Chapter 8

 HHYL Fanfic2 Chapter 8

The cold voice which came from their backs radiated with powerful Qi infused with anger.

They all turned around only to be met by the sight of a magnificent face bestowed with every perfection by the Heavens. The owner of that wondrous visage was glaring at them with his beautiful yet icy cold eyes. His fluttering white-as-snow robe was edged with detailed flowery embroidery at the hem adding even more charm to his imposing figure, which left every single person beholding this breathtaking presentation at a loss for words. However, the amazingly beautiful face was contorted with rage. Giving off the impression of a wrathful divinity that came down from Heaven to bring about calamity upon humans.

Jing was literally emanating his murderous intention when he heard Cao Xin's words. His usual presence was already filled with an intimidating aura, needless to say it was infinitely more terrifying when he was agitated. Already he was beyond angry with that damn Crown Prince and now to hear such ridiculous words from that cursed fool! These foolish brothers of Lu Cang never seemed to learn. Always trying to persuade Lu Cang to leave him. If he did not take into consideration Lu Cang's reaction when they were being mistreated by Zhang Zi Dong, Jing would already have wiped them out when they offered Lu Rong Rong to Lu Cang to be his secret lover. Had he possessed any less self-control he would have slapped that inane person's face and sent both of them home, as far away as possible from Lu Cang.

All of their faces were drained of all color once they saw how furious Jing was. Even the loud Cao Xin didn't dare to open his mouth and was frightened by Jing's obvious killer aura. Ge Qing's legs were almost incapable of supporting him due to them trembling. Lu Cang's body continued its terrified tremble from the day before but his facial countenance remained strong, he was in front of his Brothers after all. Ding Peng displayed his usual calm on the surface face but still remained alert as he didn't know what to expect since Jing had been in an increasingly foul mood all this time.

Eyeing them one by one, Jing gritted his teeth and with a freezing cold tone that was even colder than the winter's wind, he asked them. "I ask again, WHO-WOULD-LEAVE-WHOM?"

Ge Qing's knees about to buckle now knocked together uncontrollably as Jing looked in his direction for answers, Jing also noticed the clapping sound being emitted from them and glowered intensely. Jing literally put a stop to whatever Ge Qing wanted to say but that Cao Xin's skin was thicker than a turtle's shell. "B-Big... Big Brother has found his fated princess. He... he... he finally could leave..." Albeit there was a stutter in his speech, Cao Xin finally mustered all of his courage to speak, yet, when Jing shot him a sideways glance, he found himself trembling with fear and unable to continue his words.

"Princess??"

"Yes... yes... A Princess who loves ..." Cao Xin just didn't' know when to keep his mouth shut, stubbornly he wanted to say whatever was in his mind.

Cao Xin!! How could he run his loud and stupid mouth at this moment? Jing was already furious to begin with. Now, with these kinds of words, Cao Xin was literally adding fuel to the already scorching fire. Lu Cang almost could see Jing exuding a blazing-hot flame all around himself. He had to stop Cao Xin before Jing unleashed his infamous temper and killed his brother on the spot. Lu Cang's face turned pale.

"No...no... It was a misunderstanding." He glared at Cao Xin to stop him from continuing his speech. With all his might Lu Cang tried to soothe the infuriated Jing by pulling his arm with both of his hands. "Come, let's get back to the tent first, I will explain everything. Alright?

Initially, Jing was unwilling to let them off just like that, however, Lu Cang's desperate look successfully softened him a bit. He knew he couldn't blame Lu Cang for his brother's foolish actions.

The whole way back to their tent was engulfed in quietness, making the journey that was merely tens of steps feel like thousands of Li.

Ding Peng was left behind with Cao Xin and Ge Qing. Naturally, Ding Peng didn't like nor want to get further involved in this kind of ridiculous talk. He just stood quietly by the side and continued to observe the situation as it unfolded. --- By now the duo had recovered enough to resume speaking annoyingly loud as usual and could only pray for Lu Cang's well-being. Again, he had jumped into hot water to protect his brothers. Whether it was admirable or foolish, Ding Peng couldn't decide.

"What's the big deal if a princess falls for our Big Brother? Big Brother is very handsome and very capable. I am sure every girl would fall for him and throw themselves at Big Brother if not for that Emperor hindering them."

"True, true... I agree with you, Third Brother. Our Big Brother is extremely good looking."

"Even the most beautiful courtesan in Hangzhou had been constantly asking about him." Ge Qing added, unaware that he had revealed his own personal affairs.

"Haiii..." Ding Peng sighed loudly because of their unnecessary passionate comments. It might be the truth though. However, at the moment, they were not dealing with a mere delicate princess. No. The problem wouldn't get as complicated if it was a mere princess who fell for Lord Lu. The problem here was that of all people, the person who was so infatuated with Lord Lu and made no effort to hide the fact that he was absolutely smitten was also the most troublesome candidate one could think of. With regards to looks, skills, ability and such, he was the man who presented the closest competition to their Emperor that Ding Peng had ever encountered in his long years of court service. Ding Peng cursed inwardly for this predicament.

"Official Cao, Official Ge, unfortunately, the one who has fallen for your Big Brother isn't a simple princess. It is more complicated than that."

Ding Peng decided to enlighten these naïve Brothers of Lu Cang's. These people definitely hadn't changed much over these years. Still the same simple-minded bandits even after being officials for so many years.

"What do you mean, Commander Ding? Not a simple princess?? Then what kind of princess is she? A wild and strong one?" Qe Qing couldn't help but to exclaim. Never in his life had he met a princess, let alone such an interesting princess. He had only encountered the flirtatious courtesans from brothels.

Ding Peng shook his head. "No. Not that kind at all... actually, it isn't about a princess at all."

Cao Xin was obviously made more curious by Ding Peng's words. "Didn't you say so yourself? An honorable person has fallen for our Big Brother? Who else but a princess?" The idea that another man would fall for their Big Brother had never crossed their minds as they thought only a freaky Emperor like Jing would like a man.

"As a matter of fact..." Ding Peng hadn't had the chance to finish his words when suddenly, the corner of his eye caught a figure in deep blue clothing approaching them. "Speak of the devil, he doth appear. That is the honorable person who fell for your Big Brother." Taking advantage of Huan Shu Cheng appearance, Ding Peng smiled as he had been spared the trouble of explaining this problem that couldn't be solved with a mere verbal explanation. After all, seeing is believing.

Following Ding Peng's line of sight, they turned their heads to that approaching man in blue. Their jaws dropped upon seeing the person Ding Ping had insinuated about. It was undoubtedly a man. A very beautiful one at that. Indeed, clearly not a princess. And judging by his regal manner, he must be also born of a royal lineage.

"Commander Ding, have you seen Lord Lu? The soldiers said they saw him early this morning." Shu Cheng, oblivious to the circumstances Ding Peng was in, asked with his face brimming with excitement. He raised a brow at the two men gaping at him.

"This is the Crown Prince of Mingdi's Kingdom. Royal Crown Prince Huan Shu Cheng."

In short, another high quality male beauty of enormous status had fallen for their Big Brother?

Oh Good Heaven!! .... What kind of charm did their Big Brother actually have? Why did he have to attract the eyes of beautiful males? No wonder he didn't have interest in any women before. He was actually born to be a magnet that drew to him the highest quality of human males. Darn! Does this mean that their Big Brother is destined to be with that damn Emperor Xuan Yuan Jing forever? Well, it's better for their Big Brother to be with the devil they know than the one they don't know.

This time it was Cao Xin who came to his senses first. Yet he couldn't muster any acknowledgement to Huan Shu Cheng. He could only helplessly shudder at his own thoughts. Looking at the gaping Ge Qing, apparently he also had the same thoughts too. Their Big Brother was truly amazing...

------

The heavy air from yesterday's unpleasant encounter hadn't completely dissipated between them yet, and now, adding more to the already suffocating air, was Jing's imposing figure, unleashing his infamous furious vibe. Raising up his chin while folding both his hands on the front of his chest, he raised a brow while focusing his dark pupils firmly on Lu Cang.

In spite of this difficult-to-solve predicament, Lu Cang found himself a bit happy, Jing was finally looking at him again, with his pair of black eyes whose beauty was not diminished in the slightest by the wrath that was spilling out of them, while demanding a good explanation for what he heard from out of Cao Xin's loud mouth. Lu Cang was still a little uneasy by Jing's silence. Seeing an upset Jing caused his heart unrest and was unable to calm down.

Even though coaxing someone had never been Lu Cang's strong point, however, in these circumstances, when Jing was being overly unreasonable and hard to reason with, he must exert each and every trick he knew to pacify the agitated Jing.

"Cao Xin, he... he has misunderstood... and you know that Cao Xin's mouth is faster than his brain. He jumped to conclusions without confirming the real circumstances."

"And? What would the real circumstances be? "Jing actually could already guess the situation, Jing of all people would be the very first to know if Lu Cang got involved with whatever princess. However, the flustered Lu Cang --- exhausting his mind to find the right words to explain things --- was extremely adorable, therefore, with his face rigid as a layer of ice while laughing inwardly, he fixed his cold eyes at the frowning deeply Lu Cang.

Truthfully, in his heart, Lu Cang was busily cursing the source of his troublesome situation, Huan Shu Cheng. Jing had constantly been in an agitated state ever since they met this beautiful Crown Prince. At first, Lu Cang couldn't comprehend half of the reason for Jing's aggravation, thus he took it lightly, attributing it to Jing's usual unbelievable degree of possessiveness. Having heard from Commander Ding Peng --- one of the few people he could whole-heartedly trust --- that... that... the Crown Prince unexpectedly harbored a kind of romantic feeling for him, he couldn't restrain a spell of unpleasant feeling from floating up. All the more so when he recalled that Jing did warn him about this before.

Why would another man have this kind of feeling for him? Just why! --- Lu Cang really wanted to shout out his indignation. Was it the same as what Cao Xin once said? That ever since he had been topped by Jing, he became more...more....pretty?? Lu Cang could hardly bring himself to bring up that abominable word, even in the privacy of his own mind.

Upon this thought, Lu Cang could now feel all the blood throughout his body rushing towards his face. Why must he be so unlucky to attract another male? But when it comes to appearance, he knew his looks paled when compared to Jing. So why? No, not that he wanted that Huan Shu Cheng to be attracted to his Jing either.

Glancing at his very own beautiful Emperor, still glaring at him with his beautiful eyes, the frown between his brows was getting deeper and deeper as he raided his brain to find the most appropriate lines to explain away this misunderstanding.

"The truth is... well... The truth is..."

Damn!!

How could Lu Cang speak of this embarrassing affair out loud. But Jing was waiting for his explanation. Obviously impatient.

Jing almost couldn't contain his laughter when he saw that Lu Cang's face had turned crimson as if it was burning. The corner of his moist lips were twitching from holding in his amusement at Lu Cang's desperate situation --- Lu Cang regarded it as Jing was being at his highest boiling point and about to explode, and for this reason, he drew in a mouthful of air and spoke in one breath.

"The truth is there wasn't anything like 'who will leave whom' matter as you heard, it was merely Cao Xin misunderstanding the words he overheard when I talked to Commander Ding. He heard half of it and jumped to conclusions."

"Yes. You told me that before. But you haven't told me, exactly what he heard to make him jump to that conclusion."

"Err... that... that... It was nothing. Not a big deal...really..." Lu Cang cast his eyes to everywhere but Jing's eyes. His gesture whenever he tried to make up some lie which was never successful. He truly wished he could go back in time, and never had agreed to Huan Shu Cheng's visitation then, he wouldn't be in this predicament. He cursed his own carelessness.

"Hmm?" Jing narrowed his eyes in a menacing way. Forcing Lu Cang to spill everything.

"It was just... CommanderDingtoldmethatSirHuanisinlovewithme. Not such a big deal..." Lu Cang's speech was unusually fast to the point that it seemed like a speech of a drunkard --- his speech was slurred and indistinct.

Despite knowing what Lu Cang was talking about, Jing with his devilish nature wouldn't let him off so easily. Naturally he would push Lu Cang like a cornered mouse. He could clearly hear what Lu Cang had just said. He detested the word "in love" being associated with that damn Crown Prince.

"Speak clearly!! Or are you saying Cao Xin deserves a punishment for his uncouth behavior?"

"No!! No!! I didn't say that!" Lu Cang's heart skipped a beat upon hearing that Cao Xin would be punished for this little misunderstanding. He waved his hand frantically in front of Jing. He hung his head in defeat and said with a lowered voice. "I said, I said... According to Commander Ding, Sir Huan is interested in me. So, when Cao Xin heard that someone was interested in me, he quickly thought that it was a princess. So... it was nothing like what you have in mind."

"What do I have in mind?" Jing raised one of his brows. His simple gesture when ridiculing someone. In his heart, he rejoiced that Lu Cang did not use the word "in love" the second time round.

Feeling that Jing had softened to a certain degree, Lu Cang's heart also lightened. "You think that I will leave you for a better person."

"So?" Jing acted indifferently, still with his initial posture albeit he had already softened his manner of speaking.

"Jing, you do know that I will never leave you, right?" Lu Cang firmly looked into Jing's black pupils, his attempt to show Jing that he meant what he said. Trying his best to ease Jing's anger with his sincerity.

"Who knows? You did say you will leave me once you find a better one."

Lu Cang was right. Jing definitely took what he said at that time to his heart. "Where can I find a better one than our great Emperor?" Holding in his embarrassment, Lu Cang tried the same flirtatious line that Jing always said to him whenever he was upset at Jing.

"Didn't you say it just now? The Crown Prince of Mingdi, Huan Shu Cheng, is interested in you. He is kind, he is gentle, and above all, his appearance is definitely to your liking. Exactly the "perfect" person you could picture in your dreams." The testiness was back in his voice when he said those words. Honestly speaking, Jing hated to praise another man even though it was merely to serve as a means for mocking Lu Cang.

"Good Heaven!! No!! Why should I leave you for another man?" Quickly shouting out his retort, Lu Cang was literally shuddering with the mere thought of it. "For all my life, to have this kind of relationship with one man is more than enough." I don't need another freak in my life. Lu Cang could only inwardly say these words as he knew Jing would be greatly offended to be regarded as a freak.

"It is easy to reflect on major mistakes, but hard to eliminate small habits."

It took Lu Cang quite a while to understand what Jing had said just now. Soon after, when he realized what Jing meant by that phrase, his face twisted unhappily.

"You meant to say that I am easily deceived by outward appearances?" Obviously, what Jing said was not baseless. Lu Cang still had the habit of judging people merely by their outer looks.

Reminded of his many failures only because of this, Lu Cang didn't have any other option but to admit his own bad skill in observation. He had grown up in the mountain, among the outspoken mountain bandits. Their crude life made them speak whatever was on their minds in a simple and straightforward way without double meaning. Unlike the scholars who spoke in flowery language and did not directly say what they meant. With this kind of background how could Lu Cang be accustomed to the deceptive life in the Capital, particularly in the Imperial Palace. To sum it up, Lu Cang was only surrounded by 'honest' people, hence it wouldn't be so surprising for him to be easily deceived by people's outward appearance --- and by people's flowery praise for him.

"And you didn't believe me when I told you before. But when Ding Peng told you, you believed it at once! In short, you don't have any faith in me?" Using this opportunity, when Lu Cang had totally admitted to his fault and was weakened by his own conscience, Jing launched an attack at the last layer of his mental resistance.

"I am sorry... it's not that I don't have any faith... I thought you were being your ridiculous self again... so... I ...." Lu Cang quickly stopped his mouth from babbling when he saw Jing was shooting him a sideways glance.

"Ridiculous?" While giving Lu Cang his stern look, Jing was actually enjoying every little change in that handsome face. Such flustered expressions hadn't been on Lu Cang's face for quite some time. Even though Jing loved this matured and more composed Lu Cang, but Jing must admit that sometimes he yearned for the defiant and unruly little Bandit King.

Lu Cang was obviously troubled by his own word. With great effort, he finally could think of one brilliant verse that Jing taught him to help him out of this predicament. "Jing, life is impermanent. It exists in the space of a breath. Life ends when the breathing stops. We must cherish every moment."

"And? What's that verse have to do with me?"

"So, let's not fuss over petty matters, alright Jing? I promise you, I will stay away from Sir Huan as you wish me to, alright??"

Jing couldn't help but leak out a soft laugh. Jing actually never minded that Lu Cang was not so highly educated, he himself never used such sophisticated flowery language when talking to Lu Cang, however, hearing Lu Cang actually use a verse he taught him, he realized that Lu Cang had been trying hard to fit into his life. He softened further by this realization.

Contented that Lu Cang was finally aware of the situation, Jing was fully confident that Lu Cang would avoid any further intimate contact with that oh-so-unfortunate Crown Prince. Lu Cang wouldn't do anything that could ignite Jing's wrath.

Pulling Lu Cang's firm body into his arms, Jing mischievously whispered as he licked his ears. "Alright. I will forgive you as long as you recite the 'exclusively for me only' poem."

NO...! Not that again!!

Lu Cang bitterly cried in his heart. He honestly cursed the day Jing found that poem --- although he never regretted that he had written this kind of poem as it reflected the truth in his heart.

-------------

The next day, they received the reply from Fu Country. The King had wisely chosen to surrender, nonetheless, without knowing their place and situation, they were audaciously demanding some agreement to compensate them for giving up the Queen.

Previously, Mingdi and Fu were on good terms and supported each other. Lady Yu was the main initiator behind their previous agreement. Granted, Fu's Queen and Lady Yu of Mingdi were both sisters from Xiang Country. Having said that, given the current situation where Mingdi's troops had joined forces with Datong, apparently the agreement had become void --- the latest intelligence that came from their spy in Mingdi, was that Lady Yu had committed suicide.

Shu Cheng had never agreed to form any agreement with Fu as he couldn't see any benefit from this agreement for Mingdi. Instead, Mingdi's troops had been used by Fu to conquer some small countries around their borders. As one who was directly involved in most of the military activities as the Adviser, Shu Cheng knew very well the actual condition of Fu Country and what kind of King the current ruler of Fu was.

The King of Fu, despite having very prosperous land, failed to utilize this for the sake of his people. He only cared about being known as the glorious King who conquered many countries, hence, the people of Fu couldn't actually be described as living peacefully because of the high taxes that had been levied upon them to fund the military campaigns. Then again, the King never cared about the livelihood of the conquered countries. After raiding a small helpless country which was initially living peacefully, and looting whatever valuable possessions they had, they would leave the country just like that. Leaving the people of that nation destitute and grieving miserably for their misfortune.

In this aspect, Datong was much more respectable. Indeed, Datong also conquered many countries, however, Datong always governed the conquered countries righteously and made sure the people would lead a better life by placing a suitable ruler who would abide by Datong's law.

Shu Cheng truly detested this King of Fu for what he had done. The very reason he refused to form any alliances with this repugnant King. Alas, no matter how useless his Royal Father was, King Huan Hu Tong was still the supreme ruler. He had the final say despite Shu Cheng's objections and being weak to the machinations of his favorite concubine, he had endorsed the alliance just to please her. Shu Cheng knew that he would never be like his Father. He would never bring harm to his country just to please his concubines. Besides given Lord Lu's righteousness, he knew once he had him by his side he would never have to worry about that. His heart instantly warmed and he secretly smiled.

King of Fu, Wang Fu Xi, actually had the potential to be a brilliant ruler if he really devoted his efforts to improving the lot of his people. Alas, he chose to pursue the wrong kind of fame and he was now known throughout the land for his nefarious deeds. It was obvious that this time, the King saw this demand from Datong as their chance to secure their position in this Eastern Region. To gain more support from the most powerful Empire. At least, it was what was shown on surface.

"Your Majesty. I don't see any reason for accepting Fu's condition." Albeit knowing that Jing wouldn't like to take any advice from him, Shu Cheng couldn't suppress his strong resentment.

"Prince Huan Shu Cheng. Don't let your personal sentiment cloud your better judgment." Jing lightly reprimanded him for including his personal affairs in the matter.

Shu Cheng slightly twisted his brows before realizing that he was facing the Emperor of Datong, not his Royal Father. Surely this Emperor would have better political acumen. "Pardon my misconduct, Your Majesty. People who are preoccupied with past achievements cannot improve themselves. Surely King Wang Fu Xi is one of these people. With this in mind, I fear that he would hide something up his sleeve."

"Mu Yue, what do you have to say in this regard?"

"Answer, Your Majesty. I will have to say that I agree with Prince Huan. It is indeed as Prince Huan has said, something is not quite right..." Mu Yue had to stop himself as he saw that what he just said had piqued Jing's interest instead --- Jing's eyes were shining and the corners of his lips were slightly lifted to form a smirk. Mu Yue knew immediately what Jing was up to, given he was the one who accompanied Jing to all of his sojourns.

This daring and bold King had unexpectedly requested for Jing's presence in their Kingdom. He would execute his Queen, Queen Xiang Mi, only if the Emperor of Datong personally came and agreed to be Fu's ally and supporter.

"The more mistrust we feel, the less confidence we have. I would like to see, what kind of impudent man is this King Wang Fu Xi. To think he actually dared to set a condition for my demand. Humph!!" Sneering at the foolish request, Jing was set to accept their challenge. His recklessness and playfulness shone brightly.

"Jing! It's better if you stay behind this time." Lu Cang who had been listening silently by the side finally couldn't contain his anxiety. Even the inexperienced-on-the-battlefield Lu Cang could see, this was plainly a trap. "From the last ambush, it is obvious that their main target is you. Let General Mu and Sir Huan handle this matter."

There were only five of them in the tent, while Mu Yue and Ding Peng had gotten used to the way Lu Cang addressed Jing long ago --- by the Emperor's forbidden name --- nonetheless, Shu Cheng, despite having already heard it once, still couldn't hide his surprised expression at the undisguised intimacy that Lu Cang showed.

Jing only gave Shu Cheng a brief victorious sideways glance before focusing his eyes on Lu Cang. "What?! You think I couldn't see that they actually think that they could eliminate me with this obvious petty trap?" A mocking sneer appeared on the perfectly carved suet jade face. But Lu Cang had no time to admire this beautiful scenic smile at the moment. He was busily trying to deter Jing from carrying out his reckless plan. The drip of anxiety in his heart gradually became a great wave that pounded on every little corner of his heart. He didn't even care that others could detect his anxiousness. He only wanted to convince Jing to put his safety first.

"Regardless. You are the most important figure of Datong. We can't let you walk carelessly into an enemy's trap." Lu Cang was again eyeing Mu Yue and Ding Peng in hopes that they would help him to hold Jing back this time. He knew in his heart that his plea was falling on deaf ears but he stubbornly pressed on.

But who would have known better than Mu Yue about Jing's playful and fearless side. Jing would delightfully step into a lion's den after being told to stay away from that den. The more dangerous the situation was, the more fun he found.

"I would like to see, what kind of fun game that he has prepared for me. This King takes so much effort to entertain me, how can I let him down?"

Mu Yue and Ding Peng could only helplessly look at each other and gave Lu Cang a 'give-it-up' sign. Once Jing had decided, there was nothing and no one who could change his mind.

"Your Majesty, is it worth risking your life merely to see the Queen's execution?" Huan Shu Cheng truly couldn't understand Jing's decision this time. All this time, he could perfectly guess every little thing that was running in this beautiful Emperor's mind as they had a very similar way of thinking. However, Shu Cheng wouldn't want to willingly jump into the enemy's trap like what Jing had decided this time. Even more, to treat it as merely a fun game. "Please do reconsider it again, Your Majesty. As Lord Lu has suggested, General Mu and I can be your representatives to handle this matter. It is a wise decision to stay behind. If King Wang Fu Xi should refuse, we could always use our military forces to subdue this Kingdom."

"Prince Huan, 'I' understand your concern. Believe in yourself, but do not be attached to your own point of view."

By saying this, Jing clearly told Shu Cheng to keep whatever that was on his mind in check as Jing had his own view.

"Jing... I still object..." Lu Cang's protest was silenced by Jing's stern look even before he could complete his sentence.

"Lu Cang, haven't I told you? In the face of adversity, be grateful, for such opportunities do not come by easily!"

Sure! This kind of wisdom surely could only be applied to Jing. He was literally a devil in human flesh. Even trouble would avoid him whenever they saw him! Lu Cang clamped his mouth and looked dejectedly at Jing.

"Mu Yue, prepare the troops. We are setting off to Fu tomorrow. Ah... speaking of General, Prince Huan, I believe that your General is with Fu now. I will let you deal with General Yan yourself."

"Thank you Your Majesty." Shu Cheng had told Jing about General Yan's treacherous act and how he and the Royal Guard had successfully escaped before Shu Cheng could capture them.

On the surface, it was as if Jing had entrusted Shu Cheng with a responsibility that he must carry out himself --- to eliminate himself of his country's traitor, however, the truth was, Jing simply didn't want to deal with such troublesome matters. Rather, there was something else that had been disturbingly giving him a bad feeling.

Nodding his head, Jing appeared as if he still had something on mind, frowning while signaling Mu Yue to come closer. He whispered something that made even the collected Mu Yue knit his brows into a deep frown.

"Remember, proceed with what I have told you."

"Mu Yue obeys the command, Your Majesty." There was a thread of uncertainty in Mu Yue's voice when he responded to Jing. But he must push aside the idea to press Jing further for his own uncertainty.

As the troops made their preparation to set off, Cao Xin and Ge Qing also had to bid their farewells to their Big Brother. Lu Cang had promised them to visit Hangzhou as soon as they concluded the Expedition --- he also missed his sworn brothers after all. Seemingly, it wouldn't be that long as the Country of Fu would be their last country to conquer. Once they had settled their alliance with Mingdi, the strongest nation within this Eastern Region, the small Kingdoms within the area had lost their will and surrendered without putting up a fight.

From the end of spring when they first marched out from Datong's Capital, without realizing it, the suffocating summer had passed and autumn had greeted them once again. Autumn had always been Lu Cang's favorite season of the year. The moderate temperature without the extremities of winter or summer, gingko trees were especially beautiful in the fall, their leaves turned bright gold, and above all, autumn was the season when Jing, for the first time in his life, had openly admitted his own feelings to Lu Cang.

This time, as their troops proceeded towards the Country of Fu, even the favorable autumn couldn't ease the growing anxiety in Lu Cang's heart.

"What's wrong? You're still not convinced?" Jing asked in his soft tone upon seeing the frown between those sword-shaped brows. Lu Cang was being too quiet as he rode by his side.

"Very much so."

Chuckling upon this straightforward response, Jing fixed his amused eyes on Lu Cang. "Remember what you told me when I told you to stay behind?" Lu Cang nodded. "Now you understand how I felt that time?" Lu Cang nodded again and opened his mouth to retort, but Jing continued again. "Rest assured. Nothing will happen. Instead, you have to be extra careful."

Moving on a horse's back made Lu Cang quite distracted since he had to rein in the horse properly on the uneven ground. The only passage to Fu Country was surrounded by forest. Familiar scenery for Lu Cang --- so he and the Crown Prince were actually about to be transported to Fu at that time...

The more he looked at the tranquil golden forest that surrounded them, the more his anxiety overflowed and filled all his heart. He couldn't quite shake the unpleasant feeling that something bad might soon befall upon them.

Suddenly, a loud whistling sound filled the air, followed by countless soldiers gushing out from the forest with whatever weaponry in their hands.

In mere seconds, all the soldiers were engaged in fighting. Apparently, King Wang Fu Xi had prepared quite a lively welcoming party for them.

Not the slightest bit surprised, Jing calmly faced anyone who came at him with distinct murderous intentions. Lu Cang, Shu Cheng, Ding Peng and Mu Yue were also already faced with the same predicament. Being surrounded by many skillful soldiers. All were on their highest alert, ready to engage in combat.

As expected, General Yan was the one who led this group of ambushers. As soon as his figure appeared, Shu Cheng swiftly charged at him without wasting any time. Fully intending to capture that traitorous General no matter what. Dead or alive!!

It was clear as day that Shu Cheng was evidently on a higher level than General Yan. Less than twenty moves and he could already dominate the fight. --- The General could only watch helplessly when his sword flew out his hand and Shu Cheng pointed his long sword on the space between his face and his shoulder. It was indeed as Lady Yu had said, they wouldn't survive if this cursed Crown Prince was alive.

Within this chaotic battle, when all attention was on the defeated General, nobody could foresee what would happen next.

Hidden within the branches of the trees, there were actually numerous archers standing by waiting for Yi Xiang's signal to unleash their poisonous arrows. All directed at none other than Emperor Jing Zong himself.

Another whistling sound filled the air.

Initially they thought it was the signal for the ambush group to retreat as their General had been defeated, but upon seeing the suddenly darkened sky rain down showers of arrows on their Emperor, all of them could only watch in terror while fighting the highly skilled Fu Army --- praying to the Mighty God above to watch over their Emperor.

Facing the shower of arrows from all direction, Jing calmly unleashed his Qi and gracefully deflected all the arrows with his sword even before they had the chance to touch a hair. However, some of the deflected arrows hit several unfortunate soldiers resulting in their immediate deaths.

So, the coward has resorted to lowly poisonous arrows to get rid of him. Looks like they thought a mere tranquilizer was no longer enough and that they needed to take this drastic measure.

Glancing at Lu Cang, who was still fighting while wearing an obviously anxious expression, Jing couldn't help but be grateful that Lu Cang was not by his side at this moment. Judging by the immediate death the soldiers suffered after being hit by the arrows, the poison must be very strong.

Before the second shower came, Jing had soared up high in the sky and with the speed of light, several archers were falling from the trees like rotten fruits. Jing's figure almost couldn't be seen, like a typhoon, he swept down most of the archers even before they had time to shoot.

As the saying goes, in this life, nothing is impossible. Even the highly skilled, the so called number one in the world, the most powerful man throughout the land, the high and mighty Emperor Jing Zong, would eventually meet with such a possibility that he considered to be impossible.

Leaping out from the forest, Yi Xiang was aiming his arrow at Jing which Jing could evade so easily. But the arrow was actually only a decoy. The real attack was his secret weapon, a needle smeared with the same poison.

Not expecting such a despicable move from the enemy, Jing failed to completely dodge the needle. It successfully scored a scratch on Jing's upper arm.

Much to everyone's terror, in front of their eyes, like a leaf blown by the wind, in a slow-motion, Jing was falling to the ground.

End of HHYL FF2 Chapter 8.