Chapter 68: We Meet Again

Blood splattered across Yang Lian’s body, carrying a thick, foul stench. Zhou Ehuang was momentarily stunned, only snapping back to reality after Yang Lian had finished hacking the giant python into pieces and sheathed his long blade.

Zhou Zong, having been splattered with some of the blood, found the smell particularly revolting, yet he managed to maintain his composure. Seeing Yang Lian finish off the serpent, he spoke slowly, "Do not think that because you saved me, I have changed my opinion of you."

"The Regional Commander is overthinking it," Yang Lian replied indifferently. "This commander merely acted on instinct upon seeing a giant python running amok. Even if the person in danger were an enemy, my resolve would not waver."

Zhou Zong felt a surge of frustration; this Yang Lian was truly sharp-tongued.

Yang Lian stood there covered in blood, looking as majestic as a god of war—at least in the eyes of Zhou Ehuang. Seeing her father bickering with him, she tugged at Zhou Zong’s sleeve and whispered, "Father."

Assuming his daughter was frightened, Zhou Zong said softly, "The serpent has been slain; do not be afraid." He then looked at Yang Lian and added, "I, Zhou Zong, never leave a debt of gratitude unpaid. You saved us, so name your price. I shall grant whatever you wish, and I will not go back on my word."

Yang Lian raised an eyebrow and sneered, "Does the Regional Commander truly mean that?"

"Naturally. As long as it is within my power to provide," Zhou Zong replied with an arrogant air, as if there were nothing in the world he could not procure.

Yang Lian narrowed his eyes, a mocking smile playing on his lips. He raised his arm and pointed at Zhou Ehuang. "Since ancient times, beauties have been paired with heroes. Ehuang possesses a beauty that could topple kingdoms; why not betroth her to me?"

"Ah?" Zhou Ehuang was startled. What did he mean? Was he interested in her? Her heart began to pound uncontrollably. She felt a mix of shame and shock—how could he bring this up in front of her father?

Time seemed to freeze. Zhou Zong was stunned. He shot Yang Lian a glare with his narrow eyes, flicked his sleeves in displeasure, and retorted, "Though Ehuang may be unremarkable, I will not betroth her to you. Abandon such delusional thoughts."

"Father," Zhou Ehuang murmured, her emotions complex. She glanced at Yang Lian, fearing he might erupt in anger, but instead, she saw him laughing heartily amidst his blood-stained appearance.

"Ha-ha!" Yang Lian laughed several times, looking at Zhou Zong with undisguised mockery. "Regional Commander, who was it just now that said they would grant any request? And who swore that as long as they could provide it, they would give it?"

Zhou Zong drew a sharp breath. He had miscalculated, assuming Yang Lian would ask for power, gold, or silver. As a fifth-rank official, Yang Lian had little need for promotion, and Zhou Zong lacked the influence to grant it anyway. He had expected a demand for wealth. But this demand caught him off guard—this brat actually dared to covet his own daughter? It was intolerable!

Zhou Zong’s expression shifted, and just as he was about to berate Yang Lian, he noticed the smile on Yang Lian's face deepening.

"If you cannot fulfill a promise, it is best not to make one. Otherwise, you only invite ridicule. Besides, do you really think everyone acts only for personal gain?" Yang Lian said coolly before turning to walk away; he was filthy and needed to wash.

Zhou Zong’s lips moved, but no words came out. Suddenly, he tasted something foul in his mouth—the serpent’s blood—and his expression changed as he began to spit and retch.

Zhou Ehuang watched Yang Lian’s retreating figure with complicated feelings. This man was skilled in both letters and arms; though his appearance had flaws, his capabilities more than compensated for them.

After leaving, Yang Lian felt the pent-up frustration in his heart diminish. Zhou Zong was truly a man who judged others by his own narrow standards, but he was not worth the effort of contention. Upon returning to the military camp, Lin Renzhao was startled to see him covered in blood. Yang Lian simply claimed he had slain a giant python on the road and remained silent about his conflict with Zhou Zong.

Lin Renzhao looked at him with piercing eyes. Could the slaying of the snake be an omen?

Yang Lian ordered hot water to be prepared, cleaned himself, washed his clothes, changed into a fresh set, and went out to patrol.

The appearance of a giant python near Xuanwu Lake suggested the area was fraught with danger. While the Shenwu Army was not there to protect the imperial family, many high-ranking officials and nobles—such as Song Qiqiu, Han Xizai, Sun Sheng, and the recently encountered Zhou Zong—were staying nearby. Regardless of past grievances, they were key ministers of the court, and no harm could be allowed to befall them. This was Yang Lian’s duty, and he would not let personal feelings interfere with his professional responsibilities.

The Shenwu Army’s station was on the western side of the camp, closer to Xuanwu Lake. After inspecting the area, Yang Lian found the defenses lax. While he did not expect enemies in Jinling, the python incident proved the surroundings were dangerous, and caution was necessary.

Yang Lian summoned his commanders and ordered them to lead the soldiers in reinforcing the camp. Only through strict discipline in peacetime could they avoid panic in war. His standards were always rigorous.

The commanders departed to carry out his orders, and Yang Lian joined in the work, finishing the fortifications before sunset. Still dissatisfied, he planned to further reinforce them the next day. The following morning, the sun was bright as the imperial princes and court officials accompanied Emperor Li Jing to inspect Zhongshan. Yang Lian, being only a fifth-rank official, lacked the standing to join, so he led his men in felling trees to bolster the camp, placing caltrops and wooden spikes outside. Had it not been for the nature of the spring hunt, he would have even dug a trench.

By noon, Yang Lian had finished the fortifications. Looking at the impregnable camp, he felt a sense of satisfaction. In future campaigns, they would often camp in the wild, and the camp itself was the first line of defense; how could it not be sturdy?

While Yang Lian’s troops were busy, others watched the spectacle with amusement. Zhou Hongzu slowly strolled over, sneering as he watched Yang Lian work. "This fellow has incredible luck," he thought, "let’s see how long his good fortune lasts."

Yang Lian was pleased to see his men standing in formation. He had introduced the practice of standing at attention, believing it essential for military discipline. After a few loud commands, he had the men report their numbers. Every team was accounted for, and he dismissed them for lunch and rest. The soldiers shouted in unison before dispersing.

Just as they were stationed at Zhongshan, Li Jing did not rush into the hunt, instead wandering the area with Li Jingsui, Li Jingda, and Li Hongji. Living deep within the palace, they were surrounded by artificial scenery; the raw, majestic power of nature was a novelty. Zhongshan was vast, stretching over sixty miles, and Li Jing intended to see it all.

Around noon, they happened upon Yang Lian’s camp. Hearing the soldiers’ shout, Li Jing jumped, nearly fearing a rebellion. Once he composed himself, he saw the thick stockades and the defensive spikes outside and, filled with curiosity, pointed forward, asking, "Whose camp is this?"

Li Hongji quickly volunteered, "I shall go and see, Father." To Li Hongji’s eyes, it was clear that the officer in charge of this camp was highly disciplined. He found it strange—when had such talent appeared in the army? Harboring thoughts of recruiting the man, he set off to investigate.

Approaching the camp, Li Hongji shouted, "Who is the commander here? Call him out to meet me!"

The guards did not recognize Li Hongji and, seeing him dressed like a martial officer, were unimpressed. After Li Hongji shouted twice, a soldier sneered, drew his bow, and leveled an arrow at him. "Who is making such a ruckus? If you don't behave, I'll put a couple of arrows in you."

Li Hongji was furious. Just as he was about to speak, the soldier fired a shot, the arrow landing three paces in front of him. Flushing with rage, Li Hongji shouted, "I am Li Hongji! How dare you show such disrespect?"

The soldier turned pale. Who in Jinling did not know the name of Li Hongji? He was the Emperor’s eldest son. Though the Emperor had not yet named a crown prince, the Duke of Dongping was the likely successor. Realizing he had just threatened the Duke, the soldier’s limbs went weak, and he nearly collapsed.

Li Hongji sneered and added, "Well? Why haven't you summoned your commander to meet me yet?"

The soldier, feeling as if he had been granted a reprieve, scrambled to his feet to find Yang Lian.

Yang Lian was pacing in his tent, engrossed in *The Art of War*, when the soldier burst in, stammering, "Commander Yang, the Duke of Dongping is here."

"What is he here for?" Yang Lian asked, having no fondness for Li Hongji.

"I do not know, sir," the soldier replied.

Yang Lian set aside his book and thought for a moment before saying, "Come, let us see."

Li Hongji stood looking smug, enjoying the fear he inspired in others. After a moment, he saw a man in armor appear on the watchtower. He squinted, feeling that the person looked quite familiar.

"Who are you?" Li Hongji demanded loudly.

"Yang Lian, Commander of the Shenwu Army, pays his respects to the Duke of Dongping," Yang Lian said coolly. "Might I ask the purpose of the Duke's visit?"

Li Hongji shuddered. It was Yang Lian—the man who was close to Prince Qi, Li Jingsui. Li Hongji knew the details of Yang Lian’s promotion, but he had dismissed it as mere luck, believing someone of such humble origins could not possibly possess true military talent. Yet, the rigorous layout of this camp was unlike any other, and it gave Li Hongji a sense of unease.

He must not let this man defect to Prince Qi; otherwise, he would be a troublesome opponent in the future. "Ah, Commander Yang," Li Hongji said, masking his thoughts. "Why not open the gates and let me in?"

"Open the gates?" Yang Lian replied calmly. "Does the Duke have official business, or perhaps an imperial decree?" He backed Li Hongji into a corner, knowing full well that Li Hongji had stumbled upon his camp by accident—otherwise, he would not have needed to ask. In other words, Li Hongji had no official business.

Li Hongji froze. "Yang Lian, the Emperor is nearby. Are you not going to pay your respects?"

Yang Lian sneered, "Duke, first you demand to enter, then you demand I leave to see the Emperor. Which one should I believe?"