《Defeat of the Northern Campaign and the Death of Ren Qi Ning》

Feng Qing works

Defeat of the Northern Campaign and the Death of Ren Qi Ning

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ut that obese wealthy merchant would likely be unable to run away.A squad of snake drivers turned around to clear a path for someone who strode over with an unpleasant grin at Ye Li and the others. "H...360. Northern Frontier Defeat, Ren Qining's Death

360. Northern Frontier Defeat, Ren Qining's Death

Since he had accepted Princess Helan's challenge, He Su didn't waste time but immediately stood up and walked to the central area. When Princess Helan saw his prompt response, she was pleased and followed him over.

He Su clasped his hands and said, "Princess, let’s stop at this."

In response, Princess Helan whipped a sharp whip towards He Su without hesitation. She remarked sarcastically, "You Central Land people really talk too much!" The long whips mercilessly attacked He Su. Given that He Su was originally an elite guard and the top four Dark Warriors trained personally by Ye Li beside her, he also had nearly ten years of military experience. If Princess Helan managed to hit him with her whip, He Su would be able to retire without fighting any more battles.

He Su didn’t even move his weapon. With a casual side step, he dodged Princess Helan’s seemingly fierce attack. She was somewhat surprised; although she hadn’t arrogantly assumed that she could defeat Ye Li's capable generals, the fact that her opponent avoided her whip without moving at all clearly wasn't within her expectations. She scoffed and said with a smile, "Indeed impressive. Let's do it again! I want to see how you’ll avoid this one!"

Princess Helan no longer hesitated, using her long whips like venomous snakes to entangle He Su. He Su stepped back and dodged Princess Helan’s whip without any weapons in hand. The two of them engaged each other on the empty grounds, trading blows for over fifty rounds before He Su felt he had given Princess Helan enough face. With a scoff, he ignored her whips and firmly grabbed one end of her long whip. After a slight tremor, Princess Helan’s whip was taken by He Su.

The audience clapped in unison. He Su retracted the whip and walked to Princess Helan, saying, "I yield; I take your whip."

Princess Helan sized him up a few times, impressed. She remarked, "Indeed formidable, the general of Mo Army is impressive! I’m convinced." After taking her whip back, she didn’t press further and returned to Ye Li’s side.

The northern generals watching the match naturally saw that He Su had been holding back all along. While they admired his skills, their fighting spirit was also ignited. A young man who previously requested an audience with Ye Li stood up first to challenge He Su. Since it wasn’t convenient to fight women, there were no reservations against men. He Su readily accepted the challenge. The two of them engaged each other in hand-to-hand combat on the grounds.

Although northern people generally didn't cultivate internal energy, their external martial arts and physical strength far surpassed those from Central Land. He Su felt inspired and used only basic military skills to counter his opponent without relying on internal energy cultivation. The intensity of this match was naturally incomparable to the previous one with Princess Helan. Clashes were fierce, causing excitement among the spectators.

He Su fought five or six northern men in a row with no signs of tiring, and afterwards Qin Feng, Lin Han, Zhuo Jing, and others also joined the fray, each showing skills that did not fall short of He Su’s. This impressed not only the northern generals but also the surrendered Central Land generals on their side. Even these relatively unknown young generals under Princess Dingwang were so formidable; how awe-inspiring must be those famous generals They couldn’t help feeling fortunate to have submitted early to the House of Dingwang. With such strength, could Ren Qining possibly not lose In fact, this was a beautiful misunderstanding. Amongst these four people, He Su’s military command skill might not necessarily surpass that of the generals present, but their martial arts skills were definitely among the top ten in the entire House of Dingwang and Mo Army.

In the early morning, fifty miles northeast of Changqing City, thirty thousand northern soldiers under various tribal leaders' leadership marched northward. They would exit through a pass and return to their familiar homeland. Since Ren Qining appeared on northern soil ten years ago, too many changes had taken place in the North. They had once been driven by greed and ambition, following Ren Qining's vision of establishing an empire with unending glory, coveting all fertile lands under heaven as hunting grounds for their sons. But they paid a heavy price for it: over sixty percent of the population decreased within a short span of time due to tribal wars, border conflicts, and two confrontations against Mo Army. The adult males had reduced by more than eighty percent compared to ten years ago. If they continued on this path, extinction awaited them. Hence, they were leading their remaining sons back home to start peaceful lives anew. Maybe in another decade or so, the North would be as populous again.

"Princess Dingwang, we’re leaving now. Thank you for your help. The great kindness of House of Dingwang will forever be remembered by us northerners." Princess Helan held onto a horse on the roadside and smiled sincerely.

Ye Li replied with a smile, "Princess, stay safe on your journey. There are still battles to attend in the rear, so I can’t see you off far."

The princess chuckled, "No need for escort; your Central Land is fascinating! Once peace returns, I’ll visit you again." Ye Li said with a smile, "I look forward to it."

Princess Helan mounted her horse and bowed to Ye Li before saying, "I’m leaving. By the way, Princess Dingwang, Ren Qining harbors grudges and is ruthless. Once I leave, he will surely vent his anger on you. Please be careful!"

Ye Li nodded with a smile, "Understood, stay safe."

The princess nodded and turned her horse to join the main group ahead but suddenly heard a sharp whizzing sound from afar. Turning around, she saw an arrow streaking towards her.

"Princess, watch out!" Ye Li warned as she flicked her sleeve, sending a silver light flying toward the arrow. Meanwhile, Zhuo Jing and Lin Han beside Ye Li leaped up simultaneously, their swords slicing through the air to intercept the arrow before it could hit Princess Helan.

Princess Helan was unharmed but her horse startled by the attack reared up, almost throwing her off its back. Qin Feng rushed over and pulled her down from the horse, patting the horse’s flank. The stallion fell to the ground without being killed, merely struggling uneasily.

Still shaken, Princess Helan cried out in alarm, "What's going on!"

"Traitorous woman, give me your life!"

The moment Ye Li turned back to protect Princess Helan, countless black-robed assassins swarmed over. Ye Li coldly observed and said, "Ren Qining’s men!" The princess became furious; her hatred for Ren Qining was no less than his toward her. She had planned on letting him fall once and leave the matter to House of Dingwang without further interference since she wouldn’t gain anything by losing northern soldiers’ lives. Yet Ren Qining dared send assassins against her.

"I fear you not!" Without her whip, Princess Helan drew a short sword from her waist and charged at the assassins with several guards in tow. Ye Li instructed Qin Feng beside her, "Don't let them hurt Princess Helan."

Qin Feng nodded and waved his hand; House of Dingwang’s guards rushed forward as well. The fierce battle was not much different from a small skirmish.

"Princess, be careful!" Ye Li shouted while sending out a silver light to intercept the arrow. Zhuo Jing and Lin Han simultaneously leaped up with swords slicing through the air to cut down the arrow before it could reach Princess Helan’s vicinity.

Unharmed but shaken, Princess Helan asked in alarm, "What's happening!"

"Wretched woman, give me your life!"

Qin Feng nodded and waved his hand; House of Dingwang’s guards rushed forward as well. The fierce battle was not much different from a small skirmish.

"Ren Qining, I know you're here! Show yourself!" Princess Helan shouted after slaying an assassin with her sword.

A cold voice replied from nearby, "I’ll grant your wish." Ren Qining leaped down from a small hillock, his sword like a cobra aiming straight at Princess Helan.

Hei Su and Qin Feng flew forward simultaneously to block Ren Qining’s strike with their swords. Behind them, Lin Han pulled Princess Helan back to Ye Li's side. Glancing at Hei Su and Qin Feng before him as well as Lin Han and Zhuo Jing guarding Ye Li, Ren Qining realized he couldn’t touch the princess today without dealing with these men first. Without further ado, he lunged straight at Qin Feng.

Ren Qining’s martial arts skill was among the highest in the world; both Ling Tiehan and Lei Zhen霆曾親自確認他必定位列天下十大高手之一。何肅和秦風的武功修為雖然還與任琦寧有些距離，但定王府尤其是麒麟擅長的是協同作戰。當初幾個初出茅廬的麒麟就將天下四大高手之一的沐擎滄生擒了，此時何肅和秦風聯手一時半會兒任琦寧也無法脫身。

任琦寧與何肅、秦風交手了一個多時辰，這期間他帶來的刺客幾乎都被定王府侍衛清理乾淨。葉璃見何肅和秦風漸漸開始有些落下了下風的模樣心中亦是讚歎不已，不管任琦寧這個人如何，至少他的武功確實不錯，比譚繼之強多了。

“任公子，如此鬥下去也冇有結果，不如聽本妃一言大家罷手如何？”葉璃揚聲道。

任琦寧冷哼一聲手下攻勢更加淩厲。

葉璃俏眼微眯，“任公子，本妃向來不是君子講究不以多欺少的規矩。”言下之意如果任琦寧執意要打她也不在乎以多欺少了。任琦寧對付何肅和秦風也隻是略占上風而已，若是兩人拚命任琦寧未必能全身而退。再加上卓靖和林寒，任琦寧絕對是有敗無勝。

After a moment, Ren Qining finally snorted and turned around with a solemn face. The few remaining assassins also gave up on their attempts and stood behind Ren Qining. Looking at the man opposite them whose expression was as dark as thunderclouds, Ye Li smiled faintly and walked forward to say, “Sir Ren, I didn’t expect to meet you so soon after our parting in Li City.”

Upon hearing this, Ren Qining’s face turned even darker. He glared at Ye Li and her group with a gloomy expression before pointing his sword at Princess Helan and said, “Hand over that slut, and we’ll settle the matter between me and the Ding王府 on the battlefield.”

Ye Li shook her head slightly in regret and replied, "Princess Helan is a friend of the Ding王府. At least before she leaves the border region, no one can touch her. If Sir Ren insists on killing her, you can wait until she returns to the northern territory. By then, this妃子will not be involved anymore."

Ren Qining gave a series of cold laughs and looked at Ye Li with narrowed eyes, “The Dowager Princess Ding means to protect that slut”

Ye Li sighed helplessly and said, "I have no choice but to do this. Sir Ren, please understand."

"Do you think I only brought these men" Ren Qining asked gloomily. "That slut will be torn into pieces!"

"Enough, Mr. Ren," Princess Helan snapped back angrily after being called a slut by Ren Qining. She stepped forward and stood next to Ye Li, glaring at Ren Qining furiously. "Is there anyone more despicable than you My cousin saved your life, my aunt arranged the marriage between us. Yet you pretended to be pitiful and deceived them! You murdered my cousin and used the northern territory’s men for your war and establishment of a country, only to turn against them when they were no longer useful. Your heart is so evil that you even want to exterminate our whole clan! In your own words, people like you should be called scum, trash, and lowlife! The tens of thousands of brave souls who died in the northern territory will never forgive you. I curse you to die alone all your life with no descendants. You can dream about reclaiming your country as much as you want, but it's nothing more than a pipe dream."

Ye Li couldn't help covering her mouth and stifling her laughter as she listened to Princess Helan’s scathing words in fluent Chinese. Although Princess Helan's spoken Chinese was mediocre, when it came to cursing someone, three northerners wouldn’t be able to match one of her. Just from looking at Ren Qining's face turning green, then purple and finally red, one could tell how eloquently she cursed.

Ye Li coughed lightly and said to Princess Helan, "Alright, Princess Helan." This wasn't a place for battles, and they were too close to each other. If Ren Qining lost his temper again, it wouldn’t be good for anyone.

Princess Helan still wanted to continue but stopped herself because of Ye Li’s presence.

Seeing that Ren Qining had calmed down, Ye Li said, "Sir Ren, I have no right to interfere in the conflict between you and the northern territory. However, may I ask you a question What effect will killing Princess Helan have on the situation"

Ren Qining was stunned for a moment. With the northern army already gone, whether he killed or spared Princess Helan would not affect anything at this point. It could only be to vent his anger or humiliate the Ding王府. However, if Ye Li refused to back down, how much would it cost him to get rid of her Looking back and seeing that most of the assassins were gone, Ren Qining's eyes dimmed.

Ye Li continued, "I know you still have hidden forces, but I also understand that you wouldn’t bring just a few bodyguards here. Honestly speaking, Princess Helan’s life or death doesn't matter much to us. However, if Sir Ren insists on doing something, then this妃子 will have no choice but to accompany you. The Ding王府 promised to ensure the northern territory's safe departure and we won't break our promise."

Ren Qining remained silent for a moment before sneering at Ye Li. "Isn’t the Dowager Princess worried about nurturing a tiger that would ultimately devour her" When he could convince the northerners, it wasn’t because of his trickery alone. It was also because they had their own ambitions.

Ye Li replied calmly, "No one can guarantee eternal peace and prosperity. At least now, the northern territory has no intention of contesting for power in the central plains. If not for Sir Ren, they would still be living as hunters in the white mountains and black waters with no connection to the central plains at all. This妃子 cannot exterminate an entire clan just because there might be a threat in the future, right If Central Plains remains strong, other ethnic groups naturally won't dare to show any disrespect; but if it falls into disarray, even after destroying the northern territory today, how can Sir Ren guarantee that there wouldn’t be another Western or Eastern territory tomorrow"

Ren Qining snorted and knew he couldn't persuade Ye Li. Women like her already had their minds set on something, making them hard to sway. Ren Qining shot a fierce gaze at Princess Helan and said, "You’d better never step foot in the northern territory again; otherwise, I’ll spend my life ensuring your miserable death."

Princess Helan was unafraid of him and replied coldly, “I will pray day and night to the Great God for you to die soon.”

Seeing that Ren Qining had given in, Ye Li didn’t say anything more. She ordered Qin Feng beside her, "Send someone to escort Princess Helan to catch up with the previous group of people and send her out of the pass." Qin Feng nodded silently, “Princess.”

Knowing that Ye Li was worried about Ren Qining making a move in secret again, Princess Helan made a face at Ye Li before waving her hand and mounting a horse brought by one of the guards. She left with her people.

"Dowager Princess Ding! We’ll meet again!"

Princess Helan’s departure left only Ye Li and Ren Qining's forces facing each other on the vast road. Although Ren Qining had been severely angered these past two days, he was at least relatively calm when faced with Ye Li after his rage had subsided. He looked at her beautiful face and sneered, "Dowager Princess Ding is quite adept!"

Ye Li brushed aside a strand of hair beside her cheek and smiled faintly, “Sir Ren overstates it. It was just a coincidence.” Ren Qining’s temples throbbed with veins as his eyes flashed with a hint of ruthless malice. Ye Li’s words seemed to be mocking him for being unable to control his subordinates.

Ren Qining took deep breaths, suppressing his raging anger. He glanced at the people beside Ye Li before sneering again, "It's said that you and your husband are inseparable. Why isn’t the Prince Ding here this time Are you looking down on me or ashamed to appear in front of me"

“Sir Ren needn't ask such a rhetorical question. Our king is currently battling against the northern territory, so he’s not here," Ye Li replied calmly. "Besides, although I am his wife, we are two separate people and must sometimes be apart from each other."

The more sinister smile on Ren Qining's face deepened as he stared at Ye Li. “Everyone has heard of your military prowess. It seems that you have no chance to show me the tactics of the Great War God, which is a pity. But I would like to see how your strategy works. Just don’t let me down again!" He added menacingly, "If you fail again, I’ll see if Prince Ding still has the chance to kill my entire family!"

“Your Majesty needn't worry about that," Ye Li replied with a slight smile. "I will take good care of myself and hope Sir Ren will do the same."

"Let's hope so," Ren Qining said coldly.

"Farewell." At this point, they had no need for pleasantries.

“No need to see you off,” replied Ren Qining.

As Ye Li left calmly with her entourage, Ren Qining stood by the roadside without moving. His men behind him also dared not approach their lord. After a while, an impatient general came up and saw that he was lost in thought, so quickly bowed to greet him: "Your Majesty! The northern territory's army…"

“They’ve left,” Ren Qining said coldly.

"Should we chase after them"

Ren Qining shook his head and turned around, saying deeply, “Return. A major battle is about to start; in three or five days at most, Cold Huai’s forces will reach the Purple Thorn Pass.” The generals behind him were startled: "If this happens, won’t we be attacked from both fronts by the Mo Family Army Your Majesty, should we retreat"

Ren Qining turned his head and asked calmly, “Where to retreat Behind us is the Purple Thorn Pass. If we go north even if we break through Ye Li’s blockade, do you think they would turn around and bite at this time”

The generals behind him could not help but change their expressions, and after a moment of contemplation, they were scared to death. "Your Majesty, what should we do then"

"What can be done" Ren Qining walked ahead with steady steps. But no one noticed the fleeting look of confusion that flashed across his face… I wonder too how to proceed...

Outside Zijing Pass, it had always been sparsely populated since ancient times, and there were barely any well-established cities. In such a place, when fighting broke out, tactics and terrain did not matter much. On the vast flatlands, all troops would be visible under the bright daylight with nowhere to hide.

However, even if Ren Qining's troops were weak, they still numbered over one million. As the saying goes, 'a swarm of ants can kill an elephant.' The cold army led by Leng Huai arrived later, numbering more than 200,000 soldiers, while Ye Li and He Su's surrendered forces added another 300,000. For a time, both armies were at an impasse outside Zijing Pass.

A few days later, the cold army issued a decree written by Princess Consort Ding Wang, stating that the civilians were innocent, and the northern campaign against barbarians was ongoing; they did not wish to wage war on their own people. All soldiers under the command of the Northern Border would be pardoned if they surrendered. If they still wished to serve, they could join the cold army; otherwise, they could return home.

Meanwhile, a rumor circulated that Ren Qining was not an orphan from the previous dynasty. Several former loyal ministers personally testified against him. As a result, not only did ordinary soldiers become disloyal, but even commanders trusted by Ren Qining began to waver in their allegiance. Every day, soldiers deserted from the Northern Border camp, and some directly defected on the battlefield. No matter how severely punished, it was impossible to stop them.

On the 15th of August, both armies clashed again ten miles outside Changqing City. Cold Huai led his troops to meet Ye Li and He Su after their split maneuvers. Ren Qining's army, originally one million strong, had dwindled to a mere 200,000. Their morale was low, and they were disorganized compared to the cold army clad in black, exuding an aura of ferocity. Everyone knew this would be the final battle.

Ren Qining wore a bright yellow dragon robe, riding on a chestnut horse with his eyes coldly staring at Ye Li and others across from him, showing a sense of defeat but not admitting it.

After a long silence, Ren Qining drew his sword and pointed it at Ye Li: "Princess Consort Ding Wang, my loss today is not due to the army's fault, but because heaven has wronged me..." If one were to solely discuss military strategy, these days there was nothing much to say. Originally with an army of over a million, Ren Qining should not have fallen so quickly; however, lacking time, place, and people's support, how could he avoid defeat How could it make him accept defeat Before Ye Li could speak, Leng Haoyu beside her coldly said, "Heaven assists the righteous; if you do not wrong heaven, then why has heaven wronged you"

Ren Qining's face darkened, unwilling to continue: "Since that is so, Princess Consort Ding Wang, are you willing to fight"

Chilled Leng Huai spurred his horse out and said coldly, "A defeated general does not need the princess consort’s hand. I’ll test North King Ren Qining’s skills."

Ren Qining sneered: "Old General Cold, why don’t you rest at home since you are old I would not bully an elderly man." Leng Huai's face turned green with anger as he roared and charged forward with his sword. Seeing this, Ren Qining did not hold back either, slashing fiercely.

The crowd watched the fight between Leng Huai and Ren Qining without intervening. However, Leng Haoyu’s brows furrowed slightly as he closely observed them, his sword already drawn. Ye Li sighed softly: "Old General Cold is no match for Ren Qining, Leng Er (Second Brother), go help."

Ren Qining was skilled in martial arts but could not withstand all of Qin Feng's group attacking him at once either. Ye Li never liked the practice of fighting one-on-one before battle. But since Leng Huai had a grudge against Ren Qining for his son and had been overworking himself to defend Zijing Pass, she couldn’t disappoint him.

Leng Haoyu was already worried about Leng Huai’s safety; upon hearing Ye Li's words, he immediately rushed forward. With a slash of his sword, he deflected Ren Qining's attack aimed at Leng Huai. Ren Qining sneered: "One dead and another good son." Without further ado, three consecutive strikes were sent towards Leng Haoyu and Leng Huai. Leng Haoyu’s sword created a web, deflecting Ren Qining’s blows.

Qin Feng whispered to Ye Li, “Princess Consort, Leng Er and General Cold are not a match for Ren Qining.” Ren Qining's martial arts were among the top five in the country. Compared with Ling Tihan and Lei Zhenting, he lacked only time and experience. Comparatively speaking, someone like Leng Haoyu or Leng Huai was far beneath him.

Ye Li calmly replied: "Don't worry about them; start fighting now to conclude this battle today."

Moments later, drums echoed across the battlefield as the cold army roared and charged at the Northern Border troops. The latter had already fled or surrendered in droves, leaving only a few terrified and disheartened soldiers. Seeing the black tide of the cold army coming their way, they quickly began to break ranks.

In the chaos, Ren Qining, Leng Huai, and Leng Haoyu gradually moved towards a less crowded area. Finally, Ren Qining impatiently knocked Leng Huai off his feet with a sword strike.

"Father!" Leng Haoyu's face changed as he swung several quick strikes at Ren Qining; Ye Li’s group also rushed over. Qin Feng saw Leng Huai seriously wounded and Leng Haoyu injured, so he immediately drew his sword and charged forward. Zhao Jing joined him too. Ye Li then called for someone to take Leng Huai away to treat his injuries.

Ren Qining had been battling day after day; now fighting Qin Feng, Leng Haoyu, and Zhao Jing simultaneously began to show signs of fatigue. Seeing a gap in Ren Qining's defenses, Qin Feng ruthlessly thrust his sword into the latter’s chest.

Ren Qining paled as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. He waved off the three attackers and leaped away, pursued by everyone.

Outside Changqing City, beside a quiet lake sat Ren Qining in bright yellow robes, staring at the small city not far away. All his efforts had brought him only this small city and an unfinished palace.

Tired...

The qilin never missed its target. Although Qin Feng’s sword seemed to have grazed past Ren Qining's body, it ensured that he would not die instantly but linger for a short while longer. Ren Qining’s few acupoints were sealed, and blood continued to flow from his wounds; he simply did not care anymore. He casually stuck his sword into the ground beside him before sitting by the lake with a long sigh.

Ye Li and others soon caught up. Seeing Ren Qining sitting at the lakeside, Ye Li waved her hand to stop everyone and approached alone. Qin Feng and Zhao Jing exchanged glances, each taking a position around him cautiously watching the yellow-robed figure.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Ren Qining turned his head, then smiled faintly as he said: "You're here If you hadn't come soon, I might have died."

Ye Li looked down and saw that the ground beneath him was stained with blood. His face was pale like paper, lacking any of the previous vigor on the battlefield.

"Does North King Ren Qining still want to talk" Ye Li asked quietly.

Ren Qining shrugged indifferently: "If you call me Ren Qining that's fine; I’m tired of my other names." Up until now, he no longer clung to the title of North King or Lin Yuan’s identity. Only his birth name had accompanied him all life.

Ye Li changed her address accordingly, asking: "Sir Ren has something to say"

Ren Qining said indifferently: "Nothing much. Just that I'm almost dead... and don’t want to die alone. It's a pity we never fought properly..." Ye Li replied: "My skills are too poor to be worth your attention."

Ren Qining looked at her, half-smiling: “Actually, I did consider killing you with all my might; imagining Mo Xiuyao’s reaction upon hearing of your death made me very happy.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked: "If so, why didn’t Sir Ren act earlier

Ren Qining shook his head and sighed. "I am not confident in my ability to kill you, let alone that it now seems pointless. Even if Mo Xiuyao is heartbroken, it wouldn’t benefit me… Although many people find what I’ve done ridiculous, I still feel that… Your Excellency the Duchess won’t laugh at me."

"There's nothing funny about someone striving for their beliefs. Even if those beliefs are wrong in others' eyes. Besides... Who can truly say who is right or wrong in this world" Ye Li said indifferently.

"Well said…" Ren Qining smiled. "So… it was wrong after all"

Ye Li lowered her gaze and replied, “If Sir Ren doesn’t feel that he’s wrong, then it isn’t wrong.”

Ren Qining leaned on his sword, muttering softly, "That's right, if I don't think it's wrong, then it isn't. But if it is… what does my life mean"

The scenes of his childhood slowly passed before him. Since a young age, he had been entrusted with heavy responsibilities as the only heir to the Lin family and the last hope for the restoration of the previous dynasty. While other children were being spoiled by their parents or playing, he was studying statecraft in the study, learning strategies and military tactics. When others slept soundly, he rose early to practice martial arts through winter’s coldest days and summer's hottest.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t a genius like Mo Xiuyao, so his current predicament could only be attributed to fate. But has anyone ever asked him… what did he want in this life Had he done anything for himself

A pair of lively and vibrant eyes flashed before him. At that time, he was just coming of age when he met a naive yet intelligent girl who had saved his life. During the days she tended to his wound, he plucked wildflowers and made flower crowns for her. Her fair face blushed faintly, more enchanting than any other woman.

Then he married her and fathered their children… If only he wasn't Lin Yuan, if there weren’t those responsibilities...

"Su Yier..."

Ye Li silently watched the blood-stained sword slide across his neck. The long sword clattered to the ground as the man in imperial robes slowly fell, "Su Yier..."

A short while after staying with Princess Helan, Ye Li remembered that she had mentioned her cousin Su Yier—Northland’s former queen and Lady Lin Yuan's wife.

"Your Excellency," Leng Haoyu approached with a group of people. After glancing at the body on the ground, he sighed, “Who would have thought…”

Ye Li let out a soft sigh. "Bury him honorably. He was once a warlord and should be given a posthumous title as King Changqing to be buried with his queen.” Zuo Jing hesitated for a moment before replying, “Your Excellency, the ashes of the former queen and several princesses and princes were returned to Northland by Princess Helan.”

Ye Li thought for a moment. "Let’s build a memorial tomb for him with his clothes and weapons. Send his ashes to Northland and leave it to Princess Helan’s discretion." Finishing her sentence, Ye Li turned away from the body and walked back to camp without further interest. The fifteenth of August… she should return home now.

"Leave it to Princess Helan" Zuo Jing was astounded; with the hatred Princess Helan had for Ren Qining, his ashes would likely be scattered on the road for anyone to trample upon.

Soon after, someone came to take away the body. The lake returned to its tranquil state once more. After some time, a blue-clad man appeared by the lakeside and stared at the dark red stains in thought before picking up his sword from the ground. He tore off a piece of fabric and wiped the dry blood off the blade softly. "I never would have expected… you’d actually…" Originally believing he had to fight him one day, it turns out they hadn’t even properly met...

He tossed aside the bloody cloth and left with his sleeves flapping behind him. The blue fabric fluttered in the wind before landing on the lake’s surface, gradually soaking through as a faint red hue spread across the water.

In the army tent, Ye Li looked at the man in blue who stood in front of her, pausing momentarily at his sword before asking, "What are your plans"

Tan Jizhi shrugged and said indifferently, “If Your Excellency wishes to continue imprisoning me, that’s fine. If not, I want to leave.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled softly, "Where Rebuild somewhere else"

Tan Jizhi shook his head, "Perhaps wander around or travel west, maybe even sail out to sea."

Ye Li looked at him quizzically. “What happened to your grand ambitions”

Tan Jizhi smiled bitterly. "With Prince Dinh and Your Excellency present, there’s no room for others in this world. I have some self-awareness and seeing his end… it made me realize that my previous thoughts weren’t worth much." Two people with the same mission but different paths and resolutions. Seeing Ren Qining’s fate, Tan Jizhi felt a sense of sorrow despite his hatred, making his ambitions seem unimportant.

"The world’s heroes rise from our ranks; once entering society, time passes swiftly."

"Empires are built in jest; what more can one ask for than a life-long drink" Ye Li softly recited the poem. Tan Jizhi was momentarily lost in thought before smiling and nodding in agreement. "Your Excellency’s character and vision… I am not worthy to compare. From now on, there is only Tan Jizhi, no longer Lin Yuan... Your Excellency, I take my leave."

Ye Li looked at him and asked, “Do you plan to return and see Dr. Lin”

Tan Jizhi shook his head with a bitter smile. "No need. Father probably wouldn’t want to see me either. From now on, please take care of him for me." Ye Li nodded. "Alright then, it’s your choice."

Tan Jizhi didn't bother arguing further and bowed before leaving, saying, “Farewell.”

"You don’t have to see him off," she said.

Qin Feng whispered behind Ye Li as he watched Tan Jizhi leave. "Your Excellency, are you sure about letting him go What if he has another idea"

Ye Li shook her head and replied, “Tan Jizhi is smart enough to know when it’s futile. But… If he acts against the rules again, no need for discussion, just kill him.”

Qin Feng nodded in agreement; Tan Jizhi was alone now, having angered Mo Jingli, making any further schemes difficult.

"Your Excellency, who is really the last descendant of the previous dynasty—Tan Jizhi or Ren Qining" Qin Feng asked curiously. Ye Li shook her head and smiled, “Who cares It’s meaningless to distinguish between them.”

Qin Feng pondered for a moment before nodding and smiling, "Your Excellency is right." Who would truly care who was the descendant With ambition came endless rivals.

———

Translation of additional text (assuming it's the author's note):---Extra content:Who truly cares if Tan Jizhi or Ren Qining are the last descendants of the previous dynasty As long as there is ambition, even if they kill one more will rise up.ed indifferent and said in a deep voice, “The one I am protecting has never been Mo Jingqi. The Mò family army does not protect Great Chu's expansive territory but rather the common people living on t...