Chapter 208: The Threat

With the beacon-fire rolling fiercely in the air, all of the soldiers rushed forward on the horseback on the general’s heels. It was a magnificent troop stretching endlessly to the south, whose heavy tread made the square shake violently!

Merely after a short time, with the smoke dispersing in the breeze, the large square had already became empty.

Standing at the edge of the square, Murong Xue gasped in admiration while watching the troop marching at a high speed, “Managing to gather 300,000 soldiers overnight, general Zhang is really extraordinary.”

“General Zhang is talented in deploying forces. That’s why the emperor appointed him as the commander in chief of the army.” Ouyang Shaochen came forward to make an explanation.

Murong Xue nodded. “My elder brother is more likely to survive under the leadership of general Zhang.”

The general played a significant role in the war. An unqualified commander would lead to heavy loss of life, while sharp-sighted ones would gain victory with unstained swords.

“Are there any other of your family members in the troops?” Ouyang Shaochen asked in an emotionless tone.

“No one else except for my elder brother. Why?” Murong Xue stared at him in confusion.

“Your family’s wagon is over there. According to you, your brother is the only one they’re here to see off.” Ouyang Shaochen stared at the left front with his dark eyes.

Murong Xue looked up and saw a luxurious wagon whose inner walls were made of eaglewood with the windowsills decorated with skillfully carved Chinese redbuds. It was the private wagon of Murong Jian and his wife, Madam Zhou, whose well-cared face was revealed through the slightly lifted curtain.

Watching the troops fading out of her sight, Madam Zhou couldn’t help gasping in admiration. “I have never thought that the troops would be so magnificent. I really hope Ji Er can join the army to the front. He would surely be promoted at a young age due to his military exploits and excellent martial skills.”

“It’s not that easy to achieve military exploits,” Murong Jian caught a glimpse of his wife. “Do you know why general Zhang will is going to the front?”

“Isn’t it for treading down Nan Jiang?” Madam Zhou said with contempt, “They lost the battle last time, and they still don’t stand a chance now.”

Murong Jian shook his head in disagreement. “It has been widely known after the strike at the summer retreat yesterday that people from Nan Jiang have invented wooden snakes and used them as weapons. The brave royal army and the mystic invisible guards have all been defeated by numerous snakes filled with mechanisms. If they use them on the battlefield, it will be hard to predict who the winner will be.”

“So it is!” Madam Zhou nodded, her eyes flickering with faint light. Significant as military exploits were, Ji Er was their only son, whose life they would never allow to risk.

Life should always come first. It’s wise to keep him in the military camp. Although it would delay his promotion, he would be safe at least.

“Murong Ye has gone to the war with general Zhang. Whether he will return in triumph, or…” Madam Zhou’s lowered her voice with a streak of evil skimming across her eyes.

Taking her hint, Murong Jian snorted with contempt. “Murong Ye has only been in the army for over a month, achieving nearly no progress in martial art. He will merely serve as a contrast on the battlefield, who will not be an obstacle for me even with military exploits!”

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If he was unlucky enough to die in the war, Murong Jian would inherit the title smoothly, which would save her the conspiracy.

His son suddenly came to Murong Jian’s mind. “Ji Er went to the summer resort yesterday. Was he injured?”

As an official at the fourth grade, Murong Ji wasn’t qualified to go to the summer resort along with the emperor. However, as the fiance of Yuan Fangfei, the daughter of the general of the top grade, he was brought there to make acquaintance high officials.

“He should be all right!” Madam Zhou shook her head. The fourth prince had sent his servants for condolence to the bereaved. Since nobody came to the Marquis Mansion, Ji Er must be safe and sound.

“Father-in-law, mother-in-law!” With her cracking voice, Yuan Fangfei approached their wagon cheerily.

With a streak of contempt skimming across her eyes, Madam Zhou stared at her swarthy face and strong body. While responding in rage, she caught a glimpse of Yuan Fangfei’s swarthy hand, with which she was dragging a young man.

To Madam Zhou’s surprise, the young man with a heavily bruised handsome face and dull look in his eyes was her son, Murong Ji. “Ji Er!” Her scream was shrill enough to pierce the cloud.

“Who did this to you? Tell me.” Madam Zhou seized Murong Ji by the arm and pulled him towards herself. She touched the bruise on his face gently while shedding tears.

Recognizing Madam Zhou, Murong Ji gradually regained consciousness, as if finding a supporter to whom he could vent his grievance. “Mum, help me. I was bullied by Yuan Fangfei!” Murong Ji fell into his mother’s arms and was choked with tears.

“It was you!” Madam Zhou said while gritting her teeth. With rage burning in her eyes, she raised her head and glared at Yuan Fangfei.

As his mother, Madam Zhou had never beat Murong Ji before. How dare this tomboy hurt him so badly? Damn!

“We were just pitting martial skills against each other.” Yuan Fangfei said unhurriedly, ignoring Madam Zhou’s anger.

“Stop lying! You must be looking for his flaws which doesn’t even exist.” Madam Zhou glared at Yuan Fangfei with fiery eyes.

“It’s universally acknowledged that a woman should be subordinate to her husband. How dare you treat your fiance so rudely? You are far from being qualified as our daughter-in-law. We’re breaking off the engagement!”

“Brilliant! Since he is not my fiance any more, there is no need to cover up for him. I’m going to the platform to tell all the citizens about his shameless behaviour!” Yuan Fangfei turned to walk toward the platform with a smile on her face.

“How dare you!” Madam Zhou was astonished.

“Just wait and see!” Yuan Fangfei said proudly as she quickened her steps. It was them who plotted against her and made her Murong Ji’s fiancee. She would never allow herself to be trampled upon!

Watching her leaving, Madam Zhou became increasingly anxious. Ji Er fell into the bathing pool and saw her naked. He would be scolded as evil-intentioned and irresponsible for dumping her with no reason.

With his reputation being ruined, Ji Er would be sneered at, which would make it hard for him to be promoted or marry again.

“Wait! Stop! We won’t break off the engagement!”