In the cold, sharp night, dense fog and frost floated like water. Separated by city walls, civil war raged within the city. Outside, King Hengyang led his troops through the fog, encountering Yue Zihan’s group who had taken the old emperor hostage while fleeing the capital.
Liu Mu quickly regained composure after his momentary shock, realizing something had happened in Jianye City and his royal brother had become a hostage. Yue Zihan and his men drew their swords, protecting the Southern Emperor at the back. Yue Zihan stood at the front, his muscles tense as he stared at the imposing duke on horseback opposite him.
Liu Mu had brought troops, but returning to the capital, he naturally couldn’t bring thousands of soldiers. The court only allowed him to bring his trusted men – several dozens, including Master Kong, a retainer who followed behind in a carriage, panting heavily.
On the opposite side, the group holding the emperor hostage also numbered several dozens. To dare kidnap the emperor from Jianye, these people must have had inside help and exceptional martial arts skills themselves. Calculating the odds, to save the emperor, Liu Mu would have to sacrifice himself.
The King of Hengyang quickly assessed the situation, then met eyes with the disheveled, white-bearded emperor. In that moment, these brothers nearly a generation apart both felt a sense of desolation.
The old emperor’s face turned pale, expressions of embarrassment, humiliation, and anger flashing across it. But with Yue Zihan’s grip on his throat, the shadow of death loomed over him. He desperately called out for help: “Save me! Save me— They are rebels from the Northern Kingdom, don’t let them succeed!”
“If the Southern Emperor is taken to the North, what face will our Southern Kingdom have left?”
Liu Mu’s face tensed, his eyes trembling violently.
Seeing him apparently moved, the old emperor suddenly felt hope rise within him. He urgently tried to awaken the brotherly bond between himself and this young duke—
“Amu, save me! I am your elder brother! Your only royal brother! Before Father passed, he instructed us brothers to support each other and guard the Southern Kingdom together!”
“Amu, Amu don’t you remember? When you were young, it was your elder brother who raised you. Whatever you wanted, your elder brother gave you… Amu, save me!”
Liu Mu’s pupils contracted sharply, the veins on his hand gripping the reins standing out starkly, reflecting his face stretched taut as if about to tear. After a moment of silence, as both sides faced off with conflict about to erupt, Liu Mu lowered his eyes: “The flowers of cherry and plum, how glorious their bloom. Among all people today, none are like brothers.”
The old emperor suddenly froze, his chest feeling as if struck by a stone: “…!”
Liu Mu repeated: “Among all people today, none are like brothers… This poem, your highness once taught it to me. Do you still remember these things?”
The flowers of cherry and plum, how glorious their bloom. And those childhood memories remain eternally engraved like a lifetime.
The previous emperor lived long – the current Southern Emperor had waited over forty years as crown prince, but hadn’t outlasted the old emperor’s death. Instead, he’d waited until the old emperor had given him a brother.
Having a son in old age, by the time Liu Mu was born, it had been nearly ten years since his last elder brother. Thus when Liu Mu was born, the previous emperor doted on him immensely. Before the child had even grown up, he was already made a duke.
And the current old emperor, whether to please his own father or because he truly loved his young brother, showed great affection toward Liu Mu. He raised Liu Mu like his own son, even more intimately than he treated his own children.
Liu Mu still remembered – his father was too old to have much energy, so in his youth, it was this royal brother who raised him. His development of an unruly and domineering personality wasn’t without his brother’s contribution.
His violence, quick temper, and even the straightforwardness and pride in his character – his royal brother had contributed to all of it.
He still remembered before bed at night, his royal brother reading to him until he fell asleep. He was mischievous and restless, unwilling to sleep properly, often teasing his brother. His brother would look helpless, but no matter how much trouble he caused, his brother never got angry. In Liu Mu’s memories, his ears were always filled with the poetry verses he had memorized in his childhood—
“The flowers of cherry and plum, how glorious their bloom. Among all people today, none are like brothers… May your house prosper, may you delight in wife and children, this is the truth, indeed it is so.”
Day after day, all was nurturing grace. Did everything change starting with Father’s final edict?
In truth, Liu Mu still didn’t know if the so-called final edict existed, whether it was true or false. He also didn’t care about this. He had originally thought his brother was emperor, and he was a duke. In his youth he could be domineering, and when he grew up all the young lords were respectful to him – this was natural.
But his brother actually wanted to kill him… For him, the changes only began from this point.
In the boundless dark night, the brothers separated by a whole generation faced each other across enemy lines. After a long while, the old emperor closed his eyes, his voice trembling: “Cherry and plum… I remember, I remember!”
His mind buzzed, tears streaming down his face, thoughts blank for a moment. He had once truly loved this brother, had liked this brother. His sons were like tools, tools for him to balance and ally with noble families. He had sacrificed much for the throne, had raised his brother like a son… He had originally thought this brother was so young, would have no impact on his throne.
When Liu Mu’s handsome young face saw the old emperor close his eyes in shame, he relaxed slightly, revealing a hint of a smile. The followers behind him saw their general sit up straight and in a flash drew out the autumn rainbow sword at their waists—
“Kill! Come with me to save His Majesty!”
Swift as lightning, after Liu Mu’s shout, he leaped up. He jumped down from his tall horse, his sword slashing out toward Yue Zihan. Young Yue Zihan’s pupils suddenly contracted, his muscles like steel as he explosively rose up, like a fierce dragon entering the river, meeting Liu Mu’s attack!
“Clash—”
Sparks flew from the crossing of blade and sword, reflecting in both young men’s eyes.
Cold wind filled their bodies as they split mountains and severed rivers!
The troops on both sides, led by their commanders, charged forth with passion, waving their weapons and shouting as they rushed to kill each other—
…
“Bang!”
The knocking on the door was violent, one sound more urgent than the last. The battle outside the Lu mansion was fierce. Through the door, one could hear weapons clashing in the alley outside, enemies sometimes crashing into walls. The Lu family’s soldiers surrounded the mansion gates on all sides, guarding the entire courtyard as solid as gold, not letting a drop of water through.
The guests who had earlier insisted on leaving now fled back pale-faced. For those who couldn’t return, everyone had their guesses and heavy hearts. At the same time, people knocked on the door asking for help, crying pitifully to open up, begging the Lu family for shelter.
The private soldiers refused to let people in. Lu Xian anxiously tried to negotiate with these soldiers: “Those who can flee here, who seek help from the Lu family, are all people who trust us! There are also those who went out earlier but couldn’t return – how can we not open the door?!”
The leader of the private soldiers was unmoved: “Second Young Master, please forgive us. Northern spies have deceived us and infiltrated Jianye – we cannot judge who is friend or foe. The most prudent course is to close the gates and protect those within.”
Lu Xian: “You, you…”
The knocking on the door was violent, the cries for help and screams from outside mixed together. Enemy troops gave chase, blood flowed under the door gaps. The Northern army targeted anyone with military power in Jianye city. Noble families who weren’t prepared were thrown into chaos. They fled in carriages, and when the whole city was caught in killing, they came seeking help at the Lu family gates.
A young man outside cried in anguish: “Open the door! Open the door, Third Young Master sent me!”
Lu Xian trembled, pointing at the door: “That’s Qi San, Qi An outside! Can’t you recognize his voice? After Third Brother left, he entrusted household matters to me – I’m telling you to open the door!”
The leader of the private soldiers bowed and said deeply: “Third Young Master only left Second Young Master in charge of household matters. Third Young Master said Second Young Master is too soft and indecisive, not good at judging situations. Please don’t interfere with the battle matters outside, Second Young Master.”
Lu Xian: “You, you… that’s Qi San!”
Unable to convince this stubborn leader, he turned to find his father, wanting his father to make these soldiers withdraw. The Minister Lu and the Lu family patriarch were staying together, comforting the wedding guests who had come to the Lu family. To his son’s plea for help, Minister Lu only said: “Listen to Third Son. Tonight’s matters are entirely entrusted to Third Son – you just need to assist him.”
Lu Xian had no choice but to return to the main gate again. The cries for help outside grew weaker and weaker. The troops inside refused to let anyone through, making Lu Xian anxious to the point his eyes nearly burst. Just as he was worried, Luo Lingyu’s voice came from behind: “Open the door, let Qi San in.”
Lu Xian trembled, as if seeing a saving star, immediately turning to grab Luo Lingyu’s hand. He excitedly said: “Cousin!”
The private soldiers’ leader still hesitated: “Young Lady, it’s not that we’re cold-blooded, it’s just…”
Luo Lingyu smiled slightly. She freed her hand from her second brother’s shaking grip and smoothed the black hair by her cheeks. Her beautiful eyes blinked, rippling like autumn waters. She looked gently at the private soldiers’ leader, whose face immediately turned red.
Lu Xian: “…”
Beau-beautiful woman strategy?!
Seeing Luo Lingyu walk to the door and knock on it, she called out to those outside: “Please state your identity, age, and family background. We must judge friend from foe before we can let you in for shelter!”
Outside the door, Qi San who had been desperately knocking while sprawled on the threshold had already given up hope. His clothes were stained with blood – he had just been out playing with friends when they encountered this disaster. His servants died during the escape, enemy troops were about to catch up in pursuit, and in his panic, he suddenly heard the sweet voice of his beloved, immediately calling back loudly: “I-I-I am Qi San, my residence is in the north of the city…”
After a few simple sentences, he held his breath and looked up. Slowly, the Lu mansion’s door opened, soldiers filed out, and the beautiful young lady with frost-like skirts bent down to check on him. Qi San’s eyes were wet as he grasped Luo Lingyu’s hand, trembling: “Sister Luo, I knew you were so kind-hearted!”
At the same time, pursuing troops arrived in the alley, met by the Lu family’s private soldiers with weapons drawn!
Battle erupted!
After bringing Qi San into the mansion for protection and hearing him describe the situation outside, the wedding guests were grateful that the Lu family had prepared early. In this way, Luo Lingyu and Lu Xian let in several people seeking help to take shelter.
This phenomenon was observed by enemy troops. The Northern army’s commander in the city was the middle-aged man who had been cursing at Yue Zihan. That middle-aged man hid in a corner, and after seeing the Lu family’s actions, formed an idea.
His eyes narrowed as he sent people to chase and kill Chen Xiu, the young lady from the Chen family where most refugees were staying. Chen Xiu was terrified – before her household guards could block them, a great wave of refugees came attacking. Chen Xiu was protected and helped to escape. On the road they met Prince Chen’s troops, who told her to seek help from the Lu family.
In one night Jianye city became a killing ground, with death constantly occurring before Chen Xiu’s eyes. And many of those attacking Jianye’s troops were familiar faces Chen Xiu had seen before – some of those refugees.
Raising tigers leads to being eaten by tigers.
Stumbling and falling from her carriage, covered in dust and blood, she collapsed at the Lu family mansion gates. Under the cold moon and frost, the two stone lions at the Lu mansion entrance stared at her coldly. Chen Xiu’s trembling hands knocked on the door as she wept: “I-I-I am Chen Xiu, daughter of Scholar Chen, I…”
A long spear was thrown at her back from behind. The young lady screamed in terror in the night, when suddenly the door of hope before her burst open. Soldiers with imposing presence strode out from the mansion to engage the pursuing troops. Chen Xiu crawled weakly on the ground when suddenly a shadow fell over her, and her ice-cold hand was grasped.
Chen Xiu looked up, her dazed gaze meeting Luo Lingyu’s beautiful face.
That young lady who had given her such trouble before, Lu Yun’s wife Luo Lingyu, held her hand and embraced her trembling shoulders, gently comforting her: “Sister Chen, don’t be afraid. You’ll be safe here…”
Chen Xiu stared at her blankly. The young lady was like an immortal, so sacred, descending from heaven. She gazed over gently, the warmth in her eyes seeming to smooth away the dust in her heart.
Tears fell from Chen Xiu’s eyes as she cried and threw herself into Luo Lingyu’s embrace: “Sister Luo, thank you.”
—She admitted defeat, completely convinced.
Luo Lingyu was Lu Yun’s wife, and that was that. Only such a Luo Lingyu was worthy of Lu Yun.
…
The middle-aged man observed that Luo Lingyu would even save Chen Xiu who had an ambiguous relationship with Lu Yun. His eyes showed mockery as he thought his judgment was indeed correct – this young lady was nothing more than a kind and naive noble woman. Without Lu Yun present, naturally whoever came seeking help, this woman would save them.
The previous few times plotting against Luo Lingyu – first wanting to ride in her carriage, second wanting to surround her and damage her reputation… had all been avoided by this woman. It seemed it was just good luck. But this luck should be running out.
Prince Chen and Lu Yun were well-prepared in Jianye city, making it truly difficult for Northern troops to attack. To buy time for Yue Zihan, the Northern army couldn’t be defeated too quickly. For the Northern army to gain an advantage in Jianye, they naturally targeted those noble families. If the Lu residence could be attacked from within, and half the noble youths died tonight, even if their side lost, Jianye’s losses would only be more tragic.
Thinking this, the middle-aged man disguised himself and gave some instructions to his subordinates. Taking a deep breath, he staggered into Black Clothes Alley, acting as if being pursued.
The middle-aged man cried out high and low: “Help, help—”
He collapsed at the Lu family gate, knocking forcefully like everyone else had done before. When the young lady inside gently asked his identity, the middle-aged man made up a random story, casually fabricating the identity of a noble young master, just waiting for the door to open.
But inside, Luo Lingyu said to the surprised Lu Xian: “We can’t open the door, he’s fake. There’s no young master with that identity among Jianye’s noble families, it doesn’t match.”
Luo Lingyu turned to instruct the waiting private soldiers’ leader: “It must be enemy troops in disguise. You go out through the back door to surround them… They’re doing this now, they must have originally planned to surround us. Coming to the Lu family to scout, wanting to enter – this enemy’s identity might be quite high, could be quite useful.”
The private soldiers’ leader had developed immense respect for the Third Young Mistress over one night: “Yes!”
He turned to dispatch troops to surround them from the back door.
Meanwhile, Lu Xian questioned: “Cousin, how do you know the identity of the person outside is fake?”
Luo Lingyu casually replied: “Of course it’s fake. Among Jianye’s noble young masters, from fifteen to fifty years old, which one don’t I know?”
Lu Xian: “…?”
He was even more confused.
But Luo Lingyu realized what she had said, her face suddenly turning red as she turned away, refusing to explain further to Lu Xian— Of course she knew all the noble young masters in Jianye from fifteen to fifty years old like the back of her hand.
Because when she entered Jianye, it was with the wish to marry into a noble family. Naturally she had done her homework thoroughly.
But Lu Xian clearly didn’t know.
Lu Xian praised Luo Lingyu: “Sister is truly clever. When Third Brother returns, Second Brother will definitely praise cousin in front of Third Brother…”
Luo Lingyu was startled and blurted out: “No, I-I do good deeds without seeking recognition, I don’t want my husband to know.”
…Please, Second Cousin, absolutely don’t let Lu Yun know that she knew the identities of Jianye’s young masters so clearly! Lu Yun would skin her alive!
Lu Xian: “…?”
Luo Lingyu hurriedly changed the subject, urging Lu Xian: “Second Brother, I see there’s much to do tonight, if we both keep watch our energy will inevitably flag. Why don’t we take turns? Second Brother rest first, then come replace me in the second half of the night?”
Lu Xian’s heart stirred, forgetting his cousin’s strangeness, as he had been exhausted all night and was already thinking of sleeping and dreaming, wondering if he could dream something to help the current situation.
…
Lu Xian went to rest, actually entrusting the internal protection of the Lu residence to Luo Lingyu. The Lu family elders naturally had objections, but Lu Xian insisted on trusting Luo Lingyu’s methods. Lady Lu and other female family members hesitated, also assuring the men that Luo Lingyu’s handling of matters was quite good.
The Lu family patriarch still had objections: “Being able to manage household affairs doesn’t mean she can handle tonight’s matters! What is Second Young Master thinking?”
But the inner residence couldn’t be in chaos. The elders continued objecting, but under Minister Lu’s suppression, reluctantly decided to wait and see. In fact, Minister Lu also didn’t trust that a young woman like Luo Lingyu could do anything, but his wife Lady Lu supported Luo Lingyu at this time.
Lady Lu said: “You men are usually outside and don’t understand Lingyu. I can vouch for our Third Young Mistress. Third Young Mistress’s methods are probably much more capable than your son’s.”
Thus, the Lu household supported Luo Lingyu’s actions tonight amid their doubts. And Lu Xian, who was mentioned by Minister Lu and Lady Lu, returned to the bridal chamber and hurriedly said a few words to his new bride, Princess Liu Tang.
Liu Tang had already changed out of her wedding clothes, learning to care for her husband like an ordinary wife. She was especially sensible, her face red as she tucked in the blanket corners for her husband: “Husband rest assured, I’ll wake you in an hour to replace Sister Luo.”
Lu Xian held the princess’s hand, looking at her tenderly. He opened his mouth wanting to speak, but in the end only softly said “thank you.” Lowering the bed curtains, the young master half-anxiously forced himself to quickly fall asleep to enter his dreams.
…
Lu Xian’s guess wasn’t wrong.
He indeed dreamed of what should have happened at this time.
Jianye in chaos, Luo Lingyu miscarrying, the emperor kidnapped from the capital by northerners. When the Southern Emperor was in mortal danger, Prince Zhao Liu Huai stepped forward—
…
A thunderbolt suddenly struck in the sky, lightning writhing like a dragon!
At Prince Zhao’s residence, Prince Zhao Liu Huai who had kept most of the metropolitan troops suddenly opened his eyes and said softly: “Wrong, something’s not right…”
The movement outside wasn’t right, the strategy needed to change!
…
Meanwhile, in Black Clothes Alley, the Lu family’s private soldiers encircled from behind, step by step attacking toward the Northern army’s main force led by the middle-aged man.
In the city’s alley battles, Lu Yun had people escort away the Northern princess. Walking out of the alley, a cloud covered the moonlight. The handsome young master looked up, deep in thought as his mind turned through a hundred possibilities, moving again.
Lu Yun said softly: “The time should be about right now, right?”
His eyes were dark as he didn’t need to ask about his second brother’s dream – he could roughly guess how two different paths were developing so differently—looking at Prince Zhao’s troops coordinating with the metropolitan governor to suppress the enemy forces in Jianye. Prince Zhao Liu Huai personally left the city to aid the emperor. Even faster than him was Prince Chen Liu Su, whose troops had already left the city gates.
King Hengyang Liu Mu’s troops faced off against Yue Zihan’s group outside the city. They didn’t know that forces were winding toward them from all four directions, surrounding them!
The situation turned again!
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