Chapter 410: 410. Day of Peace

Translator: 549690339

By the time Qiao Cong and Min Rou hurried back to Xuanbei City, Sheng Yue had already returned to Nanping City with the severely injured and poisoned He Wei. Mo Yan, who hadn’t yet slept and was reading under the lamplight, saw them enter. His expression darkened as he stood up and snapped his book shut with a “pop.” “What happened?”

Sheng Yue’s voice was low, “It was Min Rou. She was bewitched by Su Liang, and came to assassinate us with accomplices. He Wei didn’t guard against her and was hit by a hidden weapon; I was also struck.”

“What about Min Rou’s mother?” Mo Yan asked coldly.

Sheng Yue shook his head, “Didn’t see her. She must have fallen into Su Liang’s hands.” He then laid He Wei down and lit another lamp, revealing four small bloody holes on He Wei’s body. One of the nails had pierced through He Wei’s body, with half of it protruding out from his back, while the others were still embedded inside him.

Sheng Yue took out a sharp knife, doused it with alcohol, and removed the nails from He Wei’s body. During this process, He Wei regained consciousness from the intense pain, bleeding even more and turning paper-white. His teeth chattered as he trembled.

Mo Yan coldly looked at the four blood-stained nails on the table, asking, “What’s going on with Min Rou?”

“She’s under someone’s control and doesn’t recognize her family,” Sheng Yue replied while skillfully tending to He Wei’s wounds. “Master, don’t count on Liang Country winning the war. With Gu Ling and Su Liang in Qian Country, Liang Country has no chance of victory. We may be exposed soon, and it’s time to leave.”

Mo Yan frowned, “Where should we go?”

Sheng Yue glanced at He Wei, “Forgive my boldness. I didn’t initially agree with Master’s involvement in the world’s strife, but it served as a means against Gu Ling and Su Liang. Moreover, Master promised He Wei and others, including myself, that before Master returns home, he will help us conquer the world and ensure endless wealth and glory for our generations. However, in my opinion, Master’s homecoming is the most important matter and should be settled before any distractions arise.”

Mo Yan sighed deeply, “I know you have always been loyal.”

“Master, heed my advice and leave this place soon. Forget about Liang Country. We can reconsider and plan carefully later on,” Sheng Yue said.

Mo Yan fell silent and walked to the window. Gazing at the bright moon in the night sky, he sighed, “He Wei won’t die, right?”

Sheng Yue shook his head, “I’ve already treated his wounds and neutralized the poison. He won’t die.”

“Then,” Mo Yan’s gaze fixated on the faint ink-colored shadow amid the moon, “let’s return to the island first. As for conquering the world, it may be easier to snatch it after it’s unified. You were right – I shouldn’t have listened to He Wei and intervened at this time. Despite him being older than you, no one on the island can match your strategies. Pack up and let’s go.”

Sheng Yue quickly packed their belongings, changed He Wei into clean clothes, and ordered two subordinates to take He Wei away first.

As Mo Yan walked to the door, Sheng Yue, carrying the luggage, blew out the lamp in the room.

Mo Yan suddenly turned around, half of his face illuminated by the moonlight while the other half hidden in the shadows, “Should I send the remaining food supplies to the military camp?” he asked, his tone obviously seeking agreement.

However, Sheng Yue didn’t concur, “Doing so still wouldn’t ensure Liang Country’s victory, and those supplies might just end up being destroyed by Qian Country. It’s not worth wasting; bring them back to the island. The island needs food as well.”

Mo Yan sighed softly, shook his head, and turned away, “This trip was indeed ill-considered. Let’s go back and plan again. Let’s go.”

Soon, the small courtyard was empty and returned to being utterly quiet.

Only after Mo Yan and Sheng Yue hadleft Nanping City did Sheng Yue address the hidden weapon inside his body. He found a secluded location and had Mo Yan guard him while he used his Internal Strength to force out the hair-thin silver needle.

It was at this moment that Qiao Cong and Min Rou arrived back at Xuanbei City.

Qiao Jing hadn’t slept either and was sitting in the Meeting Hall, waiting for Qiao Cong’s return. Unable to concentrate on the Liang Country topographic map spread out before him, he stood up and paced around the room.

Qi Jun brought hot soup over, “General Qiao, have some soup. You might still have to fight tomorrow.”

Qiao Jing furrowed his brows, “According to our plan, my grandfather should have been back by now.”

Qi Jun nodded, “Indeed, but perhaps something has delayed Old Qiao. He has a high level of martial arts and powerful weapons, so he shouldn’t be in trouble.”

Qiao Jing felt increasingly uneasy, “What if my grandfather didn’t come back as agreed after he sent Min Rou away and instead has been secretly protecting her, and then…”

Qi Jun didn’t speak. He also thought of this possibility. Qiao Cong was a sentimental person. Just based on the sentence “Su Liang trusts Min Rou”, he would not leave Min Rou and return alone. This could be seen from his words and demeanor before they set off. However, he didn’t say it at the time since they were in a hurry and everyone didn’t think much of it. Moreover, protecting Min Rou was not a wrong thing to do, but it was somewhat risky.

Even Qiao Jing couldn’t say that Qiao Cong should have left Min Rou and come back alone. This was the original plan, but it was not set by them. It was Su Liang who had decided. Su Liang said to “deliver to the location”, not to find a place for Min Rou to send a signal and be done with it. Qiao Jing thought that his grandfather might be waiting for Mo Yan to really arrive before leaving, but if Mo Yan doesn’t show up, Min Rou could be in danger…

Xing Ji took an hour to rest, first went to the city gate to check the progress of the city wall repairs and then came back, only to learn that Qiao Cong still hadn’t returned. He was also very worried about his safety.

Qi Jun comforted Qiao Jing into drinking half a bowl of soup. When the rest of the soup had cooled down, he finally heard Qiao Cong’s voice, “Jingjing!”

“Grandfather!” Qiao Jing quickly got up and rushed out, seeing Qiao Cong walking towards them in the morning light, followed by Min Rou.

Since leaving the capital, Min Rou had hardly rested. At this moment, her face was pale and exhausted, her forehead’s damp strands of hair wet with dew. She glanced at Qiao Jing, then immediately looked away, her steps unsteady, as if her spirit was somewhat dazed.

“Be careful!” Qiao Jing saw Min Rou nearly falling and quickly stepped forward to support her.

“Ah, this girl has really reached her limit this time. Last night, she encountered danger and almost lost her life. Jingjing, hurry up and carry her inside,” Qiao Cong said.

“No, no need…” Min Rou shook her head, wanting to push Qiao Jing away and stand up on her own but already lacking the strength. Last night, her heart was tightly wound, thinking that she was going to die, only to be saved by Qiao Cong. When she finally returned to Xuanbei City, a place that made her feel secure, she let out a sigh of relief. She still had consciousness, but her body had reached its limit. She had been pampered since childhood, and the recent ordeals had taken a toll on her body and emotions – something she hadn’t experienced before.

When Qiao Jing heard Qiao Cong say to carry Min Rou inside, he thought she had been seriously injured and immediately bent down, picked her up horizontally, and took two steps to enter the meeting hall. He put her on the long table still covered with maps and said to Qi Jun, “Quick, call the army doctor!”

Min Rou looked at Qiao Jing, never having been so speechless in her life…

“I’m just tired, not injured,” Min Rou explained. She propped herself up on her arm and sat up with difficulty, only to feel even more embarrassed, wanting to get down from the table right away.

As a result, she heard Qiao Jing say, “Then your body is just too weak.”

Qiao Cong kicked Qiao Jing’s butt, causing him to lean forward unexpectedly. Min Rou turned her face just in time, accidentally falling into Qiao Jing’s embrace…

“Honestly! Find a place for Rou to rest!” Qiao Cong was speechless towards Qiao Jing. This boy, if he couldn’t speak properly, should just keep quiet.

Qiao Jing looked at Qi Jun, “Is Ren Dong up?”

Qi Jun had been enjoying the show, but when he heard the question, his expression turned serious. He was about to speak when he caught Qiao Cong’s suggestive gaze.

Although Qi Jun understood that Qiao Cong had good intentions in wanting to match Qiao Jing and Min Rou, he still thought it would be more convenient for Ren Dong to take care of Min Rou. In the very important time, the dawn was about to break, and Qiao Jing still had important things to do.

So, under the pressure from Qiao Cong, Qi Jun still went out and found Ren Dong.

After Ren Dong carried Min Rou to where she was staying, Qiao Jing asked Qiao Cong, “Grandfather, what happened last night?”

Qiao Cong sighed, “He Wei and a man named Sheng Yue were the ones who showed up. They’re not good people. Fortunately, I didn’t leave, or else that girl would have been killed last night.”

“Isn’t He Wei her grandfather?” Qiao Jing furrowed his brows.

Qiao Cong snorted, “Do you think all the grandfathers in the world are as good as me?”

Qiao Cong, Qi Jun: … Didn’t dare to speak.

After Qiao Cong quickly finished explaining what had happened, Qi Jun looked thoughtful, “Should we send someone to monitor Nanping City Lord Yi Fei? He might contact Mo Yan.”

Qiao Cong’s eyes narrowed. He immediately stood up, “I’ll go right now! Although that girl said that those people would definitely run, maybe they haven’t left yet!”

Qiao Jing caught up and said, “Let me go with Grandpa. By the way, I’ll see what Liang Country has planned next. If I see them sending troops again today, I can still rush back in time.”

By the time the grandfather and grandson left Xuanbei City, the sun had already risen.

Qiao Cong asked Qiao Jing, “What do you think of the Miss Min?”

Qiao Jing was stunned, “What do you mean?”

“Do you think she looks pretty?” Qiao Cong asked very directly.

Qiao Jing replied very directly, “She’s not bad, but far worse than Su Liang.”

Qiao Cong glared at Qiao Jing, “You little rascal, you’re still thinking of Su Liang, huh?”

Qiao Jing looked innocent, “I don’t know any other ladies. Oh, right, there’s my sister and Ren Dong. Min Rou is not prettier than them, and she looks weak as well.”

Qiao Cong was speechless at Qiao Jing, “Stop playing dumb!”

Qiao Jing coughed lightly, “I know what Grandpa is thinking.” He had feelings for Su Liang and now saw Qi Jun and Ren Dong together every day. At this age, how could he not understand?

“So what’s your point?” Qiao Cong asked.

Qiao Jing sighed, “Grandpa, it’s not the time to think or talk about these things.”

“You mean we’re going too slowly?” Qiao Cong countered.

Qiao Jing shook his head, “No.”

Qiao Cong humphed, “A person’s brain can think of two things at the same time, and it won’t kill you!”

Qiao Jing: …

“I think that little girl had a terrible impression of you. She certainly won’t like you,” Qiao Cong tried to provoke Qiao Jing further.

Qiao Jing pretended not to understand and nodded directly, “I think so too.”

Qiao Cong sighed, “Forget it, forget it, the main issue is more important.”

However, when the grandfather and grandson arrived in Nanping City, they did not see Liang Country’s troops again today. They sneaked into the military camp and saw from a distance that the troops had assembled, but they just stood there without moving.

Qiao Cong gestured, and he and Qiao Jing approached the residence of the main general. With their abilities, it was easy for them not to be discovered.

“What? There’s no one there anymore? How is that possible?”

The shocked voice of Yi Fei entered Qiao Cong and Qiao Jing’s ears. They knew it was too late, but coming earlier would have been useless as well. Yi Fei wouldn’t dare to disturb Mo Yan in the middle of the night, and if Mo Yan had come to bid farewell to Yi Fei, he wouldn’t be so shocked now. So even if they had watched last night, they would only confirm at this moment that Mo Yan had really left.

“General, there’s really no one in that place, and the luggage is gone.”

There was a moment of silence, followed by the sound of a chair moving on the ground, as if Yi Fei, shocked, had stood up and then sat back down, “Grain and fodder… is there any movement in the grain depot?”

“I’ve checked, and there’s none, just like yesterday”

Yi Fei’s voice began to fill with anger, “How could this be? That man must be a spy!”

Qiao Jing thought to himself, their grain storage must not be the same as yesterday, and the grain and fodder must be less than yesterday… Very good, it seemed that Mo Yan was not really helping Liang Country. Maybe he was just using Liang Country to deal with Qian Country, trying to gain power in the world. Seeing that the situation was not right, he abandoned Liang Country and left without caring for their life or death.

Qiao Cong grinned in silent laughter. As long as Mo Yan and his people were gone, he wouldn’t have to worry about Qiao Jing being in danger every day. The remaining people of Liang Country were not to be feared at all.

Yi Fei said he would write a statement to be sent back to the capital urgently. Someone asked when he would send the troops, and he scolded them angrily, saying there would be no attack today.

The soldiers of Liang Country had mixed feelings. They finally managed to break the city gate of Qian Country’s Xuanbei City, which was the best time for a decisive battle. However, Liang Country didn’t dare to fight, which was very discouraging. Moreover, after yesterday’s events, they began to worry that Qian Country, which had been on the defensive, might counterattack. It would not be too difficult for Qian Country’s army to blow up the city gate of Liang Country’s Nanping City with explosives.

However, these were the thoughts of Liang Country’s soldiers who were not aware of the true situation regarding their grain and fodder. Because since the beginning of the war, the grain and fodder depots had become forbidden areas, in the name of protection, but in fact, they did not want people to discover any abnormalities.

Half a month into the war, the supply of grain and fodder had been abundant, which had led the soldiers of Liang Country to believe that there was no need to worry about this aspect. The Royal Family must have resolved this issue in advance before sending them to attack Qian Country.

And Liang Country’s army was still in the dark about the fact that Yin Country had not cooperated with Liang Country but had allied with Qian Country and thought that the southern border of Qian Country was also under a full-scale attack by Yin Country.

Qiao Cong and Qiao Jing quietly left Nanping City again.

“Let’s just attack. Blow up their city gate first, and pay them back with their own methods!” Qiao Cong said coldly.

Qiao Jing shook his head, “Let’s discuss it with Marquis first.”

Xuanbei City.

After a day and night of repairs, the city wall was almost restored. The newly-built city wall was darker in color, and the old one was lighter, with a discernible boundary between them. The spare city gate was also reinstalled.

Once again sitting in the Meeting Hall, Qiao Jing reported to Xing Ji about the situation they learned in Nanping City. Everyone’s brows and eyes relaxed, and it was basically certain that the crisis had been temporarily resolved.

The initiative was now on Qian Country’s side: without the help of the mysterious force and the sufficient grain and fodder support for the upcoming battles, Liang Country’s troops had no chance of winning, no matter how they fought. They had to choose between counterattacking or continuing to defend.

“I’ll send a memo back to the capital to see what the Emperor decides,” Xing Ji thought there was little point in continuing the fight and it would only increase casualties. Now that things had come to this point, perhaps they could seek to eliminate Liang Country in a more peaceful way.

Qiao Cong spoke up, “Well, since none of you want to continue fighting, shall I go and capture the main general of Liang Country? Let’s see what tricks Situ Xie can still come up with!”

Xing Ji looked at Qiao Jing, who nodded, “I’ll go with Grandpa. There’s a 90% chance we can capture him.” Qiao Cong had made too many trips and was now quite familiar with Liang Country’s army. Moreover, with their combined efforts, capturing someone was not difficult. They had previously been wary of Mo Yan.

If it weren’t for the involvement of the force from Xingluo Island, the war wouldn’t have been waged like this. Liang Country did have grain and fodder; their soldiers needed to eat as well, but to support the war, they required more. Moreover, right before the war, Situ Xie ordered the original grain and fodder to be transferred and used those supplies from Mo Yan first. Mo Yan had given them only one warehouse at a time, holding back, and in the end, left with most of the remaining grain and fodder…

Yesterday was the most intense day of battle since the start of the war, but today was the first peaceful day.

That night, Qiao Cong and Qiao Jing sneaked into Nanping City again, stunned a few soldiers, and captured the main general, Yi Fei.

With this, Liang Country’s army was no longer considering attacking and just hoped that Qian Country would not counterattack because their chances of winning were slim…

Qian Country’s capital city.

Yue Mei admitted that Elder Bai was on Xingluo Island during her interrogation yesterday, as she dared not lie, or Su Liang would cut her flesh. However, whether what Yue Mei said was true was unverifiable for Su Liang and Gu Ling at the moment. When asked about other things about Xingluo Island, she insisted she did not know.

“Master and Min Rou should have some results by now. Let’s wait for a few more days to see how the situation changes,” Su Liang sighed faintly, “We may have to go to Xingluo Island sooner or later.”