Qing and Northern Rong – just like Old General Xu himself.

Yang Yanzong respected this old General. He and Ji Yuanhao chose him not only because of his esteemed family background and status, which could suppress the Kun family but also because of his character and sense of responsibility.

After all, dealing with the Kun family was no easy task.

Now, Yang Yanzong had to persuade Old General Xu!

He rode forward, and soon a patrol soldier approached to inquire. Before long, General Xu’s son, Xu Wenkai, rode up to meet him, surprised. “Shenxing, why are you here instead of Yangdu?”

Yang Yanzong took out the letter from his bosom and said solemnly, “By the emperor’s secret decree, I have come to see Old General Xu!”

Xu Wenkai saw the seal on the envelope and was shocked. “My father is ill and has not recovered for a long time. Come with me.”

Yes, Old General Xu was ill, and it was serious. Compared to their last meeting, the backbone of Da Qing’s northern border had aged significantly. After all, he was over seventy, having spent his life in the military with many hidden injuries. The incident with his nephew, Huang Shimao, had not been blamed on him by the late emperor, but it had still taken a toll on him.

His illness had weakened him, and many old problems resurfaced. The old General had lost weight, his temples were graying, but his back was still straight. He had just taken his medicine and lay down when he heard his son’s urgent report and immediately sat up.

Old General Xu’s illness was severe, and with the late emperor’s recent passing, he had many mixed feelings. After a sleepless night, his condition worsened, so he was unaware of the recent events in Yangdu.

But the old General, having weathered many storms, still had sharp eyes. He took the letter, was shocked, and hurriedly opened it, reading it quickly.

Yang Yanzong lifted his robe and knelt on one knee. “General! The emperor is now confined in the palace and needs you!”

General Xu slowly moved his gaze from the letter to Yang Yanzong’s face, studying him for a while. “So, the Yang and Ji families are now contending with the Kun family in the court?”

“Stand up and speak.” The old General sneered, waving the letter. “How can you guarantee that you and that Ji boy won’t become the next Kun family?!”

If General Xu were to intervene, to avoid suspicion and maintain neutrality, the Xu family would never get involved. Whether it was Yang Yanzong or Ji Yuanhao, their actions clearly indicated that they were ambitious individuals!

Despite being ill and receiving news a bit late, Old General Xu immediately saw the key issues and potential future risks.

Yang Yanzong spoke calmly, “The Kun family is aggressive. My current actions are purely for self-preservation.”

He didn’t deny what Old General Xu said. Being forced into this situation was true, and self-preservation was also true. However, once a person faces challenges, developing other thoughts is natural. He didn’t deny his ambition. Without ambition, he wouldn’t have overcome so many difficulties and reached his current position!

“As for the future, isn’t Old General Xu still here?” Yang Yanzong couldn’t guarantee the future, and lying to this sharp-eyed old man was pointless.

But with Old General Xu’s involvement, overseeing and controlling the situation, the young emperor’s condition couldn’t be worse than it was now, right?

Yang Yanzong brushed his sleeve, stood up, and cupped his hands. “The letter has been delivered. Please make your decision, General!”

He didn’t argue further and immediately turned, leaving the barracks and riding swiftly out of Gao Bian.

Inside Gao Bian, General Xu coughed heavily. Xu Wenkai quickly stepped forward to pat his back, offered tea, and placed a soft pillow behind him. After helping his father drink the tea and easing his cough, Xu Wenkai looked at the letter. He had also seen its contents and frowned. “Father, what will you do now?”

Old General Xu sighed deeply, took a moment, then sat up and put on his shoes. “What else can I do? Get me ready. We’re heading to the capital immediately!”

The young emperor’s handwriting was immature but filled with blood and tears. Future matters could only be dealt with later!

For now, they needed to head to the capital to suppress the arrogant Kun family and rescue the confined young emperor!

Thinking of this, Old General Xu’s anger flared. “The Kun family has such audacity!!”

Forcing the emperor, killing Prince Zhao, plotting against the throne, and now, even with regency, they wanted to confine the young emperor. Did they plan to rule forever?! Their audacity was boundless, and their arrogance reached the heavens!

Yes, the late emperor had made some mistakes, but the Kun family was truly despicable. No wonder the late emperor always spoke of them with such deep hatred!

Xu Wenkai nodded. “Father, take it slow. I’ll go prepare.” He quickly called in the guards to help his father dress and wash. He hurried out to arrange for the most important medicines and doctors, ordered the selection of General Xu’s guards and carriages, and made arrangements for the defense after their departure.

The city of Gao Bian was bustling with activity, and at this moment, Yang Yanzong was riding swiftly out of Gao Bian. He had informants in Gao Bian and quickly received the news.

Yang Yanzong smirked. Excellent, it worked!

---

Meanwhile, at the hot spring villa in Changping, the peaceful night was suddenly disrupted!

Two groups of riders, hurrying and racing, sped through the mountain path, heading straight for the hot spring villa in the western suburbs!

Su Yan was startled to see Ji Chengtang. “Why is it you?!”

Damn, is there no one left on Ji Yuanhao’s side?!

But there was no time for explanations. Although not many people traveled the mountain path to Changyi, quite a few knew about it. In Yangdu, when people mentioned traveling to Changyuan, they would say, “Ah, there’s a shortcut through Daxi Ridge, but unfortunately, you can’t take a carriage!”

Even if people didn’t know the exact location of this legendary shortcut, many had heard of it.

Since the Kun family had given Changyi and Yangyi to Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao, they must have thoroughly investigated the specific conditions of both places, including this mountain path.

Now, it was a race against time. They had to cross the mountain path before the Kun family’s people!

A Zhao shouted, “Quick!!!”

Su Yan and Ji Chengtang stopped talking, and everyone, anxious and urgent, spurred their horses. Finally, they encountered the Kun family’s people not far from the mountain path!

Both sides were in plain clothes and riding fast, but in this situation, one glance was enough to recognize each other!

Wow, so many people!

Fortunately, Yang and Ji’s side had a head start and were closer to the mountain path entrance. A Zhao’s eyes were exceptionally sharp. From a distance, he listened and shouted, “Split up, abandon the horses!” He pointed to the mountain path!!

It was just nightfall, and the twilight covered the land, the fields and forests dim and shadowy. As soon as A Zhao spoke, Su Yan immediately sprang up, crouched low, and darted towards the mountain path!

Ji Chengtang’s lightness skill wasn’t as good as Su Yan’s, but he had his guards. He shouted urgently, bent down, and jumped onto the back of one of his guards. At the last moment, he also successfully entered the mountain path.

Seven or eight people quickly crossed the mountain path, rushing towards the hot spring villa!

The sound of knocking awakened Su Ci. It was Su Yan’s voice: “Sister, A Ci!! Get up!!”

There was a commotion outside. She quickly got up, threw on her outer clothes, and rushed out, “What’s going on?!”

“What’s happening in Yangdu?!”

Su Yan grabbed her hand, “Yangdu is fine, but Changyi— the Kun family might have discovered that Prince Qian is here!”

Ji Chengtang, panting, added, “They have many people and quite a few experts. They’ll catch up soon. Let’s go!”

Oh no! Really?

The three of them hurried outside. Su Ci paused for a moment upon seeing Ji Chengtang in the middle of the night, but there was no time for complaints. She quickly shouted, “A Kang, A Zheng, hurry! Gather everyone, we’re leaving immediately!!”

She rushed to Prince Qian’s recovery courtyard. After nearly a month, Prince Qian’s injuries had relapsed twice, but he had finally passed the most difficult period and was much better. His wounds had scabbed over, and he could walk slowly on his own. The villa was in an uproar, and he was awakened. He got up, opened the door to look outside, and ran into Su Ci.

Su Ci almost bumped into Prince Qian, but she managed to stop just in time!

Barely standing still, Prince Qian urgently asked, “What’s going on? Is there something wrong in Yangdu?!”

It must be said, as a father, Prince Qian was exemplary—a great dad.

“Nothing’s wrong. The emperor is safe, and there are no sudden incidents in Yangdu!”

Su Ci’s words reassured him. She waved to A Kang, “Quick, someone, carry Prince Qian! We’re leaving immediately!”

Their only important “luggage” was Prince Qian. Su Ci left everything else behind. A Kang assigned a skilled soldier to carry Prince Qian, and with everyone gathered, Su Ci gave the order, and they left through the side door!

As for where to go?

Su Ci had considered this beforehand, just in case. She had even discussed it with Yang Yanzong in their correspondence. Yang Yanzong had told her that if such a situation arose, they could move to one of their estates in the suburbs of Yangdu. Any of the secret bases, near or far, would do.

Su Ci quickly decided to head north, as it was more unexpected.

They couldn’t take the mountain path, but their group was skilled and didn’t need a carriage, so it wasn’t a big problem. Su Ci ordered, “We’ll go through Yangyi, circle around Dajiao Mountain, and return to Yangdu from the north!”

Their target was an estate in the northern suburbs of Yangdu.

A Kang understood and immediately relayed the order. He and A Zheng flanked Su Yan, who was carrying Su Ci, with Ji Chengtang closely following. But the journey wasn’t peaceful. Early on, they were tracked by the Kun family’s people. They quickly changed direction, shaking off their pursuers and confusing their true destination.

Finally, they reached a base at the edge of the valley. Su Ci heard the sound of sharp objects whizzing through the air. She thought, “Damn, they’re using sleeve arrows!”

She stepped onto the boat’s edge and lunged forward. A Kang, A Zheng, Su Yan, and Ji Chengtang’s guards immediately drew their swords to deflect the incoming arrows and darts!

With a couple of thuds, silver flashes appeared on the deck. Su Ci quickly pulled back her hand, narrowly avoiding injury. A hand reached out and grabbed her wrist—it was Ji Chengtang. He was also on the deck but closer to the boat’s canopy. Instead of rolling inside, he turned back to pull Su Ci.

Using his strength, Su Ci rolled, and they both tumbled into the cabin.

Prince Qian had been thrown in first, landing heavily. He clutched his abdomen, wincing in pain, but he was okay. Su Ci couldn’t worry about him. They needed to set sail quickly, or they’d be in big trouble once the pursuers caught up!

Su Ci grabbed a low table for cover. Anxious, Ji Chengtang asked, “What are you doing out there again?”

But he quickly understood and helped. Using the table as a shield, they swiftly moved out, raising the anchor with coordinated effort. Su Ci shouted, “Quick, everyone on board!!!”

Her voice was loud and strained. She threw a pole to a young man on the other side of the boat, who caught it, cut the rope with a knife, and pushed off with force!

Hearing the commotion, the people on the shore turned and leaped onto the boat! The water was fast, and with the anchor raised and the rope cut, the boat rocked twice before being swept downstream by the rapid current.

The pursuers on the shore gritted their teeth, their arrows and darts ineffective. “Quick, find a boat. We must catch up!”

In the end, they weren’t caught.

A few of the Kun family’s men managed to jump onto the boat, but they were quickly overpowered and dealt with. The swift current carried the boat away, and after passing that critical point, the Kun family’s men no longer pursued them.

They took a slight detour, disembarked at Mou County, and continued on land as planned. Moving quickly, they successfully reached their target estate in the northern suburbs the next day.

---

By this time, Yang Yanzong had already returned to Yangdu.

Before he could sit down, A Zhao hurried over to report the recent incident. He had led a team to ambush the Kun family’s men on the mountain path and then pursued them to the hot spring villa and the valley. However, they soon received a signal from their side indicating that the lady and Prince Qian had successfully escaped and were heading to the northern estate.

So, he and his team returned. They had just returned not long ago.

A Zhao quickly said, “Master, don’t worry! Thanks to timely notification and the people from Marquis Yang’s side, Young Madam successfully took Prince Qian away from Changyi. We just received word that they have safely arrived at the estate in Beixiang.”

That’s good. Ji Yuanhao proved to be a reliable partner.

Yang Yanzong nodded and immediately instructed someone to send a message to Ji Yuanhao: Old General Xu received the letter and is preparing to come soon.

With the situation stabilizing, he felt relieved and immediately wanted to see her. He decided to go right away. After all, Ji Yuanhao was handling affairs in Yangdu, so there was nothing to worry about.

Thinking of Su Ci, Yang Yanzong asked a few questions, gave some instructions, mounted his horse, and headed straight for the estate in Beixiang.

---

Sometimes, things happen to coincide.

To be honest, Su Ci didn’t want to interact with Ji Chengtang anymore. If possible, she didn’t even want to see him. But this time, they ended up together again.

The group hurried day and night, finally reaching the estate in Beixian. They were exhausted. A Kang and A Zheng immediately went ahead to meet with the estate’s guards and take over the defense.

The commotion at the front quickly settled down. Su Ci didn’t rush inside but stood on the hillside, leaning against the estate’s side wall, fanning herself.

Ji Chengtang saw her heading that way and, after some thought, decided to follow her.

Su Yan: “…”

Su Yan had been watching him closely. Hey, hey, she cursed inwardly and quickly caught up to grab him. “Hey, hey, alright, alright, where are you going? The matter is over. You should go back now!”

The one most anxious about Ji Chengtang wasn’t Su Ci, but Su Yan. She saw him as a class enemy and hurried to send him away as soon as the matter was resolved!

Ji Chengtang stood still and gave a bitter smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t bother you anymore.” He glanced around to make sure no one was nearby and spoke in a low voice. But as he finished, he looked up, addressing Su Yan behind her.

Su Ci heard the sound of their conversation and turned her head, meeting Ji Chengtang’s gaze. He forced a smile, his voice carrying an indescribable bitterness.

It made her feel uncomfortable. Even Su Yan stopped pushing him away.

Sigh.

Su Ci sighed inwardly. She stood up straight, twirling a piece of foxtail grass in her hand. The wind rustled, and the hillside was quiet. The voices from the estate gradually faded away.

She said softly, “Thank you for what you did in Fengchuan last time.”

Although Ji Chengtang had told Su Yan not to mention it to Su Ci, and Su Yan had promised she wouldn’t, she still quietly informed Su Ci to prevent any potential misunderstandings.

So Su Ci knew. If they hadn’t met, it would have been fine. But since they did, Su Ci felt she should thank him. He had risked his life to save her, and that was real. This thank you was well-deserved.

Ji Chengtang suddenly felt overwhelmed. The weight of her gratitude was too much for him to bear. He stammered, “No, no!” He hadn’t done it for her thanks.

“I know, I understand, but I still feel I should thank you.”

Ji Chengtang’s heart eased but then tightened again. Some things in life were too hard to bear. His eyes reddened, and he quickly lowered his head, struggling to hold back his tears. After a moment, he looked up and said urgently, “Don’t worry, I know. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters!”

He said hoarsely, “I won’t come looking for you again.” So don’t worry. This might be their last meeting as former lovers.

Ji Chengtang choked up but reached into his pocket and took out something he had carried for a long time. He had made up his mind long ago. After returning the token of their love, they would be completely severed.

It was a plum blossom hairpin, originally part of a pair. Its simple and neutral design made it suitable for both men and women. Su Ci’s sharp eyes recognized it immediately. She remembered seeing a matching female hairpin at the bottom of her jewelry box.

—Some of her memories were triggered by certain objects. She thought Mrs. Chen had bought the hairpin, but it turned out to be part of a pair with this one?

The hairpin was well-preserved, showing how much its owner cherished it. It had a smooth, glossy patina from frequent handling and was meticulously cleaned, with no dust even in the crevices. It was stored in a small, elongated box and carefully wrapped in layers of silk.

Su Ci took the hairpin, glanced at it, and felt uneasy. She said softly, “I wish you well. May you find a loving wife and grow old together.”

Ji Chengtang forced a smile. “Thank you.” He turned and walked away, gradually breaking into a run and disappearing into the tall grass.

Su Yan, who had listened to the entire conversation, felt uncomfortable too. Her eyes grew warm, and she cursed inwardly, looking around nervously. When the two started talking, she quickly stepped aside to keep watch. But on her last glance, she suddenly felt something was off behind her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned around abruptly. “Ah!”

She was scared out of her wits!

Behind the black-tiled white wall, there was a corner of a dark robe. It was Yang Yanzong. He stood there quietly, having arrived unnoticed, for an unknown amount of time, witnessing who knows how much.

Su Yan was terrified. “Sister,…” Sister!

Su Ci turned around abruptly, facing Yang Yanzong, who was holding his horse and looked travel-worn and dusty.

Yang Yanzong had been there for a while. He had seen everything from the beginning to the end of Ji Chengtang’s appearance. His tender feelings suddenly met with a cold shock. His Adam’s apple moved. “Who is he?”

Yang Yanzong’s voice was extremely hoarse. His gaze fell on the silk box in Su Ci’s hand. The box was open, and the well-preserved plum blossom hairpin lay inside.

Yang Yanzong had an excellent memory. He immediately recalled the plum blossom hairpin at the bottom of Su Ci’s jewelry box. He asked her about it when he did her hair, and she said Mrs. Chen had bought it. He had even personally placed this hairpin in her hair!

Exhausted and travel-worn, his voice was hoarse to the extreme. “Tell me, what is that?!”

His gaze suddenly turned sharp. Su Ci instinctively loosened her grip, and the hairpin fell to the ground with a “clink”!

There were others present, including Su Yan and A Kang, who had come quickly upon hearing the commotion. Yang Yanzong heard the approaching footsteps and restrained himself, not wanting to embarrass her in front of others.

Yang Yanzong turned abruptly, mounted his horse, and rode away!

“Yang Yanzong, husband, husband!” Su Ci’s heart tightened, and she hurried after him.

But Yang Yanzong’s horse was fast, and he quickly sped past the confused Ah Kang and the others, disappearing around the corner.

“Quick, a horse!” Su Ci rushed to untie a horse in front of the estate. “Sister, A Kang, take care of Prince Qian!” She said this as she mounted the horse and rode after him.

A Zheng and the others quickly followed.

Su Yan: “…Oh, oh!”

By the time she rushed out, the group had disappeared, leaving only a trail of dust.

Su Yan: “…” She wiped her face in frustration. Damn, what a mess!

But she didn’t expect what happened next.

Not long after Su Ci and the others left, Da Ming arrived at the estate from the east side, stopping his horse abruptly. He didn’t even dismount, panting, “Where is Master? Where is Young Madam?!”

“What’s wrong, what’s wrong?”

“There’s trouble at the mansion!!”

Su Yan: No way?!

She couldn’t help but curse. Damn, what kind of bad luck is this?!

Su Yan rushed over. “What’s going on?!”