Deposed Empress General Chapter 59

A heavenly gifted opportunity?

Jiang Sanyi's expression didn't change on the surface, but internally he was already extremely alert, as it seems like Feng Ping's understanding towards Murong Yan's underground forces, was extremely thorough. He asked, "How is it an opportunity? I would ask head of imperial guard Feng to explain."

Feng Ping drank another mouthful, and slowly held the beauty in his embrace closer, saying, "When the King Father was in the midst of his wandering, the forces of the martial arts world, Cangjian sect had always secretly protected him." Jiang Sanyi nodded, as the main case of Mingyue Platform, he had presided over, so of course he knew these assassins were Cangjiang sect's people.

And the whole trip as he was following Murong Yuan on his retreat, he was actually not unfamiliar with Cangjian sect's sect leader, Cang Tianqi.

Feng Ping said, "His majesty has long seen Cangjian sect as a needle in his eye, a splinter in his flesh, and hates that he cannot end this threat. A few days ago, he ordered Swallow's Nest to eliminate Cangjian sect, to leave nothing alive."

Jiang Sanyi's brow furrowed, saying, "What head of the imperial guard Feng is meaning, is that this matter, Swallow's Nest's people didn't perform well?"

Feng Ping said, "My informants in Swallow's Nest reported, that Swallow's Nest's leader, Leng Feiyan didn't fail at the task, but has kept on stalling, not intending on acting on the orders."

Jiang Sanyi was a bit troubled, saying, "Chief of the guard, Feng, not hiding the truth from you, but back when I followed the King Father, I had made a few connections with Cang Tianqi. This person's swordsmanship is skilled to the point that it cannot be measured, and even if Swallow's Nest couldn't complete the assignment well, we may not necessarily have a force that can complete this matter."

Feng Ping harrumphed coldly, saying, "Of course we can't make the move ourselves, and minister Jiang is not familiar with the matters of the martial arts world. But this one knows a few things. Yu Hou pass's Duanmu clan, has always built their reputation on fast swords. Only because Cangjian sect and the abolished queen's relationship, that they had constantly been suppressed by Cangjian sect's sect leader's identity. Currently, Cangjian sect has lost most of its experts, and are left with few, so if they make the move, would there still be no chance of success?"

Jiang Sanyi's eyes immediately revealed a glint of light, "Head of the imperial guard Feng is wise! It's just that these swordsmen, mostly are arrogant and lonesome, and aren't common folks in society. So are we truly able to persuade them to make the move?"

Feng Ping said, "Swordsmen are also people, and would also seek fame and fortune. Based on minister Jiang's current identity, would you still fear being unable to invite a mere member of the martial arts world?"

Jiang Sanyi said, "I will immediately send someone over!"

Feng Ping nodded, "Just send a young master Jiang over, as it would also demonstrate its seriousness."

That night, Jiang Sanyi sent his son Jiang Yi to head towards Yu Hou pass, bringing a great present to visit Duanmu clan. Duanmu Clan's clan head was named Duanmu Rou, and receiving Jiang Yi's invitation, he didn't immediately answer him. But rather, he met with the various elders to discuss the matter.

Within the hall, the various elders were all gathered. Duanmu Rou passed the invitation from Jiang Yi around, saying, "Our Duanmu family is far from Yan's capital, and has always never had any interactions with the court. You all take a look, as this time, the minister suddenly ordered his son over to visit, so what could the matter be?"

One of the elders said, "What else could it be? Cangjian sect's assassination attempt on his majesty failed, and lost a lot of its experts. Even Cang Feng's location is missing, so Cangjian sect has already fallen. Right now, the court must be wanting to build ties with a martial arts world faction, to stabilize us violent folk."

Duanmu Rou's younger brother, Duanmu Shang suddenly said, "Although Cangjian sect's power has already declined, but they still have a Cang Tianqi, who can't be underestimated. The court would not build ties with us for no reason, so if we want to serve them, we also must do something to demonstrate our loyalty. Otherwise, why would they send some child of the minister that neither has a position nor power to visit."

Duanmu Rou said, "I also thought this way. That's why I didn't directly meet with this young master Jiang. We are after all members of the martial arts world, so while we could do something for the court, but helping the royal court to harm peers in the martial arts world, the entire clan's reputation would be affected. In the future, even if Duanmu clan replaced Cangjian sect, but the other martial arts families, would probably consider us outsiders."

The elders all frowned, and someone said, "But since the royal court has this intent, even if we didn't agree, there would definitely also be other forces to take the place. At that time, wouldn't Duanmu clan once again be suppressed everywhere?! Minister Jiang has now sent his own son over, which is enough to demonstrate his sincerity. He is the current left minister, and is also the royal father-in-law, his daughter resides alone in the rear harem. He is the true noble family. He has this type of power, to be able to support a faction, to become Great Yan's martial arts world's leader."

Duanmu Rou sighed, saying, "Although things can be stated as such, but Cangjian sect currently, other than Cang Tianqi, is only left with the old and the weak. Is Duanmu family really going to stab the sword into these people who absolutely have no means of resistance? If we really do these things, in the future, how could Duanmu Clan still keep its head up and make a place for itself in the martial arts world?"

Everyone fell into thought.

A long timer later, Duanmu Shang stood up, saying, "The clan's reputation and the clan's actions were originally two different matters and can't be discussed together." Duanmu Rou looked at him, and he said, "Tomorrow, I will go and meet with master Jiang, and these matters, I will go and perform them myself."

Duanmu Rou said, "Rubbish. How is your taking action different from Duanmu Clan taking action?"

Duanmu Shang said, "If I am not a member of Duanmu Clan, of course there would be a difference."

Duanmu Rou was stunned, and Duanmu Shang said, "If I am kicked out of the clan, what I do would have nothing to do with the clan. And what they want, is only someone who can work for them."

Duanmu Rou said, "Rubbish! You'd better sit down right now!"

Duanmu Shang walked out of the hall, saying, "Your continued wavering, even with an additional year, you still wouldn't arrive at a decision. Even though it's obvious that this is the best decision, why must you waver without making a decision?"

Duanmu Rou chased after him, but he already left hom.

That night, Duanmu Shang and Jiang Yi established a contract, for Duanmu Shang to work for Jiang Sanyi. Jiang Sanyi would help the Duanmu Clan gain attention. That day, Duanmu Clan's clan head, Duanmu Rou, announced, Duanmu Shang was kicked out of the clan, and henceforth, all actions had nothing to do with the clan. Additionally, Duanmu Clan's clan members, upon meeting him, had the responsibility of cleaning the clan.

The martial arts world clamored. Duanmu Rou and Duanmu Shang were practically the two gods of the Duanmu Clan, so what was the matter of being kicked out?!

And that night, Duanmu Shang had discovered Cangjian sect's place of refuge for its old and young. He proned atop the rafters, and watched everyone pack up their money and necessities, as though they were preparing to leave at any time.

Actually, Cangjian Sect was already not a threat, as their primary combat ability was already pretty much expended. Currently, the most threatening one was only Cang Tianqi. Cang Tianqi's martial prowess, he and Duanmu Rou, if the two of them cooperated, they would perhaps have hope of victory. But if it was only him alone, he would not be a match.

But since right now he was already no longer a member of the Duanmu clan, of course he could use some... methods.

He paced atop the roof, and discovered Cang Tianqi actually wasn't present. He was bringing his family to leave, so it was impossible for him to leave so quickly. On the road, they would have many necessities to prepare for.

Duanmu Shang descended from the rafters, and first entered the living space of the old servants, his sword silent, and no matter whether it was the old or the young, he slew them all with one slice of his blade. His body was stained with blood, and quickly, he had slain everyone in Cangjian sect. The scent of blood slowly spread in the night. He lightly pushed open Madam Cang's door, and Madam Cang was startled, and didn't even get to ask a single word, when she felt her back turn cold. She struggled with her eyes, and when she fell over, she still hadn't managed to clearly see the glint of his blade.

Her corpse fell to the ground, and Duanmu Shang walked close to her, and without any hesitation, he ripped open her clothes, and then, at her breast, cut open a small hole, and from his waist, inserted a small ambush weapon, burying it in her chest, tying up the activation string around her throat, tying it to her fingertip.

And then he broke her ribs.

Completing all of this, he was covered in blood, but was still expressionless. He only rearranged Madam Cang's clothes, before jumping back up into the rafters.

Cang Tianqi was contacting a merchant caravan, as he was bringing the old and the young, seeking to avoid the soldier patrols and searches, and to leave the land, they needed to scatter.

And other than him, the others all lacked combat abilities, so these caravans needed to be absolutely safe.

After he had difficultly managed to negotiate all the matters, when he returned home, he immediately smelt a strong scent of blood. The closer he got to home, the more he could hear his own heartbeat-- did Leng Feiyan return again?

No, it couldn't be her. That person was so full of pride, so if she really return, she would also definitely wait for him to be there before making her move.

He quickly walked into the home, and the yard was entirely quiet, as if there was no one alive. Cang Tianqi's heartbeat quickened, and entered a few steps, calling out, "Madam?!"

But how could anyone answer?

He pushed open Madam Cang's door, and only saw that Madam Cang had fallen in a pool of blood, her clothes all messy, as though she had been raped by someone. Cang Tianqi, upon seeing this called out, "Madam!" He walked a few steps forward, and hugged Madam Cang's corpse on the ground. Madam Cang's head bent backwards, and a small sound emitted from her chest, and with a single press, many poisonous needles shot out!

Right at this moment, the Duanmu Shang who had been hiding atop the rafters immediately jumped out, his sword like a snaking dragon!

But before he got close, he was already stunned---- he saw, Cang Tianqi was missing a hand, his sword bearing right hand!

Duanmu Shang's shock in his heart was no less than Cang Tianqi's, as he had originally thought it was the most threatening opponent, but who had cut off his hand? In the martial arts world, was there such a person, who could cut off Cang Tianqi's hand?

His desire turned quickly, but the sword in his hand didn't stop, as though a flash of lightning, and with one strike, he had stabbed into Cang Tianqi's chest. Cang Tianqi's eyes opened wide, finally recognizing him, "Duanmu Shang!" That poisoned arrows, the bloody sword sealing mouths, he stepped back, struggling, but still managed to ask, "Why?!"

Duanmu Shang's expression was cold, saying, "Is it hard to guess?"

Cang Tianqi held his sword, his hand already black. It's not hard to guess, but why must they slay so many innocent old and young people? Blood seeped out from the corner of his mouth, black, "They...... all didn't know martial arts....... and had never gotten involved...... in any martial arts enmity, or court intrigues."

Duanmu Shang said, "The order I received was just such, so it was also a helpless matter. Additionally, even if I didn't make the move, they would also have raised a group of people who understood martial arts, to come and take revenge. It's too much trouble. I have answered your question, so can you answer me, who cut off your hand?"

Cang Tianqi wanted to speak, but that poisoned needle acted too quickly, and his eyes had practically popped out of their sockets, his right hand went limp, and slowly grew hard. The bubbles of blood in his mouth also slowly stopped emitting from his mouth. Duanmu Shang pulled out his sword, and his corpse fell to the ground, his right hand still leaning supporting the bed, like a restless ghost in a painting.

Duanmu Shang slashed his sword, and on his right sleeve, began looking at his sword wound, and then he took another look at his corpse, before saying, "A pity."

He hard originally thought there would be a difficult fight, but didn't think that it would be resolved so roughly. A pity, the martial arts world just lost a paragon of swordsmanship like this. A pity that in the end, he still didn't know, who it was that defeated Cang Tianqi. He cut off his head with one strike of his sword, and left with his head.

In Jinyang city, Murong Yan was currently reading in his study, when suddenly from outside, someone reported, "Your majesty, Head of the Imperial Guard, Feng Ping, asks to enter."

Murong Yan said, "Have him enter."

Feng Ping walked in from outside, his hands carrying a package. He knelt respectfully, "You majesty, someone asked this subject to send a present to your majesty, to celebrate your majesty's ascension."

Murong Yan said, "Oh? Then bring it forth."

Feng Ping said, "This item is a bit bloody, so I would ask your majesty to view it from afar, to avoid it bothering your majesty."

Murong Yan's eyes squinted, and once again looked at the package, asking, "Whose head is it?"

Feng Ping cupped his hands, "Reporting to your majesty, it is Cangjian sect's sect head, the rebel Cang Tianqi's head."

Murong Yan hadn't yet spoken, when Wang Yunzhao suddenly smiled at the side, saying, "Looks like someone seized the opportunity before young master Leng to take this head. No wonder young master Leng hasn't sent any news these past few days."

But Feng Ping rather said, "No, chief steward Wang's guess is wrong. This time, not only did Leng Feiyan not allow Swallow's Nest's members to perform the task, but also intended to leave Cangjian sect's rebels to escape out of Yu Hou pass. This head, was after Leng Feiyan and Cang Tianqi met, that someone had sent it to your majesty."

Wang Yunzhao's expression slowly changed, but Murong Yan slightly smiled, saying, "Open it to take a look."

Feng Ping opened the package, and inside, there was indeed a bloody head inside. Taking a careful look, it was indeed Cang Tianqi.

Murong Yan said, "Cang Tianqi's martial arts is so high, and has always been an expert. Who would have this type of ability, to be able to take his head?"

Feng Ping knelt again, saying, "Reporting to your majesty, it is Yu Hou pass's martial arts clan, Duanmu Clan's Duanmu Shang. This man's swordsmanship is excellent, and is also a rare elite in the martial arts world. Right now, he is currently kneeling outside the palace waiting, so does your majesty plan on meeting him?"

Murong Yan said, "Since he sent this king such a great present, this king will definitely want to take a look. Summon him inside then."

Wang Yunzhao took a look at Feng Ping. It was useless, so he only went to call Duanmu Shang into the palace.

When Duanmu Shang entered, Murong Yan had an expression of rewarding him. This man was born very handsome, and his eyes held a type of dark coldness, that type of ambivalence that blood could not dye. He was even more fitting to live in the dark.

Duanmu Shang of course had heard of this young ruler, so he immediately knelt and paid respects. Murong Yan said, "Rise then. The matter of Cang Tianqi, you have performed very well. This king should reward you."

Duanmu Shang took a look at Feng Ping, saying, "Reporting to your majesty, this one has done all these things, not for a reward. It's just to represent Duanmu Clan, to demonstrate loyalty to your majesty."

Murong Yan's ten fingers tapped the table, and a long time later, he said, "This loyalty, this king will accept. Currently, in the martial arts world, Cangjian sect already no longer exists, so there should also be another group to maintain the order and daily operations of the martial arts world."

Duanmu Shang was a bit startled----- he just in this way....... agreed to support Duanmu Clan? It was this easy?

Feng Ping took a look at him, and saw that he was a bit stunned, and lightly coughed. Duanmu Shang recovered his senses, and cupped his hands, saying, "Being able to serve the wise ruler, is Duanmu Clan's fortune."

TN: Somehow, I get the feeling, but I might be wrong, that the "great present" Murong Yan feels that Duanmu Shang sent him can be interpreted as info that either Feng Ping is not loyal to him, or that Leng Feiyan is not loyal to him, or both. It's also problematic that what Zuo Canglang had warned against has come true, wherein Leng Feiyan is now replaceable. However, I'm not the type to believe that Murong Yan would trust anyone. He's not likely to trust the orphans he raised on his own, let alone a clan for whom he has had no ties to. I feel like, politically, he might be tapping his hands, because he's considering how to use his cards. So he might have Duanmu Clan run things publicly while keeping Swallow's Nest as a hidden card. Or, Swallow's Nest might be a wasted piece, because the fact that this interaction is taking place means that they are already exposed by omission. I don't know, what do you all think? Also, I really enjoy reading your comments.