Chapter Seven: Zhang Liang Rescues His Lord

This Zhang Liang is truly a premeditated "rebel". These hundreds of bodyguards are all clad in armor, each riding a horse, and wielding genuine weapons capable of killing, rather than mere sticks meant to intimidate. Han Huaichu, observing the strength of the Zhang residence in the courtyard, was left speechless.

However, as a court official, he could not afford to be overly cautious at this point

Han Huai Chu gazed at that clear and pure gaze, a surge of hot blood rising within him, and he struck a pose of righteous indignation, saying: "The villa is in trouble; although I, Han Xin, am merely a passerby, I will not stand idly by."

With a single sound of "whoosh," an arrow of light, like a soul-hunting messenger, shot towards Han Cheng from behind.

Zhang Ying tightly held Zhang Liang's hands, but felt them gradually becoming weak and powerless. She felt as if the world was spinning around her, her heart was filled with deep sorrow, and she began to sob softly.

The door creaked open, and Xiang Chan stepped out holding an ancient bronze long sword, loudly asking, "Who is making such a commotion here?"

Zhang Ying pulled her younger brother, weeping profusely, and cried out: "Brother, how are you?" Zhang Liang shook his head and sighed: "Unfortunately, I will not be able to see the day of national restoration. Sister, this heavy burden of restoring our family and country is entrusted to you."

The crowd then dug a pit and hastily buried Zhang Liang. It is lamentable that Zhang Liang, who was once wealthy and powerful in life, after his death could not even have a straw mat to cover his body

Zhang Liang cast a sidelong glance at Han Huai Chu and said, "Swords and blades do not have eyes; young master, do not recklessly endanger your life."

Zhang Liang, understanding the situation, led numerous soldiers, surrounding Prince Han Cheng, and shouted as they charged out from that gap

Han Huaichu watched Zhang Liang's burial with great confusion, "Zhang Liang is a well-known figure in historical records, reputed to be Liu Bang's strategist. How could he die so suddenly? If Zhang Liang is dead, who will assist Liu Bang in establishing the Han dynasty? Could it be that the wheels of history have gone off track?"

This brother, who is my only family in the world, is about to leave me. Yet, the immense burden of restoring Korea must fall upon a mere weak woman like me. Is this not too heavy a weight to bear

Han Cheng was powerless, and if this arrow struck, how could he survive? Zhang Liang, anxious to save his lord, did not hesitate at all. He stepped forward and pushed Han Cheng off his horse with all his strength

This Huan Tong is the county magistrate of Xiapi. Upon receiving a tip-off, he learned that Young Master Han Cheng was hiding in Yuyan Villa. He promptly dispatched 2,000 troops to launch a night raid, surrounding Yuyan Villa completely.

Han Huaichu learned swordsmanship from Madam Han for half a year. At this moment, he was demonstrating it for the first time, just as he was about to test his skills against the general of the Great Qin. The more he fought, the more proficient he became in his techniques; the more he battled, the braver he grew. Before long, he had already defeated two opponents.

Huan Tong laughed heartily: "Very good! It turns out that the notorious criminal Xiang Chan, whom the court is seeking, is also hiding here. This makes things easier; I will capture all of you together and send you to Xianyang, which will be a great achievement."

The family soldiers, upon seeing the corpse of the young master, all wept bitterly

The sound of the shout had already alarmed the people in the villa. Young Master Han Cheng, Xiang Chan, Zhang Liang, and several hundred soldiers had gathered in the courtyard, only to hear the whinnying of horses and the clamor of people, with swords and spears glinting. Surrounded by a formidable enemy, everyone was thrown into a state of panic

Zhang Ying's face turned pale upon hearing the sound, and she exclaimed, "This is bad! The Qin army has arrived; it seems the news has leaked."

Everyone says: "It is easy for us to disperse, but what about you, young lady, alone?"

Suddenly, a beam of sword light appeared, spreading out like a silken ribbon. A man shouted, "Mr. Xiang, do not panic, I am here to assist you!" It was Han Huaichu who jumped into the fray to lend support.

Han Huaichu consoled, "Once a person dies, they cannot be brought back to life. Miss Zhang, it is best to bury your brother as soon as possible." Zhang Yan nodded helplessly.

In this encounter between the two, the outcome was immediately clear. Xiang Chan, truly worthy of being a renowned general's descendant, wielded his long sword with great skill, forcing Huan Tong to focus solely on defense. Soon, Huan Tong suffered a sword strike to his thigh from Xiang Chan, and a large gush of blood erupted like blooming peach blossoms.

After receiving the tip-off, Huan Tong initially thought it would be a simple task to deal with the few hundred soldiers at Yuyan Mountain Villa. However, unexpectedly, he encountered the troublesome figure of Xiang Chan along the way.

The various factions are engaged in a fierce battle and fleeing, with many already suffering injuries. Both men and horses are exhausted, in a state of utter disarray

Han Huaichu hurriedly said: "Miss, you need not concern yourself with me; it is more important to deal with the matters at hand."

At that time, the wealthy families all maintained household guards to protect against the chaos of the times, but typically only around ten individuals. However, this courtyard surprisingly housed several hundred household guards, indicating an extraordinary level of financial resources

A robust man, standing eight feet tall, with a face resembling the bottom of a pot and eyes bulging like a pair of bronze bells, brandished two heavy black iron clubs and bellowed: "It is your grandfather, Huan Tong!"

He was unaware that this reputable establishment was actually a gathering place for "rebels," harboring a large number of Koreans after the fall of their country

With a long laugh, Xiang Chan said, "Miss Yuan underestimates me too much. I am a descendant of a fallen nation, hunted down by the Qin court, wandering the world. Fortunately, you young masters and mistresses have taken me in, treating me with fine clothes and food, allowing me to enjoy a few years of comfort in this villa. Today, as this villa faces such great calamity, if I, Xiang Chan, were to act like a cowardly turtle, would that not bring shame to the heroes of the world? If there is any way I can be of use, Miss, please do not hesitate to speak up."

These individuals are constantly yearning for the restoration of their nation. How could they know that this dream of restoration, like flowers in a mirror and the moon in water, will never be realized Listening to Yan's words, Han Huaichu felt a surge of emotion within him

Zhang Ying stopped her sobbing and said, "Brothers, now that the Yuyan Villa has been destroyed and we cannot return home, it would be better for everyone to disperse. If the opportunity arises in the future, we can plan to reunite. The Qin army is after Young Master Cheng and my siblings; as long as you all keep a low profile, you will not be implicated."

***

Zhang Ying's keen gaze closely followed Han Huaichu, her heart secretly rejoicing. "I didn't expect the seemingly refined Young Master Han to possess martial skills. I wonder how proficient he is in martial arts"

Zhang Ying's eyes brightened: "Are you, young master, planning to go to the Ghost Valley?" Han Huai Chu asked in surprise: "Miss Ying, how did you know?"

Seeing that Huan Tong could not withstand the rebel forces, someone among the Qin army shouted, "Gather together!" In an instant, more than twenty generals leaped out, surrounding and ambushing Xiang.

Zhang Ying, disregarding her overwhelming sorrow, raised her riding whip and fled into the distant mountains and fields with Han Huai, Chu, and Young Master Han Cheng

Zhang Ying tightly embraced the corpse of Zhang Liang, quietly sobbing. In the mournful autumn wind, the sound was particularly heart-wrenching

Then Huan Tong rushed to the front with the books. Seeing that the rebels were about to escape, in a moment of urgency, he drew his long bow from behind, nocked an arrow, and shot.

Zhang Ying said: "Those who wish to pay homage to the masters of Zongheng, the recluse of Qingxi, and the strategist of Guigu, are countless across the world"

In the distance, the Yuyan Villa was engulfed in a fierce blaze, casting a blood-red hue across the sky. Han Huaichu said to Zhang Yan, "Miss Yan, the Yuyan Villa has been destroyed by the Qin army"

Han Huaichu observed clearly and called out loudly: "Young Master Zhang, why are you not leaving quickly? What are you waiting for!"

The situation on the field has reversed. One can see Xiang struggling to fend off the numerous hands with his two fists, stammering under the siege of the many Qin generals, and it is evident that he is at a disadvantage.

A figure suddenly appeared, and it was Han Huaichu. He raised his hand to seize a long spear and hurled it swiftly. The dark rainbow flashed and pierced the horse's belly, bringing the flying rider down forcefully. Han Huaichu grabbed Zhang Liang's corpse, jumped onto the horse, and shouted: "Miss, hurry and leave!"

Xiang Chan raised his head towards the sky and arrogantly said: "Do you know Xiang Chan, you nameless junior?"

***

Zhang Ying said: "As a young master of noble lineage, be cautious on your journey"

This was primarily an escape, and Huan Tong was infuriated out of shame. Abandoning Han Huai, Chu, and Xiang Chan, he pursued Han Cheng, shouting: "Do not let the key figure escape!"

Zhang Ying said: "In this vast world, where can one not find a place to belong?" She cast a sorrowful glance at Han Cheng, feeling lost: "Young Master Cheng, my brother's life and death is of little concern, but as for the great cause of restoring the country, I do not know when it can be accomplished."

Zhang Ying, with swollen eyes, asked with a pained expression: "Where is Young Master Cheng going?" Han Cheng replied: "The former Grand Tutor Yin Rang has retired to the Wei region and sent a letter the day before yesterday. I wish to seek refuge elsewhere"

Thus, everyone bid farewell to Zhang Yan and dispersed on their own. In the vast mountains and forests, only Han Huaichu, Zhang Yan, and Han Cheng remained.

Huan Tong was taken aback upon hearing this. It turned out that at that time in the land of Chu, the reputation of the great general Xiang Yan was exceedingly prominent. Moreover, Xiang Chan, being the son of Xiang Yan, was indeed a notorious fugitive listed on the wanted list of the Qin court.

Han Huai Chu helped Zhang Liang down from the horse and asked, "Miss Yuan, how shall we arrange your brother's remains"

Han Cheng was saved, but Zhang Liang suffered misfortune; an arrow struck Zhang Liang in the chest, piercing through.

Zhang Ying witnessed all of this and let out a sorrowful cry akin to the weeping of a cuckoo: "Brother!" She spurred her horse and rushed to the front of Zhang Liang.

Xiang Chan let out a cold laugh: "That depends on whether the sword in my hand agrees."

At last, Zhang Liang could no longer hold on, and he fell from his horse. Behind him, a cavalryman from the Qin army galloped forward, and it seemed he was about to trample Zhang Liang's corpse into the ground.

A group of people marched on while fighting, not even caring about the direction. After traveling over 100 miles, they finally managed to shake off the pursuing Qin army

Zhang Ying anxiously watched at the door, thinking, "At this moment, Xiang Chan possesses the highest martial arts skills in the manor. If Xiang Chan cannot withstand the attack, how will everyone escape from the encirclement?" A cold sweat drenched his back.

That person is a "traitor," having received great kindness from the Zhang family. Now that the manor is in trouble, it is to be expected that he would not leave. Zhang Yan then turned to Han Huaichu and said: "Young Master Han, you are merely a messenger and need not get involved in this calamity. You can clarify your identity to the authorities, and they are unlikely to make things difficult for you."

Huan Tong stepped forward and shouted, "You can't kill all the rebels, eat my grandfather's club!" He swung his club and struck. Xiang Chan was equally unceremonious, drawing his sword and thrusting it.

Zhang Liang had long been enduring hardship and nurturing his ambitions, deliberately planning a rebellion. His family soldiers were well-trained on ordinary days. Suddenly, hundreds of these soldiers, like fierce tigers emerging from the forest, forcefully cut a gap through the encirclement of the Qin army, carving out a bloody path, and galloped away swiftly into the distance

Zhang Ying appeared remarkably calm and immediately said: "Protecting Young Master Cheng is of utmost importance. Whether we keep this villa or not is irrelevant. Everyone, quickly gather your weapons and horses, concentrate our forces, and find a weak point to break through. Mr. Xiang Chan is a guest at our villa; there is no reason for him to reveal his identity. Let him disguise himself as one of our servants and blend in with us to escape together"

***

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Han Cheng also bid farewell, saying: "Miss Yuan, there is no banquet in the world that does not come to an end. I must take my leave now; please take care of yourself."

Suddenly, a voice shouted from outside the door: "The people of Yuyan Mountain Villa have surrounded you. Quickly surrender the son of Lord Han, and do not even think about escaping!"

Han Cheng also appeared to be a person without opinions, anxiously saying: "Your sister has the most ideas. Miss Yan, what should we do?"

Han Cheng's figure receded into the distance. Zhang Ying cast a pair of exquisite eyes towards Han Huai Chu and asked, "Young Master Han, where do you wish to go?"

Xiang Yan was a renowned general of the Chu state. Xiang Chuan, being his son, naturally possessed exceptional martial skills. However, Huan Tong was merely a county lieutenant in the Qin court; in terms of martial prowess, how could he compare to one from a "family of generals"

Suddenly, a circle of sword shadows appeared, resembling a cluster of cold cotton, surrounding Huan Tong.

Stop to count the personnel; three hundred have been lost out of the ten stops, leaving only about three hundred people. After that entanglement, they have also disappeared without a trace, presumably having lost contact with the others.

Zhang Ying expressed her guilt to Han Huaichu, saying: "It is truly unfortunate to have implicated you in this calamity"

At this moment, Huan Tong used a piece of cloth to bind his thigh, stopping the bleeding, and rejoined the battle. Suddenly, he became fierce, targeting the vital points with every strike, intent on cutting down Xiang Chan to avenge the loss of his sword. His momentum seemed to have increased significantly compared to before.

These more than ten individuals are the key figures of this Qin army, including twenty captains, four leaders of five hundred, and two military marquises

Only Han Huaichu was seen wielding a sword, flying up and down like a lost divine dragon, with a momentum like a rainbow. With the combined strength of him and Xiang Chan, they forcefully turned the situation around. Observing his swordsmanship, it was not much inferior to the renowned Xiang Chan.

At this moment, Zhang Liang was struck in a vital spot by Huan Tong, his face turning as pale as gold paper, and beads of cold sweat were streaming down from his forehead

Suddenly, with a call from him, a group of over one hundred soldiers surged out from the Qin army, surrounding Han and Huai Chu completely.

However, Huan Tong became increasingly alarmed as the battles continued, "I do not know where this wild brat has come from. One Xiang Chan is already troublesome enough, and now another one has appeared, seemingly even more difficult to deal with."

While speaking, a loud shout came from outside the door: "Those inside, quickly hand over the young master of Korea! Otherwise, not a single person or animal will be spared!"

Zhang Ying stared blankly at her home and said softly, "If it burns, it burns; there is nothing to regret."

Han Huaichu replied: "I wish to go to the Wei region, to Qingxi, to seek a master and learn military strategy from him"

Zhang Ying felt a mix of surprise and joy, as her earlier worries for Han Huai Chu had diminished by half. She thought to herself that this dream lover indeed possessed impressive swordsmanship.

This group has surrounded the left flank of the Yuanyan Mountain Villa. With their movement, a gap has opened in the encirclement of the villa.

The young master of the Zhang residence, Zhang Liang, asked Han Cheng: "Young Master Cheng, now that the news has leaked and the Qin army is surrounding the village, where should we go?"