Chapter 14

The woman was dressed in a bright red robe, her figure graceful and well-proportioned. Upon closer inspection, her face was exquisite, with high, cloud-like hair and finely drawn eyebrows. Perhaps because she had walked too quickly, a light sweat had formed on her forehead, her face flushed, and she was breathing softly, like a ripe fruit on a branch, exuding a unique charm.

Suddenly, a thud was heard from the courtyard. It turned out that He Yun was drawing water and, upon seeing such a beautiful woman, had lost his composure and dropped the bucket into the well.

In the next moment, Zhang Zhaizhu, the chief of the Funiu Fort, and several green-clad servants bowed together: "Greetings, Chief!"

The woman in red casually waved her hand: "You may leave."

Zhang Zhaizhu and the others bowed and withdrew.

The current chief of Funiu Fort, this renowned hero of the Taihang Mountains, was actually a woman.

Years ago, the great bandit Hu Zhe of Bingzhou, with his formidable skills, had established his territory in the 800-mile Taihang Mountains. However, he was ambushed by his enemies and died with a heavy heart. Hu Zhe had only one daughter, who was not yet of age, named Liuniang. Several loyal old subordinates then supported Hu Liuniang to become the chief of the fort.

This Hu Liuniang was a heroine who did not yield to men. She not only avenged her father by killing his enemies but also, under her leadership, the Funiu Fort flourished and remained prosperous for over a decade. Hu Liuniang's beauty, skills, and extensive connections made her name more renowned in the 800-mile Taihang Mountains than anyone else, even Lu Yao had heard of her.

Hu Liuniang gracefully stepped into the courtyard and called out in a soft voice: "Master Pei, you're back after just three days... Could it be that you missed me?"

Master Pei was standing at the door of the main house. He had a cold expression and said: "Hu Liuniang, don't play these tricks in front of me. The guide you sent to us was a murderer, and we have already killed him. Without a guide, what else could I do but return to Funiu Fort?"

"Master Pei, don't be angry." Hu Liuniang bowed, but her words were somewhat frivolous: "If there's no guide, I can find another one for you. What's the big deal..."

"Can I still trust the guide you send?" Master Pei frowned, slowly descending the steps.

Hu Liuniang asked innocently: "Why do you say that, Master Pei?"

For some reason, Master Pei seemed to have a poor relationship with the chief of Funiu Fort, and his words were filled with anger: "That Su fellow is one of your capable subordinates in Funiu Fort. If he dared to attack me, how can I be sure it wasn't your order, Hu Liuniang?"

Hu Liuniang laughed coyly: "Oh, Master Pei, you suspect me..." She patted her ample chest: "I'm going to be heartbroken!"

Another thud was heard, and He Yun dropped the bucket into the well again. For this young, passionate man, every move, every glance, and every word of Hu Liuniang were full of allure. This made Xue Tong unable to bear it any longer. He slapped He Yun's back of the head, making the young man stagger.

Master Pei held his forehead, feeling a terrible headache: "Chief Hu, can you speak seriously?"

Wang De, Wei Xuan, and other guards exchanged glances, wanting to stand up for their master but not knowing what to do.

"Alas..." Hu Liuniang sighed: "Master Pei, you are a noble from a high-ranking family and don't understand the hardships of us outlaws in the mountains."

"You people refuse to submit to the government and live a carefree life. What difficulties could you possibly have?" Master Pei sneered.

"Those who live in the Taihang Mountains are all pitiful people who can't survive outside. Once they come to the mountains, they have nothing left but their lives. If they make a mistake, they have to pay with their lives. So, Master Pei, when you killed Su Lao and his men, it was their fault, and I, Hu Liuniang, have no complaints. If Master Pei still feels it's not enough..."

In Hu Liuniang's delicate hand, a sharp, faintly green short knife appeared: "I, Hu Liuniang, only have this life. You can take it if you want."

As soon as these words were spoken, the courtyard felt cold and oppressive.

Hu Liuniang was still the radiant chief, but the short knife reminded everyone that Funiu Fort was not just a place of softness and beauty but also a place of ruthless killing. In the deep Taihang Mountains, far from the emperor's reach, the power Master Pei represented was not as strong as they imagined.

"Chief, why go to such lengths? The Pei family of Hedong has always been friendly with Funiu Fort. We shouldn't let a few scoundrels ruin our relationship." Wang De stepped forward, trying to mediate.

Hu Liuniang's eyes flickered, but she paid no attention to Wang De. She smiled and said to Master Pei: "Master Pei, you've been wandering in the mountains for a few days. You probably don't know the changes in the situation below. Let me inform you: a few days ago, the imperial army suffered a defeat at Dalin, losing tens of thousands of soldiers. Sima Teng, the governor of Bingzhou, fearing the enemy, has fled to Shandong with 20,000 soldiers and civilians. The various counties of Bingzhou, from Shangdang in the south to Xinxing in the north, are now under the Liu family."

The news of the imperial army's defeat had already been told to Master Pei and his companions by Lu Yao, but the fact that Governor Sima Teng had fled with the Bingzhou army and civilians was a new and even more devastating piece of bad news.

Everyone understood that the foundation of the current dynasty was established when the former Wei emperor granted the title of Duke of Jin to the founder of the Jin dynasty, who controlled the counties of Taiyuan, Shangdang, Xinghe, and Leping in Bingzhou. Therefore, Bingzhou was the foundation of the Jin dynasty and had significant political importance. Moreover, Bingzhou was surrounded by mountains and rivers, overlooking the border and dominating Luoyang, making it a strategically important location and a source of elite soldiers. The loss of Bingzhou would have far-reaching effects beyond just one province, affecting regions like Hebei and the capital area.

A more serious issue was that Hu Liuniang and her people were outcasts who were not accepted by the government, and many had deep-seated grudges against the government. When the government's control over the region was strong, they could only hide in the mountains, living in constant fear. The Hedong Pei family and other noble families could control them with gold and silk. However, after the change in the situation in Bingzhou and the rise of the Xiongnu Han state, Funiu Fort and other mountain forts had new trading partners. Would they still be willing to maintain the same cooperative attitude as before?

"Very well, I understand." Master Pei's pale face was now almost transparent, devoid of any color: "Since Duke Dongying has left Shangdang, staying in Bingzhou is pointless. Liuniang, I won't hold you responsible for the incident with Su Lao. Please arrange another guide for us, and we will return to Luoyang."

"Returning to Luoyang is not difficult." Hu Liuniang still held the short knife. As she moved her fingers, the knife danced in her hand like a ball of green light: "However, times have changed. Now, I have a heart to keep Master Pei here for a few more days."

"What do you intend, Chief Hu?" Master Pei asked solemnly.

Hu Liuniang laughed: "Have you heard of the saying 'rare goods are valuable'?"

Master Pei shook his head: "I am just an ordinary member of the Hedong Pei family. What rare goods could I have?"

"Even if you haven't revealed your identity, I can guess a few things. Funiu Fort has had dealings with the Hedong Pei family for a long time and knows a bit about the family lines of figures like Duke Shudao, Duke Daqi, and Duke Yimin. I have never heard of a talented young man like you..." Hu Liuniang put away the short knife and walked towards Master Pei. Wang De, Wei Xuan, and other guards immediately moved to form a protective circle around her.

Hu Liuniang took a step back and continued: "However, I have heard that Duke Daqi's younger sister married the crown prince of Gaomi in the early Yuan Kang era. This crown prince was a distant relative of the imperial family, holding the title of a 5,000-household marquis. Unexpectedly, a few years later, the imperial princes began to compete, and the crown prince of Gaomi rose to become a powerful minister, now known as the Duke of Donghai. Duke Daqi's sister became the Duchess of Donghai..."

"Enough!" Master Pei shouted. With his shout, the guards drew their swords, ready for battle.

Hu Liuniang quickened her pace: "The Duchess of Donghai has two sons and one daughter. The two sons are mediocre and not worth mentioning. However, her daughter, the Lady of Jingling, is extraordinary. According to rumors, this Lady of Jingling is not only beautiful but also intelligent and capable, more heroic than men, and a valuable assistant to the Duke of Donghai. The Duke of Donghai's negotiations with other princes often rely on the Lady of Jingling's efforts."

The guards, holding their sharp swords, quickly approached. Hu Liuniang stepped back, but her words continued: "I heard that in recent months, Luoyang has been filled with intrigue and fierce struggles. The Duke of Donghai intends to abolish the imperial guards and completely control the court. For this, he sent his most trusted Lady of Jingling to gain the support of the powerful Duke of Dongying in Bingzhou... Who knew that Duke Dongying was a failure and lost Bingzhou so quickly, leaving our precious Lady of Jingling behind."

When she finished speaking, Hu Liuniang's back hit the wall. Wang De and four guards formed a fan-shaped circle around her. These guards were elite warriors, skilled in both individual combat and teamwork. Five long swords blocked every possible move Hu Liuniang could make, their sharp blades glinting in the sunlight.

However, Hu Liuniang's eyes sparkled, and her expression suggested she was in control. She laughed lightly and called out: "Is what I said correct, Lady of Jingling?"

Master Pei's expression remained cold, but a flush appeared on her cheeks, a mix of anger, surprise, and perhaps a hint of embarrassment at being exposed. When she spoke again, her voice was clearer: "Chief Hu, you have keen insight."

This was an acknowledgment of Hu Liuniang's words. Master Pei's true identity was the Lady of Jingling, the precious daughter of the current powerful minister, the Grand Tutor and Chancellor of the Eastern Sea, Duke of Donghai. For such a noble to travel incognito was rare. If the situation were different, it might not have been a problem, but now, if Funiu Fort captured the Lady of Jingling and handed her over to the Xiongnu, it would be a disaster.

Although Funiu Fort was not known for its military strength, they had a large number of people and the advantage of the rugged terrain. Capturing the Lady of Jingling and her companions would be easy. The only way to survive was to take control of Hu Liuniang and use her life as leverage.

Wang De quickly made a decision and attacked. The long sword whistled through the air, aiming for Hu Liuniang's left shoulder.

He was the best among the guards in the Duke of Donghai's household, skilled in both swordsmanship and martial arts. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been the Lady of Jingling's chief guard. This strike was meant to force Hu Liuniang to dodge to the right, and Wang De's left hand, shaped like a tiger's claw, was ready to strike.

However, he underestimated Hu Liuniang. As the long sword descended, she did not dodge. Her hand moved, and a faint green light flashed. There was a soft "swoosh," and Wang De's sword was cut in two.

Hu Liuniang's short knife was a divine weapon that could cut through iron like butter.

Wang De was shocked, and his prepared follow-up move was useless. He reacted quickly and shouted: "Attack!"

Hu Liuniang was skilled in martial arts and had a powerful weapon. It would not be easy to subdue her. Therefore, the only option was for everyone to attack together, aiming for a quick victory. Even if it meant harming the beautiful and charming Hu Liuniang, it couldn't be helped.

Following his command, the other guards rushed forward.

Although Hu Liuniang had a divine weapon, she could only face one opponent at a time. The guards were skilled in coordinated attacks, and four of them approached from different angles, putting Hu Liuniang under great pressure.

Hu Liuniang's response was simple. She put the short knife in her sleeve, clapped her hands, and the wall behind her collapsed with a loud thud.

Amidst the noise and rising dust, dozens of fierce men with long spears and axes stepped over the broken wall.

"Retreat!" The Lady of Jingling ordered, and the guards quickly withdrew. If they didn't retreat, they would be cut to pieces by the Funiu Fort's men.

In the thick dust, Hu Liuniang sneezed twice. She took out a handkerchief from her other sleeve, dusted off her clothes and face, and complained: "Old Zhang! Why did you make such a big fuss? Do you want to choke me to death?"

Zhang Zhaizhu, holding an iron mace, laughed: "Chief, what should we do with these people?"

Hu Liuniang tiptoed and looked at the Lady of Jingling, who was surrounded by her guards. She casually waved her hand: "Don't hurt the Lady of Jingling, but kill the rest!"