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"There's no problem with that, as long as my son is alive, I would give up half of Zhao's territory. I just wonder when Lord Jun plans to send troops?"
"This matter should be resolved quickly." The situation in Chu has nearly been handled, and the next step is to take action against Han. As the saying goes, speed is of the essence in warfare; the less delay, the better.
Zhao Wang was very satisfied and returned to the palace at ease. Before leaving, he couldn't help but remind Yuzhen to take good care of the Crown Prince. He also mentioned that he would thoroughly investigate the Crown Prince's alleged treason after returning to the palace, to see who was behind the scheme against him.
As he was leaving, he suddenly saw San Chun, who was covering her face with a handkerchief. He paused for a moment, "Why does this child look so familiar?"
San Chun shrank her head back; fortunately, Zhao Wang's eyesight wasn't very good, and he only felt she looked familiar but couldn't recall who she was.
After returning to the palace, Zhao Wang began his own investigation. This had nothing to do with Zhong Xue; he was only concerned about what he needed to do now.
He received a letter from Dong Cheng's messenger stating that everything in Chu was fine. The proclamation had been issued to reassure the people, and they were returning to their normal lives. In a short while, things would return to how they were before. It seemed that the people of Chu did not react strongly to the destruction of their state; only a few prominent figures had fled, which required Lord Jun's attention.
Zhong Xue instructed someone to reply, ordering Wei Army's main forces to withdraw from Chu and advance towards Han.
The two sides agreed on the marching schedule, and Zhong Xue could not stay in Handan for long. Before he could finalize his departure date, Ji Yan had already come knocking.
The matter of Crown Prince Ji Xun being exonerated had become widely known. Zhao Wang ordered the Minister of Justice to personally interrogate the case and apprehend the general who leaked information along with his informant friend. Even those who suggested deposing the Crown Prince had recently fallen out of favor with Zhao Wang. Just as a major event was about to unfold, Zhong Xue's interference had thrown a wrench into it, which naturally left Ji Yan feeling disgruntled. Especially since Zhao Wang's anger seemed to be directed at him as well; he feared that if this matter came to light, years of effort would go up in smoke. Therefore, he sought out Zhong Xue for advice.
Upon seeing him, Zhong Xue immediately understood his purpose and casually asked, "Do you wish to become King of Zhao?"
Ji Yan was taken aback. "What does Lord Jun mean by this?"
Zhong Xue smiled slightly. "If you want your wishes fulfilled, then listen to me. There is an opportunity right now; you should go to the king and express your concern for Ji Xun's health and request to lead troops against Han."
Ji Yan was puzzled. "What does this mean?"
"This way you can seize military power into your hands. You will be fighting for your brother's life; Zhao Wang will naturally show you more favor and help resolve your current predicament. When you return victorious with a strong army and great achievements, obtaining the position of king will be merely within reach."
Ji Yan was overjoyed upon hearing the news and hurried into the palace to seek permission from Zhao Wang. He spoke passionately, tears streaming down his face, with every word reflecting deep brotherly affection.
Zhao Wang was deeply moved by his words and immediately granted him the authority to send troops to attack Korea.
From that moment on, the military command officially fell into Ji Yan's hands.
Ji Yan believed he had gained an advantage and trusted Zhong Xue completely, unaware that he had been sold out while still counting money for others. What would it matter if he conquered Korea? Korea belonged to someone else, and in the end, he would only return with a bottle of medicine. Even if he became the king of Zhao, there would always be a way for Zhong Xue to destroy Zhao. In the end, he would still have nothing. Unfortunately, some people become blinded by their own interests and fail to see the truth.
While they prepared for battle, San Chun and Ji Xun were discussing how to find peace of mind.
Yuzhen's presence in the bustling city brought worldly distractions that were of no benefit to their ailments. Ji Xun planned to find a serene place with clear waters and fragrant flowers to recuperate. He asked San Chun if she would accompany him.
San Chun sighed lightly, "I would be willing to take care of you, but I fear some people may not agree."
Some people naturally referred to Zhong Xue; it was unlikely he would allow his wife to go off with someone else.
Ji Xun could tell from her expression what she was hesitating about and let out a long sigh. "I never expected that in my final days in this world, I wouldn't be able to spend time with the one I love. What is the point of living like this?"
His expression was filled with despair, evoking sympathy in others. Knowing that he endured so much suffering for her sake and that his life was short-lived made it hard for her to refuse him.
She bit her lip and said, "If we want to leave, there are ways."
Ji Xun chuckled softly; whether he was cunning or manipulative, he truly wanted to be with her before his death.
Taking advantage of Zhong Xue being away at war, they decided to leave together. Zhong Xue was too preoccupied to pay attention to her; if they left, then they left.
She had made up her mind: once he conquered Korea and brought back the medicine, she would return and be by his side again.
Regarding her thoughts, Ji Xun was naturally willing, especially wanting to see Zhong Xue's expression upon learning of this matter; it would surely be quite spectacular. Zhong Xue always felt she couldn't compete with him, but in reality, it was he who had the upper hand. From the very beginning, he had lost the initiative in their rivalry, and as time went on, every misstep led to her being pushed closer to him.
Whether it was fate playing tricks or his own poor judgment, the fact remained that things had come to pass, and he had returned to his original state.
She could not possibly stay by his side; now that he was well again, it was even less likely. He regretted this countless times, but now that the major mistake had been made, regret was of no use. Especially since he was a dying man, dwelling on past matters seemed pointless. Everything should be left to fate; what needed to be released must be let go.
However, he simply could not stand it—could not stand that man being so pleased with himself—so causing him some trouble was necessary. Kidnapping San Chun was the best means of revenge.
He discussed this matter with Master Yuzhen, who was more than willing to join them. He wanted to find a place to discuss music with Ji Xun; his greatest regret in life was not having learned to play the guqin well.
At this point, Zhong Xue seemed unaware of their plans. After handling the preparations for departure, he went to see San Chun and said, "Come with me to battle; I feel more at ease with you by my side."
San Chun replied, "Did you not say you didn't want me on the battlefield?"
He snorted through his nose. While he did not like her on the battlefield, he disliked even more the thought of her following someone else.
Coldly, he said, "If you don't want to go to battle, then go to Wei Kingdom first. I'll have Dong Cheng arrange for you; he'll take good care of you."
Thinking of Dong Cheng made her smile involuntarily; he was one of the most interesting people she had ever met. With him around, one would never feel lonely.
"I will obey Lord Jun's orders."
She agreed on the surface and packed her things with Ji Xun that evening.
Upon hearing the news, Zhong Xue was furious and stomped his feet in the Embassy, cursing Ji Xun for being unscrupulous and daring to elope with his wife.
Kazama listened nearby and felt a pang in his teeth; if others heard Lord Jun speak like this, it would be quite embarrassing. His master usually took things lightly but was particularly obsessed when it came to women—especially one who was so restless.
He asked, "My Lord, should I send someone to chase after them?"
"Chase after what?" Zhong Xue gritted his teeth.
Even if they caught up, what would it matter? Would they really bring the person back and lock them up? Fortunately, he was generous enough to let them spend the last moments together.
He said coldly, "Go, send some people to follow them and see where they settle."
"Understood." Kazama responded and walked out, but turned back after a few steps. "Lord Jun, should we keep an eye on things?"
"Keep an eye on what?"
"Keep an eye on it, don't let the lady..."
He didn't dare finish. Zhong Xue was not someone who wouldn't understand his meaning. He grabbed the teapot on the table and threw it over; it hit Kazama squarely on the forehead as he covered his head and left, cursing himself for being so careless. How could he mention such things in front of a jealous man? He deserved to be hit.
Before San Chun could leave Handan City, Zhong Xue's people caught up. A group of over a hundred surrounded them, which was quite intimidating.
San Chun was startled. "Did Lord Jun send you to take me back?"
"To the lady, no. Lord Jun sent us to follow the lady and protect her well."
Yuzhen praised, "This Chengyang Jun has such great generosity; he truly is someone destined for great things."
Ji Xun found it somewhat amusing. He hadn't expected Zhong Xue to be so magnanimous; it seemed this person's schemes were becoming deeper. If he could endure this, it seemed that in the future, everything would really belong to him.
He had long known that Zhong Xue would never allow someone else to have him. Zhao State would eventually fall, and his father would become a king without a country; he only feared that he wouldn't live to see that day.
He sighed. Since they had retreated to this point, if he still did not know how to advance or retreat, it would be a sign of ungratefulness. The protectors could only take him along, but with so many people, if he wanted to live quietly and happily, it seemed that would be impossible.
Master Yuzhen had traveled across various countries for many years and had quiet retreats in several nations. They were heading to one of these retreats, located near the border of Zhao State and close to Yan State.
This place was surrounded by mountains and water, a truly beautiful location with tinkling streams, serene paths, lush bamboo groves, and an ancient bamboo bridge exuding a fragrant aroma.
If you liked, you could sit at the mountain top and gaze at the sky. It was so high and so blue, with white clouds resembling boats on water, swaying into different curves—so beautiful and uplifting.
At the foot of the mountain lay a sea of bamboo, where gentle sounds of rustling leaves filled the air. Standing at the mountain top, looking down at the bamboo sea and the winding mountain paths, one would feel that even the most majestic mountains could be conquered by man. Yet in Mountain Valley, people often lamented that the mountains were insurmountable.
San Chun took a deep breath; the air here was fresh, carrying a hint of green grass's fragrance.
She couldn't help but exclaim, "Master, you really know how to choose a place. This is truly a paradise."
Yuzhen smiled and said, "This is a place I found during my travels. I thought it was nice, so I built a Cottage here, thinking that when I can no longer travel, I could stay here for a while. If you were to die here someday, it wouldn't be too bad."
San Chun felt displeased. Was this something a master should say?
Ji Xun, however, seemed unconcerned and chuckled, saying, "I think this place is quite good; let's stay here for a while."
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