Accident Occurs, Envoy Group Robbed

Chapter 28: An Unexpected Turn of Events, the Envoy is Captured

"Alright, this has nothing to do with us. It's time, we have a mission to carry out."

Bai Yan looked at Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao and said in a deep voice:

"Go gather the men, we're heading out of the city to meet the Bozeguo envoy."

"Pass down the order, everyone be vigilant, don't let us capsize in a ditch."

While his subordinates were unaware, Bai Yan couldn't let his guard down. Zheng Haihan had specifically instructed him, indicating that this mission was bound to be unusual. Regardless of the magnitude of the danger, Bai Yan had to be extremely cautious.

It would be best if nothing happened, but if something did, they would be prepared.

"Yes, your subordinate obeys!"

Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao clasped their fists in response and immediately went to gather their men.

By the time Bai Yan walked out of the Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau's main gate, Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao had already assembled their troops and were waiting.

"Let's go."

Bai Yan mounted his horse, gave a shout, and spurred it towards the outskirts of Yongtang City.

The Imperial Guards followed closely behind, their steps in unison, not a single man falling behind.

After leaving Yongtang City, the group's speed increased, and they no longer needed to maintain such a strict formation. Ren Hong, for no particular reason, suddenly chimed in:

"I heard Bozeguo is sending a princess this time. Is she very beautiful?"

Li Kaiyao thought for a moment and replied:

"She must be beautiful. After all, she's a princess of a nation, so her looks wouldn't be bad."

"If she were ugly, she wouldn't have been chosen for a marriage alliance."

"Our Emperor has very high standards; he wouldn't even spare a glance at an ordinary woman."

Ren Hong clicked his tongue, his tone full of envy.

"It's great being the emperor. You can pick and choose beauties from all over the world, and even princesses from other countries are eager to be sent over."

"Who wouldn't say so."

As they chatted back and forth, both of them showed expressions of longing.

Bai Yan listened to their idle chatter and felt a pang of emotion. He had heard that the palace maids who refined elixirs for the emperor were all rare beauties.

If they were outside, the number of suitors knocking on their doors would probably be enough to break the threshold.

Yet, with the Emperor, these palace maids merely tended to the elixir furnaces, helping him refine elixirs. They didn't even get a chance to serve him in bed.

What a waste of talent. The Emperor didn't want so many beautiful women; he could have let them leave the palace.

Didn't he know there were many single men outside the imperial palace?

Truly, the well-fed don't know the hunger of the starving.

Only the starving know how full the well-fed are.

Bai Yan didn't know what to say about the Emperor's obsession with alchemy.

If one were to describe the current Emperor Shunying of the Great Yu Dynasty, only two words would suffice: "eccentric."

This eccentricity wasn't meant as a derogatory term but referred to his peculiar behavior.

Emperor Shunying had been on the throne for twenty-two years.

For the first ten years, Emperor Shunying was diligent in his governance and strived for excellence, managing the empire with great order.

Not only were the people living in peace and contentment, but the army's combat effectiveness also ranked among the top in all nations, making the country undeniably strong.

The Great Yu Dynasty prospered for a time, and Emperor Shunying's prestige rivaled that of the Founding Emperor, earning him the reputation of a wise ruler among the people.

However, in the following twelve years, Emperor Shunying seemed to have become a different person.

At some point, Emperor Shunying's temperament drastically changed, and he began to indulge in alchemy, pursuing immortality.

From then on, he neglected his duties and paid no attention to state affairs. He did not attend court for a full twelve years, resulting in factional strife and political decay in the imperial court.

Grand Chancellor Wang Qingquan gained Emperor Shunying's favor through flattery. He used his power to collude with a large number of civil and military officials, forming factions and engaging in corrupt practices in court, creating the largest faction.

He persecuted those who opposed him, embezzled public funds, and framed countless loyal ministers for his own benefit.

Fortunately, the Pure Stream Faction stood in direct opposition to the Grand Chancellor's Faction, which barely maintained a balance in the court.

However, during these twelve years, the Great Yu Dynasty's national strength inevitably declined.

Throughout history, there had been emperors who pursued immortality; Emperor Shunying was not the first.

But his eccentricity lay in this:

If an ordinary emperor were to not attend court for twelve years, the court would surely be controlled by powerful ministers, and his military power would be usurped, leaving him a mere puppet.

But Emperor Shunying was different.

Although he had not attended court for twelve years, he firmly held onto military and political power.

Even though he had not left the imperial palace for twelve years, no major or minor event in the empire escaped his notice.

Let's take Grand Chancellor Wang Qingquan as an example.

As the current Grand Chancellor, he appeared to wield immense power, second only to the emperor.

Using his authority, he had caused the deaths of countless loyal officials and brave generals.

The common folk called Wang Qingquan a traitor who harmed the nation, and they also said he would surely rebel in the future.

Ministers of the Pure Stream Faction in the court had also impeached Wang Qingquan numerous times for harboring rebellious intentions.

But Emperor Shunying had never paid any mind to it.

Did he not know?

No, he was perfectly aware.

It was just that he didn't care.

Because if he so wished, he could have Wang Qingquan's entire clan exterminated with a single word.

The Grand Chancellor, who appeared to control everything in the outside world, was merely a puppet in his hands, someone he could manipulate at will.

This was Emperor Shunying, an emperor who deeply understood the art of ruling, who had mastered the techniques of emperorship and courtly balance to the extreme.

In his eyes, whether loyal or treacherous, all were merely pieces on his chessboard.

Loyal officials were kept because they could help him govern.

Treacherous officials were also kept because they could do his bidding and bear infamy for him.

An emperor who acted this way was, in a certain sense, unique.

The procession hadn't traveled far when a commotion suddenly erupted from the road ahead.

Bai Yan looked into the distance and saw a group of people gathered in the middle of the road. Although he couldn't hear their voices, he could tell it was a significant disturbance.

"Send someone to investigate, and disperse the crowd. Gathering and blocking the road is utterly unacceptable."

"Yes!"

An Enforcer quickly ran off and returned a while later with a large group of people.

I sent someone to disperse them, so why did you bring them all back?

Seeing Bai Yan's displeased expression, the Enforcer explained helplessly:

"My lord, this matter..."

"I don't know how to put it. My lord, you should ask them yourself."

Then, a middle-aged man in official robes walked out from the crowd. He cupped his hands slightly and said, "I am the Magistrate of Anmin County, Chongyangmei. Greetings, Commander."

Anmin County was one of the counties surrounding Yongtang. Although it was a county, its area was vast, and it had many merchants, making it quite prosperous.

At the same time, Anmin County had an advantageous geographical location, built beside a river, with a very large dock. Its waterborne trade was thriving, and it was adjacent to Yongtang, making it a natural trade city.

"Do you not know that gathering and blocking the road is a violation of Great Yu's laws? As a county magistrate, you are breaking the law you are sworn to uphold, which is an even graver offense."

Bai Yan said in an official tone.

Normally, any official hearing these words would be terrified and at least try to explain themselves. But to their surprise, the county magistrate appeared calm, as if he hadn't taken Bai Yan's words seriously at all.

"My lord, there's no need to scare me. I am well-versed in the law and know it well, but today's matter is unusual and requires special handling."

Bai Yan dismounted his horse and asked with a raised eyebrow:

"Oh? How so?"

The magistrate's face suddenly broke into a smile, and he gestured with his hand, ushering someone out from behind him.

"Lord Xiang, please this way."

The person who emerged was full of arrogance, as if everyone owed him money. He saw Bai Yan and the large contingent of Imperial Guards behind him but still looked down his nose, showing no fear.

"Hmph!"

"You must be the other escort team sent to welcome us. Why are you so slow? Don't you know it's very hot today? The princess is not in the mood to travel. If you delay the princess's arrival at the palace, you won't be able to bear the consequences!"

Seeing his demeanor and the way he spoke to Bai Yan, Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao immediately lost their patience.

Ren Hong drew his saber and said fiercely, "How dare you! Do you know who you are speaking to?!"

Li Kaiyao, also furious, rolled up his sleeves and was about to step forward to teach him a lesson, but Bai Yan stopped him with a raised hand.

Bai Yan understood. It seemed this person was the advance officer for the Bozeguo delegation. No wonder Zheng Haihan had specifically mentioned there would be trouble before they departed. It seemed the emperor's assessment of them was accurate.

They hadn't even met yet, and the difficulties had already begun.

"How can you prove your identity?"

Although he understood, the proper procedures still needed to be followed. If something went wrong, it wouldn't be good.

"Hmph!"

The man snorted again and pulled a token from his embrace, throwing it to Bai Yan.

Bai Yan caught it. The back of the token was engraved with the person's official position and the seal of Bozeguo, while the front bore his name.

"Xiang Tuoshi?"

"Indeed!"

Bai Yan's mouth twitched. What a fitting name.

"Tell me, what is this about? Why are you blocking the road without reason? You know we are the escort for an envoy. If our progress is delayed, you will share the responsibility."

Bai Yan tossed the token back, speaking indifferently.

If it were anyone else daring to be so arrogant, Bai Yan would have struck them down long ago. But this guy was like a piece of shit. If Bai Yan were to stoop to his level, it would be too degrading. Hitting shit only made himself dirty. He just wanted to resolve this trouble quickly and get back to his important business.

"It's nothing. Just some ruffian causing trouble. I already sent him away, but he was persistent and tried to extort me. So I taught him a lesson."

Xiang Tuoshi said dismissively.

"Sir! You must uphold justice for me!"

At this moment, a roar came from the crowd, followed by a limping young man who rushed forward. Without a word, he knelt before Bai Yan and kowtowed heavily, his head bleeding profusely without stopping.

Seeing this, Bai Yan reached out to help him up, stopping the young man, and asked in a deep voice:

"What exactly happened? Tell me in detail."

"Sir, they bullied my sister without reason and caused her death. I brought them to the officials, but they protected each other and called me a rioter. My leg was broken by them. You must uphold justice for me!"

The youth's words were choked with sobs, his face streaked with tears, evoking pity in anyone who heard him.

Bai Yan looked down and saw the youth's lower leg was twisted, clearly broken. For an ordinary person, such an injury would likely have caused them to cry out in agony. Yet, this young man had managed to drag himself all this way, showing the depth of his hatred.

Zhen Xiaoren's matter had just concluded, and now he encountered such a situation again today.

Hearing this, Bai Yan frowned and looked at Xiang Tuoshi and Chongyangmei, saying coldly:

"Is this true?"

Xiang Tuoshi waved his hand, his expression disgusted.

"My Kunlun slave has been cooped up lately and just picked up some random woman. What else can you expect from such a low species? They even fancy a village girl like this. It's disgusting."

Chongyangmei also chimed in.

"Although this Kunlun slave is a bit ugly, he could have entered the palace in the future. Who knew that woman couldn't handle it and threw herself into a well? She deserved to not enjoy the good fortune."

"You! You guys...!"

The youth's eyes turned blood red with anger upon hearing them speak of his sister in such a way, his chest heaving.

"I will deliver justice for you."

Bai Yan comforted him and then said, "Where is that Kunlun slave? Call him here."

A flicker of displeasure crossed Xiang Tuoshi's face. "You're going to get serious about such a trivial matter? It will delay the Princess's..."

"I said, call the Kunlun slave here. Don't make me repeat myself."

A killing aura surged around Bai Yan, his icy eyes fixed on Xiang Tuoshi.

Seeing Bai Yan's eyes, as cold as ice, Xiang Tuoshi shivered involuntarily. He dared not reply further and immediately ordered the Kunlun slave to come out.

A burly man with dark skin and black hair, high cheekbones, a flat nose, and wide lips stood before Bai Yan. He was at least two meters tall, a full head taller than Bai Yan.

Seeing Bai Yan before him, he sneered contemptuously and spoke in broken official Chinese:

"Little... dot..."

Before he could finish, Bai Yan struck. He raised his right hand high and slapped the Kunlun slave directly.

"Bang!"

True Essence erupted. The Kunlun slave was instantly reduced to a bloody mist by Bai Yan's palm, leaving no trace of his remains.

After killing him, Bai Yan's gaze swept over Xiang Tuoshi, and he asked indifferently:

"Do you have any objections?"

Under Bai Yan's emotionless gaze, Xiang Tuoshi felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave. He instinctively replied:

"No... no..."

Bai Yan then turned to Chongyangmei. He flinched and quickly waved his hands, indicating he had no objections either.

"A life for a life. Do you accept this justice from this official?"

Upon hearing this, the youth kowtowed heavily three times to Bai Yan and said tearfully:

"Thank you, sir!"

With that, his head lolled to the side, and he collapsed to the ground.

Bai Yan leaned over to examine him and found that the youth was not seriously injured.

He had managed to hold on until now purely by willpower. With his grievance redressed and the overwhelming emotions of sorrow and joy, his spirit was overwhelmed, and he simply fainted.

"Can his friends, neighbors, or family take him back?"

A few people then rushed out from the crowd. They first thanked Bai Yan and then carried the young man away on their backs.

Bai Yan looked at Xiang Tuoshi and Chongyangmei, who were still frozen in place. He walked up, patted their shoulders, and said with a forced smile, "You mustn't make such mistakes again in the future, or your official careers will be over."

The two nodded vigorously, not daring to retort.

Bai Yan smiled again, mounted his horse, and the procession continued.

After traveling a bit further, Ren Hong, unable to contain himself any longer, leaned in and asked in a low voice, "Sir, these two corrupt officials deserved to die. Why did you..."

Bai Yan replied, "You want to ask why I spared their lives?"

Ren Hong nodded, and Li Kaiyao nodded along with him.

Bai Yan chuckled and said, "Who said I spared their lives?"

Ren Hong was stunned, completely bewildered.

"Within seven days, they will surely die."

Bai Yan offered no further explanation, leaving Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao staring at each other.

Just then, a warhorse galloped over, kicking up clouds of dust. A soldier with a panicked expression sat on its back.

Seeing the Imperial Guard's procession, the soldier immediately rode closer.

"May I ask if you are Commander Bai of the Imperial Guard, responsible for escorting the Bozeguo delegation?"

The soldier asked, cupping his fists.

Bai Yan nodded, "That's right."

The soldier immediately produced a forbidden army token and said urgently, "I am Huang Ye, a personal guard under General Zhou Long. I've been sent by the General to request reinforcements!"

"The Bozeguo delegation was ambushed outside the city at Bieyou Pavilion. Thieves have abducted the Princess of Bozeguo! I implore you to rush to her rescue!"

"Abducted the Princess?!"

Everyone was shocked upon hearing this.

Who dared to ambush the Bozeguo delegation outside Yongtang City? Were these people out of their minds?

Who was the Princess of Bozeguo? She was a noble of a sovereign nation and was about to become a concubine to the Emperor of Great Yu.

Simply laying hands on the princess was a capital offense.

If this incident disrupted the peace between the two nations, it would be tantamount to treason, a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of relatives!

"They truly are audacious."

Bai Yan looked at Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao behind him and said loudly, "The situation is urgent. I'll go ahead. You bring the rest of the men and follow quickly."

With that, Bai Yan leaped from his horse. Before he even landed, he activated the Lightning-Fast Movement Steps.

With a flash of lightning, Bai Yan vanished from everyone's sight.

"Sir, you're too fast! We can't keep up!"

Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao sighed in admiration, filled with helplessness.

They were only first-rate martial artists, and their lightness skills were not some divine techniques. They simply couldn't match Bai Yan's speed.

Even on horseback, they would be far behind him.

Ren Hong suddenly pulled hard on the reins, turned back, and shouted, "All men, listen up! Head to Bieyou Pavilion at full speed! Move out!"