“Your Majesty…”

“Sixth Brother!”

Seeing something was wrong, everyone pressed him with questions, but Lian Yu’s mind wasn’t on them at all. His gaze was dark and fierce, deeply sunk in thought. Only his brow kept twitching and his knuckles cracked, showing his rage.

Since the war began, despite harsh and difficult conditions, he had always remained calm and composed. The only time he’d lost control was related to Suzhen. Only when encountering matters concerning this person did he behave like a twenty-something young man rather than that rigid, self-disciplined monarch.

Suzhen had been missing for many days. Everyone knew he was enduring great hardship. Huo Chang’an and Wuyan had deep friendship with Suzhen. On the return journey, they had been pulled aside by Yan Da who quietly told them what had happened. Though both felt terrible, they dared not comfort Lian Yu and could only talk with him. At this moment, Huo Chang’an suddenly gave Lian Qin a meaningful look. Understanding, Lian Qin suddenly rushed forward and snatched the letter from Lian Yu’s hands.

Everyone crowded around to look. Lian Qin cursed with a “damn” and started swearing again: “That old traitor Wei – shameless! So it was that immortal bastard’s doing.”

“Now seeing the war isn’t easily won, he uses this underhanded trick. ‘Come receive her’? That sounds so nice. If Sixth Brother goes, he’s walking to his death. Once Sixth Brother has problems, military morale will certainly collapse and there’s no need to fight this battle. Damn his ancestors for eighteen generations!”

Everyone didn’t curse as colorfully as him, but were almost all furious. Lian Jie, usually refined and genteel, was so angry he stamped on the ground, extinguishing a small flame, cursing “damn Wei traitor and Si Lanfeng.” Lian Xin also jumped up like him and stamped several times.

Huo Chang’an grabbed Lian Yu: “Your Majesty, why not first send someone to confirm whether this person is truly in his hands and whether she’s still… safe, then we’ll decide.”

“Let me go.” Wuyan said beside them: “I am his daughter after all. Though he doesn’t cherish father-daughter affection, killing me would be useless—”

“No, he could use you to control Huo Chang’an.” Lian Jie interrupted: “Just send subordinates to confirm.”

“Stop talking. I have my own decision.”

“Your Majesty, why bother with such rebellious traitors? You certainly won’t go. What’s one Li Huaisu worth – why should you suffer for her?”

Lian Yu waved his hand. At this moment Murong Shu came from behind, ran to Lian Yu looking heartbroken and pale.

“Shut up!” Lian Yu shouted coldly, his eyes black and fierce, extraordinarily furious.

Murong Shu had been pampered by the imperial family since childhood. Lian Yu had always been quite tolerant of her. When had she ever been publicly scolded like this by Lian Yu, especially over the indirect “murderer” of her father!

Moreover, every wrinkle in his brow was due to his feelings for this person – tears streamed down her face. Turning around, she encountered Xiao’an and Hong Gu emerging from the tent, having deliberately avoided Huo Chang’an’s couple due to awkwardness.

Sensing the wrong atmosphere outside the tent, she couldn’t help coming out to investigate. Indeed she saw Murong Shu crying, and by the fire, Yan Da shook his head at her. She was even more alarmed – Lian Yu looked too wrong. Though ill, his handsome face appeared unusually pale, but his cheeks were taut and flushed.

Just as she was about to ask, Lian Yu already asked Xuanwu in an icy voice: “Where is the messenger?”

“Waiting below for master’s reply.” Xuanwu quickly answered.

“Bring him to me.”

“Yes.”

Qinglong had already rushed down.

Soon, two Wei soldiers were brought up, a primary and secondary messenger. After greeting Lian Yu, though not Wei army generals, they seemed to hold minor positions in the army.

“Your Majesty, the Grand Master said Your Majesty surely needs time to consider. He had us remind you – don’t exceed three days. That Feng Suzhen’s health isn’t good now – unknown how long she can wait.”

Though the primary messenger spoke with a smile, his expression faintly showed arrogance. This subtle provocation – whether Wei Chenghui deliberately instructed it or not – was unclear.

Lian Yu said nothing, slightly narrowing his eyes. A trace of smile at his lips was chilling as winter, the emperor’s imposing presence inspiring awe without anger, making one’s whole body cold. Only now did the messenger’s eyes show some fear: “Your Majesty—”

Before he could finish, he suddenly couldn’t speak. He looked down in shock at his arm, which had fallen from his body, blood gushing horribly from the severed section.

He screamed and fell howling. The deputy beside him trembled all over in fright, but he had some courage and didn’t flee, only saying with a pale face: “Your Majesty, when two armies fight, envoys aren’t killed. If he offended Your Majesty, I apologize on his behalf.”

He bowed respectfully to the ground.

Lian Yu didn’t even look at him. Seeing the man rolling in agony on the ground, he slightly raised his eyelids. Xuanwu and Qinglong, having been by his side long, needed no reminder and helped the man up. Lian Yu still said nothing, but the man was already so terrified he stuttered: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I deserve death, deserve death. Please spare me, spare me…”

He was so frightened he wet himself. Lian Xin and Wuyan turned their heads away. Murong Shu stared in shock, her eyes red.

Lian Yu didn’t spare him.

He didn’t even let the man die quickly.

He dismembered him alive.

“It’s not your turn to speak about how Feng Suzhen is.”

He threw his sword aside and spoke slowly, word by word. Though Lian Jie and others knew Lian Yu wasn’t soft-hearted, they rarely saw him personally act so ruthlessly. Only Xuanwu and Qinglong were unsurprised – when Lian Yu and Suzhen had quarreled before, he had done such things, having condemned prisoners brought out for him to execute personally.

“Your… Your Majesty,” seeing soldiers drag away the body parts, the deputy swallowed and forced himself to stay calm: “I respect Your Majesty, but in war between two armies, each serves their master. What message do you have for me to report back? If I die too…”

Lian Yu glanced at him, cutting off his words: “If you die, I’ll send someone to deliver a message to your master. At worst I’ll fight back. My army has no shortage of death warriors.”

The deputy immediately deflated, but he was much braver than the previous man and didn’t scream.

“But I have no intention of killing you. I like people who understand propriety. Go tell Wei Chenghui that I need no time to consider,” Lian Yu said indifferently: “Tomorrow I’ll send someone to see whether this Feng Suzhen is alive or dead. If you’ve mangled her and she’s dying,” he smiled slightly, “I needn’t worry whether to save her or be ruthlessly heartless. I do love this woman dearly – normally dying for her would be no matter. Wei Grand Master knows this, but given the current situation, involving my Lian dynasty and Great Zhou’s people, I might not.”

“Xuanwu, you’ll make the trip tomorrow. Look carefully for me.” He glanced at his personal guard.

Xuanwu bowed, his voice resounding: “Yes, Master.”

The deputy felt greatly relieved and immediately nodded: “Yes, I understand. I’ll report back immediately.”

After the messenger rode away, Lian Yu slowly turned around. Xiao’an approached, her eyes showing worry mixed with sternness: “Yu’er, regarding our ancestors’ foundation, Mother Empress hopes you understand. After Xuanwu goes tomorrow to confirm clearly, whatever decision you make must be carefully considered. You know this imperial army cannot function without you. Seventh and Ninth are also Lian family heirs – at this point, inheriting the throne wouldn’t be inappropriate, but now is different from before. Whether in this life-or-death battle or post-war reconstruction, they still can’t bear this heavy responsibility. Only you can lead everyone to victory. Mother Empress… Mother Empress also cannot be without you.”

“Mother Empress, rest assured. I understand.” Lian Yu smiled and soothingly put his arm around Xiao’an’s shoulder.

“Regarding General Liu, Chang’an, General Murong – I’ve sent people to notify them of the capital situation. Keep watching for urgent reports about conditions there. I’ll go rest in my tent first.” After a moment, he slowly released Xiao’an and gave instructions.

Huo Chang’an and the others immediately agreed.

The campfire blazed, blue canopy dotted with starlight. In the vast mountain forests between heaven and earth, soldiers were still busily setting up tonight’s camps.

But the surroundings seemed so quiet, only the crackling of burning branches. Lian Yu walked step by step, slowly. Watching him leave, everyone felt mixed emotions. Lian Xin’s eyes reddened again, her vision blurred. Beside her, Wuyan was the same.

Huo Chang’an held Wuyan in his arms.

Lian Jie and Lian Qin thought about their Sixth Brother – from childhood he had borne so much: his birth mother’s tragic death, responsibility to his adoptive mother, responsibility to this nation.

For over twenty years, he had lived extremely dull and self-disciplined like an ascetic monk. He had nothing he wanted…

Wei Manor.

Similarly brightly lit with a full gathering.

After hearing the messenger’s report, Wei Chenghui frowned, then sneered: “I know that whether Quan Feitong or Lian Yu, both call me an old fox behind my back. This Lian Yu is truly a complete little fox! This ambiguous attitude – does he want me unable to guess his thoughts?”

Hearing this, Wuliang Shangren asked: “Sir, why do you say this? Didn’t you say Lian Yu once risked his life to save this Feng woman? Love exceeding life itself.”

“That’s true, but this boy could sacrifice his life, yet he’s someone who greatly values the dynasty. Comparing the two, it’s hard to say. Moreover, on his side, so many people… will certainly advise and restrain him.” Wei Chenghui contemplated thoughtfully.

Wuliang Taoist was ruthless: “Tonight apply more severe punishment to that girl, so his attendant can get a good look tomorrow.”