Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The cargo ship sailed smoothly on the water, but the calm did not last long. Suddenly, the sky darkened, thick clouds gathered, and a fierce wind howled. Lin Ning felt an ominous premonition rise within him; he knew that this area was often plagued by pirates. Sure enough, a large ship flying a skull flag sped toward them. Lin Ning calmly addressed the crew, saying, "Everyone, stay calm and prepare to fight."
The pirates quickly approached, and a one-eyed man stood at the bow of the ship, shouting for Lin Ning and his crew to surrender their valuables. Lin Ning stepped forward and replied loudly, "Our goods are meant for Ningyuan to resist Later Jin; we cannot hand them over to you." The pirates erupted in laughter, clearly unconvinced.
Taking advantage of their moment of distraction, Lin Ning launched the first attack, his Sunlight Blade glinting in the sunlight as it struck at the enemy. The others were not to be outdone and picked up their weapons to resist. Although the pirates were numerous, every member of Lin Ning's crew fought valiantly. In the heat of battle, Lin Ning seized an opportunity to leap onto the enemy ship and captured the pirate captain. Seeing their leader taken captive, the pirates had no choice but to retreat.
After this ordeal, the cargo ship continued its journey and finally arrived at Ningyuan. Lin Ning met with Yuan Chonghuan and presented him with treasures and weapons. Yuan Chonghuan was overjoyed; he clapped Lin Ning on the shoulder and said, "Brother, your contribution from Sun Moon Gang is immense! Now that Hong Taiji covets our Great Ming territory even more than Nurhaci did, I am worried about military supplies. These resources will greatly aid our efforts against Later Jin. I truly do not know how to thank you!"
Lin Ning hurriedly cupped his fists in salute and replied, "General Yuan is too kind; protecting our homeland is our duty. Later Jin has repeatedly invaded our borders, committing atrocities without restraint. Though I dwell in the rivers and lakes, my heart is still with the safety of the people. Please rest assured, General Yuan; as long as there is a place where I can be of use, Lin Ning will not hesitate to give my life."
Yuan Chonghuan nodded appreciatively and said, "Brother Lin's noble actions truly mark you as a hero. Our army currently needs talented individuals skilled in military strategy and martial arts. If you are willing to assist us, we will achieve twice the result with half the effort and boost morale. Together we will make Later Jin tremble in fear!"
Lin Ning responded, "To fight for my country und second Brother neral Yuan's command has always been my aspiration. However, I have yet to avenge my parents and my mentor's blood feud. Once I have dealt with Chen Tao and Yang Yan—the two traitors—I will come to General Yuan's army to fight for our homeland."
Yuan Chonghuan's expression turned serious upon hearing this. "Brother Lin, what heinous acts have these two committed?"
Lin Ning gritted his teeth in anger and said, "These two betrayed our country and colluded with Later Jin; they conspired to kill my parents and mentor."
Yuan Chonghuan exclaimed angrily, "Such treacherous scoundrels are indeed despicable! Brother Lin, if you need assistance or manpower for your revenge, do not hesitate to ask."
Lin Ning expressed his gratitude with tears in his eyes: "Thank you for your kindness, General; this is a personal vendetta that I must resolve myself." He glanced at Yuan Yueming and continued, "Furthermore, I must uncover the true cause of Uncle Xiong Yanbi's death; I will not allow those responsible to live."
Upon hearing about Xiong Yanbi's demise, Yuan Chonghuan was greatly shocked. He furrowed his brow and asked solemnly, "Lord Xiong was always upright; how could he suddenly pass away after escaping from Borderlands? Brother Lin, do you know why?"
Lin Ning shook his head, filled with righteous indignation as he looked at Yuan Yueming. "At present, I only know that something is amiss; I will investigate thoroughly."
Yuan Chonghuan pondered for a moment before saying, "Lord Xiong made significant contributions to military defense; his departure will undoubtedly impact border security greatly—this matter cannot be taken lightly."
Lin Ning clenched his fists as he looked at Yuan Yueming: "I have found some clues but no solid evidence yet."
Yuan Chonghuan's gaze was resolute: "Brother Lin, pursue your investigation without hesitation; if you encounter any difficulties, come find me."
Lin Ning bowed deeply in thanks: "General's kindness will be remembered by Lin Ning. Once I have resolved these matters, I will surely serve in your army."
Lin Ning and his companions bid farewell solemnly to Yuan Chonghuan before leaving Ningyuan Barracks. Ever since Cong Jiang learned about Wen Hui’s remarriage, it had weighed heavily on his heart like a stone that he could not shake off. Confused and angry, he felt compelled to confront Wen Hui directly about why she had so callously abandoned him and their daughter for Min.
Having temporarily set aside this obsession while assisting Lin Ning in searching for treasure, Cong Jiang now found himself unable to contain his turbulent emotions any longer after successfully completing their mission.
With a serious expression on his face, he approached Lin Ning earnestly: "Help Master, I wish to go with Rong'er to Prince Amin's Manor in Shengjing. I need to ask Wen Hui directly why she was so heartless as to abandon both me and Rong'er."
Lin Ning paused for a moment before slowly responding: "If that's the case, then Yue Ming and I will accompany you as well. The Chen Tao who caused my parents' deaths has already defected to Later Jin; he must be hiding within their ranks now. This journey provides an excellent opportunity for me to seek out his whereabouts. And Yang Yan—the dog of Later Jin—I must find him too; I want to personally kill him for my master's wife’s revenge."
Yuan Yueming added: "Senior brother speaks rightly; we must settle accounts with this traitor from Sun Moon Gang. If I cannot personally slay Yang Yan and avenge my parents' deaths, I swear I shall not live as a human being."
The group left Ningyuan and returned to Shengjing within just one day. As they approached Min's royal manor, Cong Jiang turned to Lin Ning and said: "Help Master, I would like to meet Wen Hui alone."
Lin Ning contemplated briefly before agreeing: "Very well; we will wait for you in the small grove east of the manor."
With mixed emotions swirling within him, Cong Jiang leaped over the manor walls while avoiding patrolling guards until he stopped before an ornate pavilion’s rockery. He saw a maid carrying tea enter through a door.
Inside came a voice that made Cong Jiang’s heart race: “Xiao Hong, just place those here and leave; I want some time alone!”
Cong Jiang’s heart trembled at that sound. Once the maid exited the room, he stepped out from behind the rockery and gently pushed open the door.
Wen Hui sat at her vanity with her back turned toward him as she groomed herself. Irritatedly she said: “Didn’t I tell you I wanted some peace? Why are you back again?”
At that moment when Wen Hui turned her head around and their eyes met, she seemed struck by lightning—gasping in disbelief at seeing Cong Jiang standing there before her.
For a moment she stood frozen like a statue; her hands gripped tightly onto her vanity as if it were her only support against collapsing under shock.
After what felt like an eternity passed by in silence, Wen Hui finally seemed to awaken from her stupor as she slowly straightened up.
Staggering toward Cong Jiang with heavy steps that seemed laborious beyond measure—when she finally reached him—she extended trembling hands gently resting on his arms as if afraid any sudden movement might shatter this hard-won reunion.
Wen Hui gazed intently at Cong Jiang as if time itself had stopped in that instant.
After what felt like ages passed by amidst their shared silence—she eventually broke free from her daze but tears blurred her vision.
Suddenly she threw herself into Cong Jiang’s embrace sobbing uncontrollably—the sound of her cries echoed painfully filled with endless longing and sorrow.
However unexpectedly—Cong Jiang pushed her away without mercy.
His expression remained devoid of emotion as he coldly stated: “Princess Consort please maintain your dignity!”
Wen Hui stumbled back nearly falling over from being pushed away.
She halted her cries staring blankly at Cong Jiang who now bore an expression of desolation mixed with detachment—his cold gaze pierced through her heart deeply.
In that instant she understood why Cong Jiang treated her so indifferently—it was undoubtedly because he had learned about her remarriage to Min which weighed heavily on him.
Tears streamed down Wen Hui’s face as she cried out helplessly: “Brother Jiang! I know you resent me for marrying Min but there are truly unspeakable hardships behind it!”
Yet despite Wen Hui’s heartfelt pleas—Cong Jiang’s face remained cold like iron as he replied emotionlessly: “Is what you call hardship merely fear of losing your luxurious lifestyle?”
Hearing such icy accusations from Cong Jiang—Wen Hui shook her head vigorously while tears flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks.
Choking back sobs she explained: “That’s not it! Brother Jiang—you completely misunderstand my intentions! That vile Min deceived me saying you and our daughter were dead! He threatened me fiercely saying if I refused him—I would lose Yue Ming! At that moment—I was utterly alone filled with terror! Though I thought about escaping this dreadful place—I am just a weak woman without strength! Where could I flee? Moreover—to protect Yuan Gang Master’s only bloodline—I had no choice but endure humiliation marrying that Min!”
At this point—Wen Hui was utterly devastated nearly fainting from grief.
Comment 0 Comment Count