The 28th year of Daqi Yuanping, April, the Emperor was gravely ill, and Marquis Xuanwei, Song Xian, rebelled amidst the chaos, heading straight for the Capital City.
The court ordered Prince Qi and Great General Ji Yuan to suppress the rebellion, and the two armies were set to battle north of the Yangtze River.
After dawn, the rain slightly stopped, and the fleeing refugees began moving south, but there was one person on horseback, heading north against the crowd.
Granny Su, Xie Liangchen, gritted her teeth as she traveled.
She was going to find Ji Yuan, to avenge her brother.
Her brother was just nineteen years old, with a graceful and handsome demeanor, his face like jade always bore a smile, everything wonderful had just begun, yet it all abruptly ended at this moment.
He was killed by Ji Yuan, and his stripped body was hung on the city wall.
Upon receiving the news, her heart was like being cut by a knife, and she secretly vowed that no matter what means, she would kill Ji Yuan.
Xie Liangchen's eyes became clear again.
She was not worried about encountering the rebel army because she intended to offer strategies to Song Xian, using Song Xian's hand to kill Ji Yuan.
Brother, don't be afraid, sister is here.
Sister will surely avenge you and retrieve your body to take you home.
...
Marquis Xuanwei, Song Xian, returned to the camp with his light cavalry, the warhorses galloping, armor reflecting a cold light, a fierce aura mixed with the stench of blood came forward, and the soldiers respectfully made way.
Song Xian dismounted, took off his helmet, his features were distinct, and his deep eyes slightly narrowed, yet still couldn't hide their sharpness.
Song Xian had been entering and leaving the military camp with his father since he was ten, becoming famous at seventeen, decisive in killing, strictly governing the military, after swallowing the troops under his father, Duke Jing, he became invincible, making people fear him.
Entering the large tent, Song Xian looked at the Deputy General, his voice slightly deep: "Is there any news from Ji Yuan's side?"
The Deputy General spoke softly: "Ji Yuan's army is right three hundred li away."
Song Xian turned around to look at the map.
The Deputy General continued: "Do you remember the Su Family's caravan? The leader named He San has been delivering medicine for us."
Song Xian knew, three years ago when the Northern Border was raining continuously, only the Su Family's caravan delivered medicine to the Guangxin Army on time, since then many purchasing tasks were entrusted to them, this caravan always delivered on time.
For this, Song Xian even called the steward of the caravan, He San, over to reward him with wine and chat, having some appreciation for talents like He San.
The Deputy General said: "He San said that his master wants to lure Ji Yuan out of the camp."
Facing Ji Yuan, Song Xian had his own arrangements, but if someone wanted to share some information, he was willing to listen.
Song Xian glanced at the Deputy General, who immediately brought He San into the military tent.
Inside the tent stood Song Xian and his trustworthy personnel, an imposing pressure came forward, but He San still remained calm, diligently paying respect to Song Xian.
He San said: "A month ago, my master's cousin brother was taken to the military camp and harmed by Ji Yuan, simply because cousin young master discovered evidence of Ji Yuan colluding with external tribes, besides, Ji Yuan coveted the compass in cousin young master's possession."
He San took out an item from his chest and handed a map to the Deputy General next to him: "Ji Yuan framed cousin young master as a pirate, used harsh punishment, torturing cousin young master to death, my master wants to avenge cousin young master.
The master has set a trap to lure Ji Yuan out of the camp for an ambush."
Song Xian's gaze remained deep, making it hard for anyone to see his thoughts, he picked up the map.
The map was annotated in great detail, a village was circled, located about fifty li from Ji Yuan's camp.
These people had quite the courage, wanting to take on the main general of the army individually.
Song Xian finally spoke: "Ji Yuan is quite capable, with many attendants by his side, even if you lure him out, what method do you have to deal with him?"
He San untied a bamboo tube from his waist, poured out some powder from it, then lit it with the flint, the powder ignited, burning into a string of brilliant sparks.
"Gunpowder." Song Xian's voice was low.
These merchants managed to obtain gunpowder, the Deputy General beside Song Xian gripped the hilt of his sword, his face showed increased vigilance and killing intent.
He San knelt down and said: "This was brought back from the sea by my master's cousin brother, there's not much gunpowder, it can only be used against Ji Yuan."
Privately possessing gunpowder was a serious crime, but in front of Song Xian, who was rebelling, what did that crime matter?
He San knew Song Xian's considerations: "The master only seeks to avenge and resolve hatred by any means necessary."
Song Xian had killed on the battlefield with his father since he was ten, with countless blood on his hands, life and death long ceased to move him, He San's master was correct, he could kill Ji Yuan, exchanging a life for a life, indeed worth considering.
Song Xian instructed in He San's presence: "Send scouts to investigate the situation."
He would not just believe He San's words, but he could send people to have a look, if it truly benefited him, it would be the best opportunity to attack Ji Yuan.
...
Xie Liangchen rode into the village, she dismounted and walked a few steps forward, a clamorous sound of hooves came, and Ji Yuan led a team to encircle her.