Chapter 701: Monkey, Don't Put Us in a Difficult Position! |
Upon learning that the capital had held and the Song Kingdom army was retreating, everyone in the harem began to rejoice, moving about with renewed vigor.
The concubines and the empress also lifted their tear-stained faces. They could now breathe freely. For if the capital had not held, they would have been the first to be killed. By their own people, no less.
This terror and chill finally passed.
They had once thought they had achieved high status and glory by entering these palaces.
Now, however, they understood that should a storm appear outside the capital, they would no longer be masters of their own fates here. Instead, they would be like lambs prepared for slaughter.
"The Song Kingdom army is retreating..."
Amidst the vast field, in the commander-in-chief's tent, Meng Shan Min spoke softly.
"Indeed, they are withdrawing. General Meng spoke truly. It hasn't been seven or eight days, and they are already withdrawing their troops," Gong Ling Ze, standing nearby, said excitedly. He couldn't help but acknowledge that Meng Shan Min's calculations were astonishingly precise.
Meng Shan Min only asked another question: "How many warriors has the Song Kingdom army lost?"
"180,000..." Meng Shan Min sighed, disappointment flashing in his eyes.
The Song Kingdom army had lost only 180,000, which was far from what he desired. He had hoped that the capital would fall, and only then would the Song Kingdom army retreat. Or, that the capital would hold out for a long time, exhausting the Song Kingdom's forces. At the very least, he had wished for 500,000 warriors to be annihilated. It simply turned out that not everything went as he had predicted.
Looking at it now, the wind was on their side. But in the long run, how long would the Yan Kingdom truly stand? And would it be able to emerge victorious?
As long as those people in the capital remained alive, no matter how the Yan Kingdom's warriors fought, the Yan Kingdom would still decline and vanish.
What good were their victorious battles? How many valiant warriors would they send to their deaths in vain? The Yan Kingdom would pay such a heavy price merely to prolong its pathetic existence. But nothing would change.
This handful of people would sign the Yan Kingdom's death warrant.
Could one even speak of victory? The Song Kingdom army had not continued their assault on the Yan Kingdom's capital. This meant the Yan Kingdom had lost, and brutally so!
And receiving news that Shang Chao Zong was attacking the enemy forces only deepened the vexation in Meng Shan Min's heart.
It was grievous for Meng Shan Min to hear that the Song Kingdom army was retreating. And this grief and vexation in his heart, he could not speak of to anyone. Few could understand him.
The purpose of his battles had vanished; therefore, one could say he had lost!
But what could he do? He had led these warriors, and seeing no hope, he still had to lead them forward. If only to allow the Yan Kingdom to endure a little longer.
Gong Ling Ze, standing nearby, sensed a subtle, melancholic qi. He hesitantly asked, "General Meng, what has happened?"
Meng Shan Min sighed and said, "Luo Zhao reacted swiftly. He did not squander the strength of the Song Kingdom army. He is returning, and it seems I underestimated him."
"So that's it!" Gong Ling Ze said again, "So young, yet he has already reached the post of Dudu of the Song Kingdom. He is certainly capable. However, with General Meng here, little Luo Zhao is nothing to fear!"
Meng Shan Min closed his eyes. The wind ruffled his half-graying hair. He looked despondent and disappointed in that moment.
A massive bird descended from the sky into the boundless forest.
Yuan Gang arrived with Duan Hu and Wu San Liang. Yuan Gang, with the Three Furious Roars Sword hanging from his back, approached Niu You Dao.
Leaning on his sword, Niu You Dao stood beneath a tree and gazed intently at Yuan Gang. Duan Hu and Wu San Liang stepped forward and greeted, "Lord Dao!"
Niu You Dao nodded and shifted his gaze to Yuan Gang: "Why have you come?"
Yuan Gang: "I should have arrived long ago!"
Niu You Dao furrowed his brows; he understood what Yuan Gang meant. This was because he knew Yuan Gang well.
He hadn't brought Yuan Gang with him because Niu You Dao himself was close to the battlefield. And he feared that Yuan Gang wouldn't stay put for long here.
In the end, Yuan Gang had come here on his own. It seemed Yuan Gang had received much news about the military actions. That was why he couldn't restrain himself.
Niu You Dao said but one word: "Go back!"
Yuan Gang: "I only want to know how the military actions are progressing here. Send me to Meng Shan Min. Then nothing will happen to him."
Niu You Dao: "No!"
Yuan Gang: "Lord Dao, if you act this way, how will others look upon us then?"
Niu You Dao, ignoring him, repeated: "I said no, and that means no!"
Was this a joke? How large-scale were the battles that had begun now? Two kingdoms were currently fighting. Powerful cultivators and outstanding talents on each side were matching strengths. How many unforeseen situations could arise? Was this truly the right moment for Yuan Gang to appear?
He didn't believe Yuan Gang's words at all. Yuan Gang possessed hot blood. His cool-headed promises would be utterly useless once he plunged into battle.
Especially near Meng Shan Min. Meng Shan Min and others had long taken a close look at Yuan Gang. They had long wanted to use Yuan Gang in battle. Only, Niu You Dao had consistently refused.
In this world, it was only the two of them!
Yuan Gang: "Lord Dao, you said you wouldn't restrict my freedom."
Niu You Dao: "In other matters, I would agree, but not in this one!"
Yuan Gang: "Since I have arrived, I will not leave." Saying this, he turned and walked away. He intended to go to Meng Shan Min himself.
Niu You Dao said but one word: "Just try it!" He lifted one hand from his sword and gave a signal.
From the rear of the forest, people from Fufang Park appeared. They immediately surrounded Yuan Gang.
Yin Er held a small pouch in her hands; with one hand, she pulled out a chicken leg and ate it while looking at Yuan Gang.
Guan Fang Yi, Duan Hu, and the others exchanged glances. This was the first time they had witnessed such an argument between the sworn brothers.
Surrounded, Yuan Gang slowly turned, looked at everyone, and then, gazing at Niu You Dao, said, "Lord Dao!"
"Watch him closely. Do not let him go without my permission. If anyone is careless, do not be surprised by my sword!" Niu You Dao said, then turned and walked deeper into the forest.
Yuan Gang tensed his cheeks but said nothing.
Wu Lao Er sighed and said: "Monkey, don't put us in a difficult position!"
In the sky, two birds circled, descending.
Elder Chao Jing's grandson, Chao Sheng Huai, was returned from the Song Kingdom's capital. Chancellor Gu Wu Chun's trusted aide had personally brought him back.
There was nothing to be done; he had been requested. And holding the grandson of an elder from the Thousand Beast Sect captive was somewhat inappropriate. Gu Wu Chun bringing him personally showed the Song Kingdom's sincere intentions.
Moreover, Chao Sheng Huai was no longer of particular use to the capital. And for the Chancellor to release him was a matter of a single word.
Elder Jiu Shan, who had come out to meet them, immediately cast a cold glance at Chao Sheng Huai.
Feeling the cold gaze upon him, Chao Sheng Huai lowered his head and said in a weak voice, "Disciple greets Elder."
With outsiders present, Jiu Shan said nothing. He merely winked at a few disciples beside him, signaling them to lead Chao Sheng Huai away.
Gu Wu Chun, who had witnessed all this, merely smiled, clasped his hands, and said, "Elder Jiu, it has been many years since we last met. I hope my uninvited visit has not troubled you."
"Where is this coming from? Brother Gu has personally arrived; this is a rare guest for us," Jiu Shan said with a joyful clasp of his hands, then asked, probing, "Brother Gu has personally arrived. I wonder what instructions you might have?"
Towards this trusted aide of the Song Kingdom's Chancellor, he behaved with sufficient courtesy. He dared not show any disrespect.
And he knew Gu Wu Chun's history well. His father was a household tutor at the Purple Palace. One could say the Purple Palace had specifically invited his father as a teacher to educate its students. And so, Gu Wu Chun grew up alongside his father within the Purple Palace. Living amidst the conditions of the Purple Palace, Gu Wu Chun had many opportunities to read extensively. His capabilities far surpassed those of ordinary people. Thus, he gradually revealed his extraordinary talents.
It was said that Zi Ping Xu had been able to ascend to the post of Chancellor at a young age thanks to this man.
Behind his back, this man was often called a recluse!
True or not, this man's influence on Zi Ping Xu could not be denied. Therefore, Jiu Shan addressed him courteously.
Gu Wu Chun chuckled, waving his hand, and said: "I am a mere mortal; how could I give instructions to celestials?
Turning his head and watching Chao Sheng Huai being led away, he sighed slightly and said: "The Chancellor and the imperial court detained your disciple, going a little overboard in doing so. He should have been released long ago. The Chancellor asked for your understanding. He said he had wronged the Thousand Beast Sect. However, the imperial court also needs to uphold its reputation. Of course, as does the Thousand Beast Sect. Therefore, the Chancellor asked me to personally bring your disciple and apologize to the Sect Head."
At this moment, a gleam flashed in Jiu Shan's eyes. He seemed to sense the true purpose of such a guest's visit.
Jiu Shan immediately said: "It is regrettable; the Sect Head is currently in secluded cultivation. It's not worth disturbing him over such a trivial matter. You could have simply sent him back, and that would have been all. There's no need for any apologies. Since Brother Gu has arrived, I will drink a few cups in your honor today!"
Gu Wu Chun waved his hand: "I do not drink; this Gu cannot drink. Ah, since I cannot speak with Sect Head Si Hai Tang, it is quite regrettable. Elder Jiu must surely know by now. Two kingdoms are fighting, and the Chancellor is extremely busy. He still has many affairs he wishes to send me to attend to. I shall take my leave now. I hope Brother Jiu will convey my regards to Sect Head Si Hai Tang."
Jiu Shan was surprised. He would just leave like that?
He had just mentioned various matters and the awkwardness with the Thousand Beast Sect, and now he was apparently preparing to depart. Jiu Shan wondered if he had misjudged the situation.
However, he did not wish to invite unnecessary trouble upon himself, so he sighed and said: "Since that is the case, state affairs are indeed important. I will not press you. If the opportunity arises, we shall meet again, Brother Gu. I will certainly convey your and the Chancellor's regards. Here, see off Master Gu!"
"No need, no need to trouble yourself so. One responsible for secret matters must keep secrets." Gu Wu Chun waved his hand, refusing.