Free Web NovelChapter 52: Chapter 47: War Reaches Anqing, Elder General Qin Fights to the Death
"As for whether you should tell Patron Qingning?"
Xu Lei said, "I believe you already have the answer in your heart, Patron.
You are going to tell him, aren’t you?
You just don’t know how to bring it up.
That is why you’ve come to speak with me."
"As expected of the Divine Monk."
Shang Rou said, "I truly don’t know what to say.
This will put Brother Qingning in a difficult position, won’t it?
What will he say?"
The Wei Family was considered a prestigious family in the Prefecture City, with a network of connections to officials and influential figures from all walks of life.
In essence, they were part of the establishment, the ones with vested interests.
But Shang Yin was with the rebel army, and their goal was to overthrow the Da Yu Dynasty—which really meant overthrowing the old establishment.
This was why Shang Rou was now in such a bind.
’If I tell Wei Qingning, what choice will he make?
Should he join Shang Yin with me? Is that even reliable?
But if they don’t leave, and the rebel army attacks the city, how can the Wei Family possibly escape unscathed?
And if the local garrison defends the city to the death, won’t the residents be forced to join the defense?’
"Amitabha Buddha."
Xu Lei said, "This matter does indeed require careful consideration."
’One could only blame Shang Yin for entrusting Shang Rou to Wei Qingning all those years ago.
Now it had left Shang Rou caught in the middle.
Of course, back then, Shang Yin didn’t even know if he himself would survive.
He probably never imagined he could actually raise the banner of rebellion and have so many answer his call,
much less lead a great army on a victorious campaign.
The Shang Yin of three years ago certainly never foresaw this day.
This was a case of the times creating the hero.’
"And my brother... will something happen to him?"
Shang Rou continued, "Rebelling... can it really succeed?
Divine Monk, I’m so worried about my brother!
Will he be alright?"
"Amitabha Buddha."
Xu Lei said, "The Da Yu Dynasty’s Qi is indeed weak; it shows all the signs of collapse.
Warriors like your brother, who raise the banner of rebellion, are bound to appear.
If not your brother, it would have been someone else.
Of course, the flames of war are burning all across the land now.
As for who will ultimately be the one to rule the realm,
no one can predict that right now.
Even I cannot see through the secrets of heaven.
Perhaps your brother is the True Dragon.
Perhaps not."
"If it were possible,"
Shang Rou sighed, "I would just want to continue living as I have these past few years—a peaceful life, living out my days in tranquility.
Managing the household, doing some needlework and embroidery.
Playing the zither, painting a little.
And, from time to time, receive a charitable blessing from you, Divine Monk."
"Amitabha Buddha."
Xu Lei said, "An age of peace and prosperity is my wish as well.
But the changing of dynasties is a matter of fate, ordained by heaven.
After an era of prosperity, an era of chaos is sure to follow.
Only after great chaos can there be great prosperity once more.
Those caught within it can only strive to survive.
This time, I believe you should speak frankly with Patron Qingning.
No matter what, it will give him a chance to prepare himself mentally,
regardless of the choice he makes later.
Besides, your brother’s rise to contend for the throne is not necessarily a bad thing.
If Anqing is destined to fall, having your brother in the rebel army...
...might be the very thing that allows the Wei Family to be spared.
And although things are chaotic everywhere outside,
the Wei Family has deep resources. Perhaps you can still relocate and find temporary shelter in another, safer city to wait out the storm."
Xu Lei naturally understood Shang Rou’s thoughts.
As the official wife of the Wei Mansion, she lived a life of glory and wealth, of Brocade Clothing and fine food.
Naturally, she was unwilling to follow her brother onto the battlefield, campaigning across the land.
By marrying Wei Qingning as his official wife, she had, in fact, become one of the vested interests herself.
"Mm-hm."
Shang Rou nodded, her eyes shimmering with allure as she said, "The Divine Monk’s words are wise. Having you clear my doubts has brought my heart great comfort.
To show my sincerity and gratitude...
...please be at ease, Divine Monk.
Simply feel Xiaorou serve you with her body."
In response, Xu Lei just smiled faintly and reached out to stroke Shang Rou’s hair.
In truth, Xu Lei hadn’t said anything particularly profound.
He had simply followed her train of thought and offered a few points of analysis.
Shang Rou had just needed someone to talk to.
「In the blink of an eye, it was the evening of the next day.」
In a secret room within the Wei Mansion.
Zhang Xiaomai, fresh from a bath, embraced Xu Lei.
"Young Master, did you use up all your energy on Sister Rou last night?"
Zhang Xiaomai said, "Do you still remember Xiaoai, your Maid from back then? Will you still need Xiaoai’s service tonight? Just like old times?"
"Amitabha Buddha."
Xu Lei chuckled. "You made me so much restorative food during the day. Is there even a need to ask about tonight?"
That was right. During the day, Zhang Xiaomai had personally cooked a number of highly nourishing dishes for Xu Lei.
After all, she had been Xu Lei’s Maid in the past and had long since seen him drink wine and devour meat with gusto.
She knew his style was that of "wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Buddha remains in the heart."
"Young Master,"
Zhang Xiaomai murmured coquettishly, hugging Xu Lei, "Xiaoai will always be your Maid."
"Excellent."
Xu Lei added, "Amitabha Buddha."
「Another three days passed in the blink of an eye.」
Wei Qingning finished her business and returned to the mansion.
She didn’t return at night.
She came back during the day.
Shang Rou went to speak with Wei Qingning at the first opportunity.
She told her about the letter from Shang Yin.
"Divine Monk, please come to the study for a talk."
Then, Wei Qingning summoned Xu Lei and commanded the servants, "Everyone is to stay away from the study. No one is to disturb us."
"Amitabha Buddha."
Xu Lei nodded. "I am on my way."
Before long, Xu Lei and Wei Qingning arrived at the study.
Upon entering, he found that Wei Qingning had already taken off her Jade Pendant.
She had changed back into an adorable, cute girl.
She opened a secret door, then grabbed Xu Lei with her delicate hand and pulled him into a small, hidden chamber.
After closing the door, she threw her arms around Xu Lei and kissed him wildly.
Xu Lei wrapped his arms around her smooth, slender waist.
"Divine Monk."
After a long moment, their lips parted. Wei Qingning said, "Shang Rou has certainly given me a difficult problem. Tell me, what should I do?"
"Patron Qingning, you have led the Wei Family for many years. It’s impossible that you don’t have a plan in mind."
Xu Lei chuckled, feeling Wei Qingning’s body heat. "I know nothing of such things. I only know how to chant the Buddha’s name and perform Charitable Giving.
In my opinion, when faced with a difficult choice...
...the best policy is naturally to find a way to cover both bases.
Take the one, and take the other as well."
"A brilliant insight, Divine Monk."
Wei Qingning said, "Indeed. One cannot let go of either side. To place a piece on both is truly the best strategy."
"Amitabha Buddha."
Xu Lei said, "I do not understand strategy. All I can do is bestow a charitable blessing upon you, Patron, to relieve your fatigue and soothe your body and mind."
"That is Qingning’s wish as well,"
Wei Qingning said in a coquettish voice, "I ask to be bathed in the Buddha’s light."
"Since you have an affinity with the Buddha, your wish shall naturally be granted."
Xu Lei nodded and said, "Amitabha Buddha."
「In the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed.」
Xu Lei had already returned to Anchan Temple.
Zhang Xiaomai and Shang Rou were both pregnant again.
As for Wei Qingning, she was not.
She did not allow his seed to take root, and thus did not become pregnant.
After all, as the Patriarch of the Wei Family, her responsibilities were not light.
Over the past month, Zhao Xiaocha had heard that Xu Lei was at the Wei Mansion performing an exorcism and had come to seek his guidance on the Buddhist Dharma a few times.
However, like Wei Qingning,
she chose not to become pregnant again.
After all, she was no longer young.
She sought only the carnal ecstasy found in bathing in the Buddha’s light.
Over the past month, Wei Qingning had also made numerous arrangements to ensure the preservation of the Wei Family and their children.
She organized a sizable armed force to escort Zhang Xiaomai, all the children, and other family members to the Capital City, which was still within the safe zone.
As for the Wei Family’s wealth and assets, it seemed she had also found a place to bury them.
Xu Lei didn’t inquire too much about the latter.
But after learning about the former,
he had Wei Qingning also include the families of Liang Fangying and Zhao Xiaocha in the escort.
Shang Rou, however, remained in Anqing.
After all, someone needed to be there to make contact with Shang Yin.
Since Shang Yin had written that he would get Shang Rou out first when the time came,
Shang Rou obviously couldn’t leave as well.
The siblings had to meet.
This way,
if Shang Yin and the others failed in their rebellion,
the Wei Family would still be preserved.
Shang Rou just had to ensure her own safety.
And if the rebel army was victorious, the Wei Family could still survive then as well.
After Wei Qingning and the others had left. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
One day.
At Anchan Temple.
"Junior Brother Wu Tan, come with us to the Kyoto Celestial Zen Temple!"
Wu Gui and Hui Ming had sought out Xu Lei. "Things in Anqing might get turbulent soon. We’re going to the Celestial Zen Temple to cultivate for a while."
Xu Lei was struck by the realization that they were also keeping a close eye on the developing situation.
"Amitabha Buddha."
Xu Lei said, "I will follow my senior brothers’ counsel."
「Some ten days later.」
Xu Lei arrived at the Celestial Zen Temple, a grand temple located within the jurisdiction of the Da Yu Dynasty’s Capital City.
This seemed to be the Head Temple.
This place should have the most True Monks.
However, Xu Lei didn’t go asking around too much.
The temple was a mix of True Monks and false ones.
Sometimes, you never knew if the person next to you was a True Monk or a false one.
This was because the True Monks didn’t use their Magical Power in daily life, so they behaved much like the false monks.
Xu Lei also went for a stroll around Kyoto City.
Kyoto City was, as expected, even larger and more prosperous than Anqing Prefecture.
But it seemed the Royal Family was now feeling the pressure.
As a result, Kyoto City was no longer a scene of constant celebration and brilliant lights.
The various entertainment venues had toned things down considerably.
「Another month passed in the blink of an eye.」
Xu Lei heard that the flames of war had indeed reached Anqing.
Just as Shang Rou had said, the rebel army had truly marched on Anqing.
To face the enemy, Elder General Qin had donned his armor once more, personally taking command and returning to the battlefield.
But unfortunately, due to the National Dynasty’s accumulated corruption, supply lines were failing. Furthermore, with the flames of war everywhere, the bulk of the Qin Family Army had already been dispatched to reinforce other areas.
This left Elder General Qin unable to make bricks without straw.
On top of that, the Prefecture City had already been infiltrated by the rebel army’s people.
In the end, with a coordinated attack from within and without, the rebel army shattered the city’s defenses.
Elder General Qin fought to the death, refusing to retreat!
He died in battle upon the walls of Anqing!
Afterward!
The rebel army breached the city!
Shang Yin, in iron armor and with a long spear, led the charge on horseback, guiding the rebel army straight into the city!
