The Sovereign – Chapter 104

Volume Six: A Cold Rainy Night Buries the Famous Flower

Blood-Stained Ruins

A ground full of corpses, none survived

The Yu Kingdom lies in the south, blessed with abundant natural resources of mountains and waters. Peak City is the border city of Ji Kingdom facing Yu Kingdom. Zhengyi is Yu Kingdom’s largest fortress, once the capital. Though the royal palace has relocated, 20,000 elite troops remain under Ling Yu’s personal command.

If Zhengyi falls, it would mean the destruction of Yu Kingdom, so this is Yu Kingdom’s strongest wall and its core. Besides Zhengyi, Yu Kingdom is surrounded by several small counties and cities. For Ji Kingdom to take Yu Kingdom, they must capture one city at a time.

Qi County, being close to Yuzhou, is easy to capture. Yuzhou’s ten counties were previously disaster-struck, and now face Yu Kingdom’s attacks. The Red Armor Army couldn’t arrive in time, so Jiang Wei could only lead people in a desperate defense, fortunately holding out until reinforcements arrived.

Bai Yifei, unwilling to wait blindly, voluntarily requested to attack Luo County at Zhengyi’s northeast corner. Only by breaking both wings of Zhengyi City could they later concentrate forces against Zhengyi itself.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, General Bai has sent a memorial.” The messenger presented the latest battle situation.

Li Yue handed the letter to Qin Junlan – it was his request to deploy troops to Luo County. Qin Junlan hesitated briefly, then summoned Li Ruo, Lin Zhaoxi, and several ministers from the Military Affairs Bureau for consultation.

“Has the Wise King’s Consort not returned to palace?” Qin Junlan hoped to involve Yun Jin in everything now.

“Your Majesty, the Young Prince returned first, but the Wise King’s Consort is nowhere to be seen,” Yuan Xi replied with bowed head. Qin Junlan’s brows furrowed slightly, remembering Yun Jin’s expression when leaving, growing worried.

“Yuan Xi, send someone to wait at the palace gate. If the Wise King’s Consort hasn’t entered by noon, go to the Wise King’s mansion to invite her, saying I summoned her.”

“This servant obeys.”

The Imperial Study contains terrain distribution maps and world maps, specifically for analyzing situations, deploying troops, and advancing warfare, becoming the palace’s temporary command center.

Qin Junlan gazed thoughtfully at the world terrain map.

“Bai Yifei’s request to attack Luo County means withdrawing troops from Peak City, which would weaken Peak City’s defense.” Qin Junlan knew warfare couldn’t be rushed – focusing on one thing at the expense of another would only lead to greater losses.

“I believe Yu Kingdom’s Princess won’t dare rashly withdraw troops from Zhengyi. Luo County only has 10,000 defenders. If General Bai personally leads the army, the city could fall within two days.” Though Lin Zhaoxi hadn’t reached the frontlines, he was well-versed in military strategy, knowing the importance of risky tactics and swift action.

“Catching them off guard and shortening battle lines benefits our army. Now that Luo Kingdom and Qing Kingdom remain stationary, we absolutely cannot move the Red Armor Army guarding the borders. We can only mobilize from various locations. How we use our troops is crucial – we must be careful.”

“This humble minister agrees. General Bai’s battle will determine the outcome of future battles for Zhengyi. It’s feasible.”

Almost every official agreed to deploy troops to Luo County.

Qin Junlan paced with hands behind back, still feeling uneasy. How could Ling Yu be that easy to deal with? She had merely used Shura Sect assassins to slow down Yun Yao’s troops, showing her strategic prowess was not weak.

“Zhengyi’s wings are quite strong. Luo County is just the first city. Continued attrition would be very unfavorable for the Red Armor Army unless Bai Yifei is confident of victory in one strike,” Qin Junlan analyzed carefully.

“We ministers request Your Majesty’s decision!”

Several ministers jointly petitioned. Qin Junlan pondered briefly, then decided decisively, “Approved!”

“Your Majesty is wise!”

Now all of Qin Junlan’s decisions would determine the war’s outcome. If Luo Kingdom and Qing Kingdom also raise armies, it would surely be a fierce battle. Since Ling Yu stole the troop deployment maps, she must have given them to the other two kingdoms, making them think Qin Junlan was ambitious to swallow the world. This would lead to three kingdoms attacking Ji Kingdom, giving Yu Kingdom a chance to breathe.

What a clever move of borrowing force to strike. Even if Luo and Qing kingdoms understand this logic, they’ll still choose to deploy troops – after all, no one wants their territory occupied by others. But now, no one can stop Qin Junlan’s determination to rule the world. These vast lands will belong to Ji Dynasty, and all under heaven will bow to the Ji Emperor!

“Your Majesty, the Wise King’s Consort has arrived.”

“Summon her.” Qin Junlan held Bai Yifei’s letter, intending to inform Yun Jin of the battle situation. Now Yun Jin must know all court matters, including military affairs.

Yun Jin wore an elegant jade-green robe, walking gracefully from outside the hall. As always, she carried medicine soup, never forgetting to give it to Qin Junlan three times daily.

“Elder Sister, please drink the soup first.” Yun Jin thoughtfully tested the temperature against her lips, only passing it to Qin Junlan when it wasn’t too hot.

Just as Qin Junlan took the soup to drink, she noticed Yun Jin kept her head bowed today, never looking up, which seemed unusual. “Jin’er, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, Elder Sister, please drink quickly. I’ve adjusted the herbs inside to help improve your health.” Yun Jin still didn’t raise her head as she spoke. Qin Junlan squinted at her, finding the soup tasteless, suddenly noticing a faint redness visible on Yun Jin’s face.

“What happened to your face?” Qin Junlan put down the soup bowl, staring at her. Yun Jin just shook her head, trying to retreat while cleaning up. Qin Junlan grabbed her wrist, lifting her chin, “Let me see!”

Qin Junlan’s tone was firm, her royal authority not to be defied. Yun Jin dared not resist too much and had to raise her head. Qin Junlan froze – on that fair face was what appeared to be a slap mark, the clear red imprint shocking to see. “Who hit you, was it my imperial brother?”

“Jin’er just accidentally bumped into something.” Yun Jin spoke with gentle grace, managing a soft smile that only made people feel more sympathetic. Such a slap mark on her face would pain anyone who saw it.

“Yun Jin, do you take me for a fool? I can tell the difference between a slap and a bump. Tell me, did my brother hit you?” Qin Junlan’s expression changed. Yun Jin could clearly feel her anger. She wanted to smooth things over and didn’t want such matters troubling Qin Junlan, especially since it hid her untold secret and unmentionable feelings.

“This is between husband and wife. Please, Elder Sister, don’t interfere.”

“Jin’er!” Qin Junlan felt helpless. Rationally, she shouldn’t interfere in marital matters, but how could she tolerate someone laying hands on a woman like Yun Jin, especially her own brother? Could it be something she said yesterday upset Yun Jin, leading to conflict when she returned to the Wise King’s mansion?

“Does it hurt? Shall I have the royal physician apply some medicine?” Qin Junlan tried to gently touch her wound, but Yun Jin avoided it. “This subject is truly fine, thank you for your concern, Elder Sister.” Yun Jin fled almost in panic. Qin Junlan’s caring words made her emotions collapse instantly. Her long-suppressed grievances and strength had no defense against such gentleness. She feared if she didn’t leave, tears would fall, and she might even confess the secret hidden in her heart for so many years.

How could she let Qin Junlan know that because Qin Junhao’s intimate advances were rejected, it caused marital conflict. And when she was mumbling to herself at night before Qin Junlan’s portrait, Qin Junhao overheard. The feelings she’d hidden for over ten years were thus exposed to her husband.

Qin Junhao and Yun Jin had been childhood sweethearts for years, with him always loving her. After Yun Jin gave birth to Guo’er, she rarely shared his bed. He was constantly neglected, only to finally discover this truth, and in his anger, slapped Yun Jin.

Everything was so hard to speak of. She could only blame herself for having those feelings for Qin Junlan, failing Qin Junhao’s deep love, and pushing herself into an inescapable abyss.

As soon as Yun Jin left, Qin Junlan summoned Qin Junhao. She couldn’t bear to see Yun Jin suffer any grievance. Such a woman should receive the world’s kindest treatment. She couldn’t understand how Qin Junhao could lay hands on her.

“What happened between you and Jin’er? Why did you hit her?” Qin Junlan’s expressionless face carried an imposing aura without anger, making Qin Junhao feel traces of fear.

He clenched his fists, frowning deeply. He had been furious at the time, regretted it afterward, but couldn’t accept that Yun Jin’s heart belonged to his imperial sister. Even his current feelings upon seeing Qin Junlan were no longer the same as before.

“Yes, I hit her. Small quarrels between husband and wife are normal.” Qin Junhao spoke dismissively. Qin Junlan’s anger flared, and she raised her hand to slap him. Stunned by the sudden slap, he stared at Qin Junlan in shock. “Elder Sister?”

“Are you still a man? How could you raise your hand against a wife like Jin’er? Even if she did something wrong, as a man you should maintain propriety and gentlemanly dignity, and should reflect on yourself instead. Yet you dared to hit her so hard.” Qin Junlan was furious beyond measure, never knowing the usually gentle Qin Junhao could be like this.

“How would Elder Sister know the reasons! Elder Sister knows nothing, only arbitrarily blaming this imperial brother. Yun Jin is my wife, I am her husband. Whether I hit or scold her, no one can interfere, not even Elder Sister. This subject takes his leave!” Qin Junhao left in anger. This was his first time defying Qin Junlan, his first time wondering why he was inferior to his sister in every way. Even the love he once took pride in was destroyed by Qin Junlan’s hands.

He couldn’t accept it! By what right! His hatred spread through his entire body, focusing on Qin Junlan. For the first time, he harbored disloyal thoughts toward Qin Junlan – he had been silent for too many years!

Qin Junlan sat helplessly in her chair. What had happened to everything? How had her imperial brother suddenly changed his nature? What couldn’t Jin’er tell her? She sighed deeply, suddenly realizing her body seemed to be gradually recovering. Previously, every breath would cause internal pain, but now this pain was lessening – she even had the strength to hit someone.

What was happening? What miraculous medicine had Yun Jin put in the soup to have such obvious effects?

Qin Junlan walked out of the Imperial Study. Looking up, she saw blue skies and endless clouds. She found Yun Jin sitting alone reading in a pavilion. Though now involved in politics, Yun Jin created her own scenery wherever she was, her dignified virtuous aura showing the grace and elegance of a noble lady. Qin Junlan truly didn’t understand what more Qin Junhao could want, having married someone like Yun Jin.

Yun Jin had suppressed too much in her heart, always binding herself with moral constraints. Even when wronged, she only nursed her wounds alone. When feeling sorrowful, she would find a quiet place to read. Her quiet appearance surpassed all worldly beauty, making the whole world seem gentle. Seeing her gave a feeling of peaceful times.

“Feeling better?” Qin Junlan seemed to read her thoughts. Yun Jin looked up to see Qin Junlan unusually relaxed, her complexion much improved from before.

She smiled gently, like a blooming flower. “This subject sister is fine.”

“Since you’ve been bringing soup daily, my body’s pain has decreased significantly. Could you have used some miraculous medicine?”

Yun Jin put down her book, looking at Qin Junlan, hesitating to speak. Liu Qianxun had sacrificed so much, and she missed her so much. They shouldn’t be separated by misunderstanding, especially since she knew only Liu Qianxun could bring Qin Junlan warmth and hope.

“A few days ago, Xun’er returned and brought the medicine.” She finally revealed what was buried in her heart.

Qin Junlan’s expression froze. Hearing that name felt strange and distant, yet clearly stirred something in her heart. This was a wound she had never dared touch, but reopening it still brought pain and reluctance to let go.

“How could she bring the antidote…” Qin Junlan could hardly believe it.

“After leaving the palace, she went to Shennong Valley, likely seeking the Divine Doctor Guiguzi. Elder Sister, Xun’er truly loves you.” Yun Jin gently gripped Qin Junlan’s arm, holding back her inner bitterness, saying: “Do you know? She tested poisons on herself, both arms covered in scars. I don’t know how much she sacrificed for this medicine. I only know that every time she gazed at you from afar, the sorrow and despair in her eyes couldn’t be faked. Why won’t you choose to believe her?”

“Tested poisons on herself? Covered in scars…” Qin Junlan mumbled, feeling suddenly suffocated with suppressed emotions. She leaned against a pavilion pillar, unsteady on her feet. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“She begged me desperately, and I couldn’t bear to refuse. Elder Sister, even I believe Xun’er didn’t kill the princess. You spent so much time with her, even sharing the same bed – why won’t you believe her?”

Qin Junlan bit her lower lip, her fist heavily striking the pavilion pillar. Why did she do this? Why so foolish? Yun Jin didn’t understand the beauty trap strategy, but precisely because of this, she was more objective. Qin Junlan had been truly foolish, only seeing her own pain, never considering that Liu Qianxun was the one truly suffering.

Perhaps she had always been caught in an impossible situation, perhaps she was punished for disobeying Ling Yu’s orders.

How laughable – her injury had made her blind to everything else.

“Where is she? At Shennong Valley?”

Yun Jin nodded.

“Jin’er, if I leave the palace, you must take on great responsibility. Use the Jade Dragon Golden Token to punish corrupt officials and execute treacherous ministers. Don’t wait for my return to make decisions. You must know how to use people well and understand strategy.” At these words, Yun Jin understood – Qin Junlan surely wanted to leave the palace to find Liu Qianxun.

“Rest assured, Elder Sister, Jin’er won’t fail this mission.” Though her heart ached, Yun Jin couldn’t be so selfish as to watch these two love and suffer for her own desires.

She chose to let go, wanting only their happiness. Qin Junlan’s heart wasn’t with her – what use was staying by her side daily? She only hoped the battle for Luo County would end soon.

The Red Armor Army’s cavalry departed from Yuzhou to Luo County, the great army returning like a tide, making Luo County impossible to defend. Bai Yifei personally led 20,000 elite troops in this battle for the city. His sharp gaze carried hatred – in this battle, he would surely make Yu Kingdom pay a terrible price to comfort his sister’s spirit in heaven.

Luo County had only 10,000 stationed troops. Ling Yu was truly careless – she certainly hadn’t expected Bai Yifei to quietly attack her left wing, with troops moving at night.

Gloomy winds blew continuously, heavy rain poured down – even heaven was lending a hand. The rain made visibility poor. Under cover of darkness, Bai Yifei took the opportunity to send several teams of archers to kill the guards in the watchtowers on the city walls. Everything proceeded silently. Once his men occupied the high ground, he suddenly launched the attack on the city.

Luo County was thus caught in a surprise attack. Bai Yifei’s troops advanced unstoppably, their ferocity and fighting power beyond the Yu Kingdom garrison’s imagination.

By the time news reached Changning Prefecture, nearby stationed troops couldn’t arrive in time even at their fastest speed. Bai Yifei broke through the city gate in just one day. Seeing Luo County couldn’t be held and civilians hadn’t had time to evacuate, the defending commander could only surrender, holding onto a thread of hope for the civilians’ survival.

“How many soldiers surrendered?” Bai Yifei stood on the city wall, looking down at the city’s people and soldiers who had become prisoners.

“Reporting to General, 3,000 soldiers and 3,000 civilians surrendered. Shall we report to Her Majesty?” The vice general reported. Though the battle went smoothly and victory news should be reported to court immediately, Bai Yifei remained unmoved.

He lifted his head slightly, his mood heavy. Remembering the day Bai Ruoxi died, his heart ached unbearably, hatred rising in his heart. Rain streaked across his cheeks, yet the cold raindrops weren’t as cold as his current heartlessness and cruelty. He sneered, “Report to court that no one in Luo County surrendered, they rose in resistance and injured our soldiers.”

“This…? General means…?” The vice general had a bad premonition.

“Massacre the city! Leave no one alive!” Bai Yifei spoke these words furiously, his cold eyes showing bloodthirsty cruelty.

“But… but the civilians are innocent…” The vice general couldn’t bear it, trying to plead for the innocent civilians.

“Innocent? Wasn’t Xi’er innocent? Every person from Yu Kingdom deserves death.” As if only killing could resolve his hatred, Bai Yifei’s eyes reddened. Like a mad beast, he drew his sword, pointing it at the vice general. “Military orders are like mountains (idiom meaning absolute). Anyone who dares disobey will be executed without question!”

“This subordinate obeys!”

On a battlefield, blood-stained sand would be fearless, but this cruel massacre was merely to vent personal hatred. In the firelight, Luo County’s screams were endless. The entire city’s population was slaughtered, and surrendered soldiers who tried to resist had no strength left even to tie a chicken (idiom meaning completely powerless).

Luo County’s blood flowed like rivers, floating corpses filled the city. The sky seemed to rain blood. Bodies lay scattered and piled together like disordered objects, as if they had never existed in the human world. Arrows, spears, and sharp swords pierced innocent civilians’ chests. Who could have imagined that one battle would destroy all hope of survival and destroy all of Luo County.

News reached Changning Prefecture immediately.

“Princess, the reinforcements didn’t arrive in time, Luo County was…” The messenger, covered in dirt, rushed back without rest to report.

Ling Yu had a bad premonition. She leaned forward slightly, asking worriedly, “What happened… to Luo County?”

“It was massacred, Princess! Luo County was massacred!” The messenger began sobbing after speaking. He dared not even recall Luo County’s tragic state as he rushed back to report.

“What did you say? Massacred?” Lin Wuming grabbed the messenger’s collar. “If you dare speak nonsense, I’ll kill you right now.”

“How would this subordinate dare, how dare I lie about 6,000 lives.” The messenger, though a full-grown man (literally “seven chi tall man,” traditional measure of height), couldn’t hold back his grief.

“Who did this?”

“Bai Yifei!” The messenger spat out his name in anger.

Lin Wuming worriedly looked at Ling Yu, only to see her pupils gradually dilating, reflecting endless darkness and fear. Perhaps the news was too devastating, causing her lips to twitch as she tried to speak, yet no sound came out.

Ling Yu felt as if her head was exploding, the words “massacre” echoing endlessly in her ears. Before her eyes appeared the horrific scenes of civilians begging for mercy. How desperate they must have been before death – their calls, screams, and pleas all useless. In the cold rain, only cruel sharp swords piercing their chests.

Her heart fell into a bottomless abyss, the endless depths tearing at her. She had pushed Yu Kingdom into an irredeemable situation. She couldn’t save her own people, she had pushed those people into dire straits, she hadn’t killed Bai Yifei early enough.

“Princess?” Lin Wuming helplessly watched Ling Yu. He had never seen someone whose eyes held no tears yet seemed filled with pain and despair. Wordless wounds hurt the most. The silent Ling Yu was shrouded in sorrow – Lin Wuming could even feel her trembling heart.

“From today onwards, Changning Prefecture… will be in mourning.” She heavily uttered these words. Though her tone seemed calm, her voice, suppressing grief, was hoarse, almost crying, though she herself didn’t notice.

“Yes!”

Ling Yu’s body was frozen stiff. She used all her strength just to slowly move her feet. This blow hurt so much, it nearly bent her double. Well played, Qin Junlan, well played, Bai Yifei.

She wanted to howl to the heavens, yet didn’t even have the strength to whimper. Her unfocused eyes looked toward the sky. The sky seemed to press down, so heavy. Each step forward felt like stepping on civilians’ corpses. She dared not breathe, the air seemed filled with the stench of blood. Her heart suddenly churned uncontrollably, her inner energy in chaos. She clutched her collar with all her might, and finally, all the pent-up emotions transformed into a mouthful of fresh blood spurting out. Ling Yu felt her vision darken, her legs no longer able to support her. As she slowly fell, her eyes half-closed, a hot tear slowly overflowed from her eye socket.

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