Chapter 39: To Take a Risk or Not? |
From Lan Ruo Ting's account, it became clear that the matter revolved around the 100,000 Crows army.
Upon hearing the truth, Niu You Dao understood. The imperial court sought to dismantle Ning Wang's power and influence, which was why Chao Zong was destined for death. To preserve the prince's life, Lan Ruo Ting had then spread rumors of a hidden 100,000-strong Crows army. At that time, the Yan Kingdom was in turmoil, beset by dangers both internal and external, which was why he had pointed them towards Cang Wu County. It was solely because of this rumored 100,000 Crows army that the prince had been able to see the light of day again.
Niu You Dao now understood why they had been so reluctant to tell him the whole truth. If there was even the slightest chance that Niu You Dao was an imperial court spy, their entire venture would be doomed. If the imperial court discovered that the 100,000-strong army was merely a rumor, all these people would instantly become dead men.
Only when Shu Qing nodded to them did they decide to tell him everything. It seemed these two greatly trusted Shu Qing's judgment. This made Shu Qing even more interesting to Niu You Dao. He turned and asked Lan Ruo Ting: “Mister Lan, there must be a reason why you specifically pointed them to Cang Wu County?”
Lan Ruo Ting explained: “Cang Wu County has a complex terrain. It is easy to defend and difficult to attack. It will be easier for the prince to settle there.”
Niu You Dao squinted and said:
“Five hundred cavalrymen can play a role on a plain, but in a perilous, difficult-to-access place, they will be clumsy. This terrain is an Achilles' heel for cavalry. So what if Cang Wu County is dangerous? Can 500 cavalrymen withstand imperial troops here? Does Mister Lan think I can be fooled because of my youth?”
Lan Ruo Ting became awkward at these words, so Shu Qing hastily said: “Father constantly sent people to this county during his lifetime.”
Niu You Dao asked: “How many are left?”
As soon as she said this, Niu You Dao asked in surprise:
“I have also heard of Ning Wang’s renown. He conducted himself bravely on the battlefield. Why then did he incur the wrath of the cultivation world? Ning Wang possessed such power, what truly happened?”
Upon mentioning this, many advisors and commanders felt awkward. Ning Wang had boldly advocated for stripping cultivators of their benefits. And this Lord Dao was also a cultivator.
The consistently silent Chao Zong finally spoke slowly: “This is related to the current imperial court.”
Niu You Dao asked: “What do you mean?”
Lan Ruo Ting sighed and said: “In the cultivation world, every sect and school needs its representative among the common people to be responsible for supplying them with resources. And these representatives don't always wish to be mere puppets for the cultivators. Therefore, some of them pit sects and schools against each other for resources, so as not to allow the cultivation sects to develop. This is what led to the current state of the country. In every country, the ruling house does not want to be a puppet for cultivators. Only they don't dare to speak openly about it. Ning Wang also wasn't foolish enough to attract the wrath of the cultivation world. Someone pulled strings behind the scenes. At that time, the former emperor, during his lifetime, initially wanted to pass the throne to Ning Wang. However, Ning Wang suddenly drew pressure from all sides. The pressure was so immense that it's difficult to imagine. In the end, the former emperor suddenly died under unknown circumstances, and the throne was also strangely passed to the current emperor. It's all still very strange!”
As soon as Lan Ruo Ting finished speaking, Niu You Dao seemed to understand. It turned out the entire reason was a struggle for the throne.
However, he wasn't interested in that. He simply wanted to understand the current situation, so he now unfolded a map of the Yan Kingdom on the table.
Chao Zong remained nearby, watching Niu You Dao's actions indifferently.
Shang Shu Qing occasionally peeked at Niu You Dao from under her hat. She looked at him with hope. Yuan Gang's words often echoed in her mind: that in their current predicament, Lord Dao was far more important than Yuan Gang. She had initially doubted this. However, Niu You Dao was very adept at concealing his talents. For instance, with his cultivation. Everyone thought he was a weak mentor and couldn't defend himself, but then he surprised everyone. Therefore, she looked at him with hope.
From the map, it was evident that the Yan Kingdom was no larger than the other kingdoms. To its east lay the Song Kingdom, to the north the Han Kingdom, to the west the Zhao Kingdom, and to the south it bordered the great sea. Cang Wu County was located in the southern region of Qingshan County. And Qingshan County was indeed situated near the sea; to its east, it bordered Kuangai County, and to its west, one county over, was the Zhao Kingdom.
The southern region comprised a total of 11 counties. Qingshan County and Kuangai County belonged to the southern region. The current governor of the region was Zhou Shou Xiang, a trusted confidant of the imperial court. He possessed some capabilities and constantly exerted pressure on Kuangai County...
After listening to the introductory speech about the situation around the county, Niu You Dao pointed at Kuangai County and asked:
“Feng Lin Bo, the ruler of a tiny county. If he dared to resist them, there must surely be a cultivation sect backing him, right?”
Lan Ruo Ting nodded: “Precisely. He is backed by the Heavenly Jade Sect. It is quite powerful in the Yan Kingdom. And Feng Lin Bo's wife, Peng Yu Lan, is the daughter of the current head of the Heavenly Jade Sect, Peng Yu Cai. However, other cultivation sects do not want Feng Lin Bo to develop and gain greater influence. For if he succeeds, he will assist the Heavenly Jade Sect with resources. This goes against the interests of other sects, which is why they seek to suppress him.”
“So that's how it is...” Niu You Dao stared at the map for a long time, then slowly asked: “I wonder what the prince intends to do after taking Cang Wu County?”
Chao Zong slowly said: “Lord Dao, this isn't a matter of trusting you or not. It’s simply that you've raised a question that could cost many heads.” With this, he hinted that he would not reveal it.
Niu You Dao smiled slightly. If he was hesitant, there was another way to put it. Niu You Dao began tracing his finger down the map and pointed at Cang Wu County.
“This patch of land, even with an additional 1,000 men, cannot hold out against imperial troops. And the legend of a 100,000-strong army can sustain you for a time, but not for long. Once the imperial court learns the truth, the prince will certainly be unable to hold this county. Therefore, the prince must have prepared escape routes. But it seems there are not even a few escape routes from there. To the east is the Song Kingdom, but it's too far to reach. To the west, one might perhaps slip into the Zhao Kingdom, but judging by the prince's character, that option is ruled out. And it's not even certain that the Zhao Kingdom would accept you....”
He moved his finger further down, pointing to the south side of the county towards the southern sea:
“Then the only exit is to the sea! Of course, the prince has been trying to recover and make preparations these past years. But when things go bad, everyone must immediately be transferred to the sea! First, you must ensure your safety, and only then think about revenge. I wonder if this 'Niu' has understood correctly?”
At his words, Chao Zong, Lan Ruo Ting, and Shu Qing were utterly horrified. Even when Chao Zong was still in prison, Lan Ruo Ting and Shu Qing had spent a long time devising escape routes. And Chao Zong, upon his release, only learned of their plan afterward. But who would have known that Niu You Dao would unravel their entire plan with a single glance at the map?
Yuan Gang, observing the three people’s reactions, understood that Lord Dao had guessed correctly.
Niu You Dao, moving his finger back to Kuangai County, said:
“Prince, in my opinion, you should establish yourself in Kuangai County for a while.”
Chao Zong asked with interest, clasping his hands: “Please elaborate!”
“Currently, Cang Wu has no other path than to head south to the sea. But that is the absolute last resort for retreat. Moreover, in such a case, the prince might be branded a rebel, and it would then be difficult for him to rally the common people under his banner. And if the situation in the country stabilizes, it will be hard for the prince to return and reclaim what is his. Who will guarantee that the current imperial court won't send assassins to the southern sea?” Niu You Dao, pointing his finger at Kuangai County, said:
“Feng Lin Bo has his own troops. The prince now has a chance to combine forces with him!”
Chao Zong gave a bitter smile: “Feng Lin Bo wouldn’t even spare a glance for my troops. What alliance? Furthermore, the Heavenly Jade Sect would hardly wish to see us allied.”
“The prince speaks incorrectly. While the prince possesses little hard power, he has abundant soft power. The mere banner of 'Ning Wang's son' holds vast potential.” Niu You Dao said reassuringly, then added with a smile:
“How about this Niu making a wager with the prince?”
As soon as he said this, Lan Ruo Ting and Shu Qing exchanged glances, while Chao Zong asked with interest: “What kind of wager?”
Niu You Dao replied with a smile: “I will go to Kuangai County and obtain a troop of cavalry from Feng Lin Bo for the prince's safety. They will guard the prince in Cang Wu County. I wonder what the prince thinks of that?”
“...” Chao Zong and the others simply froze.
*Where has such a thing ever been seen? Is he delirious? Not to mention an alliance, Feng Lin Bo simply wouldn't want to join forces with us. And you're still talking about him giving us his men. This is simply a joke. Feng Lin Bo is no idiot.*
Among all present, only Yuan Gang stood calmly.
Shu Qing said with a clear voice: “Lord Dao, are you joking?”
Niu You Dao waved his hand: “So, is the prince ready to wager or not?”
Chao Zong replied decisively:
“Very well, I agree! But what shall we wager?”
Niu You Dao pointed at Yuan Gang:
“If I cannot bring back men, then Monkey will serve under your banner. If I can borrow men, then the prince will have to endure a small indignity.”