Prologue
Gu was plagued by a nightmare, in which he encountered him once again
However, to their surprise, the strong man burst into a hearty laugh and said, "Do you think you can leave here today?"
... ...
Where is Ji Yao?" Yi Feng glared at the burly man.
The burly man across from me revealed a look of surprise and fervor in his eyes the moment he saw the jade pendant, "It is it!"
Everything went smoothly, even more so than expected. They successfully opened the gates of the manor and entered the estate.
... ...
"Take them down, alive." The strong man was already giving orders
In the year 581 AD, Yang Jian usurped the Zhou dynasty and established the Sui dynasty. In 587, he annexed the Western Liang, and in 589, he subdued the Southern Chen, unifying the Central Plains. In 588, the Eastern Turkic Khagan Qimin submitted and acknowledged allegiance, bestowing upon the Sui Emperor the honorific title of Saintly Khan.
Upon hearing these words, Zou Wenteng's expression changed slightly. Zou Wenteng is the Chief Steward of the Crown Prince's household, a high-ranking official of the fourth rank, responsible for criminal law, meals, warehouses, and servants. However, in the Eastern Palace, Zou Wenteng also oversees the communication both within and outside the palace, handling confidential intelligence. Yang Yong's words reminded him of a certain matter.
Yi Feng waved his hand and quietly ordered the preparation for an assault on the manor His long black hair was tied up in a bun on top of his head, and a short black beard had just begun to sprout beneath his chin, giving him a slightly more mature appearance than his actual age Standing nearly seven feet tall, with starry brows and sharp eyes, long arms and a slim waist, he wore a white deep robe fastened with a jade-inlaid leather belt, and over it draped a silver cloak, with a jade-handled long sword hanging at his waist At this moment, his eyes were filled with flickering anger, looking nothing like the refined scholar he usually appeared to be He had already donned a silver, menacing mask on his face, a sign that he was ready to take action
The strong man scrutinized Yi Feng like a venomous snake for a moment, then changed the subject: "I have heard that Young Master Yi possesses a jade pendant that is kept close to him, inscribed with the two characters 'Yi Feng'. I would like to request to borrow it for a look."
In the spring of the eighteenth year, in February, at Daxing, in the Eastern Palace
Yifeng shouted loudly, and in the next moment, dozens of arrow feathers shot out from the rooftops on both sides, emitting a sharp whistling sound
Yi Feng left Wei Bao and two others outside to guard against any potential escapees. He quietly led six riders towards the manor
When Yi Feng realized that he was in a dangerous situation, it was already too late
Stop, something is not right here, retreat quickly
I do not know anyone named Yang Lin
"The jade pendant?" Yang Yong was initially bewildered, then suddenly his expression changed dramatically, "Are you referring to that jade pendant?"
Not long ago, a royal guard secretly dispatched by the Eastern Palace to handle affairs in the local area occasionally discovered a person in possession of a jade pendant that had been strictly investigated by a previous secret order from the Eastern Palace
One by one, the people around fell down; no matter how formidable the warrior, in such a narrow terrain, ambushes were inescapable. Just when Yi Feng thought he was about to meet his end, the rain of arrows from Ling Li suddenly ceased. Yi Feng glanced around, and of the six brothers who had entered the village, only three remained; the other three had perished. The remaining four had all sustained varying degrees of arrow wounds.
The archers on the roof have ceased their fire, and dozens of black-clad individuals armed with sabers and spears have surged out from both the interior and the streets. The command to capture them alive has given Yi Feng and his companions a glimmer of hope. With a swift stroke of the sword, he beheaded a black-clad swordsman blocking his path. He broke through a gap in the encirclement and, aided by his agile steed, miraculously charged out of the manor gates.
Once again, there were several cries of despair. The three brothers following Yi Feng were unable to break through the encirclement and were trapped within the gates of the manor. Yi Feng's eyes were filled with rage, and in a moment of desperation, he let out a loud roar, drew his sword, and with blood-red eyes, turned to charge at the enemy. In the next instant, his sword struck down, killing two of the men in black, but he himself was also stabbed in the back by a horizontal blade.
One must see the living when alive, and see the corpse when dead. Furthermore, no matter what, that piece of jade pendant must be returned to the lonely one.
The prince's family servant, Zou Wenteng, cautiously inquired, "Is it that child again?"
The team has arrived at the foot of Guabu Mountain in Liuhe County, Yangzhou, where there is a considerable estate, built in a very secluded and sturdy manner. Wei Bao believes that the owner of this estate is a salt merchant, and Ji Yao is currently in his hands. Yi Feng recalls the experiences of knowing and interacting with Ji Yao over the years, and cannot help but feel a surge of anger. Ji Yao is the sister of his best brother. Three years ago, his best brother, Ji Hu, died while shielding him from an arrow, and before dying, entrusted his sister to him, asking him to take good care of her. He vowed at Ji Hu's deathbed that he would marry Ji Yao in the future and take care of her for a lifetime. Ji Yao is the sister of his best brother. Three years ago, his best brother, Ji Hu, died while shielding him from an arrow, and before dying, entrusted his sister to him, asking him to take good care of her. He vowed at Ji Hu's deathbed that he would marry Ji Yao in the future and take care of her for a lifetime.
Xiahou Fu felt that the surrounding temperature had dropped significantly
What nonsense is Leopard talking? Has he forgotten the words of the former elder sister? In any case, protect the second brother well
It was not until nightfall that Wei Bao finally shook off the pursuing figures in black. Cautiously, he circled back to the riverbank and reached the hidden spot where Yi Feng was supposed to be, only to be alarmed to find no trace of him.
In March, Yangzhou, the willows sway like smoke
Furthermore, why did they stop shooting arrows
Those who hide their heads and show their tails, do you dare to reveal your name? The wind howls with rage
Brother Leopard took Second Brother away from here, we will hold the rear! The other two shouted loudly upon seeing that Yi Feng had already fainted
He reached into his bosom and took the warm jade pendant into his hand
Beware of the arrows
Recently, Yang Yong has been having a recurring dream; to be more precise, he has been experiencing this dream for several years. Around this time each year, he inevitably has a few nightmares. However, in the past, the dream always featured a child, but this time it surprisingly transformed into a young man who approached him with a sword, challenging him to a duel.
Yi Feng did not know whether the Yangzhou salt merchant in front of him had bought Ji Yao from human traffickers or had personally abducted her from Youzhou City. In any case, he had already touched Yi Feng's reverse scale.
Yifeng turned his horse around and decisively shouted loudly. There were a total of six riders around him, all of whom were fierce and valiant individuals. If they were to deal with ordinary village guards, they could easily take on several opponents at once. However, they now found themselves in a narrow street at the entrance of the village, surrounded by two rows of houses, which confined them to a cramped terrain. The rooftops on both sides of the street were positioned perfectly to overlook them from above
On a morning in late spring, as summer approaches, the weather is pleasant, though the sunlight is not yet intense and the temperature is still moderate. A group of several dozen people sets off at dawn, with Yi Feng riding among them, filled with anxiety. After half a year of searching for Ji Yao, he has finally found a glimmer of a clue, faintly appearing in Yangzhou, Jiangnan, and he is eager to rush there. It is the spring of the 18th year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, and Yi Feng is exactly 18 years old, having been born on the day the Great Sui was founded. After half a year of searching for Ji Yao, he has finally found a glimmer of a clue, faintly appearing in Yangzhou, Jiangnan, and he is eager to rush there. It is the spring of the 18th year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, and Yi Feng is exactly 18 years old, having been born on the day the Great Sui was founded.
"No, if we are to die, let us die together," Wei Bao said
With a loud shout from Yi Feng, he charged ahead on horseback, attacking towards the outside of the manor
Wei Bao hesitated for a moment, and finally gritted his teeth, lifting Yi Feng onto the saddle and riding southward.
"Young Master Yi, you should be more concerned about your own life," the burly man said with a sinister smile. "I have taken the trouble to invite you here, simply to ask Young Master Yi one question: where is Yang Lin?"
Facing a sturdy manor, although there were only ten riders, Yi Feng and Wei Bao and others showed no signs of fear; in fact, they did not regard the manor as a threat at all. This was not due to arrogance, but rather because they had previously ascertained that there were not many people in the manor. It was merely a secondary residence, housing about several dozen individuals, mostly farmers, women, and children, with no more than ten guards. Their ten riders were certainly not something that a few guards and a group of farmers could withstand. Moreover, they had chosen to launch their surprise attack in the early morning.
In the stillness of the early morning, Yi Feng shook out his cloak, gripping the jade ornament on the hilt of his sword with his right hand, and forcefully drew the sword. He spoke aloud, "Charge in and rescue Ji Yao; any who resist shall be killed!" Before he finished speaking, he raised the long sword above his head.
The sound of anger echoed in the air filled with the scent of blood, as a series of footsteps approached from ahead. Several black-clad individuals in leather armor surrounded a burly man who appeared on the other side of the street.
Yifeng understood that the current situation had already exceeded control. He did not know why there were so many bows and arrows in a manor that originally belonged to a salt merchant. Moreover, judging by the opponent's archery skills and these feathered arrows, it was evident that they were not ordinary bows and archers. The method of shooting resembled that of military guards, and the bows were standard military issue. This was a trap, but what he did not understand was why, if the opponents were military personnel, they would go to such lengths to set up such a trap, luring them from the north to Jiangnan, Yangzhou.
The sudden rain of arrows caught them off guard. Zhao San, on one side, did not have time to take down the shield that was resting beside the saddle, and was directly struck by several arrows, turning him into a porcupine, only able to emit a mournful scream before collapsing. Old Wang, along with his horse, was pinned to the ground, his limbs convulsing. A dull sound echoed through the street, the horrifying noise of arrowheads piercing flesh.
Wei Bao swiftly drew his sword and declared: "Dare to provoke us, this is seeking death. We will leave no trace behind, not even a chicken or a dog, and not a blade of grass will grow!"
Soon, Yi Feng began to sense a warning, faintly feeling that something was amiss
He noticed some unnatural glimmers shining on the ridges of the houses on both sides of the courtyard, and instinctively, he sensed a hint of ominousness.
No," Yang Yong said wearily, shaking his head, "This time it is not a child, but a young man of weak crown age, holding a sword, seeking to take a life.
At that moment, Yi Feng heard a shout coming from above his head, and he instinctively looked up
Tang Ling is the Left Shuzi of the Crown Prince, Zou Wenteng is the Family Steward of the Crown Prince, Xiahou Fu is the Sima of the Left Guard, and Yuan Yan is the Supervisor of the Imperial Kitchen. All four are officials of the Eastern Palace and are absolute confidants of Yang Yong
Although it was midnight, the four of them arrived shortly.
In the inner chamber, Crown Prince Yang Yong suddenly awoke from a nightmare with a cry. His face was pale, and his body was drenched in sweat. He sat on the couch in a daze for a long time, his voice low, "Summon Tang Lingze, Zou Wenteng, Xiahou Fu, and Yuan Yan here!"
Zou Wenteng nodded slightly, his face somewhat pale, while Yang Yong's expression turned a shade of ashen. The boy from his dreams tonight, along with the jade pendant that had been missing for many years, suddenly stirred countless sealed memories from the past within him
Yifeng retrieved the jade pendant, saying, "Hand over Jiyao to me, and then let us leave. I can give you the jade pendant in return." He could tell that the man had a great interest in this pendant. Although it might hold clues to his own background, at this moment, for the sake of the woman, his brother, and his own safety, he was willing to offer it in exchange
However, as Emperor Sui approached his sixtieth year, he grew increasingly dissatisfied with his crown prince Yang Yong, who had been in the position for eighteen years. Meanwhile, Yang Guang, who harbored ambitions to usurp the throne, was pressing forward relentlessly. Beneath the calm surface of the prosperous Sui dynasty, turbulent currents had long been surging.
As Deng Yifeng and the others waved their shields left and right, when they gathered together to lower their shields, the second wave of concentrated fire followed closely, followed by the third wave, fourth wave, fifth wave ... ...
Yifeng's expression darkened a few shades, and he said in a low voice to his companion, "Prepare to fight our way out; as long as we can exit the manor, there is still hope outside." While speaking, he desperately suppressed the pain; during the recent attack, he had been struck by an arrow, fortunately not a fatal wound.
In the 18th year of the Kaihuang era, after more than a decade of recuperation and revitalization, the military strength of the Sui Dynasty was formidable, with its influence spreading far and wide. Society was prosperous, the people lived in peace and contentment, and the political situation was stable, ushering in a flourishing era unprecedented in several centuries
A man in black rushed forward with a knife, striking Yi Feng from behind and knocking him unconscious on the ground. He was just about to carry him back to claim credit when a rapid sound of hooves approached. Wei Bao and his two companions, who had been waiting outside the manor, arrived just in time to stab the knife-wielding man to death.
Ten riders stood quietly at the foot of the mountain estate in the morning light, their breaths intertwining in the air to form a rising mist
The night has quieted down, and it is now morning, yet not a single person can be seen in the village, as if everyone is indulging in a lazy sleep.
However, during this year's Lantern Festival, Ji Yao asked him to accompany her to Youzhou City to see the Lantern Festival celebrations, but he was unable to go due to a last-minute matter. As a result, Ji Yao went missing in Youzhou City. Every year during the festival, the atmosphere is lively and bustling, yet there are always incidents of young girls, women, and children being abducted or taken away.
"I will ask you once more, where is Yang Lin? If you do not answer seriously, do not expect to see your woman again."
After fleeing south for a considerable time, Wei Bao, seeing the faint outline of pursuers approaching, felt anxious as he looked at the still unconscious Yi Feng. With one horse carrying two people, it was certain they would not be able to escape like this. After running for a while, they reached the banks of the great river. Observing the reeds by the river, he devised a plan. He halted the horse and concealed the unconscious Yi Feng in a patch of reeds by the riverbank. Then, he remounted and turned the horse around to lead the pursuers in another direction.
At that moment, the horse beneath him let out a mournful cry and collapsed to the ground, struck by several arrows from the pursuing figure in black behind him, falling lifelessly.
Yifeng was taken aback for a moment. He had worn a jade pendant since childhood, which was inscribed with the characters "Yifeng" in seal script. He had carried this jade pendant for eighteen years, yet very few people knew about it. Unexpectedly, today someone sought to inquire about this pendant in such a manner
Xiahou Fu, I order you to find him immediately and bring him back