After the Three Thousand elite troops of the Qinglang Battalion entered the Qi capital, they quickly divided into several divisions and flowed into various streets.
Fan Qi was the first to lead the way, holding Tian Ye in his hand, galloping like lightning, fearless, and unmatched. The pursuers who came to chase and intercept were all chopped off their horses by his axes. Tian Ye’s hands and feet were tied, and his face was splattered with blood. He dared not speak up, dared not act recklessly, and could not even lift his hand to wipe his face.
After Tian Ying’s death, he became just fish and meat under the Crown Prince of Sui’s sword. He was even a little confused as to why the other party was still treating him like this, as if he had some kind of deep hatred for him, even though he had clearly tried to express his loyalty.
He clearly did not offend the Crown Prince of Sui!
The sound of an alarm sounded over the gates of various cities in the Qi capital. Soon, soldiers and horses surged on the streets with heavy fire sticks. All the soldiers on duty were mobilized to chase after the Sui soldiers, who suddenly attacked the city.
No one expected that the Sui army would fall from the sky and break through the gates of the Qi capital, which was like an iron barrel and usually difficult for even a fly to enter in such a way.
The incident happened suddenly, more soldiers and horses had to be mobilized from outside, and because these Sui soldiers who entered the city were all dressed in Qi armor, the search and arrest had many unexpected difficulties.
Sui Heng used guerrilla tactics to break up the troops in the city, then lured a small group of pursuers into the alleys to kill them. Due to his elusive combat tactics, the Qi army gradually began to develop self doubt. Sometimes, when two unfamiliar pursuers met, they would suspect that the other party was the Sui soldiers in disguise, and there were occasional clashes.
Sui Heng strictly ordered that no harm should be done to the common people in the city.
After solving another pursuit, Fan Qi smoothly met Sui Heng at the alley entrance. He had not fought such a thrilling battle in a long time. His eyes lit up brightly, and he asked, “Your Highness, where shall we go next?”
The Qinglang Battalion was born in the blood of the Northern Frontier battlefield, and there is nothing in the world that can stimulate the bloodiness and combat effectiveness of this iron cavalry more than war and blood.
Sui Heng took out a list from his arms and placed it in front of Tian Ye.
“Which is the closest?”
Tian Ye’s pupils shrank slightly because this list is exactly the one that Sui Heng put him under house arrest in his tent and forced him to recall and write down before departure.
Those listed above are all Qi nobles.
Some held important positions in the court, while others relied solely on their ancestors to support the old aristocrats who lived a life of debauchery and extravagance, including a few generals.
The sound of troops and horses could be heard both in front and behind, and flames could be seen in the distance, indicating that a new wave of pursuers had come chasing after them. Tian Ye looked at Sui Heng’s profound and handsome face in the darkness and finally realized that the list that Sui Heng asked him to write was a list of deaths. The Crown Prince of Sui wants to remove all the people on the list!
Tian Ye was shocked.
He couldn’t understand the causes and consequences, nor did he understand why Sui Heng had to do so.
Sui Heng took such a big risk to enter the Qi capital, was it just for this name list?!
Tian Ye dared not disobey and quickly scanned the list, reciting a name. This noble mansion is the closest to their current location.
Sui Heng divided his troops into three groups again and just let Fan Qi, who was holding onto Tian Ye, follow him, while the other two groups were responsible for covering his actions and interfering with the rear pursuit.
Those two cavalry troops were ordered to quickly disperse in the other two directions.
“There! They’re there!”
Immediately, two pursuing troops were drawn over.
Sui Heng flipped over and jumped onto the high wall, checking the approximate location of the mansion and the distribution of troops and horses on the street. After a moment of calculation, he stepped on the wall bricks and jumped down, causing everyone to abandon their horses and go in the same direction with him.
Zhang Yu could not wholeheartedly pursue Sui Heng because a more urgent military situation was spreading from Yongzhou, Bozhou, and Suizhou. A series of urgent reports were being sent, and the fire generally burned towards the Qi capital.
Zhang Yu immediately understood that the elusive three thousand cavalry were just a prelude, and the real army was still in the rear. The Sui Empire was openly declaring war with the Qi Kingdom under the disguise of searching for a traitor.
With the Qinglang Battalion’s strength, it’ll only take one night for tens of thousands of cavalry to cross the three cities and arrive at Qi Capital. The most he could do was urgently mobilize the troops and horses near the outskirts of the capital and the troops and horses from Zi and Yanzhou in order to protect the Qi capital. And he can’t decide this by himself. The mobilization of troops and horses must be ordered by the King of Qi.
At this moment, the three thousand soldiers and horses hidden within the capital city of Qi are like time bombs, ready to cooperate with most of the Sui army in the rear, bringing a catastrophic disaster to the Qi capital.
Zhang Yu quickly sent someone to report to Prime Minister Tian Que and personally rode his horse to Marquis Duan’s mansion. The cities of Zi and Yanzhou were important locations for Marquis Duan to implement the Order of Balance. The former defending generals had already been killed by Marquis Duan due to their corruption. Nowadays, the defending generals in the cities, like him, were all personally promoted by Marquis Duan.
The whereabouts of the king are uncertain, and they need to urgently mobilize these troops. Perhaps Marquis Duan has a better way.
It was late at night, and the aristocratic people of Qi heard the earth-shattering sound of horse hooves on the street and woke up from their sleep. When the nobles heard that the Sui army was coming, they all put on their clothes, ran barefoot off their beds, and looked out through the windows.
“How could that be?”
“We need to find a way to escape!”
Prime Minister Tian Que hurriedly put on his shoes and didn’t even bother putting on his court uniform. He ordered his servants to prepare a horse and rush towards the palace. Due to the King of Qi’s decree, all civil and military officials in the court were ordered to go to the palace via carriage.
Tian Que was also shocked. Half a month ago, the King sent three thousand elite soldiers to help the Sui Empire attack the Jiang Empire, firmly demonstrating his willingness to form an alliance with the Sui Empire. Over the past two years, the Qi Kingdom and the Sui Empire have maintained friendly relations. Why did the Crown Prince of Sui suddenly launch an attack on Qi?
Zhang Yu rushed to the front of Marquis Duan’s mansion.
The door of Marquis Duan’s mansion opened, with bright lights and Marquis Duan’s carriage parked in front of it.
After Zhang Yu reported, he headed straight to Gathering Hall and collided head-on with Marquis Duan’s personal guard, Duan Qi. Duan Qi’s face was solemn. After bowing to Zhang Yu, he suddenly turned around and kowtowed to the hall.
When he looked up again, tears were already in his eyes.
Zhang Yu was startled and uncertain. When he entered the hall, he saw Marquis Duan dressed in luxurious court attire. After sitting by his table, he saw him coming and was not surprised. He only gave a faint command: “Do your best to defend the city and fulfill the duties of a General. For other matters, follow the orders of the King.”
Zhang Yu was taken aback for a moment. Since he answered yes with a straight face, he stood up and took his leave.
Marquis Duan sat for a moment and stepped out of the hall.
Led by Duan Qi and the old man, the people in the courtyard have already kneeled down in the whole yard.
Marquis Duan said, “After this night, this Marquis will no longer be your master, and you guys shall forget the Duan Kingdom and the mark on your arm and start your lives anew.”
The old servant choked and took a few steps on his knees, saying, “Marquis, we must live or die together with the Marquis. We won’t leave!”
“We will live and die together with the Marquis!”
Everyone raised their heads and spoke loudly, with tears in their eyes.
Marquis Duan stood alone, his ink robe swaying in the wind, and his tone remained calm: “All that has happened today is this marquis’s fault. It is this marquis who, for his own selfishness, sat idly and ignored it, condoning the King of Qi’s desolation. This day will come sooner or later, and it will be Heaven’s retribution and punishment for this marquis.”
“You all go ahead, and in the future, you all have to be like ordinary people, diligent in farming and weaving, fulfilling your duties as a person, not disturbing the law, and living this life in peace and stability.”
“Duan Qi, distribute the silver coins.”
Duan Qi stood up in silence, accompanied by two servants, and handed out the prepared silver coins to everyone one by one. Tears gradually rose, and after everyone received the money, they went to the courtyard one by one to kowtow to Marquis Duan, some with red eyes and some crying uncontrollably.
The crowd dispersed one after another.
Soon, only Duan Qi, the old servant, and a few trusted subordinates were left in the courtyard.
A cold moon hung over the horizon, and under the independent cold moon, Marquis Duan’s face was even brighter and more noble than moonlight. He looked up at the sky for a while and asked Duan Qi, “Are you all ready?”
Duan Qi nodded.
Marquis Duan said, “You all set off as well.”
After speaking, Marquis Duan turned around and wanted to return to the hall. The old servant couldn’t help but take a few steps forward and called out, “Your Highness!”
Marquis Duan’s footsteps paused slightly, and in an instant, he said, “The past has all become dust, so don’t mention it again.”
The old servant said sadly, “Won’t the Marquis see at the Little Young Master once?”
Marquis Duan said, “Won’t see. You guys take him and have a good life, he’s a pure kid, he’ll figure it out later when he’s older.”
“Marquis!”
The old servant called out in a mournful voice, and the figure of Marquis Duan had disappeared into the Gathering Hall, just like the cold moon on the horizon that was finally covered by dark clouds.
The palace of Qi was brightly lit.
Except for the defending generals, all civil and military officials were summoned overnight by the King of Qi to the palace for protection.
The King of Qi was standing in the hall with palace attendants wearing armor. His tall and majestic figure cast a long shadow in the hall, and the officials, led by Prime Minister Tian Que, stood silently in the hall.
The King of Qi had a gloomy face and dark clouds rolling in his eyes. He was furious when he heard the news of the Sui army’s siege. He first cursed and then ordered the palace attendants to bring him the battle armor.
All the officials stood in the hall in fear, worrying that the Sui army would attack, and before dawn, they would become the dead souls under the sword of the Crown Prince of Sui. They also feared that the King of Qi would be unstable and would launch a killing spree to vent his anger on them.
When the King of Qi was young, he was brave and skilled in battle. Although he quickly fell into a debauched and indulgent life as the ruler, he still maintained his majestic and burly figure.
The King of Qi was carrying the sword that had once accompanied him to battle on the battlefield and bathed in countless blood. He slowly turned around.
“Where are Guaren’s soldiers?”
The King of Qi asked in a loud voice.
Outside the palace, soldiers lined up with armor and kneeled down in unison, shouting for the king to live a thousand years.
The King of Qi suddenly regained the scene of his youthful vigor, nodded with satisfaction, and asked Tian Que, “What did Aiqing think of Guaren’s attire?”
Tian Que bowed and replied, “The King’s military prowess will not be diminished.”
The King of Qi laughed heartily and asked, “Would you like to fight to the death with Guaren tonight? Defend the capital of Qi, defend our Qi Kingdom!”
Tian Que was the first to kneel down.
Other civil and military officials also kneeled down one after another.
But after all, Tian Que was a cunning prime minister. He knew well that the king of Qi had been promiscuous for many years, and his health was not comparable to when he was young. He said, “The minister is willing to swear to follow the king to death. However, the Sui Empire sent tens of thousands of troops, relying solely on the Qi capital’s troops and horses may not be sustainable. Your Majesty should immediately mobilize the troops of Zi and Yanzhou cities to join the royal capital to serve Your Majesty.”
“This is natural, let Shun Ying pass the order on Guaren’s behalf.”
The King of Qi swept around and suddenly asked, “Where is Shun Ying?”
Shun Ying is Marquis Duan’s name.
The officials were preoccupied with their own affairs and naturally did not know about Marquis Duan. At this moment, the palace attendant reported, “Marquis Duan has arrived.”
Marquis Duan was dressed in ink clothes, he brought his sword into the palace and saluted the King of Qi.
The King of Qi was overjoyed and personally stepped down the jade steps to reach Marquis Duan. He helped Marquis Duan up and said, “Guaren has already said, if Guaren has any difficulties, Shun Ying will definitely come over.”
“Shun Ying, what do you think of Guaren’s attire?”
Marquis Duan did not get up.
The King of Qi frowned and said, “What’s wrong with you?”
Marquis Duan took out a memorial from his sleeve and said, “The minister has a memorial to report.”
The King of Qi let out an ‘Aiyo’.
“What time is it now, and you still present the memorial? Why don’t you just tell Guaren if you have something to say? Why make it so serious? Get up quickly and take a look at Guaren’s armor.”
Marquis Duan remained unmoving.
The King of Qi’s face finally darkened.
“Say, what memorial are you going to report?”
Marquis Duan said, “The Qingque Terrace causes endless harm, which is the abscess of Qi and the world. The minister requested the king to overthrow the Qingque Terrace, issue a decree of self-punishment, and confess to the world. As long as the king agrees to the minister’s request, the minister is willing to swear to defend the Qi capital to death.”
All the officials in the palace looked surprised, and the King of Qi’s eyes were sharp like a knife for a moment. He looked at Marquis Duan and asked, “Shun Ying, what are you doing?”
Marquis Duan said, “The minister requested the king comply with what the minister has reported.”
King Qi asked, “What if Guaren doesn’t agree?”
Marquis Duan said, “The soldiers and horses of Zizhou and Yanzhou cannot enter the capital of Qi to defend the king tonight.”
Everyone, including Tian Que, was surprised.
The King of Qi stumbled a step and couldn’t believe it, saying, “Are you going to betray Guaren?”
Marquis Duan slowly stood up and looked at the King of Qi, pulling his sword from his waist. The King of Qi was shocked because, in that moment, he saw a murderous aura in Marquis Duan’s eyes.
“Shun Ying, what do you want to do?”
Marquis Duan said, “By all rights, the king should be killed”
“Get him, get him!”
The King of Qi suddenly shouted.
Outside the palace, all the armored soldiers rushed in and surrounded Marquis Duan.
The King of Qi finally distanced himself from the cold and eerie sword tip. He took a deep breath, as if he had finally come back to life, and pointed at Marquis Duan, ordering frantically:
“Take him down and lock him up!”
“Even without those two cities’ soldiers and horses, Guaren can still maintain the capital and Guaren’s world!”
However, the situation was obviously not as optimistic as the King of Qi had anticipated. A series of urgent reports kept spreading into the palace, all of which were news of the city being breached and the Sui army being driven straight in.
The King of Qi stood irritably in the hall.
The palace attendant rushed forward again in a hurry and kneeled on the ground, trembling and reporting, “Your Majesty, it’s not good. The Crown Prince of Sui, who led his men to infiltrate the homes of the lords and killed a large number of nobles, has now led troops to surround the palace.”
“The Sui Empire’s tens of thousands of iron cavalry have already invaded the capital city!”
“That Crown Prince of Sui, said to ask the king carry his head to him, he also said that he would pluck out the king’s head and kick it as a wine vessel!”
The King of Qi’s eyes darkened, and he almost fell to the ground, while all the officials in the palace showed extreme fear.
The King of Qi stabilized his figure, vigorously drew his sword, looked around, and said, “Follow Guaren and kill.”
The moon curved slightly and once again revealed a hook shape in the sky. The cold moonlight fell on Sui Heng’s handsome and bloodstained face, as well as on the silent rows of iron cavalry armor behind him.
Upon receiving the news of the King of Qi’s engagement, Sui Heng narrowed his eyes and drew out his sword, shouting loudly, “Soldiers, tonight, you can use the blood of this old King of Qi to feed your swords to your heart’s content!”
The sound of fighting once again shook the sky.
A palace gate, in front of the brave and skilled elite of the Qinglang Battalion, is simply vulnerable to a single blow.
But Fan Qi quickly drove his horse over and said to Sui Heng, “Your Highness, it’s not good. That old King of Qi has escaped!”
Sui Heng let out a click.
“Gu really admires him.”
“Search immediately, even if you dig three feet deep, you still have to dig out this turtle grandson!”
“Yes!”
