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Xu Zhen was quite surprised to see that Gou Renwu and the others were acquainted with this woman from the Refugee Resistance Army. The three of them were whispering to each other, their faces filled with excitement. Xu Zhen observed the woman recognizing Gou Renwu, feeling a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, as if witnessing a flower falling helplessly or a familiar swallow returning home.
Although this woman was among rogues, she could not hide her noble and stubborn demeanor, clearly hinting at a mysterious background. The rain poured down heavily, and they could not talk much, quickly stripping the bandits of their belongings. All the spoils were placed on horseback, and they took in this group of rogues, heading northwest toward Tuyang City.
They traversed through the rainforest, with muddy paths beneath their feet. The rogues were poorly dressed, and the cold rain made it worse. The elderly and weak leaned on each other, suffering greatly. After wandering for quite some time, they finally arrived at a stronghold. A few lean and sharp-eyed men emerged from the dark sentry posts to identify them and hurriedly ushered everyone inside.
The stronghold was surrounded by wooden fences, with bamboo houses and thatched cottages scattered throughout the large compound. The roads were muddy and filthy; even though heavy rain continuously washed over them, a foul smell lingered in the air.
Upon hearing hoofbeats, several pale faces emerged from the thatched houses. The children looked emaciated, with only their bright eyes shining through their gaunt faces, evoking a sense of pity.
The woman waved her hand and began issuing orders to her subordinates. Strong men from the thatched houses rushed out to collect all the spoils from the horses' backs and distribute them carefully to ensure every household received something.
The people in the stronghold clearly held great respect for the woman. Wherever she went, they bowed their heads in deference, some even disregarding the dirt beneath them to kneel in gratitude.
At this moment, a hint of warmth appeared on her face as she responded with a gracious smile. She led Gou Renwu and Xu Zhen to the highest wooden building in the stronghold. A middle-aged woman accompanied by her son followed closely behind. It seemed that this new group of rogues had noticed Xu Zhen's care for the mother and child and sent them as representatives to express gratitude for the stronghold's hospitality.
Once inside the wooden building, they removed their raincoats and hats. The main hall was simply furnished, adorned with two characters written in Han script—sturdy and powerful strokes that flowed freely, imbued with deep sorrow and resilience: "Yu Zhong."
Seeing these two characters confirmed Xu Zhen's suspicions about the woman's identity. Gou Renwu formally introduced her to Xu Zhen: "General, this is... Her Royal Highness Princess Min'en of Goguryeo."
Gao Huizhen slightly raised her head, waiting for Xu Zhen's acknowledgment. However, Xu Zhen merely cupped her hands in greeting with a smile: "I am Xu Zhen of Tang."
Xu Zhen had secretly infiltrated Goguryeo to rescue Qin Guang. Given her unclear understanding of Goguryeo's situation, she naturally would not easily disclose her military identity.
Gao Huizhen was somewhat surprised by Xu Zhen's calm demeanor. Seeing the two women in a slight standoff, Gou Renwu chuckled awkwardly but dared not reveal Xu Zhen's identity.
Xu Zhen felt displeased and spoke to Gou Renwu in Tang Language: "Brother Renwu must also have the surname Gao? You certainly have been good at concealing it..."
Gou Renwu smiled wryly and apologized: "I indeed have the surname Gao; Rongliuwang Gao Jianwu is my elder brother... I did not intend to deceive you; at that time I was exiled to Tang seeking support for restoration but ended up in this situation and was imprisoned by Youzhou Chancellor Gao Di—it was truly out of necessity..."
Xu Zhen finally confirmed her suspicions but felt no joy. Throughout their journey together, she had treated Gao Renwu like a brother; however, it now appeared that Gao Renwu belonged to Goguryeo's royal family and might have intentions of leveraging her strength for his own restoration back home.
Once there is a utilitarian aspect between brothers, their bond is inevitably affected. Xu Zhenxin felt uncomfortable, and Gao Renwu also appeared guilty.
Resources in the Stronghold were scarce, and there was little to offer as hospitality. Gao Huizhen ordered someone to serve a kind of porridge, treating it as tea. Gao Renwu and Gem accepted it gladly, but Xu Zhen had little appetite.
After sitting for a while, Xu Zhen was about to inquire about the situation in Tuyang City from Gao Huizhen when a commotion outside interrupted her. A group of people entered Yuzhong Hall, led by a man with fair skin, small eyes, high cheekbones, and thin lips. His gaze was fierce, accompanied by several others who looked menacing, and behind them were residents of the Stronghold, exuding an intimidating presence.
This person clearly held a high status; everyone else knelt before Gao Huizhen to pay their respects, while he stood arrogantly, seemingly questioning her. His words came out too quickly for Xu Zhen to fully understand with her level of Goguryeo Language proficiency. She could only catch fragments like "Tang People" and "rebels," piecing together that her identity as a Tang person might bring trouble.
The man wore ancient armor adorned with a crest on his chest and carried an old sword at his waist, contrasting sharply with the attire of the others. He argued with Gao Huizhen, subtly hinting at a desire for power.
Although Gao Huizhen had no fondness for Xu Zhen, her authority was being challenged. In the past, she would have endured it silently, but now that Gao Renwu had returned and she had support, she no longer needed to be bullied.
As expected, Gao Renwu frowned and stepped forward angrily.
"Young man from the Eulji family, mind your words and actions!"
He did not know this young man personally but recognized the emblem on his chest armor; it belonged to the family of Eulji Mundeok, a renowned general of Goguryeo.
Eulji Nawi inherited his family's title with pride. His ancestors had once held significant positions in Goguryeo but had sworn loyalty to save Gao Huizhen and other royal family descendants during the massacre by Cheon Gae Su Mun. They faced relentless pursuit and suffered heavy casualties, leaving only Princess Min'en and Gao Huizhen alive.
He had long been infatuated with Gao Huizhen but had restrained himself due to his status as a subject. However, he had built this Stronghold himself, gathering many soldiers along the way. The rogues were also taken in by him. Despite its shabby appearance, the Stronghold was surrounded by crops that barely sustained its inhabitants. With the rebels frequently attacking government troops and reaping rewards, their strength gradually grew.
Eulji Nawi became increasingly arrogant as he gained popularity. He imposed harsh punishments for any disobedience among his followers; if rogues complained, he would cut off their food supply. With both kindness and severity in play, no one in the Stronghold dared oppose him.
The more he acted this way, the bolder he became towards Gao Huizhen. He even contemplated forcibly taking her to usurp the royal title and strengthen the rebels for greater ambitions.
Thus, when he received news that Gao Huizhen had brought back a Tang person, he hurried to Yuzhong Hall!
General Eulji Mundeok was a national hero in Goguryeo's history for resisting the Sui Dynasty; this was also what Eulji Family took pride in. To them, anyone across the Liao River was an enemy—how could he show Xu Zhen any respect?
Hearing the scolding from Gao Renwu, Eulji Nawi's expression turned fierce as he waved his hand to command his subordinates, "This person dares to offend me, seize him!"
Many soldiers received the order and drew their weapons, surrounding Gao Renwu and his companions.
Gao Renwu remained calm, taking out a small jade knife and raising it high, shouting like Spring Thunder, "Who dares to be impudent before this Prince!"
Upon seeing the gem-encrusted jade knife, Eulji Nawi hurriedly knelt down, his lips twitching slightly as he suppressed his anger and solemnly greeted, "Eulji Nawi pays respects to Silver Pearl Prince!"
When the soldiers heard the title of Prince, they all fell to their knees. The people outside the stronghold learned that it was the brave and resourceful Silver Pearl Prince and also knelt down. The news quickly spread throughout the Stronghold, and the previously dull and lifeless expressions of the people seemed to regain vitality, a glimmer of brilliance shining through—this brilliance was called hope!
The rebels within the Stronghold had long been filled with grievances. They knew that Princess Min'en was struggling but were intimidated by Eulji Nawi's tyranny and dared not resist. Now that Silver Pearl Prince had arrived, the Princess no longer needed to live in fear or take risks!
Gao Renwu, having experienced court struggles as a Prince, understood how to win people's hearts. He was also concerned that pressing too hard might push Eulji Nawi—who controlled the rebels—to take desperate measures and seize power. Therefore, he helped Eulji Nawi up and comforted him.
"The Eulji family’s young man is indeed loyal and brave; thanks to you, the Princess is safe. Once we drive out the treacherous ministers and thieves, the Eulji family's banner will surely fly high over Marudo Castle again!"
Eulji Nawi had always taken pride in his family. Gao Renwu's words struck a chord with him, making him feel elated. He had been considering taking Princess Gao Huizhen hostage for greater ambitions; now that Gao Renwu officially acknowledged his contributions, how could he not be pleased?
Seeing how smoothly Gao Renwu manipulated people's hearts, Xu Zhen couldn't help but sigh inwardly, feeling that Gao Renwu was drifting further away from her.
With Gao Renwu stepping up to take charge, everyone was overjoyed. Eulji Nawi killed five warhorses, and the entire Stronghold celebrated the return of their Silver Pearl Prince.
Though warhorses were rare, Tuolang was mountainous and riding horses was impractical; moreover, the rebels lacked organized cavalry. Thus, killing horses didn't seem like much of a loss.
Xu Zhen had little interest in the festivities and sat alone by the fire while Gao Renwu gathered with Gao Huizhen and others to discuss their journey, inevitably sharing many sighs.
The rogues within the Stronghold rarely celebrated; everyone chewed on horse meat with delight. Regardless of age or gender, they laughed joyfully. Some began to dance ancient dances by the fire while melodious songs echoed around them, making it feel as if they had returned to the peaceful Goguryeo era.
Xu Zhen knew that Gao Renwu would not leave again; Qingxiazi and Gem would naturally follow him. Moreover, Zuo An and Gem were mutually attracted to each other and would likely stay here as well. With her support diminished, how could she rescue Qin Guang?
"Perhaps I can use this rebel force to take down Tuyang City... However..." Xu Zhen pondered. Just then, she saw the brat from earlier stumbling towards her, his face covered in blood!
Earlier in the day, Xu Zhen had spoken with him and his mother. The boy's name was Li Chengjun, and the middle-aged beauty was called Jin Shu. They were originally from a wealthy family in Gaimu City but had fallen into hardship due to the rebellion, relying on each other for survival.
Li Chengjun was resilient and unyielding, traits that Xu Zhen admired. Seeing his bloodied face, she couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"
Li Chengjun simply dragged Xu Zhen along as he ran, shouting, "Help! Save my mother!"
They ran several steps before the celebratory music faded away, replaced by a woman's piercing screams and desperate pleas that tore at the heart!
Li Chengjun was injured and still young; as they ran, he began to fall behind. Xu Zhenxin, concerned for Jin Shu's safety, rushed toward the sound and saw a small wooden house with its door ajar. Inside, a man's lewd laughter mingled with the sounds of a woman pleading and resisting!
"Bang!"
Xu Zhen kicked open the door. The dilapidated door splintered under her force!
On the straw mat inside, a rebel was on top of Jin Shu, her clothes half-removed. Jin Shu resisted fiercely but was beaten until her face was bloodied, slowly losing her strength to fight back. As it seemed the man would succeed, tears of humiliation streamed down Jin Shu's face.
At that moment, there was a loud crash as the door shattered into pieces, and Xu Zhen stood there with her knife drawn!
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