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墨書 Inktalez
Lin Xiu Wen burst out of the large tent and collided head-on with Ashina. A sinister smile spread across Ashina's face, as if he had already considered Lin Xiu Wen to be in his grasp.
“It’s you?” Ashina sneered, a glint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes. “Perfect, I’ll start with you!”
However, Lin Xiu Wen remained calm and retrieved a jade pendant from his sleeve, holding it high. “Do you recognize this item, Your Highness?”
Ashina focused on it, and his expression changed drastically; the arrogance he had just displayed vanished in an instant. He stammered, “This... this is...”
“Indeed.” Lin Xiu Wen spoke in a deep voice that carried an undeniable authority. “This is a token between you and a certain prominent figure from the Central Plains. If I were to make this public…”
A flicker of panic crossed Ashina's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Do you think you can threaten me with this? If I kill you, who would know?”
Lin Xiu Wen smiled coldly. “Do you really think I wouldn’t have a backup plan? The origins of this jade pendant have already been sent back to the Central Plains. If I do not return safely today…” He left the sentence hanging, but the implication was clear.
Ashina’s face turned ashen; he gritted his teeth but dared not act recklessly. Just then, a horn sounded from afar. The piercing sound echoed over the royal court, heralding the arrival of a storm.
“Report—” A soldier rushed in, his voice trembling slightly. “Left Wise King is leading troops here!”
Ashina was taken aback. “How is that possible? Isn’t he at the border…”
Seizing the opportunity, Lin Xiu Wen said, “Your Highness, it’s not too late to back down now. As long as you spare Khan and Princess Ashide, I can guarantee…”
“Shut up!” Ashina roared in fury, brandishing his weapon and shouting, “Someone, kill him!”
At that critical moment, an arrow flew through the air and struck Ashina’s wrist holding the knife. With a cry of pain, the weapon clattered to the ground.
“Xiu Wen, run!” came Lin Xiu Wu's voice from a distance.
It turned out that Lin Xiu Wu and Liu Rumei had sensed something was amiss and secretly followed the envoy to the Northern Border. They had brought a squad of elite cavalry and charged in at just the right moment.
In the chaos of battle, Lin Xiu Wen reunited with his brother. Lin Xiu Wu asked urgently, “Where’s Princess Ashide?”
“Miss Su took her through a secret passage,” Lin Xiu Wen replied quickly. “We must find Left Wise King as soon as possible!”
Meanwhile, Su Wanqing and Ashide had already escaped the royal court. They ran along the secret passage and finally saw Left Wise King's vanguard at its exit.
“Princess!” Left Wise King dismounted and knelt on one knee, his voice tinged with guilt. “I apologize for my late arrival; please forgive me!”
Tears welled in Ashide's eyes as she said, “Left Wise King, Father Khan…”
Left Wise King's expression turned sorrowful as he spoke in a low voice. “I already know. Do not worry, I will help you quell the rebellion and avenge Khan!”
Under Left Wise King's escort, Ashide returned to the royal court. Seeing that the tide had turned against them, the rebels began to defect. Realizing things were going poorly for him, Ashina attempted to flee but was captured by Lin Xiu Wu.
After the rebellion was quelled, Ashide officially ascended as the new Khan. Standing on the high platform of the royal court and looking down at her kneeling clansmen, she felt a surge of emotions. She understood that she bore the future of her entire tribe on her shoulders and could never allow her father's tragedy to repeat itself.
“Lin,” Ashide said as she approached Lin Xiu Wen, a hint of gratitude in her tone. “Thanks to you, I have decided to fulfill the Marriage Alliance agreement and unite with the Crown Prince of the Central Plains.”
Lin Xiu Wen nodded appreciatively. “Khan, your wisdom is commendable. However…” He shifted his tone, a trace of concern crossing his face. “Regarding Ashina’s collusion with the treacherous officials of the Central Plains…”
Ashide’s expression grew serious. “I have already interrogated Ashina. He mentioned that he was in contact with someone called ‘The Black Hand.’”
“The Black Hand?” Lin Xiu Wen furrowed his brow. This name was unfamiliar to him, yet he sensed a great conspiracy lurking beneath it.
Just then, Liu Rumei hurried over, urgency etched on her face. “Xiu Wen, we’ve uncovered some leads.”
She lowered her voice and continued, “The ‘Black Hand’ that Ashina mentioned is likely…”
Before she could finish her sentence, a cold arrow suddenly shot through the air!
“Watch out!” Lin Xiu Wu reacted swiftly, pushing Liu Rumei aside. The arrow grazed his shoulder and embedded itself in the wall.
“There’s an assassin!” everyone exclaimed in shock.
In the chaos, a shadow darted away. Lin Xiu Wu attempted to pursue but was stopped by Lin Xiu Wen. “Brother, don’t chase after him. We have more important matters at hand.”
He turned to Ashide. “Khan, we need to gather everyone for a meeting in the hall immediately.”
Ashide nodded in agreement.
Inside the Northern King’s council hall, the atmosphere was tense and heavy. The hall was brightly lit, with Ashide Khan seated at the head of the table, her piercing gaze sweeping over everyone present. Beside her stood the Left Wise King, while Lin Xiu Wen, Liu Rumei, Lin Xiu Wu, and Su Wanqing flanked either side. The royal court had begun to recover from the shadows of the Rebellion, but everyone understood that the real crisis was just beginning.
Ashide spoke up. “It seems that the Marriage Alliance is imperative now.”
Lin Xiu Wen smiled slightly. “Khan, while the Marriage Alliance is indeed important, we must first ensure trust between our two nations. Ashina’s Rebellion has caused significant losses for both sides; we need to uncover the truth to achieve genuine peace.”
Ashide nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. But the identity of ‘The Black Hand’ remains unclear. How should we proceed with our investigation?”
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Xiu Wen suggested, “Khan, I propose we start with Ashina’s testimony. The ‘Black Hand’ he mentioned could be a key figure. If we can locate him, perhaps we can unravel the entire conspiracy.”
Ashide agreed with a nod. “Very well; I will dispatch people to assist you in your investigation. However, before that, we must stabilize our internal situation within the tribe. The Left Wise King has already quelled the Rebellion, but we still need to soothe our people’s hearts.”
Lin Xiu Wen acknowledged her words. “I understand. The Marriage Alliance can be postponed for now, but we must expedite our investigation into ‘The Black Hand.’ Otherwise, we cannot guarantee that similar Rebellions won’t occur again.”
Ashide nodded firmly, determination etched on her face. “Lin, I trust you. You and Lady Liu Rumei will have full authority over this matter. I will provide all necessary support.”
Turning back to Ashide, Lin Xiu Wen said, “Khan, I have a suggestion regarding the Marriage Alliance…”
His proposal plunged Ashide into deep thought. She knew that the Marriage Alliance was not merely a union between two nations; it was a significant decision affecting the future of the entire tribe. She had to proceed cautiously to ensure that their interests were not compromised.
“Lin,” Ashide asked with a hint of anticipation in her voice, “how do you think we should arrange this?”
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