Chapter Ninety-Nine: Turning the Tables

Chu Yun had to admit that although the Prince of Qi was somewhat timid in the face of the Witchdoctor Sect, his skill in weaving intricate schemes and laying traps was formidable. Ever since the Prince of Qi recognized his talent, he had been setting up one snare after another, drawing him into his service, step by careful step. The most crucial point was that, from beginning to end, the Prince of Qi had never directly coerced him; it was Chu Yun himself who had walked into the snare, step by unsuspecting step.

Thinking of this, Chu Yun frowned deeply, a headache beginning to throb behind his brow. No matter how brilliant the Prince of Qi’s plots might be, the fact that he cowered so pathetically before the Witchdoctor Sect meant Chu Yun could never truly pledge himself to such a man. Yet, judging by the current situation, it was clear that the routes planned by the grain merchants of Chujia Town had all been designed by the Prince of Qi. The prince likely knew exactly which villages and towns Chu Yun would pass through next—perhaps those settlements were all under the prince’s control. Even the simple act of purchasing grain along the way would require the Prince of Qi’s approval.

In other words, Chu Yun would have to agree to join forces with Lin Yang, to hold the line in the south of the Great Qi Dynasty, thereby leaving the prince an escape route. Should he refuse, the Prince of Qi might not harm him directly, but could easily disclose his whereabouts to the Witchdoctor Sect, using them as his weapon. After all, the prince had gone to such great lengths to win him over; if he could not have him, he would surely see him destroyed. Besides, if Chu Yun could not withstand the Witchdoctor Sect’s pursuit, he might yet seek the prince’s protection.

“One has to admit, the Prince of Qi has played his pieces with remarkable finesse. The only consolation is that Lin Yang’s old illness relapsed, nearly taking his life, and he needs me to cure him—an unexpected turn to my advantage.”

“But how can I break free of this trap?”

Chu Yun pondered in silence. Soon he devised a plan: he would play along, turning the prince’s own schemes against him.

When Lin Yang saw Chu Yun reading the carrier pigeon message sent by the Prince of Qi, he assumed Chu Yun was weighing the decision of whether to join forces with him. Lin Yang decided to ask directly, “Earl Chu Yun, well? Will you join me in alliance?”

Chu Yun smiled faintly. “A thousand fine steeds may be found, but a true judge of talent is rare. Since the Prince of Qi considers me a man of worth and has shown such high regard, how could I fail to return his favor?”

Whatever the case, he needed to feign agreement for now and secure the necessary conditions to establish his own power base.

Though this might be considered burning bridges after crossing them, and somewhat unscrupulous, the Prince of Qi’s own methods were hardly virtuous. Chu Yun felt no remorse for deceiving both the prince and Lin Yang.

Lin Yang was briefly taken aback by his words, then burst out laughing. “Ha! ‘A thousand fine steeds may be found, but a true judge of talent is rare’—well said, indeed!”

With that, he offered a salute from his sickbed. “Earl Chu Yun, may our collaboration be fruitful!”

Chu Yun returned the smile. “May it be fruitful.”

Yet inwardly, he was cursing—fruitful, my foot!

He then asked, “Viscount Lin Yang, since the Prince of Qi wants us to secure a retreat for him here, I assume he’s instructed you to raise an army in Nanhuai Town on his behalf?”

Lin Yang responded readily, “That’s right!” He turned to his son, who had brought Chu Yun earlier. “Yan’er, take Earl Chu Yun to see the army.”

“Very well,” Lin Yan replied, and said to Chu Yun, “Earl Chu Yun, let me show you to the barracks.”

Chu Yun nodded. “Let’s go, then.”

Seeing this, Yang Liu’er spoke up, “Husband, what about me? Should I come with you?”

But Lin Yang interrupted before Chu Yun could answer. “My lady, the journey to the barracks is quite far—please stay here and rest.”

Yang Liu’er did not reply, but turned her head to look at Chu Yun.

Chu Yun snorted inwardly. That scoundrel Lin Yang—after saving his life, he was now holding Chu Yun’s family as hostages.

Outwardly, though, he smiled. “Liu’er, you stay here at the Lin residence.”

He then turned to Lin Yang. “Bring my second uncle and his family here as well.”

Since they were acting, he would play his role to the end, leaving no crack for suspicion, making Lin Yang believe he was truly intent on joining forces and securing a retreat for the Prince of Qi.

Lin Yang, delighted, chuckled, “Of course, Earl Chu Yun!”

Chu Yun then took his leave and followed Lin Yan out. They went to the stables, mounted their horses, and rode hard for forty li to a narrow mountain pass.

Lin Yan said, “Earl Chu Yun, just ahead lies the barracks of the Fierce Tiger Army, raised here for the Prince of Qi. Isn’t this location well-chosen?”

Chu Yun surveyed the surroundings. The valley ahead was encircled by sheer cliffs, making it well-concealed and difficult to discover. It would also be hard for any force to encircle and attack from the sides. Judging from the rock formations, the opposite end of the valley likely had a similarly narrow entrance.

When his inspection was done, Chu Yun nodded. “A fine location—well hidden, and with such a narrow entrance, a single man could hold it against ten thousand foes!”

Lin Yan laughed. “A single man could hold it against ten thousand foes—what a turn of phrase! Earl Chu Yun, your reputation as an immortal’s disciple is well deserved.”

Chu Yun smiled but added, “However, should the entrance fall, it would be difficult for the army to withdraw swiftly. The risk of annihilation is great.”

To his surprise, Lin Yan replied, “Earl Chu Yun, this valley is known as the Narrow Way Pass—the southern gateway of the Great Qi Dynasty, a natural stronghold. The Fierce Tiger Army would sooner perish to the last man than yield it. For if it were lost, the entire southern region would be imperiled. But come inside and see for yourself—even if the entrance falls, the Fierce Tiger Army will not be at a disadvantage.”

“Very well, let’s have a look inside,” Chu Yun replied with a smile, following Lin Yan forward.

As they approached, they saw that the narrowest point of the pass was blocked by high walls erected by the Fierce Tiger Army. Ten archers and four runners stood watch atop the ramparts. Upon seeing Lin Yan and Chu Yun arrive, one of the runners immediately left his post to inform the others of Lin Yan’s arrival.

Within moments, the gates were opened for them.

Lin Yan led Chu Yun in, handed their horses over to the stable hands, and brought Chu Yun to the parade ground. He then ordered the entire Fierce Tiger Army to assemble there.

Within a mere quarter of an hour, the entire force had gathered on the field.

A quarter of an hour—fifteen minutes. Though much slower than the five minutes expected of a modern army, it was still sufficiently swift, a testament to their rigorous training.