Chapter 119: A Rare Brilliance in Life

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No matter how hard Zhao Heng tried, he could not imagine that the assassination of the Jiangling Prefect, the infiltration of barbarian scouts into Jiangling City, and the ensuing fierce battles with the city’s soldiers—events so momentous they could shake the entire realm—would be quelled in such a short span of time.

Officials of all ranks throughout Jiangling City seemed deaf and blind, utterly silent about the chaos that erupted that night, which began with a midsummer moonlit poetry gathering, as if nothing had ever happened.

Even the corpses of the black-clad assailants who besieged the county lord’s mansion, along with the bloodstains left on the long street, were quietly and thoroughly cleaned away.

No one sought Tuoba Dewang, nor was anyone looking for Huang Xin, the strategist; it was as if these two men had never existed in this world.

Zhao Heng had long suspected the reason Tuoba Dewang appeared in Jiangling City. It was likely because the defense line at Yonggu City, bolstered by his own involvement, had dealt a crushing blow to the barbarian army led by Tuoba Dewang—an unprecedented loss that forced the chieftain of the Tuoba clan to personally come to make amends.

Though unfamiliar with the intricacies of politics, Zhao Heng clearly understood that many benefits unattainable on the battlefield could be secured at the negotiating table!

Tuoba Dewang’s presence in Jiangling City was undoubtedly for this very reason.

To negotiate with Tuoba Dewang, one must first hold a noble status of equal rank, and secondly, wield significant influence over the vast region stretching from Yonggu City to Jiangling City.

Judging by the current situation, this mysterious figure was likely Huang Xin’s master, a key player in the extensive network smuggling and trafficking people to the barbarians!

Or perhaps, this individual was the very mastermind controlling this vast network—no one could be certain.

Huang Xin’s death was decisive, leaving behind no useful information, much to Zhao Heng’s regret.

Unable to fathom the true intentions of Prince Qi and the Ningwu Army, Zhao Heng waited until the city gates were open without hindrance before hastily departing with his men.

To those unaware, his departure seemed unremarkable; after all, so many merchants and townsfolk fled in panic as soon as the gates reopened following such turmoil.

Wei Linglan harbored some suspicions about the presence of Lu Jiuniang but, being wise, she refrained from probing and accepted that Su Shenchang had truly fallen to the barbarians’ assassins.

A day after leaving Jiangling City, Lu Jiuniang was set to part ways with the main force.

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“Thank you so much for your help this time. Without you, not only would killing that rogue Su Shenchang have been impossible, but I myself might never have returned alive to the Taihang Mountains.”

This young woman, whose martial prowess was top-tier even by the standards of the martial world, still wore that clean, serene expression. “I’ve memorized all the techniques you taught me. Once back in the Taihang Mountains, I’ll try them out. If they truly work, anytime you need me, just send a letter, and Lu Jiuniang will always comply!”

“You’re the infamous outlaw who killed the Jiangling Prefect—I dare not write to you.”

Zhao Heng smiled cheerfully, his habitual teasing masking an unmistakable reluctance. “Once back in the mountains, use your head more; don’t just rely on fighting and killing.”

“I know, you’ve said it a thousand times—life isn’t just about fighting; it’s about human relations.”

Though Lu Jiuniang was reluctant to leave behind this rare peace, she ultimately belonged elsewhere. Many followers awaited her in the Taihang Mountains. She tapped her temple lightly with slender fingers, “Everything you taught me is stored right here—I won’t forget. I’m off now.”

This pure-hearted girl departed with remarkable grace, like a breeze drifting through the forest, rustling leaves and swaying grass, but still, she left.

However, unlike her arrival, Zhao Heng had prepared for her an exceptionally fine, tall horse, provisions for the journey, fresh clothes, various supplies, and ample money—everything one could need.

For Lu Jiuniang, this was an unprecedentedly luxurious journey. No one knew what changes this seemingly calm young woman would bring to the mountains upon her return.

For Zhao Heng, the lessons he taught Lu Jiuniang and the development plan he devised held no particularly clear purpose.

Not even a single strategic gambit.

He could hardly imagine what foolhardy mistake he would have made to find himself in a position where Lu Jiuniang and the Taihang bandits would have to come to his aid.

Watching that resolute figure mounted on horseback, Zhao Heng turned back, urging his guards onward. In these times, many farewells were final; dwelling too much on parting sorrow only bred needless troubles.

Both he and Lu Jiuniang were independent individuals with their own goals and those they needed to protect. Their brief meeting had been a rare, splendid moment in life—nothing more could be hoped for.

No matter how Prince Qi and the Ningwu Army tried to cover it up, the assassination of Jiangling Prefect Su Shenchang while in office was a matter that shook both court and country. Fierce struggles over the appointment of his successor unfolded away from the public eye.

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For the time being, none of these concerns involved Zhao Heng. His mind, and those of his guards, were fixed on only one thought: to return swiftly to Yushu Bay, to their home.

This journey to Jiangling City had been fraught with peril at every step; a single misstep could have meant total ruin.

Yet the outcome was favorable—Su Shenchang’s death guaranteed Zhao Heng at least half a year of safety.

Never underestimate such a short span of time. For the rapidly developing Yushu Bay and the swiftly expanding power of Zhao Heng, every day brought significant changes. Half a year could very well transform the world!

Having left the village only a short while ago, Zhao Heng and his guards already felt a strange unfamiliarity toward the Yushu Bay before them.

The entire bay had been renewed; rows of brick and tile houses now rose along the mountain’s edge, forming neat residential blocks. Most of the old village houses had been demolished, replaced by factories and warehouses where once stood humble thatched huts.

According to Zhao Heng’s plans, Yushu Bay’s layout was now far more rational, with workshops working tirelessly, producing vast wealth continuously.

A large influx of migrant workers had infused the village with abundant life, making Yushu Bay a renowned gold rush site throughout neighboring villages.

The original muddy roads had been replaced with gravel paths. From afar, aside from the bustling noise, the place resembled a hidden paradise.

Zhao Heng’s return brought tears to the eyes of Miao Xiaoyu and Liu Xiaozi.

Miao Xiaoyu knew well the immense risk her husband had borne in Jiangling City. Now that he had returned safe and sound, she considered herself the luckiest woman alive, offering heartfelt thanks to the mountain god for his blessing.