The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 363 - Avenging His Father

Hearing this devastating news, even Pei Yao, as composed as he was, felt a chilling shock, his body stiffening.

The messenger reported that Duke Qin had led his troops in a fierce five-day battle. He was ambushed by the enemy and fought desperately to create a path for his son, Huo Mingxuan, to escape. He fought until his last breath and was finally killed by an enemy general.

In a cruel display, the enemy raised Duke Qin's body on a cross, displaying it before their army.

Infuriated by the sight of his father's disgrace, Duke Qin's eldest son, Huo Mingxu, led a charge against the enemy. Though skilled in defense rather than offense, his rage fueled him, and he managed to recover his father's body, despite being shot nine times and resembling a human pincushion. His ancestral golden silk armor saved his vital organs, allowing him to survive, albeit critically injured.

Currently, the Qin family's four sons faced dire straits: the father dead, the eldest son severely wounded and unconscious, the second son critically injured and recuperating in the capital, leaving only the youngest, Huo Mingxuan, to hold the northern frontier.

Aged only seventeen or eighteen, Huo Mingxuan rapidly matured overnight, taking charge of military affairs with seasoned composure.

Yet, his youth made him unsuitable as the main commander. The returning soldier sought Pei Yao's decision on appointing a new leader.

The most senior officer in the northern army was General Zhang, sent from the capital. Pei Yao appointed him as the new commander, while acknowledging the Qin family's deep understanding of the northern frontier, naming Huo Mingxuan as deputy commander to share military responsibilities.

Previously, Huo Mingxuan's youth might have caused discontent. However, his battlefield exploits had earned him respect and recognition.

Yet, dissent remained, notably from Yang Chengyu.

When the imperial decree reached the camp, Yang Chengyu openly taunted Huo Mingxuan.

"Such luck for the third son of the Qin family, rising to deputy commander on the blood of his father and brothers. Truly enviable."

"What are you implying?"

Unable to restrain his temper, Song Shuyan stood up.

Huo Mingxuan pulled him back, eyes glinting with cold fury, and stared across the table.

"Is this the behavior taught by the Marquise of Nanning, to insult fallen heroes in the military?"

"Heroes who fall in battle are indeed admirable. But I mock the coward who fled the field, abandoning his father," Yang Chengyu sneered, eyes filled with disdain.

"Third Young Master Huo, I heard your horse was chosen by Duke Qin himself—a fine blood-sweating horse indeed. It fled fastest when breaking through the encirclement, leaving all other soldiers behind. Only you managed to escape."

Each word was a sharp provocation, making Huo Mingxuan's fists clench, his knuckles turning white. His eyes, as cold and deep as a lone wolf's, revealed his growing fury.

But Yang Chengyu continued, "But they say that great misfortune brings good fortune. With Duke Qin's death, the eldest son in a coma, and the second son maimed, it looks like the title of heir will fall to you, Third Young Master."

Before he finished speaking, a short knife flew from Huo Mingxuan's sleeve, heading straight for Yang Chengyu's face.

Years of martial training allowed Yang Chengyu to dodge, but the knife still grazed his face, drawing blood. It embedded itself firmly in the wooden rack behind him.

"Huo Mingxuan, you tried to kill me?"

"If I truly wanted to kill you, that knife would be in your throat."

Yang Chengyu glared, but Huo Mingxuan's face was as hard as iron, his eyes brimming with murderous intent.

General Zhang, watching the confrontation, slammed the table. "Enough! Both of you, shut up! Instead of arguing, think about tomorrow's battle. Get out of here!"

General Zhang's age and authority quelled further dissent. Yang Chengyu backed down, and Huo Mingxuan controlled his anger.

Liu Qin silently stood, walked to retrieve Huo Mingxuan's knife, and cleaned it meticulously with a handkerchief. As he returned it, he glanced down at Yang Chengyu. "Rest assured, the Third Young Master's knife doesn't spill innocent blood."

Yang Chengyu, already disliking Liu Qin, felt an inexplicable surge of irritation under his gaze. He snorted and left.

Liu Qin returned the knife to Huo Mingxuan and, along with Song Shuyan, escorted him from the main tent.

"How's the general's injury?" asked Liu Qin as Huo Mingxuan emerged from his eldest brother's tent.

"Still unconscious," Huo Mingxuan replied, his face shadowed with worry. He clenched his sword hilt. "Let's talk in my tent."

Liu Qin and Song Shuyan exchanged glances, nodding and following him.

Meanwhile, in the capital, the Qin residence was draped in mourning.

Duke Qin's second son, Huo Mingyi, led the family in paying respects at the empty golden casket.

Fang Yun sent condolences and a gift of high-quality wild ginseng to comfort the grieving Duchess.

Pei Yao, deeply troubled by the loss of Duke Qin, the northern army's backbone and his strongest ally, worried for the battle's outcome.

Amidst this turmoil, the Sixth Prince of Shangyang arrived in the capital and was immediately imprisoned.

Pei Yao was more concerned about the ongoing conflict. Even Fang Yun's efforts to deliver food went unnoticed.

Only the pregnant Empress and Yang Fei received occasional visits from Hong Zheng on Pei Yao's behalf.

Fortunately, this tense situation didn't last long.

In mid-December, good news arrived from the north.

Huo Mingxuan had defeated the enemy, killing seven of Shangyang's generals and advancing forty miles into Shangyang territory.

Four of those generals had been involved in Duke Qin's ambush, avenging his father.

The merit list excluded Yang Chengyu, naming Huo Mingxuan, Ye Yunxiao, Liu Qin for strategy, and other distinguished soldiers.

Yang Chengyu, having been confined to the camp by Huo Mingxuan and Liu Qin, hadn't even reached the battlefield.