Chapter 9: The Big Winner

Leaving the well, dawn had already broken. Everyone looked around and found themselves beside a dry well. The surroundings were shrouded in light mist and haze, dimly revealing what appeared to be a shabby alley. It seemed they were already within the city.

Lu Yun nodded silently to himself. With such a complex network of underground waterways, these “righteous vigilantes” could indeed come and go without a trace. No wonder even the extensive network of the “Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard” could do nothing against them.

It was early morning, and after last night’s Lantern Festival, the common folk were naturally sleeping in late. The streets were completely deserted. Everyone had gone without sleep for the entire night, and waves of cold mist struck their faces, refreshing their spirits. Looking back at A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang, both were still unconscious with their sleep acupoints sealed, snoring like thunder.

Seeing that Lingzhi’s hands were empty, Timur Mieli handed him the child, saying, “Both of you, I’m entangled in mundane affairs and fear I must take my leave first.” Lu Yun quickly asked, “Does the general have other business?” Mieli nodded, “I must return to the embassy once.” Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and hurriedly said, “Counselor Lu, you know many heroes from the Rage Fortress, don’t you?”

Hearing this, Lu Yun couldn’t help but cough and said, “Yes… I suppose I know them.” Mieli said, “That’s good. If you encounter any men from the Rage Fortress, please trouble yourself to give them this item.” So saying, he removed his pack from his back and took out a scroll from within.

Lu Yun’s heart tightened as he asked, “This… what is this?” Mieli replied, “This is a gift from the princess to the Rage King. I traveled to Jiangnan in the twelfth month specifically to deliver this item.”

According to what “Miss Qi” had said, the princess sent an envoy to meet the Rage King to warn the Grand Shopkeeper. Hearing that this item was actually a gift from the princess to the Rage King, Lu Yun couldn’t help but feel nervous. He took the scroll and whispered, “May I open it?”

Mieli nodded, indicating he should feel free. Lu Yun took a deep breath and unrolled the scroll. It turned out to be an ancient painting, quite worn with age. The painting depicted a man in military dress with a precious sword at his waist, approximately thirty-six or thirty-seven years old, with handsome and refined features. It was unmistakably Yang Suguan himself!

Lu Yun exclaimed in surprise, and Lingzhi was also slightly puzzled. The two couldn’t help but exchange glances. Lu Yun murmured, “This… this is a gift from the princess to Zhonghai?” Mieli said quietly, “Precisely. When I saw this painting, I too found it strange, but the princess was unwilling to explain further. She only asked me to find a way to deliver it to Qin Zhonghai, saying that once he saw this item, he would naturally come to meet with her.”

This painting was indeed strange. The paper appeared yellowed with considerable age, yet for some unknown reason, the person in the painting bore an identical resemblance to Yang Suguan. Could it be that the princess had some other clever scheme and was planning to pacify the realm again?

Everyone had endured a night of toil and their thoughts were already scattered, leaving them with no energy to think deeply about anything. In the silence, Mieli cupped his hands and said, “Counselor Lu, I fear I’ll be overwhelmed with duties these next few days, so I’ll have to trouble you with this matter. If you’re free this afternoon, you’re welcome to come to the Khan’s embassy for a brief gathering. I’ll prepare wine and await you.” He crossed his hands over his chest, bowed to both Lu Yun and Lingzhi, then turned and departed.

Lu Yun watched Mieli leave and asked Lingzhi in a low voice, “Master, is he going to find the princess?” Lingzhi replied, “Not at all. He’s going to arrange welcome festivities.” Lu Yun asked in confusion, “Welcome festivities? Is some important person from the Khan’s country coming to the capital?” Lingzhi sighed, “Prince Karachi, the eldest son and crown prince of Daber Khan, has arrived.”

Lu Yun frowned, “What’s he coming for during these troubled times?” Lingzhi replied, “The court will hold a grand ceremony to establish the heir apparent next month. The prince has come to the capital at Emperor Zhengtong’s invitation to observe the ceremony.”

Lu Yun’s heart tightened, “The court is going to establish a crown prince?” Lingzhi said, “This is what the court calls the ‘Heir Establishment Case.’ If nothing unexpected happens, Emperor Zhengtong will summon the eight princes’ sons in the next day or two to begin selecting the heir apparent.”

Hearing that the court was going to establish a crown prince, Lu Yun wasn’t particularly concerned. However, with the princess’s whereabouts unknown, he wondered how Timur Mieli would explain things when Prince Karachi questioned him. He sighed and was about to say more when he heard Lingzhi say, “Lord Lu, this old monk also has some matters to attend to and fears he must also take his leave.”

Lu Yun asked in surprise, “Master, you’re leaving too?” Lingzhi replied, “Yes. This old monk must return to Hongluo Temple.”

Lu Yun asked in confusion, “Hongluo Temple? Does the master lodge there?” Lingzhi shook his head, “Not at all. I’m going to watch over the princess.”

Lu Yun exclaimed and realized the princess was at Hongluo Temple. Just as he was about to ask more, Lingzhi bowed and said, “My lord, if you have any urgent matters in the coming days, please leave a message at the ‘Purple Wisteria Tea Pavilion’ at the foot of Hongluo Mountain. This old monk will naturally be informed.” So saying, he handed over Hu Zhengtang, bowed and said, “Lord Lu, I’ll trouble you to send this child back home.” He pressed his palms together in salute and departed gracefully.

One by one, everyone left completely, leaving the two children with Lu Yun. Poor fellow, he stood there completely bewildered, not knowing what to do. He hurriedly called out, “Master! Wait! What about these two children?” But Lingzhi’s movement technique was swift, and after turning the street corner, he had already vanished without a trace.

Ever since losing his official position, Lu Yun had been penniless but carefree. Who would have thought that after one night, he’d end up carrying A’Xiu in his left hand, holding Zhengtang in his right, with a sword at his waist and a scroll tucked in his belt? He felt as awkward as an old ox pulling a cart. Looking at little A’Xiu in his arms, he sighed inwardly, “What should I do? How should I settle this child?”

Hu Zhengtang required no special care – he could simply inquire about his home address and toss him into his courtyard. But A’Xiu was different. He was Liu Angtian’s child, a little orphan born after Seventh Concubine’s ten months of pregnancy. Lu Yun had finally encountered him, but what should he do next?

According to what Miss Qi had said, she wanted Lu Yun to take A’Xiu and wander the ends of the earth. But how could such a thing be done? Since A’Xiu had been raised by Gu Qianxi, they shared a mother-son bond. How could he arbitrarily separate them? If he truly wanted to take the boy away… he’d have to take Gu Qianxi with him too…

The hot blood in his body began to boil slightly. It had been a long time since he’d felt so full of hope. Recalling the righteous vigilante leader’s request, Lu Yun couldn’t help but feel troubled. He walked to a corner of the shabby alley, set the two children down, and sat down himself.

It was early morning. The wind had stopped, the snow had ceased, revealing the deep blue sky. Lu Yun gazed up at the morning sun in the east, his thoughts wandering far and wide.

Assassinate Yang Suguan… If he died, many things would become easier. But could such a thing be done? Lu Yun silently gazed at the horizon, a bitter smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “This Miss Qi is truly vicious, actually instigating me to assassinate Yang Suguan? She’s truly delusional, even wanting me to find Qianxi to help with the deed? What exactly do they take Lu for? Pei Ruhai? Ximen Qing? Or some other shameless wretch?”

No matter what, Gu Qianxi was Yang Suguan’s wife, married with eight-person sedan chair ceremony. If she harbored lingering feelings for him, that would already be the height of impropriety. How much more so to help an outsider assassinate her own husband? Forget that Lu Yun had always considered himself a gentleman – even if he claimed to be a true scoundrel, how could he commit such heaven-defying, virtue-destroying, duty-forgetting acts?

This “Miss Qi” was extraordinarily calculating, and Lu Yun didn’t dare underestimate her. She had said that once he left the dry well, he would immediately agree to become this assassin. But now that he’d long since returned to the mortal world, his mind hadn’t changed. The dignified Lu Yun, well-versed in the teachings of the sages, would never commit such shameless acts.

Dong Hu’s brush recorded “Zhao Dun’s regicide” – Zhao Dun determined that his king was evil, so he killed him. But if Zhao Dun said the king was evil, what about himself? Did he dare claim he was a good man? Or did he think that after killing the king, the court would improve?

No matter what, if one wanted to kill the king, anyone in the world could do it – except Zhao Dun. Because this “Duke Ling of Jin” was the very boss that Zhao Dun himself had elevated. If the boss committed all manner of evil deeds, shouldn’t Zhao Dun, as his subordinate, be the first to commit suicide?

Recalling last night’s events, Lu Yun felt even more emotional. When he first met Liu Angtian years ago, Wei Zizhuang was still the head bodyguard – how obsequiously he fawned over Yang Suguan! Who would have expected that last night he’d transform and shout about killing him? Looking at Master Lingzhi, wasn’t he of the same character? Brotherhood meant nothing – he’d abandon it at will, rendering fellow disciples worthless as a single coin.

When it came down to it, who was the worst person? If what was said last night was true, Yang Suguan’s sinister and despicable nature probably surpassed everyone else in the world. If he didn’t kill him, it would seem to violate natural justice. But how should he ensure justice was served? Should he have Qianxi learn to act like an adulterous couple with him, sneaking into the Yang household like thieves to stab Yang Suguan to death – would that be divine retribution? What about his own retribution? In the future, would some man slip through his back door and stab him to death, then loudly proclaim that justice prevails and retribution is inevitable?

How absurd! After one night, he’d become a living Buddha, as if everyone in the world was waiting for Lord Lu to draw his sword and swiftly kill Yang Suguan, and then all would be peaceful for eternity. Could this really be the “final divination”? He still remembered that when leaving the dry well, when he wanted to ask about the details, hadn’t that “Miss Qi” cursed him thoroughly in a rough voice?

“Go to hell, you damn bastard! Keep quiet and stop being so noisy!” Remembering these words, Lu Yun couldn’t help but smile bitterly. He looked down and saw the two children in his arms sleeping sweetly, still wrapped in Lingzhi’s outer robe, huddled together. Lu Yun smiled slightly and reached out to stroke A’Xiu’s face, gently saying, “A’Xiu, who are you dreaming about? Have you ever seen Uncle Lu in your dreams?”

The morning light shone down. Ten years had passed just like that. The little infant had grown up, and Uncle Lu had grown old too. He gazed at A’Xiu, feeling greatly comforted, because he had lived up to Liu Angtian and was worthy of Seventh Concubine’s personal entrustment – he had finally seen A’Xiu grow up.

Lu Yun gently stroked the jade pendant between A’Xiu’s brows, thinking that Gu Qianxi had sewn it on with her own hands, and couldn’t help feeling wistful.

How had Gu Qianxi spent these ten years? Ten years ago, her lover had vanished without a trace. Later, her father had angered the current emperor and was imprisoned, eventually dying by crashing his head in jail. Poor woman, losing both beloved and family, reduced to selling drinks. In such difficult circumstances, someone had placed a swaddled infant at her door, forcing her to suppress her grief and raise this child.

This was terrible! He carried a sword, and A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang were of unknown origin – he would certainly be highly suspicious and likely arrested. Lu Yun was greatly troubled but didn’t want to assault the officers. Just as he was feeling anxious, he saw one officer’s eyes bulge out as he stared at the pure gold token in his hand, stammering, “Great… great…”

Lu Yun was startled and held up the token, asking, “You recognize this thing?” The man’s body trembled slightly, unable to speak. The other two officers shouted angrily, “You there! Your behavior is suspicious! Come here, we need to search you!” The word “you” had barely left their lips when they added an “ah!” The two officers rolled their eyes back as their necks were struck with hand chops, knocking them unconscious.

The officer behind had made his move! He knocked out his colleagues but still didn’t dare speak. He knelt down and respectfully kowtowed three times to Lu Yun, then pointed to his own mouth, crying and desperately shaking his hands. Only then did he shoulder his two companions and flee in panic.

Witnessing such an extraordinary event, Lu Yun was naturally dumbstruck. He looked down and repeatedly examined the token in his hand, completely bewildered, as if he’d become a fool.

Here came this “Lingwu Xuanzhi” working its magic again. Before this letter was even opened, it had already allowed him to eat throughout the capital without paying, earning him quite a few benefits. Who would have thought that once the token inside appeared, it would make officers kowtow until their heads bled? Lu Yun stared blankly at the gold token in his hand, truly not knowing what this thing was. Was it an imperial edict from the Jade Emperor or a talisman from Buddha? Otherwise, where would such tremendous magical power come from?

While he was lost in thought, the sky grew brighter and more pedestrians gradually appeared on the streets – those buying breakfast, emptying chamber pots, strolling about chatting. Seeing a mysterious man standing at the mouth of the alley wearing a large felt hat, a sword at his waist, holding a gold token, with two children of uncertain life or death at his feet, they couldn’t help but stare and whisper among themselves.

Being stared at by the common folk, Lu Yun knew this wasn’t a place to linger. He should send A’Xiu home. Thinking that if his luck wasn’t bad on this trip, he might even catch sight of Gu Qianxi virtuously preparing breakfast, his heart warmed. But then recalling the righteous vigilante leader’s request, his heart chilled again, and he truly didn’t know what to do.

Lu Yun pondered for a long while, then suddenly laughed and shook his head. “How foolish of me! These two children are at least ten years old – surely they can find their way home?” He immediately raised his palm and struck A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang, his power reaching them and unsealing their acupoints. Then he concealed himself nearby, planning to secretly protect them.

“Want to sleep more…” The two children huddled together, stubbornly refusing to wake up. Lu Yun had never raised children and didn’t know of such peculiarities. Having no other recourse, he channeled all his internal energy and used his finger technique from a distance, seeing if there was any way to startle A’Xiu awake.

“There’s a mosquito…” Lu Yun hadn’t practiced palm strikes through air, and his finger strength wasn’t great either. He saw A’Xiu drowsily scratch his bottom. Just as he was itching, he suddenly heard a tiny mosquito buzz in his ear. The mosquito carefully advised, “Little brother, school is about to start. Get up quickly.” Hearing these words, A’Xiu immediately opened his eyes and shouted, “Master Meng!”

Hu Zhengtang laughed heartily, gasping, “Stop tickling, stop tickling! I’ll talk, I’ll talk!” A’Xiu stopped his hands and demanded, “Speak quickly!” Seeing that he’d stopped tickling, Hu Zhengtang was about to close his eyes and sleep again, but A’Xiu tickled him until he flew up. After several attempts with the same result, he could only cry and shout, “Stop fooling around! It’s all your fault!”

A’Xiu saw that he seemed to have truly recovered and couldn’t help but feel overjoyed. “You can speak now!” Hu Zhengtang cried, “What’s the use of being able to speak? I don’t want to live anymore!” A’Xiu frowned, “What’s wrong? You finally recovered from your illness, why don’t you want to live? Is your madness not completely cured?”

Hu Zhengtang was both angry and resentful, crying loudly, “It’s all your fault, and you still dare ask me?” A’Xiu asked in surprise, “What did I do to harm you? Did I steal your money or sleep with your mother?” Lu Yun, hiding in the shadows and eavesdropping, heard A’Xiu speak worse than adults and couldn’t help shaking his head secretly, planning to record his misdeeds and secretly find a way to inform Gu Qianxi.

While he was thinking about how to pass on this information, Hu Zhengtang let out another “wuu” sound, tears streaming down his face as he choked out, “A’Xiu… the New Year is already over, isn’t it?”

A’Xiu sighed, “Nonsense! Life is long indeed.” Hu Zhengtang pointed accusingly and cried, “It’s all your fault! I went to your house to play once before New Year and got caught by the ghost in your house. Then when I woke up last night, the New Year was suddenly over! Even the Earth God couldn’t help me! A’Xiu! How can you say you didn’t harm me?”

A’Xiu frowned, “What are you talking about? Didn’t you stay home during New Year? Don’t you remember?” Hu Zhengtang cried loudly, “I don’t remember!” A’Xiu murmured, “Then… you don’t remember me taking you out with lanterns to play last night either?” Hu Zhengtang cried, “I don’t remember.”

A’Xiu frowned, “So you also don’t remember us drinking and gambling last night, feasting and playing, and even having Hua Mei strip naked to serve wine?” Hu Zhengtang listened blankly, drooling, then suddenly cried and shouted, “I don’t remember! I don’t remember! I want to celebrate New Year too! I want to celebrate New Year too!”

Children mostly love New Year celebrations. After eagerly waiting an entire year, who knew that during New Year he’d become a mindless invalid? Once recovered, he’d immediately have to go to school. Anyone would go mad. After A’Xiu teased him for a while, he laughed, “Alright, alright, stop making a fuss. Hua Mei is still waiting for us. Let’s hurry and meet up with her. First go home and change clothes – we have to go to school this afternoon.”

“Wuu wuu wuu, just kill me!” Hu Zhengtang held his head and cried bitterly, turning to run toward the dry well as if to commit suicide by jumping in. A’Xiu was startled and quickly grabbed him, exclaiming, “What are you doing? Let’s go! Let’s go!”

“Get away!” Hu Zhengtang pushed him away and lay prone on the well rim, shouting loudly into the deep well, “Big Winner!”

Big Winner… Big Winner… The echo from the well carried far and wide, startling A’Xiu. “What Big Winner? Is there someone in the well?” Hu Zhengtang ignored him and just lay by the well shouting, “Big Winner! I kept my promise and didn’t reveal your secret! Big Winner! I swear my loyalty to you! Hurry and let me make a wish! Big Winner! Big Winner!”

“Big Winner! Big Winner!” Hu Zhengtang chased after him, shouting, “Arrest me and throw me in jail!” A’Xiu cursed, “Damn your Big Winner! Say those three words again and I’ll beat you to death!” The two children fought and brawled while Lu Yun took a deep breath and glanced sideways, seeing that the mounted riders weren’t officers. They were fully armed, wearing heavy armor, with long sabers at their waists, riding directly toward the western city.

Lu Yun focused his gaze and saw a banner flying over Fucheng Gate in the distance, bearing the three large characters “Zhengtong Army.”

A’Xiu also spotted the banner and immediately exclaimed, “Zhengtong Army! These are Uncle Wu’s troops!” Hu Zhengtang was still crying and cursing, “Big Winner! Big Winner! Come arrest me!” This place was in the western city, only two streets from the city gate. Seeing the dark commotion there, A’Xiu’s curiosity was piqued. He quickly pulled Hu Zhengtang, saying, “Come on, let’s go see what’s happening.”

As soon as A’Xiu moved, Lu Yun worried and immediately followed. The two small and one large, one after another, headed toward the city gate. They had just reached Yangshi Street when they heard shouting ahead: “Soldier! Please be reasonable! Our shop is right ahead – why won’t you let us pass?”

“How many times must I say this!” A furious roar came from the distance. “Yangshi Street is strictly forbidden to traffic today! Turn back!” Lu Yun rose on his toes to look and saw the street ahead packed with people. A military officer was angrily shouting, blocking the road and preventing civilians from passing. Complaints arose from all sides: “Soldier! At least let us leave the city! Make way for us!”

“Fucheng Gate is closed!” The officer raged. “If you want to leave the city, go to Yongding Gate!” A civilian shouted, “Yongding Gate is closed too! The soldiers there just drove us over here!”

Hearing this, Lu Yun was naturally shocked and thought, “Has the city been sealed?”

While he stood bewildered, he heard A’Xiu whisper, “Come on, let’s take a detour.” So saying, he pulled Hu Zhengtang and squeezed through between adults’ legs, darting into a narrow alley. Seeing the city in chaos, Lu Yun was also afraid something might happen to A’Xiu and immediately gave chase.

That A’Xiu was small but clever. Though at an age when children get lost, he knew many strange shortcuts. Lu Yun watched him pull Hu Zhengtang along, turning east and west, specifically taking small alleys through mutton shops. Not wanting to follow too closely yet fearing the two children might encounter danger, he could only disguise himself as a passerby and trail behind.

In no time, all three had emerged from the narrow alley one after another. Before them opened a broad vista – an abandoned city wall.

Lu Yun’s heart tightened as he thought, “The old Mongol wall.” Beijing was also called Dadu. In Liao times it was called Nanjing, and in even more ancient times it was called Youzhou. Throughout the dynasties, the city walls had been reinforced and expanded with strict precision. Looking at this wall covered with moss, it must have been built by the Mongols – an old city section within the new city that hadn’t yet been demolished. Unexpectedly, A’Xiu had found it.

That A’Xiu knew the way well. Arriving at the ruined city, he simply ran wildly until he came to a section of city stairs. Just as he was about to go up, Hu Zhengtang grabbed him and scolded, “A’Xiu! You want to play in the ruins again? Aren’t you afraid your mother will scold you?” A’Xiu replied, “Who wants to play? Don’t you see the city is in chaos? I’m going to gather intelligence. Hurry up!” Hu Zhengtang cried, “No! I want to find the Big Winner!”

The two children pulled and fought. Hu Zhengtang was no match for A’Xiu’s strange strength and was dragged along. Lu Yun saw that the city stairs were old, steep, and slippery, and was naturally worried, fearing A’Xiu might fall. He carefully stayed at the base of the wall, ready to catch him from mid-air at any moment.

After much difficulty, the child reached the top of the wall safely. Lu Yun felt slightly relieved, but suddenly heard a sharp scream – the two children seemed to be in danger! Lu Yun was greatly alarmed. Without bothering to climb the stairs properly, he leaped at the wall and flew up several zhang, then channeled sticky energy into his palms, pressing and pushing against the wall surface. After several rises and falls, he too flipped onto the wall top.

Lu Yun’s face was full of fear as he focused his gaze, but saw A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang hiding behind the battlements. The two children had their mouths agape, their bodies trembling as they stared toward the west outside the city. Lu Yun exclaimed in surprise and was about to turn his head when he suddenly heard a command in his ears…

“Zhengtong Army…”

“Wu wu… wu wu…” Horns blared outside the city, shaking the clouds and sky. Lu Yun took a deep breath and also turned to look west.

Past dawn, with full daylight, looking west from this ruined city wall, he saw column after column of military formations outside the city, all wearing heavy armor. The reflected light made the wall top bright as snow. Lu Yun squinted and could dimly see several formations below the city stretching ten li from west to east, divided into four great arrays, each marked with banners reading “Beiping,” “Beiding,” “Beiwei,” and “Beining” – the four garrison camp numbers with “Juyong” as the general army designation under “Zhengtong.”

Creak creak… creak creak… Heavy grinding sounds came from before Fucheng Gate, stone wheels scraping, as catapult after catapult was pulled out by soldiers. Then horses snorted and wheezed, pulling out rows of Hongwu cannons – at least one hundred and twenty guns, one positioned every hundred feet, leaving A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang speechless with shock as they whispered, “Look… cannons…”

In former days, Liu Angtian commanded troops stationed at Juyong Pass, guarding the northern frontier for the emperor. Ten years later, these forces became the “Four Northern Garrisons” under Wu Dingyuan’s command. Their numbers were considerable – at least one hundred thousand troops. Viewing this imposing sight was unprecedented. A’Xiu, Hu Zhengtang and other children had never been to battlefields. Seeing such a magnificent spectacle, they naturally trembled with both excitement and fear.

Two small and one large stood atop the ruined city wall gazing west when suddenly a small black dot appeared in the far distance, kicking up a trail of thick smoke. As it drew nearer, it could be seen to be a galloping horse raising wind and sand like a black dragon. Before the horse reached the main formation, the rider had already raised a horn and blown toward the sky.

“Wu wu… wu wu…” The sound grew louder and louder. Eight thousand horns below the city responded one by one. Wu wu… wu wu… The sound waves were like mountains toppling and seas overturning, causing A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang to cover their ears simultaneously, their faces pale with shock.

Rumble thump thump… rumble thump thump… After the horn sounds, war drums thundered. A man in the rear of the formation mounted his horse and shouted, “Archers – advance and form ranks!” Large numbers of soldiers slowly separated toward both flanks, all carrying iron bows with arrow quivers strapped to their legs, revealing the iron-armored cavalry of the central army. Behind them were catapults and Hongwu cannons guarding the western city’s Fucheng Gate.

Under the morning light, several commanders could be seen galloping back and forth below the city, but one man in the central army remained sitting on his horse throughout. He faced the great army below the city, wearing heavy armor, sitting motionless in his saddle. Lu Yun could see clearly – that man was none other than Gong Zhi.

Lu Yun hadn’t seen Gong Zhi for at least ten years, but recognizing him now at first glance still allowed him to identify the man. This was undoubtedly Gong Zhi, though he was no longer his office secretary but the distinguished “Zhengtong Army’s” grand strategist. Looking at him now with arms crossed, as steady as a mountain, he truly appeared to be a battlefield veteran who had fought countless hard battles.

The western grasslands were vast. The Zhengtong Army had formed their battle array, and gradually the horns ceased and war drums fell silent. Nothing could be heard. Suddenly, dust began to rise at the junction of heaven and earth, hazy and indistinct, as if something was approaching.

Lu Yun’s heart pounded violently, and A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang were also struck speechless. As they watched, thunder suddenly rumbled from the distant earth.

Rumble… rumble… Heart-stirring muffled thunder arose. Amidst the dust storm that filled the sky, thousands upon thousands of cavalry charged out from the western distance – formations so vast that as far as the eye could see, all were galloping horses. A’Xiu’s hair stood on end. Just as he was about to pull Hu Zhengtang to hide behind the battlements, suddenly a banner flew into view, causing him to point and shout wildly: “The Loyalist Army! The Loyalist Army has come!”

From the distant horizon, the first banner that flew was “Tiger Might,” followed by “Dragon Soaring,” “Leopard Strategy,” “Phoenix Flight”… The central banner read “Cavalry Three Thousand Battalion” with the general army name “Loyalist” – this was the famous “Loyalist Army Cavalry Battalion” with three hundred thousand heavy armored cavalry spread in a line, creating such an earth-shaking display of power.

The “Loyalist Army’s” heavy armored cavalry had returned! This formation was far more massive than the “Zhengtong Army.” Looking out, the formations stretched at least twenty li, but Gong Zhi did not wave flags to transmit orders, and the “Four Northern Garrisons” also remained motionless. Clearly, they were still waiting for what came behind the “Cavalry Battalion.”

Lu Yun’s palms were faintly sweating, not knowing what had actually happened. Feeling this location wasn’t high enough, seeing there was an enemy tower on the wall, he immediately leaped up and stood atop the enemy tower, gazing into the distance.

Under Lu Yun’s watchful gaze, the iron-armored cavalry drew ever closer to the capital, but at this moment he suddenly heard tragic long howls from afar, crying out: “Wuxing Inner Regiment Battalion – cover the entire army!”

Amidst waves of wind and sand, something even more massive than the “Cavalry Three Thousand Battalion” came from the western distance. Through the sandstorm charged a sea of humanity – formations stretching a hundred li, heading straight for the Son of Heaven’s feet. Lu Yun could see them supporting each other – some running, some walking, some gasping, some holding iron shields, some with empty hands. Lu Yun gaped: “These… these are defeated soldiers?”

Someone had lost a battle! The “Vanguard Battalion Divine Pivot” and “Inner Regiment Battalion Wuxing” had all lowered their flags and silenced their drums, retreating in panic as if something was pursuing them from behind. The sandstorm pressed closer and closer, and they ran faster and faster. Suddenly, a figure appeared at the very rear of the formation – bound with ropes, single-handedly dragging two large carts. The carts were filled with wounded soldiers, at least a hundred men. That person, with superhuman strength, was dragging his comrades forward step by step.

“Uncle Wu! Look! Uncle Wu has come!” A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang excitedly pointed and both cried out. Suddenly, Gong Zhi raised his banner and sternly called: “Zhengtong Army… respectfully welcome the Grand Commander’s return to the capital!”

Clang clang clang – sounds continued as squad after squad of soldiers bowed down, kneeling on one knee with their long sabers touching the ground, creating crisp sounds. Below Fucheng Gate, war drums thundered again as a row of warriors emerged from the formation, arranged in a single line. All stood silently with heads bowed, each leading a sheep in one hand and carrying a wooden bucket in the other, with a large cleaver on their backs.

Baa… baa… The sheep were frightened and trembling. A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang atop the wall were also shaking. The axe and blade warriors below the city pressed their lips tightly together in silence, walking step by step toward the northwestern grasslands filled with wind and sand, as if marching to an execution ground.

“Wuxing Inner Regiment Battalion! Retreat to the north gate!” “Divine Machine Imperial Battalion, retreat and defend the south gate!”

Wu Dingyuan began to run. In moments, the Loyalist Army spread to both flanks – over a million soldiers split like ocean tides, turning from the west toward the city’s south and north, creating a spectacular sight between heaven and earth. Lu Yun also gaped, staring blankly as his old friend dragged two large carts, escorting the remnants of defeated troops back home.

What exactly had come? The hundred thousand troops below the city and the six pairs of eyes atop the wall – everyone was waiting for the answer.

Boom… boom boom… The earth shook! The ruined wall crumbled! Bricks and tiles swayed all around, and A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang hugged each other in fear. Suddenly, wild sand mixed with snow waves flew up to the sky, rushing into the capital, forcing A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang to crouch down and cover their eyes. Soon, mournful cries came from the distant horizon – deep and slow, sorrowful and gradual, singing thus:

“Morning in the hall… evening in bed… corrupt officials steal silver and grain…”

Thinking of all of Gu Qianxi’s hardships, Lu Yun couldn’t help but weep like rain. He looked at A’Xiu at his feet, thinking of how Qianxi had once busily and diligently cared for this child in every detail. Thinking and thinking, Lu Yun suddenly awakened, realizing that this child was actually not her burden but a comfort.

Having lost her lover and father, during those bewildered and helpless years, little A’Xiu must have consoled her and allowed her to live on.

Lu Yun took a deep breath and suddenly had a thought: “Right… Hu Mei’er wasn’t acquainted with Qianxi – why would she send A’Xiu to the Gu household?” According to what the righteous vigilante leader said, A’Xiu was placed at the Gu mansion’s door as a swaddled infant, and only then entered the Gu household. From this, it was definitely Hu Mei’er’s doing. But why would she do such a thing? A’Xiu wasn’t an ordinary child – his birth mother was the “Seventh Concubine,” his father was the “Northern Conquest Grand Commander” Liu Angtian. Since Hu Mei’er was a member of the “Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard,” how dare she take such initiative to hand this child over to the Gu household?

Vaguely, Lu Yun felt this matter should have been Yang Suguan’s idea.

After pursuing the truth through the night, he had finally learned the identity of the “Grand Shopkeeper” – he was his former colleague Yang Suguan. Whether it was Hu Mei’er, Jin Lingshuang, or even Qiong Wuchuan, Yan Ting, Gong Zhi… according to what the leader said, they all seemed to be the “Grand Shopkeeper’s” people, specifically doing unspeakable deeds for him.

Lu Yun breathed deeply and unrolled the painting scroll that Mieli had given him, holding it up to the light and gazing at the “Yang Suguan” in the painting.

Yang Suguan – was he loyal or treacherous? He always appeared like the person in this painting – noble and pure, without a speck of dust on him. But in the mouths of Lingzhi and Wei Zizhuang, he had become an utterly wicked person, bloodthirsty throughout, as if all the murders and conspiracies in the world were connected to this man.

Lu Yun stared at the figure in the painting and slowly took out the letter that Hu Mei’er had given him – finally ready to open it and look.

What exactly was in this letter? Seeing how Hu Mei’er had guarded it at the marquis’s mansion in the middle of the night, going to great lengths to deliver it to him, the contents must be important. But according to Wei Zizhuang, Yang Suguan’s intention was merely to have him run errands for the inn. If that was the case, why would Wu Chongqing come from so far away to intercept it?

Lu Yun gripped the letter tightly, feeling it was ice-cold and hard inside, as if hiding something. Remembering the four words “final divination,” Lu Yun’s throat moved slightly. He suddenly tore with his hand, ripping open the envelope and revealing what was inside.

Before him lay a token made of pure gold, cast with a fierce bird – head held high, wings fully spread – it was that “Great Roc Golden-Winged Bird.” Without question, the token before him was the “Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard Command Token”!

Lu Yun was completely bewildered. Holding this pure gold token, he was speechless. Suddenly he heard a sharp question from beside him: “Who are you? Why are you carrying a sword and two children, hiding here?” Lu Yun looked up and saw three officers standing before him, wearing Banner Guard uniforms, glaring at him angrily. Seeing the officers come to question him, Lu Yun could only stand up honestly and say in a low voice: “Officer brothers, I… I am…”

This was terrible! He carried a sword, and A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang were of unknown origin – he would certainly be highly suspicious and likely arrested. Lu Yun was greatly troubled but didn’t want to assault the officers. Just as he was feeling anxious, he saw one officer’s eyes bulge as he stared at the pure gold token in his hand, stammering coldly: “Great… great…”

Lu Yun was startled and held up the token, asking: “You recognize this thing?” The man’s body trembled slightly, unable to speak. The other two officers shouted angrily: “You there! Your behavior is suspicious! Come here, we need to search you!” The word “you” had barely left their lips when another “ah!” was added – the two officers rolled their eyes back as their necks were struck with hand chops, knocking them unconscious.

The officer behind had made his move! He knocked out his colleagues but still didn’t dare speak. He knelt down and respectfully kowtowed three times to Lu Yun, then pointed to his own mouth, crying and desperately shaking his hands. Only then did he shoulder his two companions and flee in panic.

Witnessing such an extraordinary event, Lu Yun was naturally dumbstruck. He looked down and repeatedly examined the token in his hand, completely bewildered, as if he’d become a fool.

Here came this “Lingwu Xuanzhi” working its magic again. Before this letter was even opened, it had already allowed him to eat throughout the capital without paying, earning him quite a few benefits. Who would have thought that once the token inside appeared, it would make officers kowtow until their heads bled? Lu Yun stared blankly at the gold token in his hand, truly not knowing what this thing was. Was it an imperial edict from the Jade Emperor or a talisman from Buddha? Otherwise, where would such tremendous magical power come from?

While he was lost in thought, the sky grew brighter and more pedestrians gradually appeared on the streets – those buying breakfast, emptying chamber pots, strolling about chatting. Seeing a mysterious man standing at the mouth of the alley wearing a large felt hat, a sword at his waist, holding a gold token, with two children of uncertain life or death at his feet, they couldn’t help but stare and whisper among themselves.

Being stared at by the common folk, Lu Yun knew this wasn’t a place to linger. He should send A’Xiu home. Thinking that if his luck wasn’t bad on this trip, he might even catch sight of Gu Qianxi virtuously preparing breakfast, his heart warmed. But then recalling the righteous vigilante leader’s request, his heart chilled again, and he truly didn’t know what to do.

Lu Yun pondered for a long while, then suddenly laughed and shook his head. “How foolish of me! These two children are at least ten years old – surely they can find their way home?” He immediately raised his palm and struck A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang, his power reaching them and unsealing their acupoints. Then he concealed himself nearby, planning to secretly protect them.

“Want to sleep more…” The two children huddled together, stubbornly refusing to wake up. Lu Yun had never raised children and didn’t know of such peculiarities. Having no other recourse, he channeled all his internal energy and used his finger technique from a distance, seeing if there was any way to startle A’Xiu awake.

“There’s a mosquito…” Lu Yun hadn’t practiced palm strikes through air, and his finger strength wasn’t great either. He saw A’Xiu drowsily scratch his bottom. Just as he was itching, he suddenly heard a tiny mosquito buzz in his ear. The mosquito carefully advised: “Little brother, school is about to start. Get up quickly.” Hearing these words, A’Xiu immediately opened his eyes and shouted: “Master Meng!”

Opening his eyes, he saw neither Master Meng nor Master Kong, but an unfamiliar street with pedestrians coming and going, occasionally glancing at him as if seeing a beggar. A’Xiu rubbed his eyeballs and after staring blankly for a while said: “Where is this?” He was startled and muttered: “Strange, wasn’t I carrying lanterns last night? How did I end up sleeping here again?” Thinking and thinking, he suddenly remembered something and cried in alarm: “Zhengtang? That’s right! Hu Zhengtang was captured by a ghost!”

Just as he was crying out in alarm, he suddenly saw a withered leaf flying against the wind, fluttering and swaying to A’Xiu’s front, then circling to his back. Seeing this withered leaf’s strange movement, A’Xiu naturally followed it with his gaze and suddenly saw a small child sleeping behind him. Looking at that drooling appearance, who else could it be but Hu Zhengtang?

“Hu Zhengtang! Hu Zhengtang!” A’Xiu was overjoyed and sorrowful, pouncing over and shouting: “I finally rescued you!”

After shouting dozens of times, Hu Zhengtang remained with eyes closed and head down, motionless. A’Xiu cried in alarm: “Zhengtang! What’s wrong with you? Are you dead?” Seeing Hu Zhengtang completely unconscious, even Lu Yun was shocked. Last night, he had witnessed Lingzhi, Mieli, Wei Zizhuang, and himself – four great masters working together, exhausting their hearts and energy to finally cure this child. Who would have thought he’d fall unconscious again?

A’Xiu’s cries were heartbreaking, but Hu Zhengtang remained completely unconscious. Just as tears were about to fall, he saw a withered leaf fly from the sky, coincidentally striking Hu Zhengtang’s armpit. Suddenly, Hu Zhengtang bounced up, laughing loudly: “Haha! Haha! So ticklish! I’m tickled to death!”

Under the armpit was an acupoint called the “Tianquan Point,” commonly known as the “laughing point” – just a light tickle would make someone burst into laughter. Seeing that he could speak human words, A’Xiu couldn’t help but rejoice: “Hu Zhengtang! Your illness is cured!”

Before the words finished, the withered leaf fell to the ground. As Hu Zhengtang’s ticklish sensation faded and his laughter stopped, he saw A’Xiu looking at him and said with tears: “Ghost.” Then he glanced at the pedestrians on the street and cried: “So many, many ghosts.” When he saw the Lantern Festival lanterns hanging throughout the street, his heart died completely. He simply lay down on the ground and fell into deep sleep.

Seeing Hu Zhengtang’s illness penetrating to the bone marrow, A’Xiu said in a trembling voice: “Hu Zhengtang, you… your illness isn’t cured.” Before his words finished, another withered leaf came flying through the air, striking Hu Zhengtang’s armpit again, naturally making him burst with joy as he laughed and gasped: “Why is it tickling again? How strange!”

A’Xiu saw him sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, not knowing what was happening, and couldn’t help but wonder suspiciously: “Hu Zhengtang, your symptoms are quite different now. Are you… are you actually cured or not?” While speaking, Hu Zhengtang shook off the leaf again and lay prone on the ground like a corpse. A’Xiu grew more suspicious the more he looked, immediately reaching out to frantically tickle him, shouting: “You little brat! What exactly are you up to? Playing ghost and spirit tricks!”

Hu Zhengtang laughed heartily, gasping: “Stop tickling, stop tickling! I’ll talk, I’ll talk!” A’Xiu stopped his hands and demanded: “Speak quickly!” Seeing that he’d stopped tickling, Hu Zhengtang was about to close his eyes and sleep, but A’Xiu tickled him until he flew up again. After several attempts with the same result, he could only cry and shout: “Stop fooling around! It’s all your fault!”

A’Xiu saw that he seemed to have truly recovered and couldn’t help but feel overjoyed: “You can speak now!” Hu Zhengtang cried: “What’s the use of being able to speak? I don’t want to live anymore!”

A’Xiu frowned: “What’s wrong? You finally recovered from your illness – why don’t you want to live? Is your madness not completely cured?” Hu Zhengtang was both angry and resentful, crying loudly: “It’s all your fault, and you still dare ask me?” A’Xiu asked in surprise: “What did I do to harm you? Did I steal your money or sleep with your mother?” Lu Yun, hiding in the shadows and eavesdropping, heard A’Xiu speak worse than adults and couldn’t help shaking his head secretly, planning to record his misdeeds and secretly find a way to inform Gu Qianxi. While he was thinking about how to pass on this information, Hu Zhengtang let out another “wuu” sound, tears streaming down his face as he choked out: “A’Xiu… the New Year is already over, isn’t it?”

A’Xiu sighed: “Nonsense! Life is long indeed.” Hu Zhengtang pointed accusingly and cried: “It’s all your fault! I went to your house to play once before New Year and got caught by the ghost in your house. Then when I woke up last night, the New Year was suddenly over! Even the Earth God couldn’t help me! A’Xiu! How can you say you didn’t harm me?”

A’Xiu frowned: “What are you talking about? Didn’t you stay home during New Year? Don’t you remember?” Hu Zhengtang cried loudly: “I don’t remember!” A’Xiu murmured: “Then… you don’t remember me taking you out with lanterns to play last night either?” Hu Zhengtang cried: “I don’t remember.” A’Xiu frowned: “So you also don’t remember us drinking and gambling last night, feasting and playing, and even having Hua Mei strip naked to serve wine?”

Hu Zhengtang listened blankly, drooling, then suddenly cried and shouted: “I don’t remember! I don’t remember! I want to celebrate New Year too! I want to celebrate New Year too!”

Children mostly love New Year celebrations. After eagerly waiting an entire year, who knew that during New Year he’d become a mindless invalid? Once recovered, he’d immediately have to go to school. Anyone would go mad. After A’Xiu teased him for a while, he laughed: “Alright, alright, stop making a fuss. Hua Mei is still waiting for us. Let’s hurry and meet up with her. First go home and change clothes – we have to go to school this afternoon.”

“Wuu wuu wuu, just kill me!” Hu Zhengtang held his head and cried bitterly, turning to run toward the dry well as if to commit suicide by jumping in. A’Xiu was startled and quickly grabbed him, exclaiming: “What are you doing? Let’s go! Let’s go!”

“Get away!” Hu Zhengtang pushed him away and lay prone on the well rim, shouting loudly into the deep well: “Big Winner!”

Big Winner… Big Winner… The echo from the well carried far and wide, startling A’Xiu: “What Big Winner? Is there someone in the well?” Hu Zhengtang ignored him and just lay by the well shouting: “Big Winner! I kept my promise and didn’t reveal your secret! Big Winner! I swear my loyalty to you! Hurry and let me make a wish! Big Winner! Big Winner!”

Upon hearing this, A’Xiu was naturally puzzled and uncertain, and even Lu Yun hiding in the shadows was slightly surprised, not knowing what he was making a fuss about. He saw Hu Zhengtang lying by the well weeping: “Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know… Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know… Big Winner! Please use your magic power to let me not go to school for a whole month! Please!”

Seeing Hu Zhengtang crying and shouting as if he really wanted to jump into the well and commit suicide, A’Xiu panicked and desperately tried to pull him. But at this moment, a withered leaf drifted over, coincidentally striking Hu Zhengtang’s knee, immediately making his legs go numb. With an “ah!” he fell backward. Just as he was about to crack his skull, another withered leaf flew out, slightly lifting his body upward and letting him gently fall to the ground.

A’Xiu exclaimed: “There are so many leaves here!” He helped Hu Zhengtang up: “Hey, are you alright?” Hu Zhengtang cried and sobbed: “Stop bothering me! I want to be the Big Winner!”

A’Xiu wondered: “What exactly is the Big Winner? What are you talking about?” Hu Zhengtang cried: “The Big Winner is the Dragon Robe Ghost. As long as I pledge loyalty and make a wish to him, I won’t have to go to school.”

“Damn!” A’Xiu cursed, then became alert, looking around. Seeing no spies from his mother, he kicked Hu Zhengtang’s bottom hard and cursed: “Damn your Big Winner! Even I, your lifesaver, am not afraid to go to school, yet you little bastard are scared of what? What are you afraid of?” Hu Zhengtang cried: “You’re cursing at me.” A’Xiu cursed: “I’m cursing you? I’ll damn your whole family! Let’s go!”

Seeing the two children pulling and tugging but finally leaving, Lu Yun emerged from hiding. Following behind the two small children, his gaze looked back at the deep well as he murmured to himself: “Big Winner? What does that mean?” Earlier, when Hu Zhengtang encountered the well, he cried and shouted strangely as if calling to a prisoner in the well. But according to what the righteous vigilante leader said last night, the “Dragon Robe Ghost” in the well was the former Emperor Jingtai, who was carefully imprisoned by the “Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard.” But strangely, what was Hu Zhengtang shouting about?

The more Lu Yun thought about it, the more puzzled he became. If the person in the well was truly Emperor Jingtai, considering he was a dignified ruler of a nation who had once exchanged verses with him in court, speaking eloquently with such deep literary cultivation, how could he call himself a “Big Winner”?

“Big Winner” was marketplace slang, the language of jianghu people – definitely not Emperor Jingtai’s tone. He might call himself “Son of Heaven by Divine Mandate” or “Dragon Body of the Ninth Five,” but would never call himself a “Big Winner.”

Lu Yun pondered blankly while following A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang. They had just reached the busy street when he suddenly heard thundering hoofbeats behind him and someone shouting: “Make way! Make way! Make way!” Lu Yun was startled, fearing the horses might injure the children, and quickly stepped forward, squeezing in front of A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang to separate them.

Rumble rumble! Rumble rumble! Hoofbeats shook the ground – one horse passed, then another came. Hundreds of riders flew past on the street, frightening the people throughout the street into jumping and startling, and many began cursing loudly: “Which government office’s constables! Racing and charging through the streets like this?”

“Big Winner! Big Winner!” Hu Zhengtang chased after them, shouting: “Arrest me and throw me in jail!” A’Xiu cursed: “Damn your Big Winner! Say those three words again and I’ll beat you to death!” The two children fought and brawled while Lu Yun took a deep breath and glanced sideways, seeing that the mounted riders weren’t constables. They were fully armed, wearing heavy armor, with long sabers at their waists, riding directly toward the western city. Lu Yun focused his gaze and saw a banner flying over Fucheng Gate in the distance, bearing the three large characters “Zhengtong Army.”

A’Xiu also spotted the banner and immediately exclaimed: “Zhengtong Army! These are Uncle Wu’s troops!” Hu Zhengtang was still crying and cursing: “Big Winner! Big Winner! Come arrest me!” This place was in the western city, only two streets from the city gate. Seeing the dark commotion there, A’Xiu’s curiosity was piqued. He quickly pulled Hu Zhengtang, saying: “Come on, let’s go see what’s happening.”

As soon as A’Xiu moved, Lu Yun worried and immediately followed. The two small and one large, one after another, headed toward the city gate. They had just reached Yangshi Street when they heard shouting ahead: “Soldier! Please be reasonable! Our shop is right ahead – why won’t you let us pass?”

“How many times must I say this!” A furious roar came from the distance: “Yangshi Street is strictly forbidden to traffic today! Turn back!” Lu Yun rose on his toes to look and saw the street ahead packed with people. A military officer was angrily shouting, blocking the road and preventing civilians from passing. Complaints arose from all sides: “Soldier! At least let us leave the city! Make way for us!”

“Fucheng Gate is closed!” The officer raged: “If you want to leave the city, go to Yongding Gate!” A civilian shouted: “Yongding Gate is closed too! The soldiers there just drove us over here!”

Hearing this, Lu Yun was naturally shocked and thought: “Has the city been sealed?”

While he stood bewildered, he heard A’Xiu whisper: “Come on, let’s take a detour.” So saying, he pulled Hu Zhengtang and squeezed through between adults’ legs, darting into a narrow alley. Seeing the city in chaos, Lu Yun was also afraid something might happen to A’Xiu and immediately gave chase.

That A’Xiu was small but clever. Though at an age when children get lost, he knew many strange shortcuts. Lu Yun watched him pull Hu Zhengtang along, turning east and west, specifically taking small alleys through mutton shops. Not wanting to follow too closely yet fearing the two children might encounter danger, he could only disguise himself as a passerby and trail behind.

In no time, all three had emerged from the narrow alley one after another. Before them opened a broad vista – an abandoned city wall.

Lu Yun’s heart tightened as he thought: “The old Mongol wall.” Beijing was also called Dadu. In Liao times it was called Nanjing, and in even more ancient times it was called Youzhou. Throughout the dynasties, the city walls had been reinforced and expanded with strict precision. Looking at this wall covered with moss, it must have been built by the Mongols – an old city section within the new city that hadn’t yet been demolished. Unexpectedly, A’Xiu had found it.

That A’Xiu knew the way well. Arriving at the ruined city, he simply ran wildly until he came to a section of city stairs. Just as he was about to go up, Hu Zhengtang grabbed him and scolded: “A’Xiu! You want to play in the ruins again? Aren’t you afraid your mother will scold you?” A’Xiu replied: “Who wants to play? Don’t you see the city is in chaos? I’m going to gather intelligence. Hurry up!” Hu Zhengtang cried: “No! I want to find the Big Winner!”

The two children pulled and fought. Hu Zhengtang was no match for A’Xiu’s strange strength and was dragged along. Lu Yun saw that the city stairs were old, steep, and slippery, and was naturally worried, fearing A’Xiu might fall. He carefully stayed at the base of the wall, ready to catch him from mid-air at any moment.

After much difficulty, the child reached the top of the wall safely. Lu Yun felt slightly relieved, but suddenly heard a sharp scream – the two children seemed to be in danger! Lu Yun was greatly alarmed. Without bothering to climb the stairs properly, he leaped at the wall and flew up several zhang, then channeled sticky energy into his palms, pressing and pushing against the wall surface. After several rises and falls, he too flipped onto the wall top. Lu Yun’s face was full of fear as he focused his gaze, but saw A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang hiding behind the battlements. The two children had their mouths agape, their bodies trembling as they stared toward the west outside the city. Lu Yun exclaimed in surprise and was about to turn his head when he suddenly heard a command in his ears…

“Zhengtong Army…”

“Wu wu… wu wu…” Horns blared outside the city, shaking the clouds and sky. Lu Yun took a deep breath and also turned to look west.

Past dawn, with full daylight, looking west from this ruined city wall, he saw column after column of military formations outside the city, all wearing heavy armor. The reflected light made the wall top bright as snow. Lu Yun squinted and could dimly see several formations below the city stretching ten li from west to east, divided into four great arrays, each marked with banners reading “Beiping,” “Beiding,” “Beiwei,” and “Beining” – the four garrison camp numbers with “Juyong” as the general army designation under “Zhengtong.”

Creak creak… creak creak… Heavy grinding sounds came from before Fucheng Gate, stone wheels scraping, as catapult after catapult was pulled out by soldiers. Then horses snorted and wheezed, pulling out rows of Hongwu cannons – at least one hundred and twenty guns, one positioned every hundred feet, leaving A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang speechless with shock as they whispered: “Look… cannons…”

In former days, Liu Angtian commanded troops stationed at Juyong Pass, guarding the northern frontier for the emperor. Ten years later, these forces became the “Four Northern Garrisons” under Wu Dingyuan’s command. Their numbers were considerable – at least one hundred thousand troops. Viewing this imposing sight was unprecedented. A’Xiu, Hu Zhengtang and other children had never been to battlefields. Seeing such a magnificent spectacle, they naturally trembled with both excitement and fear.

Two small and one large stood atop the ruined city wall gazing west when suddenly a small black dot appeared in the far distance, kicking up a trail of thick smoke. As it drew nearer, it could be seen to be a galloping horse raising wind and sand like a black dragon. Before the horse reached the main formation, the rider had already raised a horn and blown toward the sky.

“Wu wu… wu wu…” The sound grew louder and louder. Eight thousand horns below the city responded one by one. Wu wu… wu wu… The sound waves were like mountains toppling and seas overturning, causing A’Xiu and Hu Zhengtang to cover their ears simultaneously, their faces pale with shock.

Rumble thump thump… rumble thump thump… After the horn sounds, war drums thundered. A man in the rear of the formation mounted his horse and shouted: “Archers – advance and form ranks!” Large numbers of soldiers slowly separated toward both flanks, all carrying iron bows with arrow quivers strapped to their legs, revealing the iron-armored cavalry of the central army. Behind them were catapults and Hongwu cannons guarding the western city’s Fucheng Gate.