TNIBFT -Chapter 337 Wrapping Up, Facing It Together

The Dazhou troops?

Qin Fengyi guessed they must be Shangguan Ning’s forces!

“Father!”

Ye Yunting called out in a soft, high-pitched voice. All eyes in the hall turned toward Qin Fengyi.

Ye Yunting hurried toward Ye Tian, standing neatly by his side, his small frame disciplined and upright.

Ye Tian reached out and ruffled his eldest son’s soft little head.

Qin Fengyi took a seat on a nearby chair. The hall, which had been filled with overlapping discussions, suddenly fell into an awkward silence. Everyone looked embarrassed.

Zhu Heyu glanced at Qin Fengyi, his face flushing red. He stepped forward and cupped his fists: “Madam, it was my fault before!”

“Because you’re from Dazhou, I held a prejudice against you, so what happened in the past was my fault. I was wrong. I apologize…”

These were Ye family bodyguards, who had often ostracized Qin Fengyi because of her identity.

They had ignored her!

Since the incident with Miao Changqing, everyone gradually realized that Ye Tian’s current success had been inseparable from Qin Fengyi’s secret assistance. So now, when they met her again, the Ye family bodyguards felt deep shame.

“No need for that!”

Qin Fengyi rose and helped Zhu Heyu to his feet. “What happened in the past doesn’t need to be mentioned. You’ve risked your lives following the old general, and now you are doing your utmost to assist my husband. I am already grateful enough!”

A faint, shy smile appeared on Qin Fengyi’s usually cool face.

The group was moved beyond words.

Recalling that Qin Fengyi might have been a disgraced official from Dazhou, Liao Fanjun stood and said, “Madam, your generosity is admirable. From now on, I, Liao Fanjun, am willing to serve your orders!”

“Count me in!”

Zhu Zhongyi immediately stood, aligning himself behind Liao Fanjun, and the others quickly followed suit.

Ye Tian looked on, smiling at the scene. His wife’s charisma was simply undeniable.

“All right, all right, let’s get down to business!” Ye Tian said.

Everyone returned to their seats. Zhu Zhongyi spoke: “The Dazhou troops arriving this time number in the thousands. Not many, but their equipment and cavalry are excellent—they should be personnel loyal to the Dazhou Empress.”

“They claim they’re just passing through Sifang City. If we act, we should have an eighty percent chance of victory!”

Everyone nodded.

Liao Fanjun said, “Since they’ve come, they won’t leave easily.”

“After all, we’ve already opposed them. One more skirmish won’t hurt.”

“Exactly!”

“Let’s take down a few Dazhou soldiers to boost morale!”

“But something’s fishy. If these were the Empress’s troops, there’s no way a few thousand would act alone. Daliang has long treated Dazhou as a father figure—how could they not provide escort?”

Everyone fell silent in thought.

Qin Fengyi took a deep breath. After thinking it through, she spoke: “This is not the Empress’s doing. These Dazhou soldiers are here to escort the daughter of the Left Chancellor back to Dazhou.”

“The Left Chancellor’s daughter commands such a grand reception, and they dare to use the Empress’s personal guards and the Imperial Army?” Liao Fanjun exclaimed in surprise.

Everyone’s eyes turned toward Qin Fengyi in astonishment.

Nearby, Tao Lichun said, “Dazhou’s situation is precarious. Perhaps the Empress is only nominally in power. Dazhou’s political scene is about to change!”

“Of course, this has nothing to do with us. In my opinion, we don’t get involved—let them pass, and we can rest and recover!”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The matter was settled for the time being.

Qin Fengyi lowered her head in thought, her mind elsewhere. Ye Tian turned and saw her eyes cast down, long lashes curling, unmoving. He extended his large hand and placed it gently over Qin Fengyi’s small hand.

Their interaction caught Ye Yunting’s attention.

The little boy, initially expressionless and standing perfectly straight, now fidgeted with his feet, his cheeks flushed red. His large, watery eyes watched everyone in the hall warily.

Ye Tian was way too outrageous!

To hold his mother’s hand in front of so many people—wasn’t there a rule that men and women shouldn’t touch?

If someone saw this, wouldn’t it be humiliating?

The little boy was flustered beyond words, his face burning bright to his ears. He lowered his head, squinting his eyes, refusing to look. In his heart, he kept chanting: You can’t see, you can’t see, you can’t see!

…

Today, Qin Fengyi was especially mysterious. Subordinates continuously reported information to her.

By the time dinner approached, darkness had fully set in. Outside, the cold wind blew fiercely, rattling the wooden doors. Qin Fengyi changed into a new outfit and stepped out of her room.

“You… you’re going out?”

Seeing her emerge, Ye Tian straightened. Tonight, Qin Fengyi wore a deep red combat outfit, her long hair tied high. Her gaze was sharp and icy, radiating a chilling aura. Ye Tian felt that his wife looked strikingly different tonight. She held a silver spear—clearly going out to fight…

Qin Fengyi didn’t try to hide anything from Ye Tian. She looked up at him, her voice softening with affection: “Watch the child. I have to go out tonight.”

“You… don’t worry about me!”

The cold wind lifted her robes as she finished speaking and turned sharply.

Ye Tian followed a few steps and asked loudly, “Is it dangerous?”

“We’re husband and wife. No matter what, we face it together!”

“Even if you’re a disgraced official of Dazhou, even if you’re a fugitive, the child and I will always stand behind you. Even if it means facing Dazhou and the whole world, we’ll protect you!”

Qin Fengyi was momentarily stunned. She gripped her spear.

It was time.

She had hidden her identity from Ye Tian to avoid him rejecting or resenting her. But now, she knew Ye Tian clearly distinguished right from wrong. Whatever happened in the past, if she told him, he would believe her. She turned to him: “I’m going to ambush the Dazhou troops. Join me?”

Her lips curved slightly, her phoenix-like eyes sparkling as she looked at Ye Tian.

Ye Tian gave a helpless smile, his eyes full of adoration: “Of course!”

“I told you, fighting is a man’s duty!”

…

Meanwhile, on the snow-covered plains, at the Dazhou camp:

Shen Jie, now in a luxurious long robe, stood beside Zhu Yingxue, eyes anxiously scanning the darkness. Countless torches cast a reddish glow on faces.

“I can’t see anything!”

“Yingxue, you said this Shangguan official is highly trusted by the Empress and your father. Could she…” Shen Jie’s heart trembled. He was from Daliang, with no background or connections. If this Shangguan official disliked him, could he return to Dazhou alive?

And after returning, if this Shangguan official set him up, life would be difficult.

Zhu Yingxue’s eyes were cold and proud: “She is a servant; I am the master. Why care about her face?”

“Besides, my father values her only because she is by the Empress’s side. Using her soothes people and reduces controversy, not because he truly respects her.”

Shen Jie nodded.

Not far away, the sound of hooves thundered. Someone said, “The Shangguan official has arrived!”

“Shangguan official is here!”

Shen Jie took a deep breath. With Zhu Yingxue’s words, he could finally feel at ease.

Zhu Yingxue held Shen Jie’s hand, her voice filled with tenderness: “I know what you did for me yesterday. This morning, not a single Daliang soldier remains in the camp. Lord Shen, you are wholeheartedly devoted to me. Rest assured, I will never betray you!”

Shen Jie had felt some guilt before, but now all of it vanished completely.

He wasn’t betraying Leyang; he was just striving to rise. It wasn’t that he was seeking favor, but that everyone was forcing him!

Once he succeeded, he would never betray any woman!

“Yingxue, my heart is true and heaven is my witness. No matter where we are—across mountains, seas, or worlds—we will be together!”

Shen Jie’s eyes were sincere as he held Zhu Yingxue’s small hands and swore.

Shen Jie had a flawless, noble face—a rare beauty—and he perfectly understood her heart. Zhu Yingxue was certain that he was her destined partner for life.

Seeing Shen Jie make such a vow, Zhu Yingxue said, “Lord Shen, do not be afraid when facing Shangguan Ning. Leave everything to me!”

“If she ignores you, it means she disrespects me. I will deal with her myself.”

At that moment, as Zhu Yingxue finished speaking, the sound of hooves grew louder. Snow flew up as horses charged, fine white mist rising into the air. Shen Jie squinted and saw a large force approaching, clad in armor and mounted on tall warhorses.

The horses neighed.

Someone shouted, “Where is the Prime Minister’s daughter?”

The torchlight flickered across the armor, reflecting a dim red glow. The speaker sat atop a towering warhorse, exuding dominance. Shen Jie felt small in comparison.

He pressed his lips together, thinking of how he was soon to be Zhu Yingxue’s husband, and the future master of Dazhou. Shen Jie’s voice rang out sharply, “The Prime Minister’s daughter is right here! Why all the shouting and chaos?”

Zhu Yingxue’s eyes were filled with admiration.

She stepped forward, her red cloak flowing, and asked the approaching riders, “Are you under General Shangguan Ning?”

“Where is Sister Shangguan?”

No one answered; all faces were serious.

What was happening?

Zhu Yingxue frowned. Just as she was about to scold them, the main force parted to form a path. Shangguan Ning rode forward on a chestnut warhorse, face cold, and raised a hand toward everyone: “Surround them!”

“Not a single fly must escape!”

“Yes!”

The subordinates obeyed, and the battlefield erupted into chaos.

Seeing the swift, armed Dazhou Imperial Guards, Zhu Yingxue looked at Shangguan Ning in disbelief: “Shangguan, what are you doing?”

“You dare to act against me? My father sent you to escort me back to Dazhou, not to imprison me!”

Shangguan Ning’s lips curled slightly, her eyes full of contempt, looking down at Zhu Yingxue: “You still don’t know, do you? Your father is plotting treason. At this moment, your entire Zhu family is considered traitors. Don’t you think I should arrest you?”

Zhu Yingxue’s eyes widened.

She took a step back, staring at Shangguan Ning: “You lied to my father—you want to arrest me?”

“My father will never forgive you…”

Before she could finish, she tried to run. Shangguan Ning leapt forward, drawing her flexible sword from her waist. “Whoosh!” The blade flashed coldly, pressing directly against Zhu Yingxue’s neck.

Zhu Yingxue’s face turned pale, eyes darting—what should she do now?

Shen Jie’s expression shifted repeatedly; he hadn’t expected it to come to this.

“Yingxue!”

Shen Jie’s gaze was filled with worry as he stepped forward toward her.

A few soldiers immediately blocked him, holding him back. Zhu Yingxue shouted anxiously, “Let him go! Let him go! Whoever dares to lay a finger on him, I will tear you apart piece by piece!”

Shangguan Ning sneered.

Zhu Minshan was cold, cunning, and ruthless, yet who knew that his daughter would be a love-struck fool?

“It’s you?”

Seeing Shangguan Ning’s face clearly, Shen Jie was shocked. Back then, Shangguan had saved his life. Later, in Sifang City, he betrayed Shangguan to gain Xiao Haoyang’s favor, which exposed her identity and forced her to flee.

But now Shen Jie understood—Shangguan was searching for the child.

Shangguan Ning turned to Shen Jie, a flash of murderous intent in her eyes. She sneered: “Fate brings us together. I’ve always said it—one day you would fall into my hands.”

“It wasn’t me who betrayed you back then!”

“Xiao Haoyang sent people to follow me. Lord Shangguan, you must believe me! You saved my life, and I, Shen Jie, no matter how shameless, would never repay kindness with betrayal!” Shen Jie’s sincerity was genuine. Shangguan Ning’s lips curled in a cold smile. Did he really think this nonsense could deceive her?

“Take them away. Keep strict watch. Wait for Lord Nanfeng to arrive before dealing with them!”

Shangguan Ning withdrew her sword. Imperial Guards immediately dragged Zhu Yingxue and Shen Jie forward.

“Shangguan, you will not survive this! The empress is under my father’s control; half of Dazhou’s army is in his hands! All officials and generals answer to him! How dare you imprison me?”

“I am the Crown Princess, Shangguan! I want your life!”

“Let me go!”

Zhu Yingxue roared, furious. Every word she spoke was true. Shangguan Ning’s face turned ashen.

The soldiers escorting Zhu Yingxue and those of Shangguan Ning faced each other warily. The guards knew Shangguan represented the empress.

Yet Zhu Yingxue was correct. At this moment, Dazhou’s realm was under the Prime Minister. If he succeeded in seizing power, they would be the first to die.

“What are you waiting for?”

“Shangguan Ning rebels, and you want to rebel too?” Zhu Yingxue bellowed at the soldiers behind her. “If you watch me being taken, my father will annihilate your clans!”

At her words, the two sides drew swords, standing firm!

“Boom!”

“Boom! Boom!” The sound of galloping hooves surged behind them. Someone shouted: “Lord Shangguan, reinforcements are coming!”

Reinforcements?

Shen Jie’s heart leapt. Could it be Princess Leyang?

She couldn’t leave him behind—that must be why she returned with troops to rescue them. Shen Jie’s emotions surged.

Shangguan Ning drew her flexible sword, her expression serious: “If they attempt to rescue Zhu Yingxue, kill them on the spot!”

“Yes!”

“Hahaha!” Zhu Yingxue laughed arrogantly, tears forming in her eyes. Seeing Shangguan Ning’s tense expression only made her more smug. “Scared?”

“My father would never be at ease. He must have sent someone to save me, Shangguan Ning. If you dare to act as a traitor, the Shangguan family will be wiped out because of you!”

“Is that so?”

Shangguan Ning’s expression remained calm. She turned to look behind her, where someone rode a black horse through the snow, clad in armor and holding a silver spear.

Shangguan Ning knelt.

The Imperial Guards behind her followed, dismounting and kneeling.

“Hahaha, scared now?”

“Now that you beg for mercy, it’s too late!” Zhu Yingxue held her head high, looking proudly at Shen Jie: “Lord Shen, don’t worry. These fools won’t dare to harm me. Once we return to Dazhou, all of this world will be ours!”

Shen Jie’s heart was uneasy, sensing something amiss, yet he could only nod in agreement.

The sound of galloping hooves grew louder.

Shen Jie looked up. In the dim light, a woman rode a black horse with an aura of icy elegance. Her stunning beauty was undeniable; her armor could not conceal her presence. Her gaze radiated authority, causing all to tremble. She was incomparable in her nobility. Shen Jie’s eyes widened, his breath caught for a moment.

Could there really be such a woman in the world?

Who was she?

In the next instant, all those kneeling on the ground shouted in unison: “Long live Her Majesty!”

“Long live! Long, long live!”