Chapter 61: I Refuse to See Sincerity Tarnished

Chapter 61: I Refuse to See Sincerity Tarnished

The moon was obscured by dark clouds, the night silent and still, with the scent of blood hidden in the shadows, as the sea breeze brought a salty dampness.

Wen Ruan felt the reminder of his scar on his left chest, a dull ache from his heart.

Rain was likely not far off.

But he couldn't let go, couldn't relax even a little, for the situation was extremely perilous!

The masked man who had taken him hostage had some skill, managing to escape the encirclement set by Zi Su and leaving her far behind. However, the new black-clad masked man that appeared was someone he couldn't shake off.

This person was highly skilled in martial arts, equipped with superior weapons, moving alone like a shadow in the night. Their fighting style was eerily familiar. Initially targeting Wen Ruan, they must have finally found an opportunity to strike but suddenly changed their target, relentlessly pursuing the masked man who had taken Wen Ruan hostage. Their goal was clear – to kill this person at all costs!

"Nanxing!"

At Wen Ruan's call, Nanxing and several secret guards had already appeared. They would never allow anything to happen to Wen Ruan.

However, these two masked men clearly had their own intentions. One pursued relentlessly, while the other was unaware that these many secret guards were Wen Ruan's people. For a moment, everyone clashed, swords and blades flashing, making the situation somewhat indescribable...

Those who came to kill Wen Ruan always possessed great martial prowess. During the last encounter on Feng Mountain, Zhu Yan had suffered a minor setback, using a detoxification pill whose side effects were unknown. This time was no different. The secret guards, wary of Wen Ruan being held hostage, didn't dare use their full strength, naturally putting them at a disadvantage. It was difficult to make any headway, and the battle was intense...

It wasn't until one of the secret guards was injured and the masked man holding Wen Ruan hostage realized something was amiss, adjusting his attack direction, that they managed to work together to kill the black-clad masked man who had been pursuing them.

Previous experience had shown that these people were expendable soldiers. Keeping them alive had no meaning; asking them questions would yield no results. Moreover, if they weren't killed, there would be a significant risk going forward. These weapons trained solely for killing had countless underhanded tricks up their sleeves.

Even so, this person had severely wounded the masked man who had taken Wen Ruan hostage.

"Who are you?" In the silence, Wen Ruan's robe billowed in the strong wind, his expression solemn.

The man lowered his gaze and removed his mask. "A salt farmer, Qing Sanshan."

Wen Ruan carefully observed this person. He was of average height, with an ordinary appearance, seemingly lacking any distinguishing features. Clearly past middle age, or perhaps nearing the brink of old age, the signs of time were evident on him. His temples were streaked with white hair, deep lines etched into his face, and his hands were cracked and weathered...

He looked indeed like a man struggling in poverty.

Moreover, Wen Ruan remembered seeing this person during the salt-making process. When he had insisted on getting the material ratios just right and someone quietly approached him to offer a bowl of water... He had later tried to find out who it was but hadn't bothered to ask for their name. It turned out to be this person, Qing Sanshan.

Yet despite this, such martial arts skills were not something anyone could possess.

Wen Ruan said, "Don't tell me you're just an ordinary salt farmer."

"Young Master is perceptive," Qing Sanshan's voice was slightly hoarse. "I used to be a soldier, a deserter."

A deserter?

Wen Ruan was very surprised.

"I once served in the northern army as a scout. Since most of my duties were secretive and not publicized, even though I had made significant contributions, others were unaware of them. But once captured by the enemy... explanations became impossible."

Qing Sanshan clearly didn't want to talk about his past, but the young master before him wasn't foolish. Lies were easily exposed, and without sincerity, trust couldn't be gained.

He recounted how, while on a mission, he encountered a Beidi man named Bi Luhun. This man was cunning and vile, discovering through intelligence channels that there was a Da Li scout but unsure of his identity. He staged a scenario to make him 'gather' information and relay it back, even personally confirming this information to lower his guard. Then, he continued to stage scenarios for him to 'gather' new information and relay it back... After three to five times, his identity was confirmed, and he was captured. Then, using his name, a letter was sent to the Da Li border commander, claiming an opportunity for battle when, in reality, it was a trap. As expected, Da Li suffered defeat, and he was branded a traitor.

Bi Luhun even imprisoned him for a long time to solidify this matter. During his imprisonment, several important Da Li border commanders died...

Qing Sanshan did not reveal any information about his country, enduring all kinds of torture without breaking. But just as Da Li would send scouts to the enemy, the enemy would also send spies to Da Li. His silence was useless. Those working for Bi Luhun returned with intelligence, which Bi Luhun used to commit numerous atrocities. To ensure the safety of his own people, he claimed that everything was due to Qing Sanshan's betrayal. How could the border troops not hate him, the traitor?

After three to five months, he was unable to clear his name. No one would believe him.

"...I didn't want to die at the hands of such despicable people. Returning to the border troops was impossible. I feigned madness and escaped, not knowing where to go or what to do next. I only had a burning sense of injustice with nowhere to vent, merely surviving..."

Qing Sanshan revealed much, things that should have remained secrets, yet he held nothing back. Wen Ruan could understand, perhaps because too many emotions had been suppressed over the years, accumulating and expanding, ready to burst at any moment. A trigger would cause them to erupt –

He just didn't understand why that trigger was him, why Qing Sanshan trusted him.

Wen Ruan asked, "Why save me?"

Qing Sanshan raised his eyes to look at him, his gaze serious. "Because Young Master is the Princess Consort of Prince Jian."

"Hmm?" Only at this moment did he realize that Qing Sanshan had a pair of very bright eyes, incredibly luminous, sincere like fire.

"Your subordinate has received great kindness from Prince Jian!"

Suddenly, Qing Sanshan knelt down and kowtowed three times. "Your subordinate has never wavered in his loyalty, never betrayed his country or brothers, and has a clear conscience. But I once received a life-saving grace from the Sixth Prince, an opportunity I've never had to repay..."

In the early years, everyone in the capital knew that the Sixth Prince loved to play and was bold. Forced by the Empress and Crown Prince to study and train in martial arts, he had wreaked havoc throughout the capital. At the age of ten, upon hearing of the Beidi invasion, he dared to secretly run to the border...

His first trip was somewhat reckless, but the impact was immense. This led to subsequent visits. Many pieces of information were suppressed by the Empress and Crown Prince, who would catch the Sixth Prince and give him a good scolding after each visit. But within those repeated 'reckless' trips, not everything was reckless. It was then that a silver-masked young general appeared at the border, wise and brave. Regardless of whether it was a risky move or a planned strategy, everything he did was successful!

At that time, Qing Sanshan was still young and inexperienced. Twice, he nearly died outside, but was saved both times by the Sixth Prince.

"...Prince Jian may not have placed much importance on this matter, perhaps not remembering it at all. But I can't pretend it never happened. I admire Prince Jian's character and will not allow his Princess Consort to come to harm under my watch!"

Wen Ruan asked, "How did you know..."

"From the item on your body." Qing Sanshan pointed to the top of his head.

The jade hairpin?

Subconsciously, Wen Ruan touched it. "You've seen it?"

Qing Sanshan replied, "It should have been a gift bestowed by the late Empress to His Highness. One year, when His Highness went to the border, he suddenly wore this jade hairpin every day, saying that his mother worried about his safety and consecrated it before the Buddha for days to ensure his well-being."

Wen Ruan's heartstrings trembled. He thought it was something Zhu Yan had given him casually, never expecting it to hold such significance...

Qing Sanshan continued, "Young Master, rest assured. No one knows about this now. I recognized it purely by chance."

He didn't know Wen Ruan, but the Sixth Prince had displayed a proud temperament in his youth. He wouldn't give such a private and meaningful item to someone he wasn't close to.

Wen Ruan: "Just because of gratitude?"

"There's also the young master's conduct," Qing Sanshan shook his head gently. "When I said I was a salt farmer, it wasn't a lie. My ancestral home is here, and I grew up as a child knowing the hardships of being a salt farmer. The young master genuinely wants to make a difference, to change something... I've experienced those struggles, and I once swore that I wouldn't bear to see any sincere heart clouded."

As soon as he finished speaking, he propped himself on the ground, unable to suppress a cough that brought blood to his mouth.

"What's wrong with you?"

Wen Ruan tried to help him up but found that he couldn't be moved. He was severely injured, a large patch of blood covering his chest. It had seeped into his clothes before, making it hard to see in the night, but now it was gushing out uncontrollably.

"Nanxing!"

Wen Ruan quickly called for Nanxing to apply medicine and stop the bleeding, but the injury was fatal.

He felt even more uneasy. Such a ruthless attack—what grudge or grievance could this be! Why would the target suddenly shift from him to Qing Sanshan when they were after him!

"Thirteen years ago, where were you?" Wen Ruan suddenly thought of this.

Qing Sanshan's body trembled, then he laughed softly. "Those who think the young master is foolish are the real fools."

Indeed, he had also experienced it!

Wen Ruan's gaze swept over the dead bodies not far away. "That year, you were in the capital, right? What do you know?"

"I actually don't know anything..." Qing Sanshan shook his head. "I was hiding my identity and fleeing at the time. I couldn't let others find out about me, so naturally, I wouldn't take the initiative to inquire about anything. Information was very limited. I only noticed that the streets suddenly became chaotic, with people being arrested everywhere under the pretext of catching thieves. The city gates were also strictly guarded. I was stopped and questioned because of my suspicious behavior. Knowing that I had something to hide, I couldn't afford to be caught, so I fought with someone... Later, I learned that there had been an incident in the palace, the Empress had passed away, and many palace servants, including several concubines, also lost their lives."

Wen Ruan's mind raced. "You didn't know what happened, what thief stole what, but you fought..."

"Mm..."

Qing Sanshan extended his left hand, which was always clenched into a fist. On the side of his thumb, there was a sixth finger. "Perhaps this is particularly memorable, and someone remembered it. They couldn't kill me at the time, but if they encountered me later, they would certainly want to eliminate me."

Wen Ruan: "So you have been safe here until just now."

Qing Sanshan didn't speak, but it was clear that this was the case.

Wen Ruan felt a pang of sadness, realizing that he was being cruel. But there was one question he couldn't resist asking: "At that time, the thieves they were arresting, the things the palace might have lost... You..."

Qing Sanshan shook his head. "I don't know either."

"Fine, I will handle your funeral arrangements."

Wen Ruan took a few deep breaths, regaining his composure. He stared intently at Qing Sanshan. "Your skills are extraordinary. You saved me alone, timing it so precisely. I imagine there's more you can do. But what do you need me to do for you?"

"Nothing escapes the young master's notice."

Qing Sanshan actually smiled, his mouth full of blood, yet he didn't seem sad at all. He laughed easily and joyfully, as if at this moment, the last instant of his life, meeting someone who understood him made his life worth living.

"It's better to live than to die. I originally wanted to return to this ancestral land and eke out a miserable existence to end my days, but I still didn't want to waste my abilities. So I went to the Luan family's salt fields and became a triple spy... The head of the Luan family and that troublesome younger brother, the Empress' taught Zisu, they were fighting like dogs over a bone, making a mess of everything. They all trusted me, so I knew quite a bit about their dealings with each other and with outsiders. I also hid a lot of evidence, which is now in a secret compartment in my house..."

"However, the salt trade is murky, and the administration is unclear. With my identity, I doubt officials would easily believe me, and I don't trust anyone either. I was stubbornly doing what I could, at least proving that I was a good person, not tainted by the world... If these things cannot come to light, they will disappear with my death. But if heaven grants me a chance, I can do one last thing for Da Li..."

Wen Ruan asked about the location of the secret compartment, holding Qing Sanshan's hand earnestly. "I accept this task and will fulfill your wish."

Qing Sanshan finally felt relieved, his body relaxing. His voice grew weaker, but the smile on his lips widened. "You must take care of yourself. The Prince has had a difficult time... Although I don't understand court affairs, I know that the late Empress and the Crown Prince were kind-hearted and didn't deserve to die that way. It was merely the scheming of palace concubines, the struggle for the throne, and the Emperor's favoritism. The Prince couldn't fight against it alone, so he suddenly changed his nature... I imagine that over the years, the Prince has never been short of assassination attempts. Two and a half years ago, the Prince suffered a serious injury due to this. If it weren't for a young man saving him, he might not have survived to this day..."

Wen Ruan: "A young man?"

"I don't know who it was," Qing Sanshan gasped. "That was the first and last time I saw the Prince in these ten years. At the time, the Prince was being pursued and was injured, his consciousness unclear. He probably didn't see me, and I didn't want the Prince to see me, to show a look of disappointment. I silently led those villains away..."

"Prince, Princess, hurry and leave... The Luan family and Zisu... won't let this go. If you don't act quickly... you may not be able to escape..."

Qing Sanshan was already on the brink of death and couldn't say much. Perhaps he really didn't know much about what happened back then. He urgently urged Wen Ruan to leave, but after a few words, the hand Wen Ruan was holding slipped down.

He was gone.

Wen Ruan reached out with a slightly trembling hand, gently caressing his eyes closed.

Indeed, as Qing Sanshan had said, a brief escape could not avoid danger. At this moment, the Luan family and Zisu's men reappeared, surrounding them in the night.

This time, it wasn't abduction or coercion; it was an encirclement for murder.

They seemed to have realized that the seemingly innocent young master was pretending. They had all been fooled and couldn't swallow this humiliation—they demanded vengeance.

"Kill him for me!"

"Tear him to pieces and feed him to the dogs!"

"Beat him into a cripple, break his arms and legs, and lock him up! How dare he deceive me, I'll make him regret it for the rest of his life!"

Nanxing was anxious. "Young master..."

But Wen Ruan wasn't in a hurry. He gently laid Qing Sanshan down, his lips tightly pursed. "Rain can't extinguish a lamp, wind makes colors brighter... If they want a fight, we'll give them one, Nanxing. Let them see what we're capable of!"

What does it matter if we're in a difficult situation, if we're at a disadvantage? Even ordinary people dare to risk their lives to protect their sense of justice. As a prince consort, supported by the people, how dare I take a single step back!

...

Several miles away, Young Master Huo was leading the summoned men in a frantic rush.

What bad luck, how did he end up seeing the Empress' signal? He knew it couldn't be that smooth. Ah Ruan, you must hold on! I'm coming, I'll be there soon!

In the northern lands, the first snowfall came silently, sweeping across the entire land with its solemn chill, turning every drop of water to ice.

"It's not bad? Bi Luhun must be chomping at the bit."

Zhu Yan, spear in hand, led his troops into a charge, flanking and ambushing from both sides; all tactics were already set: "Charge with this king! Victory or defeat will be decided in one battle! After tonight, these bastards will obediently head to the capital!"

"Yes!"

The response was thunderous.

The Northern Di were crafty, none wore military uniforms, all disguised as commoners from the north. Since Da Li couldn't just 'massacre civilians' without cause, they didn't wear armor either, and rules were out of the question. It looked like a clash between two unruly gangs, but in reality, both sides knew exactly what they were doing. They'd settle things after determining who won.

If the northerners won, they would immediately create momentum, revealing their official status to intimidate others, seizing the initiative, and might even demand some benefits right away. If they lost, they'd pretend to be mere citizens, staying quiet and not making a peep, while the other side's delegation would promptly appear, politely following Da Li's welcoming army to the capital.

If Da Li lost, they'd be at a disadvantage in terms of morale, and would be at the mercy of the other side when negotiating trade. If they won, it would only make things progress smoothly, with no significant merit, since they weren't wearing armor. How could it count as a military achievement?

The common folk outside wouldn't know about this, and there wouldn't be any official records either.

But who said that those standing in the shadows weren't heroes? Some things just needed to be done! Every single person here, if asked if they didn't want to do it, would have only one answer – how could that be possible!

Zhu Yan himself, after so many days of maneuvering and circling around, he was already fed up. His princess consort was still waiting for him!

He wouldn't let the soldiers following him work in vain. He had plenty of ways to help them earn their merits, and he certainly wouldn't neglect his loved one.

He remembered Wen Ruan saying that she preferred snow over rain.

The snow in the capital wouldn't be far behind, how could they not enjoy it together?

The word 'endure' written in the room... no matter how many times it was torn down, it wasn't enough. He couldn't endure it anymore, he couldn't just watch as his princess consort was saved by someone else, even if it was part of his own plan!

"Follow me into battle!"

Ah Ruan, wait for me, I'll be back soon!

(Notes: The term 'princess consort' is used here because in historical Chinese context, a male character referring to his partner as such implies a deep level of respect and affection, akin to a wife or a significant other in a royal setting.)