As the winter snow melted away and spring gave way to the budding warmth of summer, Yan Xun found himself amidst the serene yet somber beauty of Yanbei's snowy mountains. The once icy expanse of the lake had transformed into a picturesque landscape of grass and gently flowing water, a stark contrast to the harsh winter months.
Yan Xun, with his usual solemnity, conducted his ritualistic ceremony to honor the memory of A'Chu and Yuwen Yue. The lake, now free from the winter's ice, provided a tranquil setting for his offerings. The ceremony was a personal tradition, one that he observed with great reverence despite the passing of seasons. He believed that honoring the deceased was a way to ensure their spirits watched over and guided him.
He carefully arranged the incense and paper offerings, laying them down gently on the grassy banks of the lake. The paper snow, representing his thoughts and prayers, was meant to carry his respects and regrets to the afterlife. As the incense burned, its fragrant smoke rose into the crisp spring air, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.
While the ritual was performed with a quiet dignity, Yan Xun's mind was occupied with thoughts far beyond the serene landscape. The transformation of the lake and the ceremony were symbolic of change and renewal, reflecting his own ambitions and the shifting dynamics of his position.
The coming summer represented new opportunities and challenges. The alliance with Liang State through Princess Xiao Yu was a strategic move, but it also posed potential risks if the Wei Empire responded aggressively. Yan Xun knew that the political landscape was shifting, and he needed to stay vigilant.
His thoughts also turned to the recent developments and the unrest that had plagued him. The lingering tension between Yanbei and the Wei Empire was not something he could ignore. The prospect of increased influence through his marriage alliance with Liang State was enticing, yet it came with the burden of heightened scrutiny and potential conflict.
The Future of Yanbei
In the quiet moments of reflection by the lake, Yan Xun considered the future of Yanbei. His role as a prince came with responsibilities that extended beyond ceremonial rituals. He needed to strengthen his position and ensure that Yanbei remained resilient against external threats. His alliance with Liang State, if successfully executed, could provide Yanbei with economic support and strategic leverage.
Yet, the alliance was also a double-edged sword. The Wei Empire's response would be critical, and Yan Xun knew that he had to navigate these waters carefully. His past grievances and the ongoing conflict with the Wei Empire could escalate if not handled with diplomacy and strategy.
The ceremony provided Yan Xun with a moment of clarity and focus. As the incense smoke dissipated into the air and the paper offerings floated gently on the water, he resolved to:
the relationship with Liang State and leverage it to Yanbei's advantage while preparing for any potential backlash from the Wei Empire.
2. Enhance Yanbei's military readiness and strategic positioning to defend against any aggressive moves from Wei.
3. Continue to honor the memories of those who had been important to him, ensuring that their legacy influenced his decisions and actions.
4. Maintain a balance between personal ambitions and the broader political landscape, using both to guide his actions and strategies.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the lake, Yan Xun stood by the water's edge, feeling a sense of calm resolve. The summer months ahead would be pivotal for Yanbei, and he was determined to face them with both the wisdom gained from his reflections and the strategic acumen required to secure his future.
The serene beauty of the lake and the ceremony provided a brief respite from the complexities of his life. As he left the snowy mountains and journeyed back to his realm, Yan Xun carried with him a renewed sense of purpose and determination, ready to confront the challenges that awaited him.
Yan Xun, looking more handsome, radiant, and full of life, rode alone on his white horse, savoring the summer breeze. He reminisced about the days with A'Chu, recalling how he had used the day of his wedding to escape Chang'an and how he had avenged his family's death by turning the Xuili Army, which had betrayed Yanbei, over to Wei, resulting in the bloodshed of Hong Chuan City.
To rebuild Yanbei from its ashes, Yan Xun knew he needed to reunite with Cheng Yuan, his father's loyal general who commanded the remnants of Yanbei's armies, and A'Jing, the surviving son of another general who had endured the wars within Yanbei.
A'Jing, who had become an exceptional chef, had provided Yan Xun with food while he was imprisoned in the Oriole Courtyard. After being poisoned by Princess Chun'er's food basket, Yan Xun grew wary of anything from the Wei royal kitchen or even food sent by his closest friends, except for the meals discreetly supplied by A'Jing. This cautious approach allowed Yan Xun to eat with confidence and survive the various poison attempts from within the Wei household. During his poisoning, Zhong Yu had instructed A'Chu to administer Chansu, a potent drug derived from the skins of a hundred frogs, to counteract the effects.
Chansu, a potent poison designed to suppress other toxins, was administered to counteract the effects of the poison inside Yan Xun's body. To halt the poison's progress towards his heart, acupuncture was applied to his wrist to slow his pulse and contain the spread.
A'Chu, who undertook this perilous task, sustained severe injuries during her mission. Despite being ruthlessly beaten by the Oriole guards, she endured the pain resolutely, driven by her determination to save Yanbei's critically endangered prince. Her efforts were crucial in helping Yan Xun survive the numerous assassination attempts plotted by Zhao, the Wei household, and other factions seeking to end his life within the confines of the Royal Oriole Courtyard.
The emperor strategically stationed Yan Xun in Chang'an, acquiring all the surrounding businesses to create the illusion of a bustling city. However, beneath this facade, he meticulously planted numerous traps and obstacles around the Royal Oriole Courtyard, hoping that within three years, Prince Yan Xun would meet his end not by the emperor's direct hand, but through some unforeseen accident or misfortune.
During this perilous time, Zhong Yu and A'Chu emerged as Yan Xun's sole trustworthy protectors. Zhong Yu, with her exceptional skills in detecting poisons, extensive medical knowledge, and proficiency in various weapons, played a crucial role in safeguarding him. Her unique ability to command animals and her network of hidden allies further solidified her position as an invaluable asset. Her connections and mysterious followers made her a formidable force, nearly impossible for any adversary to overcome.
Not only does Zhong Yu possess formidable skills in detecting poisons, medical knowledge, and weaponry, but she also wields the powerful Sky Feather martial arts, capable of summoning and controlling the weather and predicting the stars. A'Chu, Yan Xun's loyal left hand, holds a special place in his heart. She is not only adept in espionage, escape artistry, infiltration, and sabotage but has also become Yan Xun's lethal military strategist.
As Prince Yan Xun embarks on his journey to the Xui Xui Mountains and then to the Longji Mountains to meet Wu Dao Ya for the first time, his heart is heavy with the weight of the past four years of relentless wars, personal tragedies, and the loss of his entire family. His parents, Yan Shicheng and Yan Bai Cheng, perished, with his mother committing suicide to save the crown prince.
Since returning to Yanbei, Yan Xun has longed to consult Wu Dao Ya. Despite numerous attempts to summon him, he has often received no response. Wu Dao Ya was the soul of Yanbei; without his father's esteemed first counselor, Yan Xun's power and influence in Yanbei remain uncertain. Even with the restoration of Yanbei's military strength, uniting the diverse interests of its factions will be a formidable challenge without Wu Dao Ya's guidance.
Yan Xun paused at the old gate, a nostalgic site that he and his brothers had frequented with their father during their youth. This vacation spot, once a place of joyous family camping trips, held fond memories of learning survival skills, riding prime warhorses, and gathering around bonfires. It was where Yan Shicheng, his father, had imparted valuable lessons and shared stories of their ancestors.
As Yan Xun touched the old belongings in the house, a comforting wave of nostalgia washed over him, bringing back vivid flashbacks of his childhood filled with happiness and warmth. He recalled their journeys across bodies of water and through dense forests to visit the Liang state, especially during the cold winters when Yanbei was blanketed in frost.
After a brief stop at Xui Xui Mountain, Yan Xun continued his ride toward the Longji Mountains to meet Wu Dao Ya. The final stretch of his journey took him through a small village of Yanbei's indigenous people, easily recognizable by their traditional attire. The villagers, a blend of farmers and local fighters with remarkable powers, were dressed in humble canvass and sackcloth, adorned with straw hats and sporting long beards. The young women, carrying baskets on their backs, collected wildflowers to sell along the Silk Road.
"Yan Shi Zi," Wu Dao Ya greeted from a distance, his voice carrying a note of both respect and melancholy. Yan Xun waved back and guided his horse to a nearby paddock before walking towards Wu Dao Ya. As he approached, the prince, tall and handsome, exuded a sense of familiarity and ease.
Wu Dao Ya bowed deeply, his arms extended in a gesture of honor, and Yan Xun responded with a mirrored bow and a hand gesture indicating where he should sit. Despite the suddenness of Yan Xun's visit, Wu Dao Ya was ever-prepared for such encounters.
"What can I do for our prince?" Wu Dao Ya's smile was tinged with sadness.
"Mr. Wu, it's been a year since I last asked you to come, and you did not," Yan Xun said, his expression casual as he sipped the small amount of wine prepared by Wu Dao Ya.
"It's been a year, and you still burn paper snows and offer incense to the dead," Wu Dao Ya remarked, his tone contemplative.
"For the peace of my family, the Xuili general, the Xuili armies, and the late Yuwen Yue," Yan Xun replied, his voice heavy with sorrow.
"If she were alive, what would you do?" Wu Dao Ya inquired, his fingers deftly fine-tuning his flute.
"I have searched everywhere for her, yet no body was found. I still believe she is alive, but perhaps she has stayed away from me because of my own greed and anger. I was consumed by my dark side," Yan Xun confessed, regret evident in his tone.
"If she returned to you as a different person, would you recognize her?" Wu Dao Ya asked, his voice gentle, understanding the weight of Yan Xun's emotions.
"I believe I would always recognize A'Chu. We were very close for the past three years, up until she died at the lake," Yan Xun said, his gaze drifting towards the Longji Mountains, lost in thought.
Yan Xun continued, "I always believed we shared mutual feelings, that our friendship was deeper than I could ever express. I felt her loyalty and dedication, but I ruined it all."
He was filled with regret, wishing he could turn back time and handle things differently if he had known that she would die so young.
Wu Dao Ya began to play his flute, producing a mournful melody that resonated with the surrounding nature. Yan Xun closed his eyes, allowing himself to be enveloped by the harmony of the music and the serene environment.
After a few minutes, Wu Dao Ya concluded the piece and opened his eyes. Yan Xun followed suit, meeting Wu Dao Ya's gaze.
Wu Dao Ya spoke softly, "Yan Xun, if you were to see her again, you might not be able to approach her as you once did."
Yan Xun's curiosity was piqued. "Do you know something about A'Chu?"
Wu Dao Ya took a deep breath before responding, "Before Yan was Chu Jing."
"Do you mean Chu Jing of the Eastern territories?" Yan Xun's eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"Yes," Wu Dao Ya confirmed. "I was the former General of Chu Jing before I came to serve Yanbei as your counselor."
Yan Xun was astonished. He was speaking with a legend from the Eastern empire, a lost kingdom that had been cruelly extinguished by the Western Empire under the Shen Jin Emperor. The Chu Kingdom was thought to be extinct, its power obliterated by the tyrannical rule of the Big Summer dynasty, which his father, Yan Shicheng, had loyally served for generations.
"Mr. Wu, does my family, or A'Chu, have any connection to these lost empires?" Yan Xun's voice was deep and filled with the weight of the Longji Mountains' mist. His gaze was steady and penetrating.
Wu Dao Ya replied, "Yan Xun, we cannot undo the past, but if A'Chu is alive, then you will eventually understand."
Yan Xun seemed puzzled, struggling to grasp Wu Dao Ya's meaning. "If I am not meant to know the past and cannot change it, then whatever it is, if I were to see her again, I would not let her go as I did at the icy lake. I want to alter the course of the present."
"I believe you will," Wu Dao Ya said cryptically.
"Mr. Wu, can you help me learn more about the lost Kingdom of Chu?" Yan Xun asked earnestly, taking another sip of his wine.
Wu Dao Ya answered, "In time, you will come to know everything. Patience is a virtue."
Yan Xun nodded in understanding, much like he would with his father, accepting Wu Dao Ya's advice to wait for the right moment.
"Well, I have to return to the plains of Yanbei the day after tomorrow. The world," he said, referring to his military codename, "will soon change, and I hope that when I come back, it will be the right time to learn more."
With preparations underway, Yan Xun readied his horse and prepared to leave. He bid a final farewell to Wu Dao Ya, who waved and bowed in return, honoring the prince's departure.
As Yan Xun mounted his horse and began his descent from the mountains, a small girl, no more than eight years old, emerged from Wu Dao Ya's modest cottage. Her curiosity piqued, she asked, "Mr. Wu, who was that handsome man?"
"You will meet him soon enough," Wu Dao Ya replied with a smile, "but for now, let's focus on practicing your wushu."
Yan Xun rode alone through the misty plains, past springs of clear water and dark forests. As he traveled, he felt like a king without an army, his heart filled with hope and contemplation about the lost Chu Kingdom. His recent suspicions, triggered during their detention in the Wei garrison, seemed more significant now. His discovery of A'Chu's true identity had given her a place in his heart and history, but many questions remained unanswered.
After two days of travel, Yan Xun arrived at the city of Yanbei as night fell. His loyal servants greeted him warmly. Exhausted from the journey, he headed directly to his royal tent quarters. Despite his fatigue, A'Jing, now one of Yanbei's generals, had prepared a selection of unique and comforting dishes. Yan Xun, too tired to do much else, gratefully enjoyed the meal and then rested, his mind still occupied with thoughts of the future and the mysteries of the past.
The next day, after a year of suppressed grief, Yan Xun awoke with an unusual brightness in his eyes, a rarity after four long years of turmoil. He resumed his princely duties with renewed energy, heading straight to his repository tent, a library-like structure where the salvaged documents and records from the ashes of Yanbei were meticulously stored.
A'Jing arrived at the shelter and greeted his master with a nod, noting the scattered scrolls on the carpet. "The world, let me help you. Are you searching for something specific?" A'Jing's mature stance and low voice contrasted sharply with the disarray of the room.
Yan Xun looked up from the mess and said, "I'm searching for the secret accounts we retrieved years ago from the Xian Yang business group, which Mr. Wu established after my father's execution. I need the summary of those events and their details to review and streamline Yanbei's financial capacity."
A'Jing began reciting the summary, a task he had performed many times before. His life had been in danger while saving these accounts, a mission that was ultimately accomplished by A'Chu. As Yan Xun meticulously gathered the scattered scrolls, he listened intently to A'Jing's recitation.
A'Jing was a crucial witness to the events that led to the downfall of Bei Shou City, located in northern Yanbei. Under the orders of the Shen Jin Emperor of Wei, Bei Shou was mercilessly attacked, and when Yan Xun returned to Yanbei, he found the city destroyed and its people gone. The loss of Bei Shou weighed heavily on him, and his heart ached for its vanished citizens.
A portion of the population had fled, some perishing from famine and plague. Lui Xi, a key figure who had witnessed the devastation, learned of his parents' deaths and the brutal treatment of the city's inhabitants. He foresaw the inevitable destruction unless aid was provided. Without Yanbei's leadership and government officials, many fled to Liang State or even to enemy territory near Chang'an.
A'Jing's narration continued, taking Yan Xun back to the dark times of Yanbei. He described how Lui Xi, having returned to Liang State, sold some of his properties and sent provisions to Bei Shou, including food and medicine to support the surviving citizens. His efforts were essential in alleviating the suffering, and some of the aid even reached Yan Xun while he was imprisoned in the Oriole Courtyard, enduring numerous assassination attempts.
Mr. Wu, informed of Lui Xi's selfless actions, took it upon himself to assist Yanbei. Despite his own challenges, Mr. Wu worked tirelessly to support the remnants of Yanbei and later met with Lui Xi in secret. He organized the Xian Yang business group, appointing Lui Xi as its leader. Under Mr. Wu's guidance, Xian Yang prospered in Liang State, becoming a leading force in trade and commerce between Western Wei and Southern Liang.
A'Jing concluded the story with details about Feng Mian, who played a significant role in furthering the group's success. He wrapped up his account, knowing the importance of these events for Yan Xun's understanding and future plans.
Yan Xun's previously bright expression dimmed as he listened to A'Jing's account. The weight of the revelations was heavy, and he fell into a contemplative silence.
Feng Mian, whom Yan Xun had known since childhood, was more than just a loyal servant; he was like a younger brother to him. Despite the difference in their ages, their bond was deep, forged through years of shared experiences and mutual respect. Feng Mian's unwavering loyalty and affection for Yan Xun were evident in every aspect of his life.
During Yan Xun's imprisonment in the Oriole Courtyard, Feng Mian had endured his own suffering. The separation from his master was heart-wrenching, and he spent many nights in tears. His brotherly love for Yan Xun drove him to collaborate secretly with Lui Xi, providing crucial support and aid to the prince despite the dangerous circumstances.
Feng Mian's dedication and the sacrifices he made during those dark times underscored the depth of his commitment to Yan Xun and the Yan family. Yan Xun's heart ached with the realization of how much his loyal servant had suffered for him, further deepening his resolve to honor Feng Mian's loyalty and the sacrifices of all those who had stood by him through the trials.
It was later discovered by Wei Shu Ye that Feng Mian's involvement with Lui Xi was a key factor in Xian Yang City's success. However, this was kept hidden due to Wei Shu Ye's own stake in the city's businesses and the potential threat to the Wei family's fortune.
Under the alias Lord Feng, Feng Mian became the wealthiest man in the city, surpassing even the Wei Guang family, thanks to the brilliant strategies devised by Mr. Wu. This new identity allowed him to move freely without fear for his life.
Despite his success, Lord Feng's greatest fear was Yan Xun, whose actions in Changan had secured Feng Mian's freedom at a great cost. Lord Feng remained eternally indebted to Yan Xun, his revered and loyal servant.
Feng Mian's legacy continued as his efforts fortified Hong Chuan City and helped save Chu Qiao. As Chu Qiao's army approached the city, Cheng Yuan, a brutal general of Yanbei, prepared an ambush.
Feng Mian, from the top of the wall, shouted a warning to Chu Qiao. Before he could ensure her safety, someone pushed him off the wall. Chu Qiao, unable to reach him due to the archers' aimed arrows, watched in despair as Feng Mian, still in his teens, was struck and killed by a spear thrown by one of Cheng Yuan's lieutenants. His final words were, "Finally, I got to see you, Ms. Beauty. Promise me to take care of the prince."
At that time, Yan Xun was at the battlefront and could not come to Chu Qiao's aid, having been tricked by Wei Shu Ye into leaving Yanbei vulnerable to attack. Zhong Yu advised Yan Xun to return to Yanbei, but he chose to sacrifice Hong Chuan City as a distraction for the chance to conquer Chang'an.
Whatever side Yan Xun decides to follow, he loses either one of his precious comrades and loyal servants, another price he has to pay in advance to the troops expanding the borders of Yanbei to establish his power as a ruler.
Feng Mian his guard left his side as a valuable player especially when Yan Xun was held in three years captivity. Feng Mian had to secretly work in progress to supply whatever material things the prince needed.
When Yan family was annihilated, Feng Mian's revenge was he expanded their wealth.
Upon Yan Xun's return to Yanbei, Feng Mian avoided accepting informal invitations from the prince to protect both him and their business interests. When Yan Xun finally visited, Feng Mian bowed deeply and explained the situation.
Yan Xun had to go over to Yanbei and see him, and so Feng Mian bowed to him and reported to him the chronology of events.
Feng Mian even said to A'Jing who called him Mr. Feng Si or known as Lord Feng commented about his fashion: "I fear that you will accuse me of being extravagant, but I put on such thing with a purpose, if I have known that the Prince would be coming along, I would have borrowed the garments of a servant."
A throwback from the past, after a few surprise visits to some of Yanbei's notable families, Yan Xun woke up his father's sleeping allies, anyone who joined him he gives them a position but anyone who does not, meets their end through the hands of his General Cheng Yuan.
At the unveiling of the new signage for The Palace of Master Yan, Yan Xun gifted Cheng Yuan a cold dagger named the Dragon Bird, once owned by Bai Qi, a ruthless general from Yanbei's warring period. Cheng Yuan, having fed the dagger with blood, was cautioned by Yan Xun: "Whoever wields this blade will unleash the hidden demon within."
In the battle at Hong Chuan City, where Deputy General He Xiao fought fiercely to protect his city and family, Yanbei suffered significant losses. Many of his cavalry perished, while some were injured or went on furlough. Chu Qiao, their general, was severely injured, marking one of Yanbei's major losses alongside the fall of Bei Shuo City.
The aftermath claimed the lives of the poor, trusted servants, and numerous Western royals and nobles. In a notable turn of events, Princess Yuan Chun (Chun'Er) was sentenced to death for drinking poisoned wine, a fate that befell her due to the theft of the Wei emperor's seal, a crime punishable by death.
Wei Shu Ye, who conspired with Princess Chun'Er, was removed from his position as Wei Valve Master. The scandal also led to the tragic death of the Wei Emperor's beloved imperial concubine, Ning'Er, who took her own life in front of the emperor to prevent the execution of Princess Chun'Er. Ning'Er was Yuan Song's mother, and her sacrifice aimed to save her daughter from death.
In the aftermath, the Wei Emperor issued an imperial decree appointing Yuan Song, the crown prince, as the Duke of Yanbei, instructing him to confront Yan Xun. Meanwhile, Princess Chun'Er was confined to a secluded temple in the West, her fate sealed by the tumultuous events.
The battle deepened the rift between Chu Qiao and Yan Xun. Chu Qiao began to assert her independence, focusing on shielding the Xuili Army from being sacrificed for Yan Xun's vendetta against their betrayal. With the bloodshed of the battle, the Xuili Army felt they had repaid their debt to Yan Xun and voted to make Chu Qiao their new leader.
he Xuili Army pledged to follow and protect General Chu Qiao both before and after the battle at Hong Chuan City. Yet, following the icy lake tragedy where they fought alongside Yanbei soldiers, they found themselves without their general once again.
In her final battle, Chu Qiao was rescued by both Yuwen Yue and Yan Xun. Yuwen Yue, masked and armed with a crossbow, intervened to deflect Chun'Er's sword aimed at Chu Qiao's head, pushing her to safety.
After the rescue, Yuwen Yue, his eyes devoid of tears yet filled with profound pain, looked at Xinger with a heart that felt like it had been pierced by a hundred knives. He embraced her tightly and carried her from the battlefield.
Yuwen Yue placed her safely outside the fray, just as Yan Xun arrived, almost too late to reinforce Hong Chuan. Yan Xun, upon seeing his General, was overwhelmed with emotion and carried her back to Yanbei's headquarters, where he tended to her with care.
Yuwen Yue, observing Yan Xun's tender treatment of Chu Qiao, remained silent, knowing that any action or word could expose his double interests—his personal feelings and military duties.
Yan Xun, who had just returned from seven days of travel and a siege in Chang'an, arrived in time to drive Wei Shu Ye and Princess Chun'Er into retreat.
Everyone was downcast as if the last hope of getting things right was again taken away from Xuili.
It is much more painful this time than the first time they allowed the Wei soldiers to open the gates of Hong Chuan.
Because at this present, from the icy lake tragedy, they fought their own uniform. They killed more Yanbei soldiers than those Wei soldiers who tricked Xuili army.
Ever since then, the renowned firefox watchdog of Yanbei became a disgrace and betrayer of Yanbei people. Despite having atoned for their mistakes, the stain on their history remained. With no body found, He Xiao tirelessly searched for the lost General Chu Qiao, refusing to replace her and hope for her return.