Chapter 145: Fengzhou Becomes a Ghost Town, Bing Wengu Protects Nan Jinping…

**Chapter 145: Fengzhou Turns Into a Ghost Town – Bing Wengu Protects Nan Jinping…**

The members of the Bing and Nan families all turned grim upon hearing the news. Though their stomachs growled with hunger, none could bring themselves to eat a bite at that moment.

The Nans and Bings exchanged silent glances, neither side uttering a word.

Bing Wengu set down his chopsticks and asked, “What about the Prefect of Fengzhou? Did he not lead troops in counterattack? How many Xiongnu were slain?”

The innkeeper sneered, “That Prefect of Fengzhou is nothing but a lamb cowed by the Xiongnu. The moment he sees them, he trembles like a sheep before a wolf, only able to whimper and beg for mercy. Counterattack? If he hasn’t been killed by the Xiongnu yet, it’s only because he hides safely behind his soldiers.”

Bing Wengu frowned. “How can a commander hide in the rear?”

“Hmph, those officials are spineless cowards,” the innkeeper said disdainfully. “I heard the Emperor recently sent a literati to serve as the new Prefect of Fengzhou. Who knows what the Emperor was thinking? Those scholars are all talk and no action—when it comes to real battle, they’d probably soil their pants.”

“I heard that scholar is quite capable. He resolved the drought crisis in Jixian County—quite a talented man,” another waiter chimed in.

“How is that the same? No matter how capable, his hands can only hold a brush. Ask him if he can wield a blade, if he knows military strategy, or dares face the Xiongnu in battle!” The innkeeper shook his head. “Pity the people of Fengzhou, stuck with another cowardly official. In the end, it’s the common folk who suffer.”

“You don’t even know the newly appointed Prefect of Fengzhou—how can you claim he’s a coward?” Bing Silang shot to his feet, his face flushed with indignation. “If you had even the slightest understanding of the new Prefect, you wouldn’t say such things. That new Prefect is a good official who truly cares for the people. When he was transferred, a sea of people turned out to bid him farewell—all on their own, without being told, waiting for days just to see him off.”

To gather information about Fengzhou, Bing Wengu had chosen not to dine at the post station, but instead went to a random restaurant on the street. Thus, the people there had no idea of their true identities and spoke freely in their presence.

“Why are you so worked up?” The waiter was startled, eyeing Bing Silang as if he might throw a punch at any moment.

Nan Jinping pressed Bing Silang back into his seat and said gently to the frightened waiter, “My younger brother holds great admiration for the newly appointed Prefect of Fengzhou, so he got a bit carried away. It’s nothing serious—don’t mind us.”

In the imperial palace of Bianjing, Zhan Yu received the news of Fengzhou having just been plundered again, his face darkening like a thundercloud.

“Imperial Father, the Xiongnu seem to be growing increasingly restless lately?” The Crown Prince looked at the urgent dispatch delivered by courier. “Their hunger for our Great Yong remains unsated.”

Zhan Yu tossed the memorial aside. “Every last one is incompetent—not a single one worthy of use.”

As he spoke, Zhan Yu thought of Bing Wengu. “Bing Yuanting is a rare talent, but alas, he’s still a civil official. I wonder if he can handle Fengzhou.”

His voice trailed off. “Prince, should I summon Bing Yuanting back?”

The Crown Prince pondered. “Though Lord Bing possesses great talent in governance, he ultimately lacks martial prowess.”

Zhan Yu stood, pulled out a blank imperial edict, and dashed off an order with swift strokes. From a distance, the Crown Prince caught sight of the name “Bing Wengu” but looked no further.

Once the edict was completed, Zhan Yu was about to summon his personal eunuch, but he hesitated at the last moment. After a long silence, the freshly written edict, its ink still wet, was tossed into the flames by Zhan Yu himself.

“Given that Fengzhou had just been raided, the Xiongnu likely won’t harass them again so soon. It should be safe for now.”

“Prince, you may leave.”

“Yes, this son takes his leave.”

Upon returning to his palace, the Crown Prince summoned his advisors.

After recounting the day’s events, one advisor drew a finger across his throat.

“Your Highness, shall we send men to intercept and kill him on the road?” the advisor suggested. “The Emperor is not one to hesitate. In all these years, once he makes a decision, he never reverses it. Yet today, he nearly made an exception for Bing Wengu—proof of the depth of His Majesty’s favor.”

The Crown Prince nodded slightly. “Indeed, Imperial Father holds Bing Wengu in exceptional esteem.”

The advisor smiled. “The more the Emperor values Bing Wengu, the better for us. Once we kill him, we need not do much—just frame the Xiongnu for the murder. The Emperor will be furious, and the fallout will land on the Fourth Prince and Mei Chengwen, who recommended Bing Wengu for the post of Prefect of Fengzhou. This would further erode the Emperor’s trust in them. No matter how much fatherly affection the Emperor holds for the Fourth Prince, it will eventually wear thin.”

The Crown Prince did not answer immediately but remained silent.

"Your Highness, this chance won’t come again," the advisor urged anxiously. "This is no time for softheartedness in the fight for the throne. Since ancient times, the struggle for power has always involved countless sacrifices. Your Highness must not hesitate. Think of the Crown Princess, the young imperial grandson, and the people of Dayong.

If the Fourth Prince ascends the throne, given his vindictive nature, how could he possibly spare Your Highness, the former Crown Prince? By then, Your Highness’s entire family may face brutal retaliation, and the common people will surely suffer as well.

Mei Chengwen was never a good official. If he gains power unchecked, he’ll bleed the people dry. The world will know no peace, and Dayong may soon cease to exist."

The Crown Prince remained silent. After a long silence, he finally made his decision.

"Bing Wengu is a rare talent. It would be a great pity for him to be sacrificed in such a senseless political struggle."

"Let it play out naturally. If Bing Wengu truly meets misfortune at the hands of the Xiongnu, His Majesty will still blame the Fourth Prince and others. And we won’t be stained with the crime of killing a loyal man."

"Your Highness!"

The Crown Prince said resolutely, "My mind is set. Enough!"

---

Bing Wengu got word of Fengzhou’s dire situation and could already imagine the devastation within the city walls.

"Dad, Mom, I can’t rest easy about what’s happening in Fengzhou. Please take your time on the journey. I’ll take Cong Lin and a few others ahead with light travel gear," Bing Wengu explained while finalizing the list of those accompanying him, addressing both the Bing and Nan families.

"Take the yamen officers and bodyguards with you. We’re just traveling—there’s no danger," Liang Shi said worriedly.

"The bodyguards won’t help. They were hired to escort us, not to fight the Xiongnu in Fengzhou," Bing Wengu replied. "Don’t worry, Dad and Mom. I’m not some bookworm who can’t fight. There’s no need to fear for me."

Bing Wengu returned to the post station to pack. Nan Jinping followed to help, while the others, having lost their appetite, ate briefly before returning as well.

As Bing Wengu finished packing his belongings, he turned to see a small bundle placed beside his.

He looked up to meet Nan Jinping’s gaze. "Darling, you—"

"I’m coming with you," Nan Jinping said. "You promised if I ever wanted to fly, you’d give me wings. Now, I only wish to go to Fengzhou ahead of schedule. Surely you won’t refuse?"

"Of course not," Bing Wengu smiled. "Thank you for having my back, love."

"Isn’t that how it should be? You’ve done so much for me—defying convention, striving to improve the lives of women and Shuang Er. If I couldn’t even do this much, I wouldn’t deserve you."

Bing Wengu embraced her tightly. "You will always be worthy of me, no matter when or where."

Liang Shi remained uneasy, her anxiety growing. Bing’s father sighed. "Worrying won’t help. Da Lang’s mind is set—once he decides, no one can change it."

Liang Shi said, "Not everyone is powerless to persuade him. Jin Geer can get through to him. I’ll have him reason with Da Lang."

She approached them. "Da Lang, I still don’t feel safe with you taking so few people. Why not travel with the main group? Jin Geer, talk some sense into him—he listens to you."

Nan Jinping lifted her bundle. "Mom, relax. I’ll keep him safe."

Liang Shi was horrified. "Jin Geer, you’re always the responsible one! Why are you acting recklessly now?"

"Mother!" Bing Wengu said sharply. "This is on me. My love has nothing to do with it."

"Besides, being ‘responsible’ should never be used to constrain someone. No one should take flak for others’ foolishness."

Liang Shi stiffened, embarrassed.

Nan Jinping quickly reassured her. "Mom, don’t be upset. Wen Gu’s just worried sick about Fengzhou and spoke out of turn. Rest assured, I’ll keep him in check on the road." "Dad, Mom, we’re heading out. Stay safe," Nan Jinping said.

Bing Wengu turned to Nan Dalang and Bing Dalang. "While I'm gone, you two need to be on high alert. Don't let your guard down just because this is an official party—got it?"

"Understood, Wengu. We'll stay sharp," Nan Dalang replied.

"Big Brother," Bing Silang spoke up, "should I go with you?"

"No need. I don’t like the idea of leaving only Big Brother to watch over our parents. You stay here and be careful."

"Yes, Big Brother."

Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping led Cong Lin and seven or eight capable yamen officers as they traveled light, riding hard toward Fengzhou City.

They pushed on day and night and soon reached Fengzhou’s borders.

Fengzhou was a wasteland. In broad daylight, the streets were completely deserted—silent and empty as a ghost town.

They walked through the quiet streets, past houses shuttered tight. Whether no one was home or something worse had happened, they couldn’t tell.

Looking up, Bing Wengu saw white lanterns and coarse white cloth hanging from nearly every eave. They swayed in the wind, whispering of the suffering each household had endured.

The sight of so much white burned into Nan Jinping’s eyes. “Wengu, have you seen any house without white?”

“No,” Bing Wengu said, his voice heavy.

Cong Lin’s throat felt dry. “The Huns are absolute monsters. If they wanted to plunder, why kill innocent people?”

“Cong Lin, we’re dealing with the Huns now. Drop the idealism.”

“My lord, I just feel for these people.”

“Then either wipe out the Huns or break them!” Bing Wengu snapped, his tone fierce.