Chapter Sixty-Nine: Not Necessarily Defeated

“You don’t need to know or concern yourself with anything else,” Chen Ying said solemnly. “I need mirabilite, sulfur, and high-quality willow charcoal.”

“Yes, sir!” Hearing these words, Liang Zan grew even more puzzled. He had already guessed that Chen Ying wanted revenge against Li Xiaoguang, but he couldn’t fathom what Chen Ying intended to do.

If one wished to exact vengeance on Li Xiaoguang, hiring assassins would suffice—where there is great reward, there are brave men willing to take risks. Though Li Xiaoguang was a member of the Li Tang clan and a noble marquis of the current dynasty, there would still be those willing to gamble their lives. Poison was another option; bribing a person or two close to Li Xiaoguang could end his life, and as long as all traces were erased after, the deed could be done without a trace.

But mirabilite and sulfur were common materials, and the request left Liang Zan even more bewildered. Sulfur was useful for fueling fires, mirabilite for treating illnesses, yet Liang Zan was unaware that sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter—three seemingly ordinary substances—combined would produce black powder of tremendous destructive power.

For killing, revenge, or any such purpose, it was the ideal choice.

Liang Zan asked, confused, “Sir, sulfur is good for starting fires, but compared to fierce-fire oil, its effect is hardly comparable. And Li Xiaoguang keeps so many lackeys at his side; even if you wanted to set a fire, it’d be tough to reach him.”

“Don’t worry about that. Just follow my instructions and procure these items for me,” Chen Ying replied.

Liang Zan sighed, “General, if it’s revenge you seek, you should think carefully.”

“Think carefully? Nonsense!” Chen Ying snapped. “That nonsense about a gentleman waiting ten years for vengeance—I can’t wait! Seeing Lan’er like this, even if I tore Li Xiaoguang limb from limb, my anger wouldn’t be appeased!”

Standing outside the door, Lan’er heard Chen Ying’s words, and a flush of color appeared on her previously pale face.

“But he is a founding marquis!” Liang Zan protested.

“So what if he’s a founding marquis? Even if he were the King of Heaven, he’d die all the same!” Chen Ying fumed. “Enough, don’t try to persuade me. My mind is made up. If I don’t kill Li Xiaoguang, I’ll never rid myself of this hatred!”

Lan’er was overwhelmed, tears streaming down her face as she pushed open the door and choked, “Sir, don’t be rash. For my sake…it’s not worth it!”

Chen Ying could endure anything except a woman’s tears. Though he could face a blade at his throat without flinching, confronted with Lan’er’s sobbing, he was suddenly at a loss.

“Lan’er, don’t cry, don’t cry…”

Lan’er’s sobs grew louder.

Liang Zan hesitated, murmuring, “Sir… you really must… must think it through!”

Chen Ying replied, “A life for a life, a debt repaid—each of us is flesh and blood, none more noble than another.”

Liang Zan wore a bitter expression. “Sir, have you considered what would happen if things went wrong?”

“At worst, I’ll give up my life. What’s there to fear?” Chen Ying’s face turned cold as he looked at Liang Zan. “What, are you afraid?”

“How could I be afraid? I, Liang Zan, am a man of stature!” Liang Zan’s face flushed as he hurried to explain. “If not for you, sir, I’d still be a destitute wretch on the streets. Since following you, I finally live like a real man. For months now, we’ve faced life and death together—I cannot stand aside. Wherever you need me, just say the word. If I so much as frown, I’m not a real man. But…”

“But what?”

“But you’re thinking too simply!” Seeing Chen Ying’s anger subside, Liang Zan patiently explained, “Even if we aren’t afraid to die, if things fall apart, what will happen to Lan’er, Hongxiu, Lvzhu, and everyone in the household?”

Only now did Chen Ying realize the truth.

This was not the modern era.

Under feudal law, punishment was not limited to the perpetrator—there was collective punishment. Even though Lan’er, Lvzhu, and Hongxiu were not related to Chen Ying by blood, if the plot were exposed, they too would be implicated. While their crimes might not merit execution, they would be sold into the music houses by the authorities.

Once entered, there was no escape except by imperial amnesty; they would be slaves for life, and their descendants as well. That would be a fate worse than death.

“But if I don’t avenge this, I’ll never find peace!” Chen Ying’s tone softened unconsciously.

Liang Zan said, “Sir, if you wish for revenge, we need not take action ourselves.”

A spark flashed through Chen Ying’s mind, and he instantly saw a way. Political struggles in the Tang dynasty were fierce, especially after the second year of Wude, when Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin would become mortal enemies. Why not use Li Jiancheng’s hand to deal with Li Xiaoguang?

Li Xiaoguang’s brother Li Xiaoji was a military officer, and military men tended to side with Li Shimin. If Li Jiancheng aimed to remove Li Xiaoji to cut off Li Shimin’s external support, then Li Xiaoguang would be the perfect target.

Once Li Xiaoguang was stripped of his title, he could be manipulated at will—round or flat, as desired.

Chen Ying gently patted Lan’er’s shoulder, earnestly asking, “Lan’er, do you trust me?”

Lan’er nodded.

Chen Ying said, “Give me some time. I will make Li Xiaoguang suffer worse than death, kneel before you and sing his defeat!”

Lan’er was stunned.

Chen Ying explained, “It’s a song.”

“I’ve never heard it,” Liang Zan said.

“Forget it!” Chen Ying rolled his eyes at Liang Zan. “What do you know about music? How many songs have you heard?”

Lan’er said, “I’ve never heard of such a song either.”

“Then let me sing it for you!” Chen Ying thought for a moment about the lyrics, then opened his throat and sang: “At last you found a way, determined the outcome. The price of victory and defeat is mutual destruction. Outwardly you seem healthy, but your heart is scarred. Stubborn as I am, I’ve become a prisoner of this battle… thus I am conquered by you… My mood is resolute.”

At sixteen, Chen Ying’s voice had not yet matured, and singing this song in a male register lent it a hint of Na Ying’s flavor.

Song is a way to express emotion, and as Chen Ying sang, he gradually slipped into the role.

Lan’er, gazing at Chen Ying, found herself entranced.

Liang Zan suddenly realized he was unnecessary in the room. He quietly withdrew, closed the door, and left the space to Chen Ying and Lan’er.

Chen Ying finished the song without realizing it, and to his surprise, saw a blush of spring on Lan’er’s face.

He gently embraced Lan’er and whispered, “Don’t be afraid, Lan’er. With me here, no one will ever bully you again.”

Lan’er’s eyes were like pearls on a broken string, and she choked out, “I…I believe you!”

Chen Ying said, “To forge iron, one must be strong oneself. If we don’t want to be bullied, we must grow strong quickly. Some things can’t be avoided, so let the storm come harder!”

Originally, Chen Ying hadn’t intended to become entangled with Li Jiancheng. He wished to avoid direct conflict with Li Shimin, but fate seemed to have its own designs.

Now, Chen Ying saw things differently. With his knowledge of the future, perhaps he and Li Jiancheng could rival Li Shimin after all.