Volume 5, Chapter 35: Deciding Endgame (Second Half)

Taking advantage of the fortunate timing of night approaching and the chaos of the army returning to the camp after attacking Chencang, Shangguan Yan apprehensively returned to the tent he shared with Xiong Bao after meeting privately with Zhang Han. Although the two were hostages in practice, Huo Yi had not treated them unfairly, allowing them to live together and did not humiliate them in the slightest. Were it not for the Sword of Damocles dangling over their heads, Shangguan Yan would have mostly felt gratitude and respect for Huo Yi. However, Shangguan Yan knew that it would unfortunately only take one order for the youth who had been showing them consideration to kill the two of them without the slightest hesitation. As a result, Shangguan Yan had never dared to let his guard down. This was especially the case now after Zhang Han had informed him about the change in the situation requiring the immediate escape of Xiong Bao and himself, worrying him ever more deeply.

Although Huo Yi had not said it clearly, one of the two of them was required to await orders by his side and was not permitted to leave his sight.

How could the two of them safely escape?

thought Shangguan Yan with great effort. However, regardless of how, he needed to explain this matter to Xiong Bao right now.

The encampment was presently resting before dinner. Xiong Bao should have left Huo Yis side and returned to their shared tent, while he would have to go to Huo Yis side to await orders after dinner. Although there was only an hours time, Shangguan Yan believed that he could explain everything clearly to Xiong Bao in that time. In this way, if something were to change, Xiong Bao would not negligently fall into someone elses trap.

Entering the tent, Shangguan Yan felt his mind quake, as he only glimpsed Huo Yi standing with his hands behind his back, and did not see Xiong Bao.

Could it be that news of his adoptive father and companys arrival has been discovered?

thought Shangguan Yan. However, he had no choice but to salute and state, This subordinate greets the young master. Why has the young master come here? Could it be that there is something urgent?

A hint of an icy smile appeared on Huo Yis guileless face, as he replied, The Union Head has issued an order. Tonight both of you are required to remain to await orders. If you violate this order, not only will you be seriously punished, your family will also be implicated.

Finished speaking, Huo Yi began to play with a jade pendant with his right hand, showing a thick, menacing overtone in his eyes. Shangguan Yan looked carefully and felt his heart grow cold. He recognized that jade pendant; it belonged to Zhang Han with whom he had just separated from. This jade pendant was a congratulatory present Shangguan Yan had gifted Zhang Han on his fortieth birthday. Because Zhang Han had treated Shangguan Yan quite well, Shangguan Yan had specially purchased this piece of jade dating from the Han Dynasty which could ward off evil spirits to express his appreciation. Touched by Shangguan Yans piety, Zhang Han had practically always kept the jade pendant by his side. Earlier, Shangguan Yan had seen Zhang Han wearing the pendant at his waist. Now that the jade pendant had appeared in Huo Yis hands, could it be that Zhang Han had actually been caught in the short period of time since their parting? In addition, it could be assumed that Xiong Bao had already been taken into custody. Shangguan Yan could not help tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword, as a burst of fury flooded into him.

Almost as if he didnt notice the changes in Shangguan Yan, Huo Yi remained smiling as he said, Oh, thats right, we have already found your honorable little brother. When all is said and done, he is too young, going so far as to head out alone to intercept spies from the Bright Inspection Department. In the end, he was captured. Fortunately, your honorable little brother was not executed by the Bright Inspection Department because they hoped to force some classified information out of him. This time, Luo Jianfei led people to destroy one of the secret bases of the Bright Inspection Department and was able to rescue your honorable little brother. Although he has suffered some harm, he is still quite vigorous. You can be at ease. In a few days, your entire family can be reunited.

A bucket of ice water had been dumped over his head with these words. Shangguan Yan recovered his calm, feeling a surge of sorrow. Who would have thought that he and his brothers, when all was said and done, could not escape the control of the Embroidered Union? The determination he had strenuously these last few days finally crumbled. He feebly stated, If the young master has any instructions, there is no harm in being frank. But the Union Head dealing with us Union members in this manner truly makes me sorely disappointed.

Huo Yi cracked a grin, causing his seemingly guileless appearance to gain a bit of craftiness. To the indignant Shangguan Yan, he said, In reality, it is because you have always been unwilling to follow orders. If you didnt harbor hostility, there is no way that the Union Head and Vice Union Head would make things difficult for you. At present, your adoptive father and company are under our surveillance. It will only take one command and they will be easily captured. Oh, thats right. They have abducted His Royal Majesty and the Queen Dowager. Even if we execute them through death by a thousand cuts,

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no one will cry foul.

Furiously, Shangguan Yan retorted, If not for you forcing my adoptive father to commit regicide, why would my adoptive father have rescued His Royal Majesty and the Queen Dowager? If you want to kill us, do so. Why are you seeking to frame my adoptive father?

Huo Yi chuckled, So you met Zhang Han as expected. It seems that I did not guess wrong.

Shangguan Yan was left dumbfounded. What was going on? Didnt they already capture Second Uncle Zhuang? Suddenly, he understood and gazed at the jade pendant in Huo Yis hand. Huo Yi smiled and tossed the jade pendant over. Catching the jade pendant, Shangguan Yan examined it carefully. Sure enough, it was an imitation jade pendant. Even if its imitation was perfect, Shangguan Yan could still see from the slight differences that it wasnt real. Earlier, he had been briefly agitated and thus had not noticed the differences.

After seeing through the trick, Shangguan Yan did not relax too much. From the imitation jade pendant, he could tell that Huo Yi, Chen Zhen, and even perhaps Huo Jicheng had long since been on their guard against him and his family. Once an attack was launched, it would be like lightning and leave nothing to chance. Were this not the case, why would they have gone so far as to create an imitation of the jade pendant that Shangguan Yan had gifted Zhang Han?

Now that Huo Yi was probing directly, then all of the proper arrangements would have been made. Reaching this thought, Shangguan Yan truly felt himself relax. He understood that Huo Yi would definitely not waste his time scheming against someone who was worthless. Since Huo Yi was going so far to deal with him, there was definitely some leeway to turn the situation around.

Shangguan Yan wasnt someone unwilling to admit defeat. Sighing, he dejectedly stated, Regardless of intelligence or martial force, we have to concede defeat. Young master Huo, please be frank. Whatever it is, as long as it is within Shangguan Yans capabilities, I will be sure to do my utmost. I only hope that the Union Head will be lenient and let off my adoptive father and two uncles.

Seeing this, Huo Yi smiled slightly. As expected, Shangguan Yan was intelligent, but unfortunately wasnt ruthless enough. This was also the reason why Huo Yi had chosen him. This kind of man was comparatively easy to control. Although the members of the Gu family needed to be indulged, they could not be permitted to leave control. As a result, they need to arrange a saboteur within the Gu family. Shangguan Yan was the most suitable candidate. Shangguan Yan was sufficiently astute and able to adapt to circumstances. As long as the lives of the entire Gu family were preserved, Shangguan Yan would bow his head and obey. Further, Shangguan Yan was the only one who had the ability if they wanted to keep Gu Ning and company in the dark. In comparison, Xiong Bao was rough, while Gu Ying was too impetuous and easily given to passion. Neither of these two were good candidates.

Pulling on Shangguan Yan and having him sit down, Huo Yi said, In reality, the Union Head originally had no intention of making things difficult for you people of the Gu family. This time, after the matter at Chencang is concluded, the Embroidered Union will also disappear and your Gu family can retreat to live in seclusion without needing to worry about the earthly matters of the world. However, since the Gu family has taken away the surviving members of the Shu Royal Family, this will ultimately lead to no end of trouble in the future. That is why the Union Head wants you to temporarily keep an eye on them. As long as your Gu family dont intend to use the remains of the Royal Family to revive Shu, then this one can guarantee on the Union Heads behalf that no one in your Gu family will be harmed.

Hearing this, Shangguan Yan was mentally shaken. Although he had always had veiled criticisms of Huo Jicheng and company, he had never expected that Huo Jicheng and company would collaborate with Great Yong. However, the words Huo Yi had spoken faintly revealed information that Shangguan Yan found it difficult to believe. Stunned, he stared at Huo Yi, not knowing what to say.

Huo Yi smiled softly and continued, There is no need for you to overthink this. If we wanted to completely eradicate the remnants of the former Kingdom of Shu, we would not have left Meng Xu alone. As long as your Gu family knows your place from now on, your safety will be guaranteed. I will give you the particulars on how to get in contact soon. Right now, you will follow orders and perform a major task. Once this matter is completed, you can take Xiong Bao with you and escape. As for Gu Ying, I will tell you where to rescue him. If you do not follow my orders, your entire family will die. If you follow my orders, you will be able to live a few years longer in the worst case scenario. Dont worry, I wont have you do anything unnecessary and will not use you to lure those who wish to restore your country. Our master has already issued orders and from henceforth we will cease to involve ourselves in the affairs of the Embroidered Union. Leaving you as a thread is only an emergency measure. As for the specifics, you can go ask Gu Ying in the future. However, no one else can know about this information.

Shangguan Yan was left bewildered. He naturally did not know of Chen Zhen and companys intent to hand the Embroidered Union over to Xiahou Yuanfeng. With this, the Bright Inspection Department would thereby control all of the former Shu resistance forces.

In order to prevent Xiahou Yuanfeng from becoming unduly pleased with himself, Chen Zhen and Dong Que had plotted to send Gu Ning to kill Meng Xu. In fact, the two had long assumed that Gu Ning would most likely find it impossible to perform his mission. As a result, the only choice available to Gu Ning was to rescue the Shu king and queen dowager. If this happened, then although Xiahou Yuanfeng had achieved his goal of pacifying the Prince of Qings rebellion, he had also allowed the Shu royal family to escape. This meant Xiahou Yuanfeng would have made an admirable contribution but also be at fault. While his contributions wouldnt be conspicuous, his mistake would be quite eye-catching, and would definitely be harped upon by those unaware of the particulars. Although Xiahou Yuanfeng would have taken control of the Embroidered Union, he would also have to bear the heavy responsibility for tracking down the Shu royal family.

Chen Zhen and company were fully confident that Gu Ning was resourceful enough to escape Xiahou Yuanfengs pursuit. After all, Gu Nings position in the Embroidered Union was quite high and he had excellent relations. In addition, when his deep roots in the former Kingdom of Shu were combined with Chen Zhen and companys secret assistance, it was highly probable that Gu Ning could evade pursuit. Of course, in order to prepare for the unexpected, they had thought it best to leave a chess piece behind at Gu Nings side. As for Shangguan Yan, he was the best candidate. Although, it was possible that Shangguan Yan would rack his brains to think of a way to escape their control in the future. However, when that happened, it would already be unimportant.

As time passed, Meng Xus importance would gradually decrease. In addition, Shangguan Yan and company had already lost all hope of restoring their country. As a result, Chen Zhen and Dong Que did not worry that they couldnt control the Gu family in the future. As for Gu Ying, even though he already knew the truth, it was inconvenient to kill him. They could only include him within the plan.

When Shangguan Yan followed Huo Yi out, he was utterly baffled. He naturally did not know thatat this very moment several dozen

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awayGu Ying had been earnestly and tirelessly persuaded to become the second chess piece to control the Gu family.

Ever since Gu Ying had been detained at Liu Huas side, Liu Hua had used all kinds of methods to tame the young and vigorous man. The threat of death combined with Liu Huas warmthLiu Hua was a member of the eight elites and the head of the Secret Camps Hidden Groupallowed him to easily make Gu Ying treat him as an elder brother and close friend. After Liu Hua had indirectly explained the kind intentions of preserving the Gu family, how could Gu Ying not be involved?

***

Sitting inside his tent, the Prince of Qing thought of the failure to capture Chencang again today. He felt nothing. Although the Embroidered Union had agreed to look for an opportunity to assassinate Chencangs garrison commander, there had been no activity on that front for days. Instead, due to the continuous assaults, he lost many of his trusted officers and soldiers. He was quite dissatisfied. Unfortunately, he had left Ye Tianxiu behind to defend San Pass, or else Li Kang wouldve sent him to investigate whether the Embroidered Union was deliberately procrastinating in order to make some exorbitant demands. However, as San Pass was just captured and though its former deputy garrison commander had defected, it was best to be on guard. If it not for his unwillingness to make for himself a reputation of killing those who had surrendered, and rattle the armys morale, Li Kang had originally wanted to kill that deputy garrison commander.

While Li Kang was deeply worried and letting his imagination run wild, someone outside of his tent reported, Your Imperial Highness, glad tidings have arrived from Chencang.

The Prince of Qing raised his head and watched as Huo Yi quickly walked in with Shangguan Yan in tow. Huo Yi held a round, azure silk bundle that was dripping with blood in his hands. Overjoyed inside, Li Kang asked almost in disbelief, Is the matter settled?

Advancing forward, Huo Yi genuflected and answered, Your Imperial Highness, the Union Head took on the task personally and has taken the head of the Chencang garrison commander, Ying Ling. At present, Chencang has been thrown into chaos. Your Imperial Highness, please immediately mobilize the army. We will definitely be able to capture Chencang in one stroke.

Forcibly resisting the happiness he was feeling, Li Kang ordered, Bring the head over for me to take a look. I happen to be acquainted with Ying Ling.

Huo Yi scooted closer on his knees, his entire face expressing happiness and possessing excitement, and presented the bundle containing Ying Lings head. Li Kang merely believed that Huo Yi was so excited because they were about to capture Chencang. In the agreement with the Embroidered Union, if the Union successfully assassinated Chencangs garrison commander, then the power the Embroidered Union would gain would be no small matter. Because of this agreement, Huo Yi was one of those who would benefit the most. However, Li Kang still kept calm. When he rose to take the severed head, he maintained a barely discernable wariness, not displaying anything out of the ordinary.

At this very moment, one of Li Kangs trusted generals charged into the tent and excitedly reported, Your Imperial Highness, the entirety of Chencang is brightly lit and seems to be in disarray.

Li Kang had arranged for this general to monitor the situation in Chencang at all times. Him personally coming and reporting served to confirm that the Embroidered Union had indeed successfully assassinated Ying Ling.

Only with this did Li Kang relax, accepting the bundle with both hands. Holding it up with one hand, he used the other hand to open the bundle. When he saw the head and the scattered hair, Li Kang did not have any have feelings of disgust, instead reaching out with his hand to brush apart the scattered hair. The heads eyes were closed and the look on the face was malevolent, truly the appearance of Ying Ling he remembered.

Li Kang exulted. Just as he relaxed, Huo Yi suddenly exploded forward. Instinctively, Li Kang threw the severed head in his hands at Huo Yi, while he retreated and the color of his two hands suddenly became golden. The dagger in Huo Yis hands arced through the air like a piercing rainbow and crushed the severed head into smithereens. During this short time span, once Huo Yis dagger thrust at Li Kangs abdomen, Li Kangs right hand the color of gold caught the sharp blade. Although Li Kang was empty handed, there was no trace of