ADWMCES Chapter36

Chu Fengqing: “What’s wrong?”

 

Ji Yujin looked over there, “Something is not right.”

 

“Qing Niao!” Ji Yujin shouted into the void.

 

In the next moment, a dark-clad guard in green emerged from the shadows, his footsteps silent as they touched the ground. Chu Fengqing was a little surprised that someone had been following them, and he didn’t notice it at all.

 

“Governor.”

 

Qing Niao spoke in a very flat tone, without any emotional ups and downs.

 

Ji Yujin looked in the direction he came from, as if trying to gauge whether there was any danger. After a moment, he looked at Chu Fengqing and said, “I’m afraid something has happened to the old emperor. I have to go over and take a look. Let Qing Niao take you back.”

 

Chu Fengqing nodded. He had no force, and staying would only cause trouble. “Be careful.”

 

“En.” Ji Yujin carried him down, glanced at his shoes, and let out a “tsk”. His shoes would definitely get wet if he walked back, but there was no other way now. “Change your shoes immediately after you get back.”

 

Chu Fengqing was stunned. Is he still thinking about such a trivial matter at this time? However, he did not refute and nodded, “Alright.”

 

“Qing Niao, you must send this person back to the camp intact, or bring your head to me.”

 

Qing Niao cupped his hands and said in a serious tone, “This subordinate obeyed your orders.”

 

Ji Yujin put his hands on the horse’s back and climbed onto the horse. His high-tied hair swayed with his every movement. Dressed in red atop a black horse, he could easily be mistaken for a demon appearing from nowhere.

 

This demon’s eyes softened slightly only when he looked at the pale-faced person in front of the horse.

 

The horse whip was raised and lowered, and the horse’s hooves made a not-so-crisp sound on the snow. Chu Fengqing looked at his back and frowned slightly.

 

Qing Niao: “Madam, let’s go.”

 

Chu Fengqing: “En.”

 

Considering Chu Fengqing’s pace, the two of them did not walk very fast. Instead, it could be said that they walked a little slowly. He was concerned about Ji Yujin, so he did not speak. Qing Niao was a taciturn person. He might not even reply to people when they talk to him, let alone ask him to speak first. That was impossible.

 

So apart from the “crunching” sound of their footsteps on the snow, there was no other sound. Chu Fengqing’s shoes were not too thick, and the snow became damp after a while of stepping on it. The cool air from the snow seeped in through the gaps in the cloth.

 

It’s a bit cold, indeed.

 

After taking only a few steps, the sound of horse hooves was heard behind them. Chu Fengqing turned around to look, but before he saw anyone, he was seized and put on the horse again. A familiar scent reached him, and Chu Fengqing’s body, which had tensed moments before, gradually loosened.

 

Ji Yujin’s hot breath fell on his neck. “I was confused. Something has happened to that old emperor. The camp must have fallen.”

 

Chu Fengqing was just thinking about this problem. If he wanted to choose this time to assassinate, then the women, children, and civil service officials in the camp would be the biggest bargaining chips in his hand. Most of the guards went to protect the emperor, and the military officials also went hunting. There were not many guards in the camp, and they were easy to control.

 

Regardless of whether the assassination attempt is successful or not, the more chips you have in your hand, the more likely you are to escape unscathed.

 

But it would be nice if he didn’t go to the camp.

 

Chu Fengqing: “Put me down, I can stay in the woods. I can’t help you much, and you even have to take care of me.”

 

Ji Yujin: “You are stupid. They made such a big noise, how could they not search the forest? After thinking about it, I think it is better to keep you with me instead of worrying about you all the time.”

 

“Don’t worry, my life is tough.”

 

His life is tough?

 

Ji Yujin said in a natural and nonchalant tone, “As long as I don’t die, no one will hurt you, so it’s a good deal to stay with me.”

 

Chu Fengqing’s pupils shrank slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his clear eyes. He closed his eyes and wondered if Ji Yujin knew how many promises he had made.

 

This time, Chu Fengqing was facing Ji Yujin, sitting in reverse. The horse ran very fast, but he didn’t breathe in any cold wind. The cloak behind him blocked the cold wind so well.

 

Because they were so close, he could even hear Ji Yujin’s heartbeat, which was beating fast and vigorously.

 

Ji Yujin held the reins with one hand and placed the other hand on his waist to protect him. “Sit tight.”

 

Chu Fengqing hummed, slowly stretched out his hand, put it around Ji Yujin’s waist, and slowly tightened it.

 

Ji Yujin paused, his body stiffened slightly, and he subconsciously pulled the horse reins hard, almost stumbling. He lowered his eyes to look at Chu Fengqing, but only for a moment, then raised his eyes again to look forward, with only a flash of excitement in his eyes.

 

Qing Niao looked at the two people in front of him expressionlessly and followed silently.

 

The further in he went, the messier the footprints he found on the ground, and there were corpses lying every few steps. Ji Yujin glanced at them, it didn’t look like it was man-made.

 

He reined in his horse as Qing Niao caught up, then bent down to roll the corpse over and examine the wounds. The scars were jagged, gaping, and grotesque, far too rough to have been left by a blade. Instead, they resembled injuries ripped open by some large animals.

 

Qing Niao: “It looks like it was done by a wild animal.”

 

Ji Yujin pointed his whip at the ground and saw several large claw marks. “It’s definitely not a human.”

 

“If it isn’t a human, then it’ll be easier. Qing Niao, you, and…” He nearly let the word “Madam” slip, but when his gaze met Chu Fengqing’s, the rest caught in his throat. He paused, then finished instead, “You two stay here. I’ll go take a look.”

 

“Protect her.”

 

Qing Niao: “Yes.”

 

He did whatever Ji Yujin asked him to do without any objection.

 

The roar of a wild animal was heard, mixed with chaotic human voices, “Protect the emperor! Protect the emperor quickly!”

 

Ji Yujin frowned. Normally, these ferocious animals rarely come out of their caves in the winter. There must be someone who is so reckless as to provoke them.

 

Ji Yujin: “Qing Niao, you guys go back to the camp first.”

 

As long as they are not assassins, the camp will be safer.

 

Chu Fengqing: “I can go back by myself, let Qing Niao help you.”

 

Qing Niao was an extraordinary warrior. He had heard an opera in which it was said that the fierce animals in the mountains could defeat an entire elite army, so it would be of no use if Ji Yujin went over alone.

 

Ji Yujin disagreed, “Do you even know the way?”

 

Chu Fengqing pursed his lips, obviously unhappy that Ji Yujin looked down on him. “I can even draw you a topographic map of this place without any mistakes.”

 

Ji Yujin was stunned for a moment, then met Chu Fengqing’s gaze. Knowing that he was serious, he frowned slightly. “Photographic memory?”

 

Chu Fengqing’s pupils shrank slightly, and he did not answer. Ji Yujin did not ask any more questions and rode his horse towards the roar of the beast, leaving only one sentence, “Qing Niao, send the person back for me unharmed.”

 

Qing Niao: “Yes.”

 

He turned and looked at Chu Fengqing. “Madam, let’s go.”

 

Chu Fengqing: “En.”

 

It seemed that his recent vigilance towards Ji Yujin had disappeared, and the hidden things could be spoken out by him at the slightest provocation. Chu Fengqing closed his eyes, he was really too relaxed.

 

On the other side, Ji Yujin’s horse balked before they even reached the spot, refusing to go any farther and only standing to the side with restless snorts.

 

Ji Yujin jumped off the horse and patted its head, “How come I have such a cowardly horse like you?”

 

As he said this, he jumped to the top of the tree and looked into the distance. Sure enough, he saw the figure of a ferocious animal with white stripes. It turned out to be a white tiger.

 

Ji Yujin rushed towards that place. When the emperor saw him, a hint of joy appeared in his eyes. “Ji Yujin, Zhen is here. Come to escort Zhen quickly.”

 

Ji Yujin slowly drew out the soft sword from his waist and said, “Your Majesty, this minister has come to your aid belatedly, please forgive the delay.”

 

“No problem.”

 

Li Yu touched his own face and whispered, “Dog Ji, if you still don’t come, you won’t be able to see me again!”

 

Ji Yujin said, “Looks like I still arrived too soon.”

 

Li Yu: “Get lost.”

 

He glanced behind Ji Yujin and said, “Where’s Qing Niao? This beast is not easy to deal with.”

 

“Qing Niao didn’t come.”

 

Li Yu: “He didn’t come? Qing Niao didn’t come this time?”

 

“So much nonsense.”

 

Ji Yujin joined the battle after saying a few words. The white tiger lunged with ferocity, its body riddled with several arrows. Blood streamed along the mountain pass, staining its snowy fur a vivid red. Even with its skin and flesh torn and turned inside out, it still charged relentlessly toward the emperor’s position.

 

The strong, fishy smell made Ji Yujin feel a little nauseous. The tiger let out a low roar from its throat, as if to intimidate the enemy. Its hot breath formed a white mist. Both sides were looking for the most appropriate time to attack.

 

All of a sudden, a faint sob rang out from behind, as though the person’s nerves had finally snapped. In the stillness, the sound was all the more pronounced. Everyone looked behind them, and the tiger seized the opportunity and launched a fierce attack.

 

Ji Yujin darted ahead, soft sword in hand, his figure fluid and elegant, his movements swift and ghostlike.

 

After repelling wave after wave of tiger attacks, Ji Yujin was also injured. The white tiger’s claws scratched a deep wound on his arm where the flesh was visible. He tore off a piece of cloth to wrap the piercing injury.

 

Something is wrong.

 

Ji Yujin furrowed his brows. Normally, a wild beast at this time would attack humans only to feed, yet this tiger, instead of stopping after striking people down, kept charging forward, completely against its natural instincts.

 

Ji Yujin wiped the blood off his face, looked behind him, and asked, “Can I ask how you lords provoked such a ferocious beast?”

 

“This…”

 

In response to his question, several people looked at each other and then chose to remain silent.

 

Ji Yujin sneered, “Not saying?”

 

He retreated directly from the front and shouted, “Xichang, Jinyiwei, listen to my command, protect His Majesty, and retreat.”

 

He paused and added, “I mean, only protect His Majesty.”

 

As soon as these words came out, there was a moment of silence in the small world, and then everyone responded in unison, “Yes, My Lord!”

 

The Jinyiwei and Xichang’s guards were well-trained. They retreated from the front line in an instant, surrounded the emperor in the middle, and retreated backwards.

 

Once the Jinyiwei and Xichang’s people retreated, there was no one who could compete with the white tiger. The white tiger pressed forward the lords and princes who were separated outside, step by step.

 

Li Yu licked his dry lips and admired Ji Yujin’s move of cutting off the source of the problem.

 

The Crown Prince and the Second Prince were dressed in military uniforms and were relatively calm, but their faces were pale. The Seventh Prince had grown up in the deep palace and was spoiled. He had never seen such a scene before. He hid behind Lin Ying, crying and shouting to the emperor, “Imperial Father, Imperial Father, save me.”

 

Of course, the emperor couldn’t really watch his sons being torn apart by the white tiger, so he frowned and said, “Ji Yujin…”

 

Ji Yujin: “Your Majesty, please wait for a moment. It will be over in a moment.”

 

The white tiger roared, and everyone could even smell the fishy and rotten smell coming from its mouth. Those who were less courageous had already collapsed to the ground with weak legs.

 

Finally, someone couldn’t hold it in any longer and said, “It was them. They killed the little white tigers.”

 

Ji Yujin looked at the ground and saw the corpses of three or four little white tigers. Someone was throwing the corpses of the white tigers out.

 

The white tiger naturally saw it, and it hummed softly a few times and nudged the little white tigers with its nose, but the little white tigers could no longer make any sound and would no longer gather around its feet to beg for food.

 

After discovering that the little white tigers were dead, the white tiger roared loudly and rushed towards the crowd.

 

The Seventh Prince’s face turned pale instantly, and his legs went limp as he leaned against Lin Ying.

 

Lin Ying could only half pull and half tug: “Master, please leave quickly.”

 

Ji Yujin’s face turned dark. “A bunch of people looking for death.”

 

But he couldn’t really watch them die. Although these people’s lives had nothing to do with him, but the emperor would still punish him, as it was his duty.

 

He gritted his teeth and said, “Defense.”

 

At the command, he rushed forward first.

 

However, the Seventh Prince failed to dodge in time and was hit on the foot by the white tiger, leaving a deep wound from the tiger’s claws.

 

Seeing the white tiger right in front of him, he cried and shouted. Ji Yujin wanted to stop it, but the angry white tiger was not so easy to stop. The Seventh Prince Zhao Lin might have touched the little white tigers he caught, and there was a smell on his body, so the white tiger attacked him.

 

The scene was too chaotic, and everyone was fleeing, while the Jinyiwei and Xichang’s people were trying to stop the white tiger’s attack.

 

No one paid attention to Zhao Lin. Lin Ying tried to pull him away, but he could no longer move his legs. She dragged him along, yet his pace was far too slow.

 

Lin Ying gritted his teeth and suddenly let go of Zhao Lin. He wanted to touch Zhao Lin’s face, but when he was about to touch it, his fingers curled up again. He said, “Master, run away quickly.”

 

Zhao Lin was stunned for a moment and tugged at Lin Ying’s sleeve fiercely. Fearing that he would be abandoned, he begged, “Don’t abandon me.”

 

Lin Ying smiled at him and pried his hands apart. “This servant will never abandon the Master. Master, run away quickly.”

 

As he said that, he took a cloak, wrapped something in it, and ran in the opposite direction of Zhao Lin.

 

“Awoo—”

 

A cry from the little white tiger sounded behind them. The white tiger halted and turned its head. There, Lin Ying sat astride a horse, cradling a tiny white tiger in his hands, its eyes still tightly shut. The little white tiger was calling softly.

 

The white tiger let out a low cry, and the next moment, Lin Ying spurred his horse and ran forward.

 

The white tiger chased after him, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The beast was lured away, and they were at least safe for the time being.

 

Zhao Lin’s eyes were a little dull, as if he hadn’t reacted to what had happened. He fell to the ground, his gaze fixed on Lin Ying’s direction, his face streaked with tears and tangled with strands of black hair.

 

Ji Yujin’s brows gave a sudden twitch, and in an instant his eyes reddened. That was the very direction Chu Fengqing had gone.

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T/N: Help T__T I feel so bad for the tigers.