#196: Clouds and Fog (4)

The night was dreamlike.

The mountain mist was thick.

In the dimly lit house, Qi Ying sat opposite Crown Prince Gao Jing of Wei.

Crown Prince Gao Jing had once been secretly referred to by Gu Jingqi, Shen Xiling’s younger sister-in-law, as the “Lord of Qi Yu,” likening him to a man refined like polished jade. The metaphor was apt—under the flickering candlelight, the prince appeared elegant and handsome. Even sitting beside Qi Ying, he did not pale in comparison. However, at twenty-seven, four years younger than Qi Ying, and having never faced the same tumultuous trials, his demeanor naturally lacked the depth and gravitas of Qi Ying’s.

He picked up the teacup from the short table before him, sipped the coarse tea, and then said to Qi Ying, “I’ve long heard that you hail from an illustrious family in Jiangzuo, with refined tastes. It must have been uncomfortable for you to reside in this remote mountain, enduring such rough accommodations. This is indeed our court’s oversight.”

His tone was exceedingly humble. Qi Ying smiled and replied, “Your Highness is too kind. I am but a guest under your roof, with no particular demands.”

Upon hearing this, Gao Jing also smiled. After a pause, he said meaningfully, “Whether one resides under a roof or under the heavens, it’s all a matter of perspective. If you so desire, this humble abode could transform into a vast universe—a different realm altogether.”

These words carried profound implications. Upon closer inspection… they seemed to be an invitation for Qi Ying to defect to Wei.

At first glance, the idea seemed absurd, but upon reflection, it held some merit. What was left for him in Jiangzuo and Liang? Everywhere there were dangers, almost everyone was his enemy. Why not follow the example of ancient sages and seek a new patron? If both Nan Qi and Bei Gu served in the same court, and with a competent ruler, the unification of the land would be within reach.

Though Gao Jing spoke these words with a smile, his eyes betrayed genuine intent. It was clear that the prince sincerely wished to win over this renowned minister who commanded respect across the land. If Qi Ying were to nod now, wealth and glory equal to his past awaited him.

Qi Ying also perceived the prince’s sincerity, but his expression grew distant. After a sigh, he said, “A caged bird longs for its old forest, a pond fish yearns for its former spring. I fear I cannot fulfill Your Highness’s expectations.”

Though somewhat expected, Gao Jing’s expression still revealed a hint of disappointment. At the same time, a faint sense of admiration flickered in his eyes.

A caged bird longs for its old forest, a pond fish yearns for its former spring… So this was why, despite his hardships and adversities, this man still chose to remain loyal to Jiangzuo?

What did he long for? Was it merely the rivers and mountains of his homeland? Or everything connected to him, directly or indirectly?

Gao Jing did not know the answer. All he could see was the calm and expansive gaze in Qi Ying’s phoenix eyes, exuding an aura of dignity and warmth, almost godlike in its vastness and compassion.

Qi Jingchen of Liang… Perhaps only by facing him directly could one truly understand what kind of person he was.

Admiration welled in Gao Jing’s heart. He sighed, “Sir Qi’s noble spirit indeed surpasses that of ordinary men.”

“Your Highness flatters me,” Qi Ying shook his head, then revealed a gentle smile. “This time, during my predicament, I owe much to Your Highness for your assistance.”

Qi Ying’s words were sincere. In this matter, Gao Jing had indeed played a crucial role.

The Han family of Jiangzuo had long conspired with the Wei Emperor to assassinate Qi Ying through the Wei court. The young Left Chancellor of the Southern Dynasty had long been a thorn in the side of the Wei court, and the Wei Emperor readily agreed to the plan.

Crown Prince Gao Jing, born of Empress Zou, was the only adult son of the Wei Emperor and the undisputed heir to the throne. The Emperor had involved his eldest son in state affairs early on, and naturally, this assassination plot was not concealed from him. However, Gao Jing’s perspective differed from his father’s.

If this were five years ago, before the grand Northern Expedition, Gao Jing would certainly have supported the assassination of Qi Ying. At that time, Wei was strong, with a million valiant soldiers eager for conquest, poised to unify the land.

But now, everything had changed.

The Northern Expedition five years ago had drained Wei’s vitality. Three years ago, the Battle of Jiuling cost Wei twenty thousand troops, and even Gu Juhán himself was severely wounded by a Liang general, nearly losing his life. Now, Wei could no longer afford another war—no money, no troops, no national fortune.

What they needed most was recuperation.

Would killing Qi Ying truly benefit Wei?

The Han family of Jiangzuo’s ambitions were now evident. If Qi Ying were dead, their chances of succeeding in rebellion would be significant. What if Han Shouye took the throne? Though foolish and cowardly, he should theoretically be deterred by Gu Juhán. However, being a general and being an emperor were entirely different. As a general, he had to face the battlefield, but as an emperor, he could avoid confronting Gu Juhán’s might.

Once fear dissipated, many limitations would be broken. At that point, Liang might easily discover… that Wei’s formidable army was no longer as strong as before.

What would happen then? Though Han Shouye was foolish, sometimes those lacking in thought could break barriers more easily. They wouldn’t consider balance or care for the common people—they would act directly. But what Wei feared most at this time was precisely such straightforward actions—they could no longer afford any provocations.

Of course, if the situation escalated to that point, they could engage in an all-out war with Liang. But what would be the point? Both sides would suffer, and the common people would endure hardship.

What they needed was stability and lasting peace.

And Gao Jing knew that Qi Ying endorsed this vision.

The reason Wei suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Jiuling five years ago was because they fell into the trap set by Qi Jingchen in the Xiaogu Valley. A fire attack ignited a massive blaze, and Wei’s thirty thousand troops were like fish in a barrel, on the verge of turning to ashes in an instant.

The commander of that battle was Gu Juhán, and Crown Prince Gao Jing had accompanied the army to oversee the battle.

They had been driven to the brink of death by Qi Jingchen, but at the critical moment, a small gap appeared in the Liang army’s encirclement. It wasn’t an oversight—it was a lifeline Qi Ying had left for them.

Why had he spared them? Gao Jing had puzzled over this for a long time. Later, he thought it might have been Qi Jingchen’s way of self-preservation—he couldn’t allow Wei to completely collapse, otherwise, he would lose his value to the Liang Emperor and be discarded like an old shoe.

But gradually, Gao Jing came to understand—the scope of his vision had been too narrow. Qi Jingchen had already considered the fate of the entire world long before anyone else.

He must have known that although Liang’s situation was slightly better than Wei’s, it fundamentally lacked the ability to annex another country. Even if Liang’s army captured Shangjing, could they rule Wei’s territory without issue?

Absolutely not.

Countless northern refugees would continuously resist, and countless fallen northern nobles would rise in rebellion under the banner of the Wei royal family. Did Liang have the capability to suppress them all?

They could attack, but they couldn’t govern. The result would only be chaos and suffering for the common people.

Qi Jingchen had seen through all of this, which was why he had spared them back then.

Not for personal gain, but for the welfare of the common people.

When Gao Jing finally understood this, he realized—Qi Jingchen must not die.

Only with him alive could Liang’s court be better controlled; only with him alive could the situation between the North and South stabilize; only with him alive… could the countless common people of the land find a sliver of hope for survival.

Therefore, Gao Jing strongly advised the Wei Emperor against killing Qi Jingchen. His father, however, was shortsighted, greedy for immediate gains. Gao Jing, out of options, devised another plan to present to his father: instead of assassination, they would stage a massive fire, then secretly imprison Qi Ying, using him as leverage to negotiate further benefits with the Southern Dynasty.

Reluctantly, the Wei Emperor nodded.

But at the same time, Gao Jing knew his father hadn’t completely abandoned the plan to kill Qi Ying. Thus, over the past months, he had secretly guarded this remote mountain, preventing anyone from harming Qi Ying. He also knew—he had to send Qi Ying back south as soon as possible.

In early May, he had found an opportunity and secretly sent a message to Qi Ying. However, Qi Ying had not responded—he seemed to have other plans, choosing to stay hidden in this desolate mountain rather than immediately return south. It was only yesterday that Gao Jing received a message from him, requesting his assistance to leave Shangjing.

Thus, his visit tonight.

At this moment, Gao Jing looked at the man sitting across from him and felt he was unfathomable. Those phoenix eyes seemed to conceal endless muck and darkness, yet at the same time, they radiated boundless clarity and expansiveness.

He said to Qi Ying, “You hold the world in your heart. If this journey brings you favorable winds, you will surely soar and change the course of events. I only hope that when the time comes, you will stay true to your original intentions, protecting the peace of both nations and the welfare of the common people.”

After he finished speaking, the man seated calmly across from him revealed a faint smile. He seemed quite pleased, looking at Gao Jing and saying, “Wenruo is fortunate to have such an enlightened lord. For decades to come, the lands north of the Yangtze will know peace.”

Gao Jing was momentarily surprised, realizing that Qi Ying was praising him. Being praised by such a man, he couldn’t help but feel both apprehension and delight.

Such an honor.

Yet, Qi Ying was merely stating the truth. Gao Jing was indeed rare material for a wise ruler. Born of Empress Zou, he should have been at odds with the Gu family, but he could discern right from wrong and not be swayed by familial loyalties. He trusted true loyal ministers and clearly saw the situation of the world. Among rulers, how many could achieve this?

If Xiao Ziteng were like Gao Jing, how wonderful everything would be?

Qi Ying couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

His thoughts didn’t linger on regret for long. Soon, his expression returned to its usual calm.

Under the flickering yellow candlelight, he reached to his side and retrieved a scroll, handing it to Gao Jing sitting across from him.

Gao Jing accepted it, his expression puzzled. He asked, “Dare I ask, sir, what is this?”

Qi Ying smiled, then turned his gaze to the window.

Outside the window, the night mist was thick, but faint voices could already be heard. It seemed Shen Xiling and Gu Juhán had returned.

Qi Ying gazed at Shen Xiling’s hazy figure in the mist, his expression softening as he said, “If I succeed in this endeavor, please read this scroll, Your Highness. If not, please burn it—it will be but a jest.”

At first, Gao Jing was perplexed by these words, but after a moment’s contemplation, he seemed to grasp something.

He vaguely understood. Bowing deeply to Qi Ying, he respectfully said, “Then I wish you ten thousand miles of favorable winds, sir.”

“One battle to decide the fate of the world.”