Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 301 - 299. The Demise of Zhu Yan

Chapter 299: The Demise of Zhu Yan

On the battlefield, Zhu Ling’s unopposed rampage was unnerving the soldiers of the Mo Family Army. Although General Zhang Qilan understood he was no match for Zhu Ling, he was not comfortable watching his opponent behave so arrogantly before him.

"What’s this kid’s background?" questioned Zhang Qilan with a frown.

Smiling, Qin Feng beside him replied, "He should be one of Zhu Yan’s descendants, likely a grandchild. They say Zhu Yan had a grandson who was frail and sickly from a young age and hasn’t been seen since he was about ten. Many assumed he had died young. Judging by the situation now, it must be him."

Zhang Qilan nodded in understanding. "No wonder. Being the grandchild of General Jingtian, it’s no surprise he is indeed quite formidable. Commander Qin, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you." The leader of the Qilin, insisting on accompanying me to defend the city, must be for situations like this, right?

Qin Feng, flashing an unusual grin, spurred his well-trained warhorse forward towards the man clad in moon-white attire in the middle of the battlefield. Amid the intense battle, Zhu Ling sensed someone charging towards him, so he swiftly dispatched his nearby enemies to confront this new adversary, coming face-to-face with Qin Feng. Qin Feng slightly raised his eyebrows, unleashing his longsword straight towards Zhu Ling’s face. Zhu Ling adeptly dodged by shifting his body on his horse and retaliated with his own longsword. They engaged in relentless combat atop their horses.

Both of them were using swords, which, regardless of their length, had limitations. It wasn’t easy to fight on horseback. After dozens of rounds, they both dismounted and landed on the battlefield. Zhu Ling brandished his longsword towards Qin Feng’s face. "Who are you? State your name!"

Qin Feng responded with a smirk, "Qin Feng, serving under Princess Consort Ding in Prince Ding’s Mansion. And you are?"

Zhu Ling furrowed his brow slightly. The manner in which his opponent spoke was no different from saying nothing at all. Nonetheless, he coldly answered, "Commander Zhu Ling of the Jing Kingdom’s Army from Xiling."

Qin Feng smiled. "So you really are the descendant of the esteemed General Zhu? A pleasure to meet you!"

Zhu Ling snorted in response, and the two resumed fighting, no longer speaking.

In the rear, Zhang Qilan’s spirits lifted significantly upon seeing Zhu Ling engaged by Qin Feng. He nodded in approval. "The Princess Consort did the right thing by leaving Qin Feng behind. Truly, she is far-sighted. I, this humble general, pale in comparison." Without Qin Feng here, handling Zhu Ling would have been highly challenging. Hence, the meddling of these worldly society experts on the battlefield can be quite annoying. If you ignore them, their killing ability is several times, even dozens of times, greater than the average soldier. Deploying our own commanding officers would risk losing them, which would be a monumental loss. I’ll have to borrow a few Qilin from the Princess Consort for every battle from now on.

As Zhang Qilan reveled in his joy, General Zhu Yan on the city wall was far from content. After Zhu Ling was occupied, the Xiling soldiers’ formation immediately crumbled into chaos. In a matter of moments, the Mo Family Army took advantage, and the Xiling soldiers had lost more than half of their troops. Qin Feng and Zhu Ling’s fight was intense and enjoyable. Though there were many skilled fighters in Prince Ding’s Mansion, they were all familiar faces, making the fights lack novelty. Qin Feng did not yet have the nerve to challenge top-tier talents like Prince Ding. Encountering Zhu Ling, an unfamiliar skilled fighter, was stimulating, which naturally led him to fight vigorously.

On the other hand, Zhu Ling was inwardly groaning with regret. I never expected that I would be entangled for such a long time with an unknown young commander from the Mo Family Army. Initially, he merely intended to kill Qin Feng swiftly to establish his dominance, but the prolonged fight was testing his patience. By now, it was too late to retreat, as stopping the fight unilaterally wasn’t an option unless Qin Feng chose to withdraw.

As the fight progressed, he realized that Qin Feng’s skill was by no means inferior to his own. If the fight continues, both parties will inevitably end up injured. However, Qin Feng can afford to be wounded, while I cannot. I am the commander of the Jing Kingdom’s Army, and Grandfather Zhu Yan is too old to lead the army into battle. This thought made him even more flustered, causing him to lose his cool. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Qin Feng launched a series of fierce attacks, leaving Zhu Ling defending in disarray, on the brink of sustaining severe injuries.

From the city wall, Zhu Yan watched Zhu Ling, engaged in combat with Qin Feng, and grimaced. He signaled his soldiers to sound the gong for retreat.

As the horn sounded, the soldiers of Xiling quickly retreated inside the city gates. Zhang Qilan didn’t order a pursuit. Though it’s relatively easy to breach the city gates, we are wary of the nearly two-hundred-thousand-strong Xiling army stationed inside. If we end up engaging in street fights within the city, we might incur heavy casualties, which the Mo Family Army is not prepared to endure.

Qin Feng, not keen on continuing the fight, tactfully retreated a distance, allowing Zhu Ling to return to the city before mounting his horse and rejoining the Mo Family Army.

"How did it go?" asked Zhang Qilan.

With a satisfied expression, Qin Feng nodded in approval. "A master. It’s best not to rashly confront him, General Zhang."

Zhang Qilan grimaced and grumbled discontentedly, "I know, I’m not tired of living. You, boy, can you tell me now? Where did the Princess Consort go?" Don’t assume that just because I seem careless and broad-minded means I’m heartless. It was rumored that the Princess Consort who came to support us never showed up. How could I not be anxious? It looks like even the Prince isn’t aware of the Princess Consort’s whereabouts. If the Prince were to find out, wouldn’t he skin me alive?

"General Zhang, be calm," Qin Feng soothed. "Didn’t I say? I have already sent someone to escort the Princess Consort."

Zhang Qilan shot him an annoyed glare. It would have been better if you hadn’t said anything. The fact that she needs an escort means the place the Princess Consort went isn’t safe. Taking a deep breath, Zhang Qilan held back his urge to throw the man out. "What can we do?"

Qin Feng pondered. "Wait for the Princess Consort’s signal, and then encircle and annihilate the enemy with Third Young Master Feng?"

"Isn’t Third Feng in the main camp?! Where did he pop out from?" roared Zhang Qilan.

Qin Feng remained cool. "Heaven’s secrets must not be divulged. General, you understand, right?"

I understand your sister! Zhang Qilan fumed internally.

Less than fifteen minutes after both armies withdrew, thick smoke suddenly arose from the mountains in the southwest. The weather was good today; the sky was clear with no clouds. The usual fog that lingered around the mountains had also dissipated greatly. Despite being tens of *li* away, they could still see clearly. Seeing this, Zhu Ling and Zhu Yan were greatly alarmed. "Grandfather! In the mountains..." The mountains aren’t only hiding over one hundred thousand elite soldiers, but also enough supplies to last an army of two hundred thousand for a year! Zhu Yan naturally knew this, and his aged face looked gloomy. "You, take the troops back!"

"But Grandfather, here..." Zhu Ling said anxiously.

Zhu Yan interrupted him. "No need to say more. If our encampment is taken by the Mo Family Army, then we, with our over one hundred thousand troops, holding up a lonely city, can’t support ourselves with food for more than a few days." This small town is not as big as Biancheng City. Even if the Mo Family Army doesn’t take it, besieging it for three to five months is not a problem. Over one hundred thousand troops would be able to eat the stored food in this small town clean in just three to five days. Then, we can do nothing but starve and wait for the Mo Family Army to clean up.

"The Mo Family Army won’t have that many soldiers there. There definitely won’t be more than thirty thousand soldiers on that side. You take the army back, and you must hold firm at all costs!" Zhu Yan instructed.

"Grandfather..."

Zhu Yan sighed lightly and patted his grandson’s shoulder. "Go. Your grandfather will cover your retreat."

Zhu Ling gritted his teeth, his eyes a touch red, and nodded. "Grandson understands. Take care, Grandfather!"

"Go!"

Zhu Ling led his over one hundred thousand troops back to the mountains where they had been stationed for more than ten years. In contrast, Zhu Yan, already past seventy, was left in that small city with fewer than fifty thousand Xiling soldiers to defend the lonely county town. What they faced behind them was the vigorous Mo Family Army, poised to kill, their numbers exceeding a hundred thousand. Mounted on his horse, Zhu Ling looked back at the small city under the night sky one last time, just seeing his grandfather’s aged figure standing lonely on top of the city wall, looking in his direction. His heart trembled. Zhu Ling choked back the stabbing pain in his eyes, whipped his horse, and hurried off into the distance.

The small city was not far from the mountains where the Jing Kingdom’s Army was stationed; it would only take a little more than two hours to march twenty or thirty *li*. But after entering the mountains, they had to slow down. Even though these are the places we’ve lived in and are so familiar with over the last decade, what’s hidden in there now might not be our comrades and relatives, but our enemies lurking in the shadows.

"Young Master, a scout who went to investigate the road ahead reported back that there is no movement in front," one of the guards reported softly, riding up to Zhu Ling.

Zhu Ling said in a deep voice, "The real problem lies in the lack of movement. I’m afraid... none of those who were left behind are alive." I left thirty thousand troops in the forest when I departed. How is it possible for them to make no sound at all if they had returned? Now, looking at the silent and somber mountains before him, Zhu Ling erased his last shred of hope.

"Young Master, is Miss Yang really..." The guard couldn’t go on. Although I haven’t known Miss Yang for long, I have a fondness for her too. Likewise, I can see that Young Master’s feelings for Miss Yang are somehow different. We’ve spent several years in the depths of the mountains, isolated from the outside world. It would be a joyous occasion if Young Master and Miss Yang could be together, but I never expected...

Thinking of that delicate and mild-mannered young lady, Zhu Ling’s face darkened. I never thought I would be deceived by a woman, and that woman... Even now, I still hold onto a glimmer of hope, hoping that it’s all a misunderstanding. But my reason tells me, where in this world would a misunderstanding be so coincidental?

Seeing the gloomy expression on the Young Master’s face in the darkness, the guard quickly changed the subject. "Young Master, our camp is just over this hill."

"Tell the men upfront to be cautious," Zhu Ling nodded, speaking in a deep voice.

But caution could sometimes prove fruitless. The soldiers at the forefront of the narrow mountain path passed safely. Just as they were about to breathe a sigh of relief, a loud noise echoed in the mountains. People looked on in shock as a huge rock was pushed from the top of the mountain and tumbled down, followed by countless stones rolling down from both sides of the hill. The descending rocks soon blocked both the forward and backward paths. Cries and calls for help from the countless soldiers struck by the rocks reverberated through the entire forest.

Soon, countless torches were lit on the two hillsides, casting two dazzling, dragon-like lines of light across the dark forest.

The Xiling soldiers trapped in the valley were in chaos. Some were panicking, and some were already counterattacking. But facing the enemy on high ground and the famed archery skills of the Mo Family Army, the valley was soon filled with the thick scent of blood.

Zhu Ling stood silently in the midst of the chaos, his bodyguards dutifully blocking the arrows heading his way. His handsome face, intermittently illuminated by the flickering torchlight, was filled with gloom and anger. Over a decade of preparations, Grandfather’s twenty years of painstaking efforts... Are they all going to be destroyed in the blink of an eye? What’s being destroyed in this small valley today isn’t just the Zhu Family’s over one hundred thousand strong Jing Kingdom Army. It’s also my over a decade of painstaking effort, over a decade of endurance, waiting, and ambition.

I’m still too young. Zhu Ling didn’t understand that while ancient wisdom said heroes emerge in troubled times, only a select few could become heroes amidst chaos. Most were merely cannon fodder for these heroes. And there were no rules in this world stating that whoever put in the most effort would certainly become the hero in such chaos.

"Young Master, you must leave!" A guard behind him pushed him, snapping him back to reality. Zhu Ling looked around and realized that the guards around him were all injured, yet they were still stubbornly surrounding him and struggling. However, the terrain was to their extreme disadvantage, and the divine archers of the Mo Family Army were not easy to fend off. They were approaching the end of their tether.

Zhu Ling forced a bitter smile. "Escape? Where can I go?"

"Anywhere is good! As long as there’s life, there’s hope. Young Master, please go!" the guard shouted urgently and pushed Zhu Ling once more, reminding him sharply, "Young Master, don’t forget the Old General is waiting for you!"

Zhu Ling was taken aback, as if he was truly brought back to reality. He looked around; the valley was a scene of devastation. Less than twenty percent of the soldiers were able to stand.

"Protect the Young Master! Break through!" a man beside him roared. Soon, loyal bodyguards and retainers of the Zhu Family rallied around Zhu Ling and rushed towards the front. We’ve lived in this forest for over twenty years, so we naturally know the best escape routes. The remaining soldiers seemed to understand that they had reached a dead end; they roared and stormed the sides of the hills in a desperate bid to take the enemy down with them. However, most of them were shot down again. Occasionally, a few might scramble to the top, only to fall to the sharp blades of the Mo Family Army waiting there.

The group protecting Zhu Ling consisted of expert martial artists, but in the end, only seven or eight people managed to escape from the valley. Once we’re out of the encirclement and into the forest, this is our territory. The Mo Family Army, no matter how powerful, would have an extremely hard time finding us in such mountainous terrain. However, as they emerged from the valley, the scene before them left them stunned. Even in the dim moonlight, they could see the gruesome spectacle of bodies strewn all over the field, and the air was thick with the pungent smell of blood. These were the soldiers who charged out first. Unfortunately, though they didn’t die from the arrows in the valley, they still couldn’t escape the enemy’s ambush set up outside.

"Young Master, let’s go!" The battered guard beside him pulled Zhu Ling and said hoarsely.

"Go!" Zhu Ling’s voice was hoarse and low.

"Young Master Zhu." A gentle and graceful voice sounded in the blood-soaked forest. Zhu Ling’s heart trembled as he looked up. Not far away on the mountain path, a girl in white stood elegantly against the wind. In the dim moonlight, the girl’s face shone with a crystal-clear luster, her delicate and beautiful eyes holding a faint brilliance. Her sudden appearance on this dark and bloody battlefield made her seem like a nymph of the mountain forest.

"Who are you, really?" Zhu Ling’s voice was dry and faint as he stared at the girl before him and asked with difficulty.

The girl in white looked at him and smiled faintly, with a hint of apology. "My name is Ye Li."

Ye Li! Such ordinary characters, such a commonplace name. Yet, these two words sounded like thunder from the heavens to Zhu Ling, deafening him. After a while, Zhu Ling began to laugh slowly. "Ye Li? Ye Li... Princess Consort Ding, Ye Li... HA HA..." As if he had heard something hilarious, Zhu Ling’s laughter grew louder and louder until he seemed unable to catch his breath. "You are Princess Consort Ding?!"

Ye Li nodded. "I am Princess Consort Ding."

"You deceived me," Zhu Ling gritted his teeth.

Ye Li nodded. "I deceived you." Her beautiful eyes carried a hint of regret and helplessness, but there was no remorse or shame. In war, there is no good or evil, no right or wrong, only sides. People standing on different sides are enemies, and when dealing with enemies... any means are justified. This is a principle I, Ye Li, have recognized in both my past and present lives.

"What a Princess Consort Ding..." Zhu Ling murmured softly. "I heard that the Southern Garrison Prince, Lei Zhenting’s army of hundreds of thousands was almost annihilated by Princess Consort Ding. Today, for Zhu Ling to be defeated by Princess Consort Ding... it’s not too hard to accept. To have the Princess Consort go to such lengths for me is truly an honor spanning three lifetimes."

Ye Li gave a somewhat helpless, faint smile. "Young Master Zhu, your army of over one hundred thousand, though not overwhelmingly large, came at a time when my army was desperately short of soldiers. If you had suddenly struck, it would have caused considerable trouble for the Mo Family Army. In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be used. If I have caused any offense, please forgive me, Young Master."

"Had you been targeting the Jing Kingdom’s Army right from the start?" Zhu Ling asked.

Ye Li smiled faintly, not denying it.

"Old General Zhu secretly stationed over one hundred thousand troops near Biancheng City, so there must also be plenty of food and fodder. To be honest, what we first desired were not your troops, Young Master, but the food and fodder that sustains them." Not far away, Feng Zhiyao, in bright red silken attire, walked slowly, blood still dripping from the longsword held inverted in his hand.

Ye Li smiled helplessly and asked Feng Zhiyao, "Why are you here?"

Feng Zhiyao had a beaming smile. "The Princess Consort is risking her life. If I don’t show up, how could I explain to the Prince later?"

Ye Li frowned, giving Feng Zhiyao a cold glance. You could have chosen not to tell him!

Feng Zhiyao raised his eyebrows. Does the Princess Consort really think she could keep it from him?

Watching the silent exchange of glances between the two, Zhu Ling sighed softly with a melancholic look and stared calmly at the girl in white. "What does the Princess Consort want?"

Ye Li remained silent for a moment before speaking lightly, "Please accompany us back, Young Master."

Zhu Ling fell silent, then, after a moment, threw his head back and laughed loudly. He pointed at Ye Li and declared, "I, Zhu Ling, have achieved nothing in my life, but as a descendant of the Zhu Family, I will never be a prisoner! Nor will I give you the chance to threaten my grandfather!"

Ye Li let out a sigh of regret. "So, Young Master, what do you propose?"

Zhu Ling snatched the longsword from a guard beside him, pointed it at Feng Zhiyao and the Black Cloud Cavalry behind him, who were not far away, and declared solemnly, "I only ask for an honorable death in battle!"

The smile on Feng Zhiyao’s face slowly faded, replaced by a serious expression. Zhu Ling, in my eyes, still seems somewhat naive. In a few more years, his achievements would definitely surpass my own. As fellow commanders, even if he is a defeated general, I respect his courage and am willing to grant his wish. He casually tore off a piece of his robe’s hem and wiped the blood from his sword. Feng Zhiyao nodded. "Young Master Zhu, please."

"Wait a moment," Ye Li’s voice came from the side. Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow, retracted his longsword, and looked at Ye Li. Ye Li raised a hand to stop Lin Han, who was behind her, then strode forward to face the young man whose clothes were stained with blood. Her clear, gentle voice rang out, "I am willing to fight you, Young Master."

"Princess Consort!" Feng Zhiyao and the others were startled and immediately tried to dissuade her. Though Zhu Ling’s army is defeated, Zhu Ling himself is still a formidable fighter. The bloodstains on his body aren’t his own; in fact, he has hardly fought personally this evening.

Ye Li waved her hand to silence their attempts at persuasion and approached Zhu Ling. "I am willing to duel with you, Young Master. Would you accept?"

"I’ve heard Princess Consort Ding is a great warrior. I am most fortunate. Please!"

The forest, though not broad, was filled with corpses and rivers of blood.

On the battlefield littered with the bodies of Xiling soldiers, the man in moon-white attire and the girl in white stood calmly, facing each other. If not for the dead bodies and bloodstained swords everywhere, it would have been a beautiful scene. Not far away, a crowd watched them silently.

Zhu Ling’s longsword vibrated, creating two silver sword flourishes. Ye Li gave him a faint smile, a snow-white dagger flashing at her fingertips. As if after a momentary pause, the two figures rushed towards each other at great speed, their forms intertwining and then tangling together. Zhu Ling’s longsword exuded a powerful sword aura, while Ye Li’s dagger shimmered with a deadly, cold energy.

Soon, Zhu Ling discovered that he could not gain any advantage in close combat with this woman; in fact, his swordplay was greatly restricted. He quickly tried to distance himself from Ye Li. However, Ye Li would not give him such an opportunity. The chilling dagger, like a persistent pest, scraped past his clothes again and again, raising goosebumps on the skin beneath.

When the longsword clashed with the short blade, Ye Li’s hand holding the dagger trembled slightly. After all, a woman’s strength can hardly contend with that of a man. She frowned, and her dagger slid up the sword blade, aiming directly at Zhu Ling’s wrist, forcing him to quickly retract his hand and evade.

"Princess Consort Ding is most skillful!"

"You’re too kind, Young Master Zhu."

Outside the battlefield, Feng Zhiyao watched the fighting pair intently, his brows furrowed. However, he had to admit that the Princess Consort’s progress in recent years had been exceptionally rapid. Even when facing a rare master like Zhu Ling, she was in no way inferior. Lin Han had somehow come to his side and was also staring intently at the dueling pair, but he asked, "Why is Third Young Master Feng here? What about General Zhang’s side...?"

Feng Zhiyao replied, "Commander Qin is enough over there. Even if he isn’t, he can stall for time until we get back. I’m not comfortable with the Princess Consort venturing into danger alone. What about you, is your injury alright?"

Lin Han touched his back and shook his head. That blade wound looked terrifyingly dangerous, but the person who inflicted it had calculated carefully to avoid any vital spots. It was just a flesh wound.

Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I thought it should be fine. After all, I, this young master, inflicted it myself. My calculations were good, weren’t they?"

"Thank you for your mercy, Third Young Master Feng," Lin Han said through gritted teeth. Even though I volunteered for this, anyone would be upset after being wounded for no reason. Moreover, the person responsible for my injury is standing there, complacently taking credit. This Third Young Master Feng really deserves to be taught a lesson.

"Princess Consort, be careful!" Feng Zhiyao, who was laughing heartily, caught a glimpse of a flash of silver light and immediately shouted a warning. On the other side, one of Zhu Ling’s guards, seeing Ye Li fighting Zhu Ling on even terms, had a vicious glint in his eyes. The moment Ye Li and Zhu Ling separated, he fired a silver, gleaming hidden weapon.

Upon hearing Feng Zhiyao’s warning, Ye Li also heard the sound of the hidden weapon cutting through the air behind her. Without turning her head, she moved her dagger behind her to deflect it, but then she saw Zhu Ling suddenly lunging towards her. Ye Li frowned slightly, about to strike out with her palm, when she saw Zhu Ling push her aside. The hidden weapon, unhindered, pierced into Zhu Ling’s chest.

"Young Master!" the guard cried out. Before he could react further, long arrows from the Mo Family Army had already penetrated his and his comrades’ chests.

Ye Li steadied herself, turned around, and a look of shock crossed her beautiful face as she looked at the fallen man. Seeing that the Princess Consort was unharmed, Feng Zhiyao breathed a sigh of relief and immediately led his men forward to check if any enemies were still alive, to prevent another surprise attack like the one that had just happened.

The hidden weapon was a common willow-leaf dart. The entire dart had entered Zhu Ling’s chest, leaving only the bluish, gleaming tip of the dart exposed. Feng Zhiyao’s face changed slightly. "There’s poison on the dart."

Lin Han, looking at Zhu Ling who had fallen to the ground, said in a low voice, "Even if he hadn’t blocked it, the dart wouldn’t have hit the Princess Consort." Originally, the dagger in Ye Li’s hand could have deflected the dart, but Zhu Ling knocked her aside.

On the blood-soaked ground, Zhu Ling lay still, his upper body propped against the corpse of a soldier who had been dead for some time. His eyes, dull and lifeless, stared at Ye Li. He moved his lips but ultimately said nothing. Ye Li looked down at him, her voice devoid of emotion. "Why was this necessary?"

The handsome young man managed a painful smile. "I lost... My entire life... it’s been so..."

Ye Li said calmly, "Victory and defeat are common in warfare. Only by living can you turn things around. Once you’re dead, you have nothing."

Zhu Ling was stunned for a moment, then quickly shook his head and smiled at her. "What’s the point of saying this now? I never thought... never thought that I would lose this badly... just like I never imagined that you were... you were Princess Consort Ding..."

Ye Li was silent. Zhu Ling smiled faintly. "You don’t... you don’t need to feel sorry. I’m tired too... tired..." The poison on the willow-leaf dart was clearly potent. Soon, black blood trickled from the corners of Zhu Ling’s mouth, and he slowly closed his eyes.

Staring at the scene filled with corpses around her, Ye Li looked at the young man before her, his moon-white clothing stained with blotches of blood, his eyes peacefully closed. Suddenly, she felt a bone-chilling cold and couldn’t help but wrap her arms around herself.

"Princess Consort, he didn’t want to live anymore. It’s not your fault," Lin Han said in a low voice. Even if Zhu Ling hadn’t blocked the dart, the Princess Consort wouldn’t have been hurt. We could see that clearly even from this distance, so Zhu Ling, who was right beside her, naturally could see it too. From the moment he drew his sword and asked for a battle, he was resolved to die. Such a proud young man, tasting such a bitter defeat in his first battle, had no reason to let himself live any longer.

"I know." Ye Li nodded. "Clean up the battlefield and go back to reinforce General Zhang!"

"Yes, Princess Consort," replied Feng Zhiyao.

「Dozens of *li* away in a small town」

Zhu Yan, unable to sleep in the dead of night, stood on the city wall staring into the distance. Suddenly, a strange feeling of alarm startled him. He looked blankly in the southwest direction, his lips moving. Two lines of turbid tears slowly rolled down his wrinkled face.

"Ling’er..."

The Xiling garrison forces in the small city suddenly launched an attack at the fourth night watch. Although the Mo Family Army had been vigilant, the fourth night watch was when most soldiers were deepest in sleep. The sudden attack still caused some minor chaos within the Mo Family Army. However, being battle-hardened soldiers, the Mo Family Army quickly reacted and engaged in battle with Zhu Yan’s Xiling forces.

"What’s going on? Why has Zhu Yan suddenly launched a surprise attack?" General Zhang Qilan, positioned behind the main force, asked with a serious expression while gazing at the battlefield. Having spent half his life in military service, he easily noticed a stark contrast in the morale of the Xiling defenders compared to their previous state. These men seem desperate, as if they’re ready to die with the Mo Family Army. As he looked at the aged figure standing on the distant city wall, Zhang Qilan couldn’t shake the feeling that something was happening unbeknownst to him. Given Zhu Yan’s experience and abilities in warfare, he would never make such a reckless decision to launch an attack.

Commander Qin Feng at his side remained calm and nonchalant. "Probably because the Princess Consort and her group succeeded over there. However... we haven’t received any message yet. How did Zhu Yan get the news?"

"Success?" Zhang Qilan turned and grabbed Qin Feng’s collar. "You still haven’t told me, what exactly was the Princess Consort up to?!"

Qin Feng leisurely brushed his hand off his collar. "The Princess Consort went to find the encampment of Zhu Ling’s over one hundred thousand troops. And... there should be a large amount of food and other resources there. This way, we won’t have to worry about provisions and military supplies in the short term."

"What?" Zhang Qilan cried in shock. "The Princess Consort went..."

Qin Feng smiled. "What else do you think we’ve been guarding this useless, broken county town for these past few days? If they hide in the deep mountains and refuse to come out, not even three or four hundred thousand of our troops would necessarily be able to deal with them. Now that they’ve come out on their own, we have a chance to take that place. The one hundred thousand troops that went back last night are probably gone too. Otherwise, Zhu Yan wouldn’t be acting this crazily."

Zhang Qilan took a few deep breaths. I feel as if half my life has been shocked out of me by this sudden news. But this... this has to be good news, right? Even if Zhu Yan is desperate enough to fight blindly in the dark, I’m not necessarily afraid of him. Both sides have roughly the same number of troops; it’s still hard to say who will win or lose.

In the midst of the chaotic battle, the sound of thunderous hooves came galloping from afar. Recognizing them, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army showed expressions of joy.

"It’s the Black Cloud Cavalry! The Black Cloud Cavalry is here!" From the southwest, a force of black-clad cavalry swept towards the battlefield like a storm. They quickly plunged into the melee, and soon, the previously evenly matched battlefield tilted decisively in their favor. Behind the cavalry, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, one leading and the other following, rode their swift horses, quickly merging with the Mo Family Army’s ranks.

Seeing Ye Li’s return from afar, Zhang Qilan hurriedly led his men to meet her. "Princess Consort!"

Ye Li scanned the battlefield ahead and, of course, noticed the isolated, aged figure on the city tower. After a pause, she said, "General Zhang, dispense with the formalities. How is the battle going?"

Zhang Qilan laughed. "Princess Consort, rest assured. With the addition of the Black Cloud Cavalry, we will definitely eliminate the Xiling garrison by dawn." Now that I’ve seen Ye Li return safely, I can finally relax completely. The Princess Consort previously arrived with Qin Feng and others, claiming she was commanded by the Prince to assist me in defending the city. However, after the Princess Consort arrived, I hadn’t seen her since. Only just now did I find out what she was really up to. It gave me such a scare; my heart is still pounding. If anything had happened to the Princess Consort, how would we explain it to the Prince?

"Congratulations, Princess Consort, on effortlessly wiping out over one hundred thousand soldiers of the Jing Kingdom’s Army," Zhang Qilan said with a smile.

Ye Li gave a faint smile and shook her head. "If not for the General holding the fort here, it wouldn’t have been so easy."

The fighting continued until daybreak. The Xiling defenders, unable to withstand the pressure, finally began to collapse and retreat into the city. The city gates and walls of the small town offered little effective defense. The Mo Family Army and Black Cloud Cavalry took less than two hours to breach the city gates and once again stormed into the small county town. There were not many Xiling defenders left in the city, only sporadic sounds of fighting coming from the streets and alleys. When Ye Li and her party entered the city, soldiers who had entered earlier came to report, "General Zhu Yan is still on the city tower."

Everyone exchanged glances, and Ye Li said softly, "Let’s go and see."

Naturally, no one objected, and they followed Ye Li up to the city tower. In a corner of the tower, Zhu Yan, wearing a somewhat old battle robe, stood with his hands behind his back, gazing in the direction of Biancheng City. He seemed oblivious even when Ye Li and the others approached. Ye Li was in no hurry, calmly observing the old man’s back.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhu Yan slowly turned around to look at them, his gaze finally landing on Ye Li, who was dressed in white. In a deep voice, he asked, "This... young lady, are you Miss Yang, or Princess Consort Ding?"

Ye Li saluted and replied with a faint, respectful smile, "This junior is Ye Li. Greetings, Old General Zhu."

Zhu Yan nodded and smiled. "So you are indeed Princess Consort Ding? So young... truly a talent among the youth. Prince Ding’s Mansion is fortunate..."

Ye Li spoke softly, "You overpraise me, Senior."

Zhu Yan gazed at her, his eyes filled with an indescribable, strange expression. After a moment’s hesitation, he asked, "My unworthy grandson... I wonder how the Princess Consort dealt with him?"

Ye Li sighed lightly and said quietly, "Young Master Zhu has... died in battle. My deepest condolences, Old General. Please grieve accordingly."

Zhu Yan’s body trembled slightly, and his hand gripping his long spear also wavered. In the end, he could only sigh up towards the sky and say, "Died in battle, did he... So be it... I was the one who ruined him. He could have..." My only grandson, incredibly intelligent and gifted from a young age. If it weren’t for me, if it weren’t for the Jing Kingdom’s Army, he could have lived a life of freedom, fame, and fortune. But because of me, for my aspirations and ambitions, Zhu Ling went into seclusion in the deep mountains at the age of twelve or thirteen, avoiding outsiders. Even if he died on the battlefield, his name would forever remain unknown, and he would never receive the status and glory that should rightfully have been his.

"General..." Ye Li sighed. "Young Master Zhu has died in battle. Please, General, accept my condolences. Young Master Zhu, in heaven, would surely not wish for you to grieve so over him."

Zhu Yan shook his head. "Princess Consort Ding, you don’t need to persuade me. I am already nearly in my seventies; I’ve lived long enough. Since we’ve been defeated to this extent today, I have nothing more to say."

Feng Zhiyao frowned slightly and said loudly, "Old General Zhu, why must you say such things? The Mo Family Army is not one to kill indiscriminately."

Zhu Yan glanced at Feng Zhiyao and couldn’t help but chuckle. "Does this general mean that the Mo Family Army wishes to persuade me to surrender? This old man is of no use to the Mo Family Army anymore. Besides... I’ve fought for Xiling for half my life. For my integrity to falter in my twilight years would be laughable."

Ye Li lowered her gaze and said indifferently, "General, you misunderstand. Old General, your integrity and noble character are well known, and the Mo Family Army wouldn’t dare try to persuade you to surrender. Now that the outcome of our battle is decided, and you had, in essence, already retired from military life, please take your leave. Prince Ding’s Mansion will not make things difficult for you."

Zhu Yan eyed Ye Li. "Aren’t you afraid that if I leave, I might regroup and oppose the Mo Family Army again?"

Ye Li shook her head. "This junior trusts you, Old General."

Silence fell over the city tower for a long moment before Zhu Yan finally laughed aloud. He shook his head. "Thank you for your kindness, Princess Consort. Unfortunately... Zhu Yan was born General Jingtian of Xiling, and so shall he die! Today, Zhu Yan has been defeated. I am ashamed to face the elders of Xiling and the late Emperor. This life of mine... it’s better to discard it!"

"Old General..."

Zhu Yan calmly looked at the woman in white before him, his eyes filled with a faint regret and helplessness. "It’s just... a pity..." My grandson was raised by my own hand; how could I not understand him? When Ling’er mentioned that girl named Yang Xianya to me, I knew she was different in his eyes. Now, I have finally seen the woman who could make my grandson see her in a special light, but it’s a pity... fate is cruel...

"Old General Zhu?!" As everyone watched in shock, the old man, already in his seventies, suddenly leaped from the city tower. Ye Li took a step forward, her sleeve twitching slightly, but she ultimately stopped. The others walked up and peered down from the city wall. At the city gate, the old man lay still, blood slowly seeping out from under him, dyeing the ground beneath and his white hair red.

Ye Li gazed silently at the lifeless old man below the city wall, her eyes filled with sorrow.

"Princess Consort..." Feng Zhiyao asked, his tone laced with worry.

Ye Li turned around calmly. "Collect his body. Give him a dignified burial."

"As you command."