Chapter 142: Loose the arrows

The Constant Mountain Army set out, firmly gripping these people, and rushed toward their main base.

Gu Jin Nian was protected by the experts around him, Qian Wei guarded his rear, while Li Long rode a warhorse beside him.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, this commander has ascertained that these are all subordinates of Prince Ning."

"However, Prince Ning is not in this area; he is likely one of Prince Ning's generals."

He spoke.

"Prince Ning?"

Upon hearing that name, Gu Jin Nian finally understood why these people dared to act so violently.

So they are Prince Ning's subordinates.

Prince Ning is one of the two princes who garrison the northwest frontier.

One is Prince Qilin.

The other is Prince Ning.

The two princes guard the two northwest regions, but Prince Ning is of the Li imperial clan, while Prince Qilin is a prince of a different surname.

Compared, Prince Qilin's fame is somewhat greater, but everyone knows Prince Ning's power is terrifying, possibly even stronger than Prince Qilin's.

Nevertheless, even knowing these men are Prince Ning's subordinates, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but frown.

Even if Prince Ning's men had the utmost courage, they wouldn't dare do this, would they?

They clearly know I am the Crown Prince of Da Xia and the grandson of the Duke Who Guards the State, yet they dare to attack.

Knowing that my grandfather is stationed a thousand li away, if they truly harmed me, killing them a hundred times would not be enough.

Thus, this made Gu Jin Nian very curious.

"To dare to commit violence against this crown prince, they must be on very good terms with Prince Ning."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, having roughly guessed the situation.

But Li Long dared not intervene in this topic, and immediately spoke up.

"There is also another possibility."

"These brave generals are all brainless; knowing they have done wrong, they harden their hearts, thinking 'if not doing it, then not stopping,' giving rise to the idea of great treason—this possibility exists as well."

Li Long spoke, saying exactly that.

Likewise, he also hoped that this matter would be just that.

If that were the case, it would merely be killing a batch of deserving soldiers; even if Prince Ning learned of it, he would say nothing.

Assassinating the crown prince is no trivial matter.

Everyone in the Da Xia Dynasty knows that this crown prince is the favorite nephew of Emperor Yongsheng and also the most beloved crown prince.

To move against Gu Jin Nian? That's just asking for death.

If it only involves a batch of soldiers, kill them; speaking bluntly, they deserve it.

But if it involves others, then it's different.

This is no joke.

"There is a possibility."

"This crown prince also hopes for that."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, also hoping that this matter would be that simple.

If more people were involved, he would show no mercy at all.

Thus, the army continued its march; the Constant Mountain Army's ten thousand iron cavalry made the ground rumble.

They proceeded through the ruined city.

Soon they saw a dilapidated village; the whole village was extremely dilapidated, though some newly built houses existed, it appeared utterly decrepit.

Rather than calling it a village, it was more like a fortified stronghold.

Its population was not small, about seven or eight hundred people, relying on the ruined grounds to barely survive; though poor, it was still habitable.

Meanwhile, some villagers stood together outside their doors; upon seeing the army approach, their eyes filled with panic and unease.

"Everyone."

"I am the Crown Prince of Da Xia, Gu Jin Nian."

"May I ask if anything just happened?"

Gu Jin Nian dismounted, and he had everyone else dismount as well, so as not to frighten the villagers.

At the same time, he bowed to these villagers.

Yet Gu Jin Nian's gentleness did not relieve this group of villagers; instead, it made them even more tense and fearful.

They remained silent.

Each silent, upon closer look, some villagers' clothes bore dirt marks—not from farm work, but from rolling on the ground.

Just then.

A voice sounded.

"Is that the crown prince ahead?"

As the voice sounded, a troop appeared from afar, quickly walking over; they were not on warhorses, just swiftly approaching Gu Jin Nian, appearing somewhat fearful and respectful.

Are they being respectful again this time?

Gu Jin Nian didn't understand what they were trying to play at, but he didn't expose them, merely watching them silently.

The leader was a middle-aged soldier; upon seeing Gu Jin Nian's appearance clearly, he instinctively bowed respectfully.

"Indeed, you are the crown prince."

"I am the subordinate commander under Prince Ning, Yan Peng."

The speaker dared not slight Gu Jin Nian in the slightest, also stating his name and informing Gu Jin Nian.

"Speak, where did my people go?"

Regardless of the other's identity, Gu Jin Nian directly asked, where did my people go?

"Oh dear."

"Your Highness the Prince, a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding, this truly is a misunderstanding."

"Your Highness the Prince, we are the Ning Prince's cavalry; because the military camp's secrets were stolen by enemy spies, we have been sent out to investigate."

"But we discovered these spies were extremely cunning, aware of the high-ranking officials of Da Xia, thus imitating their identities, and even privately forged some seals to try to bluff their way through."

"During this time, we brothers have been running back and forth, suffering losses of men and horses, having been fooled too many times."

"But we never expected that this time we would actually encounter the real culprit."

The latter hurriedly explained.

However, Gu Jin Nian's voice appeared extremely calm.

"Where are my people?"

"Don't waste words anymore."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly; the latter didn't dare to continue blabbering, pointing behind and said.

"Your Highness the Prince, your subordinates are all behind the ruins; the humble officer will immediately send people to fetch them."

Yu Yanpeng said with an embarrassed smile, and immediately his gaze, full of anger, looked at the people behind him.

"Hurry up and bring them."

After saying that, Yu Yanpeng looked at Gu Jin Nian and continued speaking.

"Your Highness the Prince."

"There are some things the humble officer still needs to say to you."

"Your people are really too arrogant; when they came, they were aggressive, and the humble officer's soldiers, each clueless, directly started fighting with your men."

"But please rest assured, Your Highness the Prince, those who made a move, the humble officer will surely punish severely."

"Moreover, the Ning Prince will certainly give Your Highness the Prince an explanation; please, Your Highness, definitely forgive."

"This military camp secret involves the frontier defense map of the northwest two borders; if it truly were delivered into enemy hands, the Xiongnu state would soon go to war with Da Xia, which would be a major matter."

"Our conduct like this is also out of necessity; after the war ends, the humble officer will certainly lead people to Da Xia Capital to apologize to Your Highness the Prince."

Yu Yanpeng is good at speaking, but the meaning inside and outside these words is also simple: they resorted to violence.

Xu Jin and the others were indeed captured.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing.

He merely stared coldly at the other party.

He could not possibly believe those words.

They sent four thousand iron cavalry to come kill me, yet they talk about military secrets? Talk about momentary confusion? I am the Da Xia Crown Prince after all.

It's not just any cat or dog; how dare a few people impersonate the Da Xia Crown Prince? Even if they truly impersonated the Da Xia Crown Prince, I only have a few hundred men here; surrounded by four thousand iron cavalry, unless a Martial King expert comes to escort, otherwise even a fly couldn't escape.

Why not ask clearly before acting, then just resort to violence?

Isn't it just to kill and silence? So for such people, Gu Jin Nian has nothing to say.

About half an hour later.

Xu Jin and the others appeared.

They were covered in wounds, some armor even shattered and bleeding, though already bandaged, still passable.

"Your Highness the Prince."

"The humble officer is incompetent, imprisoned by them here, unable to report in time, nearly causing harm to Your Highness the Prince; it is the humble officer's fault, please forgive, Your Highness the Prince."

Coming before Gu Jin Nian, Xu Jin disregarded his injuries, directly knelt on the ground, his eyes full of guilt.

As soldiers, deep in enemy camp, unable to leak news to Gu Jin Nian; fortunately Gu Jin Nian had assistance, otherwise one can imagine the consequences.

"No problem, just being alive is fine."

Gu Jin Nian stepped forward, helped Xu Jin up, then looked at everyone's wounds, more or less, his gaze turning even colder.

"Is this the slight friction you speak of?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at Yu Yanpeng and couldn't help asking this way.

Upon hearing this, Yu Yanpeng also directly knelt on the spot and kowtowed to Gu Jin Nian.

"Please forgive, Your Highness the Prince."

"We have been overly rash, but seeing that we have not truly used vicious hands, please spare us, Your Highness the Prince."

Yu Yanpeng was very direct; he knelt on the ground and kowtowed to admit his mistake.

Faced with this scene.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath, he also didn't waste words, directly glanced at Li Longdao.

"Come, bring the person who attempted to assassinate this prince."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, cold and merciless.

"Yes."

Li Long waved his hand, and soon several soldiers directly brought the commander who had just attempted to assassinate Gu Jin Nian before Yanpeng.

But this time, before Yanpeng could speak, Gu Jin Nian's voice already sounded.

"Come, have him sliced to pieces, to serve as a warning."

Gu Jin Nian couldn't be bothered with nonsense.

No matter what excuses they find, if today we don't crush the vigor of this bunch, Gu Jin Nian won't believe it.

As this voice sounded.

These soldiers also had no hesitation, taking out some small knives and then restraining this person.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, spare me!"

"General Yu, General Yu, save me, save me."

The latter was visibly terrified beyond measure, and Gu Jin Nian's demeanor was nothing like a joke; he truly intended to tear him to pieces.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, this is absolutely forbidden; this man is a great general under Prince Ning."

"He was merely momentarily confused; you may punish him in any way you wish, but if you kill him, Prince Ning will be furious."

"This is actually just a misunderstanding."

Yu Yanpeng hurriedly spoke up, pleading on the latter's behalf.

"Misunderstanding?"

"Assassinating this Crown Prince is a misunderstanding?"

"Fine."

"I will treat this as a misunderstanding."

"But today I will tear him apart."

"What can you do to this Crown Prince?"

Gu Jin Nian doesn't care about your talk of misunderstandings.

Assassination is a capital crime.

No mercy at all.

If he doesn't severely punish him today, tomorrow there will be a second, third, fourth misunderstanding.

He has no time to listen to explanations, and as soon as those words were spoken—

A pig‑like howl rang out; the execution had already begun, giving no respect at all.

Gu Jin Nian simply treated it as a misunderstanding.

So what?

He is a Great Summer Noble, the first Crown Prince of Da Xia; even if it's a wrongful killing, what does it matter?

If you have the guts, go to the capital to file a complaint. Even with ten dog‑brave souls, I'm afraid they wouldn't dare.

Watching the scene, Yu Yanpeng swallowed a mouthful of saliva; he wasn't frightened by such a sight—being a soldier, he had experienced every horror. What shocked him was Gu Jin Nian's attitude.

The howl kept echoing as he was bound to a wooden stake, trying to thrash wildly, but to no avail.

His mouth was stuffed with a filthy cloth; his throat emitted strange, terrifying sounds, his face twisted, eyes bulging with blood vessels, pain choking him.

Gu Jin Nian carefully observed the commoners' expressions and found none showed fear; most actually displayed a sense of exhilaration.

There is indeed a problem.

Only, having reached this point, none of them have spoken out, which makes it very strange.

At that thought, Gu Jin Nian waved his hand, ordering the bodies to be brought.

Soon, the woman they had previously killed appeared before the crowd.

The woman lay on a wooden rack, already lifeless.

With the woman's appearance, someone's complexion changed completely—a middle‑aged man. After seeing the scene, he inhaled deeply, instinctively trying to step forward, but was blocked by some commoners, seemingly preventing him from approaching.

"Explain, what is going on here?"

Gu Jin Nian pointed at the woman on the rack, looked at Yu Yanpeng, and asked directly.

"Reply, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"This woman colluded with the enemy, transmitted military intelligence, and was beheaded by a subordinate general."

"Her death is not worth lamenting."

Yu Yanpeng spoke, and with a single sentence placed a charge on the other.

The dead cannot speak.

Especially the crime of treason.

After all, those who can betray are adept at disguise; even if it can be proven that this woman is a Da Xia commoner, pure and innocent, suspicion still remains.

Because spies are most skilled at camouflage.

Moreover, most spies are native Da Xia commoners; perhaps their parents were Da Xia commoners, a matter of generations ago, having infiltrated for a hundred years.

When truly needed, such people become terrifying.

But Gu Jin Nian truly doesn't believe it—a frail woman like this, called a spy? Even if she were, shouldn't she be captured alive first to extract information?

Kill her on the spot? Do they think they're clever?

Isn't it just finding a reason to assign a charge?

"Treason?"

"If indeed it's treason, then I will have this Crown Prince investigate thoroughly; have all surrounding villages examined."

"Bring all the commoners within fifty li of the surroundings here for the Crown Prince."

"Let them be identified one by one, see what this person's identity is; if confirmed, raze the village entirely, sparing none."

"To prevent a great mistake."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his tone ice‑cold.

These commoners were surely coerced, but Gu Jin Nian could hardly imagine the exact nature of the coercion.

But with matters at this stage, the commoners dared not speak up; Gu Jin Nian also didn't know what pressure they faced, so this was the only recourse.

Kill them all outright to intimidate; either way they're dead, and surely someone will emerge.

Indeed.

Having said that,

All the commoners' faces changed.

"Lord."

Someone spoke hurriedly, their voice trembling.

Who would willingly take a random knife wound for no reason?

"Crown Prince."

"I will handle this."

"Right now we should investigate the details of the crime; these villagers are still useful. If we kill them all, first the court will never approve and will blame the Crown Prince; second, it will delay evidence collection, and Prince Ning will surely blame the junior officer."

"Please, Crown Prince, think carefully before acting."

Yu Yanpeng clearly grew impatient; he guessed what Gu Jin Nian was doing, so he immediately spoke to calm the villagers.

"Whether I think twice or not is none of your business."

"Don't even mention people like you; even if Prince Ning himself came before me, I cannot be stopped from killing the person I choose."

"Men, search quickly; within fifty li, bring all the villagers to me."

"Confirm this woman's origin, and behead the entire village—men, women, old and young, children—displaying their heads."

Gu Jin Nian shouted loudly, fearing no one would hear.

At that moment, the soldiers were indeed a little frightened.

Massacring a village is no small matter; even with Gu Jin Nian's lofty status, the consequences would be unimaginable.

But they hadn't even had a chance to intervene and plead.

The villagers' voices could no longer be held back; they spoke up one by one.

"Lord, lord, this matter has nothing to do with us."

"Please, my lord, see clearly that this has nothing to do with us."

"Lord, this girl is the daughter of the Lü family; we have no idea what she does."

"Please, my lord, spare us."

When the voices rose, Yu Yanpeng's complexion darkened, and he couldn't help but roar loudly.

"All of you, shut up."

"Does everyone not want to live?"

Yu Yanpeng roared, his eyes filled with murderous intent as he stared at the crowd.

Snap.

But the next moment, Gu Jin Nian, brandishing a horsewhip, struck Yu Yanpeng directly.

The whip sliced through the air.

It left a fresh slash of blood on Yu Yanpeng's face; he clenched his teeth in pain, his fury soaring, but seeing Gu Jin Nian strike, he instantly suppressed the rage.

"Did I allow you to speak?"

"You've been babbling here nonstop, yapping like a dog."

"Silence yourself for the Crown Prince."

Gu Jin Nian shouted, really giving a face? They've been chattering nonstop here.

Hearing such insults, Yu Yanpeng dared not show any anger on his face; first, Gu Jin Nian's status was too high, second, he couldn't defeat the strong ones beside Gu Jin Nian.

He could only swallow his anger and remain silent.

"The Crown Prince gives you all one chance."

"If you can clearly explain who she is and clear her grievances, the Crown Prince may spare your lives; if you continue to hide, don't blame the Crown Prince for executing you."

"The Crown Prince is the son of Da Xia's Marquis, Gu Jin Nian; a few days ago I conversed with Confucius, so you may rest assured."

"As long as you have been wronged, the Crown Prince will certainly uphold justice for you."

Gu Jin Nian displayed his status, hoping they would speak their hearts without restraint.

Yet even so, most people still didn't quite understand.

To them, they didn't grasp what rank a Marquis was, perhaps also because these people have great backing, under a prince.

Compared to that, a Marquis is an outsider, while a prince is an insider, so they naturally fear.

"Dear villagers, fathers and elders, this Crown Prince is the one who seeks justice for the people of Jiangling Commandery; you could not possibly be unaware of this, could you?"

Li Long spoke up.

He added another sentence.

This is the Northwest Territory; whether it's the Marquis or the Crown Prince, the villagers know nothing about any conversation with Confucius.

But the affairs of Jiangling Commandery, these villagers should know at least a little.

Sure enough, when Jiangling Commandery was mentioned, the villagers each showed astonishment.

"Lord of Jiangling Commandery?"

"Are you the lord who avenges the people of White Heron Mansion?"

"Is it true?"

Indeed, the matters of Jiangling Commandery have a great impact across the Northwest Territory; even these villagers have heard of it.

"Yes."

"It is this Crown Prince who rescues the people of Jiangling Commandery."

"If you truly have grievances, speak them out directly; do not hide anything."

"If you hide, it will only make it difficult for the Crown Prince to act; the Crown Prince came especially to help."

Li Long continued, a smile on his face.

Sure enough, hearing this, the villagers could no longer hold back.

One by one they gathered before Gu Jin Nian, then knelt on the ground, lamenting.

"Please, Your Highness the Crown Prince, save our child."

"Crown Prince, help!"

"Sir, you truly must help us; our children have been taken by them. They forbid us from saying a single word; if we utter the wrong thing, they'll kill our children."

"Please, Sir, intervene and save them."

"Crown Prince, this woman is a commoner's daughter; she has suffered a grave injustice."

Cries rose in waves.

At this moment they could no longer hold back; most of the townsfolk knelt on the ground, crying and pleading for Gu Jin Nian to rescue their children, while a few shouted for help, having no children of their own.

The middle‑aged man who had been there fell to his knees at Gu Jin Nian's feet, pointing at the woman on the wooden frame, heartbroken and wailing loudly.

"Yu Yanpeng."

"You all deserve to die."

At this moment Gu Jin Nian finally understood why the townsfolk dared not speak out.

These bastards actually seized the children, using their offspring as leverage.

Who would dare act like this? Hearing Gu Jin Nian's angry rebuke, Yu Yanpeng fell completely silent; at this point any explanation would be useless.

"Senior, please intervene and find out where their children are."

"Protect the children as much as possible."

Gu Jin Nian looked at Qian Wei beside him, hoping he would act.

The latter hesitated briefly; after all, his primary duty is to protect Gu Jin Nian, but considering the tens of thousands of elite troops here, he was not worried about Gu Jin Nian encountering trouble.

So he nodded and began the search directly; a martial commander went to scout the vicinity, which was not a big problem.

Gu Jin Nian also dispatched an additional thousand iron cavalry to follow Qian Wei, fearing extra manpower would be needed.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian looked toward the middle‑aged man kneeling beside the wooden frame and could not help but speak.

"What on earth is happening?"

Gu Jin Nian asked; he knew the other party was heartbroken, but still needed clarification.

"Sir."

"My daughter, it's an injustice."

He inhaled deeply, then could no longer hold back his wailing; the tears that had been restrained burst forth, and he fainted on the spot, overwhelmed by the blow.

"Take good care of her."

Gu Jin Nian immediately ordered someone to look after her, and an elder stepped forward, gazing at the corpse on the wooden frame, tears streaming down.

"Sir."

"This girl is from our village, named Lu Ling, a good girl; she was friends since childhood with another village girl surnamed Wu. That girl married yesterday, and Lu Ling followed as a companion."

"It was originally a happy occasion, but unexpectedly these damned brutes passed by, crashed the wedding feast; the host, out of politeness, dared not offend those military lords and gave them a grand reception."

"As a result, those damned brutes coveted a bride from the neighboring village and brutally ravaged her."

"They then set their sights on this child; the child ran fast, returned when the situation seemed wrong, but soon the group chased after her again; her father urged her to flee quickly."

"But they didn't expect that once she ran, she would be separated between life and death forever."

"Sir, you must avenge us."

"Please, we beg you."

The village elder spoke, recounting the whole chain of events.

As the elder began to speak.

Yu Yanpeng suddenly burst into loud laughter.

"Hahaha."

"You bunch of dogs, serving me is your good fortune. Gu Jin Nian, I know the road ahead is death, and I'm not afraid of you any longer."

"That woman was killed by my men; I also defiled her. Kill or dismember her as you wish."

Yu Yanpeng laughed again, openly admitting it without any hesitation.

But as Yu Yanpeng's words fell.

A voice suddenly rang out.

"Sir."

"The leader wasn't him; it was another person, very handsome but pale and weak, likely their elder; they kept calling out to the Crown Prince."

"That person is the main culprit."

Someone in the crowd spoke up, explaining to Gu Jin Nian that it wasn't Yu Yanpeng's doing.

At that, Yu Yanpeng roared loudly.

"One person acts, one person bears responsibility; this deed was done by me. Gu Jin Nian, kill or dismember me as you wish."

"Anyway I'm satisfied, hahaha."

Yu Yanpeng continued.

The more he said, the less Gu Jin Nian believed him.

Arrogant soldiers and fierce generals have existed since ancient times, but soldiers of this caliber truly dare not act so recklessly.

Such soldiers who rose from the bottom still have some blood and pride; if they target the people of the Xiongnu nation, the likelihood of misconduct is high.

The chance of them targeting ordinary civilians is low.

Those capable of such heartless, monstrous acts are usually lawless individuals.

"Young Crown Prince?"

"General Li."

"Dispatch five thousand iron cavalry for this Crown Prince to search the vicinity; they shouldn't have gone far."

"Speed it up; we should be able to catch them."

"This is the Da Xia Dragon Talisman."

"Seeing the talisman is like seeing the emperor; if anyone dares to block, they shall be killed on the spot."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

After careful calculation, Gu Jin Nian guessed that this group hadn't fled far.

If we truly go after them, we can definitely catch them.

"Your humble servant respectfully obeys the imperial edict."

Li Long this time dared not be negligent; with the Da Xia Dragon Talisman out, he didn't even dare to inspect, because it was unnecessary.

At once, Li Long dispatched five thousand iron cavalry to search, issuing a death order.

Yu Yan Peng's expression turned extremely grim.

He wanted to say something, but Gu Jin Nian's voice made him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

"Don't even think of clearing your family's heir's name."

"In this matter, regardless of whether this heir can produce evidence, your heir is certain to die."

Gu Jin Nian's voice was icy.

It was obvious that this deed was done by that Prince Ning's young heir.

Yu Yan Peng was, after all, just trying to take the blame, wasn't he?

Using his own life to exchange for the young heir's life.

He believed he was taking the blame, and since the only living mouthpiece was dead, others' testimonies would be of little use.

Handing it over to the Three Departments for trial might still not result in a death sentence for the young heir, because he took the blame, making everything easy to argue.

Without concrete evidence, Gu Jin Nian could do nothing.

But now Gu Jin Nian's intention was much simpler.

Regardless of whether there is evidence.

Does the person Gu Jin Nian wants to kill still need evidence?

Half an hour later.

Qian Wei appeared, stepping through the void, and stood before Gu Jin Nian.

"Your Highness, the heir, ten li away there is a cliff hiding seventy‑four children, guarded by heavy troops, about fifteen hundred men; I have already suppressed them all, and the seventy‑four children are unharmed."

Qian Wei spoke.

He is the Martial King.

He can break armor three thousand.

One thousand five hundred men are insignificant before him.

"Thank you, senior."

"Please trouble you once more, senior, head straight south and see if there are any fleeing Prince Ning soldiers along the way."

"If there are, regardless of anything, block them and bring them all here."

Gu Jin Nian expressed deep gratitude and also asked Qian Wei for another favor.

"Very well."

This time Qian Wei thought of nothing else and went alone to search southward.

When the children returned, the villagers were extremely excited, each kneeling before Gu Jin Nian with their children.

Facing this scene, Gu Jin Nian told Li Long to take good care of them.

At the same time, they waited here quietly for news.

One hour.

Two hours.

Two and a half hours.

Finally, the iron cavalry returned.

They came back with another squad.

This squad was not large, about five hundred people, their faces solemn as they rode warhorses.

They clustered around a young man in the crowd.

The youth rode a blood‑colored warhorse, handsome, about seventeen or eighteen, but his face was pallid, giving an overly indulgent impression.

At this moment, the youth's expression turned sour; he had been forcibly taken back.

It made him very displeased.

Extremely displeased.

This person was the youngest son of Prince Ning, the cold‑hearted heir of the Da Xia royal family, Li Leng Xin.

Li Leng Xin cast a hostile gaze around.

He was extremely displeased inside.

Who is he? He is the Earth Emperor of the Northwest; his father is the Sky of the Northwest, and even Prince Qi Lin must give his father a sliver of respect.

And within the Northwest realm, he could do as he pleased, yet he never expected such an incident to be caught by Gu Jin Nian.

However, he knew Gu Jin Nian's reputation; being a fellow heir, he still harbored pride.

"Jin Nian."

"Long time no see."

"I am your brother, Li Leng Xin."

"This is a misunderstanding."

"You and I are family; there's no need for this."

Li Lengxin makes an appearance.

Li Lengxin restrains the ferocity in his eyes, but his face shows no gentleness; instead he looks calmly at Gu Jin Nian and calls himself Gu Jin Nian's older brother.

In fact, it is indeed so.

Li Lengxin is of the royal direct line.

Gu Jin Nian can only be considered a collateral branch.

Both are crown princes; if judged by bloodline, Gu Jin Nian is inferior to Li Lengxin.

But in practice, Gu Jin Nian's status is still half a step higher than Li Lengxin's.

"Dismount."

Gu Jin Nian looks at Li Lengxin, his voice cold; since Li Lengxin appeared, Gu Jin Nian has been watching continuously.

That ferocious gaze makes Gu Jin Nian feel immense disgust.

On horseback.

Li Lengxin hears Gu Jin Nian speak, and the anger in his heart instantly thickens.

As the local emperor of the Northwest, only his own father and elder brother may rebuke him like this; what are the others? Gu Jin Nian, you are merely an outside relative, while I belong to the Li royal clan, a proper direct bloodline—what right do you have to tell me to dismount?

"Jin Nian."

"Some matters are best settled within our own family."

"I understand this matter; my subordinates acted too brutally. In that case, I will give you an explanation."

"Compensate them with another ten thousand taels of silver; what do you think?"

Li Lengxin typifies the kind of person accustomed to being a local emperor.

Wasting a person, killing an innocent woman, and trying to settle it with ten thousand taels of silver? Moreover, his tone, though seemingly calm, remains full of contempt.

It is not contempt for Gu Jin Nian.

But contempt for these common folk.

In his view, what does the life or death of these common folk amount to? Kill them, and that's that.

What else can be done?

In the end, they are merely a group of lowborn.

Such a gaze, such a thought, intensifies Gu Jin Nian's murderous intent.

"Crown Prince, say it once more."

"Dismount!"

Gu Jin Nian is utterly indifferent.

These are his final words.

Upon hearing this, Li Lengxin's expression turns sour.

But realizing his argument is weak, Li Lengxin still dismounts.

"Come here."

Gu Jin Nian looks at Li Lengxin, letting him walk over himself.

"Jin Nian."

"Your elder brother has already shown you great courtesy."

"This is ultimately the Northwest territory; my father, the king, guards this land, so you need not act this way."

"As I said, this is a family matter, we can negotiate privately. Ten thousand taels is insufficient; how about the elder brother compensates fifty thousand taels?"

He continues speaking, and with abundant resources, directly agrees to compensate fifty thousand taels of silver.

Upon hearing this.

Gu Jin Nian still responds with a cold, icy remark.

"Come here."

The voice leaves no room for doubt.

Li Lengxin swallows, not out of fear but to suppress his fury.

No one has ever dared speak to him like this from childhood.

Gu Jin Nian, being an outside relative, what right does he have to converse with me this way?

He even dares to use a commanding tone.

This is still the Northwest territory, not the Da Xia Dynasty.

"I won't go over; what can you do to me?"

Li Lengxin speaks.

He looks at Gu Jin Nian, somewhat unable to restrain himself.

"Draw the bow!"

Gu Jin Nian does not linger, directly issuing a command for the soldiers to draw their bows.

At once, thousands of iron cavalry draw their bows, locking onto Li Lengxin and his companions; with a single order from Gu Jin Nian, ten thousand arrows would pierce their hearts.

"Jin Nian."

"Do you really intend to drag this matter to such an extent?"

"I will say it once more: this matter has nothing to do with my elder brother."

"However, my elder brother indeed failed to control his subordinates; this mistake, my elder brother acknowledges."

"All compensation can be provided."

"Even if you wish them dead, I, as your brother, will not utter a single word."

"But you're singling me out like this—what does it mean?"

"Aren't you afraid you won't be able to leave this northwestern realm?"

Staring at the murderous bow and arrows, Li Lengxin inhaled deeply; he wanted to scold Gu Jin Nian loudly, but he didn't dare.

Because he feared Gu Jin Nian might lose his mind and actually fire an arrow.

"One last time."

"Come here."

Gu Jin Nian stared at Li Lengxin like that, repeating those two sentences over and over.

"Come here."

At this very moment.

Li Lengxin also grew angry.

He walked forward, wanting to see what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

His guards tried to stop him, but Li Lengxin ignored them outright; he didn't want to come over, yet it was unavoidable.

Soon, when Li Lengxin reached a yard away from Gu Jin Nian…

Snap.

The horsewhip came down.

Striking Li Lengxin's face directly.

Gu Jin Nian wielded his full strength on that lash.

In an instant, a deep blood scar appeared on Li Lengxin's face, his eyes nearly split open, and the pain rendered him unable to shout.

After a moment, that unparalleled pain surged instantly.

"What are you trying to do?"

"How dare you hurt the Crown Prince!"

"Are you all mad?"

This time, Li Lengxin's guards were utterly shocked; they hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to dare such a ruthless move.

A single lash was one thing.

But they didn't expect it to be so vicious—this lash would definitely scar the face and blind the eyes.

"Release the arrows."

"If there's any more noise, kill them all."

Gu Jin Nian roared.

Li Lengxin's soldiers were no good either, abetting cruelty and taking part in this affair.

None of them thought they could escape.

As Gu Jin Nian's voice faded, a single iron arrow shot out, its close‑range power still terrifying.

At such close range, it aimed straight for the throat or head.

One by one, the guards fell to the ground, spitting fresh blood, bodies convulsing.

These five hundred elite, at a glance, were almost all slain.

It left Yu Yanpeng standing nearby dumbfounded.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"I did this, I did this, it has nothing to do with the young Crown Prince. By acting like this, you're trying to frame him forcibly."

"If you have anything, bring it at me; each person should take responsibility for their own actions."

Yu Yanpeng shouted loudly, his hysterical roar echoing.

He deeply understood that if he admitted his mistake and was punished, dying wouldn't be a big deal, but if the young Crown Prince died, his whole family would never be safe.

What a pity.

Gu Jin Nian ignored Yu Yanpeng.

Instead, he brandished his horsewhip and kept lashing at the crawling Li Lengxin on the ground.

Each lash was exceedingly brutal.

Striking Li Lengxin, each strike left marks where bone or flesh could be seen.

Even seasoned veterans who witnessed this couldn't help but have their eyes widen.

It's too ruthless.

As for the surrounding civilians, they each shouted with delight, and of course the children were called back to their rooms.

"As members of the royal family,"

"It's one thing to act recklessly, but to massacre civilians and commit such a heinous act is beyond words."

"People like you are tarnishing the Da Xia royal house."

"Li Lengxin."

"Don't say you're the most beloved son of King Ning; even if you are King Ning's son, daring such a thing, this Crown Prince will kill you without hesitation."

Gu Jin Nian frantically kept lashing Li Lengxin.

However, each lash was infused with Immortal Dao power, ensuring Li Lengxin would not die.

It wasn't that he feared his death.

It was that he feared he would die too blissfully.

At this very moment.

Li Lengxin scrambled wildly on the ground, the pain making his teeth feel like they would shatter.

The agony drove him to madness.

He couldn't utter a single word.

He also didn't know Gu Jin Nian would be so ferocious.

If he had known, even if beaten to death he wouldn't return.

One lash.

Ten lashes.

Fifty lashes.

Gu Jin Nian beat him for a full hour, and Li Lengxin was already covered in lacerations.

But Gu Jin Nian was also ruthless, feeding him a spiritual medicine straight away, one that the Yaochi Fairy had given to herself.

It can absolutely guarantee that Li Lengxin will not die.

And his consciousness remains clear.

After Li Lengxin regains partial awareness,

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again.

"Go fetch a bucket of salt."

"Apply it evenly to his wounds."

"And the person who was just torn apart, also apply coarse salt to His Highness the Crown Prince."

Gu Jin Nian issued the order.

He is not in a hurry to kill Li Lengxin.

He wants to torment.

To make him feel hopeless.

"His Highness the Crown Prince."

"That's improper."

"After all, he is His Highness the Crown Prince of King Ning."

"I'm afraid King Ning already knows about this; I reckon his men will arrive before long."

"The punishment has been dealt; there's no need to continue this, His Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Long's voice sounded from beside them.

Now that the punishment is done, it's time to stop.

"So what if King Ning comes?"

"Whether it's King Ning's Crown Prince or even a prince, this Crown Prince will still kill without hesitation."

"No nonsense, get the salt."

Gu Jin Nian is not verbose.

What does King Ning matter?

His own grandfather probably has already received the news.

One can even imagine it; they will surely rush here at full speed.

Even if King Ning himself arrives here.

With the old lord shielding him, Gu Jin Nian feels no fear at all.

But indeed.

From afar.

A ten‑thousand‑strong Iron Cavalry is indeed rushing toward this place.

This Iron Cavalry is terrifying.

Clad in black battle armor.

Each exudes a powerful aura.

These are King Ning's strongest Iron Cavalry.

None equal.

Named the Blackwater Iron Cavalry. — Forced myself to get up at four o'clock and finished a chapter.

Just afraid everyone would feel uncomfortable.

It can be considered as doing my best.

Please give monthly tickets!!! Thank you!!! Going to catch up on sleep in July!!!

(End of chapter)