Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Spring Gathering in the North: Military Formation (Part 2)

It takes about three days to get from the capital to the royal forest farm "Beiye" of Canghuan Kingdom. Beiye, 

as the name suggests, is a suburb in the north of the capital, located between continuous mountains and forests. 

A large area of ​​forest and mountain land is designated as a royal hunting ground. In the past twenty years, spring 

hunting and autumn hunting have been suspended, and the forest farm in Kitano has been poorly managed.

Now, the emperor suddenly issued an edict, requiring all civil and military officials of the court to come here for 

early spring hunting. The Beiye Forest Farm was in a state of extreme chaos for a while. After all, this was a 

mountainous area, and wild animals would occasionally break in, so safety measures were extremely important.

On the twentieth day of the first lunar month, the emperor's palanquin, under the protection of the Imperial Guard, 

left the palace and headed north towards the outskirts of the capital. Since his ascension, Emperor Si Cang Qing 

had not acted extravagantly, but this journey was nonetheless grand, with thousands of Imperial Guards escorting 

the civil and military officials and the palace attendants. Avoiding the crowds, they took secluded roads, arriving 

outside the northern forest of Beiye, and from there proceeded to

With so many people, the speed naturally couldn't be fast. They walked and stopped, and before they had even 

covered half the distance, they saw the sun setting in the west. Si Cang Qing then issued an order to camp on the 

spot and take a short rest that night.

The imperial carriage slowly came to a stop, and a slender, fair hand lifted the curtain. The West Empress 

Cheng TianYang stepped out gracefully. The ministers kneeling outside were slightly astonished: to be able to sit 

in the same carriage as the Emperor, it seems this new Empress is exceptionally favored…

But they can only wisely remain silent.

"Heh," inside the main tent, Cheng TianYang's eyes shimmered with a captivating light, his charm boundless. 

Leaning gently against Si Cang Qing, he whispered in his ear, "Is this the training base His Majesty chose for 

the new army camp? It does bear some resemblance to the terrain of Hongcheng..."

It was only recently that he learned that when the war with Guangyu Kingdom came about, Si Cang Qing had 

already made plans for the future war with Hongcheng. He stirred up the people's morale in the name of 

Guangyu's invasion and defending the country, and recruited a large number of new soldiers. This move not only 

allows the Guangyu Kingdom to train new soldiers during the war, but also strengthens the military strength of 

the Canghuan Kingdom. After Guangyu's demise, they selected outstanding generals from among the new 

recruits and conducted advance training specifically for the geographical environment of the mountainous 

rainforest of Hongcheng State. This was so that when the two countries went to war, the soldiers who grew up 

in the northern plains would be able to fully adapt and not be restricted by the rugged terrain.

"But," Cheng TianYang added, "the mountains and forests in Beiye are vast and continuous, but they are not as 

rugged and steep as those in Hongcheng Kingdom." Moreover, in Hongcheng Kingdom, not only are there many 

mountains and forests, but the weather is also unpredictable, which is difficult to compare with the relatively 

drier north.

Once the war breaks out in the future, even if a few dangerous border towns can be successfully captured and 

enter the hinterland, it will still be full of dangers due to the completely different topography and environment. 

This is because if you want to finally capture Hongcheng's capital Hongdu, you must break through the steep 

Yaoshan Ridge, and that will become the biggest obstacle to the capture of Hongcheng. In addition, if the 

Canghuan army wants to wipe out the roots, it will have to go south to conquer the Nanyi Mountain area and 

several islands outside the South China Sea. All of these require the soldiers to not only have good physical 

strength and perseverance, but also to be able to adapt to the environment and climate there, and to have a set 

of marching techniques and troop deployment formations that are suitable for this environment.

Si Cang Qing naturally thought of Cheng TianYang's concerns, which is why he decided to carry out this spring 

search trip. Outside the Beiye Forest Farm is the new military camp’s secret base. This time he wanted to take 

this opportunity to inspect the results of the new military camp training. Although Hong Cheng Kingdom was 

making frequent moves, he still had some concerns. During this period, if there are any shortcomings in the new 

military camp, they can be improved as soon as possible.

Si Cang Qing's tone was not too worried, and he said, "When the new military camp is conducting drills, you can 

watch it together."

As a citizen of Hongcheng and having once held significant military power, Cheng TianYang is not as untalented 

as the rumors suggest. He is exceptionally well-versed in military tactics and strategies. Given his understanding 

of Hongcheng's military strength, he is certainly capable of identifying potential issues and shortcomings in the 

new military camp's drills and providing some guidance.

Shaking his head and sighing, Cheng TianYang teased, while saying this, he gently stroked his superior Cang 

Qing's cheek, "Your Majesty trusts Tianyang so much, aren't you afraid I might leak the secret?"

Si Cang Qing glanced at the other person calmly, believing in his own judgment—if he had truly been betrayed,

it was his own fault, and he had no one to blame but himself.

Seeing him looking so nonchalant, Cheng TianYang couldn't help but roll his eyes in boredom.

"Eh, forget I said anything."

Just as the two were discussing the new military camp's drill, a respectful announcement came from outside the 

tent: "Your Majesty, Lord Qiu requests an audience."

"Let him in."

Seeing the tent being lifted from the outside, Cheng TianYang smiled knowingly, "Your Majesty, then I won't 

disturb you any further." After saying that, he nodded to Qiu Ping Tian, who was walking towards him, and 

walked out on his own.

"Qing Di," as Cheng TianYang stepped out, Qiu Ping Tian softly spoke, his expression showing a hint of joy, 

"I'm back."

◇Cang◇Huan◇Seven◇Palace◇

"Sit down!"

Si Cang Qing gestured to the other party and waited for his words.

Last year, the "Tianwaitian" incident caused a big stir in the underworld. Before the New Year, Qiu Ping Tian 

went to southern Xinjiang with spies and people from Dongying Tower to find out the truth of the matter.

Qiu Ping Tian poured himself a cup of tea at a leisurely pace, took a slow sip, and then spoke gently. He smiled 

at Si Cang Qing, "Wu Xin asked me to send his regards, and there are some other things. I'll hand them over to 

the palace attendant when I return."

"Yeah." Si Cang Qing was not in a hurry and just responded lightly.

After a pause, Qiu Ping Tian spoke again, his expression slightly serious, "The matter of Tianwaitian is getting 

more and more out of control. All the major sects in the martial arts world are now gathered in Yuexi City outside 

of Southern Xinjiang to discuss how to enter the Heze Poison Forest."

"Moreover..." Qiu Ping Tian hesitated and said, "It is said that the Seventh Young Master broke in a few days 

ago, and now there is no response... Everyone in the martial arts world is still waiting."

Listening to Qiu Ping Tian's narration of the news of these days, Si Cang Qing pondered for a long while before 

deciding, "In mid-March, I will go south for inspection. If the matter of Tianwaitian is not resolved by then, I 

will go there in person."

Qiu Ping Tian disagreed, "The Heze Poison Forest is unpredictable and full of dangers. You should consider it 

carefully."

Si Cang Qing just shook his head slightly and said nothing. He wanted to figure out what exactly existed in that 

outer world, or what had happened in the past that led to the split of Piao Miao Pavilion and the execution of its 

leader; and now, what purpose did the person behind the scenes want to achieve by taking advantage of this 

incident?

"You just came back," Si Cang Qing changed the subject, "You should go back and rest!"

Qiu Ping Tian smiled, "No problem, it's rare to have such an opportunity. I want to see your horseback archery 

skills, Qing Di."

Shaking her head, Si Cang Qing said softly, "I won't participate."

"Ah?"

Si Cang Qing ignored the other person's confusion and added, "You go back and prepare for the southern tour, 

and also..." Pausing for a moment, "If you have time, go see Cheng Tian Bi."

He must be a bit bored being alone in the palace.

After a moment of hesitation, Qiu Ping Tian no longer declined, "Alright."

"However, during the southern tour, you must definitely take me with you."

"Mm."

After Qiu Ping Tian left, Si Cang Qing also got up and walked out of the tent. Looking at the mountains and 

fields, where crowds were bustling and torches were flickering everywhere, he said softly, "Don't follow me."

The early spring mountains are a bit chilly. The wind occasionally blows, brushing against the face, still causing 

some pain, but the fresh scent carried by the wind makes one feel particularly refreshed.

Gradually walking away, gradually leaving the noisy crowd.

He, who already preferred tranquility, faintly heard an ethereal melody, as if it were the stream of a mountain 

ravine. Si Cang Qing paused and then walked in that direction.

The deep blue night shrouded the person, making it hard to see clearly.

It's just the sound of the flute by his ear, becoming clearer and more melodious. Si Cang Qing stopped not far 

away; the other party hasn't noticed him yet!

Originally wanting to leave, but thinking of something, Si Cang Qing's footsteps turned back, silently standing 

behind this person.

The sound of the flute gradually fades away. But the stream in the mountain valley continues to sing joyfully, its 

tinkling sound still quite enchanting.

It seemed like a sigh of sorrow, or perhaps just the low murmur of the wind. The person, holding a short flute, 

stood dazedly by the stream, lost in deep thought.

"In the deep mountains and forests, it's very dangerous for you to be here alone." Si Cang Qing spoke coldly, 

interrupting the man's thoughts. The other party was a scholar who couldn't even tie a chicken, and it was 

inappropriate for him to wander around in these mountains and forests.

"Ah," Liu Yi was momentarily stunned, then turned around to see Si Cang Qing and hurriedly knelt to pay his 

respects, "Your humble servant..."

"Privately, no need." Si Cang Qing said indifferently, watching the mountain stream flow with the shattered 

moonlight, "Go back!" He didn't want to hear the news tomorrow that the prime minister was attacked by a beast.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Liu Yi slightly lowered his head and followed behind Si Cang Qing…

His half-closed eyelids concealed the emotions in his eyes. He didn't expect to meet Si Cang Qing here. 

Originally, he just wanted to find a quiet place to be alone... Si Cang Qing's concerns were normal. As a scholar 

who didn't know martial arts, he shouldn't wander around alone in such a dangerous place, so as not to cause 

unnecessary trouble.

...It was a rare opportunity for me to indulge myself, and I happened to meet Si Cang Qing.

Both of them have aloof personalities and speak very little.

Looking at the swaying torches and figures in the camp from afar, Si Cang Qing stopped and hesitated - at this 

moment, he didn't really want to go back, as he had originally wanted to come out alone to relax.

He then turned his head towards Liu Yi and said, "Come walk around with me!" It seems that this Prime Minister, 

being alone here, is similar to him in not liking crowds and noise!

Liu Yi naturally complied.

The two taciturn individuals occasionally exchanged a few words as they strolled slowly through the night in 

the early spring forest. The night grew deeper, yet the moonlight was exquisite, like sand and smoke, adding a 

touch of hazy unreality to each other.

"Ah..."

While the two were enjoying such a tranquil beauty, Liu Yi suddenly let out a sound, then quickly stopped and 

swallowed the subsequent moan.

Si Cang Qing quickly approached him, keenly noticing a long black shadow wrapped around the man's left leg. 

With a swift wave of his hand, the shadow was severed into several pieces and fell to the ground.

At the same time, Si Cang Qing quickly squatted down, forcefully tore open the clothes covering Liu Yi's legs, 

and quickly tapped the acupoints to stop the spread of the poisonous blood.

"Hmm..." An uncontrollable moan escaped from Liu Yi's throat.

Si Cang Qing looked up. Under the moonlight, he could vaguely see the man's pale face and the big drops of 

cold sweat rolling down his forehead, so he coldly warned him, "Bear with it."

Liu Yi's body swayed slightly but steadied itself. Hearing Si Cang Qing's words, he merely nodded faintly, 

suppressing the dizziness in front of him.

After carefully examining the wound, he looked down and scanned the severed little snake. A chill gradually 

appeared in Si Cang Qing's eyes—this little snake, named Daiqing (的青 : the Green) , was also a highly 

poisonous creature, but that wasn't the main point.

The important thing is... Daiqing, born in the southern frontier, how could she appear in the northern wilderness 

of Lianjing?

Without thinking much, Si Cang Qing got up and carried Liu Yi: Now, the priority is to return to the camp as 

soon as possible and quickly eliminate the poison. Fortunately, he acted quickly just now, otherwise...

"Your... Majesty..."

Liu Yi struggled to speak, trembling as he raised a hand, pointing behind Si Cang Qing.

Si Cang Qing slowly turned around. Not far away, dozens of ghostly green eyes were gradually approaching—

Wolf pack.
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