The Chief Steward walked faster and faster. In the end, he almost jogged all the way back to his tent. The afterglow of the burning Purple Gold had passed. The Northern Borderline was still cold, but the Chief Steward's forehead was covered in sweat. He had to wipe it off as he walked, and one of his sleeves was wet.
With a heavy heart, he waved away the female slave who was about to come forward to serve him, indicating that she should not disturb him. He lifted his feet and walked into the tent with three heavy doors.
The Chief Steward carefully looked around to make sure that there were no outsiders nearby. Only then did he close the doors one by one. He breathed a sigh of relief and walked into the room.
At this moment, an abrupt voice suddenly came from the room, "How is it?"
The Chief Steward was caught off guard. He was so scared that he trembled in his own home. His limbs twitched visibly, and he stood at the door dumbfounded. For three or four breaths, he felt that his heart was about to stop beating.
It was not until a familiar aristocratic old woman showed half of her face in the dimly lit room that he took a deep breath and returned to his senses. He waved his hand suspiciously and walked into the room with the old woman.
The days were short and the nights were long in the Northern Borderline, and the lighting in the residence was very limited. However, the people in the room had covered all the windows and sat around a shabby gas lamp in the dark. Several influential families in the Eighteen Tribes Alliance had sent representatives. A few seats away from these people were a man and a woman from Daliang.
Even if the two people were dressed like the people of the Eighteen Tribes, it was easy to tell that they were from Daliang from their facial features. People born in the cold and barren land had facial features. Even if they were aristocrats, it was easy to tell that they had a rough life.
These two people were Cao Chunhua and Chen Qingxu. They worked together and did not spend much effort to hide their identities. After crossing the border, they used the few contacts left by Cao Chunhua to get in touch with some aristocrats of the Eighteen Tribes. They claimed that they were peace envoys sent by the Northern Borderline Garrison of Daliang. They bribed the aristocrats and asked them to recommend Wolf King Calais.
They were very generous and sent gifts one after another. However, the more generous they were, the more Cao Chunhua knew that no one would recommend them. In the eyes of these barbarian aristocrats, they were afraid that they had become money trees. Once Calais Yinghou found out, this money tree would probably be uprooted.
On one hand, the two "urgently" expressed their desire to meet Calais Yinghou. On the other hand, they dealt with the members of the Eighteen Tribes. With Cao Chunhua's silver tongue, these aristocrats dared to sit together and secretly talk about Wolf King in less than a month.
At the same time, Chen Qingxu had a rough idea of the situation of the guards in Wolf King's tent after several night spies. It was time to close the net.
Someone poured a bowl of horse milk wine for the chief steward who came in from outside. The chief steward took it with both hands. His hands trembled uncontrollably as he drank it in one gulp. Only then did he feel alive.
He sat on the side and said in a low voice, "Don't mention it. Even the Crown Prince was beaten. Wolf King is determined to fight."
Cao Chunhua said innocently, "The imperial court has already sent messengers to the South. Now that there is a ceasefire, there is no benefit for us to continue fighting. What, did the chief steward not pass on this message?"
The chief steward was really suffering in his heart. It was as if his whole body was leaking water. He raised his hand and sweated profusely, "Little brother, if I say this today, I'm afraid you won't be able to wait for me."
The aristocrats of the Eighteen Tribes were all silent. Cao Chunhua shook his head and said slowly, "Then there is no other way. I'll tell you the truth. Today, I gathered everyone here because we received a letter from Marshal Gu. Marshal Gu accused us of not doing a good job. He said that if we don't see results, he will send troops to attack. We are fine. At most, we will be scolded when we go back and lose two months of our salary. However, I know that everyone here is unwilling to go to war."
The chief steward's face became as bitter as a large gourd.
At this time, Chen Qingxu said, "Let's go. We did our best."
Chen Qingxu had an indisputable temperament. It was fine if he didn't speak, but once he spoke, he could always make the final decision. Hearing this, before Cao Chunhua could react, the aristocrats of the Bei Man exploded. The old woman sitting at the head of the table anxiously grabbed her sleeve and said, "Wait!"
Chen Qingxu looked at her coldly.
The wrinkles on the old woman's face twisted a few times. She twisted her face into a kind witch and smiled apologetically, "Miss, please give us a few more days to think of a way. My King is a little headstrong and self-opinionated, but I am still his elder. I will try to persuade him. You don't have to rush."
"Madam, it's not that we are unreasonable." Cao Chunhua sighed and said, "We are just following orders. We don't dare to act on our own."
Chen Qingxu pulled out his sleeve and said indifferently, "If Wolf King insists on fighting to the end for his personal grudge, it will probably be useless for you to persuade him. Instead, you will bring trouble to yourself. I don't think it's necessary."
This sentence pierced the hearts of everyone present.
Not long ago, when several tribal leaders joined forces to rebel, they used the fact that Calais Yinghou had a close relationship with the Goddess in his early years. The Goddess had been dead for more than 20 years. There was no way to prove whether there was any secret relationship between her and Calais. However, once the seed of doubt was planted, how could it be removed so easily?
Calais Yinghou had always used "blood feud" and "great shame" to incite the tribesmen to work for him. However, "forgetting the pain after the scar has healed" was the root of the mortal's weakness. He might be able to incite the tribesmen for a while, but when they ran out of supplies and couldn't even fill their stomachs, how could the "great shame" from more than 20 years ago be more painful than their children who had starved to death?
If a person who had been dead for so many years still lingered around the tribe like a ghost, bringing nothing but war and bloodshed, then was she a pure goddess of the Everlasting Heaven, or a monster who had deceived the world?
After Chen Qingxu finished speaking, he ignored Bei Man and the others, who all had different expressions on their faces. He nodded lightly and walked out with Cao Chunhua.
Seeing that they were determined not to make an exception, the old woman from Bei Man suddenly made up her mind. She slammed the crutch in her hand on the ground and said, "From now on, we will give you two days as the time limit. I beg you to buy us two days. I have lived for more than 70 years. I guarantee with my age that I will give you an explanation in two days!"
This old woman had a very high status in the tribe. Even the Wolf King had to call her aunt. When she spoke, no one objected in public. Only the Chief Executive, who felt bitter in his heart, moved his lips. However, he was glared at by the old woman.
Cao Chun Hua and Chen Qing Xu looked at each other and frowned for a long time as if they were in a dilemma. Finally, they said reluctantly, "Then … Alright, since it's Madam Red Cloud's promise, we can't help but give it a try. We'll wait for your good news.
After the two outsiders left through the secret passage at the back door, the nobles in the room of Bei Man burst into an uproar.
The Chief Executive wanted to cry but had no tears. He said to Madam Hongxia, "Third Madam, didn't you hear what I said just now? The King is determined to win this war. He even beat up the Crown Prince. Look at me … Well … The King's original words were: If you don't have the Purple Gold, go and dig it up. If you don't have enough resources, then let the corpse and everyone else pay for it! "
Before Madam Hongxia could say anything, a middle-aged man had already become angry and said, "Why is he still dreaming? Does he want to break through the defense line of the Black Iron Battalion and invade the Central Plains? Or does he want to wait for the western monkeys to feed him? We have been preparing for twenty years. We have gathered a hundred thousand warriors, countless fire engines and steel armor, top-notch rations and dried meat. We have also joined forces with the East, West, North, and South. But we still haven't set foot in the Central Plains! He was still having this kind of dream. Why? Are the streets full of hungry people? I think even if we suck out all of our bone marrow, it won't be enough to satisfy his appetite! "
His voice was like a mountain song when he was herding sheep. He didn't even try to hide the sound of bells and gongs. A few people around him were immediately frightened. They all tried to persuade the middle-aged man to be careful with his words.
The angry middle-aged man sat down and sneered, "Third Madam, I think you won't be able to keep your promise this time. Don't talk about taking advantage of your seniority. Even if you make a scene and hang yourself, that madman Jia Lai won't even bat an eyelid."
Madam Hongxia lifted her withered eyelids and slammed her walking stick to the side. "Shut up, you useless thing. What's the use of shouting in the room?"
The middle-aged man snorted in indignation.
Madam Hongxia's expression didn't change. A few tendons like old tree roots could be seen on the back of her hand, which was as thin as a chicken's claw. Then she slowly opened her mouth and said, "Wolf King held back last time and dealt with a few tribal leaders. Do you think he has a second move?"
The room was silent. Everyone was shocked by the old woman's shocking boldness. After a long time, the chief steward said, trembling, "Third … Third Madam, the blood under the wolf flag … hasn't dried yet."
"Resisting to death is still death. Being slowly dragged to death is also death. What's the difference in the end?" The old madam's hoarse voice rang out in the silence. "Your ancestors have wolf blood flowing in their bodies. Have they all been tamed like dogs? Or are you saying that you'd rather see your wives and children starve to death or die in battle so that you can drag out an ignoble existence for a few more months? "
She slowly raised her head. Her turbid eyes swept across the barbarian nobles, who each had their own ulterior motives. Seeing that some of them had stern faces, some of them had pensive expressions, some of them had hesitant expressions, and some of them were trembling with fear, she laughed coldly and said, "I know that all of you here are not of one mind. Perhaps some of you are already planning to betray this old woman to Calais as soon as you leave this room. Let me put it this way, cowards. If we succeed this time, we'll have saved your lives. There's no harm to you. If we fail, we won't implicate those of you who are not involved in this matter. But for those of you who are thinking of going out to snitch on us, do you think that the ominous Mars Killer of Calais will think of your kindness? Or do you think that you're acting suspiciously because you're too close to us old things who don't care about our lives?"
The middle-aged man who had been filled with righteous indignation earlier jumped up and said, "You're right, Third Granny. I'll follow you!"
Over the years, the nobles of the 18 tribes had been oppressed too much by Calais Yinghou. The nobles hated him and were also afraid of his high-handed policies. Now that the leader had stepped forward, there were immediately many who were filled with righteous indignation who followed suit.
Madame Red Cloud turned to the Head Steward and said, "Even if we want to break the heavens, it's useless. We still have to rely on the Head Steward."
The Head Steward, under everyone's gaze, sat stiffly for a moment as if he was about to evaporate. The entire room, which had no sunlight, became hazy with steam. Finally, he gritted his teeth and slapped his thigh. "Third Granny orders me!"
When a country was in danger, there was bound to be a bloody conflict in the power structure. Whether it was Daliang or the 18 tribes of Celestial Wolf, or even the foreigners trapped in Jiangnan, none of them could escape this situation of poverty and change. Within it, there was a hundred percent danger and a hundred percent opportunity. One step forward and the country would prosper. One step backward and the clan would be wiped out.
At this time, a turbulent undercurrent had spread throughout the 18 tribes of Bei Man. The nobles had gone to organize their own forces.
The next night, a swallow-like shadow leaped up the watchtower of the 18 tribes. This was funded and built by the foreigners. In the beginning, the foreigners were responsible for the maintenance of this watchtower. Now, the westerners couldn't even take care of themselves. Most of the lighters in the watchtower had already failed. It was basically just a decoration left.
The guards on the watchtower had been quietly taken down. The person who had leaped up the watchtower revealed his face under the moonlight. It was actually a small, silent servant under the Head Steward's tent. He nimbly climbed all the way to the top of the watchtower. There was already someone waiting for him there.
The "servant" stood still and wiped his face, revealing the ever-changing Cao Chunhua.
Cao Chunhua said, "It's clear. The Head Steward put something in Calais Yinghou's medicine to calm his nerves."
Chen Qingxu asked, "He didn't want to poison him directly?"
"It's not that easy," Cao Chunhua said, "Calais is a master of voodoo. If we don't do it properly, we will alert the enemy. However, he will occasionally prepare some medicine to calm his nerves. Even if he finds out, it won't be easy for him to become suspicious. There are many noble family members among the guards of the Head Steward's tent. These people have already been ordered to secretly take action at night and try not to alarm Calais Yinghou as much as possible. They want him to die in his bed quietly. Tomorrow morning, they will announce the Crown Prince to succeed the throne. Once it's confirmed that Calais's medicine has been ingested, the Head Steward will use the night owl's cry as a signal. We just have to wait. Have you notified the Marshal? "
A small silver ball flashed between Chen Qingxu's fingers. It was the signal flare that Shen Yi had given to her. This little thing had been hidden in her sleeve all this time. Suddenly, she had to take it out and use it. She suddenly felt a little reluctant.
Cao Chunhua didn't know these many thoughts. He only sighed and said, "An ambitious and ruthless person. His subordinates want to rebel against him, but they don't even want to hear his last words. How can they say this?"
"They are too afraid of him," Chen Qingxu stood on the watchtower and looked in the direction of the Head Steward's tent with the help of the clairvoyance on the bridge of her nose. "I haven't asked yet. How did you get Madame Hongxia to take the lead?"
"Madame Hongxia's son died on the battlefield," Cao Chunhua tucked her hair behind her ear and said carelessly, "She only left behind a grandson. Her grandson is about to Shi Liu. That Calais is extremely vicious. He made a rule that all aristocratic boys over the age of Shi Liu must join the army. I have seen her son a few times before when I sneaked into the barbarian tribe. A few nights ago, I pinched the ghost's face and visited his old mother on his behalf … Maybe it didn't look like him, but it was dark and her old eyes were blurry, so she was able to muddle through. I hugged her and cried bitterly. I only said that I couldn't bear to let my youngest son, Jiao Er, follow in his father's footsteps … You see, my eyes are still swollen. These two days, I have been using something to cover them. Miss Chen, do you have any special medicine to reduce swelling? "
Chen Qingxu: "…"
Cao Chunhua shook her head and said to the moon in self-pity, "How many tears have I shed while wearing someone else's face? Sigh, this is really … "
Chen Qingxu: "Shhh — did you hear that?"
In the cold night, a few sharp cries of night owls suddenly sounded. The Head Steward had made a move!
Chen Qingxu pushed open the window of the watchtower. An almost invisible silk thread was shot from her fingertips and hung down from the tower. It was just enough for her to use the tip of her toes to step on it.
Cao Chunhua took out a small pot of Purple Gold and poured it down from a high place onto the watchtower to create the illusion that the tower was leaking oil. Then, she nimbly set it on fire. The fierce flame meandered down like a real dragon, illuminating the watchtower in an instant as if it was daytime. Chen Qingxu took advantage of the fire in the watchtower and flicked the signal flare in her hand high up. The signal flare split into two straight up and down, splitting a lightning-like white light. The white light was very special. It was not dazzling close up and was easily covered by the Purple Gold flame. Only from a distance, could the extremely penetrating light beam be distinguished.
Shen Yi, who had been lying in ambush for a long time, saw it through the Thousand Mile Eyes and jumped up, "Marshal, they're making a move!"
Gu Yun let out a long whistle. The Black Eagle was like a bat in the dark night, quickly sweeping across the ground. Only the sound of the wind could be heard, but no one could be seen.
Shen Yi was originally impatient to rush out, but she thought of something and turned back. She said to Gu Yun, "Zi Xi, you just came back from Jiangnan yesterday and haven't rested. Can you take it?"
Gu Yun was stunned and then laughed in spite of herself, "My god, how did you grow such an endless worry? Don't worry about me, go watch Miss Chen. Don't worry, being able to watch that bastard Calais Yinghou walk to the end of his road is more effective than any miracle medicine. "
Gu Yun did not dare to mention the voodoo secret technique that was hidden by that old lunatic, nor did she dare to have too much expectations. But in the end, she still wanted to see it for herself.
What if?
"If there's really a cure for Wu 'er Gu," Gu Yun secretly made up her mind, "I'll go to Huguo Temple and burn incense for those bald donkeys."
Chen Qingxu's Lightness Skill was unparalleled. After landing, she immediately disappeared. The rebel army of the 18 tribes wanted Calais Yinghou to die quietly, but she did not want him to die without any last words. Otherwise, who could she ask for the voodoo secret technique?
Cao Chunhua was already having a hard time following her. Halfway through running, he suddenly heard the shrill sound of a white bow string.
Cao Chunhua was distracted and looked up. Sure enough, he saw flames rising to the sky in the south. He knew that the Black Iron Battalion had arrived. It would not be long before they directly broke through Bei Man's line of defense. However, he was distracted for a moment. When he looked again, Chen Qingxu's figure had already disappeared.
From Chen Qing Xu's point of view, the guards of the Wolf King's tent were sloppy and ordinary. That night, a small portion of them were still engaged in crafty plots and machinations. She didn't expend much effort to blend in. Landing behind the Wolf King's banner, she first let a small group of rebel soldiers with swords and spears charge toward the main tent. Then she floated down lightly, following behind them without anyone noticing.
The rebel army went to the main tent without any warning. Chen Qingxu felt that something was wrong on the way. She knew that there would be fewer guards in Wolf King's tent tonight, but it did not make sense for there to be so many of them missing.
Chen Qingxu's heart suddenly tightened and she slid the knife into her hand.
At this time, the rebel army had already arrived at Calais Yinghou's main tent.
Suddenly, a soft sound came from the sky. The four doors of the well-ventilated main tent suddenly opened, and countless arrows and cannons came out from the windows. At the same time, the guards and hundreds of barbarian soldiers who were lying in ambush came out from behind, trapping the unprepared rebel army in the middle.
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