Chapter 5: The Bear Ascends the Wooden Peak

Are we really left with no choice but to sit and wait for our doom now? Ye Qingchen was in a state of extreme anxiety

Seeing that Ye Qingchen was somewhat puzzled, Ji Qingchen explained, "The teacher is the direct descendant of the War God of the Li Kingdom, Master Li Yaoshi. This Wolf Blade is Master Li's personal weapon, representing the honor of several generations of the Li family military. The teacher usually treats it as a treasure, yet this time, he so easily gifted it to Qingchen, which left Qingchen very confused"

"Your Highness means that General Li entrusted you with this letter and this dagger for a specific purpose?" Ye Qingchen began to seriously examine the ancient battle dagger and the letter on the table.

Indeed, if Qingchen's estimation is correct, the secret may lie within this letter. However, for more than ten days, Qingchen has not dared to look at the contents of this letter. She understands her teacher's character very well. Since he privately handed this letter to her, it is likely that once she reads its contents, the bond of teacher and student between them will truly come to an end. " Ji Qingchen said with a hint of melancholy.

Silence

At this moment, Mu Feng had already dismounted and stepped forward, carefully scrutinizing Ji Qingchen for a moment. Only then did he smile slightly and nod, saying, "It has been six years since we last met. I did not expect my junior brother to have grown up so much. Indeed, as the teacher said, he has transformed into a graceful young gentleman!"

After a while, Ji Qingchen finally came to her senses. Seeing that Ye Qingchen was still in the main tent, she said, "Uncle, you should go back and rest! As for this matter, just inform Guo Lun; make sure he does not report it to the Yulin Cavalry."

"General, the Empress Dowager has issued a secret order, stating that Ji Qingchen, who appears to be a hostage of Yan, is actually a spy for the Yan state. This time he returns to Yan carrying state secrets, and I have been specifically instructed to escort Ji Qingchen back to the capital!" Xiao Han said proudly

If it were not for Chen Qingzhi's solitary advance, without provisions and reinforcements, the country would have almost been destroyed by him.

Therefore, in the struggle for Ningwu Pass, the Great Yan and the Li Kingdom have engaged in countless battles over the course of several hundred years

Ji Qingchen felt a chill, "Could this be what the teacher referred to in the letter, the pawn of Empress Xiao at Ningwu Pass?"

Senior brother is joking! Qingchen has had a weak constitution since childhood, so naturally, she cannot be compared to senior brother Tieyan! Ji Qingchen said self-deprecatingly

Yin Zhi's gaze met the cold light of the wooden peak, which shot towards him like a knife, yet he showed not the slightest fear

Mu Feng, what do you want to do? Xiao Han no longer dared to meet Mu Feng's gaze, and as he saw Mu Feng approaching him step by step, his voice became somewhat distorted, his face filled with fear.

Ji Qingchen looked up and saw Qian Ye Qingchen nearby. She asked, "Uncle, why haven't you rested so late? Is there something else that needs to be discussed?"

At a critical moment, he could not afford to think too much and immediately whispered to Mufeng, "Senior brother, there is still a letter from the teacher here for Qingchen, and it must not fall into Xiao Han's hands!"

Mu Feng, how dare you! You even question the Empress Dowager's decree; do you not regard Empress Dowager Xiao at all? You must understand that the Empress Dowager is His Majesty's mother, and her decree is equivalent to His Majesty's imperial edict. By questioning the Empress Dowager's orders in such a manner, do you intend to openly defy the imperial edict and plot rebellion?" Xiao Han shouted at Mu Feng, furious at the contemptuous look he had just received from him.

Fearing that the Emperor of Li State might once again go back on his word and hinder his return, Ji Qingchen conferred with his uncle Ye Qingchen and the cavalry officer Guo Lun, deciding that this time they would avoid the official roads of Li State as much as possible while making a rapid march day and night. Thus, as soon as the cavalry left the capital's sphere of influence, they altered their route and speed. After more than ten days of relentless marching day and night, they finally arrived on the evening of the fifteenth day at the banks of the Si River, less than one hundred miles from Ningwu Pass.

Ji Qingchen arrived at Ningwuguan, where General Mu Feng had already received the news and had led hundreds of Li Kingdom cavalry to quietly stand at the gate in anticipation

The national railway cavalry similarly did not expect that the commander would kill the deputy commander, and they were also taken aback

Qingchen was pondering that the reason we have not encountered any obstacles during our journey south these past few days might be related to Empress Xiao's intention to target Qingchen at Ningwuguan. Now that we have arrived at Ningwuguan, it may already be too late to seek an escape route. There are certainly many cavalry from the Li Kingdom lurking around us, waiting for an opportunity to strike. As soon as we make any move, we will be ambushed. Given this situation, why not follow Empress Xiao's suggestion and head straight to Ningwuguan after dawn? Upon reaching Ningwuguan, Qingchen will find a way to deliver the letter to the senior brother, and let him make the decision! Since the teacher trusts him so much, why shouldn't Qingchen trust him as well?" Ji Qingchen analyzed calmly.

"Qingchen," Ye Qingchen addressed affectionately, intending to counsel his nephew. However, Ji Qingchen interjected, "Uncle, there is no need to say more; Qingchen understands the gravity of the situation. Since we have already arrived at Ningwu Pass, if any unforeseen events were to occur, they would surely happen before Ningwu Pass. We have come this far, and Qingchen does not wish to be sent back to the capital. Regardless of the contents of the letter, I ask you to take a look on my behalf, Uncle!"

Mu Feng has been stationed at Ningwu Pass for six years. He is not only a disciple of the national military god Li Qingyi but also one of the three great generals of the nation. In contrast, Xiao Han is merely a deputy general who has recently been transferred to Ningwu Pass and lacks prestige there. Upon hearing Mu Feng's roar, the cavalry of the nation at Ningwu Pass all abruptly halted their charge.

"Xiao Han, could you please repeat what kind of imperial decree the Empress Dowager has given you?" Mu Feng walked up to Xiao Han's horse and asked in a calm tone

"Senior Brother—" Ji Qingchen felt a warmth in her eyes, unsure of how to express her gratitude to this senior brother with whom she had not deeply interacted and whom she had not met many times.

It was in that year, when the iron cavalry of the departing nation reached the Weishui River, directly threatening Junlin City, that Chen Qingzhi, who was then playing chess beside Emperor Xuan of the Great Yan, was suddenly entrusted with an important mission

Light Dust, my disciple

Due to this great battle, the Great Yan once again recognized the importance of Ningwu Pass, which subsequently became the gateway of the Great Yan in the north

However, before he could finish speaking and without waiting for Ji Qingchen's response, the sound of galloping hooves surged towards them

Ah! Qingchen is somewhat confused about certain matters!" Ji Qingchen sighed softly and said, "On that day, Li Changchuan could have left Qingchen in the car, but why did he ultimately choose not to do so? From his eyes, Qingchen could see that he was very reluctant for Qingchen to return to Yan. Moreover, Teacher Ri was also in the car, so why did he avoid Li Changchuan and let Shu'er deliver this letter and this knife to me?"

Mu Feng, puzzled, said, "Senior Brother, I heard that during this farewell, the Master was in His Majesty's carriage. The Junior Brother paid great respect to the Master before leaving, which deeply moved the Master. Why did he not present the dagger to the Junior Brother in person? Why did it have to be entrusted to the Princess?"

It is indeed inappropriate for me to write to you in this manner, yet it is due to the bond of master and disciple that has lasted over a decade that I have composed this blood letter. As you prepare to return to Yan, I urge you to take care on your journey. His Majesty, recalling your old friendship and considering your relationship with the princess, will likely not make things difficult for you. However, the Empress Dowager is decisive and will not be swayed by past affections, and there is a risk of ambush along the way. I have contemplated the Empress Dowager's intentions; if you are to be ambushed at Ningwu Pass, the commander there will be your senior brother, Mufeng. He is a man of integrity and valor, who values loyalty and righteousness. If you show him this letter of affection from your master along with the accompanying dagger, he will surely lend you a helping hand.

Upon hearing the sound of the city gate opening, the six hundred cavalry of the Li Kingdom beneath Ningwu Pass regained their senses and promptly made way for Ji Qingchen and the Yulin cavalry, creating a passage for them

From this point onward, the bond between master and disciple is severed. In the future, each will serve their own master, and when we meet again, it will be a matter of life and death for us both

Ji Qingchen nodded gently

Mu Feng did not speak, but quietly glanced at the junior disciple in front of him. He then cast a fleeting look at the wolf blade hanging at the junior disciple's waist, as if he suddenly understood why the master had entrusted the princess with the task of handing the wolf blade to Ji Qingchen.

Mu Feng strode up to Ji Qingchen and said, "Junior Brother, you should leave quickly. Otherwise, if you delay any longer, it is likely that you will truly be unable to exit Ningwu Pass!"

The two senior brothers met again, and they were exceptionally warm towards each other

"Is it the Empress Dowager's secret decree? How could this general be unaware of it? Do you have His Majesty's edict?" Mu Feng questioned sternly, his eyes filled with disdain

The Imperial Guard was taken aback

Because Xiao Han is no one else but the nephew of the late Empress Xiao of the Li Kingdom. Without the late Empress Xiao, Xiao Han would not have been qualified to serve as the deputy general of Ningwu Pass due to his martial prowess.

When Ye Qingchen stepped out of his tent, he noticed that there was still light in Ji Qingchen's tent. Knowing that His Highness the Ninth Prince had not yet retired, he reported to the guards outside the door and strode into Ji Qingchen's tent.

The next day, when the sun was high in the sky, Ji Qingchen's southern-bound cavalry arrived at Ningwu Pass.

"Uncle, do not panic; this matter is likely not as simple as you think!" Ji Qingchen pondered for a moment and said coldly, "Li Changchuan's ascension to the throne of the Li Kingdom is the result of years of planning between me and my teacher. Now that he has become emperor and begun to favor my teacher, this poses a heavy blow to those who wish to establish the ten-year-old Prince of the Southern Courtyard as emperor, intending to manipulate the young emperor and have Empress Dowager Xiao govern behind the scenes. Therefore, it is well known in the Li Kingdom that there is discord between Empress Dowager Xiao and my teacher; she has always been intent on eliminating my teacher. If we recklessly send someone to deliver this letter to Senior Brother Mufeng at this time, it is certain that the letter will fall into someone else's hands, which may prove detrimental to my teacher."

Otherwise, what other options do we have? Ji Qingchen replied, "We are at the mercy of others. We can only wait until dawn, and then we will discuss it again when we reach Ningwu Pass"

"Uncle, don't panic, let's talk after reading the letter!" Ji Qingchen appeared quite composed.

Your Highness, it is imperative that we consider how to respond to the plans of the exiled Empress Dowager Xiao! Ye Qingchen, seeing that his nephew was still preoccupied with the bond between teacher and student, seemingly disregarding the imminent crisis, spoke with some concern, "My suggestion is to immediately send someone to deliver the letter to the commander of Ningwuguan, Mu Feng. Since General Li has already made such arrangements, it is likely that your senior brother Mu Feng is a trustworthy person."

"This was given to me by the teacher when Qi Cheng was leaving," Ji Qingchen replied truthfully

The silence in the entire venue is terrifying

Protect His Highness! Guo Lun was already prepared. Upon seeing the cavalry of the departing nation charging forward, he led a hundred Feather Forest Riders to tightly shield Ji Qingchen and Mu Feng in the center.

As he spoke, he picked up the "Wolf Fang Knife" that was placed on the table, lost in thought

Indeed! It is the farewell letter from the teacher to Qingchen!" Ji Qingchen sighed softly

Only a faint light remained in Ji Qingchen's tent

Ji Qingchen was taken aback

Ji Qingchen did not expect that her senior brother would do such a thing, actually killing his own deputy for the sake of his junior brother.

Nuo! Ye Qingchen accepted the order and respectfully exited the main tent

With a creak, the city gate of Ningwu Pass swung open

"Are you saying that this is the scheme set by Empress Dowager Xiao against General Li, intending to achieve two goals with one arrow?" Ye Qingchen suddenly understood his nephew's concerns

Mufeng did not speak, merely offering a faint smile and shaking his head slightly

Princess Ji Qingchen nodded slightly, and he eagerly asked, "What does Your Highness mean?"

His gaze shifted to the letter, and suddenly his expression changed dramatically, almost showing signs of unsteadiness.

Ye Qingchen hesitated for a moment, but still stepped forward to pick up the letter on the table and gently opened it

"Disciple, since the master has entrusted the Wolf Blade to you, he must have his own profound intentions. Therefore, when you encounter danger, how can your senior brother not lend you a helping hand?" Mu Feng said with a calm smile, speaking cheerfully, "As for the master's letter, there's no need to give it to your senior brother; you may keep it for yourself!"

Ye Qingchen observed his nephew's composure, akin to a mountain collapsing before him without a change in expression, feeling both gratified and delighted. Reflecting on his own earlier panic, his face flushed with embarrassment. He let out a soft sigh, suppressing the astonishment within, and began to read:

During this period, Ningwu Pass was under the control of the Great Yan until three hundred years ago when two hundred thousand cavalry from the Li Kingdom descended south, breaching Ningwu Pass and advancing directly towards the capital of the Great Yan, Junlin, at which point Ningwu Pass was reclaimed by the Li Kingdom

"You all—" Xiao Han exclaimed in great surprise, his demeanor somewhat flustered. He could hardly believe his own eyes. Upon arriving at Ningwu Pass, he had meticulously selected these six hundred cavalrymen to serve as his personal guards, with the intention of having a force at his command when necessary. However, he did not expect that Mu Feng could silence his own guards with just a single sentence.

Just as Ji Qingchen was sizing up her senior brother Mu Feng, she suddenly felt a piercing gaze from beside her. She shifted her attention from her brother to the side and saw a valiant and imposing general with phoenix-like eyes glaring at her.

At this moment, he hesitated a bit, uncertain whether the Empress Dowager's decree mentioned by Xiao Han was truly the position of the Empress Dowager herself or the intention of His Majesty the Emperor

Mu Feng was taken aback and suddenly asked, "Is this written by the teacher for me?"

Mu Feng remained extremely calm. Upon discovering that his deputy, Xiao Han, was the one giving orders to the cavalry at Ningwu Pass, he angrily shouted, "Xiao Han, what do you think you are doing?"

Mu Feng ignored Xiao Han's panicked demeanor, instead casting a cold, piercing gaze over the cavalry of the Li Kingdom on horseback. The Li Kingdom's cavalry, under the chilling scrutiny of Mu Feng, involuntarily lowered their heads, resembling a group of children who had committed a mistake. Mu Feng let out a cold snort, and only then did he shift his gaze to Xiao Han, walking towards him step by step with a composed demeanor.

Ji Qingchen quickly boarded the carriage, while the armored cavalry urged their warhorses, and the cavalry began to slowly exit Ningwu Pass

After listening, Mufeng did not speak; he merely pondered for a moment. Suddenly, a hint of relief appeared on his serious face.

Hold on! Suddenly, just as the six hundred iron cavalry were about to charge, Mu Feng shouted sternly.

At this moment, he was quietly gazing at the letter that Li Qingyi had written to him and the "Wolf Blade" that had been given to him, lost in thought.

Ji Qingchen understood that Mu Feng had killed Xiao Han out of necessity. Now, they were in the territory of the departing country, and she had not yet escaped danger. She could not linger too long in front of Ningwu Pass, so she bowed deeply to Mu Feng, saying, "Thank you, Senior Brother! I shall take my leave now. Please take care of yourself, Senior Brother. If you ever travel south to Dayan, I will be sure to welcome you with open arms!"

Ye Qingchen was very anxious, but at that moment he had no way to act, so he could only sit silently in the tent.

In addition to the letter addressed to Ji Qingchen, there was unexpectedly another letter inside the envelope. Ye Qingchen had not intended to read the contents of the letter; just as he was about to hand it over to Ji Qingchen, he heard her say, "Uncle, please read it for me again!"

"No!" Six hundred iron cavalry received the order and charged towards the Feather Forest Guards.

Mu Feng unexpectedly killed Xiao Han with a single strike

May the light dust be cherished by my disciples

This is a truly genuine act of saving grace

Thus, the current Ningwu Pass has become a frontier stronghold of the departing nation, a sharp sword hanging over the head of the Great Yan!

Ningwu Pass, built during the southern migration of Emperor Ping of the Great Yan, took three years to complete, primarily for the purpose of defending against the Qiang people who were then dominant in the northern frontier. However, after the nomadic nation of Li State defeated the Qiang and established the Great Li Dynasty in the northwest, Ningwu Pass became the focal point of the prolonged conflicts between the Li State and the Great Yan. If the Great Yan controlled Ningwu Pass, it would serve as a stepping stone for advancing into the Li State; conversely, if the Li State controlled Ningwu Pass, it would be like a sharp sword hanging over the throat of the Great Yan.

Ji Qingchen dismounted from the carriage and, looking into the distance, saw her elder brother Mu Feng standing on horseback at the center of the cavalry ahead

Chen Qingzhi was appointed in a time of crisis and, with only the hastily assembled 7,000 White Robe Army, he resolved the danger facing the Northern Capital. He then advanced northward with unstoppable momentum, successfully breaching Ningwu Pass and reaching the capital of the Liguo.

He only thought this in his heart, but did not show it on his face. He continued to stride forward and said to his senior brother, Mu Feng, "Senior brother, it has been six years since we last met, and you still carry yourself with such grace!"

When the cavalry arrived at the Sishui River, it was already late at night, around midnight. Even if they hurried to Ningwuguan overnight, they would not be able to leave the city. Ji Qingchen could only order Guo Lun to set up camp on the spot and wait until dawn to continue their journey

Ye Qingchen retracted the hand he had extended, placing another envelope, addressed to Mu Feng, on the table. He began to carefully examine the contents of the letter written by Li Qingyi to Ji Qingchen.

Xiao Han, riding on his horse, did not hear the conversation between Mu Feng and Ji Qingchen. Seeing Mu Feng silent, he assumed that Mu Feng had been intimidated by the Empress Dowager's decree and had succumbed to his own power. Consequently, he became even more arrogant and, disregarding Mu Feng's cold and stern gaze, commanded the cavalry beside him, "Come here! Quickly capture Ji Qingchen for this general!"

Ji Qingchen noticed that Mu Feng was silent, and she understood what he was thinking.

Open the city gates!" Mu Feng shouted loudly at the city tower of Ningwu Pass.

The six hundred iron cavalry quietly charged forward in front of Ningwu Pass, surrounding Mu Feng, Ji Qingchen, and the Yulin cavalry in the middle

Oh! Suddenly, Mu Feng exclaimed in surprise, his gaze shifting to Ji Qingchen's waist. With a hint of disbelief, he asked, "Junior Brother, isn't this the Wolf Blade of our Master? How could it be in your possession?"

Mufeng found his junior apprentice's way of speaking quite endearing, and thus burst into a hearty laugh

Only Mu Feng remained calm after killing Xiao Han. He sheathed the long knife in the scabbard on the saddle of Xiao Han's headless corpse. As Xiao Han's body fell heavily from the warhorse, he spoke, "Xiao Han falsely transmitted the Empress Dowager's decree, intending to assassinate the Ninth Prince of Dayan, which has caused a dispute between Li Country and Dayan. He deserves to die"

Ji Qingchen had not seen this taciturn senior brother for six years. The last time they met was at the home banquet for their teacher's fiftieth birthday. In this encounter, he found that his senior brother had not changed much; he still wore a coarse cotton battle robe, faded from washing, and the mane of the mottled horse he rode had become somewhat sparse, giving off a slightly shabby appearance. The only exception was the half-exposed battle knife on the saddle, which was ancient and heavy, exuding an air of grimness.

Upon hearing Mu Feng's words, and seeing Mu Feng's calm expression, Xiao Han felt a bit dazed. Could it be that he had just misjudged the situation? He let out a long sigh, preparing to speak, when suddenly there was a sharp sound, followed by a flash of white light. Then came a splattering sound, and blood gushed forth, as Xiao Han's head was sent soaring into the air

"Your Highness, have you not taken a rest?" Ye Qingchen said seriously, glancing at the knife and letter on the table.

At night, the cold wind of the northern lands howls around the camp like a wraith! The campfire has long since extinguished, and apart from the sentinels of the Feathered Guards, the rest of the people have already retired for the night

It was unexpected that thirty years ago, the national military god Li Qingyi rose to prominence, annihilating two hundred thousand elite troops of the Great Yan in the battle at the Yanzhi River, resulting in the complete loss of the northern elite soldiers and generals of the Great Yan. This allowed Li Qingyi to take the opportunity to march south and reclaim the Ningwu Pass, which had been lost for three hundred years