Chapter 2

Meng Shouwen raised his eyebrows slightly, his expression one of disbelief, "At what age did you join the military?"

I no longer wish to lose

The New Year is on the twentieth" Ye Zeng replied softly

Meng Shouwen looked at his appearance, the corners of his mouth moved, and he jested: "Even if it is indeed not to save me, you should not disregard your reputation and achievements—if you were to deceive me with a few words, how would I ever know?"

Since the 18th year of the Tianren era, when Emperor Bianxuandi issued an edict to abdicate the throne to Wang Peizhen, nearly five years have passed

Meng Shouwen stared at him for a while, his gaze faintly revealing a hint of approval: "At such a young age, you are able to join Feng Hui's reconnaissance army; you will surely achieve great things in the future." He bent his injured leg, furrowing his brow, "If that is the case, then your purpose for tonight's journey is not to rescue me, but rather to kill Liang Yin"

In the second month of the fifth year of the Yuan Guang era, Pei Zhen personally led an expedition with an army of 40,000 northward to attack the Chun state; in July, thirteen key towns in the Henan region of the Chun state fell one after another, with the army's vanguard commander Liang Yin achieving victories in every engagement, leading his troops directly to the southern bank of the Yan River; in September, Liao Jue, the commander of the Henan forward camp of the Chun army, was killed in battle, resulting in a great defeat for the Chun army, which retreated to Hebei; in October, Liang Yin stationed his troops on the southern bank of the Yan River, working day and night to cut wood and build rafts, clearly intending to cross the river and advance directly towards Bi Zhi.

Meng Shouwen scrutinized him and, seeing that he remained calm upon hearing of Liang Yin's death, could not help but be astonished. He asked, "What is your name?"

For many years, we have defended this land by the river, every inch beneath our feet is our homeland, and every comrade who falls in battle is flesh and blood. Who would have thought of repeated defeats, of continual retreats...! If given a choice, who would wish to suffer another defeat, who would be willing to retreat again

I do not want to lose again

The army of Chun has hidden troops here!

Because... Ye Zeng splashed the river water on his face, allowing the water to wash away the dirt and blood on his face. After a while, he continued, "I do not wish to be defeated again"

Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth involuntarily curled up slightly. Given the situation, he could still mock himself like this, yet he did not consider that after tonight's defeat, the old ministers in the country would surely rise again, just as they did last time, to stir up a wave of calls for peace and submission.

A group of soldiers at the bow of the ship, scorched by flames, shouted in terror, and in their panic, they jumped overboard to save themselves. Meanwhile, another group of soldiers, fleeing in a state of panic from the stern, pushed and shoved one another, unaware of how many fell beneath the ship in the chaos. In an instant, the entire ship was filled with cries and wails, and the scene of blood and fire resembled a dark prison

"Ye Zeng," he replied clearly, moving swiftly. In just a few moments, he had untied Meng Shouwen and pressed his palm against Meng Shouwen's left tibia, asking, "Your Highness, can you still stand up?"

When the ship was several dozen zhang away, he finally spoke slowly: "It is not that General Feng has set ambush troops here. There are only ten fire rafts attacking the ship. By the time the fire is extinguished and the smoke dissipates, and the troops regain their senses, it will be too late to escape."

Meng Shouwen's expression also changed; after a moment of silence, he asked again: "Where are the other two at this moment?"

Even knowing that one is walking towards death, one still...

In the second year of the Yuan Guang era, Pei Zhen announced to the world the death of King Huaiqi, issuing an edict for the lords of the four states of Donglu to send envoys to pay tribute and acknowledge their vassalage. The states of Jin, Peng, and Xiu in Lanzhou, fearing his power, subsequently sent envoys to the capital to pay tribute and formally acknowledge their vassalage at the court, receiving titles as lords of the court. However, the states of Chun in Zhongzhou and Ping, Tang, and Chu in Wanzhou, believing that Pei Zhen's position was illegitimate, refused to send envoys to pay tribute, continuing to regard themselves as vassals and labeling the Pei family as a false court

The sound of the river water striking the hull is vigorous and powerful, with waves rolling in layer upon layer, drenching the entire deck.

King Chun, Meng Yongguang, was gravely ill. News of the great army's repeated defeats spread throughout the country, and during the eight months of warfare, there had been no victories. Many of the elder statesmen suggested surrendering and paying tribute. However, King Chun did not agree with this. He appointed his third son, Meng Shouwen, as the Grand Commander of the Chun Army's Hebei Forward Command, ordering him to lead the troops southward, using the royal lineage to stabilize the army's morale and boost the soldiers' spirits. This was to demonstrate the Chun Kingdom's unwavering determination to achieve victory.

Ye Zengshou held the knife silently, without uttering a word. Blood slowly trickled down from his forehead; he raised his hand to wipe it away, and his face finally revealed a hint of weariness.

The man quickly approached the port side with a drawn knife, severing several planks with a swift motion of his hand. Just as he was about to turn and head towards the bow of the ship, he turned his head and saw Meng Shouwen bound to the side of the ship.

Ye Zeng fell silent for a moment, then said: "General Feng is unaware that His Highness the Third Prince has been captured by an arrow, and therefore has not sent any troops to provide assistance. My subordinate brought the general's message to the rear of the formation to seek His Highness, and coincidentally encountered the report from His Highness's personal guards, thus gathering a hundred retreating soldiers to carry out this matter"

"Escape?" Meng Shouwen was taken aback again, turning his head to look at the chaotic state of the army under the smoke and fire. "Is it not that Feng Huifen has set an ambush here? Liang Yin is already dead, and our army has achieved a narrow victory; why then must we flee for our lives?"

The faint sounds of laughter and conversation from the soldiers in the cabin reached my ears, suggesting that they were indeed pleased with the results of tonight's battle—capturing the third son of the Chun King, Meng Shouwen, the Grand Commander of the Chun Army's Hebei Forward Command. Even allowing the defeated Chun soldiers to retreat along the river without pursuit would likely be considered a highly rewarding engagement for Liang Yinzhi's troops.

Amidst the haze of smoke, the uniform rafts surrounding the river have also caught sight of the scene here, all hastening to approach with the intention of providing reinforcements. However, not far away, clusters of flames suddenly ignited, and several burning wooden rafts came crashing through, forcefully blocking the waterways between the boats and rafts

Meng Shouwen frowned, "How many people did Feng Hui send back for support?"

Amidst the smoke and flames, the figure of that person was half-hidden and half-revealed, their movements agile and robust. In the next moment after standing firm on the deck, they drew the bow with a reverse motion, flowing as smoothly as drifting clouds, while the pervasive scent of blood further accentuated the arrow's calm and chilling precision

On that day, he took the initiative to volunteer, while the king disregarded the prevailing tide of peace in the court and allowed him to lead the southward expedition, all for these four words

In the distant sky, a faint light of dawn appeared; the boat swayed a few times, and when I looked again, it had returned to the pitch blackness devoid of any stars

As I witnessed Liang Yinshi's ship being overwhelmed, the pain from my injuries seemed to fade away, replaced by a scorching sensation of exhilaration coursing through my veins, making me feel as if I were on the verge of suffocation.

This is the ambush of the Chun army

He fell silent for a moment, then spoke again: "You must know that tonight's journey can be considered a march to death. Are you truly not afraid of dying?"

The drifting gradually slowed, and the fire in the distance also diminished. Ye Zeng surveyed the river but did not respond directly, saying: "Your Highness's personal guards are all brave; they fear not death in their efforts to save you. They should be able to float back before dawn."

Meng Shouwen was taken aback for a moment, then glanced towards the chaotic soldiers at the bow of the ship and hoarsely said: "It is the person you shot down with an arrow just now."

Meng Shouwen closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and once again attempted to break free from the hemp rope that Jun Jun had used to bind him to the side of the ship

The ambush of the pure army by the treacherous daughter!

At this moment, the fire on the entire ship was fierce. The soldiers of the Jun army, fearing fire and unskilled in water, upon hearing that their commander Liang Yin had died and the thunderous shouts and cries of the Chuan soldiers surrounding the ship, all believed that there were many Chuan soldiers lying in ambush. The soldiers on the ship jumped overboard in a panic to escape, and the rafts of the Jun army in the distance also dared not approach any further, all turning their oars and fleeing.

The black and gray blood dust obscured his face, and even at such a close distance, Meng Shouwen could not discern his features, only vaguely identifying that the leather armor he wore belonged to the reconnaissance troops under Feng Hui's command, suggesting that he was likely a junior officer

Time seemed to stand still, the flowing wind stilled, and there appeared a cluster of fireballs that burned more fiercely, moved faster, and drew closer. The flames spread like enormous wings unfurling, soaring and surging over the waves, dazzling and fierce as they charged forward. Then, a tremendous roar echoed, and the ship's deck shook twice in an instant. The commanding flag emblazoned with the character "Liang" that stood high at the bow of the ship was engulfed by the flames, crackling and burning fiercely.

The scene from two months ago, when I took command and headed south, is still vivid in my mind. The gaze of my father, filled with clarity, now feels as scorching as fire. The shocking sight upon my arrival at the camp in Hebei left me unable to sleep a single night, and the ambition that once resided in my heart now appears utterly ridiculous.

The night sky is ethereal, and in that moment, the entire ship fell into a profound silence.

Meng Shouwen was greatly shocked in his heart, yet his expression remained unchanged. He only asked him: "Let us not discuss Feng Huilu's rashness for the moment; you merely heard a report and dared to act in such a manner, are you not afraid that it might be false?"

Ye Zeng raised his head to glance at the battlefield, then knelt on one knee and quickly said, "I apologize for the offense." He pressed his shoulder against Meng Shouwen's chest, exerted force, and lifted him up to stand. "This ship cannot remain for long; I will first take His Highness to safety."

Ye Zeng wiped the knife on the sole of his boot, his voice still low: "Fourteen"

Meng Shouwen was well aware that the reconnaissance troops under Feng Hui were the elite of the elite among the Chuan Army's Hebei camp. For this unit to be stripped of its deputy commander, it must be due to an extraordinary soldier, someone who bore significant military achievements. At this moment, although he had doubts, he felt pleased and nodded in acknowledgment of Feng Hui's gaze

Ye Zeng raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "This report was brought back by me and two comrades after crossing the river, so it is certainly not false"

Hearing these words spoken by Ye Zeng at this moment, my heart could not help but tremble

Ye Zengdao: "One dead and one injured; the injured has already returned under General Feng's command. If Your Highness has any doubts, you may inquire personally."

The man raised an eyebrow, turned his head to listen closely, and only after confirming that the chaotic soldiers were indeed shouting "The general has fallen" did he relax his gaze, crouch down, and cut the hemp rope binding Meng Shouwen.

Meng Shouwen gritted his teeth and, after a while, furrowed his brows tightly, shaking his head.

This incident also left Meng Shouwen feeling extremely astonished

Meng Shouwen felt a chill run down his back and turned to look at the Liang Yinshi ship, which was still burning fiercely. He whispered, "Your audacity is truly excessive; have you lost your mind?" However, upon seeing Ye Zeng remain silent, he sighed softly and asked, "What did Feng Huizhu send you to report?"

In the first year of the Yuan Guang era, Pei Zhen ascended the throne after receiving the abdication, subsequently renaming the realm as Jun, with the capital at Tianqi; he appointed his brother-in-law Huang Huahua as the King of Xiu, continuing to reside in Basong; furthermore, he issued an edict to confer the title of King of Huaiqi upon Emperor Ben Xuan, relocating him to the northern part of Tianqi City in seclusion

There are certainly not a few soldiers in the Chun Army's camp in Hebei who share thoughts similar to those of Ye Zeng

Meng Shouwen retracted the smile at the corners of his mouth, fully aware of the implications of his words. The commander of the Chun army was injured on the battlefield, and despite the valiant efforts of his personal guards, they could not protect him; this crime would be a capital offense for anyone it fell upon. Fortunately, he had survived, while Liang Yin had actually died, and thus the credit for this ambush should not belong to any one individual.

The soldiers on the ship suddenly realized this

In the midst of great chaos, a man resembling a general stood in the center, shouting angrily in an attempt to restore military discipline and stabilize the unruly soldiers. However, a cold arrow, carried by the wind, struck precisely into the back of his neck

A burning pain radiates from the tibia of the left leg, becoming increasingly intense with each passing moment

But that person did not immediately save him; instead, he urgently asked, "Does His Highness the Third Prince know where Liang Yin is on the boat at this moment?"

Merely a hundred people

The four characters rolled through Meng Shouwen's ears, causing his throat to involuntarily tighten

The soldiers stared at him as he fell, momentarily stunned into silence, before erupting into chaos, panicking and scattering in all directions, fearful of being struck by the hidden enemy's arrows.

Someone shouted angrily, and the soldiers inside and outside the cabin quickly grabbed their weapons, cursing as they ran towards the bow of the ship. However, before they could steady themselves, the entire deck shook violently again, and the stern was also struck by a fire raft. The place where the hay was piled up instantly turned into a sea of flames, and the fire spread rapidly with the wind, encroaching upon the bow in the blink of an eye

If he were given another chance, if he were allowed to choose once more, if this night could be replayed, he would certainly not suffer such a humiliating defeat

He shifted his body slightly, wanting to see the movements of the troops behind the ship, but as soon as he moved, it tugged at his wound, causing him to grit his teeth and let out a soft hiss of pain, slowly leaning back against the ship's railing

In the distance, a cluster of fiery light suddenly tore a裂口 through the bloody night.

Looking at the sky, it seems that the time for filling has already passed. The sounds of battle on the river are growing fainter, suggesting that Feng Hui has long since retreated along the river with his troops, sinking the ships and locking them down. I am only left wondering what has become of the several hundred personal soldiers who followed me.

He closed his eyes, slightly clenched his fist, and a wave of unwillingness rolled through his heart

He seemed taken aback for a moment, then approached, bent down, and forcefully tore open the collar of Meng Shouwen's armor. Peering through the smoke, he focused his gaze on the emblem engraved inside the armor and hesitantly spoke: "Third Prince?"

As the hemp rope loosened, Meng Shouwen slowly fell back onto the damp wooden planks and after a long while finally spoke: "How old are you?"

This sudden turn of events threw the soldiers on the ship into a state of panic, as no one had anticipated encountering an enemy ambush here, especially after the Chun army had already retreated. Had it not been for meticulous planning, how could the Chun army have so precisely targeted the flagship of the Jun army's commander, Liang Yin

Meng Shouwen was fixated on the young soldier who was climbing up the side of the ship through the thick smoke at the stern amidst the chaos

Meng Shouwen nodded slightly and said, "Then why are you so desperate tonight?"

As the third son of King Chun, leading the troops into battle, having achieved no merit yet being captured by the enemy, regardless of life or death, the four words 'defeat and disgrace to the nation' are like a bone thorn, how can he possibly be at peace!

The flames surged with the waves, raced with the wind, and soon swelled like a ball, charging straight towards the bow of the ship

Ye Zeng lowered his head and explained while untying the hemp rope: "The intelligence obtained after nightfall revealed that before Liang Yin's urgent crossing of the river, Pei Zhen had issued a new order in front of the army—if the commanding general were to die in battle, then all the soldiers under his command must be executed. This order is known as 'Ba Bu Zhan'. When General Feng received the report, he had already received the order to retreat from Your Highness, so he instructed his subordinates to seek out Your Highness behind the lines, hoping that Your Highness's troops could make a concerted effort to urgently attack Liang Yin's flagship. If Liang Yin were to die in battle, then we need not fear that his troops would be thrown into disarray, and our army would not need to hastily retreat overnight." He paused slightly and glanced at Meng Shouwen, "However, it was unexpected that Your Highness had already been captured alive by Liang Yin's subordinates. The situation arose suddenly, and there was no time to report to General Feng. If there is any fault, I hope Your Highness will discern it clearly."

His left hand was covered in his own viscous blood between the five fingers, and the arrow wound on his knee along with the varying depths of the knife wounds on his back constantly pricked at his nerves. Although his strength was weakened due to excessive blood loss, the increasingly sharp pain made him more and more alert

yet again it is a futile effort

Ye Zengli skillfully wrapped the hemp rope around Meng Shouwen's back, binding it to himself, tightly coiling it twice. Without saying a word, he flipped over the stern and quickly climbed down, leaping onto a large wooden plank floating in the water, lying on his side and remaining motionless, allowing it to drift with the current.

Ye Zeng thought for a moment, "As long as one is human, everyone fears death"