Chapter 112: Inside and Outside the City Walls

"Bang—Clap—" Qi Ran lowered his head, watching the teacup shattered on the floor; the scalding tea, clinging to the tea leaves, splashed onto his foot, yet he felt nothing.

After a while he lifted his head, looked at Wei Lingfeng's pale, expressionless face, and asked slowly, "What did you just… say?"

Wei Lingfeng stared at him for a long time, then his eyelashes twitched, he turned his head away, looked out the window, and said, "Bing Yi is in Xiao Yifei's hands."

"You!" Qi Ran inhaled deeply, his pallid complexion gradually regaining a hint of anger, his voice trembling, "You can't just let… big brother… what actually happened? Where is Bing Yi now?"

"Impossible?" Wei Lingfeng repeated his words, his smile desolately mocking, turned back and said lightly, "She is in Yin Yi; I exchanged her for the lives of nearly a thousand citizens of two cities."

"You wouldn't!!" Qi Ran sat up straight and shouted, his voice hoarse, his expression dramatically changed. Then he stared at him, as if suddenly realizing, a painful hue flashing in his eyes, he murmured, "It was her own decision, wasn't it?"

Wei Lingfeng gave no answer, folded his sleeves, and turned his head toward the window.

Qi Ran sat dumbfounded for a while, then suddenly leapt up, rushed to the window, placed his finger between his lips and blew a loud whistle. In an instant a pure white bird alighted on his arm.

Wei Lingfeng looked somewhat astonished as Qi Ran rushed back to the desk, fetched paper, lifted his brush, and wrote; the bird obediently perched on his shoulder, occasionally preening its feathers, occasionally raising its head proudly toward Wei Lingfeng.

"What are you doing?"

Qi Ran did not look up, his complexion returning to his usual calm, though the dim worry in his blue eyes could not be concealed; in a deep voice he said, "Bu is still at the Maochang border; I ordered him to head to the vicinity of Yin Yi immediately. It might help. Additionally, I had Ruo Bin execute the plan early, hoping to trick Xiao Yifei into returning, so we would still have a chance here."

"Qi Ran…" Wei Lingfeng tilted his head slightly, a deep crease forming between his sharp, soaring eyebrows, and said, "You've changed a lot."

Qi Ran tied the note to the white bird's foot, whispered a few words at its ear, smoothed its feathers with his hand, then gave it a gentle push. The bird chirped "Cheep—cheep" as it flew away.

Qi Ran withdrew his gaze, looked at Wei Lingfeng, a wry smile tugging at his mouth, and said, "Big brother, do you think I'd rush out right away?" Then he nodded heavily, "I truly want to rush out. But… I can't. It's not because I'm wary of Xiao Yifei, nor because I'm uncertain, but because I know Bing Yi wouldn't be happy."

Hearing his words, Wei Lingfeng raised an eyebrow slightly, a strange hue flashing in his eyes, yet he said nothing.

"Big brother, don't you still misunderstand Bing Yi?" Qi Ran sighed, his voice laced with helplessness, "Bing Yi is not a woman you can cradle in the palm of your hand. Even if I wanted to bind her to me, merge her into my body, she could never belong solely to me. She has her own beliefs and red lines on many things. She will not stand by and watch death without acting, yet she will not gamble with her own life. So, since she decided to exchange those citizens, she must have left a way out for herself, even if that way is extremely dangerous. I want to throw caution to the wind and rush into Yin Yi to save her, to shield her from every disaster. But I cannot. If I rashly charge in to rescue her and endanger myself, it would only make her worry and be disappointed." Qi Ran slowly lifted his hand, his broad sleeves slipped down, revealing a crystal‑clear slender arm, with two scars on his wrist so faint they were almost invisible. He stared blankly at those two scars, and after a while continued, "Before she left, Bing Yi said to me, 'Please, please be kinder to yourself.' I… spent a whole year to comprehend that sentence. Everyone has their own life; no one needs another person to survive. My life, my existence is not for others, but for myself. It's just…" Qi Ran shook his head, withdrew his hand, shrugged with a bitter, helpless smile, "Understanding is understanding; if she truly decides to leave, I still can't foresee what I would do."

"Heh…" Wei Lingfeng suddenly couldn't help but laugh out loud, then felt it was inappropriate, held it back, his expression inscrutable, his voice neither light nor heavy, neither suppressed nor raised, "Qi Ran, you've truly become much more formidable. This time, it's you who is pressuring me."

Qi Ran smiled, but the smile didn't reach his worried eyes, and said, "Big brother, you saw through me."

On his unparalleled face shone an unprecedented resolve and confidence, his voice flowing like a stream yet surging like waves, "I won't let go. Whether it's because I love her, or because she loves me, this time I will hold her hand tightly and never release it."

"I must live for myself, I must atone for my mistakes, strive to raise a sky for them; that should always be possible, right?" Qi Ran laughed, looking earnestly at Wei Lingfeng, his seriousness like an oath and like a plea for blessing, and said, "Big brother, since I was young you have asked me what I truly want. Now I can tell you clearly, this is my… greatest wish."

"Your Majesty!" The door was pushed open, Xuan Tian froze at the doorway, glancing this way and that. The two people in the room wore calm expressions; the unparalleled, handsome young man even had a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, yet he felt the atmosphere in the room was somewhat odd.

He scratched his head, unable to understand where this youth had emerged from, looked at Wei Lingfeng, and said, "Your Majesty, the cavalry you requested is fully prepared."

Wei Lingfeng nodded, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes, and said lightly, "Very well, I understand. Begin training them according to the orders; remember, it must be completed within ten days."

"Qi Ran…" Wei Lingfeng stood up, brushed the slightly wrinkled hem of his robe, looked at the puzzled Qi Ran, a mysterious smile curling his lips, and asked, "What do you think, if the two of us join forces to confront Xiao Yifei head‑on, what would the outcome be?"

Qi Ran's eyes flashed with a sharp light, a mixture of fierce killing intent, pure satisfaction, and sorrowful pain, settling slowly on his unparalleled face, finally turning into an irreplaceable resolve, and he said in a deep voice, "How could we know without trying? Big brother."

Wei Lingfeng's crystal‑clear slender fingers slowly spread, a luminous translucent white jade rested quietly in his palm, reflecting the candlelight in the hall. He slowly clenched his left hand, his voice deep yet calm, like his handsome face that revealed no clear emotion, and said, "Father Emperor… Xiao Yifei has finally forced us into a desperate situation. I will have them feign defeat, bypass the Yin Yi border, engage your army, and seize Maochang…"

Qi Ran was startled, the light in his eyes brightened, and he said in a deep voice, "Then a two‑sided pincer attack can capture Yin Yi at the fastest speed. Feigning defeat, trading lives for timing? Indeed, it's the only and best method. However…"

Wei Lingfeng smiled, hurried to the desk, took out a simple map, pointed to a spot and said, "I know what you're worried about. Yin Yi differs from the trade city Maochang. It could be called the frontier of Qi Kingdom, so it's easy to defend but hard to attack. If not forced, I would never easily abandon this city. However, no one knows better than I that while Yin Yi is stable, it has one major flaw."

Qi Ran was momentarily stunned, looked up and asked, "What is it?"

Wei Lingfeng gave a slight smile, withdrew his slender white fingers, and said gravely, "The waterway."

Green herb, clears the eyes, replenishes liver Qi, calms the spirit, promotes benevolence; licorice, treats the five organs.

"Fake pregnancy?!" I exclaimed in amazement, "Is it real? Does it affect the body? Can I try it?" Even in modern times I've never heard of a medicine with such effect.

"Ahem…" Qi Ran was startled by my words and choked, taking a while to recover, a faint embarrassed flush crossing his handsome face, he hesitated, "It won't work for you; Zi Mu Cao doesn't harm the body, but…"

"…Water Miss, Water Miss, it's time to take the medicine."

I was startled, came to my senses, shook my head, dispelling the distant memory, took the medicine handed over by the maid Xiao Yue, pinched my nose and gulped it down in one breath. A pregnancy‑preserving pill… sigh, it's truly not something a person should drink.

"Bing Yi, how do you feel today?" Su Wanrou's gentle voice suddenly sounded from the doorway, full of concern.

Warmth rose in my heart, I looked up at the newcomer's crystal‑clear, water‑like face, and smiled, "Much better. Wanrou, thank you for your concern."

The newcomer was Su Wanrou, the most famous courtesan of Jiangnan. Seven days ago, Xiao Yifei had summoned her to tend to my meals and daily needs, and of course to keep watch. To be honest, my acquaintance with Su Wanrou was shallow, and we were basically on opposing sides, yet I always felt more pity than hatred toward her. Moreover, I later realized that the purple silhouette was her. That day, Fu Junmo's timely arrival to rescue me was probably thanks to the message she sent.

Wanrou gave a faint smile, then her expression became solemn, and she said in a deep voice, "Sir asked me to bring someone to see you."

I was slightly stunned, looked up at her. I saw a graceful, delicate figure shift slightly, and a skinny, small form clad in dark‑white tight clothing squeezed in, standing firmly before me.

I rubbed my eyes vigorously, then stared blankly at that handsome young face, its crystal‑bright eyes, a faintly cold aura, a wave of aching sorrow that made me want to cry surged up. I quickly blinked and whispered hoarsely, "Xin… Luo?"

The newcomer smiled, a year's time had etched traces of wear on his youthful face, proof of growth; he stepped before me, his gold‑and‑silver eyes sparkling, and said, "Miss."

He… called me "miss," and I slowly rose; his body, which had only reached my chest before, now rose to my chin. His jet‑black eyes, like shining stones, now bore an odd hue. Yet he was still Xin Luo, smiling coldly, nestling in my arms, calling me "miss," Xin Luo!

I suddenly reached out and pulled him into my arms, holding him tightly. I felt his sudden stiffness and slight tremor. Then his small hand wrapped around me, clutching me tightly.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Xin Luo, you clearly said you wouldn't abandon me again, yet you keep forgetting me, I'm truly sorry!

Once my emotions settled, only Xin Luo and I remained in the room. I couldn't understand why Xiao Yifei suddenly treated me so well; over the past seven days, not only did he provide fine clothes and food, his care was thorough, and even when I occasionally wanted to go out, he rarely objected. Now he even sent Xin Luo to my side; could it truly be only because I'm carrying Qi Ran's child, Bing Ling's hope?

Not indulging in needless worry, I took his hand and sat beside him, asking, "Xin Luo, how did you end up here? Where is Xiao Chi?"

Xin Luo's eyes flashed a strange color, then faded; his long lashes trembled as they fell, and after a long pause he said in a cool, youthful voice, "Miss, don't worry; my elder brother was injured protecting me, and is now recuperating at the master's place; it doesn't hinder anything."

I nodded, still feeling that after our last meeting Xin Luo's attitude had grown distant, I couldn't help pulling his arm, about to ask how he ended up in Xiao Yifei's hands, when his delicate eyebrows twitched slightly and he let out a low whimper.

I was startled, yanked his small hand up sharply; when that once pale, slender arm, now marked with faint purplish bruises, came into view, my chest felt as if something had struck it hard, and instantly a numb pain spread.

"Xin Luo, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…" I gently brushed over those jagged scars, some dull with a hint of blue, others vivid and striking, clearly fresh, and I could only choke out the apology repeatedly.

A barely perceptible cold glint flashed in Xin Luo's eyes, then faded; he withdrew his hand and said with a smile, "How could this be blamed on me? Xin Luo knows that Miss is also powerless."

I was momentarily stunned, a deep feeling of being moved welled up, about to speak. A pair of warm hands lifted gently, wiping away the tears on my face, and said softly yet firmly, "Miss, although Xin Luo has suffered much, he has also grown stronger; from now on, let Xin Luo protect you."

I couldn't help laughing; the long‑suppressed feelings in my chest brightened like sunshine, and I tapped his smooth forehead with a finger, saying, "You're a small body with a mischievous spirit, aren't you?"

Xin Luo gave a foolish smile, then, as usual, leaned close to me, blinking his big eyes, and asked, "Miss, are you pregnant? Who is the baby's father? Is the baby beautiful?"

My heart gave a sudden thud, like eating and suddenly hitting sand—uncomfortable. I was stunned for a while, then managed a smile, "Well, the baby is very beautiful; if Xin Luo sees it, he'll definitely like it. If… we can still see it…"

Xin Luo observed my odd expression, a bewildered look on his face, then casually brushed it aside, his ear pressed against my belly, his childish voice asking, "Miss, will the baby move?"

I couldn't help laughing, thinking: even if there is no baby at all, or even if there is one, it's not even three months old—how could anyone tell? Just as I was about to speak, my whole body suddenly shivered, the hand that was stroking his soft hair trembled slightly, then his face returned to calm.

Because Xin Luo was pressed against my body, he whispered in an unusually clear voice, "Miss, the young master has already arrived at Xinyuan City; Xin Luo can deliver a message for you, so he can come to rescue you."

Early seventh month of the first year of Tianhe, 1262.

The Yueyang Substate of Yi State, occupied by the Yin-Qian Allied Army, suddenly had a fire break out in its city tower; at the same time, the Qian State navy stationed at the border between Qian State and Yueyang came under fierce attack.

The Yi State troops stationed before the Yueyang battlefield, taking advantage of the enemy's confusion, reclaimed Yueyang and drove the Yin-Qian Allied Army into the Gourd Mouth belonging to the Yuan ting State; the million-strong water and land army was actually unable to move at all.

After this battle, Qian State suffered heavy losses, but the 400,000-strong army led by Yin Ziheng remained almost intact. Moreover, Qian State General Meng Kuo captured an arson suspect inside Yueyang City, who was actually equipped with Yin State weapons, causing Meng Kuo to suspect Yin Ziheng.

By this point, Yi State had completely reversed its losses in the war against the Yin-Qian alliance, even threatening Qian State's very survival. Meanwhile, the outcome of this battlefield also restrained the rise and fall of the Qi State's Xinyuan battlefield. Fu Junmo worried that the war flames would spread into Qian State's territory, and also feared that Yin Ziheng might take advantage of the fire to plunder Qian State, so he accelerated his attack on the Xinyuan battlefield.

During the offensive, he began sacrificing more Yin State soldiers as vanguard, while withdrawing Qian State's elite troops one by one from Hidden Wing. Although the commander of the Xinyuan battlefield was Fu Junmo, most of the fighting soldiers actually belonged to Yin State, and the conflict similarly expanded on the Xinyuan battlefield, with the Yin-Qian Allied Army alliance on the verge of collapse.

On the Xinyuan battlefield, the Yin-Qian Allied Army appeared to be pressing step by step against Qi State with fierce attacks, but in fact the situation was gradually developing in a direction favorable to Qi State.

"She... has no suspicions about you?"

"No."

Xiao Yifei held a thin sheet of paper, various complex lights flickering in his eyes, and mused, "You didn't tell her that sending the letter would actually be unsafe?"

Xin Luo blinked slightly, nodded, and said: "I did. But Miss said this was the agreed-upon method of sending news with the Emperor. Originally I planned to write a letter for the Crown Prince to send out openly."

Xiao Yifei lifted the paper, and through the sunlight he could faintly see the traces left by a hard object scratching it, then coldly smiled and said: "That girl sure knows a lot. What did she write?"

Xin Luo glanced at the paper, then lowered her head and said: "I only told her about her current situation and the state of affairs in Hidden Wing City, and asked the Emperor to tell me the rescue plan so I could act as an insider in time."

Xiao Yifei nodded and said: "You did well. Send the letter out. I am about to leave Hidden Wing for the border of Qian State."

"Sir?" Xin Luo exclaimed, raising her head in surprise, "Sir, are you absolutely certain the Young Master is already inside Xinyuan City? What if..."

"There's no 'what if'." Xiao Yifei coldly laughed, handing the paper to Xin Luo, "Don't I know my own son? As long as that girl is in our hands, even if he grew wings he'd have to rush from Yueyang."

"But what if Sir isn't here? Can Fu Junmo hold up the situation?"

"Fu Junmo?" Xiao Yifei gave a cold snort and sneered, "Xin Luo, remember that at any time you can only believe in and rely on yourself. I will leave half of the Ice Ling troops to you, plus the Yin-Qian 50,000 army under Li Feng's control. As long as you firmly hold that girl and lure her in, that's enough."

He paused, Xiao Yifei's gaze turned to the distance, his deep voice allowing no sunlight to be seen: "Only if Chen Ran'er is not in Yueyang can I possibly crush Yi State completely. Likewise, only if I am not present will Ran'er and Xuan'er trust you and go all out for a final strike." Not knowing what he thought of, Xiao Yifei's formerly relaxed and confident expression suddenly tightened, a hint of gravity appearing between his brows as he said in a low voice, "Actually there is someone who has yet to show up, not even a hint of news, which worries me."

"What does Sir mean?"

"The world's number one assassin — Bu Sha."

(End of chapter)