Volume 5, Chapter 40: Bloodbath at Yanmen

A bloodred world greeted him no matter where he turned. The sky, the soil, and the soldiers armor were all the color scarlet. Feelings of despair surged forth like the tide, making him feel as if the enemys malevolent faces were directly before his eyes. Regardless of how he struggled, he couldnt shake himself of the thronging sabers and spears and arrows falling like a torrential downpour. Just as he was overwhelmed by helplessness, the drab and murky sky suddenly revealed a single ray of sun, penetrating through the layers of red clouds and bringing with it warm desire. Then amidst the sea of blood appeared that familiar and respected figure in azure robes.

Young master! shouted Chiji, as he was suddenly nudged awake.

Opening his eyes, he was completely unsurprised to see Lin Tongs angry yet pretty features. Irate, Lin Tong declared, Can you not cast your master to the back of your mind for now? This is already the fourteenth time you called for him in your dreams. Dont forget that you are currently at Yanmen and not by your masters side. No matter how loyal your master, hasnt he allowed you to come here for the fight of our lives? If you have the energy, wouldnt it be better if you thought of how to deal with the barbarians?

Gazing at Lin Tongs slightly angered and displeased expression, Chiji felt only sweetness. He could detect the faint jealousy in Lin Tongs speech. Even the nearby Daizhou soldiers who walked past were beaming when they gazed at the couple. For five successive days and nights, the barbarians had practically assaulted the pass nonstop. In the beginning, the two of them had fought side by side and had saved each other multiple times. As time passed, Chiji had displayed his quite astonishing military command talent. As a result, he and Lin Tong had begun to take turns commanding the defenses. During the subsequent three full days, the two only spoke when they switched shifts. However, there was not a hint of loneliness, almost as if they were always by each others sides. During this period where life and death was out of their hands, the two had deliberately forgotten and set aside their previous barriers, apart from Lin Tong always feeling jealous of Chijis extreme adulation of Jiang Zhe.

Sitting up, Chiji bent his ear to listen. Not hearing the sounds of battle, he assumed that the barbarians had yet to renew their assault. Extending his arm, he embraced Lin Tongs slender waist. Lightly exerting himself and with Lin Tong not on her guard, he was able to pull her into his embrace. The Northern populace was known for its forthright customs. As a result, the surrounding soldiers did not express their discontent, instead loudly whistling. Her entire face blushing, Lin Tong smacked a fist into Chijis chest. Chiji let out a yelp of pain, causing Lin Tong to immediately remember that Chiji had been injured by an arrow in his chest the day before yesterday. She could not help but soften. Taking advantage, Chiji tightly held Lin Tong to his bosom. Letting out a cry, Lin Tong buried her head into the chest permeating with a mans odor. Bashful and flushed, a female general capable of directing a large army found it difficult to speak. Chijis original teasing intent was replaced with tender feelings.

At this moment, Lin Yuanchong ran over from the distance as he shouted, Princess and younger brother Wang, His Lordship invites you over.

Chiji and Lin Tong both leapt to their feet flustered. Practically not having the courage to face the member of her elder generation and her fellow soldiers, Lin Tong bowed her head as she ran off. It wasnt long before she disappeared without a trace. In comparison, Chiji was somewhat hesitant and worried. What kind of character was the Marquis of Daizhou, Lin Yuanting? He had stood guard over Daizhou for many years and prevented the barbarians from taking a single step south. Although he was now aged and had many ailments, the imposing prestige of an old tiger still remained. Moreover, Lin Yuanting was Lin Tongs father. Chiji was still quite apprehensive as he gazed at Lin Yuanchong, not having the courage to take a step forward.

Smiling, Lin Yuanchong asked,

Aiyah

, why is the brave and skilled warrior so sheepish? Dont worry, my distant elder brother is quite magnanimous and wont blame you for teasing Tonger.

Chiji looked out from the pass at the tragic scenery of the bloodsoaked wilderness. Hemming and hawing, he replied, This the Princess has gone to see Marquis Lin. In case the barbarians attack right now, it is best that I remain here.

At this moment, a powerful and vigorous large hand clapped onto Chijis shoulder. An aged and still vigorous voice spoke, Little fellow, do not worry. With this weary old body of mine here, it wont be a problem to defend for two to four hours.

Chiji revealed a wry smile. Even without turning his head, he could tell that the voice belonged to the veteran General Qi. Who within the pass dared to wrangle with this elderly general who had spent his entire life in the military and was scarred all over his body? However, was he truly going to see Lin Yuanting? Chiji hesitated and found it difficult to decide.

Contempt flashed across Lin Yuanchongs eyes as he coldly asked, What? Do you not wish to see the Marquis? Could it be that you are toying

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with the Princess?

Chiji shivered and softly answered, Even if the Marquis agreed, what of it? I violated the young masters regulations. Although the young master granted me this favor and permitted me to come to Daizhou, if the young master summoned me back to punish me, I couldnt resist. In addition, the strength of the barbarians is formidable. Yanmen is in grave danger. Even if the barbarians are repelled, what can it do against the Yong army?

Although Chijis voice was very low, both old General Qi and Lin Yuanchong heard his words clearly. Bewilderment shone in their eyes. This was a question both of them tried not think about. Lin Yuanchong stared at Chiji. Thinking of how this young mans master was the prime culprit in the current rotten state of affairs in Daizhou, anger welled up. However, seeing this haggard young man who had fought bitterly for several continuous days, Lin Yuanchong found that he could not utter a single harsh word. The warriors of Daizhou had always clearly distinguished between gratitude and grudge. Sighing softly, Lin Yuanchong replied, Go. The Marquis is waiting for you. It is already rare that he is clear-headed these days.

Within a quiet room in Yanmen Pass, almost as if completely isolated from the bloody battlefield, the dense odor of medication was overflowing. The room did not have any hint of lavishness and no different from the rooms belonging to the commoners of Daizhou. On the spacious bed, an elderly man had sat up and was slowly drinking a bitter medicinal concoction with Lin Tongs help. Although his appearance was withered and his hair was white, his former refined outline still shone through. It could clearly be seen that this elderly man was formerly a smart-looking and martial, handsome man.

When he entered the room, Chiji actually felt himself grow tranquil. Advancing, he kneeled and stated, This youngster, Wang Ji, pays my respects to Your Lordship.

A harsh light flashed across the elderly mans eyes as he carefully observed Chiji for a while. He inquired, You are the Marquis of Chus attendant, Divine Doctor Bo Le, Wang Ji? Is that your real name?

Almost feeling as if that elderly mans eyes were like sharp swords, Chiji believed those eyes could penetrate into his soul. He could not help sighing. It was no wonder that this man had been able to stand guard over Daizhou for so many years. As expected, this elderly man had the bearing of a famous general. Respectfully, Chiji responded, This youngster was an orphan. Aside from knowing that I am surnamed Wang, I did not have a name. After my young master sheltered this youngster, I was bestowed with the name Chiji. Afterwards, I gave myself the name Wang Ji. It is my real name.

Lin Yuanting smiled indifferently and asked, Tonger, has your second elder brothers coffin been transported back?

Lin Tongs eyes reddened as she answered, Yes, it has. Once the barbarians have been repelled, Father has to preside over the delivery of second elder brothers memorial plaque into the ancestral hall.

Lin Yuanting affectionately patted Lin Tongs shoulder. To Chiji, he said, Ive incurred worthy nephews ridicule. This child, Tonger, has too soft a heart. In reality, what is there to grieve about? Over the last hundred and more years, countless members of Daizhous Lin family have died on the battlefield. Of the five brothers of my generation, I am the only one alive. All of my brothers died on the battlefield. None of them met with good ends. Now it is my childrens turn. Alas, Chenger has already departed. Bier, Chengshan, and Chengyuan are all stuck at Jinyang. Once the Yong army closes the encirclement, their chances of survival will be slim. Chengyi has a rough temperament, while Tonger is young and her experiences few. This time, it wont be strange if the Lin family disappears.

My Lin family has an established custom that only those clansmen who perish on the battlefield are entitled to have their memorial plaques enter the ancestral hall to enjoy sacrifices made by future generations. Over the more than hundred years, only a few individuals have failed to enter the ancestral hall. Originally, this old man believed that because of the tranquility of the future I would spend my last years on my sickbed and not have the opportunity to enter the ancestral shrine. Who would have expected that I would have the opportunity today? Tonger, your father is determined to take the risks to destroy the core of the barbarian army. Although it is possible that this will lead to the complete destruction of Yanmens defenders, the strength of the barbarians will also be greatly damaged, giving us the opportunity to drive them from Daizhou.

Lin Tong let out a wail of anguish as she threw herself into her fathers embrace with tears gushing forth. How could she not understand that Lin Yuanting was making his posthumous arrangements? Chiji stepped forward and wanted to reach out to console her, but was shunned by Lin Tong. Pained, Chiji asked with a clear voice, Your Lordship, Princess, is there a heavy responsibility that needs to be assigned to Chiji? There was only one thought in his mind, to die before Lin Tong.

Understanding this, Lin Yuantings gaze towards Chiji gained a bit of praise as he answered, Worthy nephews character and talent are well-matched with Tonger. It is a pity that since Tonger is a descendant of the Lin family, she has no grounds for abandoning the people of Daizhou to flee for her life. Tonger, do you blame your father?

Wiping away her tears, Lin Tong responded, Daddy, why do you ask such a thing? If I can die on the battlefield, daughter can also enter the ancestral shrine. What kind of glory would that be? Why would daughter blame Daddy? Father, please command us. What are we to do?

Lin Yuanting smiled gladly as he replied, Good. As expected, there are no cowards in my Lin family. However, the two of you cannot easily give up on living. If you are fortunate enough to survive after this battle, you cannot lightly speak of sacrificing your lives. Tonger, I already ordered your eldest brother to submit our surrender to the Yong Emperor.

In great alarm, Lin Tong cried out, Father, what did you say? Offer to surrender? Why is this? In what position are you placing Mother, third and fourth elder brothers, and elder sister?

Raising his hand to stop his daughter, Lin Yuanting indifferently answered, The Lin family exists for the sake of Daizhou. Daizhou does not exist for the sake of the Lin family. I have already thought this through. Daizhou is completely alone with the Yong Emperor cutting off the lines of communication between Daizhou and Jinyang. We can only face the barbarians alone. Although I can come up with a plan to destroy the core of the barbarian army, the fragmented barbarians will become even more savage and vicious. With the core of the Daizhou army isolated at Jinyang, Daizhou is powerless against this fiercest invasion in the last several decades. The only method will be to surrender to Great Yong. The Yong Emperor is a wise and sagacious master. How can he not know of Daizhous importance? The only reason he has not directly invaded is because of our Lin family. Now that I have had your eldest brother offer to surrender and have used up the remnants of our fighting force on the battlefield here at Yanmen Pass, the Yong Emperor will have no misgivings and will travel day and night to come to our rescue, ensuring that the hundreds of thousands of Daizhous commoners will not be slaughtered by the barbarians.

Tears falling like rain, Lin Tong understood that her father intended to sacrifice the Lin family to obtain Daizhous survival. Unsheathing the saber at her waist, she made a cut on her left arm. As the blood gushed forth, it mixed with her tears. With a solemn expression, Lin Tong declared, Daughter understands Fathers intentions. Only the Lin family can sacrifice itself for Daizhou. If daughter is lucky enough to survive, I will offer to surrender to the Yong Emperor and will definitely not allow Daizhou to make an enemy of Great Yongs elite horsemen.

Hearing this, Chiji despaired as if he was going to die. He completely could not refute the words spoken by this father-daughter pair. In the pastwhen he left the young masters sidethe young master had once hinted that, even if Daizhou could drive off the barbarians, it would be difficult for the Lin family to escape the fate of being destroyed. As a result, the young master hoped that Chiji would be able to break off ties in a timely fashion. It would even be acceptable if he took Lin Tong with him. The young master was still capable of protecting her. This was something the young master had not spoken openly. However, at this moment, Chiji understood that his beloved was truly a heroine and would not live out an ignoble existence.

Chiji plopped to his knees and declared, Your Lordship, this youngster has always had feelings for the Princess. I hope that Your Lordship would be willing to betroth the Princess to Chiji. Chiji is willing to share the fate of the Princess.

Satisfaction flashed across Lin Yuantings eyes. However, he shook his head. Worthy nephew, by helping my Daizhou military and civilians defend Yanmen in recent days, you have already violated your masters regulations. There is no need for you to involve yourself in this hopeless situation now. The Yong Emperor is quite fond of the Marquis of Chu. In the future, worthy nephew will have endless opportunities. There is no need to give up everything for my daughter.

Chiji did not speak, taking the bamboo flute from his waist. He began to play the flute. The music that flowed was intense and reverberating. Although Lin Yuanting hailed from a military family, he had taken a princess renowned for her talents as his wife and was not a stranger to music. After listening for a moment, Lin Yuanting clapped his hands and sang:

A general after countless battles suffered ruin and shame,

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Gazing back at where we parted, everything is so far away,

3

And from old friends we are forever cut off.

The Yi River murmur still in wintry westerlies,

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Everyone present in snowy dress.

Heroic warriors sing muted dirges.

Those crying birds, if they could comprehend such sorrow and gloom,

Probably wouldnt cry tears but blood.

Who shall become drunk with me under the bright moon?

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The words of the song were fiercely brave, making all of the officers and soldiers on guard outside perk their ears up to listen. Full of the heroic feeling of meeting death, Lin Yuanting sighed, Who would have thought that you would understand the Iron-Blooded Metal Dagger-Axe, the feeling of putting ones life on the line. Good, good. As expected, you are worthy of being with Tonger.

At this moment, the music of the flute changed, possessing a poignancy

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that contained an honor that permitted no turning back.

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Lin Tongs mind shook, completely engrossed in the diligent and focused melody her beloved performed, to the point of not knowing when the piece came to an end. She only heard Chiji clearly state, My feelings will not change for the rest of my life, and only ask that Your Lordship be willing to betroth the Princess to me.

Lin Yuanting looked towards Lin Tong and indifferently asked, Tonger, what do you think?

Her eyes glistening with tears, Lin Tong blushed scarlet and distress showed on her face. She was well aware that they were about to charge into danger and likely wouldnt survive. In this manner, how could she reject her beloveds affectionate willingness to accompany her and meet death? Turning her head away, she answered, Everything is up to Father.

Lin Yuantings bladelike eyebrows rose. Good. Since the two of you are willing, this Marquis is willing to fulfill your wishes. Wang Ji, there is no need to seek a lucky day and hour to marry my daughter. If you are willing, how about paying your respects to the Heavens and the Earth, getting married atop the walls of Yanmen Pass in my presence and the presence of the thousands of Daizhou troops?

Delighted, Chiji kowtowed and answered, Wang Ji pays my respects to Father-in-law

daren

. Everything is up to Father-in-law.

Before the walls of Yanmen Pass, all of the barbarians raged with fury after days of failure. Seeing the strength of the Yanmen defenders weaken, Wanyan Najin had firmly decided to succeed with this assault. In front of the entire barbarian army, he smeared his lips with blood in a solemn oath. After solemnly swearing, the combined barbarian army began to assemble before the walls of Yanmen. When Wanyan Najin and the other tribal chiefs pointed in the direction of Yanmen, discussing how to attack, they suddenly heard drum music surge to the Heavens from the pass.

The entire barbarian army turned to look, but only saw that all of the weapons above the main gate to Yanmen Pass were wreathed in bright red silk. The brightly armored Daizhou troops were split in two. Every single soldier celebrated. A bride and groom were getting married before a handsome-looking elderly man. After the three bows

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were complete, shouts of acclaim sounded from all over the pass. All of the barbarians bent their ears to listen and heard the Yanmen defenders thunderously proclaim, May the Princess and the Lord Husband live a long and happy life together, growing old together!

Wanyan Najin was infuriated. Pointing with his horsewhip, he declared, These people dare to hold our army in contempt, going so far as to wed with lanterns and colored banners right in front of our army! Immediately begin the assault! This Khan wants to transform their happy occasion into a funeral! Lin Yuanting is up above! Over these years, how many of our fathers and brothers have died at his hands? Whoever can take his head will be treated as the best warrior of the grasslands, and be rewarded with a thousand gold and a beauty!

At this moment, someone shouted, My Khan, who doesnt know that the Lin family has two beautiful sisters? How about this? Whoever is able to kill Lin Yuanting will obtain the newlywed bride atop the pass!

Wanyan Najin looked around and saw that it was the chief of the White Wolf Tribe, Moergan. Smiling slightly, he loudly replied, Pass along this Khans command! Whoever is able to kill Lin Yuanting can obtain the Crimson Cloud Princess as their concubine! However, everyone will first have to capture this newlywed Princess alive first!

Another of the barbarian generals burst out into laughter and said, Newlyweds, this senior is fondest of stealing someone elses newlywed bride. Lin Yuanting! Quickly wash your neck and wait for this senior to chop it off!

Hearing the filthy language of barbarians below, the faces of the entire Daizhou army were as heavy as water. However, n