Chapter 23: Nemesis
Prior Cause
The Lotus Grove was in full bloom across the garden. A woman sat on a bench by the pond, intoxicated by the beautiful scenery, occasionally lifting a delicate white jade cup to sip her tea.
A crimson figure slowly appeared at the main gate—he was entering through this garden's front gate for the first time.
The woman sensed something but didn't turn around.
"Qu Nuo." He knelt at the feet of the woman he had waited his entire life for, calling her name with deep affection.
But she gave no response whatsoever.
"Qu Nuo!" Zhang Shun reached out and grabbed Qu Nuo, pulling her fiercely into his embrace. "Qu Nuo, from now on, you rightfully belong to me. I'll bring Zhang Zhou back for you."
Qu Nuo embraced him, tears streaming down her face. Like always, she leaned close to his ear and spoke softly, but this time, what she said was not sweet words of love—
"Zhang Shun, you will die a miserable death."
Zhang Shun froze, staring blankly as he released her. "You... what did you say?"
Her face was drenched in tears as she gazed at the man she had loved so deeply throughout her life, yet felt endless hatred. "Zhang Shun, you murdered your brother and usurped the throne—you will be punished by heaven!"
"Qu Nuo!" Zhang Shun tried to grab her hand.
"You killed my father, you killed my brother, I hate you!" She screamed, each word piercing Zhang Shun's heart like a dagger. "I hate you! You will die a miserable death! You will surely die a miserable death!"
Zhang Shun felt the world spinning around him. He desperately clung to this woman he had awaited his entire life, this sole pillar of his spirit, begging pitifully: "Qu Nuo, listen to me... I didn't want to, I..."
The woman didn't struggle at all. She went limp and collapsed into his arms.
"Qu Nuo?"
Dark red black blood bubbled from her lips.
"Qu Nuo!"
Her eyes reflected a poignant helplessness and endless sorrow. "Zhang Shun, we... we..."
Zhang Shun panicked, wiping the thick blood from her lips, his entire being trembling. "Qu Nuo! You... you..."
His tears poured out uncontrollably, and he shrieked with all his strength: "Imperial physician—get the imperial physician—"
Her eyes slowly closed, never to see the garden full of lotuses again, never to see the man before her whom she had loved and hated.
We... we loved the wrong person our entire lives.
Zhang Shun held his hope in his arms, kneeling by the pond where red and green reflected against each other, lost in deep contemplation.
Why do all beings in this mortal world struggle and toil, entangled in matters of hatred, love, and vendetta?
There was an impulse to howl at the heavens.
There was the agony of being roasted alive in raging flames.
There was a suffocating despair that could not be shaken off.
He raised his head to the sky, and after a long moment, murmured softly: "Qu Nuo... you'll be lonely there all by yourself... I will make this Ruyi Palace that imprisoned you all buried alive with you."
The year Zhang Shun murdered his brother and usurped the throne to seize Yuanliao, another earth-shaking event occurred in a great nation called Yongzhao on the northwestern frontier.
The King of Yongzhao, heeding the words of treacherous officials, secretly demanded that the powerful Marquis Yongtong surrender his military authority.
He Luosheng, the Marquis of Yongtong who controlled a third of Yongzhao's military forces, had an army known for its integrity and was deeply loved by the common people. The Marquis's family had served the Yongzhao monarchy for generations. He Luosheng, not daring to delay upon receiving the order, surrendered all military authority to the King of Yongzhao. However, the moment the military power left his hands, the King of Yongzhao framed him with fabricated charges and ordered the execution of the entire Marquis household. He Luosheng, nearly fifty years old, and his eldest son He Mingpu were subjected to slow slicing. His second son, He Mingpei, who was guarding the border, narrowly escaped with his life, and with a few dozen loyal followers, became an outlaw.
He Mingpei slept on firewood and tasted gall to endure hardships, studied military strategy extensively, and diligently practiced the long saber technique passed down by his father. Though a bandit, he treated scholars with respect, cherished talent desperately, and deeply understood the principles of governing and pacifying the people. Over the years, he led his men to rob the rich and help the poor, befriended heroes, and launched continuous uprisings. Moreover, because he loved the people like his own children, he gained widespread acclaim. Three years later, he seized the important border fortress of Duanbei in southern Yongzhao and used it as his base to recruit soldiers and purchase weapons, attracting heroes from across the land who wished to rebel against tyrannical rule. Countless generals who had once served under his father resented the Yongzhao King for his decadent and tyrannical ways, all leading their troops to join him. Within just a few years, he assembled an army of a million strong. Seeing the time was ripe, He Mingpei led his forces along the border and conquered more than a dozen cities in succession, along the way recruiting countless generals and a tide of surrendered soldiers.
Because he had been instilled with the concept of the people as paramount by his father and elder brother since childhood, and had been taught by his mother to practice Buddhism and Taoism, wherever his rebel army went, they pacified the people, distributed kindness generously, and exempted taxes. The citizens of neighboring towns and counties all abandoned their fields and rushed to the cities he controlled to make a living.
The tide of history turned in his favor. Amid the people's support and welcome, He Mingpei ultimately overthrew the dying Yongzhao dynasty with his iron-armored cavalry. He placed the man who murdered his father under house arrest and declared himself king. Yongzhao experienced smooth governance and harmony, all abandoned endeavors were renewed, and the nation's strength soared to become the greatest power in the northwest. Persuaded and urged by his ministers and generals, He Mingpei began expanding Yongzhao's territory outward, intending to annex neighboring kingdoms.
The Yongzhao army was high in morale, and every general was brave and skilled in battle. He Mingpei's three sworn brothers were especially undefeated in all battles and unconquerable in all sieges.
He Mingpei was the eldest, but out of respect for his deceased elder brother, he called himself the second brother.
The third brother was Fang Guangda, hot-tempered,嫉恶如仇, yet flexible and changeable, with immense boldness and vigor. The fourth brother, Chu Mu, was calm and composed, highly skilled in military strategy, wielded a Green Dragon Axe, and possessed extraordinary martial arts. The youngest brother, Tang Shounian, had just turned sixteen that year, naive and inexperienced, yet like a heavenly general reborn, wielding a pair of large hammers, never having encountered an enemy.
The Yongzhao army split into two forces. One was led by He Mingpei along with the two younger brothers heading east, while the other was Fang Guangda's forces heading south. The two great armies, blessed by heaven, swept through five neighboring kingdoms in less than a year.
Fang Guangda's million-strong army had recently clashed with Yaojiang, a major nation to the north of the Deng Kingdom, and within days, it devoured vast territories of Yaojiang, sweeping through thousands of troops like rolling up a mat.
Prior Cause
Today, Pingliu again welcomed a large group of people coming to pledge allegiance to the Zhang family's legitimate dynasty. Dudong Army invited generals from all ranks of Xiongzhou Army to discuss strategies for the offensive, but Yang Daochun, the spiritual leader of Xiongzhou Army, was absent. If one mentioned this person, the generals of Xiongzhou Army also had no idea of his whereabouts, looking puzzled: "Our Crown Prince used to be open and upright, bold and uninhibited, and would never act so sneakily."
The Crown Prince, who had the Xiongzhou Army generals guessing and speculating, had completely forgotten about any military meeting. He was cheerfully leading the mischievous little troublemaker who had given Dudong Army a headache around the stables, patiently and meticulously teaching this ignorant little brat how to distinguish good warhorses from bad ones. But this little rascal showed no appreciation whatsoever, with everything going in one ear and out the other.
Yang Daochun never repeated himself when speaking, but ever since encountering this hyperactive nemesis, he had been utterly helpless, repeating things over and over. This little rascal was still completely confused; truly, he wondered what was even in that little head of his.
In the end, it was actually this little rascal who became impatient. He jumped up and shouted: "The more I listen, the more confused I get. Who asked you to teach me such troublesome stuff?"
Daochun nearly choked: Wasn't this the one who begged me to teach him?
After Man Cheng finished ranting, it seemed he suddenly remembered he had asked someone else to teach him, so he immediately softened his tone: "Fine, I don't want to know anymore. In any case, this lord can ride any horse and be invincible."
Daochun smiled despite not being angry: "Are you that amazing?"
"废话."
Daochun didn't believe him at all, so he said: "Then let's spar?" internally thinking: Might as well touch you a few times and get some advantage.
Man Cheng shook his head with a serious face. "No can do. I'm not proficient yet, and I can't control the blade. If I injure you, fine, but what if I accidentally kill you?"
Before Man Cheng even finished speaking, Daochun was already laughing so hard he collapsed against the stable partition.
Man Cheng was mortified with embarrassment, cursing: "What's so funny?! I'm serious. If I kill you, would Peng Hong not beat me to death?"
Daochun laughed, saying intermittently: "I'm really scared... haha that you'll kill me... then let's use wooden sticks to spar?"
Man Cheng scratched his ear, nodding in agreement.
Daochun usually wielded a long-handled axe, so he casually picked up a wooden stick, preparing to flip this silly little brat over with one move. But he had barely exchanged two moves with Man Cheng before breaking out in a cold sweat.
The two bamboo sticks in Man Cheng's hands suddenly swept through the air like a wind-devil, transforming into unpredictable techniques, each strike aimed directly at vital points on Daochun's body.
Daochun couldn't gain the upper hand for a moment, stumbling backward a few steps. He was deeply alarmed inside, then exerted his full strength to resist.
This favored son of heaven had been fierce and combative since childhood, having studied under countless martial arts masters. Since his first campaign at fourteen, he had never encountered an opponent in over a decade. Yet now, he couldn't determine victory or defeat after dozens of moves with this seemingly idle and mischievous little rascal.
The military meeting on the Dudong Army side was suddenly disrupted by cheering and applause from outside the tent, making discussion impossible. Everyone stepped out of the tent and was stunned speechless. In particular, the generals of Xiongzhou Army opened their mouths wide, staring blankly at their Crown Prince, who appeared like a heavenly warrior, locked in combat with a little rascal in a whirlwind of strikes, evenly matched.
Zhang Zhou opened his mouth, but Peng Hong secretly kicked him, signaling him not to call Man Cheng back.
Man Cheng's two bamboo sticks transformed into countless shadows of light, attacking Daochun's head and body.
Daochun blocked and parried, yet still had strength to attack from all directions. His long stick thrust out with powerful energy, dividing into thousands of threads, surging toward Man Cheng like waves.
After fighting for a long time, Daochun finally understood Man Cheng's attack pattern, feeling triumphant inside.
Man Cheng had always defeated opponents in just a few moves, never having a prolonged fierce duel with the same person. He couldn't help but grow impatient, when suddenly he saw Daochun leap up, blocking Man Cheng's bamboo stick, and an irresistible force directly struck Man Cheng's face.
Man Cheng panicked, his face showing fear, and he shrunk his neck.
In that split second, Daochun caught a glimpse of Man Cheng from the corner of his eye—only to see him furrow his brows slightly, bare his teeth, and he could even hear a very cute "Yi—"
Zhang Zhou's heart clenched, and he shouted: "Man Cheng!"
Daochun's heart ached immediately: If this staff struck that pretty little face, wouldn't I be dying of regret?
Man Cheng blindly swung the bamboo sticks in his hands to resist desperately.
Daochun had no time to worry about face. He immediately dropped the wooden stick, but his right rib was directly struck by one of Man Cheng's sticks, and the whole man was sent flying.
Zhang Zhou's expression changed: So the Xiongzhou Crown Prince was this formidable! Although Man Cheng won, anyone with eyes could see that Yang Daochun had held back. He's giving us this face, and we shouldn't be ungrateful! Thinking this, and seeing Peng Hong give him a meaningful glance, he called out: "Man Cheng!"
Man Cheng, called by him, suddenly came to his senses, and actually pouted: "Zhang Zhou, he let me win!"
Peng Hong nearly fainted; Zhang Zhou didn't know whether to laugh or cry: This has boosted Xiongzhou Army's prestige!
Peng Hong had no choice but to say to Man Cheng: "Knowing that, why don't you come back!"
Yang Daochun sat on the ground, calling softly: "Man Cheng!"
Man Cheng glanced at him, his eyes full of smiles.
Yang Daochun's heart sang with joy. Covered in dust and dirt, he was happier than if he had won ten battles. Meanwhile, Zhang Zhou called out again: "Man Cheng! Come back."
Man Cheng responded and ran back.
Man Du was dead. The few servant girls and servants remaining in Zhongbi Manor were, in Man Cheng's view, all superfluous! He dismissed most of them, leaving only a few to attend to cleaning.
Man Cheng's courtyard was filled with a mysterious fragrance. The osmanthus trees by the pond were in full bloom, their tiny petals scattering into the pond, carried by the waves—a rather enchanting sight.
Two people were inside the room, whispering softly.
That bloodthirsty and ferocious man was showing a rare expression of tenderness. He knelt on the floor, pressing his ear against Weiyang's belly, listening to the movements of their child.
"What did you hear?" Weiyang asked him with a smile.
Man Cheng furrowed his brows, looking dejected. "I didn't hear anything at all."
"Then you thought it would call you father from inside your belly?" Weiyang laughed, asking: "Do you like sons or daughters?"
Man Cheng scratched his head, sitting back in his chair, and broke into a grin. "I like daughters."
Weiyang giggled, pulling his hand. "Xiu Yi-jie said she prayed to the Buddha, hoping I give birth to a son."
"If she knew the child was mine, she wouldn't be praying to the Buddha anymore." Man Cheng's smile faded.
Weiyang also felt downcast, but she forced a smile. "Xiu Yi-jie loves you so much. If she knew, she would surely understand us."
A faint smile appeared on Man Cheng's lips, and he nodded.
Weiyang suddenly remembered something, asking: "Man Cheng, how did your sister's child die?"
"Poisoned." Man Cheng answered without hesitation.
Weiyang looked terrified, whispering: "I also heard it was poisoned by your sister's servant girl, but Xiu Yi-jie said it wasn't..."
Man Cheng stood up and walked to the window, his back to Weiyang. "It has nothing to do with Houpu. She... she probably took the blame for someone else..."
Weiyang asked carefully: "For whom?"
Man Cheng impatiently cut her off. "How would I know!"
Weiyang stopped asking, but she was filled with doubts.
"It's good that... it wasn't Lan Xing who did such a foolish thing." Man Cheng gazed at the woman sweeping petals by the pond, a hint of tenderness in his eyes. "She followed me back in Dudong. When Man Du was little, besides me and my sister, she was closest to him."
Weiyang suddenly realized, finally understanding why Zhang Zhou had flown into such a rage when the matter of asking Man Cheng for Lan Xing was brought up.
Yet she saw Man Cheng leaning against the window, staring at Lan Xing in a daze, his words carrying a trace of heartache. "After Man Du died, she also grew thin..."