Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 532 The End of the Jingguan Madman (12,000 words)

Before I knew it, the rain had stopped.

It seems there won't be any floods this time, which is good news for the people of Songzhou and Ningping.

The sky remained overcast, and the awning boats with their lights on gently rocked along the Yi River. The boatmen, with their trousers rolled up, were using ladles to clear the water from the cabins. The main street of Ningping County was still wet, but pedestrians could already be seen walking out. Some vendors had found a dry spot under the eaves, sat down, and continued to hawk their mountain goods.

Ning Ping, who had been at a standstill, seemed to regain his vitality in an instant.

Looking out at the world, Song Yan casually asked, "Sister, do you still remember where Mother used to live in the big house?"

Lin Xue shook her head again: "I'm sorry, I really can't remember."

Her beautiful face carried a hint of apology.

Song Yan just smiled, without any intention of blaming her. After all, Lin Xue was very young at that time, not even three years old, and it was quite remarkable that she could remember so much.

It's just a bit of a pity.

That's where her mother used to live, and Song Yan would like to visit it if possible.

There was silence inside the car.

Only the sound of the wheels turning echoed in my ears.

Before long, the Luo residence came into view. Luo Tianshu and Luo Tianquan were already waiting at the gate. When they saw Song Yan get off the carriage, their faces lit up with joy. They looked Song Yan up and down, and then Luo Tianshu patted Song Yan on the shoulder: "It's been half a year since I last saw you. You've gotten quite a bit stronger. That's good. Before, brother-in-law was too thin."

It was obvious that there was a hint of fatigue in the eyes of the two brothers.

Given Luo Tianshu and Luo Tianquan's intelligence, they may have long suspected that they were not Luo Yuheng's biological sons, but they had been pretending not to know. Now that their identities have been suddenly exposed, the imperial edicts to confer the title of prince and to allow them to return to Dongling have probably already been delivered, which has caused them considerable trouble.

He then politely exchanged a few words with Lin Xue, Chu Yue, and Chu Menglan, clearly having learned their identities from Luo Tianxuan. That evening, a family banquet was held, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Luo Tianshu had already arranged rooms in advance. After a long journey, Chu Menglan and Chu Yue went to rest. However, Song Yan was not very sleepy. For some reason, he had been feeling uneasy lately.

It was as if something big was about to happen.

But Song Yan couldn't figure out what exactly happened.

It was a very sudden feeling, completely without any warning.

Sitting alone in the pavilion in the backyard, the chill of the night swept over Song Yan, reminding him that autumn had arrived. It had been over a year since he had married into the Luo family. His wedding day with Luo Tianxuan was long past. Fortunately, this world didn't have wedding anniversaries, and given Luo Tianxuan's aloof and gentle nature, a modern girl would likely have thrown a huge tantrum.

The night is dark.

The wind brought a chill and stirred the clouds that had gathered over the county town, stretching them out wisp by wisp, and even allowing a faint glimmer of starlight to be seen through the clouds.

It looks like the weather will clear up soon.

Footsteps came from the backyard.

Looking up, one could see two figures, their shadows blurred by the lamplight, slowly walking towards the pavilion. It was Tian Shu and Tian Quan, Tian Quan carrying a jug of wine. Reaching the pavilion, the two sat down. Luo Tian Shu's gaze swept over Song Yan's face: "Brother-in-law, is something troubling you? You seem somewhat uneasy."

Luo Tianquan put down his wine bowl and poured bowls of yellow wine... Song Yan didn't really like yellow wine, always feeling that the taste was a bit strange, but it was the most popular wine of the time. He picked up a bowl and drank it all in one gulp without any hesitation.

He didn't care that he was wearing a python robe, casually wiped the water droplets from the corner of his mouth, and then said, "It's nothing. Perhaps it's because a lot has happened recently that I haven't been able to sleep."

Luo Tianchu laughed in astonishment: "When my brother-in-law stabbed Chu Licheng and Yang Hetong to death in the court, he was so clean and efficient. The officials in the court were killed by my brother-in-law, and the rest were all terrified. I really don't know what their expressions would be if they saw my brother-in-law like this."

"Speaking of which, my brother-in-law has now been granted the title of king, a real title. I'm afraid many members of the royal family must be envious."

A real fiefdom—even the Prince of Jin, who guarded the border between Ning and Chu, did not receive such a privilege.

“Now, my brother-in-law’s status in Ningguo is so high that it’s no exaggeration to say that he is second only to the emperor.” Luo Tianshu said with a sigh. Back when Song Yan first entered the Luo family and cut the neck of the old woman with a knife, he already knew that his brother-in-law was no ordinary person. But even though Luo Tianshu thought highly of Song Yan, he never expected that in just over a year, his brother-in-law would have climbed to such a position.

"However, you should be careful in this position, brother-in-law. Having a fiefdom is a good thing, but Anzhou and Pingyang are not so easy to control. In addition, the Xiongnu and Jurchen have deep hatred for you, brother-in-law. I'm afraid the future will not be too peaceful," Luo Tianshu advised.

Song Yan knew that these were heartfelt words.

If Luo Tianchu hadn't treated him as a true family member, he would never have given such an explanation.

Even Luo Tianquan couldn't help but interject: "The Xiongnu and Jurchen are actually relatively easier to deal with. I believe in my brother-in-law's ability to command troops, and with General Mei Wu stationed at the border, it would not be easy for the Xiongnu and Jurchen cavalry to break through the passes under normal circumstances... However, the real destruction often begins from within."

"What I'm worried about isn't the foreign race, but certain people within Pingyang and Anzhou."

"Especially the gentry and scholars. My brother-in-law is ruthless towards the gentry and even more violent towards the scholars. This will surely arouse the dissatisfaction of many scholars and scions of noble families. If they collude with the Xiongnu and Jurchens and work together from the inside, it may be a disaster."

"Do not doubt it, especially in the eyes of the gentry. They only value their own clan's heritage. They don't really care who sits on the throne, or even whether he is Han or not. As long as it benefits them, they are willing to betray everything." After a brief pause, Luo Tianshu continued, "Don't think I'm exaggerating. According to the intelligence I have, many gentry in various parts of Ningguo are already dissatisfied with you. Your existence has disrupted their trade with the Xiongnu, Jurchen, and even Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje, which is a huge loss for them."

"It's not just the Yang family."

"And the Fan family, one of their main businesses is ginseng, deer antler, lingzhi and pearls from the Haixi Grassland. Now that you have closed the border, nearly half of the Fan family's business has been suspended and they have suffered extremely serious losses."

"The Qu family produces and trades salt. It is said that they secretly sell more than four million catties of salt to the Xiongnu and Jurchens every year. Brother-in-law, think about how much profit is in that? And how much money will the Qu family lose because of your influence?"

"And the Chang family's tea and wine, and the Cao family's silk, are all sought-after goods among foreign tribes. Now that you've overturned the dog food bowl, these families won't be able to eat anymore. Do you think they'll willingly swallow this insult?"

Song Yan fell silent.

He was well aware that he had offended the Fan family.

Unexpectedly, the Qu family, the Chang family, and the Cao family also became enemies. These are all major families in Ningguo, and their influence should not be underestimated.

"The eight great families of Jin spent a lot of money to support a proxy in the court, Bailu Academy. Now that you have almost uprooted Bailu Academy, do you think the other families of the eight great families of Jin will let this go?" Luo Tianshu said eloquently.

Song Yan truly hadn't expected that she would have so many enemies without even realizing it, and she was even more surprised that Luo Tianshu knew so much about these matters.

This guy is simply born to be a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Are they planning to attack me?" Song Yan sighed and asked slowly, "What methods will they use? Will they collude with foreign races like the Yang family, or will they hire assassins to take my life?"

Luo Tianchu looked somewhat apologetic: "I'm sorry, I don't know that either. I can only find out that they are planning to take action against you, but I don't know the specific methods. However, I guess it will happen on my brother-in-law's way back to Pingyang. After all, Pingyang is my brother-in-law's territory, which he has managed to be impregnable. It would be almost impossible to take my brother-in-law's life in Pingyang."

Song Yan nodded, indicating his understanding.

The specific plan for taking action was a closely guarded secret. Even though Luo Tianshu was extremely skilled in intelligence gathering, such matters were not easily discovered.

"Enough, stop talking about me." The three of them drank another bowl of wine before Song Yan asked, "What are your plans for the future, you two?"

"What else can we do but go to the capital?" Luo Tianchu sighed. "Our identities have been completely exposed. Staying in Ningping will only lead to our death. Although the capital is dangerous, we can at least find a chance to survive there."

As expected of Luo Tianchu, he sees things very clearly.

"Speaking of which, I should apologize to my brother-in-law. I heard that it was because the Empress summoned Tianxuan, Tianyi, and even Hualianyue that my brother-in-law was left unprotected and was thus assassinated and seriously injured." Luo Tianchu's face was full of guilt.

He felt that he was actually quite innocent.

He had never even seen the Empress, yet he was inexplicably burdened with a host of crimes because of her. Luo Tianchu was thankful that Song Yan had survived. If anything had happened to Song Yan, it would have left an irreparable rift in the relationships between Tianxuan, Tianyi, his mother, and him.

Song Yan smiled and said, "Why go to such lengths? This matter has nothing to do with Tian Shu, I understand that much."

Seeing that Song Yan truly had no intention of blaming him, Luo Tianshu felt somewhat relieved.

"When are you going to leave?"

"The imperial edict did not specify a particular time, but generally speaking, one should set off within a month." Luo Tianchu sighed. Having lived in Ningping County for many years, he was still somewhat reluctant to leave.

"Be careful when you get to Dongling." Song Yan thought for a moment, then took out a slip of paper from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and pushed it in front of Luo Tianshu: "If you encounter anything you can't handle, you can come here, and the people inside will help you."

The note had an address on it.

That was a stronghold of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Luo Tianshu glanced at the note and handed it to Luo Tianquan. Luo Tianquan's expression was also somewhat solemn. They both knew that this was a backup plan left to them by their brother-in-law, which could be used to save their lives in dangerous situations. Naturally, they dared not be negligent. After writing down the address on it, Luo Tianquan flicked his fingers, and the note instantly turned into fine dust.

Luo Tianchu also downed a bowl of wine: "Brother-in-law won't stay in Ningping for long, will he? Take all the sugar workshops and iron workshops in Ningping County with you, and destroy everything that can't be taken."

Song Yan raised an eyebrow.

Luo Tianchu grinned and said, "I can't keep these things in my hands." "Although I don't know what Dongling is like now, I know that it's a bunch of old foxes. If I bring these to Dongling, I'm afraid it won't be long before they devour me without leaving a trace."

"My father sent me to be raised by my mother for my life, but this also left me with no foothold in the court. A prince like me is probably what those people like the most, right?"

A smile suddenly appeared on Song Yan's lips as she glanced at Luo Tianchu. "You like him the most?" she thought. "Perhaps not. Luo Tianchu might become the next nightmare for those people." This brother-in-law was definitely not as innocent as he appeared. Anyone who thought Luo Tianchu was easy to control was likely in for a world of trouble.

"By the way, you should also take the Japanese pirate guards with you. Tianquan and I are just princes now, and we don't have the qualifications to lead troops. I don't want to be attacked for my faults as soon as I arrive in Dongling. Besides, the Japanese pirate guards are under my mother's command and were personally trained by my brother-in-law. It is only natural for my brother-in-law to take them with him."

Song Yan nodded and then shook his head: "You can take them away, but you must leave a group of elites with you. The journey to Dongling City is not peaceful. Although my Silver Armor Guards are all elites, they have shown their faces in Dongling City. Otherwise, leaving them with you to protect you would be the best option. The Japanese pirate soldiers, although they have received a long period of training, have not seen blood and their combat ability is slightly lacking."

"It's a pity that Ningping is currently free from external threats and banditry. Otherwise, if it were to engage in actual combat and draw blood, it would surely be transformed."

……

Although it was late, some pedestrians could still be seen on the streets of Ningping County.

After a heavy rain, the air became exceptionally fresh, and even the leaves on the trees appeared greener.

It's just that it can't compare to the hustle and bustle of daytime; it's rather tranquil.

A short figure was walking slowly in Ningping County.

It was a man.

Although he has a face similar to that of Han Chinese from the Central Plains, for some reason, he always gives people a slightly distorted feeling.

His eyes would occasionally sweep over the pedestrians on the street. When he saw that they were all dressed in hemp clothes and ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), a greedy look would appear in his eyes. When he inadvertently passed by Hongxiuzhao (a famous Chinese shopping mall), he could see through the gate that inside were beautiful women with delicate skin and young men in fine clothes. A strong desire would shine through his eyes.

As I walked along, all I saw was tranquility, peace, and prosperity.

Occasionally he would stop and whisper something to some passersby.

Having finally traversed the long street that ran through Ningping County, the short man let out a heavy sigh, suppressing his agitation as he headed towards the city gate. Although it was late, it was still before midnight, so the city gate was not closed, and the man easily left Ningping County.

Not far from the city gate of Ningping County were ten large and small mounds of Jingguan (a type of ancient Chinese structure)... Under the scattered starlight in the sky, the short man stared intently at the mounds of Jingguan in front of him. The greed in his eyes had dissipated, replaced by an intense resentment and anger.

The loess had long since solidified into clumps, and even rainwater could not wash it away.

The heads embedded in the loess soil have long since rotted away with time, leaving only messy hair and white bones.

The wind blew, and the messy hair swayed.

Under the faint starlight, the eye sockets on the skull appeared as two black holes, and the open mouth exuded a sinister aura. It seemed as if the short man could still hear screams echoing in his ears.

After an unknown amount of time, the short man finally withdrew his gaze and began to quicken his pace towards the river. About half an hour later, the man could smell the salty scent of the sea breeze, hear the sound of waves crashing on the beach, and see flickering lights on the sea in the distance. As he got closer, he could see several small boats floating on the sea.

The man ran over quickly, muttering something in Japanese. If Song Yan were here, she would probably immediately recognize that these people were speaking Japanese... they were probably exchanging secret signals.

Immediately afterwards, a small boat approached the shore, and after the short man boarded, it quickly sailed out to sea. However, neither the short man nor the crew noticed that just twenty or thirty meters behind him, a figure was silently following like a ghost.

The figure was dressed in brocade robes.

A pair of bright eyes gazed at the distant seaside, and in her hands appeared a small notebook and a charcoal pencil.

Swish swish!
He was writing quickly.

He glanced up at the receding flames and spat.
"Pah, you idiot!"

……

The heavy rain in Ningping did not have much impact on the sea.

Occasionally, the wind would stir up some waves, making a splashing sound, and a large ship would gently rock on the sea.

The ship looks quite old, with dark brown mottled marks on the deck. However, the interior is decorated quite luxuriously. The candlelight flickers gently with the swaying of the cabin, casting an unpredictable glow on people's faces.

The short man who had been wandering around Ningping County was now kneeling on the ground in the cabin, looking up at a man sitting in a chair with a humble gaze.

This man was tall and strong.

Because of years spent at sea, their skin was tanned dark, and crisscrossed with scars—the badges of honor for pirates.

A beautiful woman with a slender figure, barely clothed, sat on the man's lap, swaying her serpentine waist wantonly, her eyes glazed over, her pink lips and tongue licking the man's neck.

You can even see some saliva at the corners of their lips.

The short man knew that this woman was once a noblewoman from a prestigious family in the State of Zhao, but in just a few months, she had changed into this state...

Beside the burly man stood a slightly thinner figure. This person was tall and slender, dressed in a white robe, and wore a mask with a blue face and fangs, obscuring his original appearance. Only a bloodshot eye was visible beneath the mask... As for the other eye, it was an ugly and hideous scar, exuding a sinister aura.

The burly man had clearly just released his pent-up energy and was now in an unprecedented state of clarity. His still-restless gaze swept over the short man kneeling on the ground: "Kitagawa-kun, what were the results of your investigation?"

The short man, named Kitagawa Yukiji, was often assigned tasks such as gathering information because he understood Chinese. Upon hearing this, he quickly lowered his head and looked away from the woman: "Your Excellency Kono, as you requested, I have fully investigated the situation in Ningping County."

"Ningping County is indeed an extremely wealthy county."

“In the county town, everyone has clothes to wear, and many people wear gold and silver jewelry on their heads and wrists. There are also gambling dens and brothels, which are extremely expensive places with a large number of customers.”

"If we plunder Ningping, we will gain unimaginable wealth, food, and women."

"Most importantly, our targets this time, Song Yan of Ning Kingdom, Lin Xue of Chu Kingdom, and Chu Menglan, are all in Ningping."

The strong man's name was Kono Juro, and he was said to be the sixteenth child born to his father and mother in the fields by the river.

Upon hearing Kitagawa Koji's words, Kono Juro's large eyes flashed with intense excitement.

Lin Xue was a skilled and courageous female general of the Chu Kingdom, and it was said that she was also incredibly beautiful. Conquering such a woman would be the most exciting thing ever.

Chu Menglan is also a princess of the Chu Kingdom... Kono Juro licked his lips with his scarlet tongue, really wanting to taste what a princess is like.

"Lord Kono, do not forget that tens of thousands of Japanese pirates on the three islands along the border of Ningguo were all slaughtered by Song Yan. He is not an easy opponent." Just then, the mysterious man next to Kono Juro suddenly spoke in a gloomy voice.

Kitagawa Koji knew that this mysterious man's surname was Song, and he called himself Mr. Song.

Two months ago, he suddenly appeared by Kono Juro's side, and for some reason, Kono Juro trusted him extremely.

Kono Juro was not a man who would hide his desires, but he also wouldn't let desires consume his reason. Upon hearing this, his expression quickly calmed down: "Then how many men did Song Yan bring?"

After all, he was a ruthless man who had slaughtered tens of thousands of Japanese pirates, hundreds of thousands of Jurchens, and Huns.

Even though Kono Juro was arrogant and haughty, he had to be cautious in the face of such a formidable opponent. He was a smart man and didn't want to risk his life.

Kitagawa Koji looked strange, hesitated for a moment, and then made an eight shape with his hand.

"Eight thousand?"

“Oh, no, Mr. Kono, it’s eight,” Kitagawa Koji quickly corrected.

"Are you sure?" Kono Juro's eyes widened.

“I’m absolutely certain. I’ve found out that Song Yan took over a thousand carts of gold and silver treasures with him when he left Ningguo’s capital. Because of the heavy rain and the inconvenience of the journey, Song Yan’s army was stationed in Songzhou Prefecture to guard this batch of wealth.”

"Therefore, only eight people returned to Ningping with Song Yan, and most of them were women."

Kono Juro stood up abruptly and shouted in a deep voice, "Give the order to start a fire and cook, so that all nine thousand brothers can fill their stomachs and get a good rest. At dawn, follow me to land, crush Ningping, kill Song Yan, and overthrow the Jingguan!"

"Tell the brothers, once Ningping is breached, the swords will not be sheathed for three days!"

Eight people, plus many women?

What a load of bull! He's nothing but a nobody who sells his head for a pittance!
In a few hours, it will be the end of the Jingguan Maniac!

He has nine thousand brothers, he's guaranteed to win!

(End of this chapter)