The Sovereign – Chapter 35

Volume Two: An Abundance of Blossoms Always Feels Lonely

Using the Opponent’s Strategy

The Sect Leader has come out again to cause trouble.

Originally, it was thought that the transaction could be completed smoothly and then leave the mountain, but Yun Yao’s call made everyone tense again. Jiang Wei and the others entered a state of readiness, and Li Yue was also prepared to act at any moment to protect Qin Junlan.

Only Qin Junlan, after a slight pause, turned calmly and smiled, “I wonder what else Brother Yun commands?”

“This isn’t just a one-time trade. Let the servants move the silver away, and you, well, stay in the mountains for a few more days. After the next batch of grain is counted, then leave, how about it?” Yun Yao wanted to keep Qin Junlan by his side; just watching was a kind of enjoyment. How could he easily let go of such a worldly beauty, like meat to the mouth, how could he let it fly away?

“This…” Qin Junlan hesitated for a moment.

Li Yue and the others became nervous, hoping she wouldn’t agree. This time they could escape, but next time, it might not be so easy.

These twenty loads of grain actually contain only three loads that are real. According to the proportions calculated by Qin Junlan, the middle part of each load is wrapped with fine sand and secured with a gauze net, while the surrounding area is filled with rice. The length is exactly the size of the common measuring iron trough for grain, as Qin Junlan anticipated that these people would need grain long-term and would certainly have a set of tools to verify it. The simplest method is to use the iron trough to measure the grain, with the regular length being one foot, a tool commonly used by the grain merchants of the Ji Kingdom.

When this grain will be discovered to have discrepancies is hard to predict. Although Qin Junlan anticipated this as a batch of reserves and not to be consumed quickly, it still comes with great risk.

This Yun Yao clearly has personal feelings for Qin Junlan and, for selfish reasons, wishes to place Qin Junlan under house arrest. He smiles kindly and politely on the surface, but if Qin Junlan truly refuses, there would likely be a confrontation, affecting the next step of the plan.

Given this, she can only personally verify the matters she wishes to know, teaching Yun Yao what it means to be ensnared by one’s own schemes.

“Since Brother Yun is so polite, then I humbly accept.”

“Young master!” Li Yue was extremely nervous, and Qin Junlan raised a folding fan to stop her words.

“Hahaha, good, Brother Yan is indeed straightforward. Then come back with me, please!” Yun Yao was in a great mood, having both the grain and the handsome man in his hands, everything under his control.

“Please~” Qin Junlan also replied straightforwardly. Li Yue and Xiao Yi had no choice but to follow. Li Yue took the opportunity during the grain handover to pass the drawn map to Jiang Wei.

The three were just about to follow Yun Yao back when Liu Qianxun hurriedly stepped forward and called out, “Young master!”

Qin Junlan recognized her voice and was slightly stunned, looking towards her with precision. Could she be…?

“What is the matter?” She could only maintain her calm, making everything appear ordinary.

Although Liu Qianxun was dressed as a servant, her delicate appearance and cold, elegant temperament were difficult to conceal, even in plain clothes and cloth boots. Yun Yao couldn’t help but stroke his beard, his gaze drifting between Qin Junlan and Liu Qianxun, marveling at how even the servants by Yan Mo’s side were so handsome, truly a feast for the eyes.

“Please, young master, allow this servant to accompany you up the mountain. This servant have served you since childhood, and the cold is no longer a major issue. This servant can serve you on both sides.” Liu Qianxun’s words were very proper and flawless.

Qin Junlan’s eyes slightly narrowed, her face calm as always, but worry grew in her heart. This was originally her plan within a plan, but with Liu Qianxun suddenly wanting to follow, the temporary plan had changed again. This second ascent up the mountain was extremely dangerous; the hidden risk of the fake grain might expose them at any moment.

But Liu Qianxun had already spoken, leaving her with only two choices: find a reason to refuse or go along with the situation. She and Liu Qianxun exchanged looks, their eyes firm, brows slightly furrowed, and their thoughts clearly reflected in their eyes.

“Brother Yan, if you want to bring one more follower, it’s no problem. No need to worry too much. Today, there aren’t many people in the mountain; I can arrange an extra room for you.”

Before Qin Junlan could speak, Yun Yao responded eagerly. For him, having one more handsome man was truly pleasing to the eye.

“Not many people in the mountain?” Qin Junlan pondered. Could another group of people have left?

When decisive action is needed, it must be taken. She couldn’t wait any longer and had to quickly ascertain the personnel movements. She immediately bowed, “Then many thanks to Brother Yun. Let’s go, and don’t forget to thank Brother Yun.”

“Thank you, Brother Yun.” Liu Qianxun said with a slight smile, stepping forward to stand beside Qin Junlan, as the joy in her brow slowly unfolded.

“Thank you, young master.”

“Once you are on Qionglong Mountain, you must follow Brother Yun’s rules, understood?” Qin Junlan assumed an almost masterly posture, yet the smile at the corner of her lips was unmistakable.

“Oh, please, go on.”

The road up the mountain was rugged, and whenever they encountered difficult spots, she would habitually reach out to pull her up. Originally, her mind was focused, but now, with the person she cared about most beside her, she found herself in a dragon’s den.

Yun Yao’s improper intentions towards Qin Junlan were clear to everyone. Qin Junlan just wanted to see how he would make his move. From the foot of the mountain to the top, there were surprisingly fewer sentries. Even though there was only one path up and down the mountain, why had the number of people inexplicably decreased?

The grain was successively transported to the warehouse in the mountain col, and fortunately, it was not unsealed. As Qin Junlan had expected, this was a batch of reserve grain. The quantity of grain Yun Yao wanted was far greater than the needs of the mountain stronghold.

It indeed seemed like it was needed for military purposes…

While Yun Yao went to arrange for the grain to be stored, Qin Junlan looked around and fell into contemplation. The current number of people seemed to be less than two thousand, which meant that last night, another group of people quietly left.

Where exactly did these people leave from? Was it after Xiao Yi scouted the mountain that they left?

“This mountain’s layout is very strange,” Liu Qianxun also noticed a clue.

“What do you mean?”

“We walked up the mountain in a diagonal line, forming a diagonal with the flying rock at the mountain top, but here between the mountains, it’s a straight line. The place where the two mountain roads intersect should be connected, but we did not find any intersection, which shows….”

“It shows that there is a secret path invisible to the naked eye.” Qin Junlan suddenly understood. People cannot disappear into thin air, and there is not only one road down the mountain. Those secretly transferred people likely took a secret path that is very hard to discover.

Liu Qianxun is indeed remarkably intelligent, sharp, and meticulous. The first time up the mountain, all her attention was on observing the terrain and sentries to better draw the map. This time, her mind was on where the disappeared soldiers went, not noticing the detailed intersections of the mountain paths.

“Xun’er, with just one word, you truly enlightened me.” Qin Junlan became more and more certain of Liu Qianxun’s extraordinary nature. She would not believe that Liu Qianxun was merely a courtesan entertainer.

She had seen many talented daughters of generals, but how many were there like her, with natural beauty, extraordinary skills, and exceptional wisdom? How could such a person allow herself to fall into the mundane world? It must be just a cover identity, right?

“I am just naturally sensitive to terrain and mountains,” Liu Qianxun realized that she had exposed a talent that should not have been revealed. However, her only thought was to lend Qin Junlan a helping hand. She went up the mountain partly out of concern for her safety and partly to help her resolve urgent matters.

Recently, Qin Junlan had been too anxious, enduring several sleepless days and nights, and had lost weight. After just two days apart, she already appeared fatigued, and Liu Qianxun couldn’t bear to see her like this.

Clearly, she was an emperor, so why did she have to work so hard, personally solving these difficult matters? Liu Qianxun suddenly understood some things—a person with the world in her heart has a parental care for the people. Many times she had only heard of her killings, yet she hadn’t seen how she exhausted herself for the country, still unmarried and without a partner. When had she ever lived for herself?

In fact, was Ling Yu not such a person as well? Qin Junlan indeed helped her gradually understand Ling Yu’s actions.

“Master.” Li Yue came hurriedly and whispered in Qin Junlan’s ear, “The grain has been placed properly. This servant has checked the terrain and can take out the hidden weapons after nightfall and distribute them according to the plan.”

“Mm, check the roads more and probe the attitude of those posts.” After dismissing Li Yue, Qin Junlan pulled Liu Qianxun closer, “Just stay by my side, and don’t take a single step away.”

“This servant serves the young master on both sides, how dare I leave?” Liu Qianxun raised her head, seeming shy.

“So, how does Young Master Liu plan to serve this young master?” Qin Junlan teased, full of laughter, washing away her fatigue.

“Yan Young Master should be serious, this is a bandit nest.” Liu Qianxun pretended to be angry, giving her a light glare. That shy, fleeting glance truly touched the heart, and the tense nerves of recent days relaxed instantly.

“Alright, alright, this young master will obey!”

Liu Qianxun is like a clear spring, flowing through her heart, nourishing it, always bringing her a feeling of clarity and comfort.

In the evening, the mountain was filled with the buzzing of insects and grass, and occasionally twinkling fireflies could be seen. The previous night, she was preoccupied with matters of the heart and did not properly appreciate the mountain’s night scenery. Tonight, looking out, it actually has a romantic flavor, perhaps because a beautiful person is beside her, with her heart inclined towards beauty, everything in her eyes becomes beautiful scenery.

“I didn’t expect this bandit mountain stronghold to actually have limitless scenery, even surpassing Qixia Town,” Liu Qianxun said, her jade-like hand slender and gently raised, with her fingertips gathering fire like a flying candle, surrounding her as if she were a dancing spirit.

“Do you prefer Qixia Town, or do you prefer Qionglong Mountain?” Qin Junlan couldn’t bear to move her gaze even for a moment; even in coarse clothes and cloth shoes, her clear features always touched her heart.

“I heard that beside Qixia Town, there is a valley called Qixia Valley, which is said to be a dreamy fairyland. I have never seen it, and my heart feels regret.”

“Once we’ve resolved the issues here, we…” Qin Junlan’s words were not finished when suddenly a guard ran over, with a beaming smile, “Young Master Yan, the boss has just opened a ten-year aged fine wine and invites you to bring Young Brother Liu along.”

Qin Junlan observed this person reporting, who spoke with full energy and walked with a spring in his step, clearly a martial artist at a glance, though his attire was very inconspicuous.

“Thank you, brother. May I ask how to address you? I haven’t seen you before,” Qin Junlan, always sensitive and with strong observational insight, noticed this person was different from others and habitually asked.

“This servant’s name is not worth mentioning, please proceed.” He was unwilling to state his name, just slightly bowed and made a gesture to invite them.

“Thank you.” Qin Junlan walked forward, and Liu Qianxun slowed her steps, taking a deep look at this person. That person, as if no one else was around, immediately gestured with the unique secret sign of the Shura Sect.

Liu Qianxun’s expression slightly changed, and then she nodded; this banquet was indeed a Hongmen Banquet.¹

Leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance, everything as far as the eye could see was extremely luxurious. The Ji Kingdom is truly a magnificent land, with a strong country and strong people. When can the Yu Kingdom be equally strong? Ling Yu stood with hands behind her back under the vast sky, her gaze as sharp as a torch and an owl, her graceful figure standing tall.

The sound of music, like high mountains and flowing water, started. She fiddled with her cup, her thoughts wandering to the one playing the zither, yet without any ripple of emotion. She lowered her shoulder and focused her gaze, the iris tattoo faintly visible, with the flower branch at her collarbone spreading out like a fairy’s tail.

“The Sect Leader looks at me, but there is no place for me in her heart. The Sect Leader does not see her, yet in her heart and eyes, there is only her.” Lin Wuming stopped playing the zither, his jade hand lightly pinching the dancing hair at his temple, extraordinarily enchanting.

“Come here…” Ling Yu’s gaze was blurred as she beckoned Lin Wuming with a finger. Her enchanting, fox-like allure—who could refuse? Moreover, Lin Wuming was so infatuated with her that even getting a bit closer was happiness. He sat beside Ling Yu and filled her wine, her smile undiminished, as her fingertip brushed his cheek, “Such a beautiful face, it’s a pity it’s a man.”

“I can be a woman.” Lin Wuming’s delicacy carried a touch of seductiveness, gentleness mixed with charm. Everyone is disgusted by his effeminate manner, but who understands his deep passion and obsession? He fears not people’s words, only fears the day when even the opportunity to be a “favorite” is taken away.

“Tsk… you really are so lowly, but that is also your uniqueness, and the reason you can become a favorite.” Ling Yu’s finger poked his chest, her body slightly leaning forward, “Remember your identity, do not indulge in wishful thinking! And do not presumptuously guess this palace’s intentions, understand?”

“Wuming only hopes to serve by the Sect Leader’s side, with no intention to worry about other matters.” Under Lin Wuming’s charming eyebrows, there was a hint of indistinct gloom.

Suddenly, he felt the airflow surge, a wave of fragrance overflowed, and a black shadow gracefully descended, kowtowing to the ground, “Subordinate Eagle Eye greets Sect Leader.”

“What is it?” Ling Yu said indifferently.

Eagle Eye, one of the four great spies of the Shura Sect, along with Ghost Eye, Dome Eye, and Heaven Eye, each infiltrated the palaces of the Ji, Luo, and Qing Kingdoms. Her appearance is quite good, and her pair of peach blossom eyes perceives all; she is the spy Ling Yu placed in the Yu Kingdom’s palace. “The Emperor invites you to return to court, something has happened in the Yu Kingdom.”

“Oh?” Ling Yu lazily sat up straight, calm and composed.

“King Chong, He Xiao, united various noble kings, forced their way into the court, and ordered the Emperor…” Eagle Eye paused, raised her eyes to look at Ling Yu, “ordered the Emperor to take back your military tally.”

“The Emperor personally governing and taking back the military tally is not unreasonable. However, this palace is pleased with the Emperor personally governing, and there is no need for anyone to fan the flames!” Ling Yu smiled sweetly, but her eyes were covered with a layer of frost, sharp light radiating, bursting with a bloodthirsty nature, “Hmph, the military tally is not available, but the ghost tally can be given to them.”

“Please instruct, Sect Leader.”

“Convey this palace’s decree: cut off He Xiao’s head to feed the dogs, have all the men of the He family beheaded, the women made into slaves, and the children sent to the juvenile camp. As for the other princes, this palace will personally return to handle them.” Ling Yu lightly licked her lips, that trace of a sinister cold smile resembling a flower of hell, cold and noble yet killing invisibly. She is the supreme Shura God, more like the Yan King who controls life and death. For traitors, there is always only death, or dying without a burial place. That boundless slaughter, no matter how tragic, will not soften her heart.

“How should He Xi be handled?”

“The legendary boss of Jidu’s Suyuan Tower should appear, let him go.”

“Yes, Master. This matter… should it be informed to the Tower Master? After all, King Chong is her biological father.” Concerning Liu Qianxun’s matters, everyone in the Shura Sect is very cautious. If ordinary disciples are merely weapons and pawns, then this Tower Master is the person with the greatest power under the Sect Leader. Whether in skill or wisdom, she is above the clouds.

“Keep it hidden for now…” When mentioning King Chong, Ling Yu recalled how he treated Liu Qianxun’s mother and daughter back then, wishing to tear him into pieces. To prevent Liu Qianxun from bearing the crime of patricide, only one of King Chong’s arms was cut off in the end. Ling Yu has always killed without mercy but has made many compromises for Liu Qianxun, only to have them quietly concealed by her.

“Subordinate obeys the order.”

“You have another task.” Ling Yu walked forward, her brows and eyes like hooks, with a smile that could topple a nation, hiding countless plots and schemes. “I’ve heard Xun’er and the Empress went to Qionglong Mountain. You go there, and our people will support you.”

“Qionglong Mountain is full of dangers. Does the Sect Leader want the subordinate to protect the Tower Master?” Eagle Eye did not know her intention, as Ling Yu’s thoughts have never been seen through by anyone. If someone guessed her thoughts, they wouldn’t see the next day’s sun.

“Does Xun’er’s skill need your protection?” Ling Yu lightly raised her eyebrow, thinking of Liu Qianxun’s attitude towards her, her heart sank. Every time she thought of her being with Qin Junlan daily, enjoying the Qionglong scenery together, understanding each other along the way, she felt unbearable anger. She thought she could look past these, as it was just a mission after all, but every time she heard what Liu Qianxun did for Qin Junlan, how she smiled at her like a flower, her heart surged.

She never hated her identity so much, unable to escape the country and the court. She also despised her own incompetence, only able to strengthen the country through strategy. She was even more jealous of Qin Junlan’s strength, which made her feel threatened. She loved Liu Qianxun but didn’t even have the courage to express her feelings.

“Then the Sect Leader’s meaning is…” Eagle Eye looked at her in confusion.

Ling Yu was too skilled at hiding emotions, even if her heart was filled with many waves and imbalances, she would not expose them in front of her subordinates. She instantly adjusted all her emotions and said, “Assassinate the Empress, but do not let her die. This is this palace’s gift to her, and Yi Hongchuan will absolutely not let her return to Jidu. However, you must remember, do not let the Tower Master discover, otherwise, this palace cannot protect your life.”

“Subordinate… accepts the order.”

Ling Yu took a deep breath, her face serious. If the Yu Kingdom’s military strength could be stronger, why would she be so eager for Qin Junlan’s military strategy? But she is skilled in strategy and power tactics. When it comes to military tactics and armies, she is not proficient, and what she can do is only this!

She only wishes Liu Qianxun well on Qionglong Mountain. If she says she is not worried, how could she truly have no feelings? No matter how good the skills, there will ultimately be danger. She sent people to follow them all the way, not only to monitor but more to secretly protect Liu Qianxun. But in Liu Qianxun’s view, all this is just her satisfying her own desire for control.

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1. Hongmen Banquet: Or Hongmenhui, was a historic gathering in 206 BC where warlord Liu Bang allegedly attempted to assassinate his rival, Xiang Yu, during a banquet. It symbolizes the intense political rivalries and intrigues of the early Han Dynasty in China.