Chapter 62

However, after this incident, the atmosphere seemed to have changed.

At lunchtime, Yang Chenglie and Chen Ziang still appeared to be very close, but there seemed to be a barrier between them, not as natural as yesterday. Yang Shouwen saw this in his eyes but understood the situation. On the other hand, You Niang and Qing Nu, being young, still looked at Chen Ziang with the same curiosity as yesterday.

Yang Shouwen felt that it was probably more because of Chen Ziang's handsome face.

After lunch, Chen Ziang and Yang Chenglie went to the viewing platform behind the Zen temple to play chess.

Yang's wife and Song's wife were busy in the kitchen, preparing for the moon-watching in the evening. Yang Shouwen couldn't resist, so he took a nap in the afternoon. When he woke up, he took You Niang and Qing Nu to play and walk the dog in front of the Zen temple.

"Big Brother, why does it feel a bit off?"

Yang Rui came over and asked softly.

"What's off?"

"Father and that Mr. Chen."

Yang Shouwen looked around to make sure no one else was there, patted Yang Rui's shoulder, and whispered, "Don't ask about this matter, and don't get involved."

"Why?"

"For no reason, just because knowing too much can cost you your head."

Yang Rui was scared and shrank his neck.

"Big Brother, really...?"

He was about to speak when he heard hurried footsteps coming from the mountain path below the Zen temple.

Soon, Guan Hu appeared on the path with two constables. Seeing Yang Shouwen and his brother, Guan Hu immediately shouted, "Big Brother, Second Brother, where is the County Lieutenant?"

Yang Rui glanced at Yang Shouwen, but seeing that he had no intention of answering, he quickly stepped forward and said, "Head Constable Guan, what happened? My father is inside talking to a guest."

"Take me to him quickly."

Guan Hu was sweating profusely, looking tense and anxious.

Yang Shouwen frowned, suddenly having a bad feeling.

"You Niang, you and Qing Nu stay here with Jasmine. Remember, don't run far, got it?"

"Got it!"

You Niang answered sweetly, exchanging a glance with Yang Qingnu, both showing puzzled expressions.

Yang Shouwen and Yang Rui then led Guan Hu into the Zen temple and headed straight for the back door of the Zen courtyard...

"County Lieutenant, something terrible has happened!"

As soon as Guan Hu saw Yang Chenglie, he hurriedly approached and said anxiously.

However, he immediately noticed Chen Ziang and paused, then closed his mouth.

Yang Chenglie frowned and said sternly, "This is Right Censor Chen Ziang, Chen Boyu, the military supervisor of Youzhou. Whatever the matter is, just say it."

Hearing Chen Ziang's position, Guan Hu relaxed.

He said solemnly, "We just received news that Khan Moche has rebelled and detained the envoy of Huaiyang Wang... On the day before yesterday, the commander of Jingnan Army, Murong Xuankui, led 5,000 troops to surrender to Moche and launched a surprise attack on Qingyi Army, capturing Guizhou."

"What?"

Yang Chenglie and Chen Ziang were both shocked and stood up.

Guan Hu continued, "Now, Moche's vanguard has advanced to Tanchou... According to news from Juyong Pass, the Khitans and the Sume Mohe outside the pass are also restless, showing signs of gathering. The County Magistrate has ordered me to bring the County Lieutenant back to the county town immediately to discuss countermeasures."

Yang Chenglie was now truly unsettled.

"Why did Murong Xuankui surrender to the barbarians?"

Chen Ziang frowned, looking puzzled.

The commander of Jingnan Army, if placed in later times, would be the base commander of Jingnan Army, a position of great power. For such a general to surrender to Moche was indeed puzzling.

Guan Hu quickly said, "The specific situation is not yet clear, but it is known that Moche suddenly turned against Huaiyang Wang and others after they arrived at Heisha. He then gathered his forces and rebelled five days ago, launching a surprise attack on Pingdi Army. Subsequently, Murong Xuankui rebelled and joined forces with Moche to attack Qingyi Army, causing both Pingdi Army and Qingyi Army to retreat in defeat."

The base of Jingnan Army is roughly located near Yanqing in modern-day Beijing.

Murong Xuankui's surrender has suddenly increased the pressure on Changping County.

Yang Chenglie closed his eyes and, after a moment's thought, said, "Since that's the case, I will go down the mountain immediately."

As the County Lieutenant of Changping, with such a major event, he, as the military commander, could no longer remain idle.

Yang Chenglie smiled bitterly and said to Chen Ziang, "Boyu, I had planned to enjoy the moon with you today, but it seems...

I must return to the county town immediately. I apologize."

Chen Ziang then said, "Wenxuan, no need for formalities. In such a situation... I will go down the mountain with you and investigate the situation in Changping."

"You..."

Yang Chenglie looked at Chen Ziang, wanting to dissuade him.

Chen Ziang smiled and said, "Although I have resigned as military supervisor, I am still an official of the court. How can I remain aloof at such a time?"

After saying this, he hurriedly returned to his room in the Zen temple and came out a moment later with a small bundle and a sword in hand.

"Xizi, you stay here."

Yang Chenglie didn't waste time, quickly changed his clothes, and prepared to go down the mountain.

Before leaving, he instructed Yang Shouwen and the others, "With this happening, it may not be safe here. Protect everyone and go down the mountain. After tidying up, move to the county town. I'm worried that Hugu Valley might be in danger."

"I understand, Father."

Yang Chenglie trusted Yang Shouwen, patted his shoulder, and was about to leave.

"Father, wait!"

Yang Shouwen called out to Yang Chenglie, then went back to his room, took out the Dragon-Cutting Saber, and handed it to Yang Chenglie, "This saber is not suitable for me. It will be more useful in your hands. With such a major event, you need a good weapon for self-defense. I have the Tiger Swallow, so you take this saber."

Before Yang Chenglie could react, Yang Shouwen leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Father, be cautious of Head Constable Guan. He seems to know Mr. Chen."

Yang Chenglie took the saber, intending to praise Yang Shouwen.

But hearing Yang Shouwen's words, his heart skipped a beat, his face changed, and then returned to normal.

"Hehe, I always said you couldn't handle such a precious saber."

Yang Chenglie nodded, and to outsiders, it seemed like he was praising Yang Shouwen's filial piety.

But Yang Shouwen knew that Yang Chenglie was responding: I understand!

"Jasmine!"

"Yang Jasmine!"

"Yang Jasmine is here, Yang Jasmine is here."

"Pack your things and go back to the county town with Father."

"Okay!"

Yang Jasmine was very quick, running back to her room and coming out with a pair of washing mallets.

"You also pack quickly, I'll wait for you in the city."

Yang Chenglie hinted, and Yang Shouwen nodded lightly.

He and Yang Rui stood at the mountain gate, watching Yang Chenglie and the others hurry down the mountain path, their smiles gradually fading.

"Xizi, what should we do?"

Song's wife and Yang's wife came to Yang Shouwen's side, looking anxious.

Mother, don't panic. Although the rebels are approaching, they still have to pass through Juyong Pass. How easy is it for them to reach Changping? However, it looks like we won't be able to enjoy the moon tonight! Pack up, and let's go down the mountain."

"What about the villagers?"

"Tell the villagers that those who want to go to the city can, and those who don't want to can come here for refuge."

After saying this, Yang Shouwen whistled, and Bodhi and the four monkeys ran over and squatted outside the mountain gate.

"You Niang, Qing Nu, pack your things, we're going down the mountain."

Yang Shouwen gave the order, and everyone started to pack.

He returned to his room, picked up the Tiger Swallow spear, and slung the leather bag over his shoulder.

"Pity all this food."

Yang's wife was reluctant but knew it wasn't the time to be sentimental. As for the remaining four jars of Qingping wine, Yang Shouwen smashed them with his spear, letting the wine flow onto the ground. Then, he carried Qing Nu and held You Niang's hand. Yang Rui supported Song's wife, and Yang's wife walked at the back. The group hurriedly left the Zen temple.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In the evening, the setting sun cast a warm glow.

Yang Shouwen and his group returned to the foot of the mountain and immediately found Tian Cunzheng.

After explaining the situation to Tian Cunzheng, he was also at a loss. The scenes from the Khitan rebellion two years ago were still vivid, and after just over a year of peace, the Sume Mohe were rebelling again. How could he not be anxious?

"Xizi, what should we do?"

Yang Shouwen thought for a moment and said solemnly, "The autumn harvest is over, so everyone can take some food and go to the mountain for refuge. The small Maitreya Temple on the mountain is empty and can accommodate about fifty people. If anyone has relatives in the city, they can go to the county town. The situation is still unclear, and the rebels might not even get past Juyong Pass. Everyone has time to prepare."

Tian Cunzheng nodded repeatedly, as this seemed to be the only solution.

At this moment, Yang Rui had already hitched the ox cart and was calling out to Yang Shouwen from the yard.

"Tian Cunzheng, leave this to me. I'll take my mother to the county town first."

"Okay!"

Tian Cunzheng nodded in agreement, and Yang Shouwen led three horses out of Tian Cunzheng's house.

When they reached the village entrance, Yang Shouwen was about to mount his horse when he heard Old Hu shout, "Xizi, wait for me!"

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