Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 224 - 223. The Captives of the New Soldiers
223. The Captives of the Qilin Recruits
Cheers came from a cliff beneath a stone wall, "It’s open! We’ve opened it!"
The people gathering beneath the cliff cried out in joy. It had been several days since they had found this entrance. Even with the greatest tomb raiders and architects of the time gathered together, they had still spent quite some time opening this imperial mausoleum without damaging it. After all, they couldn’t see anything from the outside and had no way of estimating what kind of mechanisms lay within. One misstep could cause the entire tomb passage to collapse, turning their excavations from a door into a mountain, or even several mountains. But in the end, someone suggested digging a side entrance. This allowed them to determine the conditions and locations of the traps inside, and they finally opened the entrance to the Imperial Mausoleum of the Great Founding Emperor, which had been hidden for hundreds of years. This also confirmed that Tan Jizhi had not deceived them. The treasure map he provided was indeed for an imperial mausoleum.
"This is indeed an imperial mausoleum," the person emerging from inside exclaimed, face alight with excitement. "But the underground palace is still quite far from here—this mausoleum is very large! Go and inform your masters!"
Before long, members of various factions had arrived, none lagging behind. Lei Tengfeng frowned at the entrance before him and asked, "Is this the entrance to the Imperial Mausoleum of the founding emperor of the previous dynasty? Isn’t it a bit underwhelming?"
"Your Highness is perhaps unaware," someone from the crowd stepped forward and said. "This mausoleum differs from ordinary ones. From the outset, there were no plans for descendants to pay respects. That’s why the entrance is in such a remote location, likely to prevent tomb raiding. Moreover, this probably isn’t the only entrance. I estimate we are at least ten miles from the heart of the underground palace."
Lei Tengfeng nodded. He glanced at the Beirong Seventh Prince, the Crown Prince of Beirong, and Mo Jingli, Prince Li of Great Chu, who were also standing to one side. His sword-like eyebrows furrowed involuntarily.
Originally, he thought that obtaining the treasure map was a secret. But after finding the location, they discovered that these so-called treasure maps were in everyone’s hands. Lei Tengfeng immediately realized they had likely been tricked by Tan Jizhi. However, the treasure map was clearly genuine, and they had indeed found the location. Could it be... Tan Jizhi wants us to fight each other so he can reap the benefits? At this thought, Lei Tengfeng’s heart skipped a beat, and he was no longer in a hurry to enter the mausoleum. He smiled at the others beside him, who were also watching him. Raising an eyebrow, he said lightly, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Li, Seventh Prince, what are your intentions?"
Those present wore varied expressions, but all were wary and vigilant towards their rivals. All of them were of imperial lineage and knew what awaited them inside the mausoleum. If they allowed others to get there first... Gold, silver, and jewels were secondary; if someone else seized the Imperial Seal of the realm, that would be a true disaster.
Yelv Hong chuckled. Displaying a caution and shrewdness uncommon among the northern nomads, he smiled and said, "This little prince is merely curious about the mausoleum of the Central Plains’ founding emperor. I’ll just send someone in to take a look." With a wave of his hand, a squad of men dressed as his attendants entered the passage ahead of the others.
Lei Tengfeng’s eyes narrowed slightly, a dark glint flickering within them. Nodding, he smiled and said, "Crown Prince Yelv is right. Though an imperial mausoleum is indeed inauspicious, there’s no need for us to venture in personally. Alright, you lot go in and take a look. You can report back to my father when we return."
A group of men in golden brocade robes behind him clasped their fists in salute to Lei Tengfeng and then rushed in. Yelv Hong and the others were momentarily stunned. Those were the Golden Armor Guards of the Southern Garrison Prince; they had actually accompanied Lei Tengfeng here.
Lei Tengfeng smiled at Mo Jingli. "Well, Prince Li? Aren’t you going to take a look?"
Mo Jingli snorted lightly. "A gentleman does not stand beneath a collapsing wall. This Prince doesn’t care about a mere imperial mausoleum." With a gesture, the guards behind him also went in. Yelv Ye, standing nearby, naturally wouldn’t be outdone and dispatched his own men into the mausoleum as well.
Far away, in a concealed spot, Han Mingxi watched the group still lingering at the entrance. They neither entered nor showed signs of leaving. He couldn’t help but grow annoyed. "What do these people mean? If they’re not going in, they shouldn’t hinder others!"
"They’re not going in," Han Mingyue suddenly said from his side, where he’d been silent all along.
Han Mingxi paused, startled, then turned to Han Mingyue. "Why not?"
Han Mingyue glanced at him and said coolly, "Who are those people? They are either crown princes, princes, or heirs—all figures of high status and power. They aren’t tomb raiders. Even if they greatly desire what’s inside, they wouldn’t personally risk their lives. If they lose their lives, they lose everything."
Han Mingxi mulled it over and had to admit his brother was right. This realization only deepened his frustration and anger. What does Mo Xiuyao mean by this? Did he call me here just to stare at these people? Is he toying with me?
Han Mingyue remained silent. He currently had no interest in Mo Xiuyao or the people at the entrance; his only hope was that his younger brother wouldn’t go in and get himself killed.
"Young Master Han." A deep male voice suddenly sounded from not far behind them. Han Mingxi jumped, startled, and whirled around, wary of the man who had abruptly appeared. He was dressed in dark green, his face also smeared with green dye. Even after staring for some time, Han Mingxi couldn’t quite make out what the man would look like with a clean face. Frowning, and sensing no hostility from the newcomer, Han Mingxi asked, "What ghost are you?"
The man replied in a deep voice, "Recruit from the Twelfth Squad, Qilin Training Camp. I am here under orders from my captain to inform Young Master Han that the Qilin are carrying out a mission. Please step aside, Young Master Han."
"Mission?" Han Mingxi was puzzled for a moment, then understanding dawned. He pointed to the group still confronting each other in the distance. "Them?"
The man stood solemnly, eyes observing his nose, nose observing his heart, as if he hadn’t heard Han Mingxi’s question.
Han Mingxi narrowed his eyes, asking unhappily, "And what if I choose not to step aside?"
The man didn’t stand on ceremony. He raised a hand and snapped his fingers behind him. "Seize them!"
Even masters like Han Mingxi and Han Mingyue couldn’t react in time. Over a dozen incredibly agile figures pounced, hitting their acupoints, binding them, gagging them, and carrying them off—Han Mingxi, Han Mingyue, and the men they had brought. Han Mingxi had never suffered such treatment in his life, not even during his youth when he was pursued by various major sects of the martial world! His face instantly turned crimson with rage, and he began to struggle relentlessly despite being bound.
A man came up from behind, patted his shoulder, and whispered, "Brother Han, you brought this on yourself by not cooperating. We had no choice. Don’t worry, you’ll be released in four hours at most. We’re just following the Princess Consort’s orders. No offense, alright?"
Han Mingxi looked back in indignation. He had only said it casually; who knew these bastards would actually go through with it!
Turning his head, he found the man smeared to look like a ghost was remarkably familiar. "Mmph...mmph!" Xu Qingfeng!
Xu Qingfeng flashed him a toothy grin. "Brother Han, my apologies. Once the mission is complete, I’ll treat you to drinks to make it up to you."
"Mmph! Mmph!" Damn you and your whole Xu Family! Not a single decent one among you!
Xu Qingfeng pretended not to see the fury in his eyes, waving a hand for his subordinates to take the captives away and hide them well, so as not to interfere with the mission. Thus, the dashing and debonair Young Master Fengyue, who had lived a life of pleasure, truly met his retribution for the first time. Because Han Mingxi and the others were still entangled in the mission’s progress, they couldn’t spare the manpower to escort them away. So, they found a secluded mountain hollow, placed them inside, crudely camouflaged the spot with some branches and dry grass, and then departed. Only Han Mingxi was left, lying in the bushes, glaring and cursing his mother in his heart.
Having dealt with Han Mingxi, Xu Qingfeng lay contentedly on a hillside, observing the movements of the group at the imperial mausoleum’s entrance. It wasn’t that he wanted to pick a fight with Han Mingxi; rather, the spot Han Mingxi had chosen was too good—it was exactly where Xu Qingfeng needed to be. Looking at the so-called crown princes, princes, and heirs opposite them, Xu Qingfeng’s eyes shone with excitement and eagerness. Days like these were far more interesting than studying or being an official back home!
"Captain, the perimeter has been cleared. Only these targets remain. Shall we move in now?" a team member whispered, having crept up beside Xu Qingfeng.
Xu Qingfeng shook his head and said in a low voice, "Those people are all of noble status and cherish their lives; they must have at least several hundred guards around them. Plus, there are experts like Lei Tengfeng, Yelv Hong, Yelv Ye, and Mo Jingli. If even one of them escapes, all our prior efforts will be for naught. We’ll wait for the others to arrive and then act together."
"We arrived first, why..." a young, spirited soldier began, clearly resentful. They had arrived first. If their squad captured these people themselves, they would undoubtedly be number one.
Xu Qingfeng cuffed him on the head. "There are only a dozen of us. It wouldn’t be easy to take on so many of them head-on. What if one escapes? Don’t forget the Princess Consort’s and Commander Qin’s orders."
"Capture or kill all of them. Letting even one slip through counts as failure."
The young soldier rubbed his head and obediently lay back down.
Before long, something glinted on the opposite ridge. Xu Qingfeng’s eyes lit up. Chewing on a grass root, he grinned. "Look, who’s arrived?"
A soldier crawled up and carefully surveyed the surroundings. Their chosen position was excellent; not only could they clearly see their targets opposite, but they also had a clear view of the hillsides and cliffs on both sides. The soldier chuckled and reported to Xu Qingfeng, "Squads One through Sixteen have all arrived. Squads Seven and Fifteen are blocking the river upstream and downstream. The others are dispersed around."
Xu Qingfeng nodded in satisfaction. "Tell the brothers to prepare. As per the original plan, coordinate with the other squads to encircle these people. We’ll advance towards the center in a pincer movement, like a dragnet. Don’t let a single one escape. After all squads converge, the deputy captains will take command of their respective units. I will join the other captains to capture those main targets."
"Yes!"
While Lei Tengfeng and the others at the foot of the cliff were still cautiously probing and guarding against their rivals, they were unaware that a contingent of troops had silently eliminated their thousand-strong force deployed nearby and was slowly closing in on them. Lei Tengfeng leaned against a large tree, his gaze periodically sweeping over Yelv Ye and the others. He was inwardly calculating: if his men failed to retrieve the Imperial Seal, what then? And if his men did get it, how could they break out of the encirclement by these other factions? As he pondered this, the others were naturally not idle. So, when he looked up this time, he met Mo Jingli’s vigilant, guarded gaze. Lei Tengfeng offered Mo Jingli a friendly smile, only to be met with silent indifference. Lei Tengfeng didn’t mind. He and his father had long since analyzed Mo Jingli and had unanimously concluded that the man was incapable of achieving much and not worth worrying about.
Finally, a sound came from the tomb passage. Everyone immediately stood up, staring intently at the exit. Soon, figures began to rush out, their disheveled and distressed appearances clearly indicating that the dangers encountered within the imperial mausoleum were far from ordinary. Mo Jingli strode forward, grabbed one of his men who had emerged, and demanded sharply, "Did you find the Imperial Seal?!"
"Your Highness... we were tricked by Tan Jizhi! Inside... there’s no Imperial Seal at all!" the guard reported, his face contorted in pain from Mo Jingli’s grip, yet he persisted.
Everyone’s expression changed drastically. Soon, more men stumbled out, bringing similar news. Yelv Hong’s men even brought back that imitation Imperial Seal. The glaringly obvious word "Imitation" in the corner of the seal stung everyone’s eyes, as if mocking them.
"Tan Jizhi!" Mo Jingli gritted his teeth. The others also wore grim expressions, especially when they heard that most of the burial items inside, while precious, were massive and difficult to move. Their faces became even more unsightly.
Lei Tengfeng, however, was decisive. Since they hadn’t found what they were looking for, he intended to return to Licheng immediately to report to his father. With a light snort, he announced loudly, "We’re leaving! Back to the city!"
However, the guards hidden nearby gave no response. Lei Tengfeng immediately sensed something was wrong, and his expression turned even grimmer. The others also realized something was amiss. Mo Jingli shouted sharply, "Men!" Only his voice echoed through the cliffs; the hundreds of guards who should have been hidden in the shadows, ready to act, remained utterly silent.
Then, a clear, deep laugh echoed from nearby. "To excavate a tomb on Northwest land without the owner’s permission... you all certainly have courage. Surrender now and await the Prince and Princess Consort’s judgment."
"This tomb couldn’t possibly belong to Mo Xiuyao, could it?" Mo Jingli scoffed.
The voice retorted with an equally cold laugh. "While this tomb doesn’t belong to our Prince, it lies on our Prince’s land. And... for all of you, esteemed dignitaries and royalty from various states, to engage in such a despicable act as tomb excavation, it truly earns our admiration. However, even if you enjoy such activities, you shouldn’t be doing them in the Northwest. Did you truly think our Prince is a non-entity? I will count to three. Come over and surrender yourselves. Otherwise, don’t blame us for being discourteous."
Lei Tengfeng smiled. "May I ask which general you gentlemen serve under? Could it be... Princess Consort Ding’s Qilin? If so, this humble prince would indeed like to experience your skills."
Yelv Ye stepped forward, laughing. "The Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince is right. I, too, would like to witness the Qilin’s capabilities."
Yelv Hong and Mo Jingli exchanged a look, both assuming a defensive posture. Ye Li’s Qilin had appeared too quickly and were too enigmatic. If they could use this opportunity to gauge their strength, it would be beneficial.
"Then we shall be so bold!" As soon as the words fell, over a dozen figures suddenly shot out, pouncing towards the group. They didn’t engage in a chaotic melee like common fighters. Instead, as if pre-arranged, several of them surrounded each target and attacked. As for the other guards, they were swiftly dispatched by the Qilin who rushed forward. After clearing away the troublesome guards, the remaining Qilin didn’t join the fray. Instead, they formed an orderly perimeter around the battlefield, appearing to be both observing and preventing any escape.
Lei Tengfeng brandished his longsword, engaging the several men surrounding him. He keenly observed that they coordinated with exceptional tacit understanding, their formations shifting fluidly at any moment. If any single group showed the slightest disadvantage, other nearby teams would immediately dispatch members to reinforce them. Although none of them were his match in single combat, they were all competent. Forget fighting ten; even four of them coordinating their attacks made him inwardly cry out in distress.
The battle concluded within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Unsurprisingly, all four VVIPs were captured. One of the Qilin gestured to their comrades watching from the perimeter. The onlookers cheered and then swiftly dispersed, vanishing into the mountain forest.
Lei Tengfeng looked down at the short blade pressed against his neck and at the man quietly and efficiently binding his hands behind his back. He sighed in helpless admiration. "The Qilin truly live up to their reputation."
The man binding him, his own face masked by green paint, grinned. "Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. We aren’t even official Qilin members yet."
Lei Tengfeng smiled faintly but said nothing, though his heart sank. Such combat prowess would be considered elite among elites in any nation’s army, yet these men weren’t even official Qilin. How formidable, then, were the true Qilin? Looking at these faces, all unidentifiable, a chill crept into Lei Tengfeng’s heart.
"What about the men we brought?" Yelv Hong asked.
One of the Qilin recruits made a sound, scratched his head, thought for a moment, and said, "Orders from above were only that the important figures must be unharmed. For the others, it was up to us. Those who were cooperative were tied up. Those who weren’t, were killed."
Yelv Hong’s expression flickered. The Beirong people were renowned throughout the world for their valor; he found it hard to believe that so many Beirong experts could have been dealt with so silently.
Lei Tengfeng, on the other hand, had already anticipated this and wasn’t particularly agitated. He was merely calculating in his heart what price they would have to pay this time, having fallen into the hands of Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding.
"Greetings, Princess Consort! Greetings, Commander!"
In a relatively flat clearing within the forest, Ye Li stood serenely, dressed in white silk clothes, without a trace of makeup. Half a step behind her stood Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and Lin Han, all in black. Not far off were Han Mingxi, looking thoroughly resentful after being hauled out of a grassy hollow, and Han Mingyue, whose expression was complicated as he pondered something unknown.
Ye Li observed the warriors before her. Despite a full day and night of marching and combat, they still radiated vigor. She nodded in satisfaction. "At ease. Commander Qin, the three instructors, and I have all witnessed your performance today. We will discuss any shortcomings later. Overall, we are very pleased."
A collective sigh of relief went through the ranks, and they responded in unison, "Thank you, Princess Consort! Thank you, Commander, for your instruction!"
They hadn’t realized that during their march and battles, the Princess Consort, the Commander, and the instructors who usually trained them had been observing from behind. Nevertheless, receiving the Princess Consort’s commendation filled them with joy.
Ye Li smiled warmly at the young men, their excitement palpable. "Then, I now declare that you have officially graduated from the training camp and are now members of the Qilin."
Another cheer erupted from the group. Qin Feng, standing behind Ye Li, stepped forward. He cast a look full of ill-intent at his excited new subordinates. "Don’t celebrate too soon. Truly becoming a member of the Qilin only means your future days will be even more arduous than your past."
"Commander, we are not afraid!" a soldier stepped forward from the ranks, his voice firm.
"Not afraid, eh?" Qin Feng offered a rare smile, sending a shiver down the soldier’s spine. He continued, "Very well. To welcome and celebrate your official induction into the Qilin, I have prepared a congratulatory gift for you all: one month of wilderness survival training. Location: the Lingyun Mountain Range, three hundred miles northeast of here. Requirements: you are forbidden from acquiring any supplies from civilians by any means, and you must not alert any local garrisons. As for those who fail..." Seeing their initially ecstatic expressions instantly turn to ones of utter misery, Qin Feng’s smile didn’t falter. "Failures will be washing clothes for the entire Qilin for the next three months!"
A torrent of curses immediately erupted in everyone’s hearts. The Qilin underwent endless, varied training sessions daily; their clothes got so filthy they themselves wouldn’t want to touch them. The entire Qilin unit numbered close to a thousand, or at least seven to eight hundred men. Making them wash that many clothes? They’d rather die!
Qin Feng, apparently oblivious to his subordinates’ anguished resentment, watched with satisfaction as the warriors—their expressions hidden by paint but their displeasure palpable—stood before him. He waved his hand. "Now, everyone! Northeast direction, move out!"
"Yes!"
"Captain of Squad Twelve, remain behind," Ye Li said.
Xu Qingfeng, who had intended to take off with the others, froze for a moment but remained in place. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
"Princess Consort?" Xu Qingfeng asked, puzzled.
"Third Brother, your training is complete," Ye Li said with a smile. Xu Qingfeng knew that when Ye Li called him ’Third Brother,’ it meant she was speaking to him in a personal capacity. However, Xu Qingfeng didn’t wish to discuss this as a private matter. After a moment of silence, he said, "Princess Consort, I wish to stay and continue with them."
Ye Li frowned. "That was not our original agreement." Xu Qingfeng had joined halfway. Although his training performance was no worse than anyone else’s, no one had ever intended for him to remain permanently in the Qilin, not even Xu Qingfeng himself, most likely. What he yearned for was to command on open battlefields, not to be part of such small-scale teams. The Qilin were destined never to engage in direct, frontal warfare. Moreover, due to the Qilin’s confidential nature, if Xu Qingfeng truly joined, it would mean that for at least several years, he could not marry or have children, nor could he spend extended periods with his family. This was likely not what his uncle and aunt would wish to see.
Xu Qingfeng said earnestly, "I have made my decision. I believe I am no less capable than anyone else. Please, Princess Consort, give me a chance to prove it."
Ye Li frowned slightly and looked at Qin Feng, asking, "Qin Feng, what do you think?"
Qin Feng raised an eyebrow. "Third Young Master Xu’s abilities are undeniable. Actually, Princess Consort, you could wait until he returns this time before deciding whether he stays or goes. That would also give you time to discuss it with Old Master Xu and the two Masters."
Ye Li considered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, then. Third Brother, you may go."
Hearing this, Xu Qingfeng’s face lit up. He bowed to Ye Li and Qin Feng, then turned and hurried to catch up with his squad.
