Gu Pingyuan returned to the flower hall of Tianshouyuan, where more than a dozen Huizhou merchant magnates had gathered, all beaming with satisfaction. The first to greet him was actually Chen Qitai, the chief executive of the Dongting merchant guild. Gu Pingyuan had sent someone with a message inviting him to meet at Tianshouyuan. Having received such enormous benefits from him once before, Chen Qitai was eager to show his gratitude and came without hesitation, traveling at full speed. Ever since he had nearly been captured along with his weapons by the Qing army, Chen Qitai had repeatedly reflected on the incident and was convinced that Li Qin had been behind the sabotage. Before he could figure out how to retaliate, he witnessed this splendid drama at Tianshouyuan, watching Gu Pingyuan thoroughly defeat Li Qin, which finally released the pent-up anger in his chest.

Before Chen Qitai could speak, Gu Pingyuan spoke first: “The Beijing merchants refuse to accept my goodwill, but Chief Executive Chen surely wouldn’t refuse to give me face. How about we split Thomson’s fifty percent tea route equally between our Huizhou merchants and the Dongting merchant guild?”

Chen Qitai was momentarily stunned – where in the world could such good fortune be found? He looked at Gu Pingyuan, then at the various Huizhou merchants. At that moment, a voice came from behind the crowd: “Chief Chen, you need not doubt – Gu Pingyuan discussed this matter with me, and I also agree.”

The crowd parted, revealing Old Master Hu standing behind them, with Qiao Henian beside him.

“Originally we wanted to divide the world three ways among ourselves, the Dongting merchant guild, and the Beijing merchants. Now that the Beijing merchants refuse, let’s form a grand alliance between our two houses. What does Chief Chen think?” Old Master Hu asked with a smile, stroking his beard.

Before this, Gu Pingyuan and Old Master Hu had discussed this matter repeatedly. This time the Huizhou merchants were isolated by tea merchants from all quarters – it appeared to be due to their success attracting envy, but in reality it was because they lacked external allies. To avoid such situations in the future, they couldn’t “eat all the good food alone.” They needed to bring the Dongting merchant guild and even more merchant guilds into the Huizhou merchants’ business, creating mutual interests and sharing fortune and misfortune together. Then no one could use the same trick again to isolate the Huizhou merchants.

Thinking of this, Old Master Hu glanced at Gu Pingyuan, sighing inwardly with admiration: This truly was a genius, the Su Qin and Zhang Yi of the commercial world. With such successors among the Huizhou merchants, even if he died now, he could close his eyes in peace.

Chen Qitai never expected things to turn out this way. His Biluochun tea had failed to be selected among the “Ten Famous Teas,” and business had been declining day by day. He never imagined such windfall fortune would descend from heaven, with Gu Pingyuan offering to hand over such a massive business opportunity. This was no enemy or rival – he was clearly a benefactor to the Dongting merchant guild.

“Brother Gu, I truly misunderstood you before. I never imagined you were such a gentleman. I, Chen Qitai, apologize for my past offenses.” Chen Qitai was also straightforward by nature, bowing deeply with clasped hands. Gu Pingyuan quickly helped him up.

“Chief Chen, why speak like strangers when we’re family?”

“You’re right. From now on, the Dongting merchant guild and the Huizhou merchants are one family.” Chen Qitai then turned sincerely to Gu Pingyuan: “Brother Gu, I have one more request that might be inappropriate – I wonder if you might agree?”

“Please speak, Chief Chen.”

“If you don’t mind, I, Chen, would like to exchange birth dates with you and become sworn brothers.”

“Chief Chen is a pillar of the commercial world, while I’m merely a junior – how could I dare accept such honor?” Gu Pingyuan said humbly.

“Haha, you’re worthy of it.” Old Master Hu beamed: “Chief Chen, it’s rare that you have such keen insight. Gu Pingyuan is an unparalleled talent among our Huizhou merchants. I’m old now, and from now on all public affairs must be handled by the younger generation. Since the Huizhou merchants and Dongting merchant guild have formed a grand alliance, having you two become close family friends is the icing on the cake – future interactions will be all the more intimate.” He nodded at Gu Pingyuan.

Gu Pingyuan was deeply moved and said solemnly: “Since Chief Chen shows such favor, I can only respectfully comply rather than decline.”

Though Old Master Hu hadn’t said it explicitly, his words clearly indicated he would retire behind the scenes, handing over his position in the Huizhou merchant guild to Gu Pingyuan, and entrusting all future dealings between the Huizhou merchants, the Dongting merchant guild, and even the East India Company to Gu Pingyuan’s management. Everyone present was sharp-minded; seeing Old Master Hu elevate Gu Pingyuan so highly, plus his genuine contribution to saving the Huizhou merchants from their predicament – essentially single-handedly turning the tide and preserving both their reputation and substance – everyone was completely convinced.

Wang Cunyi and Boss Ning led everyone forward to offer congratulations. Wang Cunyi grasped Gu Pingyuan’s arm and nodded deeply: “When Old Master Hu had you represent the Hu family in business negotiations, I didn’t take you seriously. I never imagined that Brother Gu was such a talent – not only resolving the Huizhou merchants’ great crisis but also reviving Huizhou tea sales at good prices. I, Wang Cunyi, keep my word – from now on, I submit to you.”

Boss Ning and the other tea merchant magnates all nodded in agreement. This time Gu Pingyuan had truly earned their complete respect, and they also admired Old Master Hu’s eye for talent to the utmost degree.

Everyone discussed future business with great enthusiasm, but only Second Master Hou stood alone to one side, his face dark and silent. Old Master Hu glanced at him, and taking advantage of everyone’s inattention, called Gu Pingyuan to his side. His first question was: “Just now Master Qiao was accompanying me for tea in the back courtyard, but when I came over I also heard fragments of conversation. That man surnamed Li claimed someone sold Lanxue tea to him – is this true?”

Upon hearing this question, Second Master Hou was terrified, as if all the blood had been drained from his body, his face turning deathly pale. He stared at Gu Pingyuan in fear, not knowing what terrible words might come from that mouth.

Gu Pingyuan had been afraid that Old Master Hu would become ill with anger upon hearing about Second Master Hou’s private tea sales, which was why he had asked Qiao Henian to detain him with an excuse. Who would have thought the old master still heard about it? He paused briefly, then smiled as if nothing had happened: “Old Master, you’re overthinking it. Li Qin was just bluffing. If you don’t believe me, go check the tea warehouse at Tailai Tea House – every ounce of Lanxue tea is there in the warehouse.”

Old Master Hu looked at Second Master Hou, whose body was trembling slightly, sighed inwardly, and said aloud: “That’s good. Since you say so, I’m reassured.”

Thomson purchased the Huizhou tea at prices that, thanks to Gu Pingyuan’s efforts, were actually ten percent higher than previous years, making all the Huizhou merchants extremely happy. This easily resolved the military donation issue. After consulting with several Huizhou merchant magnates, Old Master Hu decided to honor Huizhou Prefect Qiao Henian and show gratitude for his assistance, so they donated an additional 200,000 taels of silver to provision the government troops.

Upon receiving this good news, Qiao Henian needed to rush to the provincial capital overnight to report to Yuan Jiasan. As the representative of the Huizhou merchants, Gu Pingyuan accompanied him, while Old Master Hu ordered Second Master Hou to see them off from the mansion.

Taking advantage of Qiao Henian boarding his sedan chair, Gu Pingyuan turned to Second Master Hou and said: “Brother Hou, the old master has a clear mind and knows everything in his heart. I can see the old man still cares deeply for you – I hope you won’t disappoint his lifelong efforts.”

Gu Pingyuan’s words were quite subtle, stopping at just the right point, but Second Master Hou didn’t appreciate this discretion. Hardening his heart, he decided to speak plainly: “I think my uncle is just confused! When you wanted to form an alliance with the Beijing merchants, he eagerly agreed, but when I merely sold some tea to the Li family, I risked being expelled from the Huizhou merchants. Isn’t this terribly unfair?”

“You can’t say that.” Gu Pingyuan’s face remained calm as water: “When you sold tea, you were looking at your own silver. When I formed an alliance with the Beijing merchants, I was considering the future path for the Huizhou merchants. That’s why I say the old master has a clear mind and isn’t confused at all – he distinguishes very clearly between important and trivial matters.”

Second Master Hou was momentarily speechless. Gu Pingyuan had helped conceal this matter, so by all rights he should express gratitude, but he was very reluctant to do so. After holding back for a long time, he finally managed: “Selling Lanxue tea to foreign merchants at high prices, with our families splitting it seventy-thirty – you’ve made a fortune this time!”

“No, there’s also Andhai’s twenty percent share. I would never betray those who have helped me. I’ve already instructed the accounting office to send his money to Beijing monthly.” Gu Pingyuan corrected.

Second Master Hou’s expression immediately changed. This statement was completely unexpected. Andhai was in the deep palace – truthfully, Gu Pingyuan could give him whatever amount he chose with just a word, yet he maintained such honest integrity. Having dealt with him for so long, Second Master Hou was truly seeing this man’s character for the first time. Thinking of the “Sincere Hall” plaque hanging in his uncle’s main hall, he couldn’t help but be stunned.

Seeing he had nothing more to say, Gu Pingyuan bowed and walked away. After about ten steps, Second Master Hou suddenly called out: “Brother Gu!”

Gu Pingyuan turned back in surprise, seeing Second Master Hou’s face alternating between pale and flushed, but he finally managed to say: “The day after tomorrow is the monthly council meeting at the Huizhou merchant guild. Please arrive early, Brother Gu – there are many matters that will require your decisions.”

Li Qin felt as if a fire burned in his heart, as if his internal organs were being scorched, yet his resentment had nowhere to vent. When he returned to his inn in Huizhou prefecture city, he had barely entered the courtyard when he discovered oil lamps burning in his room, casting the shadow of someone sitting by the window.

Li Qin pushed open the door and said in surprise: “How did you get here?”

The man had a narrow face with close-set eyes and straight eyebrows, wearing an indigo cotton robe with a yellow-brown belt around his waist. His queue was combed without a hair out of place, giving him a very capable appearance.

Seeing Li Qin enter, he rose and bowed slightly: “Greetings to the young master.”

Li Qin knew this person all too well – it was Li An, his father Li Wantang’s personal attendant. Li An was Li Wantang’s most trusted servant, even more privy to confidential matters than Zhang Guangfa. Though he served as a servant in Li Wantang’s study, his duties were equivalent to those of a secretary. When Li Qin attended private school as a child, Li Wantang was too busy to supervise, so he sent Li An to monitor. Whenever there were mistakes, Li An would use the ruler Li Wantang had given him to strike palms, never showing mercy. So while Li Qin could act willfully and put on young master airs with Zhang Guangfa, he felt intimidated in Li An’s presence.

“Did my father send you?” Li Qin felt uneasy – could Li Wantang have gotten word and learned of his unsuccessful mission and defeat at Gu Pingyuan’s hands? Even the swiftest messenger couldn’t be this fast, and besides, Li An would need several days to travel from Yangzhou to Huizhou.

“Young master, you jest. Of course the master sent me – otherwise how would I dare privately come from Yangzhou to see you?” Li An’s words were always watertight. He moved closer: “The master heard that foreign merchants in Hangzhou were driving up tea prices significantly, worried that circumstances might change. Fearing you might be outnumbered against these Huizhou merchants, he sent me to see if I could be of service.”

Li Qin sighed deeply, returned to his chair, feeling as if all his bones and sinews had been extracted, too exhausted to say a word: “Unfortunately, you’ve arrived too late.”

After hearing Li Qin’s account of events, Li An was also stunned. He had originally thought the situation with the Huizhou merchants would be a stalemate, and Li Wantang, worried this son didn’t know when to advance or retreat, had sent him to arrange a compromise and early withdrawal from the tea business. He never expected it had already become a complete defeat – how could he report this back?

“You don’t need to hide anything for me – report back however you must.” Li Qin had a broken-jar attitude, speaking angrily.

“Young master, it’s not that I don’t know my place in speaking to you.” Li An said while thinking: “The Huizhou affair was actually a sure thing. The master sent you here merely to let you establish this great achievement and build prestige among the Beijing merchants, so that when he later assigns you to manage the salt fields, no one could object. In war, brothers fight together, father and son soldier together – but now…”

“Now I’ve botched this sure thing – I’m a good-for-nothing waste! That’s what you want to say.” Li Qin’s fragile pride was wounded by Li An’s words, and he growled in a muffled voice.

Li An paid no attention and continued: “Now the master is in Yangzhou transferring salt field operations with the government, with Wang Tiangui watching every step. Though it appears to be an alliance business arrangement, he and our Beijing merchants are actually harmonious on the surface but opposed at heart. Speaking plainly, both sides carry knives, but their wrists are tied together while floating in the river, so they temporarily can’t engage in mutually destructive actions. Then there are the Yangzhou salt merchants – when their ancestral salt fields were taken by the government, they could only swallow their anger. Now that salt field management has been returned to private hands, but fallen into Beijing merchant hands, they wish they could bite off a piece of Li family flesh.”

“They’ve already made their move, using the strategy of removing fuel from under the cauldron. Now the Li family has staked everything, investing all their silver in the salt fields. One careless response, and they might never recover.” Li An’s words were like a cold wind blowing through door cracks, making Li Qin’s hair stand on end.

“Removing fuel from under the cauldron?”

“Right. Though the seventy-two salt fields of Lianghuai are all under our management, this isn’t something that can be accomplished just by deciding to do it. While the Beijing merchants can send people to manage, what about salt workers? Without people to extract and dry salt, the salt fields are no different from wasteland.”

“What about the former salt workers?”

“After government management for over twenty years, those officials had no heart for operations, so there were already far fewer salt workers. This time the Yangzhou salt merchants acted with malicious intent – before the Beijing merchants could take over, they had already incited the salt workers to flee. Eight or nine out of ten have left, and fewer than ten of the seventy-two fields can operate normally.”

“If there are no workers, just hire them with money.” Li Qin said dismissively.

Li An looked at this young master and shook his head: “You don’t understand – salt workers were never hired hands. Instead, the government assigned criminals and their families to become salt households, specializing in salt extraction. Once assigned as salt workers, they cannot leave the salt-producing areas physically, cannot abandon salt-boiling work manually, for their entire lives and their descendants’ lives, like oxen and horses.”

“I’ve been following the master recently and have read some books on salt law. The former Liangjiang Governor-General Tao Zhu was most expert in salt law. I remember one passage of his clearly – let me recite it for you, young master.”

Li An then looked up and recited: “Salt workers spend every day and night in fire. Most pitiable are the dog days of summer, when large furnaces stretch endlessly before and behind. Living among them to boil salt is like entering a pill furnace to refine elixirs and transform bones. Their bodies, pressed by fire’s force, are first white, then red, then black. Their skin becomes like iron, their flesh like dried meat. The land lacks trees, driven away by fire’s extremity. They jump out to the scorching sun for momentary coolness. What we would consider burning and fearsome, they call their most refreshing cool world… One day’s earnings is merely ten-odd copper coins. A family’s clothing and food all depend on this, so they eat only turnips, sweet potatoes, and vegetable roots. The white rice we commonly eat – they never taste it their entire lives, nor their children, nor their children’s children… Their emaciated forms truly resemble birds and beasts, so the most extreme poverty and hardship in the world is exemplified by none other than salt workers.”

Li Qin, raised in wealth and luxury since childhood, had never imagined such impoverished people existed in the world. Tao Zhu’s passage painted such a vivid picture that he was stunned listening to it.

“Speaking of which, if employing salt workers weren’t virtually cost-free, how could salt trading have become the world’s greatest source of profit? Now the seventy-two salt fields of Lianghuai lack seventy to eighty thousand salt workers. The master has never worried about anything in his life, but this time he’s truly anxious. He’s using his connections to try to transfer criminals from various offices in Zhili, but where can so many people be gathered at once? Besides, the Changlu salt fields in Tianjin also depend on these criminals as salt workers.”

Li Qin was startled: “So many people are needed?”

“Of course.” Li An looked out the window and said quietly: “We also received the account books from the former Yangzhou salt merchants. I helped the master calculate this account – it’s truly astounding. If these salt fields are run well, each salt worker can earn over one tael of silver daily for the Li family.”

“One tael per person per day – that’s 100,000 taels for 100,000 people daily, which would be 3 million taels of pure silver monthly.” Li Qin was amazed.

“Exactly. So everyone says Yangzhou salt merchants are the richest in the world, able to build white pagodas overnight – even we Beijing merchants pale in comparison. No wonder this money comes easier than flowing water. It’s just that currently lacking salt workers makes everything meaningless. Adding insult to injury, the East India Company contract has also fallen through, requiring compensation of 800,000 taels – this truly adds frost to snow.” Li An shook his head, his face full of worry.

But Li Qin wasn’t listening to what he was saying. He paced back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back, his expression deeply thoughtful, silent for a long time.

Li An knew this young master was merely spoiled by nature, but his intelligence was no less than his father’s. He must have some idea now, so Li An remained silent, waiting quietly.

After a long while, Li Qin gradually showed signs of satisfaction, muttering to himself: “Kill two birds with one stone. You want to protect her, but I’ll make sure you can’t, letting you know the consequences of opposing me!”

He glanced at Li An: “800,000 taels isn’t much – if all salt fields operate fully, it could be earned back in days. Li An, I know you’ve always been my father’s advisor and strategist. Help me plan something. If successful, these tens of thousands of salt workers will be secured.”

This time Li An’s heart jumped, looking at Li Qin with disbelief: “Young master, I’ve been busy with this matter for over two months. Forget tens of thousands – even finding a thousand or eight hundred people isn’t easy. Even the master has no solution for this. You’re confident?”

Li Qin’s lips twitched, his eyes flashing with ghostly light: “Yes!”

Having helped Qiao Henian resolve the military provision issue, Gu Pingyuan was overjoyed to receive Yuan Jiasan’s warm consolation. After hearing Qiao Henian’s account of events, Yuan Jiasan regarded Gu Pingyuan as the leader of the Huizhou merchants. As an official in Anhui, winning over the Huizhou merchants would secure half his position as governor. So Yuan Jiasan ordered his gatekeepers that henceforth when Gu Pingyuan sought audience, he need not go through the document office but could be announced directly. Gu Pingyuan was greatly comforted – this way not only would his own legal troubles likely be resolved, but when he later tried to persuade Chen Yucheng to surrender to government forces, he would have better access to speak with Yuan Jiasan.

As for Qiao Henian, his benefits were even greater. Of the additional 200,000 taels donated by the Huizhou merchants, he allocated only 100,000 to the military camps, secretly gave 50,000 to Yuan Jiasan’s trusted secretary, and used the remainder to distribute meal allowances to government offices throughout the provincial capital under the pretext of assisting military affairs. According to regulations, those not eating at their offices could take this meal allowance home, effectively meaning all officials in the provincial capital had received his benefits. For a time, praise poured in from all sides.

Yuan Jiasan had originally intended to request merit recognition for Qiao Henian, but after a private discussion in his study, he surprisingly recorded this achievement under Provincial Treasurer Bu He’s name instead. Some said this was Qiao Henian showing goodwill toward Bu He, others said it was Yuan Jiasan taking the opportunity to win over Bu He, but one thing was undeniable: in this contest between Yuan Jiasan and Bu He, with the great assistance of Gu and Qiao, Yuan Jiasan had clearly regained the upper hand.

Official circles are most opportunistic – everyone knows how to read the wind. Previously, seeing Yuan Jiasan’s weakness, they had all leaned toward Provincial Treasurer Bu He. Now that Yuan Jiasan had weapons and provisions, with his governor position seemingly unshakeable, officials swarmed back to the governor’s office like bees. Now everyone knew Qiao Henian was the province’s most capable official, Yuan Jiasan’s trusted aide, so naturally a group of people gathered around Qiao Henian as well. Qiao Henian was calculating, secretly observing which people were useful and which were mere flatterers, gradually accumulating several capable subordinates.

Gu Pingyuan temporarily had no attention for political changes. Old Master Hu’s transfer of his position in the guild came with a heavy burden of responsibility. Gu Pingyuan spent entire days with his brother, working alongside Liu Heita and Second Master Hou to manage all the Huizhou merchants’ tea sales, so busy he was nearly running himself ragged. After a month he had grown noticeably thinner.

Fortunately, he had no worries at home. Chang Yu’er was gentle and considerate, taking meticulous care of Gu Pingyuan after their marriage. Gu Pingyuan was also very fond of his wife. The newlywed couple was inseparable, harmonious in their conjugal relations. Every time Gu Pingyuan returned home, he could see Chang Yu’er getting along well with his mother and sister-in-law. Gu’s mother praised this daughter-in-law to everyone as virtuous and understanding, excellent at managing household affairs, already dreaming of holding a plump grandson next year – then her life would truly be complete.

Even Gu Yuting, who had never been easily impressed, surprisingly obeyed Chang Yu’er in everything, helping with whatever needed doing, usually chatting and laughing together, even closer than with Gu’s mother, leaving the Gu brothers completely amazed.

Having finally finished this busy period, the Gu family had another major event ahead – celebrating Gu’s mother’s birthday. Though not a milestone birthday, it had been nearly ten years since Gu Pingyuan left home that Gu’s mother had celebrated her birthday. Now with everything going smoothly and the family finally reunited, plus Gu Pingyuan’s marriage, the three siblings were determined to organize a grand celebration to comfort their mother for years of hardship and devoted child-rearing.

When this was mentioned, Chang Yu’er strongly agreed, but Gu’s mother somewhat disagreed. First, she feared attracting unwanted attention, and second, since all the family’s money was earned through Gu Pingyuan’s hard work, she truly couldn’t bear to spend it so extravagantly.

The three siblings took turns trying to persuade her to no avail. Finally Chang Yu’er stepped forward with: “Husband earns money precisely to show filial piety to you. If you refuse, not only would you waste his sincere intentions, but when he labors outside in the future without even this hope to sustain him, wouldn’t his heart be even more bitter?” This one sentence changed Gu’s mother’s mind, earning admiration and thumbs up from Gu Pinwen and Gu Yuting.

Organizing the birthday banquet naturally fell to the eldest daughter-in-law as chief coordinator. She made a list, and Gu Pingyuan followed it to purchase various items needed for the birthday feast. Some things were available in their own shops, others needed to be ordered from merchants. Gu Pingyuan took this matter very seriously, unwilling to let his mother have even the slightest dissatisfaction, so he sent his brother to the tea plantation while he stayed at the town shop daily, ostensibly watching business but actually waiting for merchants to deliver goods so he could inspect them personally.

After waiting several days, various items had been purchased piecemeal. Gu Pingyuan was waiting for a batch of premium silver-thread Beijing noodles for birthday noodles when he heard someone outside say: “I told you we should come to the town first – we nearly made a wasted trip to Gu Family Village.”

The voice was very familiar. Gu Pingyuan looked up and saw it was Secretary Hao, with Chen Yongqing beside him. One was Gu Pingyuan’s old friend, the other a new acquaintance, but both were close friends. Secretary Hao and Chen Yongqing were both fond of humor and had become good friends after Gu Pingyuan introduced them.

Seeing these two arrive together, Gu Pingyuan knew something must be up. He quickly invited them in for tea and seats. After brief pleasantries, he didn’t waste time with ceremony and asked directly what was the matter.

Secretary Hao and Chen Yongqing looked at each other, suddenly showing troubled expressions, each deferring to the other. Gu Pingyuan found this very strange. Finally Secretary Hao had no choice but to clear his throat and speak.

“Brother Gu, I’m going to tell you something – you must not get anxious.”

“Brother Hao, just speak. This hesitation makes me more anxious.”

“Alright, I’ll tell you.” Secretary Hao still hesitated, using a paper spill to light his pipe, taking several deep puffs. Through the swirling smoke, his first words made Gu Pingyuan jump up.

“Government forces have recaptured Sanhe Town.”

“What… what!” Gu Pingyuan was truly shocked. “How did I not know?”

“Never mind you – even Governor Yuan was kept in the dark beforehand.”

The incident occurred two days earlier. Hefei city, which had been peaceful, suddenly erupted with three deafening cannon blasts at midnight. Yuan Jiasan, jumpy as a startled bird, feared Chen Yucheng had again sent Taiping forces to attack, immediately dispatching runners to investigate. The result was shocking – Cheng Xueqi had mobilized all his subordinate government troops and deployed all firearms to launch a night assault on Sanhe Town, without even informing Yuan Jiasan beforehand.

“Has Cheng Xueqi gone mad!”

What Gu Pingyuan was most confident about was correctly gauging Yuan Jiasan’s psychology, knowing he was unwilling to fight this uncertain battle, preferring to delay. Best would be to wait until Zeng Guofan recaptured Nanjing – then either Chen Yucheng would surrender to the court, or the Hunan Army would attack from Jiangsu, forming an encirclement that would guarantee victory. Through several probes, Gu Pingyuan found Yuan Jiasan’s thinking aligned with his own – both favored delay and waiting for change. As provincial governor commanding military and civilian affairs, no one could deploy troops against the Taipings without his order.

Who could have imagined Cheng Xueqi would have such audacity to bypass the governor and deploy troops directly? If he lost, he would certainly face execution.

Chen Yongqing sighed: “I asked around – that afternoon, someone delivered two coffins to Cheng Xueqi’s camp. When he opened them he flew into a rage that no one could calm, ultimately leading to this major incident.”

“Coffins – whose coffins?”

“Who else could it be – supposedly Mrs. Cheng and his son, whose bodies were abandoned in the wilderness by the Taipings.”

Gu Pingyuan drew a sharp breath – no wonder.

“Could Chen Yucheng really be so easily defeated, losing Sanhe Town in just two days?”

Since these were all close friends, he could speak without reservation.

“Speaking of which, this is thanks to you.” Secretary Hao smiled bitterly and shook his head. “Those six thousand foreign rifles and many foreign cannons are now all in Cheng Xueqi’s hands. Plus with sufficient military pay, when he gave orders he declared that any Taiping private property seized would belong to whoever captured it, and each Taiping head would earn a five-tael silver reward. This turned a group of cowardly, life-fearing government soldiers into a wolf-like army.”

“What about her?”

Secretary Hao knew whom he was asking about and continued shaking his head: “In the chaos of war, no one knows. But I think she must be with Chen Yucheng’s central forces. As long as Chen Yucheng’s troops haven’t scattered, her life shouldn’t be in danger.”

“Where are Chen Yucheng’s forces now?” Gu Pingyuan asked urgently.

“Sigh, we hurried into town precisely to persuade you not to meddle in this affair.” Chen Yongqing had learned from Secretary Hao about the entanglement between Gu Pingyuan and “Princess Chen,” “What good can come from getting mixed up with the Taiping rebels?”

“Brother Chen, I agree with your words. Times are different now – she’s already married, and you’ve taken a wife. This past affair should simply be wiped clean. You can’t keep risking your life for her time and again. Don’t forget you also have a whole family depending on you.”

Gu Pingyuan felt as if something was blocking his heart: “Today I’ll speak openly to you both about what’s in my heart. Don’t think that because I want to protect Bai Yimei, I still want to be with her. On my wedding day, I already swore an oath to my wife that I would abandon this thought for life. But even if I forgot the childhood friendship we once shared, I cannot cast aside my teacher’s final words. Brother Hao, you saw with your own eyes how my teacher died – if not to protect me, would the old man have crashed his head against the wall to death?”

When Gu Pingyuan brought up this matter, his eyes reddened and his voice choked with emotion: “I have no other intentions toward the Bai family or Bai Yimei. I only want her to live peacefully and safely, whether in simple cloth and wooden hairpins or in fine silk and jade ornaments. As long as she can avoid warfare and enjoy peace, I will have fulfilled this obligation. I could go my whole life without seeing her again!”

These words left Secretary Hao and Chen Yongqing in silence. Both could see that Gu Pingyuan spoke the truth, but this most ordinary of wishes – because Bai Yimei was trapped among the Taiping rebels and was the “Princess of the Brave King” whom the court desperately wanted to capture – simply could not be realized. This truly was fate playing cruel tricks.

“Has Chen Yucheng led his troops toward Nanjing?” Gu Pingyuan urgently asked again.

“If Chen Yucheng were a mediocre general, he might ignore everything and return to Nanjing.” Secretary Hao arranged teacups on the table like a map. “If he bypasses Chao Lake and heads straight for Nanjing, he’ll have to march while entangled with Cheng Xueqi’s pursuing forces from behind. With a group of old, weak, women and children, he can’t march rapidly – he can only retreat while fighting. Is Zhejiang Governor Li Hongzhang someone to trifle with? Seeing this situation, he’ll certainly send troops to attack Chen Yucheng’s flanks. Even if Chen Yucheng commands competently and barely manages to retreat near Nanjing, Nanjing is surrounded tight as an iron barrel by the Jiangnan Camp, with all communication cut off inside and out. Without anyone to provide support, and with the Zeng brothers deeply versed in military strategy, they’ll naturally send troops to strike head-on.”

Secretary Hao arranged three teacups in a triangle with a teapot in the middle, pointing: “Behind him is the red-eyed Cheng Xueqi, in the middle is the swift and elusive Li Hongzhang, and ahead is the rock-solid Zeng Guofan. No matter how great Chen Yucheng’s abilities, they’re useless. He’s a veteran commanding general who knows military strategy well, so he won’t and doesn’t dare return to aid Nanjing. This is the assessment Master Qiao and we reached together – it can’t be wrong.”

Gu Pingyuan also understood military strategy. Thinking it through carefully, he knew Secretary Hao was right and nodded in agreement: “The north faces the capital’s gateway, heavily guarded by court forces – he won’t go north either. That leaves only west and south.”

“To the west is Miao Peilin of Shouzhou. This man is sometimes enemy, sometimes friend to both the Taiping rebels and government forces. He might even add insult to injury with a strike. At such a critical time, Chen Yucheng may not dare risk going west.” Chen Yongqing pondered.

“Are you saying he’s coming toward Huizhou?” Gu Pingyuan’s heart stirred.

“More likely Chizhou. Although Chen Yucheng used diversionary tactics, an army of tens of thousands inevitably leaves traces when it moves. It appears he’s heading for Chizhou. Scouts should report back in the next day or two. Master Qiao says Chen Yucheng probably has his eye on the geographical advantages of Mount Jiuhua, wanting to hold the mountain defensively.”

Chizhou was close to Huizhou – a half day’s fast ride away. When Gu Pingyuan thought that Bai Yimei might be suffering hunger and cold in the nearby mountains, he immediately became restless.

Secretary Hao saw his thoughts and advised again: “I heard Master Qiao say that Governor Yuan actually has intentions to recruit Chen Yucheng’s surrender. Why don’t you wait a bit longer? Don’t rush into these muddy waters.”

“I can’t wait. That Cheng Xueqi is single-mindedly determined to kill Chen Yucheng for revenge. What good would come of Bai Yimei falling into his hands? Besides, he’s already cast Governor Yuan aside. Even if Yuan Jiasan ordered surrender negotiations, he might not listen. When generals are abroad, they need not accept even imperial commands, let alone a governor’s orders. Since he’s gone this far, he’ll surely see it through to the end.”

“Sigh.” Secretary Hao deeply sighed and asked again, “When two armies are at war with unresolvable blood feuds, what can you do?”

“I’ll use the old method – persuade Chen Yucheng to surrender to the court. As long as he surrenders directly to Yuan Jiasan, he becomes incorporated government forces. Then Cheng Xueqi would have to stop – his camp soldiers wouldn’t dare attack government troops. That would be rebellion.”

“You tried once already and failed. Do you have confidence this time?” Chen Yongqing asked.

“Wait a moment.” Gu Pingyuan went into the inner room and soon brought out a dust-covered cloth bundle, as if just dug from brick crevices or floor corners. Opening it revealed two pieces of paper.

Gu Pingyuan took out one sheet and handed it to Secretary Hao: “This is what I obtained from Cheng Xueqi that day – Hong Xiuquan’s personal letter promising to make him king if he captures Hefei.”

Secretary Hao examined it and confirmed its authenticity – he had seen this letter in Cheng Xueqi’s camp: “What about the other one?”

Gu Pingyuan smiled slightly: “This one cost me considerable effort. I made over a hundred copies – this is the most convincing one. I burned all the rest.”

Chen Yongqing’s curiosity was piqued. After a glance, he was startled: “This – this is also Hong Xiuquan’s personal letter.”

Gu Pingyuan smiled without speaking. Secretary Hao and Chen Yongqing compared the two documents, finding the handwriting completely natural without any forced artificiality – clearly from the same hand. After a long while, both looked up at Gu Pingyuan with puzzlement.

“You two deal with ink and brush daily. If even you can’t tell, those rough soldiers in Chen Yucheng’s camp certainly won’t be able to.”

“You really forged this?”

Gu Pingyuan nodded and said slowly: “I copied Cheng Xueqi’s document no less than a thousand times, repeatedly studying and trying to imitate the brush spirit within. What you’re holding is the best imitation. I just didn’t know when I’d use it, so I didn’t write the date – that can be added.” He smiled self-mockingly: “At least my time as an appraiser in that Shanxi pawnshop wasn’t wasted.”

Secretary Hao and Chen Yongqing exchanged glances, not knowing what to say.

After a long while, Secretary Hao sighed: “It seems you’ve been plotting and planning for quite some time. Since that’s the case, I won’t try to dissuade you. Just be careful in everything. On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. They’ve just suffered defeat and are nursing their anger – this trip of yours is truly dangerous.”

Before departing, Gu Pingyuan first returned home, bringing back all the birthday celebration items he had purchased. This time Gu Pingyuan had spared no expense, buying specialty goods from various regions. More than half were things the Gu family had never seen before. They marveled, picking up this and that, their eyes fixed on the pile of goods. Even Gu’s mother didn’t notice the hidden worry in her eldest son’s brow.

Only Chang Yu’er noticed her husband’s distracted state and felt worried herself, but fearing her mother-in-law would notice, she dared not show it on her face. After dinner, when the couple returned to their room, Gu Pingyuan suddenly said out of nowhere: “I need to take a long trip these next few days. Take good care of Mother at home, and take care of yourself too.”

Chang Yu’er turned her back to him. After a long while, she said quietly: “You won’t tell me where you’re going, will you?”

Gu Pingyuan responded with silence.

“If you won’t say, I won’t ask.” Chang Yu’er turned to face Gu Pingyuan. “Just promise me one thing.”

Gu Pingyuan looked up at his wife, only then noticing with surprise that her eyes were brimming with tears.

“Seven days from now is Mother’s actual birthday. You must return in time.”

Gu Pingyuan felt a wave of guilt and gently embraced her, whispering in her ear: “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely return.”

“Your Excellency, this subordinate has important military intelligence to report.” Qiao Henian hurried into the inner hall of the governor’s yamen. As Yuan Jiasan’s trusted confidant, he needed no announcement to enter the second hall directly.

Yuan Jiasan knew Qiao Henian was always steady in character. Seeing barely concealed excitement in his expression, he knew the matter must be significant and unconsciously stood up.

“Hong Xiuquan died of illness half a month ago.” Qiao Henian stepped forward to report.

“Is this true!” Yuan Jiasan was first shocked, then overjoyed. Steadying himself, he asked: “How did you learn of this?”

Such momentous news was unknown even to the governor, yet Qiao Henian knew of it. Yuan Jiasan couldn’t help but doubt – there had been several false reports of Hong Xiuquan’s death before. This time might be hearsay again.

“It’s certain. The news came from the Jiangnan Camp. Zeng Guofan has already sent an urgent 600-li report to the court. Given his cautious and steady nature, he wouldn’t report this to the court without absolute certainty.”

This was indeed correct – Hong Xiuquan was dead. Yuan Jiasan glanced at Qiao Henian. That he could obtain such secret military intelligence from the Jiangnan Camp showed his shrewdness and capability. Yuan Jiasan had heard recently that Qiao Henian had gathered a group around him – from alternate officials to clerks and minor functionaries, everyone had connections. These all flowed to Qiao Henian, who skillfully utilized them, connecting paths and bridges. Now he was influential not only in the province but even gained respect from yamen gates in neighboring provinces for this newly promoted fourth-rank daotai.

“Truly capable of great things, but one must also be cautious.” Yuan Jiasan both admired and was wary.

Qiao Henian sensed this and quickly bowed again: “This subordinate learned the news and dared not delay a moment before reporting to Your Excellency. In the entire province, probably no one else knows this yet.”

“Mm.” Only then was Yuan Jiasan satisfied, clapping his hands together. “In that case, why is Cheng Xueqi still attacking Chen Yucheng? This needlessly wastes Anhui’s military strength.”

“Your Excellency sees clearly.” Qiao Henian immediately agreed. “In this subordinate’s view, once this news reaches Chen Yucheng’s camp, his army’s morale will collapse. Even if he doesn’t surrender then, his subordinates will come to surrender. When we can clearly subdue the enemy without fighting, further hard combat would be unwise.”

“Exactly. Go tell Cheng Xueqi to hold his troops, and quickly let the Taiping rebels know this news.”

“This subordinate obeys!”

“No!” Before Qiao Henian’s acknowledgment finished, a fierce shout came from the steps outside the second hall, echoing continuously and startling both men.

Yuan Jiasan looked up urgently to see a tall figure striding rapidly from outside. This person was tall with long strides, reaching them in just a few steps. His sturdy frame blocked the sun from the hall entrance, making his face initially unclear.

“Who are you? How dare you enter the governor’s yamen without announcement!” Yuan Jiasan panicked momentarily, stepping back two paces. In his confusion, he wondered if Chen Yucheng had sent surprise troops.

Qiao Henian was much calmer. Even if someone broke in, the personal guards should have intercepted and fought – they wouldn’t have let someone through without any sound. He squinted for a closer look and immediately spotted twelve eastern pearls adorning the visitor’s hat.

While Yuan Jiasan was still panicking, Qiao Henian had already knelt down in his official robes: “Fourth-rank daotai, Huizhou Prefect Qiao Henian pays respects to Your Highness.”

This brought Yuan Jiasan’s soul back. He looked carefully and quickly knelt in greeting: “Anhui Governor Yuan Jiasan pays respects to Prince Senggelinqin.”

The visitor was indeed Prince Seng!

Without a word, he sat in the main chair in the hall, remaining silent for a long time. Yuan Jiasan knelt with his head down, feeling his heart pounding. Soon sweat beads fell from his forehead onto the polished blue bricks.

This prince was famously difficult to serve throughout the court. He wielded heavy military power, never reasoned with anyone, and would kill with a glare. He was also imperial nobility, a hereditary iron-hat prince who, in the fourth year of Xianfeng, had blocked Lin Fengxiang and Li Kaifang’s Northern Expedition at the capital’s feet, earning sky-supporting merit in protecting the emperor. This made him even more arrogant and haughty. Even Prince Gong couldn’t provoke him, let alone provincial governors. Anyone who met Prince Senggelinqin was like a mouse meeting a cat.

Wasn’t this murderous demon king supposed to be fighting the Nian rebels in a neighboring province? Without even advance notice, why did he suddenly come to Anhui? Yuan Jiasan’s mind was full of doubts, but he dared not ask.

“I heard someone say you wanted to recruit Chen Yucheng’s surrender. I didn’t believe it originally, but just now outside the second hall I happened to hear your words and realized you truly want this great Taiping leader to submit to the court. I ask you – who gave you this authority, this audacity to treat military affairs so lightly!”

Senggelinqin launched into harsh accusations from the start. Yuan Jiasan mumbled agreement while inwardly disagreeing. Provincial governors all held concurrent vice-minister of war titles and historically had discretionary authority over provincial military affairs. Since the military uprising began, surrenders were commonplace – the court only commended them. He’d never heard of any governor being punished for accepting enemy surrenders. This prince was clearly looking for trouble.

Seeing his silence, Senggelinqin snorted: “You’re unconvinced, aren’t you? If Chen Yucheng really surrendered to the court, those incompetents in the Grand Council would encourage the Empress Dowager and Emperor to grant him a noble title. In future court ceremonies, this Taiping rebel who killed countless government soldiers would stand in the same row with this prince for joint observation of rites, while you court officials would rank behind him. Isn’t this outrageous?”

Though Senggelinqin’s words sounded high-minded, he had other calculations. Just over ten days ago, a young merchant from the capital had come to his camp, claiming to be from Anhui. He reported that Yuan Jiasan’s military handling was aberrant, with intentions to indulge the court’s great enemy, and came specially to inform the prince.

Prince Seng recently relied heavily on strategist Su Zixuan, whom he’d met in Shaanxi and who had recently joined him. First, Su Zixuan had Mongol blood; second, this man was full of schemes and often anticipated enemy movements. The “Nian rebels” Prince Seng suppressed in Shandong, like Mongol cavalry, relied entirely on mounted units, often raiding thousands of li in a day and night, attacking across provinces. So the first priority in suppressing Nian was determining their movements. Since Su Zixuan joined Prince Seng’s camp, using only a map and a few scout reports, he could predict the Nian’s next target, allowing Prince Seng to wait at ease and win several brilliant victories. Within two months, Su Zixuan had become Senggelinqin’s indispensable adviser. For this matter too, Prince Seng had consulted him. Su Zixuan’s superior insight analyzed the current situation with this conclusion:

The Zeng brothers were about to break Tianjing, achieving unprecedented merit, while Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang had already recovered Fujian and Zhejiang with talented generals and strong forces. Since the dynasty’s founding, Han Chinese had never held such great military power. If Yuan Jiasan also recruited or defeated Chen Yucheng, Han influence could never again be suppressed – something absolutely unacceptable to Manchu-Mongol nobility.

“There’s now a saying: ‘A Manchu court, but a Han Chinese empire.’ Your Highness is court nobility, the foremost Manchu-Mongol general, the ‘Baturu’ bestowed by Emperor Xianfeng. Only you can turn the tide now. Chen Yucheng is the Taiping’s founding general, Hong Xiuquan’s right arm. If Your Highness crushes him in one stroke, Han governors’ prestige will certainly diminish, and they can’t boast complete credit for destroying the Taiping.”

Su Zixuan’s words moved Senggelinqin, who immediately mobilized fifty thousand elite cavalry and headed south along the official road straight to Hefei.

“This prince holds imperial orders to command three provinces’ forces against the Nian. Now that Chen Yucheng has fled from Sanhe Town, I fear he’ll join the Nian bandits, so I’ve requested orders to also command Anhui forces. Henceforth, all military affairs concerning the Taiping must be reported to me.” Senggelinqin waved his large hand. “Those who disobey face military punishment!”

“This subordinate obeys.” Yuan Jiasan wiped his forehead sweat and dared to rise and respond.

“This prince’s first order: the rebel chief Hong’s death absolutely cannot be leaked, or face charges of aiding the enemy! Understand?”

Yuan Jiasan verbally agreed repeatedly while inwardly confused, but he understood one thing – this prince absolutely could not be offended. The Henan Provincial Treasurer was beheaded publicly for poor performance. The difference between Provincial Treasurer and Governor was only one rank – if he could behead a treasurer, he could certainly behead a governor. His own neck wasn’t iron-forged; better to speak little and obey much.

“Second, my fifty thousand cavalry require food and fodder. Assign someone capable to manage my supply depot – quickly.”

Yuan Jiasan was immediately in difficulty. Who dared handle supplies for this demon king? The slightest mistake meant losing one’s head. As he hesitated, he heard Qiao Henian cough softly behind him. Turning slightly, he saw Qiao Henian giving him a mysterious smile.

Yuan Jiasan suddenly understood – what he and Qiao Henian had secretly discussed in the study days ago could be used today.

His spirits lifted as he replied: “Reporting to Your Highness, our provincial treasurer Buhe is skilled in administration, capable, and just secured large military funds for Anhui’s garrison – truly an economic talent. This subordinate has already recommended him to the court. Perhaps the Personnel Ministry will soon have other important assignments. Since Your Highness urgently needs talent, why not petition the court to transfer Buhe to Your Highness’s command? Military merit advances most easily – publicly and privately, he should be willing to serve Your Highness.”

Seeing Senggelinqin nod agreement, Yuan Jiasan was overjoyed. He had originally wanted to credit Buhe with fund-raising merit and recommend him for service in another province. Unexpectedly, Prince Seng’s arrival let him so easily shed this troublesome burden. Thinking of Buhe’s tearful expression upon learning the news, Yuan Jiasan nearly laughed aloud.

Qiao Henian was even more secretly delighted. When Buhe had schemed – first promoting his rank, then sending him to Yan Jingming to die – Qiao Henian remembered it and advised Yuan Jiasan to repay him in kind. Unexpectedly, before the court’s decree came down, Prince Seng had selected Buhe first. This was truly fulfilling his wishes – this grievance was finally satisfyingly vented.

Seeing nothing more for him, Qiao Henian took his leave. Outside the second hall, walking toward the ceremonial gate, his attendant Kang Qi hesitantly asked a question.

“Master, should we send someone to Huizhou to tell Master Gu about Hong Xiuquan’s death?”

“Oh?”

“When we parted last time, didn’t Master Gu specifically ask you to immediately inform him of any major military reports concerning the Taiping?”

Qiao Henian pondered a moment, then firmly shook his head: “No, we must especially keep this from him. I know what he wants to do – it’s still all for that woman. I need his help in many ways now – I can’t let him get entangled with the rebels again. As for that woman, she’d best die in the chaos and be done with it.”

“Master may be overthinking. With Chen Yucheng’s forces collapsing like a landslide, who has the courage to help the Taiping?”

Qiao Henian gazed toward Huizhou, slowly saying: “This man dared swallow eighteen-contradictory medicinal ingredients – there’s nothing in the world he wouldn’t dare do.”

“I’m not a Qing spy. I’ve come specifically to see the Brave King – I have words for him.” With two gleaming sharp steel blades at his throat, Gu Pingyuan had only these words.

To find Chen Yucheng’s forces, he had truly suffered greatly. The renowned “Southeast’s Premier Mountain” Jiuhua had ninety-nine peaks. Gu Pingyuan started searching from “Dawn at Heaven’s Terrace,” one of Jiuhua’s ten scenic spots, searching almost sleeplessly for three days and nights. In his urgency, he nearly fell into mountain ravines several times, then twice encountered Qing troops searching the mountains. The first time he bought them off with silver notes; the second group of soldiers was more vicious, planning robbery and murder to silence him. Seeing the dangerous situation, Gu Pingyuan rolled down the mountainside and barely escaped with his life.

He dared not continue this aimless searching and found a secluded place to quietly consider where Chen Yucheng might hide. When he thought of the military principle that “water flows according to terrain, troops achieve victory according to the enemy,” Gu Pingyuan suddenly understood – leading tens of thousands of troops, no matter how hidden, required water sources. And insufficient water wouldn’t suffice.

Understanding this, Gu Pingyuan asked local herb gatherers about Jiuhua Mountain’s main water systems, following traces until he finally encountered Taiping forces near Taoist Rock Waterfall at Emerald Peach Stream.

Now he was escorted into a camp where everything he saw was shocking. Nearly every Taiping soldier in the camp was wounded, lying scattered about moaning continuously. Large groups of old, weak, women and children sat or leaned against rocks like people resigned to fate, their eyes showing only terror and numbness. Large pots on stone-built stoves were cooking military rations. As Gu Pingyuan was pushed past, he quickly glanced inside – where was any grain? All were tree roots and grass leaves, plus some chunks of wild animal meat from unknown sources, emitting a rank stench.

When Gu Pingyuan thought that Bai Yimei was also eating such food and enduring the same suffering, his heart immediately ached.

“Get in!” The Taiping soldier with a yellow headband behind him pushed forward, and only then did Gu Pingyuan realize he had entered the main tent.

“How is it you again!” General Huang Wenjin in the tent recognized Gu Pingyuan at once. “Good! Last time I wanted to kill you, but the King spared you. This time let’s see where you can run!” Saying this, he strode over and viciously punched Gu Pingyuan in the abdomen. Caught off guard, Gu Pingyuan took the full force of the blow. Huang Wenjin was a strong man, and this punch was thrown with all his angry strength. Gu Pingyuan felt as if his internal organs had been shattered, the pain forcing him to involuntarily bend and curl up, his vision blurring.

“You Qing dog, you dare come as a spy again! I’ll cut you to pieces!” Huang Wenjin drew a long dagger but looked back.

There was no chair in the tent – only a large stone covered with tiger skin, upon which sat the Brave King Chen Yucheng. He looked coldly at Gu Pingyuan, then slowly spoke: “Gu Pingyuan, if not for the Princess’s plea for mercy, you would already be a ghost under the Heavenly Kingdom’s blade. I showed extraordinary grace in sparing your life – why have you come seeking us again?”

“Your Majesty, why waste words with him? Last time’s affair was ruined by his hand. If he hadn’t persuaded Cheng Xueqi to surrender, we would be the ones giving orders in Hefei now. This time it was also Cheng Xueqi who led the Qing demons to capture Sanhe. At root, it’s all this surnamed Gu’s mischief. He is the Heavenly Kingdom’s mortal enemy. Please let this subordinate slaughter him to answer for our dead brothers.”

Chen Yucheng said nothing, staring quietly at Gu Pingyuan with his jet-black crystalline eyes. After a long while, he said: “You wouldn’t have come looking for her again, would you?”

Gu Pingyuan shook his head vigorously, enduring the pain to say with difficulty: “I came looking for you.”

He continued: “Now victory and defeat are decided. This army of yours has reached a dead end. Since ancient times, no one has heard of successfully evading government forces in deep mountains while leading a large group of old people and children. Though you still have tens of thousands of troops, fighting in the mountains means the more people you have, the harder it is to hide your tracks, and the less room for maneuver. Moreover, you have no provisions within and no strong support without. Continuing like this, every battle will cost you ten percent of your forces. In less than a month, all these people under your command will be dead.”

“Bullshit!” Huang Wenjin furiously grabbed Gu Pingyuan and spat in his face, while the other generals in the tent also glared and cursed angrily.

Only Chen Yucheng remained silent. He saw the current situation more clearly than anyone – they had indeed reached a desperate end. If he only had a thousand or so brave warriors under his command, he would be confident of fighting his way out unexpectedly and escaping. But what about the remaining tens of thousands? How should these old people and children be dealt with? Could he just let the Qing demons find and slaughter them all? These were all brothers of the Heavenly Kingdom, some of whom had followed the Heavenly King since the Jintian Uprising. How could he abandon them now and face his conscience? If he really did that, it would be better to lead the troops out of the mountains openly and fight the Qing demons to the death – at least dying would be glorious.

He sighed silently, then said: “I know what you’ve come to do. You’re acting as a lobbyist for the Qing demons, wanting me to surrender to the Qing. I tell you, I would rather die than do anything to betray the Heavenly King.”

“It’s a pity your Heavenly King doesn’t think the same way.” After Gu Pingyuan spoke, he unsurprisingly saw two sharp glances shoot from Chen Yucheng.

“I have a letter on me. Take it and read it, then you’ll know.”

Chen Yucheng had his personal guards search out the letter from Gu Pingyuan. Opening it to read, his body trembled.

“This is fake!” He shook the letter in his hand and said with absolute certainty.

“You’ve followed Hong Xiuquan for so long – can’t you tell real from fake? I tell you, Hong Xiuquan has already spread this document everywhere. Wherever there are Taiping forces stationed, they’ve all received it. Haining was just recaptured by government forces – this was seized from there, sent by Zhejiang Governor Li Hongzhang to Anhui and delivered to Yuan Jiasan.”

“Then how did it fall into your hands?”

“Actually it fell into Cheng Xueqi’s hands. He saw this document first and, determining you would have no reinforcements, felt confident attacking Sanhe Town. I was the one who tried to persuade his surrender, so naturally I have some relationship with him. I stole the document while he was busy with military affairs.” Gu Pingyuan had rehearsed these words in his mind dozens of times – they were perfectly coherent and sounded flawless.

Chen Yucheng began to waver at his words. He carefully examined the handwriting on the document again, murmuring: “I don’t believe it. The Heavenly King wouldn’t treat me this way! I must go to Tianjing and face the Heavenly King to clear my name.”

“Chen Yucheng!” Gu Pingyuan suddenly shouted. “Stop dreaming! Hong Xiuquan could kill even Yang Xiuqing and Wei Changhui – what about you? He wrote clearly in this document that you disobeyed orders, refused to return to aid Tianjing, colluded with the Qing demons, gave up Sanhe Town, and have already betrayed the Heavenly Kingdom. He orders all Taiping forces to execute you and your subordinates on sight. With this charge, what use is arguing? Returning would still be a dead end.”

Only then did the generals in the camp understand what the Heavenly King’s document actually said, and they immediately broke into loud commotion. Gu Pingyuan had exerted tremendous effort to forge this letter, inspired by Bai Yimei’s words: “Unless the Heavenly King orders his surrender, he will never surrender.” Having Hong Xiuquan order Chen Yucheng to surrender was a pipe dream, but Gu Pingyuan was inspired by this and took the opposite approach – to make Chen Yucheng abandon the idea of returning to aid Tianjing. Since there was nowhere else to go, only surrender remained.

Huang Wenjin jumped three feet high, his eyes wider than an ox’s: “Brave King, is what this bastard says true? Has the old Heavenly King really abandoned us?”

No matter how decisive Chen Yucheng usually was, his mind was now in chaos. Looking at the generals arguing in confusion throughout the tent, his eyes showed complete bewilderment.

Gu Pingyuan called out loudly: “Look at those old people and children outside, and these people who have fought life and death battles with you. Must you really push them all onto a dead-end path? If you surrender to the court, they can naturally receive amnesty too and become peaceful civilians again. Isn’t that a hundred times better than starving and freezing in the mountains, or even being slaughtered by government forces?”

Huang Wenjin hadn’t heard Chen Yucheng respond for a long time, and Gu Pingyuan kept chattering endlessly, making him extremely agitated. He pushed back, shoving Gu Pingyuan hard to the ground, and roared: “Keep babbling and I’ll cut out your tongue!”

As if he hadn’t heard, Gu Pingyuan continued shouting: “Now that victory and defeat are decided, a real man should be able to pick up and put down. If you alone bear the thorns and plead guilty, you can save tens of thousands of lives. Chen Yucheng, are you really determined to make them die with you?”

“Damn it!” Huang Wenjin was furious and rushed over, raising his dagger to strike.

“Wait!” Chen Yucheng suddenly raised his hand. Huang Wenjin turned to look at this commander who had won the army’s hearts, hearing his usually passionate voice now tinged with fatigue: “Take him away and guard him. I need to consider this matter carefully.”

“Just now outside the main camp, we caught a Qing demon spy.” Chen Yucheng spoke slowly. He was now in the rear tent, with Bai Yimei sitting across from him at the table. Though she had removed her princess’s attire and wore ordinary women’s clothing, her beautiful features could not be concealed.

“Oh.” Bai Yimei just responded with a sound. She never interfered in her husband’s military affairs.

“You know this person too – it’s Gu Pingyuan.”

“He…” Bai Yimei looked up in astonishment.

“Strange how he came here, isn’t it? He brought a letter, hoping that after I read it, I would surrender to the Qing demons.” Saying this, Chen Yucheng handed the letter to his wife.

With every line Bai Yimei read, her face grew paler. After reading the entire letter, she looked at Chen Yucheng with fear: “The Qing demons want to kill us, and the Heavenly King also wants to kill us – doesn’t that leave us no way to live?”

Chen Yucheng remained silent. After a long while, he said: “Yimei, sending you away would be easy for me, but once you leave, military morale will be disrupted. Everyone will say I’m unfair in my dealings, and no one will trust my words or obey my orders anymore. Then this army will become scattered sand.”

“Your Majesty, do you think I fear death?” Bai Yimei interrupted him. “Since I married you, my life and death are with you. It’s just…” She bit her lip and said something softly.

Chen Yucheng’s face, which had remained unmoved even facing forests of spears and arrows, suddenly changed color. Both shocked and delighted, he stood up: “Really? When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” He reached his hand toward his wife’s abdomen.

Bai Yimei blushed shyly and said softly: “How could you feel anything yet? I only realized it these past few days. At such a time, I didn’t dare tell you, fearing it would disturb your mind.”

Chen Yucheng suddenly became still, staring at his wife in a daze.

“The two of us dying together is nothing, but I pity him.” Bai Yimei placed her hand on her husband’s hand, and together they seemed to gently caress the child who had no consciousness yet. “I pity that he hasn’t seen even one day of sunlight, and if he should…” Bai Yimei’s tears fell uncontrollably.

Chen Yucheng was not a man given to romantic sentiments, but at this moment his heart felt torn by a hundred claws. Gritting his teeth, he finally shed two heroic tears. The ice-cold tears fell on Bai Yimei’s hand, making her body tremble as she looked up at her husband. “Don’t worry, I will definitely let our child live!” Chen Yucheng’s eyes blazed as he spoke with firm determination.

Gu Pingyuan heard only the mountain wind howling in his ears as the blindfold was suddenly yanked off by someone behind him. His arms were still bound, and his body swayed as he realized with alarm that he faced a hundred-foot cliff, with only inches between his feet and the cliff’s edge.

He had traveled confusedly with Chen Yucheng’s army for two days, his eyes blindfolded throughout, unable to distinguish north from south. Turning around, he looked about in bewilderment, only then discovering that Chen Yucheng stood not far in front of him with two personal guards.

Chen Yucheng’s gaze held no emotion as he pointed toward the base of the mountain: “That’s the official road leading to Tianjing. No matter what you say, I’m taking my troops back to provide aid. Even if the Heavenly King executes me, I’m willing.”

Gu Pingyuan’s face immediately turned ashen. He mumbled, wanting to say something but swallowing it back, then sighed deeply: “If you insist on maintaining blind loyalty to Hong Xiuquan, I can’t stop you. But if you truly love Bai Yimei, give her a way to live – don’t make her go with you.”

“Besides this, what else do you want to say?” Chen Yucheng asked impassively.

Gu Pingyuan shook his head: “You and I have nothing to discuss. I don’t hate you, but I don’t respect you either. Though you have courage, you don’t understand the greater situation – you’re just showing a common man’s bravery.”

“Well spoken.” Chen Yucheng snorted coldly. “Since there’s nothing more to say, the bottom of this cliff will be your burial place. For Bai Yimei’s sake, I’ll leave you with an intact corpse.”

Gu Pingyuan stared at Chen Yucheng for a long time without speaking, then said coldly: “Good. I’ll prepare a cup of wine in the underworld and wait for you to drink it.” Saying this, he turned and was about to leap.

“Wait!” Chen Yucheng shouted sharply, followed by the sound of a blade being drawn.

“Death by blade or cliff makes no difference.” Gu Pingyuan simply didn’t turn around. He heard the blade whistle past, felt his arms loosen, and the rope binding him was cut and fell to the ground.

As Gu Pingyuan stood bewildered, Chen Yucheng was already standing shoulder to shoulder with him, again pointing toward the base of the mountain not far away.

“I didn’t tell the truth just now. That’s Shouzhou.”

Shouzhou and Nanjing were separated across Anhui Province from east to west, and it was also the stronghold of bandit king Miao Peilin. What was Chen Yucheng doing bringing his troops here? Gu Pingyuan looked at him with puzzlement.

Chen Yucheng smiled bitterly: “You’re right. I can’t lead these old brothers into a fire pit. So I’ve decided to surrender.”

Hearing this, Gu Pingyuan was both shocked and delighted. Just as he was about to speak, Chen Yucheng raised his hand to stop him.

“But I cannot surrender to the Qing demons. After fighting for so many years, our hands are stained with each other’s blood. Close relatives and good friends who died at Qing demon hands are countless. If I surrendered to the Qing demons, I could never get past this in my heart – I’d be sorry to the dead brothers of the Heavenly Kingdom, and these subordinates might not follow me either.”

He silently let out a breath, breathing the mountain’s harsh air, his face showing a trace of sorrow.

“So I can only surrender to Miao Peilin. I’ve already sent someone with a letter to him, willing to follow his orders. As for who he surrenders to in the future, that’s no concern of mine.”

Gu Pingyuan immediately understood. Chen Yucheng was using the strategy of “openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing at Chencang” – saying he was surrendering to Miao Peilin, but actually still surrendering to the Qing court. Because Miao Peilin had long harbored intentions to submit to the court, but his forces were insufficient. If he surrendered to the court, he’d at most get a third-rank military post, so he kept hesitating. Now incorporating Chen Yucheng’s tens of thousands of troops, he could negotiate with the court and get a first-rank general position for some satisfaction.

“What about the future?” Gu Pingyuan couldn’t help asking.

Hearing this, Chen Yucheng’s face suddenly showed a spring breeze, becoming gentle: “Once the old brothers all have good outcomes, I’ll lay down my armor and return to farming, living a life of men plowing and women weaving. A family of three in harmony – wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

“A family of three?” Gu Pingyuan was startled, then understood. His heart felt both sad and happy – he didn’t know what to make of it, but finally smiled and cupped his hands: “Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

Chen Yucheng also smiled, patted Gu Pingyuan’s shoulder, said nothing more, and left with his two personal guards to rejoin the troops.

Only Gu Pingyuan remained on the cliff. The fierce mountain wind lifted his robe’s corners as he stood on the peak for a long time, continuously murmuring Chen Yucheng’s parting words: “Once the old brothers have good outcomes, I’ll lay down my armor and return to farming…” He watched the distant winding column of the Taiping army, as if trying to find someone among them. After a long while, he finally exhaled deeply and murmured: “Once you have a good outcome, I too can be at peace.”

“Not much further ahead is Shouzhou. We’ll probably encounter Miao Peilin’s scouts. You wait in this small village in the mountain hollow. If nothing happens after a day, I’ll send someone or come personally to bring you into the city.”

Bai Yimei tightly grasped Chen Yucheng’s hand, her voice trembling: “No, if we’re going, let’s go together. Even if there’s danger…”

Chen Yucheng shook his head: “Nothing will happen. I’m just being cautious.” He reached out and handed Bai Yimei the document Gu Pingyuan had brought: “But if by chance… you must raise the child and show him this document. Tell him his father was not a coward who feared death – this was all unavoidable, unavoidable…”

Before Bai Yimei finished listening, tears were already streaming down her face. Through her tearful, blurred vision, she watched her husband leave with his troops. Huang Wenjin and three personal guards were left to care for Bai Yimei. They agreed to wait here the next day at the hour of the Dragon.

To show sincerity, Chen Yucheng took only a few trusted generals and several hundred personal guards into Shouzhou. Upon entering the city, he was first startled to see the entire city decorated with lanterns and colored streamers. Shops along the streets were pasted with red paper on their doors and had yellow earth spread on the roads, as festive as New Year. He also saw Miao Peilin riding a tall horse, not wearing armor and with no weapons on his saddle, smiling warmly while repeatedly cupping his hands toward Chen Yucheng.

“Brave King, Your Majesty honors this humble place with your presence. This person failed to welcome you from afar – please forgive me, forgive me.”

Chen Yucheng dismounted and knelt on one knee: “How can a defeated general dare accept such courtesy? I said in my letter that from now on I will only follow Brother Miao’s lead. If this heart is not sincere, may gods and men both abandon me.”

Miao Peilin also quickly dismounted and helped Chen Yucheng up, saying fearfully: “Brave King, you are the Heavenly Kingdom’s supporting pillar and golden beam across the sea. How dare I put on airs before you? Your willingness to come to Shouzhou gives me, Miao, face. From now on, all Shouzhou’s forces are under your command, and I, Miao, humbly await your orders.”

“This absolutely cannot be.” Chen Yucheng repeatedly waved his hands. “Let’s not mention past matters anymore. I’m now just Brother Miao’s advance guard. If you don’t agree, I’ll entrust these tens of thousands to you and take my leave.”

“No rush for such talk. From now on we’re all brothers, close as family. Who listens to whom is the same – we can discuss it slowly. Brave King, you’ve traveled far and worked hard. I’ve already prepared a great feast in the Righteousness Hall specifically to welcome you.” Miao Peilin reached for the horse’s reins, actually leading Chen Yucheng’s horse as a groom.

Chen Yucheng couldn’t allow this and declined repeatedly. Finally, Miao Peilin dropped the reins and laughed heartily: “This Shouzhou of mine isn’t large. Since that’s the case, let us brothers walk arm in arm.” Saying this, he linked arms with Chen Yucheng and they walked together toward Shouzhou city.

As the two walked along the road, many common people along the street bowed and greeted Miao Peilin. Miao Peilin loudly introduced each one, telling the people that beside him was the heroic and capable Brave King Chen Yucheng of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. Chen Yucheng had originally heard people say that Miao Peilin was sinister, crafty, and full of schemes, but unexpectedly he had an extremely forthright character. It seemed one couldn’t trust hearsay. The heart he’d been carrying slowly relaxed.

Miao Peilin’s Righteousness Hall was set on a small hill in the city, already brightly lit with candles illuminating everything. Four large golden characters reading “United in Righteousness” hung in the central hall, with a mountain of knives on the left and sea of swords on the right, all covered with red cloth. A banner hung behind the chair with the large character “Righteousness” written on it.

Miao Peilin’s subordinate leaders numbered more than a hundred. Seeing their chief arrive with Chen Yucheng, they all rose to pay respects. Miao Peilin called out loudly, bringing Chen Yucheng before everyone and asking him to take the place of honor at the first table.

Chen Yucheng humbly declined. Miao Peilin addressed his brothers: “Brothers, today is a great day for our Shouzhou. His Majesty the Brave King has come. From now on Shouzhou has a backbone. Everyone must listen to the Brave King’s words. If anyone dares disobey, don’t blame me, Miao, for being ruthless with my blade.”

Chen Yucheng quickly stepped forward, clasping his hands together formally: “Everyone, Brother Miao spoke incorrectly. A guest from afar cannot impose upon his host. To receive Brother Miao’s and everyone’s generous acceptance, I, Chen, am already endlessly grateful. How dare I covet the leader’s seat? From now on, I, Chen Yucheng, am willing to protect Brother Miao. I only hope everyone can live in harmony and treat my brothers well – that would be enough for my heart.”

His words were sincere and moving, touching everyone present. Miao Peilin thought silently for a moment, then smiled: “I maintain my position – since we’re all brothers, nothing cannot be discussed, and there’s no question of who comes first or second. We can discuss this matter slowly later. Come, bring wine!”

With this command, the Righteousness Hall immediately became lively. Large jars of wine, large bowls of meat, and various dishes flowed continuously onto the tables. The most famous courtesans from several brothels in Shouzhou were called in. Amidst the feast, sweet words and seductive poses drew hearty laughter from the crowd as they pushed cups, changed bowls, played drinking games, and gambled – like a dance of demons.

Chen Yucheng had always maintained strict military discipline. Usually, not only were flying messages to summon prostitutes forbidden, but even drinking and merrymaking would result in military punishment. Now finding himself among these bandits, naturally he couldn’t stand such behavior. Seeing his dozen trusted generals surrounded by lightly-dressed women urging them to drink – some showing disgust, others already intoxicated by the gold and debauchery – he couldn’t help sighing inwardly.

Having reached this point, Chen Yucheng simply stopped thinking about anything and decided to get thoroughly drunk. Wine entering a sorrowful heart easily brings intoxication – in less than half an hour, Chen Yucheng already felt the alcohol affecting his head, his vision becoming hazy.

Just then, Miao Peilin whispered in Chen Yucheng’s ear: “Brave King, please follow me. I have something to discuss with you.”

Chen Yucheng had no time for careful thought. He felt Miao Peilin pulling his arm toward the rear hall. Several of his subordinates saw this and wanted to follow, but were blocked by a group of people toasting them, unable to get through.

Chen Yucheng staggered, following Miao Peilin through a courtyard to the rear hall. He had barely entered the room and steadied himself when he heard Miao Peilin laugh: “Brave King, today Shouzhou must have struck some unusual earth energy – we’ve had distinguished guests arriving one after another. Come, let me introduce you to a good friend.”

Chen Yucheng felt his vision suddenly darken as a tall figure rose from a chair, blocking the candlelight behind. With heavy footsteps, this person had already come before him.

Chen Yucheng forced himself to focus, gathering his vision to look, and saw only a pair of hawk-like fierce eyes staring fixedly at him. Miao Peilin said beside him: “Brave King, what a coincidence – before you is also a prince. This is the Great Qing’s iron-hat prince, Prince Senggelinqin.”

Upon hearing these words, Chen Yucheng felt as if he had stepped into empty air and fallen into a bottomless abyss, his heart gripped as if by a giant hand. He looked at Miao Peilin in disbelief and instinctively reached for the sword at his waist, only to realize with shock that Miao Peilin’s hand was still gripping his arm.

In this moment of shock, Chen Yucheng suddenly felt his body convulse violently, followed by severe pain in his abdomen, as if a red-hot iron hammer had struck him heavily.

Only then did Miao Peilin release his hand and step back two paces, looking at Chen Yucheng’s shocked and angry eyes as he said softly: “Your princely title is that of a fallen phoenix worse than a chicken. Prince Seng is the true noble. Without dyeing myself with your blood, how could I wear the red cap the prince promised me?”

Quick as lightning, before Miao Peilin’s words had finished, Chen Yucheng heard the rapid sound of bowstrings behind him. Two barbed arrows had already pierced through both shoulders from left and right, with ropes attached to the arrows. Strong men threw the ropes over the roof beams and pulled with force. Chen Yucheng felt as if his body was being split in half – he was already suspended in mid-air, large amounts of blood splattering onto a large white wool carpet below, creating a truly shocking sight.

Chen Yucheng lowered his head and looked down to see a hooked spear embedded in his abdomen, its two-inch spearhead completely penetrated inside.

Seeing Chen Yucheng trembling all over from pain but gritting his teeth without making a sound, Senggelinqin knew he was trying to protect his subordinates outside. If he cried out, those subordinates would naturally resist, and in the end they too would inevitably die.

Indeed, Chen Yucheng spoke only one sentence: “Kill me alone, spare their lives.”

Senggelinqin’s heart stirred. He was killing Chen Yucheng to achieve great merit before the Han governors, but as a fellow military commander, seeing this man still thinking of his generals and officers even in his final hour, Senggelinqin couldn’t help feeling admiration for his talent.

As he hesitated, someone had already perceived his thoughts. Su Zixuan silently stepped forward from behind, coming to Prince Seng’s side to remind him: “Your Highness, do you still remember the rebel Li Zicheng from the dynasty’s founding?”

Li Zicheng was famous throughout the realm. Though two hundred years had passed, he remained a figure passed down in popular stories. Senggelinqin naturally knew of him, but didn’t understand Su Zixuan’s purpose in mentioning him now.

“That Li Zicheng fought a great battle with Ming forces at Chexiang Gorge and was besieged until capture seemed certain. He feigned surrender, but immediately rebelled again upon leaving Chexiang Gorge. Some say the Ming fell to roving bandits, others say it fell to the Eight Banners, but I say the Ming dynasty was ruined by that general who accepted the surrender.” After saying this, Su Zixuan tightly closed her mouth, knowing these words carried sufficient weight.

Indeed, fierce light blazed in Senggelinqin’s eyes. He nodded to Miao Peilin, who strode out quickly. Soon, continuous screams could be heard from the front hall.

Chen Yucheng closed his eyes, then suddenly opened them wide, using all his strength to roar: “Senggelinqin!”

Prince Seng silently glanced at the fierce general Tie Haqi beside him. Tie Haqi, carrying a long-handled cavalry saber, approached with a sinister smile. He was cruel by nature – first gripping the shaft of the hooked spear and stirring it in Chen Yucheng’s belly, then yanking it out violently. The hall’s bloody smell suddenly doubled as Chen Yucheng’s intestines were pulled out four or five feet by the barbs. Each time Tie Haqi tugged the spear, Chen Yucheng’s pain was like having his organs boiled in hot oil, yet he still endured it. He knew death was inevitable, but he would never show weakness before his enemies.

Tie Haqi pulled out all of Chen Yucheng’s intestines, then laughed heartily, raised his cavalry saber, and with one stroke beheaded Chen Yucheng.

Miao Peilin was returning to report when a severed head suddenly rolled out from the room. Looking at Chen Yucheng’s wide, angry eyes, he spat, kicked the head back into the room where it landed on a pile of bloody, mangled intestines.

Si Xi behind Su Zixuan had been holding back for a long time and finally vomited. Su Zixuan patted her shoulder: “The smell in the room is truly unbearable. Let’s go outside for some air.”

Senggelinqin turned to a young man in the corner who had remained silent: “This prince keeps his word. Chen Yucheng’s tens of thousands of subordinates will have iron rings pierced through their shoulder bones tomorrow, chained in groups of ten, and sent to the Huai salt fields as laborers to atone for their crimes.”

“Thank you for Your Highness’s generous gift!” The young man immediately knelt in gratitude. After rising, he bowed again: “There’s one more matter to report to Your Highness. Some of these people are severely wounded. Rather than waste medicine, perhaps Your Highness could dispose of them on the spot.”

“Mm… Tie Haqi, have the unwounded prisoners dig a pit and bury all the wounded together!”

“This subordinate obeys!”

By this time Su Zixuan and her servant had walked to the courtyard but could still clearly hear the conversation in the room. Si Xi trembled all over, whispering: “Who would have thought that Young Master Li could be so vicious.”

“When people grow up, they always change – either into fierce mountain tigers or poisonous forest snakes.” Su Zixuan suddenly sighed softly.

“Miss, what’s wrong?” Si Xi rarely saw Su Zixuan sigh.

“Chen Yucheng was truly a great general. If he had lived in the Qin-Han or Three Kingdoms period, his achievements wouldn’t have been less than Han Xin or Zhang Liao. What a pity.” Su Zixuan said indifferently.

“Then Miss, you still…”

“I still had to ensure his death, is that what you mean?” Su Zixuan smiled coldly, glancing back at the increasingly distant but still brightly lit Righteousness Hall. “To send Senggelinqin to hell, I couldn’t allow Chen Yucheng to become his subordinate. Just watch – the Nian originally only sought to avoid Senggelinqin’s edge, but this time is different. When Zhang Zongyu, Zhang Lexing, Lai Wenguang, and Ren Zhu learn that Senggelinqin killed the Brave King, in their shock and rage, they’ll swear to avenge Chen Yucheng to the death.”

Hearing Su Zixuan calmly laying out schemes that gambled with thousands of lives, Si Xi couldn’t help groaning: “Miss, my head hurts terribly.”

“Tonight this city is full of wronged spirits everywhere. We should go farther away. With blood throughout the city, going to the mountains for fresh air would be good.” Su Zixuan had Si Xi bring over two horses, determined their direction, and the two riders headed toward the southern mountains.

Huang Wenjin was impatient by nature and couldn’t wait until the next day. That night he sent three personal guards to gather intelligence, but they didn’t return for a long time. Now not only Huang Wenjin but even Bai Yimei became restless, frequently rising to walk outside and gaze toward Shouzhou.

Fine rain was already falling outside, and the mountain’s cool wind was bone-chillingly cold. Knowing the Princess was now pregnant, Huang Wenjin feared she’d catch cold and repeatedly asked Bai Yimei to wait inside, but she stubbornly refused. Helpless, Huang Wenjin borrowed an oiled paper umbrella from an old farmer, getting soaked himself while holding it over the Princess.

After waiting a full hour more, just as dawn appeared on the horizon, the three personal guards finally returned on horseback. Before Huang Wenjin could speak, Bai Yimei urgently asked: “How is the King?”

“Princess, please rest assured – everything is safe. We met the King outside the city. He’s coming personally to escort you, but the carriage travels slowly, so he sent us back first to report. Please depart now – if we go a few li to meet him, we’ll encounter him soon.” One guard named Pan Bian replied.

“Good, General Huang, let’s go.” Only then did Bai Yimei feel relieved.

Huang Wenjin guarded Bai Yimei’s left and right as they traveled two li along the winding mountain path. The guard Pan Bian in front suddenly pointed toward the end of the winding road: “Isn’t that the King arriving?”

It was early morning, with mountain mist like gauze. Huang Wenjin peered intently but saw no sign of men or horses. As he craned his neck, he suddenly heard the sharp whistle of a blade very close behind him. Instinctively dodging sideways, the long blade meant for his neck struck between neck and shoulder instead, half the blade embedding as blood gushed out.

The sudden attack caught Huang Wenjin, a veteran of many battles, off guard, but realizing the enemy came from behind, he instinctively kicked his horse forward, trying to create maneuvering space.

But as the warhorse moved forward, another blade silently thrust from the opposite direction. Huang Wenjin watched helplessly as this blade pierced his waist and abdomen, the horse’s forward momentum driving it completely through from front to back.

Both were extremely serious wounds. No matter how brave, Huang Wenjin was still mortal. Hearing Bai Yimei’s shocked cry, his body swayed involuntarily and he tumbled from his horse with a thud.

Eyes wide, he saw the three personal guards with savage expressions, gripping weapons, standing before him.

“You…” Huang Wenjin pointed at Pan Bian, just beginning an angry shout when Pan Bian’s face darkened. He raised his blade and struck viciously, blood spurting as he severed Huang Wenjin’s hand.

Huang Wenjin screamed. Pan Bian stepped on him, pointing his bloody blade at his throat, sneering contemptuously: “Not saying ‘you’ anymore? Hmph, I’ll tell you the truth – ‘you’ are finished. Miao Peilin and Senggelinqin have long been in collusion. Last night we few listened to ghostly wails and wolf howls outside Shouzhou all night. Chen Yucheng has probably been slaughtered. He delivered himself to their door – the complete annihilation of his army is no one else’s fault.”

“What?!” A woman’s shocked cry came from behind.

Pan Bian turned back, exchanged glances with his two companions, and they slowly pressed toward Bai Yimei.

“Princess, we must offend you.” Pan Bian said with a false smile.

“You, you… dare betray the King.” Bai Yimei bit her teeth, looking tearfully at Huang Wenjin whose gaze was already unfocused, then hatefully at these traitors before her.

Pan Bian smiled coldly: “King? That was the Heavenly Kingdom’s appointment. Now that Chen Yucheng has betrayed the Heavenly Kingdom, where is any king? We brothers discussed it – surrendering to the court is a dead end, following the Heavenly Kingdom has no good outcome either. Better to become rich men and live freely.”

Another guard said: “Yesterday I saw with my own eyes – Chen Yucheng gave you an envelope. It contains banknotes, doesn’t it? Hand them over obediently and we can spare your life.”

Bai Yimei instinctively touched the pouch at her waist. Pan Bian suddenly snatched it, tearing it open to extract the envelope. Not knowing where such strength came from, Bai Yimei desperately pushed Pan Bian to the ground and clutched the letter to her chest as if it were her life.

Several guards pounced like wolves to snatch it. Bai Yimei would rather die than let go. In the struggle, her clothes tore, exposing snow-white skin. Pan Bian’s eyes showed lustful evil: “They say you’re more beautiful than Hong Xuanjiao, the Heavenly King’s sister. Your bedroom skills must be excellent too – otherwise why would other kings have three or four wives while Chen Yucheng married only you? Today we few will also taste the Princess’s flavor.”

At his command, two accomplices held Bai Yimei down while Pan Bian used force. Soon he had torn Bai Yimei’s clothes to shreds, exposing large areas of her skin.

Huang Wenjin was breathing his last, but seeing this scene from the corner of his eye, his eyes blazed with fury. He suddenly roared like a tiger, used his remaining left hand to pull out the steel blade embedded in his neck, and hurled it. Unfortunately, he had lost his strength – the blade only flew about ten feet before falling to the ground, not touching even one of Pan Bian’s hairs.

The attackers were startled, but seeing Huang Wenjin had already tilted his head speechlessly, Pan Bian viciously grabbed Bai Yimei’s throat: “Your struggling is useless. That dead tiger can’t save you, and no one can save you.”

Bai Yimei was being strangled breathless. Thinking of the child in her womb and Chen Yucheng’s parting words “You must raise the child,” two large teardrops rolled from her eyes. She gave up struggling and lay motionless on the ground, letting Pan Bian do as he pleased.

Pan Bian smiled triumphantly, gripped Bai Yimei’s collar with both hands, and tore it apart forcefully. Bai Yimei’s crystal-white body was completely exposed before these men, who simultaneously swallowed and their eyes lit up. Pan Bian reached out to squeeze and knead forcefully, watching red fingerprints appear on Bai Yimei’s skin, feeling extreme excitement: This was the Brave King’s consort, a woman beyond his reach just one day ago, now beneath him to do with as he pleased.

Just as he thought this, a sudden gunshot rang out. Before Pan Bian understood what happened, he had already toppled from Bai Yimei to the ground, a blood flower spreading across his chest. His body twisted once and went still.

The other two stared dumbfounded, turning to see a young gentleman in snow-white clothes holding a short-barreled foreign gun pointed at them.

One fierce guard raised his blade to charge. The gentleman looked at him coldly, waited until he drew near, and fired again, hitting him squarely in the head, blowing off half his skull as the corpse fell.

The other was terrified and dared not move. When the gentleman approached with his servant, he kowtowed frantically begging for his life.

Su Zixuan and Si Xi had found a sheltered spot in the mountains, spread their cloaks on the ground to admire the cold moon all night. At dawn’s cock-crow they were about to return to the city but unexpectedly encountered this situation. Su Zixuan most despised men using force to bully women. This exquisite small foreign gun was a protective weapon she’d bought at great cost from a palace eunuch after escaping Prince Chun’s mansion in the capital. Made by foreign craftsmen, it fired copper-plated iron bullets and could fire six consecutive shots – infinitely better than muskets that required reloading after each shot. After Su Zixuan learned what had happened, she frowned slightly and shot the remaining guard dead.

By now Bai Yimei, ignoring her tattered clothes, crawled on her knees to Huang Wenjin. Looking carefully, she realized this tiger general had already died with eyes wide open.

As Bai Yimei wept, Si Xi picked up a document from the ground and gave it to Su Zixuan. After scanning it, Su Zixuan laughed in amazement: “So that’s it. Chen Yucheng was deceived by this false document – he truly died unjustly.”

“What did you say about the Brave King? What happened to him?” Bai Yimei suddenly turned her head asking repeatedly, her expression somewhat crazed.

“Dead! First tortured, then beheaded – he died horribly.” Su Zixuan said in a cold tone.

“You’re lying! How do you know? This can’t be true. The King clearly said he would come today to bring me into the city…” Bai Yimei first murmured to herself, then suddenly roared: “You’re lying!”

“I’m not lying.” Though Su Zixuan was meeting Bai Yimei for the first time, she had heard of the Brave King’s consort’s name, knowing she was one of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom’s rare beauties. Seeing her confirmed this reputation. Su Zixuan’s heart stirred as she suddenly conceived a plan: “Do you know who I am?”

Bai Yimei shook her head bewildered.

“I’m a counselor under Prince Seng – essentially his military advisor.” Su Zixuan unsurprisingly saw hatred flash in Bai Yimei’s eyes. “I haven’t finished. I’m also a spy sent by Nian leader King Liang Zhang Zongyu into Senggelinqin’s army, specifically to gain Senggelinqin’s trust and gather his military intelligence.”

Si Xi gasped and covered her mouth in shock. This identity was known only to Zhang Zongyu himself and Su Zixuan’s master and servant – a secret among secrets. If exposed, Su Zixuan wouldn’t survive even with a hundred lives. She couldn’t understand why her mistress would reveal this to a woman they’d just met.

Even in her great shock, Bai Yimei was stunned to hear this. Seeing Su Zixuan’s cold expression didn’t suggest joking, and no one would joke about such matters, she believed it and asked: “The King is really dead?”

Su Zixuan nodded: “Besides Huang Wenjin, his twenty-eight generals were all executed. Over seventy thousand troops and family members became prisoners – their fate is probably worse than death.”

Bai Yimei closed her eyes painfully, opening them only after a long while: “Why do you say that document is false? The King said it was genuine, definitely the Heavenly King’s handwriting.”

“Handwriting can be forged.” Su Zixuan smiled, handed the document to Bai Yimei, picked up a tree branch from the ground, dipped it in Pan Bian’s blood, and wrote a line of characters: “Look, though I’ve never practiced copying Hong Xiuquan’s writing, I can imitate it seventy to eighty percent after just a few glances. If a clever scholar studied it for some time, wouldn’t he be able to forge it perfectly?”

Bai Yimei stared fixedly at the characters on the ground, then at those on the document – they were indeed nearly identical. She murmured: “It can’t be. He wouldn’t deceive the King like this, much less deceive me like this.”

“Look carefully!” Su Zixuan said loudly. “Look at the date on that document. Before then, Hong Xiuquan had already died – how could he personally write a document denouncing Chen Yucheng?”

“Dead?” Bai Yimei was shocked, staring wide-eyed at Su Zixuan.

“Yes. I learned separately from the Nian army and Senggelinqin that Hong Xiuquan died of illness in Nanjing half a month ago. But Chen Yucheng, driven from Sanhe Town and isolated with his army, had no way of knowing.”

Bai Yimei sat half on the ground, looking up blankly at Su Zixuan’s eyes. After a long moment, she ground out a name through clenched teeth: “Gu Pingyuan!”

Like a madwoman, she tore the document to shreds. Not caring that her clothes barely covered her, she staggered toward the direction they’d come from, walking while crying heart-rendingly: “Gu Pingyuan, Gu Pingyuan! Where are you? Come out and face me!”

The sudden turn of events stunned even Su Zixuan. Si Xi approached asking in confusion: “Miss, is she calling for Gu Pingyuan? How does she know Gu Pingyuan?”

Su Zixuan shook her head: “Regardless, this woman is very useful to me. Follow her quickly.”

Su Zixuan and Si Xi had only followed a short distance when Si Xi, sharp-eyed, pointed ahead: “Miss, look!”

Su Zixuan peered intently and said in astonishment: “That’s… Gu Pingyuan?”

Su Zixuan was correct. Standing face-to-face with Bai Yimei ahead was indeed Gu Pingyuan. Since Chen Yucheng had released him, his heart still wasn’t at ease. Since it wasn’t far, he decided to follow and see. Seeing Bai Yimei enter Shouzhou would completely settle his concerns. When Chen Yucheng left Bai Yimei in the village, Gu Pingyuan also lingered outside the village all night. At times he wanted to see Bai Yimei once more, at times he remembered his vow never to see her again. After repeated consideration, he finally didn’t show himself. At dawn, watching the guards lead Bai Yimei toward Shouzhou, he decided not to follow further. Gu Pingyuan sat before the grass hut where she’d spent the night, slowly calming his emotions, telling himself this was the best outcome – he hadn’t failed his promise to his teacher, and Bai Yimei had found a good home. From now on they could both be at peace. He gradually began to smile, stood up and sighed: “Thank heaven for its protection.”

Just as Gu Pingyuan was about to turn and leave, he faintly heard someone ahead calling his name fiercely. His heart involuntarily contracted. At first he thought it was an illusion, but soon the voice became clearly audible, and he recognized it.

It was Bai Yimei!

Gu Pingyuan hurried forward and encountered Bai Yimei at a mountain hollow. Seeing her, he was shocked speechless.

“You – what happened? What happened?” Gu Pingyuan asked urgently. Bai Yimei’s hair was disheveled, her body covered with bloodstains and mud marks, her clothes nearly torn to shreds. Especially her eyes filled with extreme hatred completely stunned Gu Pingyuan.

“What happened?” Bai Yimei glared fiercely at Gu Pingyuan, suddenly rushed forward and slapped him hard, then another slap, striking his face repeatedly.

Gu Pingyuan was beaten until blood came from his mouth, but he neither dodged nor avoided. He was completely dazed, losing all reaction, just staring blankly at Bai Yimei.

After striking Gu Pingyuan over ten times, Bai Yimei finally lost strength. Using too much force on the last slap, her body swayed and she nearly fell. Gu Pingyuan forgot to support her, still muttering: “What happened? What on earth happened!”

“I’ll tell you.” Su Zixuan, who had caught up from behind, watched quietly for a while – she already understood everything. “Miao Peilin surrendered to Senggelinqin. Chen Yucheng is already dead at their hands. Your forged document became his death warrant, sending him and his subordinates through the gates of hell.”

“What tricks are you playing now? This can’t be true!” Gu Pingyuan found it hard to believe, roaring dully at Su Zixuan.

“Look at her.” Su Zixuan pointed to Bai Yimei. “With Chen Yucheng dead, his personal guards all betrayed him. If I hadn’t saved her, she would have been raped and murdered by now. Don’t you believe it even now?”

Gu Pingyuan stared blankly at Bai Yimei, his expression gradually changing from confusion to pain: “Yimei, I didn’t know it would be like this. I truly didn’t expect it. I only…”

“You didn’t expect it?” Bai Yimei interrupted him, her tone as cold as December ice piercing to the bone. “When father was alive, he said you were the cleverest student he’d ever seen. What could you not foresee? You deliberately set a trap to kill him. You wanted to kill the King so you could have me, isn’t that right?”

Gu Pingyuan felt as if someone had punched him hard in the heart. His body swayed twice as he bowed his head and closed his eyes in pain. Being so misunderstood by Bai Yimei, and her mention of their teacher, truly cut him like a knife. He wished he could die to prove his innocence.

“Gu Pingyuan.” At Bai Yimei’s call, Gu Pingyuan looked up but was shocked into stillness, unconsciously stepping back half a pace.

Bai Yimei had removed what remained of her clothing that could no longer cover her body. Like a newborn infant, she stood completely naked before Gu Pingyuan, not avoiding his gaze in the slightest.

“You expended so much thought and made so many moves – wasn’t it all for me? Whatever you want, I’ll give you everything. I only beg you to make one trip to Shouzhou. If the King has even a thread of hope for survival, please save him. Even if it means being your slave, I’m willing.” Bai Yimei’s eyes held a trace of madness.

Gu Pingyuan stared at her eyes in a daze. Both their gazes were filled with despair as they looked at each other unblinkingly.

Gu Pingyuan suddenly remembered the past when he and Bai Yimei talked and laughed together, exchanging tokens of affection. Last night during his sleeplessness, those events still seemed like yesterday, but now they felt like a lifetime ago. He sighed long and deeply, as if wanting to expel all the melancholy in his heart. Looking up at the sky, thinking how just moments ago he was thanking heaven for its protection, his mouth now tasted as bitter as yellow lotus.

Looking at this childhood sweetheart before him, feeling infinite pity and heartache but utterly helpless, he could only remove his long robe, step forward two paces, and gently drape it over Bai Yimei. She didn’t move, as if completely unaware. Just as Gu Pingyuan was about to step back, his heart suddenly ached. Looking down, he saw the white jade hairpin that had once been broken in two and mended with gold was now deeply embedded in his chest – in Bai Yimei’s hand.

“Gu Pingyuan, you’re wonderful.” Bai Yimei’s eyes seemed to spout fire, her lower lip bitten bloody. “You deceived my husband, you deceived him into walking into a trap, you deceived him into delivering his own head to the Qing demons’ blade! You deceived him to his death!!!”