The Human Emperor c1-2382
Page 1081
The light of the burning flames was enough to see two forces clashing against each other. Both sides had eyes burning with killing intent, and their weapons savagely met again and again.
“Protect His Highness!”
“The First Prince has decreed that the one who captures Li Heng will be richly rewarded!”
Countless Imperial Army soldiers charged at a golden-armored figure. The guards around this man charged at the Imperial Army soldiers, doing all they could to protect the Fifth Prince.
Everyone had always taken the Fifth Prince to be a quiet, scholarly, and reserved figure, but Li Heng now gave off an entirely different impression. His face was flushed and his entire body seethed with Stellar Energy. He seemed more like a war god that would never stop fighting.
“Everyone, hear my order! Follow me and kill these rebels! Protect Imperial Father! The Great Tang’s security depends on what happens tonight!” Li Heng bellowed, his eyes crimson.
Rumble!
As he spoke, Li Heng charged forward on his horse, transforming into a golden light that slammed into the dense formation of the Imperial Army.
There was a thunderous boom like a clap of thunder, and the Imperial Army cavalry screamed as they were blown away.
But Li Heng was just getting started. A dark red light erupted from his body, and with a roar like a dragon’s, Li Heng once charged into the army.
“Ah!”
Miserable screams filled the night as the Fifth Prince’s spear seemed to come alive, thrusting out again and again at the Imperial Army cavalry. No matter where he went, no one seemed to be able to stand against him.
Wang Chong had once assisted Li Heng by reforming his blood, altering his root bone, and helping him cultivate. Now, all of this was beginning to show its effects.
As Li Heng slaughtered his way through the army, there was only one thought in his mind: No matter what, I have to save Imperial Father!
“Run!”
The Fifth Prince’s heedless charges finally dispersed the Imperial Army soldiers, and all of them fled into the distance.
“Where are you going!?
“Rebels, all of you must be executed!”
Li Heng was anxious to save his father, and upon seeing these rebels flee, he fiercely pursued.
There was a bloody smear of light, and then a series of explosions scattered the Imperial Army again before it could reassemble.
“Protect His Highness!”
Li Heng’s several thousand guards kept close behind him, and the fighting persisted…
“Your Highness!”
Suddenly, Li Jingzhong shouted from atop a high wall, the eyes beneath his helmet alarmed.
“Your Highness, be careful! Something’s not right! They seem to be baiting us!”
While Li Jingzhong didn’t understand the art of war, he had spent many years in the treacherous environment of the palace, so he had an extremely sharp sense for danger.
Given Li Heng’s fierce and courageous attitude, the enemies in the area should have been more and more scattered, but on the contrary, more and more soldiers were gathering.
Each time Li Heng scattered a group of soldiers and pursued, another group of soldiers would emerge from the shadows to stop him. Not only that, Li Jingzhong could see that they were only getting farther from Taiji Palace, not closer. This discovery immediately made Li Jingzhong’s courage fail.
“What?”
Li Heng also trembled in alarm, and he turned his head around.
“Not good! Retreat!”
Li Heng had reacted quickly, but he was still too slow…
“Hahaha, Fifth Highness, where are you going?”
Someone brazenly laughed, and before anyone could react, the thunderous rumbling of hooves filled the air, and a vast energy began to charge at Li Heng’s group.
Li Jingzhong instantly recognized their leader. This was the guard captain of the Eastern Palace, Fei Yuhan!
This man was one of the First Prince’s trusted aides. His presence was proof enough that this was a trap.
“Kill!”
At the same time, countless soldiers that had been hiding in the shadows suddenly charged at Li Heng, swiftly converging and surrounding Li Heng’s men.
“Not good! Protect His Highness!”
The seemingly endless flood of Imperial Army soldiers made everyone turn ghastly pale, even Li Heng.
This had been a trap! The enemy had been running and stopping, running and stopping, precisely so they could bait him here and surround him.
Bang!
A moment later, the soldiers smashed into each other.
Horses shrieked as they toppled to the ground, while sabers and swords clanged and clattered. Li Heng was suffering losses at a horrifying rate, his men toppling in great swaths.
“Seize the Fifth Prince! The one who does will be rewarded ten thousand taels of gold and made a Marquis over ten thousand households!”
Fei Yuhan thrust out his sword and pointed at Li Heng. A moment later, he charged forward like a serpent dragon, soaring into the air as he hurtled toward Li Heng.
Fei Yuhan seemed like a god at this moment, and Li Jingzhong could only stare in shock.
It’s over!
This was the only thought in his mind.
“Stop!”
Just when Li Heng was about to be captured by Fei Yuhan, a thunderous bellow came from the distance.
Boom!
A bolt of energy shot between Fei Yuhan and the Fifth Prince and exploded. Winds howled and people screamed as hundreds of cavalry were blasted away by this bolt of energy.
Buzz!
Before anyone could react, Wang Chong descended from the sky and landed in front of Li Heng’s horse.
“Kill!”
Cavalry were continuing to surge in, unaware of who this person was. Wang Chong’s eyes flashed, and a moment later, he thrust out with his right palm. Boom! Hundreds of cavalry felt like they had been struck by a mountain as they were blown backwards.
“King of Foreign Lands, if I were you, I would not do this!”
A cold voice resounded in Wang Chong’s ears, neither too loud nor too soft. In this fierce battlefield, it should have been practically inaudible.
But in reality, when this voice spoke, the sounds of fighting—the neighing of the horses, the clanging of weapons, the clattering of armor—all disappeared.
It became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Fei Yuhan, who had been knocked aside by Wang Chong, got up off the ground and obediently retreated to the side, halting his assault.
Hou Junji!
Wang Chong’s heart shivered in understanding.
Whoosh!
As if in response to Wang Chong’s thoughts, the thousands of Imperial Army soldiers parted, and Wang Chong spotted that familiar figure.
Flanked by several burly guards, the Army-Shattering War God, wearing his characteristic black robe, was seated in the very rear of the army.
He was seated on a small chair, and in front of him was a round sandalwood table. On the table were a pot of tea and two golden teacups that were already filled, fragrant steam coming off them.
As Wang Chong looked over, Hou Junji was leisurely taking a sip from his teacup.
It seemed like he had been waiting a while.
“Your Highness!”
At this moment, Miyasame Ayaka appeared out of the air, arriving with reinforcements.
After appearing in front of Wang Chong, she almost instantly noticed the distant Hou Junji. Her pupils constricted and her expression turned cold.
Hou Junji was an expert and gave off an extremely frightening feeling. She was an assassin, so her judgment was extremely accurate in this domain.
Wang Chong said nothing, but he gave her a comforting glance.
Wang Chong looked around at the dense ranks of the Imperial Army and suddenly asked, “Hou Junji, did you arrange this display just to deal with me?”
Given the number of soldiers, H
ou Junji could have captured the Fifth Prince whenever he wanted, but he had not. On the contrary, he had held back. This could only mean that the person he wanted to capture was even more important than Li Heng.
“Haha, you’re also a disciple of Su Zhengchen. Did your master never teach you that a commander has to have the demeanor of a commander? Since we plan and strategize from a distance, how could we be like common brutes and shout and fight in the thick of things?! This only brings disgrace upon our intelligence!”
As Hou Junji spoke, he slowly raised his head and smirked.
Chapter 1763 - A Game of Chess!
Chapter 1763: A Game of Chess!
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
Wang Chong fell silent. From anyone else’s mouth, the words would be laughable, but Hou Junji had lived for more than one hundred years, was a famed individual of Taizong’s era, and these words from his mouth seemed as authentic as could be.
For this level of expert, dignity was even more important than their own lives.
“Then what does Senior want to do?”
“Heheh, didn’t I already say? The board has been set. This old man is merely inviting you to a game.”
As Hou Junji spoke, he lightly gestured. The soldiers around him parted, allowing two black-armored Imperial Army soldiers to come forward with a golden chess board, which they placed on the round table in front of Hou Junji.
“At this point in the battle, I presume that you’ve finished with your arrangements. Since that is the case, let us see how they play out on the board!”
Hou Junji pointed at the chess board and smiled.
“Your Highness, no!”
Miyasame Ayaka grew nervous, her pupils constricting as she sensed danger. Hou Junji currently had control over the overarching situation, and they were surrounded by soldiers. If Wang Chong went over, he would be throwing himself into the enemy’s net!
“Heh, still worried that this old man is playing a trick?”
Hou Junji made another gesture, and the Imperial Army soldiers retreated like the receding tide, leaving a large vacant region around Hou Junji.
“Your Highness, you can’t be careless. This person can’t be trusted!”
Miyasame Ayaka stood in front of Wang Chong, the wariness in her eyes unabated. Wang Chong was the most important figure on their side, and if something happened to him here, their forces would collapse! The risk was too great!
“It’s fine! I know how to proceed!”
Surprisingly, Wang Chong shook his head. Patting Miyasame Ayaka on the shoulder, he quickly walked around her.
Wang Chong had not left the battlefield and appeared here due to some emotional impulse. Just like how Wang Chong was the key figure of his side, Hou Junji was also the core figure of the Eastern Palace’s side. The Army-Shattering War God had decided all of the First Prince’s plans and operations.
By suppressing Hou Junji, he was suppressing the Eastern Palace’s greatest strength. This was why Wang Chong had accepted Hou Junji’s ‘invitation’ and come without hesitation.
Moreover, the Fifth Prince’s safety was at stake.
Seeing that Wang Chong was walking over, Hou Junji profoundly smiled, and then he made a gesture. “Bring a chair!”
An Imperial Army soldier quickly walked over and placed a round stool across from Hou Junji.
As those two got closer and closer, Li Jingzhong grew increasingly uneasy. “Your Highness?”
“It’s fine! I trust in the King of Foreign Lands!” the Fifth Prince declared without even turning his head. His voice was very calm, and even though he was surrounded by Fei Yuhan’s soldiers, he did not try to escape, nor did he show any panic.
This abnormal calmness left Li Jingzhong rather taken aback, and he quickly calmed down himself.
Li Heng seemed to trust in Wang Chong far more than anyone else.
Whoosh!
Far away from the fierce clashes at the Qian Gate, Center Gate, and Kun Gate, Wang Chong and Hou Junji, the two most important architects of tonight’s events, slowly came face to face with each other.
Wang Chong carefully inspected Hou Junji. This was not his first time meeting Hou Junji, but it was the first time he had ever inspected him so carefully.
Hou Junji had a tough and fierce demeanor, and there were very few wrinkles on his face. In no way did he seem like an elder who had lived for more than a hundred years. In addition, his skin was slightly pale, like someone who didn’t get much sunlight.
But what left the deepest impression on Wang Chong was his eyes. They were deep and dark, like a bottomless ocean.
Wang Chong felt like he was being drawn into those eyes. It was impossible to tell what that face was thinking, much less divine what schemes and plots were hidden in his mind.
“Not sitting?” Hou Junji asked, glancing at the stool in front of Wang Chong.
“A gift from an elder cannot be refused. This junior respectfully obeys!”
Wang Chong swept his sleeve and calmly sat down across from Hou Junji.
The area fell eerily silent, the mood even more nervous and grim than when the fighting had been going on.
Soldier contended against soldier and general against general. Now that the two commanders were finally seated across from each other, no one knew what might happen next. But there was no question that this would not be a simple clash.
“Senior has gone through great lengths to draw me out. Now, can you let the Fifth Prince go?” Wang Chong indifferently asked Hou Junji.
“Heheh, if you defeat me, you can naturally take him away. Moreover, even if I agreed to let him go, just how far do you think he could get?” Hou Junji indifferently said, looking around him with a hint of pride in his expression.
It wasn’t just the Imperial Palace, but practically the entire capital that was now under his control. The Fifth Prince and his meager force wouldn’t be able to get very far.
“Rather than that, it’s best if you let him stay. That would make him even safer,” Hou Junji nonchalantly said.
Wang Chong fell silent, and then he nodded and ceased attempting to press the point. If the ultimate victory could not be won in this Rebellion of the Three Princes, temporarily saving the Fifth Prince was meaningless.
Wang Chong quickly turned his attention to the golden and luxurious chessboard. This single glance immediately made his heart leap.
The board was crisscrossed with white and black pieces. This was a game that was already halfway done. Wang Chong scanned the board and immediately noticed that the black and white pieces were arranged in a way that vaguely evoked the structure of the capital.
There had been two chessboards in the capital, one in the King of Foreign Lands Residence and one in the Eastern Palace, and at this point, both of them were brought together.
Wang Chong and Hou Junji had also emerged from their respective bases, and on this chess board, they would decide who was the better. This game would decide the fate of the empire!
Whoosh!
A gust of wind howled. Miyasame Ayaka, the Fifth Prince, Li Jingzhong, Fei Yuhan, and all the surrounding Imperial Army soldiers nervously stared at that golden chess board, but at this moment, Wang Chong and Hou Junji were rather relaxed.
“What? At this stage, your master, Su Zhengchen, still won’t come out?”
The flickering light of the torches around Hou Junji illuminated the hard lines on his face. He calmly stared at Wang Chong, not even glancing at the board.
“Heh, the disciple can handle any problems. Since there is me, why does Master need to appear?” Wang Chong nonchalantly replied, firmly meeting Hou Junji’s gaze.
“Is that so? You really think you can win this war?”
Hou Junji couldn’t help but laugh, the derision in his tone obvious.
“It doesn’t seem like Senior has won either, yes?” Wang Chong indifferently said.
Hou Junji gave no reply, and the two stared at each other withou
t another word.
Finally, Hou Junji took a sip of his tea and coldly commented, “Using a formation to fight against a formation truly was an excellent idea, but alas, in the end, it’s just a fantastical theory. Whether you’ve noticed it or not, you’ve actually already lost.
“Plan out your strategies from the tent and then decide victory from a thousand li! You still haven’t learned enough of Su Zhengchen’s teachings!”
These words were the aloof and arrogant tones of an elder speaking to a junior. And Hou Junji truly did have this right. In both status and age, the Army-Shattering War God was far above Wang Chong.
While Wang Chong truly was very talented, able to hoodwink King Qi and defeat him, the Army-Shattering War God was no King Qi.
The two were separated by more than just a single level.
Wang Chong sat up straight and firmly replied, “No matter how short a mountain is, an immortal residing there will bring it fame. No matter how shallow a pool, a dragon within will imbue it with spirit. When has age ever mattered when it comes to the art of war?”
(TN: A line from the Tang Dynasty poet Liu Yuxi, who technically hasn’t even been born yet, as he was born after the An Lushan Rebellion.)
“Oh! Interesting!”
Even Hou Junji couldn’t help but feel a little admiration for these eloquent words. In those many decades he had spent in that secret chamber, he had studied many books, both military and poetry.
But Wang Chong’s casual phrase was something he could not find in his memory. With this poem, Wang Chong had won a little regard from him.
“But war is not the same thing as composing poems. No matter how fine this poem, it has no use on the battlefield. You’ve deployed an army each at the Qian Gate, Center Gate, and Kun Gate, but they still cannot break my Hundred Thousand God-Devil Execution Formation. Meanwhile, the First Prince is already leading an army to Taiji Palace. You have no chance.”
Hou Junji shook his head.
“Once everything is settled and the First Prince takes the throne, what does it matter that you’ve saved Li Heng? And I wonder how the Wang Clan will fare after this?
“Three generations as loyal subjects, a clan of ministers and generals, but alas, it will be naught but dust in the wind!”