The next morning, after washing and dressing, Jiang Yanyan headed to the main courtyard.
As soon as she entered the inner room, she saw Jiang Yun sitting on a stool beside the bed, speaking with her grandfather.
The father and daughter had clearly already learned about the black-clad intruders who had broken into the City Lord’s Residence the night before.
When Jiang Yan saw Yanyan enter, he looked her over from head to toe. Only after confirming that she had no injuries did the tension in his brows ease slightly.
Jiang Yun immediately rose and hurried over to her. She took Yanyan by the arm, lightly touching her forearm and wrist with her fingertips as she carefully examined her face, afraid that she might have been hurt somewhere.
“Yanyan, your grandfather and I heard about what happened last night.”
There was unmistakable concern in Jiang Yun’s voice, along with lingering fear. “Those black-clad men even made it all the way to Zhusheng Court. You knew enough to send your younger brother out, so why didn’t you hide with him?”
Leaning against the headboard, Jiang Yan took up the conversation, his voice filled with worry. “That’s right, Yanyan. You shouldn’t have put yourself in danger. Given the circumstances last night, you should have followed Xiao’er to the main courtyard. The defenses here are the strongest, and nothing could have gone wrong.
“The men in the residence were more than capable of dealing with those intruders. Why did you have to intervene yourself? The guards brought in from Muxue Manor have been training in martial arts since childhood. Their skills are far superior to yours. With them there, they could have protected Zhusheng Court.”
Jiang Yanyan allowed her mother to inspect her arm. With a faint smile on her lips, she said softly, “Grandfather, Mother, I knew what I was doing. My martial arts may be ordinary, but I had silver needles and medicinal powder on me. Those men couldn’t get close to me. Besides, the guards were already doing their duty, and they arrived within moments. I never had the chance to get hurt.”
As she spoke, she remembered how capable the household guards had been the previous night and added, “The guards performed very well last night and contributed greatly. Grandfather should reward them generously. That way, everyone in the residence will know that those who protect their masters with all their hearts will be rewarded.”
Jiang Yan nodded. He agreed with her completely and said in a deep voice, “Of course. Steward Li began arranging it first thing this morning. The reward money and medicine for their injuries have already been prepared, and the wounded men have been placed under the physician’s care.”
Even so, he could not help reminding her, “But if you encounter something like this again, you must never take such a risk. Your own safety must come first.”
Jiang Yun nodded as well, the worry in her eyes showing no sign of fading. “Your grandfather is right, Yanyan. You’re a young woman. You don’t need to rush forward every time something happens. Protecting yourself is what matters most.”
Jiang Yanyan knew that both of them were genuinely worried about her, so she did not argue. Instead, she obediently agreed. “I understand, Grandfather, Mother. Next time, I’ll make sure to put my safety first and won’t take any unnecessary risks.”
Only after hearing her readily agree did the worry on Jiang Yan and Jiang Yun’s faces ease somewhat. The three of them chatted for a little while longer. Jiang Yan repeatedly reminded her to have guards accompany her whenever she went out, especially whenever she entered or left Zhusheng Court. Jiang Yun, meanwhile, said that she would have the kitchen prepare more of Yanyan’s favorite dishes so she could regain her strength.
Jiang Yanyan agreed to everything.
After chatting for a while, she rose to take her leave. She had just reached the doorway when Jiang Xiao came running out of the side room beyond the outer chamber. His short legs moved quickly, and he flung himself at her, grabbing hold of the hem of her clothing.
Jiang Xiao had been staying in the main courtyard these past few days. With a wet nurse and several matrons watching over him, along with guards keeping watch, he was perfectly safe.
He tilted up his little face. His eyes shone brightly as he looked at Jiang Yanyan, his voice soft and childish but filled with solemn determination.
“Sister, I heard all about last night from Grandfather and my wet nurse. For now, I still have to rely on you to protect me. But when I grow up, I’ll practice martial arts properly. Once I’m grown, I’ll be the one protecting you. I won’t be a burden to you anymore.”
Seeing him like that, Jiang Yanyan’s heart softened. She raised a hand and ruffled his head, her fingertips brushing against his soft hair.
“All right. Then Sister will wait for Xiao’er to grow up. I’ll wait for Xiao’er to protect me.”
When Jiang Xiao heard her agree, his eyes curved into a bright smile. He nodded vigorously, then tugged at her clothing a few more times before his wet nurse laughingly pulled him away, telling him not to delay his sister.
Jiang Yanyan watched his retreating figure, the smile still lingering at the corners of her lips. Then she turned and left the main courtyard.
She was willing to protect Jiang Xiao for two reasons. First, he was the original owner’s biological younger brother, and the original owner had loved him dearly. She certainly would not have wanted anything to happen to him.
Second, Jiang Xiao was obedient and sensible, as well as incredibly cute. With a wet nurse, maids, and matrons caring for him attentively, she did not need to tend to him personally. Playing with him from time to time was hardly a burden and added a little enjoyment to her days.
By the time Jiang Yanyan returned to Zhusheng Court, Steward Li had already entered the study in the main courtyard with the confession extracted from the black-clad men in the dungeon. Bowing, he presented it to Jiang Yan.
“City Lord, we’ve finished interrogating all the black-clad men in the dungeon. Their statements have all been recorded here.”
Jiang Yan raised a hand and accepted the documents. He read through them carefully. Once he saw what was written on the pages, his fingers clenched tightly around the paper until his knuckles turned white. Anger and icy fury churned in his eyes.
What former emperor? What past ties? What bonds between ruler and subject? None of that mattered anymore.
His son-in-law had already paid with his life, yet the royal family still refused to spare the Jiang family.
Even though Jiang Yan had known that Murong Xun harbored ulterior motives, all he had been able to do was remove the men Murong Xun had planted from the Moyun Army. But now, Murong Xun had revealed just how vicious he was. He not only coveted control of the Moyun Army—he even wanted to kill his grandchildren.
What past ties to the former emperor? What bonds between ruler and subject? In the face of his family’s lives, all of it seemed laughably meaningless.
For half his life, Jiang Yan had guarded Moyun City and defended Qi’s northwestern frontier, risking his life countless times. Yet in the end, the imperial family could not tolerate the Jiang family—or the Moyun Army.
At that moment, the last trace of affection Jiang Yan held for the royal family vanished completely, leaving behind only bone-deep coldness and seething hatred.
Steward Li stood quietly to one side. Seeing Jiang Yan’s grim expression, he did not dare say a word and simply waited.
After a while, Jiang Yan slammed the confessions down on the table.
“Murong Xun. Well done.”
The moment he finished speaking, a guard entered from outside to report that one of the trusted generals in the army had sent a message.
Jiang Yan raised a hand and ordered the guard to bring it over. He opened the message and read it. The icy look in his eyes deepened.
According to the message, Murong Xun had been making frequent moves within the army recently, determined to win over the soldiers.
He had bypassed the veteran generals who were loyal to Jiang Yan and was secretly bribing the mid-ranking officers—deputy generals, centurions, and commanders of a thousand men—with promises of lavish wealth, beautiful women, and high office.
Although the veteran generals had been secretly obstructing him and his progress had been slow, quite a few mid-ranking officers had already been tempted and begun wavering. Murong Xun had clearly run out of patience, and his actions were becoming increasingly urgent.
Jiang Yan held the confidential letter tightly in his hand, his thumb rubbing over the paper as his gaze grew dark and solemn.
The Moyun Army had been built by him from the ground up. It was the blood and sweat of the Jiang family, as well as the shield protecting Moyun City. It absolutely could not fall into the hands of a treacherous, power-hungry man like Murong Xun.
The situation within the army could no longer be allowed to drag on.
Around noon, Jiang Yanyan personally carried a bowl of freshly prepared medicinal soup to the main courtyard. She had prescribed the medicine herself and supervised its preparation over the past few days. She had also secretly added water from the spirit spring.
As a result, Jiang Yan’s health was recovering at an astonishing pace.
She entered the inner room and placed the bowl of medicinal broth on the low table beside the bed. Then she helped Jiang Yan sit up, picked up the spoon, and brought a spoonful of medicine to his lips.
Jiang Yan drank two mouthfuls before looking up at Jiang Yanyan. “Yanyan, how is your grandfather’s condition now? Has the poison been completely purged?
“The situation in the army is rather troublesome. I was thinking that if my health has improved, I should return to the army as soon as possible. If this drags on any longer, I’m afraid there will be trouble.”
Jiang Yanyan’s hand paused for a moment as she scooped up more medicine, then she continued to bring it to his lips. “Grandfather, rest assured. Once you finish this dose, the Qianji poison in your body will be completely removed. Your injuries have also healed remarkably well. You won’t have the slightest problem with ordinary movements. You simply can’t take the field and fight yet. After resting for a few more days, you’ll be able to practice martial arts as usual.”
She thought to herself that the effects of the spiritual spring water were far beyond anything ordinary medicinal herbs could compare with. Her grandfather had drunk so much of it that even the most serious injuries should have nearly healed by now. Naturally, she could not say any of that aloud and could only attribute his recovery to the medicine and careful recuperation.
A look of delight flashed through Jiang Yan’s eyes, and he nodded. “Good. Good. As long as the poison is gone, that’s all that matters.”
He finished the medicine in the bowl, raised a hand to wipe the corner of his lips, and said in a deep voice, “Since the poison has been purged and my health is no longer a concern, I’ll return to the army tomorrow. I absolutely cannot allow Murong Xun to run wild there.”
Jiang Yanyan set the empty bowl aside and nodded. “As long as you know what you’re doing, Grandfather. But the army is filled with all kinds of people. Once you return, you must be especially cautious. Murong Xun is eager to win over the troops. I’m afraid he may do something desperate when cornered.”
“I know.” Jiang Yan nodded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. “If he wants to lay a hand on the Moyun Army, he’ll have to ask whether I, Jiang Yan, agree to it first.”
………………
In the camp of the Moyun Army, a lavish banquet was being held inside Murong Xun’s commander’s tent.
The tent was brightly lit, with cups clinking and music filling the air. Dozens of armored generals sat around the banquet tables, drinking freely, their faces wreathed in smiles.
All of these generals had been secretly approached by Murong Xun in recent days. Some were scheming men who coveted the high offices and generous rewards he had promised them. Others had heard throughout Moyun City that Jiang Yan was gravely ill and, believing that the Jiang family’s influence was waning, had no choice but to seek another backer.
After all, each of them had an entire family to support. They had to consider their families’ future.
Murong Xun sat in the seat of honor. Dressed in a fine brocade robe, he had a handsome face and held a wine cup in his hand. His gaze swept across the people in the tent, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his lips.
“Generals, I invited you all here today for no particular reason. I merely had you in mind, knowing that military affairs have been complicated of late and that you have all been working hard. So I prepared some humble wine for us to enjoy together.”
As he spoke, he rose with his cup in hand and declared loudly, “I offer this toast to all of you. May the borders of Great Qi remain peaceful, and may every one of you generals enjoy a brilliant future!”
The generals in the tent rose one after another and raised their cups, replying in unison, “Thank you, His Highness Prince Yong!”
After draining their cups, everyone sat down again. A slightly plump deputy general was the first to speak, his face covered in an ingratiating smile.
“His Highness is far too gracious. Serving His Highness and guarding Great Qi’s borders is our duty.
“Now that Lord Jiang is gravely ill, the Moyun Army is without a leader. Fortunately, His Highness has come to take charge of the situation. With His Highness here, we finally have peace of mind.”
His words immediately drew a chorus of agreement.
“Deputy General Wang is right. Lord Jiang probably won’t last more than a few days. The Moyun Army cannot remain without a commander. His Highness is a royal prince, so it is only right and proper that he take control of the Moyun Army!”
“His Highness is wise and mighty. With His Highness leading us, we will surely defend Moyun City—and perhaps even march straight into Jing’s territory to achieve an unprecedented victory!”
“We are willing to acknowledge His Highness as our lord and follow his command!”
Those generals who had already decided to side with Murong Xun now showered him with flattery, openly declaring their allegiance. The atmosphere in the tent grew increasingly heated. Meanwhile, the generals who were still wavering recalled the news sent from their residences that Jiang Yan was at death’s door, and the balance in their hearts began to tip.
They were all mid-ranking officers who had served in the army for many years but had never managed to rise any higher. The promises Murong Xun had made were simply too tempting.
One of the centurions set down his wine cup. After pondering for a moment, he looked up at Murong Xun and asked in a solemn voice, “Your Highness, I have a question. If Your Highness takes control of the Moyun Army, can you truly fulfill your promise and grant us promotions and titles?”
Murong Xun saw that the man had already been swayed. The smile at the corners of his lips deepened. He raised a hand and struck the table lightly before saying in a deep voice, “I am a prince of Great Qi. My word is law. Would I deceive you?
“As long as you are willing to follow me and establish great achievements, I will certainly not mistreat you in the future. High offices, generous rewards, gold, silver, and beautiful women—you shall have everything!”
His words rang out with force. They reached the ears of the hesitant generals and completely dispelled their remaining reservations. The centurion immediately rose and bowed to Murong Xun.
Once one man stepped forward, a second soon followed. The other wavering generals also rose one after another and bowed, declaring their allegiance.
For a moment, every general in the tent lowered his head and shouted in unison, “We are willing to acknowledge His Highness as our lord and follow his command!”
Seeing the scene before him, Murong Xun was filled with delight, and a trace of smugness flashed in his eyes.
He had waited far too long for this day. Once he won over these mid-ranking officers, he could slowly deal with the veteran generals who remained loyal to Jiang Yan. Then the military power of the Moyun Army would be completely in his hands.
By then, he would command a powerful army, have Jing’s support behind him, and enjoy the backing of influential figures in the imperial harem and court. The throne of Great Qi would be his sooner or later!
He raised a hand to signal for everyone to sit down, then ordered more wine and dishes to be brought in. The atmosphere in the tent grew even more convivial as music and laughter mingled together, drifting out of the tent and echoing across the military camp.
Just then, the tent flap was suddenly thrown open. A gust of cold wind swept inside, and the music abruptly stopped. The laughter vanished as well. Every person in the tent turned toward the entrance in unison.
Jiang Yan stood there in a suit of black armor, his tall figure straight and his expression stern. He strode into the tent.
Behind him followed more than a dozen veteran generals in armor. All of them were highly respected officers who had remained loyal to Jiang Yan. Their faces were solemn, their sharp gazes sweeping across everyone in the tent.
Jiang Yan’s eyes fell on Murong Xun, seated in the place of honor. The corners of his lips lifted into a smile as he spoke, his words edged with sharpness in the deathly silent tent.
“I had no idea the army had become so lively. His Highness Prince Yong is holding a banquet in the military camp and inviting all the generals, yet no one thought to inform this old man. I could have come and enjoyed myself with everyone.”
After entering the tent and taking his place, Jiang Yan cupped his fists and saluted Prince Yong. “Greetings, His Highness Prince Yong.”
“Greetings, His Highness Prince Yong,” the generals behind him echoed as they bowed.
The tent instantly fell silent enough to hear a pin drop. Every general’s face turned deathly pale. Those who had just bowed their heads and pledged themselves to Murong Xun were especially terrified. They kept their heads lowered, not daring to meet Jiang Yan’s eyes.
“General.”
“Greetings… greetings, General.”
“Greetings, General.”
They never would have imagined that Jiang Yan would appear among the troops at such a time. He looked rosy-cheeked and stood tall and straight—there was not the slightest sign that he was gravely ill or on the verge of death.
The news that had spread throughout Mo Yun City was actually false!
Murong Xun sat in the seat of honor. The moment he saw Jiang Yan, his heart lurched, and his mind went completely blank.
What was going on?
Wasn’t Jiang Yan supposed to be at the end of his strength, unable to last more than a few days?
How had he suddenly appeared here?
And judging by his appearance, how could he look the least bit poisoned or seriously ill?
Which part of the plan had gone wrong?
Had those people confessed to him?
Had his scheme already been exposed?
Countless thoughts raced through his mind, throwing him into an instant panic as cold sweat broke out across his palms.
But he was, after all, an imperial prince. He quickly forced himself to calm down.
So what if those people had confessed to him?
He was Prince Yong of Great Qi. Even if Jiang Yan held the Mo Yun Army in his hands, he would not dare act against him recklessly. Besides, so many generals in the tent stood on his side. Jiang Yan might not dare make any rash move.
Murong Xun forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, squeezed out a reluctant smile, and rose to address Jiang Yan with concern.
“Lord Jiang, there is no need for formalities. The rest of you, rise as well.”
“Lord Jiang, what brings you here? I heard that your illness had reached a critical stage, and I was extremely worried. With the two nations currently at war, military affairs are in a constant frenzy, and the army simply cannot do without you.
“Now that I see you have recovered so quickly, it truly is wonderful.”
