Chapter 97

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...

What great favor did the Su family do for Gui Xingfu?

This has to be traced back over twenty years. The previous Lord of Linhai City, Gui Huaizhi, suddenly died, and as the heir, Gui Xingfu was away on a distant journey at the time.

By the time he returned home, his elder brother, Gui Xingchou, had already declared himself the new city lord and had killed all of Gui Xingfu's direct lineage forces.

Not only that, Gui Xingchou had already sent people to the royal city to lobby for his recognition, which was just awaiting the royal family's official endorsement. It seemed that the position of city lord was about to be firmly in his brother's hands.

Moreover, to eliminate any future threats, his brother ruthlessly tried to kill Gui Xingfu, aiming to take his life. In a life-and-death struggle, Gui Xingfu managed to escape Linhai City under the protection of his loyal guards.

Although he escaped, Gui Xingfu was left with nothing, with no place to go. He thought of his best friend, Solon, from the royal city academy, and fled to Tianshui City, seeking help from Baron Solon, who was Solon's father.

At that time, Solon had only been the city lord for two years. He could have ignored Gui Xingfu's plea for help, as even the deepest friendship could not outweigh the interests at stake.

However, Solon stood up for justice, contacted other nobles, and petitioned the royal family, urging the king not to recognize Gui Xingchou, who had illegally seized power, as the city lord.

Moreover, Solon lent Gui Xingfu a piece of land, several thousand soldiers, and twenty thousand gold coins.

It was with the help of the land, soldiers, and money lent by Solon that Gui Xingfu was able to rise again, return to Linhai City, and reclaim his position as city lord.

From then on, Gui Xingfu and Solon became sworn brothers, closer than blood. Furthermore, they arranged a marriage alliance between their children, who were still in their infancy.

The engagement between Solon and Gui Qinshe was set against this backdrop.

Thus, the Su family's favor to Gui Xingfu was immense, like a rebirth.

When Gui Xingfu sought help from Solon, the Su family did not hesitate to lend him soldiers, money, and land. Now, Solon's situation is almost identical to Gui Xingfu's back then.

Therefore, Gui Xingfu should now repay this favor.

It is only right for Solon to ask for soldiers, money, and land. If he does not agree, he will surely be condemned by many.

However, Solon has always been inclined to assume the worst of others. As his sister said, there are many who add flowers to brocade but few who bring charcoal in the snow, and people like his father Solon, who are upright and righteous, are few and far between.

Therefore, Solon's strategy for this trip to Linhai City is not to beg but to force.

Whether it's to marry Gui Qinshe, borrow money, or borrow land, it's a matter of you lending it whether you want to or not.

...

After leaving the royal city, Solon led his team, riding day and night, changing horses every two hundred miles, to reach Linhai City as quickly as possible.

After leaving the royal city, Solon indeed saw countless eyes watching him.

These assassins were originally planning to attack Solon and his group. However, because Jili had not given the order, they ultimately did not act.

Is Jili truly adhering to his agreement with Solon? No, that's not the case. Jili is not that rigid.

He did not ambush Solon on the road because he sensed a subtle warning, even though no words were spoken. With Jili's sensitivity, he could feel it.

Therefore, despite the layers of danger on the road, he did not order an attack.

Since that's the case, let Solon be handed over to Su Hanyi to kill. Jili cannot kill him, but Su Hanyi can.

Thus, Solon led a hundred riders, traveling day and night. After three days and two nights, they had covered over two thousand miles.

Throughout these two thousand miles, many eyes watched Solon's group, and birds were constantly sent to report Solon's location.

Solon's group of over a hundred people, galloping on the official road, had been watched from the moment they left the royal city, so keeping it a secret was impossible.

...

On the fourth night after leaving the royal city, Solon led his group into Baiyun County.

This place is only two hundred miles from Linhai City.

Two hundred miles to the north is the Nu River. After crossing the Nu River, it is the territory of his father-in-law, Linhai City.

All the dangers will be concentrated in these final two hundred miles.

Solon led his group into the Baiyun County post station, where they changed horses and made their final preparations.

"Brother, we've been watched by many eyes all along," Su Ningbing said.

Solon nodded and said, "Every move we make is under the enemy's watch."

Su Ningbing said, "Actually, you should have left the main group, disguised yourself, and entered Linhai City."

Indeed, that would have been safer for Solon. However, he could not do that. He could not abandon Su Ningbing, Ye Jingyu, or the family warriors, as they were his only capital for a comeback.

Solon took out a map and focused on the final two hundred miles.

From Baiyun County to Linhai City, there is only one official road. As a cavalry group, they had no choice but to take this road.

Solon took a pen and drew a line along the road on the map. The road goes north, and at the end is the Nu River. After crossing the Nu River, it is Linhai City.

Once they enter Linhai City, they will be safe.

However, Jining will certainly ambush him in these two hundred miles. If nothing goes wrong, there will be at least ten thousand troops waiting for them in a trap.

To successfully break through and enter Linhai City, relying on brute force is not enough; it must be done with intelligence. Thus, the peak of their strategic battle is about to begin!

Solon looked at the map, thinking about where Jining would choose to ambush him in these two hundred miles.

First, she would not act personally but would use the name of the rebels to surround and ambush him. Most importantly, she would definitely have Su Hanyi kill him.

Yes, she will definitely have Su Hanyi kill him, so that Su Hanyi has no way back and can only become Jili's dog.

And this is Solon's only chance! Using this, Solon can deduce where the ambush will be and use it to turn the tables.

Finally, Solon stopped his pen on a mountain.

This mountain is called Lingjiang Peak, located at the end of the northern road, standing on the southern bank of the Nu River.

Solon drew a circle on this mountain.

Yes, the final ambush will be here, definitely here.

Su Ningbing was right. If he disguised himself and left the main group, he could smoothly enter Linhai City.

However, he was unwilling to do so. In the upcoming peak battle with Jining, he not only needed to escape but also to expose Su Hanyi's true face. The latter was especially important because Su Hanyi's status among the family warriors was very high, even surpassing his own.

Using himself as bait, risking his life, he could achieve both goals.

Solon clearly felt that whether it was Su Ningbing, Ye Jingyu, or the other family warriors, they all had a strong impulse to enter Tianshui City's territory and reunite with Su Hanyi.

The feeling of longing to return home and see their families, Solon could fully understand. Their trust and reliance on Su Hanyi, he could feel even more.

"Master, I have something to say," the voice of the family warrior leader, Su Mu, came from outside.

"Come in and speak," Solon said.

Su Mu entered, knelt on one knee, and said, "Master, are you planning to lead us to Linhai City to seek help from your fiancée's family?"

Baiyun County was very close to Linhai City, so this was not hard to guess. Solon nodded.

Su Mu said, "We do not understand why we do not enter Tianshui City's territory and reunite with Lord Su Hanyi. Lord Gui Xingfu is your father-in-law, but he is still an outsider. Lord Su Hanyi is your brother and your support."

Upon hearing this, Su Ningbing and Ye Jingyu looked at him. Although they unconditionally obeyed Solon, they were also puzzled why he did not reunite with Su Hanyi.

Su Mu continued, "I know you and Lord Su Hanyi have a poor relationship. But he was only angry at your lack of ambition before. Now that you have changed, he will be very happy. I believe, for the sake of the family, there should be no personal grudges. As the saying goes, brothers united are invincible. We do not understand why you do not seek help from your brother but from an outsider."

Solon said, "You do not have to understand, but you must obey my orders."

Upon hearing this, Su Mu's face trembled, and his eyes dimmed. Although Master Solon had performed a miracle in the final exam, his character was still arrogant, impulsive, and ignorant.

Solon continued, "If you really do not understand, you can leave me."

Su Mu's face trembled, and he bowed, "My family has served the Su family for generations, and we have even changed our surname. Where else can we go? At worst, I will give my life."

Then, he turned and left, his heart filled with sorrow and disappointment.

After he left, the other family warrior leaders immediately came forward and asked, "How did it go? Did the master agree to reunite with Lord Su Hanyi?"

Su Mu laughed bitterly, "We... are just waiting to die! A master who values personal grudges more than the family's fate is truly disheartening..."

Inside the room, Su Ningbing hesitated but finally asked softly, "Brother, I unconditionally obey and trust you. Can you tell me what you are thinking?"

Solon drew a circle on the map and said, "We are two hundred miles from Linhai City. In these final two hundred miles, Jining has at least ten thousand troops waiting for us."

Upon hearing this, Su Ningbing and Ye Jingyu's faces changed.

Solon said, "What I need to do is lead you into her trap and then escape from her most confident place, entering Linhai City. Jingyu, are you sure you have everything I asked you to prepare?"

"Absolutely," Ye Jingyu said, though she had no idea what the items were for. These items cost several hundred gold coins.

Then, Ye Jingyu asked, "Why not reunite with Lord Su Hanyi?"

Su Ningbing also opened her beautiful eyes and looked at Solon.

"Su Hanyi has betrayed us. He is waiting ahead to kill me," Solon said. "But because of this, I have a chance to turn the tables."

Su Ningbing did not speak, but her eyes showed immense shock and disbelief. Su Hanyi's loyalty to the family was deeply ingrained, and she could not believe he had betrayed them.

However, Solon was the person she trusted and loved the most.

Ye Jingyu said, "How do you know? I know you and Lord Su Hanyi have a poor relationship, but... but his loyalty to the Su family is as clear as the sky and earth."

Solon shook his head and did not answer.

Because he was cynical and always assumed the worst of others. Moreover, he had an instinctive sensitivity to conspiracies.

Not just him, but Jili and Jining also had this sensitivity. However, Jining was sometimes swayed by her emotions.

"I don't need to explain. You will see the truth tomorrow," Solon said. "Rest for two hours, then head north to Linhai City."

...

Two hours later, Solon led the family warriors out of Baiyun County, following the only official road north.

In a military camp a hundred miles away, a black bird landed in Jining's hand.

She took the secret message from its leg, which was a string of codes, and easily read it.

"Solon has led his group into our trap."

Jining's eyes narrowed, and she turned to the man in black armor beside her, "Our target is in the net. Your job will come soon. You won't hesitate, will you?"

The man in black armor coldly replied, "Do I have a choice now? And I have never hesitated to kill him."

He, of course, was Su Hanyi.

Jining picked up a pen and circled a mountain on the large map on the wall.

"Here, at Lingjiang Peak, is where Solon will meet his end," Jining said. "Order the army to close the net and drive our prey to Lingjiang Peak for Lord Su Hanyi to hunt."

"Yes!" The eunuch Li Zhu disappeared like a shadow.

Then, dozens of military orders were quickly sent out.

If there were an eye in the sky, it would clearly see:

On the only official road from Baiyun County to Linhai City, a group of a hundred people was galloping north.

The entire road was empty, with no one around.

Behind them, layer upon layer of troops were forming a net, surrounding them, one layer after another.

Ten thousand troops were behind Solon's group, surrounding them tightly, driving them into the planned trap.

Lingjiang Peak!

This place, chosen by Jining for Solon's end, was where even a god could not escape her net.

...

Solon's group, each person with two horses, galloped wildly.

The surroundings were quiet, with no enemies in sight. However, a suffocating sense of danger hung in the air.

No one could see that behind them, over ten thousand troops were gradually closing in, forming a pocket formation, surrounding them layer by layer.

In less than three hours, they had covered two hundred miles. They could now hear the sound of the river.

Ahead was the Nu River. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Nu River would lead them to Linhai City and safety.

However, Solon's eyes were fixed on the isolated mountain ahead, Lingjiang Peak, the place Jining had chosen for his end.

Suddenly, a desperate cry came from ahead, "The suspension bridge over the Nu River is destroyed. We can't cross. We're finished, we're finished."

Solon and his group galloped to the southern bank of the Nu River.

Indeed, the sturdy suspension bridge had been completely destroyed.

Below the cliff, the river was fierce and turbulent, like a galloping horse, making it impossible for any boat to cross.

Looking across the Nu River, the land on the other side was Linhai City.

The Nu River, nearly two hundred meters wide, stood like a natural barrier between Solon and Linhai City, a mere step away yet a world apart.

Then, a scout quickly rode up, horrified, "Master, a large enemy force, under the banner of the Nurdan rebels, is approaching from behind, less than ten miles away."

Solon asked, "How many?"

"Too many to count," the scout said.

Everyone present was utterly despairing.

In addition to despair, Su Mu and the others were filled with boundless sorrow and anger.

Their master, Solon, had stubbornly refused to reunite with Lord Su Hanyi due to personal grudges and insisted on heading north to Linhai City.

Now, with the bridge destroyed, the Nu River blocking their path, and the rebels closing in, they were in a desperate situation, certain to die.

"Finally, the net is closing," Solon thought coldly. The peak battle with Jining was about to begin.

Solon said, "Everyone, dismount. Each person carry the supplies from the horses and head up the mountain!"

He pointed to Lingjiang Peak ahead.

There, Jining had chosen his end. There, Su Hanyi would appear to kill Solon.

Life or death? Could he turn the tables and expose Su Hanyi?

It all depended on this moment. (To be continued.)