Chapter Twenty-Nine: A Man Stands in the World, Sword at His Side

“My father-in-law?”

Chu Feng was momentarily stunned. What was he doing here?

“You all wait here. I’ll go greet my esteemed father-in-law,” he said, then strode off purposefully.

Soon after, outside the manor, Qiao Rui was pacing anxiously, his face etched with worry. Upon seeing Chu Feng approach, he hurriedly inquired, “Yunqing, were you really ambushed yesterday?”

Chu Feng was surprised. “Father-in-law, how did you know?”

“There’s no time for questions. Pack your things immediately, take Da Qiao—ah, and Xiao Qiao too—head south at once. It’s not safe here!” Qiao Rui urged.

He had received word that Ji Ling was mustering the army, and guessed almost at once that it was Yuan Yao who had orchestrated the assassination attempt on Chu Feng.

“Father-in-law, was it Yuan Yao who ordered the attempt on my life?” Chu Feng asked, frowning.

“So you know already?” Qiao Rui was taken aback. He quickly continued, “Yuan Yao has summoned Ji Ling, and is gathering the imperial guards. He plans to massacre the Chu family manor, and take your head.”

“I knew it!” Chu Feng’s brows darkened. Lu Su had mentioned that someone would accuse Yuan Yao of plotting rebellion, but he hadn’t expected things to escalate so swiftly. The most crucial thing was that Yuan Yao knew of his recruitment of private soldiers. Not only would Yuan Yao not spare him, but he would surely inform Yuan Shu immediately to have Chu Feng’s father killed as well.

“No, I can’t just run away like this!”

As Chu Feng considered his options, he realized that if he simply fled, what would become of his father?

With that thought, Chu Feng said in a low voice, “Father-in-law, please look after Da Qiao for me. I cannot leave just yet—if I go, what will happen to my father?”

Qiao Rui: “???”

Ignoring his father-in-law’s confusion, Chu Feng turned and headed back to the residence.

Upon seeing him return, Zhao Fan asked urgently, “My lord, what’s happened?”

“Send the order: Assemble all troops. The Special Forces are to dress in plain clothes and prepare to enter Shouchun. All other armored soldiers are to escort the artisans’ camp, the women’s textile group, and all villagers—traveling light and moving swiftly, now!” Chu Feng gave his commands without pausing, hurrying straight into the bridal chamber, where he roused Da Qiao and carried her out on his back.

Shortly after, he returned outside the manor.

Chu Feng faced Qiao Rui with grave sincerity. “Father-in-law, I must trouble you to look after Da Qiao.”

He took a few steps, then stopped and, turning his head, said solemnly, “If I should meet misfortune on this journey, let her remarry.”

This time, he ignored Da Qiao’s cries, pressing a hand to his sword and striding back into the residence—a true man may have things he will not do, but there are things he must.

“My lord, what has happened?” Lu Su hurried to intercept him, asking with concern.

“Yuan Yao has summoned Ji Ling and is assembling the army to massacre the Chu family manor and take my head,” Chu Feng replied, his expression cold and grim.

“What? Why so quickly?” Lu Su was stunned. Yuan Yao was known for his idle pursuits—why was he acting so swiftly today?

“My lord, the Special Forces are assembled. The potatoes have been buried as arranged, but the rest of the provisions and money cannot be salvaged,” Zhao Fan reported, his fists clenched in frustration. Everything had been going so smoothly, but now disaster had struck, rendering all their prior preparations futile.

“Wealth is but a worldly possession. Have all the villagers been gathered? And the artisans’ camp—destroy all blueprints that cannot be taken,” Chu Feng instructed.

“All ready. The villagers have already begun their escape south, traveling light,” Zhao Fan answered.

“Excellent,” Chu Feng finally allowed himself a breath.

“My lord, are we not heading south together?” Lu Su asked, puzzled.

“The Yuan family has destroyed my foundation—how could I simply swallow this grievance?” Chu Feng’s knuckles cracked. “Besides, if we flee in haste, we’ll have neither provisions nor reputation—how could we ever stand on our own?”

“My lord, do you mean…?”

“Strike back with a surprise attack—capture Yuan Yao, raid Yuan Shu’s lair, and make my name known throughout the land. At worst, I’ll exchange Yuan Yao’s life for my father’s.”

Chu Feng’s tone was cold and resolute.

“My lord, it’s too dangerous! We only have three hundred men—how could we possibly stand against Yuan’s army? If we fail to seize Yuan Yao, wouldn’t we be…” Lu Su said anxiously.

“If we can’t take him, then we’ll fight our way out!” Chu Feng’s voice rang with heroic spirit, stirring all who heard.

“Well said! A true man stands beneath heaven and earth with sword in hand, to achieve immortal feats—how could he cower in fear?” Zhao Fan’s blood surged, as if recalling that day.

The other centurions, too, cupped their fists and declared, “We swear to follow our lord unto death!”

“Good!” Chu Feng’s spirits soared. “Zijing, take ten men and ride hard, dragging branches behind the horses to create the illusion of a mass escape south, covering the villagers’ retreat. Once done, hide outside the city—wait for the right moment, and be ready to support us.”

“My lord, do you doubt my loyalty?” Lu Su drew his gentleman’s sword and looked Chu Feng squarely in the eye. “Since I have pledged myself to you, my heart will not waver. Even if I must bleed on the battlefield today, so be it.”

“Excellent!” Chu Feng clapped Lu Su on the shoulder.

He then assigned the other squad leaders to hide the warhorses, while he led three hundred special forces men toward Shouchun.

Chu Feng’s plan was simple—fighting a pitched battle in the open would be disadvantageous, so they would slip into the city under cover of darkness and strike at Yuan Yao’s mansion. A surprise attack would bring fame with a single stroke.

If successful, he could exchange Yuan Yao’s life for his father’s, and also make his name known throughout the land.

…

Half an hour later, outside the Chu family manor.

Yuan Yao, clad in armor atop his warhorse, radiated murderous intent.

“Reporting, young master—the manor has been searched top to bottom. Not a soul remains. They must have fled at the first sign of trouble,” a subordinate reported, bowing.

“Escaped? Useless fools!” Yuan Yao drew his sword in fury. Chu Feng was his greatest threat—how could he have let him escape? If his father found out, he’d have brought disaster on himself.

“Ji Ling, Chu Feng must have left with the villagers. They can’t have gotten far. Take your men and intercept them—kill Chu Feng at all costs,” Yuan Yao ordered, eyes narrowed with a sinister glint.

At this point, he had no choice—Chu Feng had to die.

“Young master, the countryside is vast and open. Searching through hundreds of households would stretch our forces too thin. Should bandits attack the state at this time, we’d be unable to defend ourselves,” Ji Ling advised, frowning.

“Hmph! Our Grand Cheng state strikes fear into the world—who would dare attack Shouchun?” Yuan Yao sheathed his sword deliberately.

“But, young master—”

“What, Ji Ling? Are you refusing my orders?” Yuan Yao demanded, brow furrowing.

“I would not dare. I’ll take my men at once!” Ji Ling bowed low, then wheeled his horse and rode off to organize the search. However, Yuan Shu’s forces were short on cavalry, so rapid pursuit was out of the question.

“Hmph, a mere general dares challenge me.”

Watching Ji Ling ride away, Yuan Yao sneered, then turned to another officer. “General Lei, take your men and ransack the manor. I’ll return to Shouchun to keep order.”

“Yes, sir,” Lei Bo replied, though he was not pleased. He had long resented Yuan Yao’s arrogance; if not for the Yuan surname, what was he really worth?

Indeed, if not for Chu Feng, Lei Bo and Chen Lan would have deserted Yuan Shu after his defeat by Cao Cao—they had even refused him when he sought refuge with them.

“Hyah!” Yuan Yao spurred his horse and galloped away, his personal guards following, returning to Shouchun.

Yet, what Yuan Yao could never have anticipated was that Chu Feng and his men had already slipped into Shouchun, preparing to give him a surprise—or perhaps a shock.