Chapter 100

Chapter 100

She desperately wanted to cry but kept forcing herself to hold back because there were too many people around.

Breaking down in tears in front of everyone would be far too humiliating.

In the winter air, Ji Wanyuan's breath formed puffs of steam as she sniffled, looking pitifully at the aloof and elegant man on the city wall.

Even from across the wall, Wen Qiyan accurately spotted the young woman not far away, forcibly pinned against a man on horseback, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Though she hadn't uttered a word, her glistening, watery eyes spoke volumes of her grievances.

Their gazes met across the distance.

Both being such striking figures, those nearby naturally sensed the tension. If not for the standoff between the two sides, whispers would likely have already begun.

Ji Lingyue looked down and saw Ji Wanyuan's focused stare fixed on the opposite side. He hated her attention being on Wen Qiyan.

For so many years, it had always been like this. Wherever Wen Qiyan appeared, she would look at him, her eyes having no room for anyone else.

He hadn't expected that even now, trapped in his embrace, he couldn't stop her from looking at Wen Qiyan, and with such intensity.

Ji Lingyue bent close to her ear. "If you keep looking at him like that, sister, I'll gouge your eyes out."

After all, she only ever looked at others. Whenever she faced him, that focus would turn into disgust.

Only if she couldn't see would she treat everyone equally.

Terrified by his words, Ji Wanyuan snapped back to reality, angrily withdrawing her gaze, grinding her teeth as she cursed Ji Lingyue under her breath.

She still wanted to resist Ji Lingyue's hold, but her entire body felt weak and powerless, the effects of the Muscle-Weakening Powder fully taking hold. She couldn't even dismount on her own now.

And to avoid a humiliating fall, she had no choice but to cling to Ji Lingyue.

The siblings' whispered exchange was naturally inaudible to others, but Wen Qiyan could read lips. He easily discerned what Ji Lingyue had said to Ji Wanyuan.

Moreover, after saying those words, Ji Lingyue met Wen Qiyan's gaze with a provocative, cold smirk.

Wen Qiyan's eyes turned equally icy and fierce, the change in his mood so palpable that even the Prefect of Yizhou beside him noticed.

Wen Qiyan remained silent, so the Prefect of Yizhou stepped forward. "Eldest Young Master Ji, it's been a while."

Even though Ji Lingyue had already rebelled against the Ji family and established his own faction, the Prefect and others still addressed him this way.

"Does the Prefect still insist on stubbornly defending Yizhou?" Ji Lingyue said this while his gaze remained fixed on Wen Qiyan.

Listening to their exchange, Ji Wanyuan wanted to look towards Wen Qiyan but didn't dare. Because Ji Lingyue was no longer the older brother who had doted on her in every way; he was now a complete mad dog, biting anyone he saw, anyone who displeased him.

"As the Prefect of Yizhou, protecting the safety of Yizhou is my duty!" The Prefect of Yizhou knew what Ji Lingyue was implying and directly cut off his next words.

"Very well." Ji Lingyue raised an eyebrow and casually waved his hand. Madam Ming and Wen Junlin were brought forward.

Madam Ming was bound hand and foot, a cloth gag in her mouth, shoved forward. She kept whimpering, tears streaming down her face. The moment she saw Ji Wanyuan and the Prefect of Yizhou, her tears fell even more profusely.

The Prefect of Yizhou quickly stepped forward, gripping the parapet with both hands as he looked down, unable to resist cursing Ji Lingyue for his despicable tactics.

Not only the Prefect of Yizhou, but Ji Wanyuan was also cursing him internally, calling him utterly shameless! To use a woman and a child as bait.

"Even if you ascended the throne, you would be a failed emperor!"

"Sister's words are truly unpleasant to hear." He sneered, pinching her chin and forcing her to look up.

Ji Wanyuan raised her eyes, her gaze meeting Wen Qiyan's.

He still hadn't spoken a word, but the coldness in his eyes was deepening intensely.

"Wen Qiyan." Ji Lingyue wasted no more time on pleasantries.

"Hand over my father's Tiger Tally. Otherwise..." No sooner had Ji Lingyue spoken than his subordinate's blade pressed closer to Wen Junlin and Madam Ming.

Seeing the cold glint of the blade nearing Wen Junlin and Madam Ming, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but recall the scene from last night when He Xun was killed by him.

She couldn't hold back her tears. "You... you promised not to harm my Lin'er, didn't you?"

She no longer cared about any sense of shame, immediately weeping and begging Ji Lingyue not to touch her child or Madam Ming, both of whom were innocent and were no threat to him.

"Sister, begging me is useless. Better beg Wen Qiyan. Tell him, as long as he gives me the Tiger Tally, your elder brother will immediately release you, his child, and the Prefect's wife."

Ji Wanyuan looked towards Wen Qiyan.

As the other man took a step forward, Ji Lingyue watched Ji Wanyuan's tear-streaked face with amusement before looking up with interest. "What does the Censor-in-chief think?"

"You only want the Tiger Tally?" he asked.

"Yes, I want my father's troops." He didn't know where Chancellor Ji's troops were stationed, but he was certain of one thing: these forces were absolutely enough to rival the imperial court's army.

Moreover, he was convinced that Chancellor Ji had entrusted these troops to Wen Qiyan. Otherwise, how could a mere Prefect of Yizhou possibly hold Yizhou?

Now that Wen Yunqin had escaped from the Qingzhou prison, the only leverage he held was Ji Wanyuan and Wen Junlin. Although Madam Ming also had some use, her value was far less than that of Ji Wanyuan and Wen Junlin.

Tears streamed down Ji Wanyuan's face as she looked at her Lin'er, terrified that Ji Lingyue's men might "accidentally" let the sharp blade slice his neck and end his life.

At this moment, she truly wished she could take Wen Junlin's place.

She tried to struggle, but her body had no strength at all; her limbs were as soft as noodles. Even moving her eyeballs felt strenuous. In this moment, Ji Wanyuan felt utterly useless. Apart from crying, she could do nothing.

She even thought despairingly that if she were the only one held hostage, she might as well slit her own throat and be done with it. But she didn't want anything to happen to her Lin'er, nor did she want to implicate Madam Ming.

Ever since she arrived in Yizhou, Madam Ming had shown her endless kindness and consideration.

If not for taking care of her Lin'er, Madam Ming wouldn't have been captured.

The guilt in Ji Wanyuan's heart deepened immensely. She cried uncontrollably, tears falling like raindrops, as if they cost nothing.

Seeing her cry, Ji Lingyue saw Wen Qiyan's frown deepen.

Wen Qiyan had indeed developed feelings for his sister.

Even though his sister hadn't said anything, hadn't pleaded with Wen Qiyan to hand over the Tiger Tally as he wished, her tears alone were enough to move Wen Qiyan.

Ji Lingyue asked him what he had decided.

The Prefect of Yizhou was about to speak, but Wen Qiyan raised a hand to stop him.

"Fine, I agree." He agreed.

Ji Wanyuan's tears halted momentarily. He agreed just like that?

But then she reconsidered. With Ji Lingyue having descended to such madness, what other choice was there besides agreeing to his demands?

She was at a loss for words, because she wanted to save Wen Junlin and Madam Ming, and handing over the Tiger Tally was the only method to stop Ji Lingyue.

"Bring the Tiger Tally over," Ji Lingyue demanded, instructing Wen Qiyan to exit the city alone.

But the Prefect of Yizhou immediately interjected after he said this, "Censor-in-chief, you must not agree. This is surely a trap."

Anyone could see the murderous intent Ji Lingyue had shown toward Wen Qiyan?

If Wen Qiyan rode out alone to deliver the tally, he'd surely be ambushed and killed.

Yet Wen Qiyan reassured him. Before descending from the city gate, he glanced once more at the girl with tear-streaked cheeks.

Ji Wanyuan's heart was hammering in her chest. She both wanted and didn't want Wen Qiyan to come.

Yesterday, He Xun had been surrounded and killed right before her eyes. If Wen Qiyan ended up the same way today...

The mere thought of his death made her heart ache terribly, and she couldn't help but start crying again.

Tears poured down her face, soaking her fluffy cloak.

With a creak, the city gate was opened.

Ji Wanyuan saw Wen Qiyan riding out on horseback.

He was truly alone.

Then she saw Wen Qiyan raise his hand, revealing a token in his palm, carved into the shape of a tiger. Is this the Tiger Tally? Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but wonder.

"The Censor-in-chief certainly has some courage," Ji Lingyue sneered.

"Release them," Wen Qiyan remained unperturbed, his voice as cool and calm as ever, showing no trace of emotion.

Ji Lingyue personally urged his horse forward with Ji Wanyuan, followed by those holding Madam Ming and Wen Junlin captive.

The troops on both sides dared not move, the atmosphere unbearably tense.

Held by Ji Lingyue, Ji Wanyuan drew closer and closer to Wen Qiyan.

The man opposite her had a deeply furrowed brow, the Tiger Tally in his hand gleaming brilliantly under the winter sun.

She wanted to speak but didn't know what to say.

As they drew nearer, Ji Wanyuan's heartbeat grew increasingly frantic.

When the distance between them was no more than a foot, Ji Lingyue reached out toward Wen Qiyan, demanding that he throw the Tiger Tally over.

Wen Qiyan complied with his wish, his slender fingers flicking the Tiger Tally directly toward him.

Ji Wanyuan felt the Tiger Tally fly past her ear like a hidden weapon.

But she never expected it to actually be a hidden weapon. The turn of events was so swift.

The Tiger Tally burst open just after passing her, not only shooting steel needles toward Ji Lingyue but also releasing a cloud of smoke.

People nearby shouted that it was poisonous.

The troops led by Ji Lingyue behind them instantly raised their swords and charged forward. At that critical moment, many black-clad figures descended from the Yizhou city walls, holding unknown objects which they hurled into the midst of Ji Lingyue's combined forces.

Ji Wanyuan didn't have the strength to look back, but she heard explosions coming from behind.

Explosions?

What on earth was this? How could there be explosions?

Wait... She realized that this seemingly poisonous smoke, once inhaled, actually restored a bit of strength to her body.

Ji Lingyue was directly knocked off his horse by the hurled Tiger Tally hidden weapon.

That seemingly light flick actually carried such immense force.

Forced back, he stabbed his sword into the ground, dragging it a long distance before barely managing to stop himself.

Without support, even though she had regained some strength, Ji Wanyuan still couldn't stay upright on the horse by herself.

Just as she was about to fall off the horse—in this chaotic situation, she would have died instantly—she closed her eyes, a tear slipping from the corner.

Unexpectedly, someone swooped in, catching her as she fell from the horse and pulling her into an embrace.

Amid the mist, she caught a whiff of that clear, cold scent, and she felt her nose sting. She opened her eyes to see the man's cold, handsome profile.

Wen Qiyan held a sword in one hand and cradled her in the other.

Many people around them were attacking, but Wen Qiyan merely swung his long sword, the fierce gusts from his blade directly repelling and killing those who charged.

Not only that, but deep sword marks were left on the ground as well.

Ji Wanyuan gasped for breath from time to time.

Cold sweat and tears kept rolling down her body. She was so nervous she swallowed hard.

Wen Qiyan held her by the waist, telling her to hold on tight.

Then, wielding his sword with one hand, he dealt with the endless stream of attackers.

The forces on both sides were already engaged in battle.

Ji Wanyuan clung tightly to him, wanting to see clearly whether her son and Madam Ming had been rescued.

But amidst the flashing blades and bloodshed, the clashing of swords and shouts mingled together. Wen Qiyan's movements were too swift; she couldn't see at all whether Wen Junlin and Madam Ming had been saved.

"So little faith in your husband?" The man holding her couldn't resist taunting her while fighting.

Even without a definite answer, Ji Wanyuan knew the two must have been rescued.

She held him, sniffling, saying nothing, just nuzzling her nose against the man's neck.

Now, she not only smelled his clear, cold scent but also the stench of blood, a nauseating metallic odor.

"If you're scared, close your eyes," his voice was cool, yet he was still comforting her.

Ji Wanyuan closed her eyes, clinging tightly to him.

Ji Lingyue had inhaled the poisonous gas and was currently sitting cross-legged, regulating his breathing. Watching the man not far away, holding the young woman while killing with one hand, his eyes turned red with hatred, as if about to drip blood.

Having come this far, with three hostages in his grasp, he still couldn't eliminate Wen Qiyan? Had Wen Qiyan anticipated everything to this extent?

No, he hadn't lost to Wen Qiyan.

But he had lost to Chancellor Ji. If Chancellor Ji had given him the troops, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation.

Ji Lingyue's father's Tiger Tally was completely useless. Chancellor Ji had already issued orders for his troops to follow Wen Qiyan's commands! It was precisely because of these reinforcements that Yizhou's forces became so fierce, directly overwhelming the allied troops he had brought.

As Ji Lingyue thought this, his rage surged. The doctor beside him couldn't help but warn, "My lord, you mustn't get worked up, or the poison will spread."

Watching as the allied forces gradually became no match for Yizhou's troops, someone chose this moment to demoralize the ranks.

Yizhou's men called out to the allied forces, urging them to surrender, and some within their ranks began to waver.

They were from small states, not proper armies, so how could they withstand Yizhou's well-trained soldiers?

Hearing this demoralizing talk, Ji Lingyue directly ordered his subordinates, "In this battle, anyone who retreats will be cut down on the spot!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the wavering allies were instantly intimidated and steadied themselves.

Wuhuan was a local hegemon. Betraying him now would be costly. The allied forces from the small states had no choice but to grit their teeth and press on against Yizhou's troops.

This battle lasted for about an hour, with losses on both sides.

The poison within Ji Lingyue's body had not yet been expelled. His trusted aide advised him to retreat. "Our casualties are too high. If we continue fighting, I fear..."

I fear we will be wiped out.

He left the words unspoken, because if he did, Ji Lingyue would surely fly into a rage.

But the reality was plain to see.

If they retreated from this battle, he feared he would never have another chance. Since he was already in a desperate situation, Ji Lingyue said, his face cold, "No retreat!"

He would destroy Yizhou even if it killed him.

Having said that, he followed the doctor's advice and continued trying to expel the poison. But it was truly formidable; it couldn't be eradicated. He had no choice but to stay put and endure it.

Ji Wanyuan noticed that the hem of her skirt was also stained with quite a bit of blood.

Today, she witnessed Wen Qiyan's martial prowess firsthand. Fighting a hundred men alone was nothing for him. She suspected that even her brother, in a one-on-one fight, would not be his match.

After taking out four more enemies in one go, Ji Wanyuan had regained most of her strength. Panting, she asked, "Are we... still going to keep fighting?"

Wen Qiyan looked down at her. The woman he held still had her hair neat, but she had cried so much from fear that her makeup was a mess. Beyond that, her eyes were terribly swollen.

He smiled slightly. Out of the corner of her eye, Ji Wanyuan saw someone charging from nearby. She shouted "Be careful!", but before she could finish, Wen Qiyan swung his sword, sending the attacker flying to crash against a rock.

Ji Wanyuan winced just looking at it, "..."

But before she could gather her thoughts, she heard the roar of a fresh charge.

"What... what's going on?" It felt like more people had joined the fray.

Wen Qiyan paused. He drew back, pulling her with him, and Yizhou's men quickly stepped forward, surrounding and protecting them both.

"My lord, it's bad! Imperial troops are here!!!"

"The imperial court actually sent people! What on earth is happening?" The allied soldiers forgot all about fighting the enemy, clutching their blood-stained swords and pacing in helpless confusion.

"What's going on? Weren't they saying the imperial court was still in turmoil?"

"It's Wen Yunqin!" Ji Lingyue's trusted aide squinted and saw the person leading the troops charging towards them.

"My lord, leave quickly! We can't stay here!"

Now that they were surrounded, continuing to fight meant certain death.

Ji Lingyue opened his eyes but remained silent, his face darkened ominously.

"My lord!" His trusted aide could wait no longer. Were it not for the fear of disrespect, he would have dragged Ji Lingyue away immediately.

At this point, Ji Lingyue had no choice but to swallow his anger. The moment he uttered "retreat," he couldn't help but spew a mouthful of black blood!

"Young Master!" The people around him no longer cared about anything else and fought their way out of the encirclement with him.

As the saying goes, to catch rebels, first catch their chief. Seeing Ji Lingyue taken away, the Prefect of Yizhou immediately signaled for a shout: "The Wuhuan chieftain has fled! Lay down your weapons and surrender immediately, or face execution without mercy!"

"Execution without mercy!" The morale of Yizhou's troops soared, their battle cries almost shaking the heavens.

Now leaderless, the allied forces retreated, only to find Wen Yunqin leading the Imperial Guards charging towards them. There was nowhere left to retreat.

Some put up a desperate fight, but were quickly subdued. The rest were a disorganized rabble, rounded up in no time.

"..."

By the time Wen Qiyan carried her into the Prefect's official residence, Ji Wanyuan was still in a daze.

She could hardly believe they were actually safe?

Moreover, her brother had been beaten into a hasty retreat by Wen Qiyan.

It wasn't until she was undressed and placed into a warm bathtub that the warmth of the water finally jolted her back to reality.

She looked up at the man taking care of her. He was still stained with blood, even his handsome face hadn't been spared.

"Back with us?"

Seeing her look over, no longer lost in thought, Wen Qiyan paused and met her gaze.

The time apart wasn't actually that long, yet to her it felt like a lifetime. Perhaps it was because she had faced mortal danger and witnessed death.

Ji Wanyuan stared at him blankly, completely at a loss for words.

She had so many questions, but didn't know where to start. Wen Qiyan washed and wiped her clean. Before long, she was thoroughly cleaned.

He lifted her out, then quickly washed the grime from his own body.

Ji Wanyuan sat on the edge of the bed waiting for him. Wen Qiyan was very quick.

Her long hair was still damp. He got a fresh towel and patiently dried it.

Watching his gentle movements, Ji Wanyuan thought of his fierce and ruthless charge through the enemy ranks earlier. They were like two completely different people.

The one who was fierce, cold, decisive, and lethal earlier was him. The one who was gentle, warm, and speaking softly now was also him.

"Ling'er and Madam Ming..." She still had to ask.

This time, Wen Qiyan gave her a definite answer. "They are both fine."

Hearing this, the stone in her heart finally settled.

But it had only settled for a moment when she noticed Wen Qiyan's expression was all wrong.

It got a bit cold.

Just a moment ago, everything was fine.

He was drying her hair, but as he kept drying it, why did he suddenly grow cold?

Her first thought was: Had Wen Qiyan anticipated what she was about to say and gotten jealous?

Because what she was going to bring up next was about He Xun.

But seeing Wen Qiyan’s expression now, she instantly lost her nerve.

She had been on the receiving end of Wen Qiyan’s jealousy countless times.

But… He Xun had died for her, and his body was still missing. No matter what, she ought to do something for him—at least give him a proper burial, right?

Ji Wanyuan was still weighing her words, not yet sure how to begin, when the man with the stormy expression called her name.

“Ji Wanyuan.”

Startled, she instinctively hummed in response. “What is it?”

“Why did you go?”

At first, she didn’t understand what Wen Qiyan meant.

Under his icy gaze, Ji Wanyuan gradually realized: he was talking about how she had hidden it from him and gone to the Prefect’s private manor on her own.

If she hadn't acted on her own, none of the later events would have happened, and so many wouldn't have died.

Ji Wanyuan instinctively wanted to explain herself, but when she opened her mouth, she didn’t know what to say. The tip of her nose tingled with sourness.

After a long moment, she whispered, “I’m sorry…”

If she hadn’t acted on her own, if she hadn’t made decisions without consulting him, none of what followed would have occurred.

What was there to explain? She was too ashamed to offer any defense.

Ji Wanyuan lowered her head, her body even curling in on itself involuntarily.

But before she could fully shrink into a quail-like ball, the man before her abruptly pulled her into his embrace.

The force with which he drew her in was strong, his hold tight—so tight she could hardly breathe.

Before she could ask Wen Qiyan to loosen his grip, a low, hoarse question reached her ear:

“Ji Wanyuan, your heart cares only for your Lin’er.” “Did you ever think—if something happened to you, what would I do?”