193: The Liang Concubine's death caused a fire in the backyard

Han Shengxuan’s sharp voice was like the keenest blade, carving into Grand Tutor Zhang Julu’s heart with every stroke.

Death by a thousand cuts, and extermination of the nine familial generations!

What a “considering his past contributions”!

What a Zhao Dun!

Grand Tutor Zhang Julu looked at the forged imperial edict in Han Shengxuan’s hand, and at the wolf-like Imperial Guards behind him; his last thought of seeking death transformed into a towering rage and endless sorrow.

He had wanted to die with dignity, but the monarch he had served his entire life wouldn’t even grant him that.

“Irrefutable evidence? Hahahaha…” Grand Tutor Zhang Julu suddenly burst into laughter, his voice filled with desolation and unwillingness. “Han Shengxuan, tell Zhao Dun that I, Grand Tutor Zhang Julu, toiled my entire life for the Li Yang Dynasty, never harboring a shred of selfish intent! Today, he listened to slander and destroyed his own Great Wall. One day, he will surely become a monarch of a fallen nation, nailed to the pillar of shame in history!”

“I will be waiting for him below!”

Grand Tutor Zhang Julu’s voice, like a grand bell, shook the entire study, making it hum.

Han Shengxuan’s old face twitched, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

“Grand Tutor, at this point, why bother saying such useless words?” He said with a fake smile, “You are a smart man; you should know that if Your Majesty wants you to die, you must die.”

“As for how you die, whether by a thousand cuts or by drinking this cup of poisoned wine, it’s all the same.”

Han Shengxuan’s gaze fell on the poisoned wine in front of Grand Tutor Zhang Julu, implying something.

Grand Tutor Zhang Julu understood instantly.

Zhao Dun not only wanted him dead but also wanted his reputation tarnished in death.

A “criminal evidence” of colluding with the enemy and treason, and a “poisoned wine” for fear of punishment and suicide.

This way, he, Grand Tutor Zhang Julu, would become a complete and utter traitor and rebel.

And he, Zhao Dun, would still be that wise and decisive monarch.

What a cruel heart!

“Zhao Dun… you are so ruthless!” Grand Tutor Zhang Julu’s teeth gnashed loudly.

He knew he had no other choice.

If he resisted, it would confirm the charge of “rebellion,” and his entire Zhang clan would be buried with him.

If he didn’t resist and drank the wine, at least his family’s lives could be preserved.

Han Shengxuan, or rather, the person behind him, had already calculated everything.

Grand Tutor Zhang Julu slowly closed his eyes.

In his mind, he saw that sickly scholar, far away in Northern Liang’s Qingliang Mountain, with a book always in his hand.

“Li Yishan… what a strategy…”

He knew that all of this was the work of that poisonous strategist.

That so-called “evidence of collusion with the enemy” was probably the “wedding gift” given to Zhao Dun by Xu Weixiong, the newly appointed Liang Consort of the Great Tang Dynasty.

Killing two birds with one stone.

It eliminated him, the biggest advocate for peace in the Li Yang Dynasty court.

And it made Zhao Dun completely break ties with Northern Liang, leaving no room for reconciliation.

And he, Grand Tutor Zhang Julu, became the most pathetic victim in this political game.

“I… will drink.”

After a long while, Grand Tutor Zhang Julu squeezed out two words from between his teeth.

He picked up the cup of wine again.

This time, his hand was steady.

His eyes were also calm.

He had resigned himself to his fate.

He brought the wine cup to his lips and drank it all in one gulp.

The black poison flowed down his throat and into his stomach.

A violent, agonizing pain instantly spread throughout his body.

Grand Tutor Zhang Julu’s body trembled violently, and a mouthful of black blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

His life force was rapidly draining away.

He raised his head and took one last look at the cold, crescent moon outside the window.

His eyes were filled with endless regret.

“Li Yang Dynasty… is finished…”

These were his last words left in this world.

“Bang.”

His body fell heavily to the ground.

A generation of powerful prime ministers had fallen.

Han Shengxuan looked at the still-warm corpse on the ground, his face devoid of any expression.

He merely waved his hand at the Imperial Guards behind him.

“Clean it up.”

“Yes, Chief Eunuch.”

...The news of Grand Tutor Grand Tutor Zhang Julu’s suicide due to fear of punishment spread throughout Taian City early the next morning.

Along with it came his “personal letter” of colluding with the enemy and treason, attempting to sell the Li Yang Dynasty to the Great Tang Dynasty and Northern Liang.

For a time, the court and the public were shaken, and popular resentment boiled over.

Everyone reviled this Grand Tutor, whom they had once revered as a god.

No one doubted the authenticity of the evidence.

Because Commander Gu Jiantang’s great victory on the front lines was the best proof.

In their view, it was precisely because Commander Gu fought bravely on the front lines that Grand Tutor Zhang Julu, the traitor, was cornered and ultimately committed suicide out of fear of punishment.

For a time, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang’s prestige in the Li Yang Dynasty reached an unprecedented peak.

And Zhao Dun, on the Dragon Throne, completely solidified his title as a “wise and enlightened monarch.”

He not only had the Wisdom Eye to recognize talent and promoted Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang.

He also decisively acted to eliminate Grand Tutor Zhang Julu, that great pest of the nation.

The entire Li Yang Dynasty was immersed in a false sense of prosperity and confidence.

They were all waiting.

Waiting for the grand decisive battle at Hulu Pass, which was destined to go down in history.

Meanwhile, in Chang'an City, Tingfeng Courtyard.

Xu Weixiong was sitting by a stone table in the courtyard, playing a game of chess by herself.

Before her lay a chessboard with clear black and white pieces.

On the board, the black pieces had forced the white pieces into a desperate situation.

Only one more move was needed to achieve a complete checkmate.

“Your Highness.”

A Bad People agent, dressed in a black flying fish robe, appeared behind her like a ghost.

“The matter in Taian City has been handled.”

“Mm.”

Xu Weixiong responded, without raising her head.

She picked up a black chess piece from the chess box.

The piece lingered on her fingertip for a moment.

Then, she gently placed it on the Tianyuan position of the chessboard.

“Clack.”

A crisp sound of a chess piece falling.

On the chessboard, the besieged white Dragon was instantly cut off from all life.

The entire board was lost.

“Grand Tutor Zhang Julu was a respectable opponent,” Xu Weixiong said indifferently, looking at the chessboard, “It’s just a pity he followed the wrong master.”

“A decaying Dynasty and a foolish monarch are destined to be eliminated by a new era.”

“This is fate.”

The Bad People agent lowered his head, not daring to speak.

He could feel the chilling aura emanating from this seemingly delicate Consort Liang, an aura that made even him feel a tremor in his heart.

It was an absolute ruthlessness that regarded human lives as grass and the world as a chessboard.

“What’s the situation with Consort Nan?” Xu Weixiong changed the subject.

“Reporting to Your Highness, Consort Nan, after leaving the academy’s martial arts field that day, received Your Majesty’s secret imperial edict and left Chang'an with her people. Her whereabouts are unknown,” the Bad People agent replied.

“Oh? Left Chang'an?”

A subtle glint flashed in Xu Weixiong’s eyes.

She knew that man had begun to use another important chess piece.

It seemed the game of “Empress’s Struggle” had entered its next phase.

“Interesting.”

A smile, full of Battle Intent, curved at Xu Weixiong’s lips.

“Tell Yuan Zuo Zong to prepare his three hundred thousand Northern Liang Iron Cavalry.”

“Soon, it will be their turn to enter the fray.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

The Bad People agent took his leave, his figure disappearing into the darkness once more.

Xu Weixiong’s gaze returned to the chessboard.

She reached out and slowly swept away the black and white chess pieces on the board.

“This game needs to restart.”

Her voice echoed faintly in the cold moonlight.

“Next round, it’s the turn of that self-righteous Northern Liang poisonous strategist.”

Taian City, Grand Tutor’s Mansion.

The mansion, once bustling with visitors, was now deserted and desolate.

White lanterns swayed weakly in the wind, as if narrating the tragic end of its owner.

Grand Tutor Zhang Julu’s memorial hall was set up in the main hall of the mansion.

However, there were very few mourners.

Aside from a few impoverished scholars who had received his favor in the past, not a single court Officials could be seen.

The fickleness of human relationships was never more apparent.

Grand Tutor Zhang Julu’s family was confined to the backyard by the Imperial Guards, not even allowed to wear mourning attire for him.

The entire Grand Tutor’s Mansion was enveloped in silence and despair.

However, at this time, when everyone was avoiding the Zhang family like the plague...

Someone unexpected arrived.

Li Yang Dynasty’s Grand Marshal of the Military, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang!

He wasn’t wearing his imposing bright silver armor but had changed into plain casual clothes.

He walked alone into this place, which was scorned by the entire Li Yang Dynasty.

His appearance stunned the Imperial Guards guarding the entrance.

“Commander… Commander Gu?”

“You… why are you here?”

The Imperial Guard commander quickly came forward, his face filled with confusion and apprehension.

Now, this Zhang family was a Dragon’s Den!

Whoever got involved would be unlucky.

How could you, the Grand Marshal, so favored by His Majesty, dare to come here?

“I’m here to see the Grand Tutor off one last time.” Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang’s voice was calm, devoid of any emotion.

“This… this might not be appropriate, might it?” The Imperial Guard commander said with a troubled expression, “His Majesty…”

“Get out.”

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang only said two words.

But the iron-blooded Evil Qi, honed from mountains of corpses and seas of blood, instantly erupted.

The Imperial Guard commander felt as if he had been targeted by a primordial beast, and the blood in his veins almost froze.

He didn’t dare to utter another sound and quickly led his subordinates to clear a path.

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang, in the awestruck gazes of all the Imperial Guards, walked step by step into the memorial hall.

The memorial hall was empty.

There was only a thin coffin and a few dim oil lamps.

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang stood silently before the coffin for a long time.

Then, he took out three incense sticks from his in arms, lit them, and respectfully bowed three times to the coffin.

“Grand Tutor, I, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang, owe you a favor.”

“Today, I repay it.”

He inserted the incense sticks into the censer and said slowly.

His voice was so low only he could hear it.

He knew that he had a part in Grand Tutor Zhang Julu’s death, a “contribution.”

If he hadn’t put on that act on the front lines...

Zhao Dun wouldn’t have moved so quickly to kill Grand Tutor Zhang Julu.

But he had no choice.

This was the trap Li Yishan had laid for him.

And it was the path he himself had chosen.

To reach the highest position, one must climb over the bones of countless people.

Including those comrades who once fought alongside him.

“Don’t worry, after your death, I will make the entire Li Yang Dynasty be buried with you.”

A crazy, fierce glint flashed in Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang’s eyes.

“The Zhao clan’s Dynasty should change its surname.”

He thought silently in his heart.

Having done all this, he turned to leave.

However, just as he turned around...

An old, hoarse voice sounded from the corner of the memorial hall.

“Commander Gu, wait.”

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang turned his head sharply.

He saw an old man with white hair and a hunched figure slowly emerge from the shadows.

He was wearing the lowest-grade servant’s clothes.

But his eyes were frighteningly bright.

“Who are you?” Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang frowned, a hint of vigilance rising in his heart.

He could feel that this old man was not simple.

"Who I am doesn't matter," the old man said with a somewhat eerie smile. "What matters is that Grand Tutor, before his death, entrusted me with a message for you."

"What message?"

"He said," the old man's voice dropped very low, "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind."

"Beware of Northern Liang."

These words made Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang's pupils suddenly contract.

Beware of Northern Liang?

What did he mean?

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang and Li Yishan of Northern Liang were in a cooperative relationship!

Li Yishan would help him ascend to the throne.

He would cede half of the Li Yang Dynasty's territory to Northern Liang.

This was a deal they had agreed upon long ago!

Why would Grand Tutor Zhang Julu tell him to beware of Northern Liang?

Could it be... a terrifying thought flashed through Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang's mind.

Could it be that Li Yishan never intended to keep his promise from the very beginning?

Was he also a pawn of Li Yishan?

Impossible!

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang immediately rejected this idea.

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang commanded a million soldiers of Li Yang, he was a peerless hero of his time!

Who had the right to treat him as a pawn?

"Heh heh, the Grand Tutor must have been muddled before his death," Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang sneered. "Northern Liang is nothing more than a group of desperate, homeless dogs clinging to life. What is there to fear?"

"The message has been delivered," the old man did not argue with him, but merely gave him a deep look. "To believe or not to believe is entirely up to Commander Gu."

With that, he turned and walked towards the backyard, his figure quickly disappearing into the darkness.

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang watched him leave, his brows tightly furrowed.

Although he claimed not to believe it.

But Grand Tutor Zhang Julu's dying words were like a thorn, deeply embedded in his heart.

It filled him with an inexplicable unease... Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study within the Imperial Palace.

Zhao Dun also received news that Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang had privately gone to mourn Grand Tutor Zhang Julu.

"What?!"

He slammed his hand on the Dragon Throne and stood up, his face filled with rage.

"What is Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang trying to do?!"

"He, a Marshal leading troops outside, instead of diligently preparing for the decisive battle at the front, went to mourn a traitorous minister who colluded with the enemy?"

"Is he trying to rebel?!"

Zhao Dun was trembling with anger.

He was naturally suspicious.

Grand Tutor Zhang Julu's death had already left him with a hint of unease.

Now, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang's abnormal behavior instantly magnified that unease countless times.

He began to suspect.

He suspected whether Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang and Grand Tutor Zhang Julu were in cahoots.

He suspected whether the so-called "lure the enemy deep" strategy was a larger conspiracy.

"Guards! Guards!" Zhao Dun roared frantically.

"Issue an imperial edict for me!"

"Order Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang to immediately return to the Hulu Pass front! No delays allowed!"

"Also send people to inform the Celestial Masters of Mount Longhu to keep a close watch on Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang!"

"If he makes any move, kill him without mercy!"

Zhao Dun had completely fallen into suspicion and madness.

He was like a gambler who had lost his eyes, placing all his last chips on the table.

Yet, he did not trust the dealer who was rolling the dice for him.

He did not know.

This imperial edict, filled with suspicion, would become the last straw that broke the camel's back.

It also tolled the final death knell for the demise of the Li Yang Dynasty.

When this imperial edict reached Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang, who had just walked out of the Grand Tutor's mansion.

He froze.

Then, he looked up at the sky and let out a desolate yet frenzied laugh.

"Hahahahaha!"

"Zhao Dun! Zhao Dun!"

"I, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang, have served your Zhao clan for half my life! Yet you distrust me so much!"

"Good!"

"Very good!"

"Since you are unjust, don't blame me for being disloyal!"

In Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang's eyes, the last shred of loyalty to the Zhao clan completely vanished.

It was replaced by endless killing intent and ambition.

He turned around and looked in the direction of the Imperial Palace.

"This land, I, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang, will claim it!"

The wind blew through Hulu Pass.

Carrying a chilling, rusty scent.

This was one of the most famous and strategically important gorges in the heartland of Li Yang.

On both sides were towering, steep cliffs, thousands of feet high, as if split open by a giant axe wielded by a deity.

In the middle, there was only a narrow, winding ancient path, wide enough for only a few cavalry to ride abreast.

Once inside, it was like entering a natural death trap.

And at this moment, at the entrance of this death trap and on the surrounding mountains, the last million elite soldiers of the Li Yang Dynasty were densely arrayed!

Banners were like a forest, and blades and spears like a sea.

The soaring Evil Qi of warfare even dyed the clouds in the sky a faint crimson.

Countless soldiers, clad in heavy armor and wielding sharp long spears, lay silently in the mountains and among the bushes.

Their eyes, like hungry wolves that had starved for days, stared intently at the only road leading to Hulu Pass in the distance.

They were waiting.

Waiting for the prey to arrive.

And behind Hulu Pass, on the highest peak.

Li Yang's Grand Marshal, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang, stood in bright silver armor, his hand on his sword, seemingly suspended in mid-air.

Behind him stood dozens of Li Yang's veteran generals, whose auras were equally formidable.

Each of them was a military genius capable of commanding a force independently.

"Marshal, the Tang army's vanguard is less than thirty li from here," a scout rushed over, knelt on one knee, and reported.

"Good."

Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang nodded, his face betraying no emotion.

But in his heart, he sneered repeatedly.

"Zhao Dun, Zhao Dun, you sent people to monitor me?"

"Do you think these million soldiers still belong to your Zhao family?"

He had already received Zhao Dun's imperial edict, filled with suspicion.

At that moment, he had completely made up his mind.

This battle would not only bury the Great Tang's 300,000 Cultivator army.

It would also bury the entire corrupt Zhao clan of Li Yang!

He would use this battle to tell the world.

Who was the new master of this land!

"Have the Celestial Masters of Mount Longhu arrived?" Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang turned his head and asked his adjutant.

"Reporting to Marshal, Celestial Master Zhao has led the 365 Celestial Masters of Mount Longhu to Hulu Pass half an hour ago and has begun setting up the 'Nine Bend Yellow River Formation'," the adjutant respectfully replied.

His eyes were filled with fervent admiration for Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang.

To be able to invite the Celestial Masters of Mount Longhu, who had been reclusive for many years, to assist in the battle.

With such means and prestige, who else in the world today, besides Commander Gu, could achieve this?

"Very good," Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang nodded with satisfaction.

The Nine Bend Yellow River Formation was his greatest reliance in this battle.

It was also his confidence in daring to lure the Great Tang Cultivator army into this place.

As long as the grand formation was complete.

Those so-called flying "monsters" would be revealed in their true forms and become lambs to the slaughter.

"Give the order," Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang's voice became cold and majestic.

"Command all units to hold their positions strictly and make no sound!"

"Once the Tang army has all entered Hulu Pass, await my command, unleash a volley of arrows and a barrage of boulders, sealing off all their escape routes!"

"In this battle, we are only allowed to win, not to lose!"

"Those who disobey the order will be executed!"

"Yes, sir!"

Dozens of generals shouted in unison, their voices shaking the mountains... Meanwhile, thirty li away from Hulu Pass.

A seemingly disheveled army was frantically "fleeing."

Their banners were tattered.

Their armor was covered in sword marks and bloodstains.

Many soldiers had even lost their weapons and could only run empty-handed.

The entire army was permeated with an aura of defeat and despair.

It was precisely the "vanguard army" of the Great Tang's Tiance Manor, led by Yuchi Gong.

"Quick! Run!"

"The mad dogs of Li Yang are catching up!"

"Help!"

Some soldiers cried out desperately as they ran.

Their acting was so convincing it could almost pass for real.

Yuchi Gong, meanwhile, rode a warhorse that was also covered in wounds, his face etched with "grief" and "unwillingness."

"Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang! You just wait for me!"

"When I return to Chang'an and bring reinforcements, I will definitely tear you to pieces!"

He cursed at the non-existent "pursuers" behind him.

However, in the depths of his eyes, a cold smile flickered.

"The fish are finally about to enter the net," he thought silently to himself.

His Majesty's strategy was indeed unfathomable.

This Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang and that Li Yang Emperor were simply beyond hope.

They so easily believed their flawed "retreat."

But that's good too.

Fools die faster.

"General, Hulu Pass is just ahead," an adjutant leaned close to Yuchi Gong and whispered, "Are we really going in?"

His face showed a hint of genuine nervousness.

Although they knew this was His Majesty's plan.

But that was the legendary ancient formation!

What if His Majesty's backup plan went wrong... Then these 300,000 of them would truly be finished here.

"What are you afraid of?" Yuchi Gong glared. "His Majesty has his own arrangements!"

"What we need to do is trust His Majesty!"

"Charge!"

Yuchi Gong took the lead, rushing first into the gorge that resembled the mouth of a giant beast.

The 300,000-strong army followed closely behind.

As if a flock of lambs willingly rushing to the slaughterhouse.

Watching the Great Tang army, scrambling to pour into Hulu Pass.

On the mountaintop, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang's lips finally curled into a cruel smile.

"Close the gate."

"Unleash the hounds."

He said indifferently to the messenger beside him.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Dull war drums rose into the sky.

The Li Yang army, ambushing at the entrance of Hulu Pass, instantly launched their attack.

Countless flaming boulders and millstone-sized rolling logs rained down from above.

"Rumble!"

In an instant, they completely blocked the narrow entrance of Hulu Pass!

At the same time, the other end of Hulu Pass was also sealed by boulders and rolling logs.

The 300,000 Great Tang soldiers were completely trapped in this narrow gorge, dozens of li long.

They had no wings to fly!

"Hahahahaha!"

Seeing this scene, Grand Marshal Gu Jiantang could no longer suppress the ecstasy in his heart and burst into laughter, looking up at the sky.

"Li Chengqian! Your 300,000-strong army is finished!"

"Next, it's your turn!"

He drew the sword from his waist and pointed it from afar into the gorge, at the Great Tang army that had already fallen into "panic."

"Transmit my command!"

"All forces attack!"

"Kill! Every! One! Of! Them!"

"Roar!"

The million-strong Li Yang army roared in unison.

Like a bursting flood, they surged frantically from the mountains on all sides towards their prey within the gorge!

An extremely brutal massacre was about to unfold!