Chapter 82: Breaching the Fortress, Pacifying Pingkou Pass

"My humble opinion is precisely this: otherwise, how could a mere child influence the situation? I fear the Chu family army is about to break through Pingkou Pass." Liu Shuming’s face was twisted with malice. Ever since his proposal of an alliance with Chu Xiong had been rejected, he had sided with the Emperor of Tianwu.

The plot to join forces with Liao and entrap Chu Xiong had been his own handiwork; but no amount of scheming had prepared him for the presence of Cen Song supporting the Chu family.

The Emperor of Tianwu’s eyes grew deep and contemplative. “If it was Cen Song who persuaded the Crown Prince through Chu Junhan’s words… then things will be difficult.”

“If the two sides really form an alliance, Chu Xiong’s foundation in Liao Prefecture will be unshakable. He could command the winds and rains… and in the future, we could not move against him so easily,” Liu Shuming added, twisting the dagger further.

Now that Liu Ruyan was all but chosen as the Crown Princess, the Chu family could not be allowed to remain!

Liu Shuming would not permit anyone to vie with Xiao Shengjie for control of Tianqing’s military; no one could threaten his position as Prime Minister—not even Chu Xiong.

The Emperor of Tianwu growled in anger, his gaze clouded, “No, I cannot allow them to form an alliance. Since this is Cen Song’s doing, it seems I must pay a heavy price this time.”

“What does Your Majesty mean?” Liu Shuming feigned confusion, though his heart soared with delight. If the Chu family fell, the Liu family would dominate the court.

The Emperor of Tianwu swept his sleeve and sneered; how could he not see through Liu Shuming’s motives?

“I am willing to offer two unique treasure map fragments from Tianqing’s royal collection to persuade Zhang Meng to withdraw his troops. If he retreats, and the Chu army’s supplies are cut off from behind, my son will have no further threats.”

Liu Shuming prostrated himself in feigned horror, forehead pressed to the floor. “Your Majesty, please reconsider! The fragments relate to the fate of the nation and should never be given away lightly.”

The Emperor of Tianwu, accustomed to these theatrical displays, responded coldly, “I have already had copies made; giving the originals is of no concern—though it is a pity…”

Liu Shuming hurriedly kowtowed, fearing the Emperor might change his mind. “Your Majesty is wise. I will see it done at once.”

“Do not let this matter spread,” the Emperor commanded. Even as a sovereign, he knew that plotting against his own ministers, if exposed, would bring shame upon him in the eyes of all.

Clearly, even an emperor cannot act with impunity—especially when facing the formidable General Chu. He must resort to shadowy tactics.

Liu Shuming climbed to his feet, hands clasped in salute. “I will carry out the task flawlessly. If a single rumor escapes, I will present my head to Your Majesty.”

“Go,” said the Emperor, slumping into the dragon throne, his eyes narrowing as he rubbed his temples. The news was exhausting.

...

The two travelers, carrying the infant, made their way slowly to care for Yun Yi; their pace was far slower than when they had first arrived. By the time they reached the Liao Prefecture encampment, the fifteenth day of the eleventh month had already passed.

Along the way, the news they heard most often was of the Chu family army breaking through Pingkou Pass. The child’s lips were always curved in a smile.

But when they finally stood before the Chu army’s camp, Chu Junhan realized his joy had come too soon!

Before him lay the corpses of Chu soldiers, not yet buried—bodies scattered everywhere. Wounded men were visible all around, and the entire camp was shrouded in a heavy, mournful atmosphere.

“What happened?” the child murmured, dropping Yun Yi and running madly toward the main tent. “Father… Mother…”

Tang Chen followed close behind.

Yun Yi stood bewildered in place; he had seen scenes like this before, and later, his nurse had led him away…

There are always casualties in war, but the price paid to capture Pingkou Pass this time was far too dire. The two could not believe it, nor recover from the shock, their faces blank and numb…