176: Gravekeeper Jiang Si, Xu Wei Xiong watching the execution! (33

Chapter 175: Grave Keeper Jiang Si, Xu Weibear Witnesses the Execution! (33)

Ling Province, Northern Liang Royal Mansion.

Xu Xiao gazed at Xu Fengnian with a loving expression, while Xu Fengnian was devouring a roasted suckling pig.

"Son, roasted suckling pig isn't exactly a rare delicacy, so why are you eating it with such gusto?"

Xu Fengnian gnawed furiously at the pig's head, his mouth slick with oil.

"Delicious!"

"Truly delicious!"

Xu Xiao watched enviously, but dared not snatch his son's food.

"Feng Nian, let your father have a taste?"

Seeing how eager Xu Xiao was, Xu Fengnian ordered the maids to give him a piece.

"Lu Yi, Huang Gua, cut the pig's rump for Xu Xiao!"

The two maids swiftly cut a large piece of pork for Xu Xiao.

The moment the pork entered Xu Xiao's mouth, he instantly felt refreshed, as if ascending to an immortal Realm!

"Damn it!"

"I've fought wars my entire life!"

"But I've never tasted such delicious pig's rump!"

"Feng Nian, was this roasted suckling pig made by the mansion's chef?"

Xu Fengnian mumbled, "Luqiuer offered it as a tribute!"

"This isn't just any ordinary suckling pig; it's called Qiongzhi Suckling Pig!"

The unrefined Xu Xiao couldn't immediately grasp it, "What is Qiongzhi Suckling Pig?"

Xu Fengnian said disdainfully, "Xu Xiao, your knowledge isn't even as good as my maid's!"

"Huang Gua, explain it to Xu Xiao!"

The maid Huang Gua blushed slightly and stammered as she began to explain the origin of the Qiongzhi Suckling Pig.

"This suckling pig was raised by General Chu, fed with human milk nectar."

"Those human milk… were all selected by General Chu after his personal appraisal."

"General Chu truly put his heart and soul into this for Your Highness."

Xu Xiao was shocked after hearing this; he had never heard of anyone enjoying such things!

"Everyone says Luqiuer is no good, but I think he's great!"

"Look how good he is to Feng Nian!"

Before long, most of the small suckling pig was eaten.

Xu Fengnian carefully wrapped the remaining hock in oiled paper.

Xu Xiao saw this and guessed who the hock was for, but he said nothing.

Xu Fengnian tucked the hock away and was about to leave the room when he suddenly remembered something.

"Xu Xiao! You promised me two more maids!"

"I'm already fifteen; two maids aren't enough!"

Xu Xiao chuckled, "Don't worry about that; your father has already picked them out for you."

"There's a naturally fragrant girl who can warm your bed!"

"And another meticulous and gentle one, specifically to raise the Six-Year Phoenix for you!"

"However, our Royal Mansion has many rules, so they still need to be trained for a while longer."

Xu Fengnian nodded. A beautiful girl so fragrant she could warm his bed—how exciting!

Hong Mu and Qingniao had to Cultivate their martial arts to a certain level before they could be given to Xu Fengnian.

Xu Xiao's plan was to have them secretly protect Xu Fengnian.

If they were given to Xu Fengnian too early, they wouldn't have time to practice martial arts.

Xu Fengnian was very satisfied with Xu Xiao's answer, and then happily walked out of the room.

He bypassed the Royal Mansion's rear garden and arrived behind Qingliang Mountain, where his mother Wu Su's tomb was located.

Next to the mausoleum was a small thatched hut.

Xu Fengnian shouted towards the small thatched hut, "Xiao Ni Ren, come out quickly, I've brought you something delicious!"

This small thatched hut was where Jiang Si lived.

Xu Xiao kept Jiang Si for the sake of Northern Liang.

If Jiang Si were returned to the Western Chu restoration forces, their arrogance and strength would become unprecedentedly formidable.

In that case, Northern Liang's role would become indispensable, somewhat implying 'raising bandits to enhance one's own importance.'

In the original plot, when Xu Xiao sought hereditary succession for the King of Northern Liang, he played the Jiang Si card.

Jiang Si, who was brought to Northern Liang, did not become Xu Fengnian's maid.

Because during those few days with Li Chang'an, Li Chang'an had told her that she had extraordinary Aptitude and was most suitable for sword practice.

Jiang Ni, who had become Li Chang'an's fangirl, naturally believed Li Chang'an implicitly.

She had just arrived in Northern Liang and stayed by Wu Su's side, but Wu Su died shortly after.

Jiang Si then volunteered to guard Wu Su's tomb, secretly harboring thoughts of avenging her parents and wanting to practice swordsmanship in secret.

Xu Xiao didn't care what Jiang Si wanted to do, as long as she stayed in Northern Liang.

The sword manuals he gave Jiang Si were all mediocre, so Jiang Si naturally couldn't achieve anything significant.

"I told you, I won't eat your stuff!"

She was very annoyed by Xu Fengnian's habit of giving her random nicknames.

She also had interactions with the servants on Qingliang Mountain and knew some of Xu Fengnian and Chu Lushan's "glorious deeds."

Therefore, Jiang Si had no good impression of the great scoundrel Xu Fengnian.

However, Xu Fengnian was quite interested in her and would find excuses to show her attention every now and then.

Xu Fengnian ran to the door of the thatched hut and excitedly told Jiang Si about the origin of the Qiongzhi Suckling Pig.

"Xiao Ni Ren, listen... how precious this Qiongzhi Suckling Pig is, a suckling pig raised on human milk!"

Listening to Xu Fengnian's rambling, Jiang Si's eyes widened in shock.

She was born into royalty, raised in a deep palace; where had she ever heard of such a perverted thing?

Yet, Xu Fengnian spoke of it with a smug expression, not feeling the slightest bit inappropriate.

"Xiao Ni Ren, I'll bring it in for you!"

Hearing Xu Fengnian's words, Jiang Si angrily said, "Get lost! If you dare to come in, I'll kill you instantly!"

"Take your stuff away; I don't want it!"

Xu Fengnian couldn't understand why Jiang Ni didn't like such a rare delicacy!

He had given Jiang Si the new name, Jiang Ni.

"Alas, actually, you only need to take one bite to experience its wonders."

"I've left it at the door for you. If I get any more good things in the future, I'll definitely come find you."

After Xu Fengnian left, Jiang Ni came out and kicked the suckling pig hock down the mountain.

"The Princess Consort was so kind-hearted, how could she have given birth to something like Xu Fengnian?"

In the afternoon, the servants from the Northern Liang Royal Mansion who were replacing offerings at Wu Su's tomb arrived.

Jiang Ni was practicing her sword at the door, and the two merely nodded at each other.

As the servant changed the offerings, he said, "Young Miss still has no chance to leave the Royal Mansion."

This servant was a member of the Brocade-Clad Guards and had been undercover in the Royal Mansion for over a year.

The Northern Liang Royal Mansion was known as one of the three great Forbidden Grounds of the Jianghu, filled with experts, and even monsters like Xu Yanbing, who was half a step into the Earth Immortal Realm.

Therefore, the Brocade-Clad Guards who infiltrated the Northern Liang Royal Mansion were especially cautious.

Jiang Si appeared to be guarding the tomb, but Xu Xiao had people specifically watching her.

It was only in the past two years that the Brocade-Clad Guards established a base in Ling Province.

Li Chang'an's order to the Ling Province Brocade-Clad Guards was to rescue Jiang Si while ensuring their own safety.

The Ling Province Brocade-Clad Guards studied for a long time and found this mission extremely difficult.

Only when Jiang Si left the Royal Mansion would it be possible to safely rescue her.

"Not yet."

The servant finished changing the offerings and said before leaving, "Then let's wait a little longer."

"Perhaps the King will create an opportunity for you."

At first glance, this King seemed to refer to Xu Xiao, but Jiang Si knew that this King referred to Li Chang'an.

The Northern Liang Royal Mansion, like a prison, was surrounded by enemies.

The only news she could get from the outside was about Li Chang'an.

She truly hoped for a day when she could regain her freedom.

Yong Province, Jin City.

At the entrance of the Prefectural Governor's Yamen.

Scholars and common people gathered here, collectively denouncing Chu Lushan.

"My young daughter went to the street to buy medicine for this old man, and she was killed by that beast!"

"Lord Tian! My family has been merchants for generations; we've never even seen mountain bandits, so how could we be colluding with them!"

"Your Excellency, we cannot let that beast leave Yong Province like this!"

The usually solemn Prefectural Governor's Yamen was now as chaotic as a marketplace.

Amidst the clamor, someone suddenly shouted.

"Everyone, everyone! Great news!"

"That fat pig Chu is finished! He was castrated by the King of Tang!"

"Go quickly and see, that fat pig Chu is now just a fleshy worm!"

After the news spread, there were many skeptical voices.

"Who did you say? The King of Tang? Li Chang'an?"

"Impossible, right? Does he know martial arts?"

Afterward, all sorts of chaotic news spread.

"The castration of that fat pig Chu is a cause for universal celebration; we should raise a toast!"

"Shopkeeper Li announced that all drinks at Haiyan Tower are free today!"

"Mama Li declared that Mei Xian Courtyard will be half-price for ten days, and she will not go back on her word!"

"However, the private rooms near where that fat pig Chu is being held have increased their prices tenfold!"

Half a day later, the news had spread throughout Jin City.

The city was already bustling with people, gongs and drums reverberating through the streets and alleys, firecrackers exploding in unison!

Restaurants, Brothels, and tea houses all lowered their prices, and private Schools and public Schools were all given three days off!

Xu Weibear and Hong Mu, waiting in the Royal Mansion, gradually heard the commotion outside.

Hong Mu asked Cao Zhengchun, "Mr. Cao, is today some kind of festival?"

Cao Zhengchun answered with a chuckle, "This old servant does not know."

Although he didn't know, it must be good news, most likely Li Chang'an had dealt with Chu Lushan.

Just then, a Northern Liang personal guard rushed in from outside.

"Princess, Princess!"

"Something terrible has happened!"

Seeing the man's anxious expression, Xu Weibear immediately stood up and walked into the courtyard.

"What happened? Where is General Chu?"

The man's expression was bitter, and he spoke with a hint of fear, "Li Chang'an castrated the General!"

"The people on the streets... are all celebrating this..."

Xu Weibear naturally understood; Chu Lushan had indeed caused a huge problem.

Her mind raced as she began to consider the current situation.

"This Chu Lushan is simply causing unnecessary trouble!"

"This isn't Northern Liang; how could he be so careless in his actions?"

As Xu Weibear was organizing her thoughts, Hong Mu, who was beside her, spoke up.

"Princess, this servant will go out and see what's happening outside."

A hint of solemnity appeared on Hong Mu's charming face.

Xu Weibear knew that this maid was not simple.

This woman was outwardly alluring but inwardly cold, very difficult to get close to.

"Hong Mu, be careful."

Having received Xu Weibear's permission, Hong Mu smiled slightly and then calmly left the Tang Royal Mansion.

Immediately after Hong Mu left, sounds of fighting suddenly erupted outside the Royal Mansion.

Xu Weibear clearly heard the shouts of the Yong Province army rising and falling.

"Take down the Northern Liang Army, not one of them can escape!"

While Xu Weibear was still surprised, a large number of Yong Province soldiers rushed into the Royal Mansion.

The few personal guards beside her, outnumbered, were quickly subdued.

Just as Xu Weibear drew her Scarlet Dragon sword, a sharp pain shot through her shoulder, and the longsword fell to the ground.

She turned her head and saw Cao Zhengchun displaying a gentle smile.

"Since Young Miss Xu has arrived, there's no need to rush off."

"This old servant sees that your looks are quite good; why not stay and become a concubine for His Highness."

Xu Weibear instinctively wanted to resist, but Cao Zhengchun, who was already at the Peak of the Finger-Indicating Realm, was no match for her.

Cao Zhengchun sealed Xu Weibear's Internal Energy in just a few moves, and the He Prefecture army also tied up all one hundred Northern Liang soldiers.

Xu Weibear was greatly alarmed. The He Prefecture army obeyed Tian Zong, but Tian Zong did not have the guts to arrest the Northern Liang Army.

It seemed that the King of Tang, Li Chang'an, whom she had never met, was manipulating things from behind the scenes.

What did Li Chang'an want to do?

Castrate Chu Lushan and arrest Northern Liang soldiers!

In this Li Yang Dynasty, even the Emperor himself wouldn't dare to do such a thing!

Just as she was feeling terrified, she suddenly heard Cao Zhengchun ask the military officer.

"What are His Highness's orders?"

The military officer replied, "His Highness the King of Tang has commanded that the Northern Liang soldiers, for their indiscriminate killing and harm to the common people, are guilty of unforgivable crimes."

"These one hundred Northern Liang soldiers are all to be escorted outside the city and dragged to death by warhorses!"

"Eunuch Cao, please escort Young Miss Xu to the city gate tower to witness the execution."

Hearing the words "dragged to death by warhorses," Xu Weibear's pupils instantly dilated, and her heart pounded wildly!

Some vague fragments from the depths of her memory suddenly flooded her mind.

Her mother and sister had been dragged to death by warhorses by Chen Zhibao!

Cao Zhengchun said, "Young Miss Xu, let's go, it's time for the show."

An hour later, Xu Weibear ascended the Jin City city tower.

Before the city gate, people who had heard the news gathered, eager to witness the execution of these Northern Liang soldiers.

"The King of Tang is personally overseeing the execution of those Northern Liang soldiers!"

"Castrating Chu Lushan and executing Northern Liang soldiers, that's truly courageous!"

"Isn't it! How can one be bullied like this on one's own territory!"

On the city tower, Li Chang'an sat comfortably in a grand armchair.

On a small stool beside him sat the Prefectural Governor, looking as wronged as a young wife.

As the situation escalated, the Prefectural Governor was utterly helpless.

Now, Yong Province was going to completely offend Northern Liang!

Li Chang'an turned his head and glanced at Xu Weibear; her Aptitude was indeed not bad.

Name: Xu Weibear

Age: 16

Realm: Confucianism Second Rank · Late Stage

Talent: Arts (First Rank), Intelligence (Second Rank), Management (Second Rank)

Abilities: Chess (First Rank), Poetry and Prose (Second Rank), Intelligence (Second Rank), Management (Third Rank)

Affection: 0

Xu Weibear was known as the best chess player in the world, the most skilled at the game, apart from those reclusive old monsters.

"Li Chang'an, do you know what you're doing?"

A hint of coldness flashed across Xu Weibear's face, but also a trace of confusion.

What was Li Chang'an's intention in having these soldiers dragged to death?

Li Chang'an answered evasively, "Young Miss Xu, have you ever seen a monk of Esoteric Buddhism?"

Xu Weibear's expression changed slightly, wondering why Li Chang'an asked this.

"Of course, I have. Reverend Longshou, a Disciple of the White-Robed Guanyin of the Western Regions Red Sect, is a close friend of Mr. Li, as everyone knows."

The Mr. Li she referred to was Li Yishan, the great strategist who specialized in training assassins.

He was a chief strategist beside Xu Xiao, and one of the four great strategists of the Spring and Autumn Period.

Li Chang'an nodded, "Then do you know the Esoteric Buddhism's Heart-Sealing Technique?"

Xu Weibear was puzzled and had never heard of the so-called Heart-Sealing Technique.

However, what was happening below the city made Xu Weibear's hair stand on end.

One hundred Yong Province cavalrymen, each dragging a cloth bag!

Inside those cloth bags were the Northern Liang soldiers!

"Execute!"

At Li Chang'an's command, one hundred horses began to gallop wildly!

Screams of agony emanated from the cloth bags, which gradually turned red!

Hard stones on the ground repeatedly struck the people inside the bags, mangling their flesh!

Long trails of blood were left on the ground!

Xu Weibear's lips turned pale, and her body trembled uncontrollably! It felt as if she had returned to several years ago!

Her mother and sister had been dragged to death in the same way!

The culprit was Xu Xiao's other adopted son, the White-Clad Military Immortal, Chen Zhibao!

"Mother, Sister! No! Don't!"

"No! Let them go!"

"Chen Zhibao, you beast!"

"Ah!"