# Chapter 31: Cause – Annihilation
Outside Heqing Garden, the orderly rhythm of military boots stomping on the ground filled the air. A moment later, as if nothing had happened, it fell silent.
Jinyin stood dumbfounded outside the inner courtyard gate, unsure what was happening outside.
At the entrance, a man strode in. His pale brows were relaxed, but his gaze was cold and sharp. His frame was thin, yet every movement carried an inexplicable imposing presence.
He approached, then suddenly parted his lips in a smile, his whole person suddenly as innocent as a child, eyes filled with delight. "Sister."
Jinyin snapped back to reality—this man with the commanding aura was none other than her soft-hearted, crybaby brother!
"Good heavens!" Jinyin covered her mouth, gazing at her brother in disbelief. In just two years, he had been reborn, transformed completely into a man.
"Sister, don't you recognize me?" Mancheng pulled Jinyin into an embrace, calling out: "Sister, it's Mancheng!"
Jinyin's tears burst forth like rain as she wrapped her arms tightly around Mancheng.
Such an embrace—why did it feel so unfamiliar? He had always been the one who would cling to her and撒娇, seeming forever unable to grow up! Mancheng! What happened to you these two years? What changed you so profoundly?
Mancheng's eyes reddened. After a long while, he gently stroked his sister's face and smiled. "Sister, you haven't changed at all! Still so beautiful."
"Mancheng! You've changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you." Jinyin choked on her words, her gaze searching Mancheng's face for traces of the past. When he left her, he had been the same height as her, but now she had to look up at him. Jinyin estimated Mancheng had grown a whole head taller, and her heart filled with even more joy.
Mancheng still held her hand, smiling faintly. "What? Has Mancheng become ugly?" An unavoidable hint of a worldly-wise attitude slipped into his tone.
Jinyin playfully scolded: "Nonsense! Mancheng has become incomparably handsome! My Mancheng... grown so dashing! It's just that you now have such a manly, pillar-of-strength bearing that your sister feels a bit... unaccustomed."
"Pfft!" Someone beside couldn't help but laugh.
Only then did Jinyin notice the young man standing beside Mancheng—his face slightly tan, features sharp and clear.
Mancheng shot him a glance. "The hell are you laughing at."
The dark-skinned boy knelt and saluted. "Wutao Army Deputy Commander Cheng Zhongshan pays respects to Princess Jinyin..."
Mancheng kicked him over, laughing. "Dammit! Drop the formalities! There's no one else here, get the hell up."
Jinyin frowned: why was Mancheng speaking with nothing but profanity?
Zhongshan smiled, stood up. Jinyin studied him—this young general around her brother's age had a warm, easygoing smile, yet his demeanor and actions radiated bold, dominant energy.
Jinyin returned the greeting with a smile, and the three entered the main hall of the inner courtyard. Mancheng sat beside Jinyin and asked: "Where's Mandu?"
"Houpu went to find him."
"Oh? And Lanxing?"
Jinyin hesitated. "After you left, she got married."
Mancheng's expression darkened. After quietly asking about Lanxing's whereabouts, he glanced at Zhongshan. Zhongshan immediately understood, stood up, and walked out.
Jinyin was confused, but Zhongshan returned moments later and sat back down as if nothing had happened.
"Sister, I've already sent someone to pick up Sister Xiuyi. You all pack up and come with me to Yuanliao."
Jinyin's eyes still glistened with tears as she whispered: "Mancheng, I won't hide it from you—Bojia has renounced the Crown Princess and officially proposed to me. I'm afraid I can't leave."
Mancheng's face suddenly turned fierce. He slapped the table, making the teacup overturn.
Jinyin was startled—then heard a wail.
Everyone turned. A child, seven or eight years old, bright-eyed and adorable, with features strikingly similar to Mancheng, seemed to have been frightened by Mancheng and was crying while huddling by the hall door.
Mancheng froze, his gaze instantly softening. He called out: "Mandu!"
Mandu sniffled, carefully eyeing this strange man from a distance.
Mancheng stood and walked over.
Mandu turned and tried to run, but Houpu caught him. "Young Prince, that's your older brother!"
"Mandu, this is your brother!" Jinyin hurried over, gripping Mandu's small hand. "Didn't you cry every day asking to find your brother? Your brother is back now!"
Mandu struggled in Houpu's arms, crying out in fear: "He's... he's so fierce! He's not my brother!"
Mancheng stopped in his tracks, standing dejected in the center of the hall.
In this awkward, chaotic scene, someone burst out laughing. "Startled me half to death—I thought it was a shrunken Mancheng!" Zhongshan walked over, took Mandu's hand, his smile warm and approachable, his tone utterly endearing to children. "Mandu, why are you so dirty? Did you catch frogs by the pond and then steal osmanthus cake without washing your hands first?"
Mandu's eyes widened in surprise, and his crying stopped.
"What's so fun about frogs?" Zhongshan smiled again, pulling out a slender, delicate white porcelain whistle from his chest and showing it to Mandu. "I'll give you a meeting gift—I'm sure you'll love it."
Mandu pouted, looking disdainful.
Zhongshan chuckled to himself: even this attitude is just like Mancheng!
Mancheng also leaned in, looking puzzled. Mandu no longer tried to hide, secretly glancing at his brother and feeling less afraid.
Jinyin smiled. "General Cheng, isn't this just a whistle?"
Mandu added: "Exactly! I have tons of whistles."
Mancheng was completely confused: what is this guy planning?
"Mandu, just blow on it and you'll see." Zhongshan handed over the whistle. When Mandu reached for it, Zhongshan pulled his hand back. "Mandu, you can't keep avoiding your brother anymore. He misses you terribly."
Mancheng felt embarrassed, thinking: Cheng Zhongshan! Watch yourself, or I'll kill you!
Mandu looked up at Mancheng, scratched his head, blinking repeatedly. Only then did Zhongshan hand over the whistle.
Everyone thought this whistle must produce some heavenly melody—but the moment Mandu blew it, what came out was a hoarse, muffled sound.
"What is this?!" Mancheng and Mandu exclaimed in unison, their disappointment evident.
Mandu immediately blamed Zhongshan, shouting at Mancheng: "Brother, this person tricked me!"
Mancheng's heart secretly leaped for joy: He called me brother!
Zhongshan laughed so hard he collapsed. "Mancheng, your little brother's temper is exactly like yours! Really... this is killing me!"
"Stop laughing!" Mancheng wasn't angry; he was laughing too, slapping the back of Zhongshan's head and complaining: "How dare you trick us!"
The moment his words fell, a series of "squeak squeak" sounds came, and a small black shadow scurried onto the roof beam, peering into the hall.
"A squirrel?"
Zhongshan grinned smugly at the bewildered Mandu. "Mandu, try blowing it again."
Only then did Mandu come to his senses. He blew again.
The squirrel, as if pulled by an invisible thread, obediently hopped down from the beam. Mandu instinctively held out his hand, and the squirrel jumped onto his palm and sat down. The squirrel had black and gray fur, its two paws clutching a nut, its fluffy little face adorned with round bead-like eyes that blinked at Mandu.
Mandu was enchanted, cheering non-stop.
Zhongshan patiently explained: "Mandu, when you blow that whistle, you can blow it twice in succession, or make it short and sharp, or blow it softly. In short, when the squirrel hears different whistle sounds, it will do different movements."
Mandu immediately tested it out. The squirrel rolled, jumped, and hopped about without a moment's rest, making Mandu dance with joy.
Mancheng watched, drooling with envy. He dragged Zhongshan to the side, leaned close to his ear, and lowered his voice. "No wonder you were dragging your feet all the way here—it was to bring this thing! You little bastard! You got something this fun and didn't give it to me? You came to curry favor with my brother instead! You're dead! You're so dead!"
Zhongshan could only laugh helplessly. "Next time I'll find you something even better. Don't be mad."
"I want this squirrel!"
"I bought it from a street performer in Yaojiang. There's only one! I already gave it to your brother. If you really want it, go ahead and snatch it."
Mancheng had no choice, grinding his teeth. "You're dead, Cheng Zhongshan! I'll make you suffer!"
"How exactly will you make me suffer? On the bed, I'm at your service. Off the bed, forget it."
Mancheng secretly kicked him, then couldn't help but laugh.
Jinyin noticed the two of them huddled together, their expressions ambiguous as they whispered to each other. She could more or less guess the nature of this dark-skinned boy's relationship with Mancheng, and felt quite unsettled.
Outside, a series of footsteps sounded. A young noble of striking appearance—straight-backed, broad-browed, exceptionally handsome—strode in, followed by several guards.
Mancheng immediately stopped laughing and put on a cold, stern face. "Oh, Brother Bohe."
When the Dudong Third Prince Bohe saw Mancheng, he froze as if struck by lightning.
Mandu蹦跳着跑了过去，亲切地叫道："博赫哥，你看我的小松鼠！你看！"
Bohe snapped back to reality, managing a smile. Just as he was about to pick Mandu up, he heard Mancheng shout: "Bohe! Stay away from Mandu!"
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Bohe awkwardly withdrew his hand. Mancheng walked unhurriedly to a chair and sat down with casual arrogance, then said offhandedly: "Houpu, take Mandu to play in the back."
Houpu took Mandu's hand. Mandu, leading his squirrel and not bothering to observe the adults' expressions, happily hopped and skipped along. Just as they were about to leave the hall, Zhongshan lowered his voice to Houpu: "This sister, keep a close eye on Mandu. Don't let him come back."
Houpu was very confused but didn't dare ask more. She simply curtsied and withdrew.
Mancheng accepted a fresh cup of tea from a palace maid, took a sip, his manner rough and carefree, and spoke casually: "Brother Bohe, it's been a while."
Bohe forced a smile. "Mancheng, you've changed a lot. I almost didn't recognize you. How's Zhangzhou?"
"Don't you think that's a redundant question? He's the King of Yuanliao now, doing very well."
Bohe laughed dryly a few times. "Mancheng, why have you posted troops at the gate of Heqing Garden? Before Father King finds out, withdraw them."
"No need. I'm taking my sister and Mandu with me right away."
"Mancheng!" Bohe shouted. "Jinyin can't leave! Eldest brother has already proposed to her! In a few days she'll be Dudong's Crown Princess. How can she go back to Yuanliao with you?"
"Clatter—" Mancheng flung his hand, smashing the teacup to the floor. Everyone was startled. Only Zhongshan remained unmoved, calmly sipping his tea and watching coldly.
"Oh, I didn't know Brother Bojia loved my sister so much. No wonder—my sister is as beautiful as a celestial being. Anyone would fall for her." Mancheng spoke unhurriedly, but killing intent flickered in his eyes. "However, in the Xia family, I have the final say. Even if she were willing, I wouldn't let her marry."
Bohe's expression grew serious. "Mancheng, you're still being so childish and unreasonable! This is not something you can oppose! Willingly or not, Jinyin stays."
"Brother Bohe..." Mancheng sneered. "The childish one is you. I, Xia Mancheng, am no longer what I used to be. If I want to take my sister away, not even the Emperor himself could stop me." He turned to Jinyin with a smile. "Sister, I don't think there's anything you need to pack. You'll have everything you could ever want from now on. Just收拾 some of Mandu's favorite toys."
Jinyin opened her mouth to speak, but Bohe already wore an angry expression. "Mancheng, I'd like to see how you plan to take Jinyin away!"
Mancheng stood up, his face proud, and walked toward Bohe.
Outside came another burst of footsteps. Two soldiers of the Weizhen Army dragged in a beautiful woman. The moment she caught sight of Mancheng, she froze, mouth gaping, unable to speak.
Jinyin cried out: "Lanxing!"
Mancheng's expression softened slightly. "Lanxing, you're coming with us."
Lanxing's emotions overwhelmed her, tears spilling down her cheeks. Jinyin said quickly: "Mancheng, Lanxing has married and has a child..."
Lanxing nodded frantically, crying: "Your Highness, I..."
Mancheng spoke coldly. "Lanxing, from now on, please address me as General. I've done you a favor by sparing your husband's life. If you don't know what's good for you, I won't be responsible for the consequences."
Jinyin was horrified. "Mancheng, you..."
Bohe could endure no more, berating: "Xia Mancheng, I've been patient and accommodating, yet you push your luck! You arrive at Dudong and instead of immediately paying respects to my father, you behave arrogantly and recklessly, even kidnapping people! I don't care how Zhangzhou indulges you. Right now you're standing on my territory, and you must obey me!" He waved to his guards, who quickly surrounded Mancheng and the others.
Jinyin panicked. "Bohe, what are you doing? Mancheng, you'd better listen to him and—"
A shadow flashed. Zhongshan suddenly spread open his five fingers and grabbed a guard's shoulder.
Bohe raged: "Who are you? How dare you run wild here!"
Zhongshan spoke calmly, neither servile nor arrogant. "Wutao Army Deputy Commander Cheng Zhongshan pays respects to His Highness. If there was any disrespect, I ask Your Highness's forgiveness." The moment his words ended, the guard let out a scream—his shoulder bone completely shattered. He fell to the ground, clutching his shoulder and writhing.
Jinyin had never witnessed such bloodshed. She stumbled backward, hand pressed to her mouth, eyes wide with terror.
Bohe was shocked and furious. "You dog of a servant! You're seeking death!" He turned to the remaining guards. "Seize him!"
Zhongshan sidestepped, and with lightning speed grabbed the crown of a guard who had lunged at him. A "crack" sounded—the guard's skull burst open, and he collapsed dead instantly. The elegant, pristine Heqing Garden was now splattered with blood in multiple places. Zhongshan stood calmly with one hand behind his back; the other hand, dripping with blood, hovered in mid-air. The remaining guards fled, screaming for their mothers.
"Ah—" Jinyin could no longer hold back, screaming in horror. Lanxing trembled so violently she fell to her knees.
Bohe retreated a step, drew his sword, fury blazing in his eyes, and charged Zhongshan. Mancheng swayed his body, blocking Zhongshan.
Jinyin screamed desperately: "Mancheng—"
"Clang!" Mancheng drew his blade and blocked Bohe's attack. Bohe felt a shadow flash before him, and Mancheng had already swept to Bohe's right side, his blade pressed横在 Bohe's throat.
"Zhongshan... you scared my sister. When we get back, I'll punish you." Though Mancheng's words sounded like a complaint, his tone was calm as still water, with not a trace of genuine reproach.
Bohe couldn't move, cold sweat dripping down his temples.
Mancheng leaned close to Bohe's ear, his voice so low only Bohe could hear. "Brother Bohe, beg for mercy..."
Bohe's legs went weak, nearly buckling. But what overwhelmed his fear was the guilt in his heart. "Mancheng, I'm sorry. About what happened before, could you..."
Mancheng smirked triumphantly, his words chilling Bohe to the bone. "Oh, it seems Brother Bohe has forgotten. Back then, Mancheng didn't beg like this."
"..."
"Mancheng!" Jinyin's voice trembled. "You... you must release him!"
Bohe steadied himself and spoke quietly: "Mancheng, if you want to vent your grudge, just kill me!"
The blade flashed and blood spattered. A gash opened on Bohe's arm, blood pouring out. Bohe hissed, his sword clattered to the ground. He gritted his teeth through the pain, silent.
Jinyin was terrified out of her wits, crying: "Mancheng, what are you trying to do? Mancheng! How have you become like this?"
Mancheng froze. He withdrew his blade and stared blankly at Jinyin. After a long while, he forced a bitter smile. "Sister, I'm more terrifying than what you've seen. But I would never hurt you. Sister..." He took a step forward and reached for Jinyin's hand. She recoiled.
A desolate, grief-stricken expression crossed Mancheng's face. "Sister, are you rejecting me?"
Are you rejecting me?
How familiar these words were! How many times had that innocent, lovable little brother said this while being spoiled in her arms?
Jinyin's heart ached unbearably. Ignoring the blood and grime on Mancheng, she threw herself into his embrace, weeping uncontrollably.
My poor, pitiful brother. I know why you became like this.
Is there any other man in this world who loves so blindly, so obsessively? It's just that... you loved the wrong person.
My gentle, kind-hearted brother—fate decreed he would disappear and be annihilated young.