Chapter 272

The curious expression on Sun Chu’s face froze. He stared wide-eyed at Su Xuerong, wondering if he had misheard her.

“What did you just say?”

Su Xuerong was amused by his expression and teasingly arched a delicate brow.

“You and I have already had physical contact, Young Master Sun. My reputation is now ruined, and the only way to silence the gossip is for me to marry you.”

Sun Chu exploded after hearing that.

“I was saving you! What physical contact? Don’t talk nonsense! I once saved a little girl who was nearly run over by a horse—does that mean I have to marry her too?”

In the future, would he be unable to help an old woman who had fallen down, either?

Damn feudal ancient times!

Damn this ridiculous notion of physical contact!

Watching Sun Chu fly into a rage and avoid her as though she were some venomous creature, Su Xuerong let out a soft laugh.

“Please don’t get so worked up, Young Master Sun. I don’t truly intend to marry you. I merely wish to sever my ties with the Su family before Su Chengzong is convicted. That way, I won’t be implicated in the punishment of execution for the entire clan. Besides, our marriage would offer another advantage…”

She deliberately paused, waiting for the two men to ask what it was.

Sun Chu’s thoughts were in too much of a mess for him to think properly.

Just as he was about to ask what benefit there could possibly be in marrying Su Xuerong, Qi Yanzhou spoke first.

“The advantage is that the wedding can be used to gather Su Chengzong’s people in one place, allowing us to capture them all at once.”

Su Xuerong nodded. “That’s right. I am Su Chengzong’s most cherished daughter, and I am also on familiar terms with the garrison troops. If I marry, even if they do not come to the Su residence for the wedding feast, they will gather at the military camp to celebrate for me.”

“That really is a—”

“A good plan,” Sun Chu abruptly stood up. “I don’t agree!”

Having said that, he turned to Su Xuerong.

“You are not even Su Chengzong’s biological daughter. Once Young Master Qi captures him, he can help you reveal your true parentage and separate yourself from the Su family. You don’t need to marry me, only to become a discarded wife afterward.”

Su Xuerong’s small face tightened, and she shook her head firmly.

“No!”

“Why not?”

“I was conceived after my mother became Su Chengzong’s concubine, when she secretly resumed her relationship with my father. If my origins are exposed, my mother will be condemned by others for the rest of her life. She has already suffered enough because of me. I don’t want to add another stain to her name and leave her unable to hold her head up for the rest of her life.”

The world was far too harsh on women.

Even though Su Chengzong had been the one to seize another man’s wife, and was at fault first, people still would not accept that Concubine Fang had secretly been with another man after marrying him—and had even borne a child out of wedlock.

Even if that man had been her fiancé, the one she truly loved!

Sun Chu looked at Su Xuerong, whose eyes were red as she stubbornly refused to shed a tear. His tone softened somewhat.

“Miss Su, I’m sorry. I hadn’t considered that. Since revealing your true identity is not an option, then take on a new identity and start over. Surely you don’t want to live your whole life bearing the title of Su Chengzong’s daughter.”

Su Xuerong did indeed wish to draw a clear line between herself and Su Chengzong, to assume a new identity and begin again.

But she had no way to obtain proof of identity or travel documents.

At that moment, after hearing Sun Chu’s words, she turned to Qi Yanzhou and asked, “Can Young Master Zhang arrange new identities for me, my mother, and Chun Tao?”

“Of course. At the wedding three days from now, Miss Su will fake her death by setting the bridal chamber ablaze. My master will arrange three new identities for you.”

The moment he said that, Su Xuerong and Sun Chu both turned to look at Qi Yanzhou.

They asked in unison, “What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. Only by using your wedding as a cover can we take down Su Chengzong and his associates with minimal casualties.”

He was right. Su Xuerong was willing to cooperate.

“As long as Young Master Sun agrees, I have no objection.”

Her health had always been poor, and she had crossed the threshold of death more times than she could count. She held life in deep reverence.

If her help could save even a few lives, why wouldn’t she do it?

Sun Chu: “...”

Great. All the pressure had landed on him.

If he refused, then the casualties among the Wuhai Commandery garrison would be on his head.

He looked at Qi Yanzhou and laughed in exasperation.

“Impressive. Truly impressive.”

Qi Yanzhou knew Sun Chu was furious, but he had no choice but to take advantage of his soft heart and force him to compromise.

“So, has Young Master Sun agreed to marry Miss Su?”

Sun Chu ground his teeth and corrected him, word by word. “It’s a fake marriage!”

Sigh.

Ever since he had died once, he seemed to have become the god in charge of being softhearted.

It was only a fake marriage. Fine, he’d do it!

But being forced into something he did not want to do still felt awful.

So he looked at Qi Yanzhou and said, “If you want me to agree to this fake marriage, you’ll have to give me something in return.”

Qi Yanzhou agreed without a moment’s hesitation.

“Of course. What would Young Master Sun like?”

“One favor.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t make that decision on my master’s behalf. Don’t you like recipes? I can give you every imperial recipe that has never been shared outside the palace.”

At that, Sun Chu’s eyes lit up.

“I want more than recipes. I also want some tribute wine.”

“Done.”

Once the marriage arrangement had been settled, Su Xuerong said, “Su Chengzong definitely won’t be willing to marry me off. We’ll need to use rumors to give him a push.”

As she spoke, she looked at Sun Chu with amusement in her eyes.

“He wants to kill the bastard who used rescuing me as an excuse to take liberties with me.”

Sun Chu: “...”

Why the hell was saving someone so difficult?

If he didn’t kill that bastard Su Chengzong, it would be an offense against heaven itself!

Curious, he asked, “Where did Su Chengzong get the nerve to suddenly rebel?”

Su Xuerong actually knew the answer to that question.

“Somehow, Su Chengzong got word that a neighboring country would launch a massive invasion of Beichen in winter. He believes the country is on the verge of collapse. Encouraged by his subordinates, he decided to prepare in advance—make money and recruit soldiers. With enough troops, he could protect himself and perhaps seize the chance to contend for the throne.”

Qi Yanzhou recalled the wealthy merchant from Tancheng who had been robbed by bandits.

That man had also chosen to move his entire family to the capital for the same reason.

In other words, someone was deliberately spreading this rumor in order to throw Beichen into chaos.

“An unverified rumor was enough to make Su Chengzong risk rebellion?”

Su Xuerong curled her lips in a mocking smile.

“Perhaps it’s also because the Qi family has both the means and the intention to rebel. He wanted to use this opportunity to secure a future for himself.”

Su Chengzong had no ability to vie for the realm, yet he dreamed of becoming emperor. It was laughable.

Even more laughable was his delusion that he could control the Song family, whose disciples were scattered across the land, and the Qi family, which commanded an army.

He must have been kicked in the head by a donkey.

Qi Yanzhou gave a derisive chuckle.

“Using arson, murder, and plunder to carve out a future for oneself—what an unheard-of thing.”

After saying this, he asked Su Xuerong, “If we use rumors to force Su Chengzong into agreeing to your marriage to Sun Chu, it will surely damage your reputation. Are you all right with that?”

“I am. As long as I can kill him and win freedom for my mother and myself, nothing else matters!”

In any case, she was planning to fake her death. If her reputation was ruined, then so be it.

“All right. Let Sun Chu handle spreading the rumors.”

Sun Chu, who was in the middle of eating a pastry: “...”

“Having me smear my own name—Young Master Zhou truly has brilliant ideas.”

“Gaming houses and taverns are the quickest places for news to spread. We should make full use of them.”

“Fine, fine. You’re right about everything.”

After saying that, Sun Chu asked Su Xuerong curiously, “Su Chengzong has treated you like the apple of his eye all these years. Can you really bring yourself to kill him?”

To be honest, he was somewhat suspicious that Su Xuerong had come to fish for information.

After all, Su Chengzong’s affection for her was real, as was the kindness of having raised her.

Hearing Sun Chu’s words, Chun Tao gave an unhappy snort.

“All of you have only seen how much the General dotes on Miss, but none of you have seen what he did to her in order to turn her into the woman he loves!”

Miss did not like dancing and was sensitive to the cold, yet the General made her perform dances on ice.

Because that was Madam Xu’s only noteworthy skill.

Miss had a weak heart and should not drink strong tea, yet the General made her sample every kind of it.

Because Madam Xu said strong tea sharpened the mind; though bitter upon the first sip, it left a rich sweetness afterward.

Miss loved reading and composing poetry, yet the General made her devote more attention to martial arts.

Because Madam Xu knew only martial arts and the spear, and had no understanding of literature.

There were countless other things like this.

After hearing it all, Sun Chu looked at Su Xuerong with sympathy.

“I never imagined that behind all your glamour, you had endured so much humiliation and hardship.”

Su Xuerong smiled. “Don’t pity me. Everything comes with gains and losses. It’s only fair.”

Though she had not lived happily these past years, she had also gained a great deal.

For example, medicine that had saved her life, martial skills to protect herself, and more silver than she could ever spend.

Sun Chu asked again, “If Su Chengzong loved Madam Xu so much, why didn’t he marry her?”

“Because Madam Xu had long been betrothed, and she and her fiancé were deeply devoted to each other. He was afraid of earning Madam Xu’s hatred, and he was also afraid of offending the Xu family. Naturally, he did not dare steal her away.”

A coward who only dared to trample common folk!

“What is the relationship between Su Chengzong and your father? How did you evade the blood test for kinship?”

Sun Chu had ordered people to investigate thoroughly, but they had found no connection between the two men.

Su Xuerong looked at her index finger and smiled. “It was nothing more than a little trick to fool people.”

Back then, the mistress of the Su household had doubted her parentage and sent people out to spread rumors.

After her mother learned of it, she arranged for the legitimate son to be injured and obtained some of his blood.

Then she had someone cover Su Xuerong’s index finger with a layer of fake skin, concealing a small amount of blood beneath it.

Su Chengzong had indeed been cautious. The entire blood test had taken place under his control.

But he had never imagined that the blood used in the test belonged to his own son!

To avoid exposing the deception, she later cut her finger and put on a performance of self-inflicted suffering.

Thanks to that, she and her mother had received quite a few benefits.

After hearing this, Sun Chu looked toward Qi Yanzhou.

“We guessed wrong.”

Qi Yanzhou nodded and said to Su Xuerong, “Miss Su’s mother is intelligent and courageous. Once she frees herself from Su Chengzong, she will surely live a smooth and peaceful life.”

The corners of Su Xuerong’s lips lifted in a sincere smile. “Thank you.”

After saying that, she took a sip of the fruit tea, and her eyes immediately lit up.

“This tea is delicious. Chun Tao, hurry and try some.”

Next, Qi Yanzhou and Su Xuerong discussed the detailed plan for bringing down Su Chengzong.

They then set the betrothal ceremony for three days later and the wedding for five days after that.

Three days would only be enough for Ma Weiyuan’s advance troops to arrive.

Qi Yanzhou worried that taking action without sufficient manpower might backfire.

So, he postponed the wedding by another two days.

Su Xuerong, meanwhile, had two tasks to complete.

She had to persuade Su Chengzong to agree to her marriage with Sun Chu and ensure that the wedding proceeded as scheduled.

She also had to obtain Ningzhou City’s defense map, clearly marking the troop deployments on the day of the wedding.

“Miss Su, aside from three new identity documents and travel permits, do you have any other requests?”

Su Xuerong nodded firmly.

“Yes. I want two guards capable of keeping the three of us safe, as well as a favor from Mr. Qi.”

What Qi Yanzhou disliked most was owing favors.

After hesitating for a moment, he said, “The guards are no problem. As for their wages, I’ll pay Miss Su fifty years’ worth in advance, and you can distribute it to them over time.”

“No need. I’ve saved a great deal of silver over the years. I can pay their wages myself. How much do they earn each month?”

“My master pays five taels a month. Additional compensation is provided for dangerous assignments.”

Su Xuerong felt that both the salary and the bonuses were reasonable.

“Very well. I’ll follow your master’s arrangement for the guards’ pay. But regarding the favor—”

“Miss Su, a gentleman values his word. My master cannot grant you that favor. After all, this is a partnership. You have already received from us what you wanted most: freedom and new identities. However, I can offer you an opportunity.”

Su Xuerong did not respond to Qi Yanzhou. Instead, she turned to look at Sun Chu.

“Since this is also a partnership, why can Young Master Sun ask Mr. Qi for a favor?”

“Because Young Master Sun is not the one benefiting from this arrangement, and his value to my master is far greater than Miss Su’s.”

Su Xuerong could not refute that.

“Fine. What is the opportunity you mentioned?”

“Miss Su should know that my mistress’s medical skills are extraordinary. I cannot guarantee that she can cure your heart condition, but I can arrange for my mistress to examine you.”

Naturally, Su Xuerong knew that Ye Chutang’s medical skills rivaled those of the legendary miracle physicians.

Though she had long ceased to hope for her own health, a flicker of expectation still rose within her.

“That is an excellent opportunity. I’ll take it.”

Once everything had been settled, Su Xuerong left the gambling house with Chun Tao and the pastries Sun Chu had given her.

She returned directly to Wanfusi Temple.

She intended to wait until the rumors had spread before returning to the Su residence to raise the matter of marrying Sun Chu.

Sun Chu stood by the window, watching the two young women depart in their carriage. Once they were gone, he returned to the table and sat down.

With some concern, he asked, “Will the reinforcements arrive in five days?”

After hesitating for a moment, Qi Yanzhou replied, “Weddings are usually held at dusk. I’ve given Ma Weiyuan one extra day. It should be enough.”

“Should? One wrong move could ruin everything. We need to be absolutely certain. Otherwise, with Su Chengzong’s temperament, he’ll surely go mad and strike back at any cost.”

“Don’t worry. He won’t get the chance to retaliate, because I’ll capture the ringleader first.”

Sun Chu drained the fruit tea before him in one gulp. “That’s not enough. We’ll need help.”

“I’ve already figured out the situation at both the prefect’s residence and the governor’s residence. Tonight, I’ll pay them a visit.”

“It’s too dangerous for you to go to two places alone. We’ll split up—one of us takes each.”

Qi Yanzhou looked at Sun Chu in confusion.

“You’ve never liked getting involved in matters of government. Why are you helping me?”

Sun Chu rested his right hand on the table, his index and middle fingers tapping against its surface in turn.

“If anything happens to you, I won’t be able to explain it to Ye Chutang. I’ll go to the prefect’s residence. Tell me about its layout and defenses.”

In truth, he had not told the whole story. He was not helping Qi Yanzhou for Ye Chutang’s sake.

Rather, during their journey north, he had seen and heard too much, and his thinking had gradually changed.

If the realm fell into chaos, no one would be able to stay untouched by it.

The Sun clan of the Wuji Sect might have been born for the warfare that accompanied dynastic change.

But none of them wished to see the people suffer and die.

So Sun Chu had come to understand: whenever he had the chance to do something for the common people, he should do his utmost.

If he could leave himself with no regrets, then this extra lifetime of his would have been worthwhile.

Qi Yanzhou watched Sun Chu suddenly turn so serious, and found himself somewhat unaccustomed to it.

He told him everything he knew about the prefect’s residence and the governor’s residence.

“The prefect’s residence is guarded more heavily. I’ll go there. You take the governor’s residence.”

Knowing that he was no match for Qi Yanzhou, Sun Chu did not stubbornly insist otherwise.

“Fine. I’ll arrange for people to spread rumors about Su Xuerong and me first.”

After Sun Chu left, Qi Yanzhou briefly summarized the events in Ningzhou City and the plan for five days later in a letter.

Then he went out and handed it to one of his subordinates, ordering him to deliver it to Nan Xiao.

***

Night was just beginning to fall.

Scandalous rumors about Sun Chu and Su Xuerong had already spread throughout the city.

“Have you heard? The Su family’s Ninth Miss went to Wanfusi Temple today and ran into some villains. The owner of the Qianjin Gambling House saved her, and the two of them got intimate.”

“Intimate? I heard he groped her. They say Miss Su’s breasts were even fondled bigger.”

“Who have you been listening to? Miss Su is pure and virtuous. How could anyone slander her reputation like that?”

“Who’s slandering her? Someone saw her meeting privately with that gambling-house owner at Wanfusi Temple for more than half an hour!”

“That long? They could do a lot in that time! Carrying on in a sacred Buddhist place—how daring!”

Sun Chu stood by the window of a fourth-floor room, listening to the vulgar gossip of the townspeople. His face darkened like the bottom of a pot.

The rumors he had ordered spread were nowhere near this outrageous.

These gossiping townspeople were far too good at embellishing things.

By the time night fully fell, the rumor would probably have become that Su Xuerong was already carrying his child!

Just as he was so irritated that he had lost all appetite, the steward came to report.

“Master, General Su has left the Su residence and is heading to Wanfusi Temple.”

“Good. Understood.”

After calming himself, Sun Chu relayed the news to Qi Yanzhou.

Qi Yanzhou looked at the sky, which seemed veiled beneath a heavy black curtain, and said, “It’s about time to make our move.”

After softening the disguise paste, he altered his appearance.

Sun Chu, meanwhile, disguised himself as a woman.

Even if they could not meet the prefect or the provincial governor, at least their identities would not be exposed.

Once they were ready, the two headed separately for the prefect’s residence and the provincial governor’s residence.

The prefect’s residence was very close to the gambling house.

Before night had fully fallen, Qi Yanzhou had already slipped inside.

Security within the residence was tight, making every step difficult.

It took him nearly half an hour to get close to the study where Wu Changfeng was being held.

The area around the study was brightly lit and swarming with soldiers.

After determining that he could not get any closer, Qi Yanzhou turned and made his way to the kitchen.

Wu Changfeng had a habit of eating a late-night snack.

At the hour of the boar, a yamen runner would come to the kitchen to collect the snack prepared by the cook and deliver it to Wu Changfeng.

It was now past the middle of the hour of the dog, and the cook was already busy at work.

Qi Yanzhou hid in the rafters, slowing his breathing as he waited for the runner to arrive.

Meanwhile—

Sun Chu had already met Li Shun.

In Ningzhou City, the provincial governor held less power than the prefect, so his confinement was not as strict.

It took Sun Chu less than half an hour to reach him.

Li Shun stared at the broad, sturdy woman who had climbed in through the window, so startled that he forgot how to react.

Knowing that his appearance was rather alarming, Sun Chu gave a light cough.

“Governor Li, I am one of Qi Yanzhou’s men. May we speak?”

Hearing the deliberately lowered male voice, Li Shun immediately came to his senses and nodded excitedly.

“Yes. Has Young Master Qi arrived in Ningzhou City? Is he all right?”

“Young Master Qi is still in Haixi Commandery. He learned that something had happened in Ningzhou City—that General Su intends to rebel and has taken control of Lord Wu and Governor Li—so he sent me here to seek allies and coordinate with him from within.”

At those words, Li Shun grew agitated.

“Su Chengzong is being utterly reckless! He thinks he can contend for the throne with a mere sixty thousand troops? Absurd!

“He ​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‍is bound to fail, but Ningzhou City’s people will suffer for it, and the unrest will disrupt the entire Beichen Kingdom!

“Does Young Master Qi have a way to deal with Su Chengzong? Is there anything you need me to do?”

Sun Chu pressed a finger to his lips and gave a soft “Shh.”

Li Shun immediately covered his mouth and nodded vigorously.

Rather than answer his question, Sun Chu asked, “What can Governor Li do for Young Master Qi?”

Lowering his hand, Li Shun gave a helpless, bitter smile.

“I am being held here. There is nothing I can do.”

“It is not that you cannot do anything. It is whether you are willing to.”

“If there is something you need me to do, please speak plainly, sir. So long as it is within my power, I will certainly comply.”

Li Shun did not want Ningzhou City to become a rebel city and be besieged by the imperial army.

Therefore, so long as he could be of help, he would not hesitate to do his duty.

Meeting Li Shun’s anxious gaze, Sun Chu said, “Young Master Qi has a way to deal with Su Chengzong, but he does not have many people at his disposal. Is Governor Li willing to lend him troops?”

As the provincial governor responsible for overseeing the officials throughout Ningzhou City, Li Shun had a personal guard under his command.

However, there were not many of them—only one thousand men.

“If Young Master Qi has use for my soldiers, then of course I am willing to lend them.”

With that, he took a jade pendant from inside the jade pillow in the adjoining resting room and handed it to Sun Chu.

“My official seal has been confiscated. This jade pendant can serve as proof of my identity. My thousand guards will obey whoever bears it.”

Sun Chu accepted the pendant and said, “That is too few men. It will not be enough.”

Li Shun frowned, his face full of concern.

“But I only have this many personal guards.”

The moment he said it, he thought of Prefect Wu Changfeng.

“Lord Wu has more personal guards than I do—nearly two thousand. Young Master, you could borrow troops from him.”

Wary of Li Shun, Sun Chu said, “The prefectural residence is surrounded so tightly that not even a drop of water could get through. Even if Lord Wu is willing to lend me men, I can’t get inside.”

“That is true. Lord Wu holds considerable authority and has the support of the people. Su Chengzong will certainly keep a close watch on him, lest he do anything.”

“Then I must trouble Lord Li to think of another way. Your thousand men are no match for sixty thousand troops stationed here.”

At the mention of “garrison troops,” Li Shun immediately thought of someone who could be won over.

“Young Master, take my jade pendant and find Deputy General Fang among the garrison. He should be willing to help you.”

That was precisely what Sun Chu had been hoping to hear.

He asked, “How many of the garrison troops can Deputy General Fang command?”

“Under ordinary orders, he can lead away five thousand men. But if you mean those willing to risk their lives for him, there should be about a thousand.”

Though their numbers were small, they had been trained as personal guards. At the very least, each man was worth two ordinary soldiers.

“Is there anyone else we can rely on?”

Li Shun shook his head. “My duty is to supervise officials, so I cannot associate too closely with them. Deputy General Fang is my wife’s younger brother.”

After asking further about the city’s defense map, Sun Chu took the jade pendant that represented Li Shun’s identity and left the provincial governor’s residence.

No sooner had he departed than Qi Yanzhou knocked out a soldier who had come to the kitchen for a late-night meal.

Before the cook could let out a scream, Qi Yanzhou sealed her acupoints.

She could neither move nor speak.

Qi Yanzhou said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to help Lord Wu. If he remains imprisoned, Ningzhou City will soon be plunged into an irreversible catastrophe.”

He knew that the cook was one of Wu Changfeng’s people; that was why he said this to her.

“If you are willing to help me, blink once. If you are unwilling, blink twice.”