Chapter 33: The Hostage of Mu Guo

A light boat, with sails hoisted to catch the wind, rode the light and water like a horse galloping across a flat plain, heading straight for Chu Du. A man in dark, tight-fitting clothes sat alone at the bow, eyes closed in meditation, his expression serene and solemn. He let the river breeze lift his hem and hair ribbons; though the scenery along the way shifted, he remained motionless, as if he had already merged into the vast world, and nothing could affect him in the slightest.

The boat moved with the current, the light waves murmuring. Suddenly, a giggle sounded from behind, and water splashed up from the river. More than ten white fish leaped out of the water unexpectedly, their spray scattering like rain. Just as the fish and water were about to land on him, a flash of sword light erupted from the bow. A long sword sprang up from nowhere, flickering like lightning. Amidst crisp, snapping sounds, the leaping white fish were struck one by one by the side of the blade, transforming into dazzling arcs under the sunlight before falling back into the river.

"Ah! Beautiful, beautiful! You didn't even hurt a single one!" Following a crisp laugh, Han Xi leaned over the gunwale, shouting and looking into the water. Ye Xuanshang sheathed his sword and turned his head, just in time to see Zi Rao stepping out of the cabin with a languid air. Her sleeves fluttered in the river breeze, and her expression was indescribably charming, elegant, and relaxed. As their eyes met briefly, they both looked at this troublesome little girl with a mix of amusement and helplessness.

Yesterday, after the two left Wangliang Valley, Han Xi had "obediently" requested to accompany them back to Chu Du. Not long after boarding, Ye Xuanshang had carelessly mentioned that his injuries were mostly healed, which immediately perked her up. She began constantly summoning various animals to test his sword skills, from birds in the sky to fish and shrimp in the water; she was full of tricks and played to her heart's content. Ye Xuanshang was sighing inwardly when he heard Han Xi call out with a grin, "Big Brother Ye, your sword skills have improved quite a bit these past few days!"

At this "Big Brother Ye," the corners of Ye Xuanshang's lips twitched visibly. Sure enough, Han Xi's next words were even more exasperating: "The fish and birds aren't powerful enough, you must find it boring, right? After we get off the boat, I'll find a way to summon a few golden lions or snow leopards for you to practice your sword skills with, how about that?"

Ye Xuanshang's lips twitched again. He looked at her and, after a moment, suddenly asked, "Han Xi, there shouldn't be many people in Chu Guo who know this Taming Spirit Art of yours, right?"

"That goes without saying." Han Xi leaned over, dipping one hand into the water. Under the influence of her spirit art, schools of white fish naturally gathered around. In just a moment, they formed a massive shoal behind the small boat. The Yangtze River was vast, and the silver waves and white scales looked like woven swimming dragons, trailing behind the boat. They tumbled and leaped in the shimmering light, appearing and disappearing, almost filling half the river surface, creating a spectacular sight. While playing with the water, she said triumphantly, "The spirit art Shufu taught me is so much fun! Not just in Chu Guo, there are hardly any people in the whole world who know it!"

Ye Xuanshang's deep eyes narrowed slightly, and he smiled with a hint of mischief. "Then after we get off the boat, you can get me a few more tigers and leopards. Golden lions or white dragons would be fine too. I imagine Chu Du will be very lively then. Maybe even your royal brother will come out of the palace to see who has such great ability that they summoned all the rare beasts of the world into the city."

Seeing Han Xi jump up and shout, "No way! I snuck out; even if you want to practice your sword, you can't get me caught by my royal brother and dragged back to the palace!" Zi Rao, who had been idly admiring the scenery, finally couldn't help but chuckle. Unexpectedly, Ye Xuanshang, who was teasing Han Xi, suddenly turned his head. Their eyes met abruptly, and a dazzling light seemed to flicker in his smiling eyes. That deep, ink-like darkness contained the brilliance of the scorching sun, and such bright heat burned into her heart in an instant.

The sky was clear as water, and the sunlight rippled like gold spilled across the river surface. As Chu Du drew near, traces of prosperity gradually emerged amidst the leisurely mountains and waters. The number of boats traveling on the river increased, and passing by several ferry crossings, one could see boats from various states coming and going, all loaded with people and goods. With merchants from the north and guests from the south, the bustling scene showed the pivotal status of this great capital. The prosperity of Chu Guo formed a sharp contrast with the desolation and decadence of Di Du. The moment she set foot in Chu Du, Zi Rao finally understood why Zi Hao always had such a meaningful expression whenever he mentioned Chu Guo.

At this time, Mu Guo and Chu Guo were at war. The Mu Guo general Wei Yuan had launched a surprise attack, driving deep into enemy territory and capturing four Chu Guo cities in succession. The military situation was urgent, yet the entire Chu Du lacked any atmosphere of tension or unease. There was no lack of talk about the current war in the streets, and no matter who was speaking, they would mention one name—Huang Fei. Almost no one doubted that once the Liefeng Cavalry returned to the country to fight, Mu Guo would pay a price far greater than four cities. As long as Shao Yuan Jun was there, no one could touch Chu Guo in the slightest.

A Chu Guo without Huang Fei was called a great state; a Chu Guo with Huang Fei was a strong state. Zi Rao looked from afar at the Shao Yuan Jun Mansion in Shangying, which was as magnificent as the royal palace, and remembered what Zi Hao had said before they left. Placing the eye of the entire chess game in Chu Guo was perhaps because of this person, whom even he had to pay attention to!

On the walls of Xichuan City and the peaks of Jingyun Mountain, that man's proud figure flashed through her mind. Many days had passed since they parted; at the speed of the Liefeng Cavalry, they should have returned long ago, yet there had been no movement until now. Just like the battle that captured Xichuan, the Liefeng Cavalry had once again vanished from the sight of all parties.

After leaving the boat and going ashore, hearing constant talk about the war, a trace of gravity gradually appeared on Ye Xuanshang's face. Thinking that he had been away from the Hostage Mansion for several days, a strange look flashed in his eyes, but he immediately raised an eyebrow, turned to Zi Rao and Han Xi, and cupped his hands. "I have some urgent matters to attend to at my mansion. I shall take my leave of you both first."

Zi Rao watched him leave, a complex look rippling in her eyes. Using Mu to check Chu and preserving Xichuan—the current situation was created by the royal family. With the two states at odds, the situation a hostage in an enemy country would face was unknown, yet she could not think of a perfect solution for the moment. Han Xi did not have these worries. Seeing Ye Xuanshang leave in such a hurry, she felt bored and suggested, "Since we have nothing to do, why don't we sneak over to the Hostage Mansion and take a look? I've never been there before."

Zi Rao gently stroked the Xue Zhan in her arms, looked up at her, and smiled. "Alright, going to take a look is fine." The two took a shortcut to the Hostage Mansion and actually arrived there before Ye Xuanshang. Han Xi, feeling mischievous, took advantage of the fact that no one was watching to pull Zi Rao up and hide in a large tree, wanting to find an opportunity to play a prank on Ye Xuanshang.

The Hostage Mansion was located in the east of the inner city of Chu Du. Its scale was not large, nor was it as magnificent as the other noble mansions nearby. Standing alone among the green tiles and flying eaves, it looked quite out of place, reflecting the host's special situation.

Although Ye Xuanshang had entered Chu as the legitimate son of Mu Guo, Tai Zi Yu was inexplicably wary of him and naturally would not kindly look after this third younger brother; instead, he tried every possible way to make things difficult for him. Ye Xuanshang was well aware of this. Since entering Chu, he had never taken the initiative to have any contact with Mu Guo. Aside from returning to the mansion every few days to avoid trouble, he did not pay much attention to this residence or the people serving in it. Arriving outside the mansion now, his gaze fell on the carriages parked nearby. Before he could even step onto the stairs, he heard a commotion from inside.

"Get out and find your Young Master and bring him back! To think you made us come twice in a row! Are you Mu Guo people trying to defy orders?" The main gate was slammed open to both sides with a bang. The mansion steward, Ji Xian, was thrown out of the door in a miserable state, along with several other servants, crashing toward the street.

Ye Xuanshang's brow furrowed slightly, and he casually intercepted the people. In his panic, Ji Xian recognized him and blurted out, "Young Master! They..." Unexpectedly, a cold snort sounded in his ear. Ye Xuanshang channeled strength into his arm and backhanded him, throwing him right at the Chu general who was stepping out of the door.

He had intentionally used the general's own force against him when throwing the man. The Chu general was caught off guard and tumbled to the ground with Ji Xian like a rolling gourd. Enraged, he shouted, "How dare you fight back! Beat them again!"

Sword light flashed as two rows of armored Chu soldiers holding swords rushed out of the door! Ye Xuanshang flashed into their midst. Wherever the Guili Sword went, several weapons flew into the air.

"Surround them! Take them down for me!" Following the Chu general's frantic shouting, one could hear continuous screams. Half of the Chu soldiers who had swarmed up were sent flying, all of them clutching their chests and stomachs, unable to get up.

"They are people from the Helian Marquis Mansion," Han Xi whispered to Zi Rao. It was morning, and the streets were bustling with people. This fight attracted quite a few onlookers watching from afar at the street corner. Unexpectedly, seeing that the beaten Chu soldiers were from the Helian Marquis Mansion, the crowd felt no sense of national solidarity; instead, they cheered loudly. It was evident that the retainers of the Helian Mansion were usually overbearing in Chu Du and had long since provoked public anger.

With many onlookers, a trace of impatience flashed across Ye Xuanshang's brow. He increased the force of his sword, and at the same time, his feet kicked out like lightning. Two people on the ground flew up out of thin air, knocking over the swarming Chu soldiers. He then shot backward, the Guili Sword ringing as it left its sheath by three inches. With a flash of its edge, it pressed against the neck of the Chu general who was about to rush up with his sword.

The Chu soldiers before him were strewn about in disarray, and few could still stand. The Chu general was so terrified that his face turned pale. After a long time, he said with a trembling voice, "Ye Xuanshang... you... you dare!"

Sunlight glinted, and Zi Rao caught a flash of sharp light in Ye Xuanshang's eyes, thinking this man was in trouble. Unexpectedly, he suddenly curled his lips into a smile, his expression softening as if he had just recognized the man. "Oh, why is it General Luo? My apologies, I thought someone was trying to rob my humble, four-walled Hostage Mansion!" As he spoke, he flicked his wrist, and the Guili Sword clicked back into its sheath. He then cupped his hands, "I didn't know the General was coming; Xuanshang failed to welcome you!"

The Chu general, his shock having subsided, saw him sheathe his sword and salute, and assumed he was feeling apprehensive. He immediately shouted angrily, "Ye Xuanshang! You have a lot of nerve, daring to act so wantonly in Chu Du! Don't you know what your current status is!"

The few people who had been thrown out of the mansion were still groaning on the ground; it was clearly they who had started the fight. Han Xi rolled her eyes at the Chu general, clearly extremely dissatisfied with the people from the Helian Marquis Mansion. Her clever eyes twinkled, and a moment later, her gaze fell on a large beehive in the tree branches nearby. She blinked, secretly manipulating her spirit art. A group of wild bees emerged from the hive one after another, circling near the horses the Chu soldiers had ridden.

Han Xi turned back and winked at Zi Rao. Zi Rao's expression rippled, and she softly lowered her voice. "Wait a moment before acting." Han Xi nodded hurriedly. The two shared a tacit smile and looked back at Ye Xuanshang through the gaps in the leaves.

Upon returning to the Hostage Mansion, he seemed like a different person. The arrogance from when they first met, the unruliness in Wangliang Valley, and the laziness along the way were all gone. Only a familiar, slightly mocking, faint smile remained deep in his eyes. Before this furious Chu general, that smile was bottomless, looking like a display of polite respect. "Xuanshang was clumsy for a moment; I hope the General will calm his anger. May I ask what business brings the General here?"

With that understated sentence, he clearly didn't intend to take the previous fight seriously. The Chu general met his gaze and subconsciously took a step back, his eyes frequently darting to the long sword in his hand. "You... you just wait! I will certainly report today's events to the King truthfully!" Remembering the purpose of his visit, he regained some of his momentum and shouted, "Ye Xuanshang! Mu Guo has acted in bad faith and sent troops to attack Chu without cause. The King has ordered you to enter the court for an audience and explain this matter immediately! Why are you still dawdling here? Do you expect our King to come and invite you personally?"

Ye Xuanshang had long expected this and cupped his hands. "I will trouble the General to wait a moment. I will follow the General to the palace once I have changed into my court robes."

Every move he made was perfectly normal, yet the Chu general felt completely uncomfortable, as if an inexplicable baleful aura was slowly emanating from the man before him, making one's heart tremble. He braced himself not to retreat again, but he didn't want to stay a moment longer. He snorted heavily, "This General doesn't have time to waste with you. I'll give you half an hour. If you aren't at the palace in half an hour, I will report that you have secretly fled!" As he spoke, he turned and hurried away, deliberately shouting orders to his men. As if venting, he kicked Ji Xian, who was still lying on the side, and led his men away. Unfortunately, despite the grand display, most of the group were bruised and limping, looking truly miserable.

The onlookers around them booed.

Ji Xian groaned as he rolled down the steps. Ye Xuanshang seemed not to see him, standing before the mansion with his hands behind his back, watching the group of Chu soldiers ride away. After a moment, the corners of his lips curled coldly, and he turned to enter the mansion.

Ji Xian scrambled up and followed behind, calling out, "Young Master..." Ye Xuanshang seemed to remember something and suddenly stopped. Ji Xian almost bumped into his back and hurriedly retreated two steps, kneeling down while carefully raising his eyes to observe his actions.

Ye Xuanshang slowly turned around and paced a few steps, standing before him. As he lowered his eyes, Ji Xian felt a shiver run through his body under that gaze and hurriedly lowered his head. Ye Xuanshang looked him over, then looked at the disheveled servants at the foot of the stairs. A cold, heartless sentence was tossed out with a faint smile: "Go back and tell your Crown Prince that in the future, when sending people to my side, it would be best to pick a few useful ones to avoid losing face for my Mu Guo. Otherwise, I might not be able to restrain myself and will dispose of them for him first."

Ji Xian's face changed abruptly. Ye Xuanshang frowned with extreme impatience and suddenly shouted coldly, "Still not rolling off to prepare the horses!"

Before Ji Xian could even respond, a commotion suddenly erupted on the street not far away. The sound of people and horses falling was heard from afar, mixed with indistinct screams one after another. No one in front of the mansion understood what was happening, except for Han Xi in the tree, whose shoulders were shaking with laughter. She tried hard to hold it in, afraid of making a sound and being discovered by Ye Xuanshang.

Not until Ye Xuanshang turned and entered the mansion did she clap her hands and laugh out loud. Sitting on the tree branch without a care, she swung her toes playfully in the air. "Big Brother Ye didn't teach them a hard enough lesson; now they'll definitely know how tough he is."

Zi Rao watched from afar as the group of Chu soldiers were attacked by the wild bees and couldn't help but smile, asking her, "It's truly strange. You are a Princess of Chu Guo; why are you helping others bully the people of Chu?"

Han Xi pouted. "Hmph, the Helian Family doesn't count as true Chu people anyway. I just want to see them look ridiculous!"

Before the Helian Family entered Chu, they were nobles of the Zeng State. During the reign of the You Emperor, Chu Guo destroyed Zeng and annexed four hundred miles of fertile land north of the Moshui. Their ancestor, Helian Zhi, murdered his lord and offered up the city, defecting to Chu Guo. After several generations of management, the Helian Family gradually became a pivotal force in Chu Guo. Zi Rao knew a little about this, and from Han Xi's attitude, it was not hard to see that the factional strife within Chu Guo had long existed. The current situation was a mutual suppression between the native forces represented by Huang Fei and the foreign forces led by the Helian Marquis Mansion; their struggle also formed the best balance for the political situation in Chu Guo.

Han Xi continued, "The people in the Helian Mansion have always been the most annoying, especially that Helian Qi; he is particularly unpleasant to look at. Next time I see him, I'll definitely make him taste this as well..."

Zi Rao suddenly made a gesture for silence, and Han Xi hurriedly hid behind the tree branches. The gate of the Hostage Mansion opened again, and it was Ye Xuanshang, who had changed into formal court robes. He wore a dark gold deep robe with a dragon-shaped jade belt at his waist, and over it, he still wore a dark-colored long robe with wide sleeves, broad lapels, and cloud-patterned borders. This added a sense of sternness to his heroic figure. Ignoring the attendants behind him, he rode his horse straight toward the Chu palace.

Han Xi watched the group disappear at the end of the long street with some unfamiliarity. "Why is he dressed like that? Where is he going?"

Zi Rao knew that she must have been preoccupied with thinking of ways to prank the Chu soldiers just now and hadn't heard what orders the general named Luo had come to deliver, so she said, "According to the etiquette between the two states, one must change into court robes to enter the palace and meet the King of Chu."

Sure enough, Han Xi's apricot eyes widened, and she turned to ask, "Eh? Why is he going to see my royal brother?"

Looking at her deeply, Zi Rao gently raised her hand to block the mottled, fragmented sunlight leaking through the branches and leaves. Her eyes were filled with deep light. "Mu Guo and Chu Guo are at war without cause; your royal brother is going to hold this Third Young Master of Mu accountable."

(End of chapter)