Chapter 137 (1/2)
Chapter 137
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Sun Di raged, ”Has the North Camp gone nuts? Attacking their own comrades for a foreign princess?”
The person knelt on the ground and said loudly, ”Your Highness, the North Camp did not attack the imperial guards from the royal capital. However, they surrounded General Tie You's carriage. The 30,000 troops from the North Camp have gone berserk. According to the Xia officials, the person in the carriage, a rebel from Yan Bei, is the mastermind behind this ploy. We have lost over 20 brothers at the frontline to the Xia troops. The troops from the North Camp, having seen blood, have become harder to control.”
Li Ce had a solemn and angry expression on his face. His eyes squinted like a fox. Coldly, he replied, ”Zhao Chun'er cannot do so much by herself. There's something amiss underneath.”
The morning fog had dissipated slightly, causing the sunlight to reappear and shine onto Rose Square. The silver body armor of the troops reflected the sunlight, appearing majestic. 30,000 troops from the North Camp stood on the stone steps of the square. They were all young, their faces carrying the fearlessness derived from ignorance and inexperience. The noble soldiers, who had grown up in the peaceful Tang Jing, stared at the horse carriage which had been forced atop the platform. The way they held their weapons in their hands caused it to give out clanking sounds.
Standing atop the tall Rose Square, staring at the spectacular Tang Jing… Those majestic walls, flashy palaces, rows upon rows of residential areas and shophouses… The soldiers carrying weapons and the onlooking civilians standing at the foot of the square… Chu Qiao suddenly felt peaceful. The wind was heavy, blowing at her cloak. The lower part of her outfit fluttered in the air, like a bird spreading its wings. She reached out her hand and removed the hat from her head, revealing a beautiful, determined face and a pair of peaceful-looking eyes!
In that instant, loud noises of discussion erupted from all directions. One month ago, Chu Qiao's portrait entered Tang territory from Xia, being pasted all over the streets. The students from Shang Wu Hall had repeatedly studied her ninja-like warfare tactics. However, at this instant, they were stunned when they saw the young lady who was not even 18-years-old.
Was this the rebel from Yan Bei that had infiltrated the Xia capital alone to rescue the Southwest Emissary's garrison?
Was this the renowned general who had led 4,000 fallen troops through a long journey, without losing a battle?
Was this the leader of Yan Bei who had escaped from the clutches of the Xia Empire tens of times over the long journey?
Was this the mastermind who had infiltrated Tang secretly to plan a terrifying plot?
”I am the Crown Prince's bodyguard, Tie You! Tell your captain to come out and see me!” Tie You had been heavily wounded but stood upright in front of Chu Qiao. The young man was like a majestic mountain, with his determined look, thick eyebrows, and upright posture. He pointed his sword at the troops from the North Camp, bellowing, ”Tell Lu Fangshan to come out and see me!”
He was not aware that the higher-ups from the North Camp had entered Jinwu Palace to plead with the majesty to attack Yan Bei. The army was left with a few junior commanders.
His sword was sharp and heavy, carrying a bloodthirsty aura. A group of about ten soldiers attempted to rush towards him. They were wearing the uniforms of the North Camp, but their strokes resembled those of the Xia soldiers. However, it was too late already. Tie You shouted in rage, ”Are you trying to rebel by assembling here?”
200 troops protected Chu Qiao. The majority of them had been injured. One of them had an arrow pierced through his chest but did not collapse. He wielded his spear and stood upright, using his body to shield Chu Qiao from the arrow.
”The Crown Prince was deceived by this evil fiend, causing him to shield and protect Yan Bei. We are soldiers of Tang, the fighting force of the country! We cannot sit back and see our country suffer such humiliation while letting the fiend walk free!”
An unknown voice erupted from within the crowd. The soldiers, who had calmed down slightly, felt a rush of adrenaline again. They shouted, ”Right! We cannot let her go!”
”The prince is lustful. He must have been deceived by this demoness!”
”Rebel of Yan Bei! You dare to offend the Tang Empire! You must die!”
”Kill her!”
As the wind blew past, the look in the people's eyes was sinister. Chu Qiao knew that at this instant, whatever she said would be useless. The rage of the soldiers was sufficient to burn everything in its path. She had seen it for herself in the battles at the northwest and Zhen Huang City. She called out to Tie You loudly, but he did not turn back. Her voice was booming but appeared weak amongst the loud chants.
”Go! Find Li Ce, only he can reverse the situation!” Tie You did not turn back, but his voice carried the determination of a soldier. At this moment, he was no longer the young father who smiled when he mentioned his daughter—he was a determined soldier. Word by word, he replied, ”The Crown Prince ordered me to protect you.”
”Brothers, charge! We are not rebels! We are only protecting our country's pride! History will remember us! Our descendants will judge us fairly. Our actions today are historic! We will use our blood to demonstrate the loyalty of a soldier!”