The Struggle of Chaos Chapter 110: Alliance Formed
Tang Kingdom, Chang’an.
“Your Majesty, the soldiers at the front have reported that Beitong Pass is now an empty city, completely deserted.”
“What? A bunch of useless men! And the troops sent to pursue them?” Since learning that Li Qiutong had brazenly escaped from prison, Emperor Tang’s temper had nearly exploded with rage.
The soldier below stammered, “Your Majesty, they… they were ambushed at Mingling and have sent no further word.”
With fury, Emperor Tang snapped the brush in his hand in two. It was not only the betrayal of Li Qiutong and the defection at Zhenbei Pass that angered him, but more so that Li Qiutong had swiftly defeated Li Yuanba—a renowned four-star Saint Warrior—in direct combat during his escape. The implications were clear: Li Qiutong, barely in his early twenties, already possessed the power to dominate the entire continent. If allowed to grow stronger for a few more years, he might become another overlord.
“Your Majesty, Chancellor Wei requests an audience.”
Upon hearing Wei Zheng’s arrival, Emperor Tang’s hope rekindled. “Quickly, announce him. Let him enter.”
“Chancellor Wei Zheng pays respects to Your Majesty.”
“Chancellor Wei, I sent you to the Pure Land Temple to request Master Kuye’s intervention. What was the outcome?”
Wei Zheng sighed as he met the Emperor’s anxious gaze. “Your Majesty, I have met with Master Kuye, but before I could even mention the matter, he refused to aid us.”
Upon realizing that this last straw of hope was gone, Emperor Tang’s heart sank deeply.
“Your Majesty, I have a word to say. I am unsure if it is appropriate.”
“Speak. I have never doubted your counsel.”
Wei Zheng’s tone was grave: “Your Majesty, in recent years, Qin has destroyed Han, the Celestial Kingdom has annihilated Song, and our nation has suffered defeat at the hands of the Mongols. The wars have reached a white-hot intensity. Forgive my bluntness, but Li Qiutong, despite his formidable martial prowess, is insignificant compared to the current powers on the continent. Your Majesty should focus on preparing for the impending wars, rather than losing composure over a single warrior.”
Each word was candid and unflinching, dousing the Emperor’s burning fury with cold reality.
The Emperor, still aflame with anger, was somewhat calmed by Wei Zheng’s frankness. “Chancellor, you remain as forthright as ever. What is your recommendation then?”
“Your Majesty, I am acquainted with the Celestial Emperor of the Celestial Kingdom. Not long ago, Princess Yun came alone to Tang, hoping I could arrange a meeting with Your Majesty. However, Your Majesty was preoccupied with personal matters and the meeting was delayed.”
The mention of “personal matters” flushed Emperor Tang’s face red. “Where is this princess now?”
“She is at my residence. Would Your Majesty wish to see her?”
Wei Zheng’s words left no room for refusal, but Emperor Tang had grown accustomed to such directness.
“Since the Chancellor recommends it, I shall meet with this Celestial Kingdom princess. Arrange for her to come to the palace.”
“As you command.”
Half an hour later, Wei Zheng returned. “Your Majesty, Princess Yun Luoxuan has arrived outside.”
“Very well, let her in.”
At that moment, Yun Luoxuan entered the hall with poised grace. Though dressed simply in a plain gown, today was a formal occasion before the Emperor, and she had taken great care in her appearance. Her sleek black hair was elegantly coiled, her slender eyebrows and eyes refined to perfection, and her soft, natural lips complemented the form-fitting dress that accentuated her slender waist. Her deep, vibrant eyes were as captivating as ever. Her quiet, refined demeanor bore the unmistakable elegance of the Celestial Kingdom.
“I am Yun Luoxuan, humble daughter of the Celestial Kingdom, paying respects to Prince Tang Zong.”
At the sight of her, Emperor Tang felt a sudden brightness in his heart, a sensation long absent. Yet, as the ruler of a nation, he quickly regained his composure.
“I have long heard that the Celestial Kingdom’s princess is of unparalleled beauty, a celestial being herself. Seeing you today, I find those words insufficient to describe you.”
Yun Luoxuan smiled demurely. “Your Majesty is too kind.”
“Princess is too modest. Pray tell, what brings you to Tang today?”
“I come hoping to form an alliance with Tang, or more precisely, to persuade Tang to join the campaign against Chu.”
Yun Luoxuan’s earnest appeal was met with Emperor Tang’s laughter. “Why should I ally with the Celestial Kingdom? It is well known that your nation and Qin have enjoyed centuries of close ties. The plan to attack Chu is yours, not ours. What concern is it of Tang’s?”
His words were a test, gauging the princess’s resolve for coming alone to Tang.
“Your Majesty’s point is valid, but there are two matters I wish Your Majesty to understand. First, the battle between Qin and Chu is not a mere squabble between two rivals, but a contest of two great powers vying for domination. The victor will seize all the other’s resources, controlling the central continent and uniting north and south, swiftly establishing hegemony. At that time, how can the Celestial Kingdom, Tang, and Zhou stand against such force? Second, the Celestial Kingdom’s relationship with Qin is one of cooperation for now. We know that when Qin triumphs, the Celestial Kingdom will have but one path to choose. That is why I have come to Your Majesty.”
Yun Luoxuan’s words stirred Emperor Tang to consider carefully. “And what form does this alliance take?”
“It is simply that Tang join Celestial and Qin forces in attacking Chu, with Qin leading and Celestial and Tang supporting. When victorious, the three parties would share the spoils. This weakens Qin’s current dominance, distributing power and resources more evenly. Is that not better than Qin becoming all-powerful alone?”
“And after that, what would be the relationship between Tang and Celestial? You are betrothed to Qin’s crown prince, yet speak of weakening Qin. I am curious what the Celestial Kingdom truly seeks.”
Yun Luoxuan’s eyes locked onto Emperor Tang’s. “I can be honest with Your Majesty. Like the other nations on the continent, the Celestial Kingdom desires unification of the land. The marriage alliance with Qin is merely a temporary expedient. As for our relationship, I believe we are neither true allies nor outright enemies. Both the Celestial Kingdom and Tang need time. We can cooperate now, but when Chu falls, we may yet become adversaries again.”
A solemn expression crossed Emperor Tang’s face. “It seems I have underestimated you. Yet I must admit, your words have swayed me. Temporarily allied enemies with shared interests?”
He fell silent for a moment, then looked up with newfound resolve.
“Princess Yun, I accept your alliance.”
Yun Luoxuan seemed unsurprised, as if the outcome had been expected. “Then please prepare quickly, Your Majesty. The war will soon begin.”
“I understand. Preparations will begin immediately. Princess Yun, you must be weary from your journey. Why not stay and dine with me?”
“Thank you for your kindness, but with war imminent, I must return swiftly to prepare. I hope Your Majesty understands.”
Emperor Tang’s face fell with disappointment. “What a pity. Then Chancellor Wei, please arrange for the princess’s safe return.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave.” Yun Luoxuan bowed and departed with Wei Zheng.
Watching her leave, Emperor Tang murmured, “This woman is truly extraordinary.”
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Having left the palace, Yun Luoxuan returned with Wei Zheng to the chancellor’s residence.
“Leaving so soon?”
“Yes. Thank you for your care these days, Uncle Wei.”
Wei Zheng sighed. “Care or not is beside the point. But niece, are you certain? The path you have chosen will not be easy.”
Yun Luoxuan smiled gently. “Thank you, Uncle Wei, but a simple path is not worth striving for. It is our dreams that give life meaning, is it not?”
Seeing her resolve, Wei Zheng said no more.
“By the way, I wish to ask about General Li Qiutong. Rumors circulate that he escaped Tang and even defeated Lord Zhao. Is this true?”
At the name, Wei Zheng’s expression grew serious. “That is a state secret. On the day of his execution, he was nowhere to be found. The matter abruptly ended, and who could help but suspect?”
“I’m merely curious. If it’s inconvenient, I understand.”
Wei Zheng pondered, then said, “Now that Tang’s focus is shifting, it is no harm to tell you. He is indeed extraordinary. The day before his execution, five or six men breached the capital’s defenses and rescued him. Later, over Chang’an, he easily defeated Lord Zhao and vanished. Even all at Beitong Pass disappeared without a trace. No one knows where he went.”
“I see.” Relieved that Li Qiutong was safe, Yun Luoxuan’s earlier tension eased.
Seeing her reaction, Wei Zheng seemed to suspect something. “Niece, I must warn you. Though Li Qiutong’s power is unparalleled, he is fiercely independent and will never submit to others.”
Wei Zheng’s description conflicted with Yun Luoxuan’s understanding of Li Qiutong, leaving her momentarily surprised.
Noticing this, Wei Zheng added, “Believe me, niece. There is something I have not even told the Emperor. When I went to the Pure Land Temple to request Master Kuye’s help in capturing Li Qiutong, the abbot flatly refused, saying Master Kuye would not intervene. Furthermore, the master warned us not to harm Li Qiutong’s life, or we would make an enemy of the Pure Land Temple.”
Yun Luoxuan was stunned. The Pure Land Temple was one of the continent’s two supreme transcendental powers. Its strongest, Master Kuye, had existed since the Age of Divine Annihilation. The temple’s might rivaled that of a nation. For such a place to take a firm stand over one man was almost unbelievable.
“Is this true?”
“Absolutely. Niece, Li Qiutong’s background and talent make him a formidable threat to both Tang and the Celestial Kingdom. You must be cautious in dealing with him.”
“Thank you, Uncle Wei. I will keep that in mind.”
Wei Zheng nodded. “Good. Now, finish your preparations and return to the Celestial Kingdom.”
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