Chapter 139: The Showdown at Mount Qiwu

So it was Xiao Tong. How could I have forgotten about that guy?

With the peace talks stalled, the Northern Yan delegation was due to depart. The ensuing negotiations between the two nations promised to be a long and tedious affair, as every compromise would inevitably mean a loss of national interest. The Great Qian would not submit so easily.

Having finished his official duties, Xiao Tong had intended to settle his personal score with Jiang Chen. However, after waiting in vain for Jiang Chen to show his face, he realized he had likely been played. If Jiang Chen continued to hide, Xiao Tong would have to leave Jinyang swallowing his frustration. Ever since he had been forced by Jiang Chen to tear down the Northern Yan banner, he had become the laughingstock of his colleagues. Though no one said it aloud, the strange looks they cast his way filled him with resentment.

He had to strike back; he had to regain his dignity at Jiang Chen's expense. Since the man was playing hide-and-seek, he would simply force the Emperor of Great Qian to drag him out into the open. When Xiao Tong proposed in court that this Jiang Chen should be the one to represent Great Qian in the negotiations, the entire court was shocked. How could a mere commoner represent the empire? Yet, when the Emperor learned that it was this very Jiang Chen who had humiliated Xiao Tong and forced him to destroy the Northern Yan banner, his perspective shifted. Coupled with Xiao Tong’s persistent demands, the decision to have Jiang Chen serve as the envoy was finally made. Perhaps sending someone without an official background would actually work in Great Qian's favor?

"Xiao Tong really can't get me out of his mind. It seems I have no choice but to see this through to the end." Jiang Chen knew he was being roasted over an open fire, but since he had to accompany Han Yuyang to Mount Qiwu regardless, this was merely a change of status.

Just as he thought that was the extent of the trouble Xiao Tong had caused, the steward of the Yu residence came running from afar. He reported that while he was accompanying Wu Yue to the market, several men from Northern Yan had suddenly appeared and forcibly abducted her.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen was gripped by anxiety. "Where did they take her? Tell me, quickly!"

The steward replied, "Those men said that if you want to see her, you should head to the tavern on the front street for a drink. They warned that you must arrive immediately, or else Miss Wu might end up drinking too much."

Han Yuyang was furious, cursing the Northern Yan people for their arrogance. He immediately rushed toward the tavern with Jiang Chen.

Shen Xueying followed closely behind with her Night Watchmen. She needed to ensure the Northern Yan delegation did not cause trouble in Jinyang, but given the current situation, the atmosphere grew tense as it was unclear what might happen next.

Jiang Chen strode up to the second-floor private room of the tavern and saw Xiao Tong sitting in the seat of honor, with a forcibly detained Wu Yue beside him.

"Yue'er, are you alright?" Jiang Chen’s eyes were fixed on her, and he noticed a trace of un-wiped wine at the corner of her mouth. "Did you force her to drink?"

Xiao Tong took a bold gulp of wine and replied languidly, "I invited Miss Wu to join me for a drink—it is the Northern Yan way of hospitality. It is just that she seemed quite unwilling, so..." He smirked, "I had to let her know that in my presence, there is no such thing as a refusal."

Jiang Chen’s eyes blazed with fury, and he prepared to strike. Behind Xiao Tong stood four Northern Yan warriors, their hands on their golden sabers, already on high alert.

Han Yuyang shouted from behind Jiang Chen, "How can a fight happen without me? Today, let these Northern Yan dogs see the consequences of running wild in the capital of Great Qian!"

"That sounds quite intimidating, but why don't I believe it? How many hot-blooded men are left in Great Qian? Haven't they all been slaughtered on the battlefield by our Northern Yan warriors?" Xiao Tong’s smugness made Han Yuyang lose all patience.

"Brother Chen, don't take risks for me. I'm actually fine; I just choked on the wine earlier," the sensible Wu Yue quickly interceded. She did not want Jiang Chen and Han Yuyang to clash with the Northern Yan soldiers on her account, fearing that the imperial court might not be able to contain the fallout.

At this moment, Shen Xueying and the Night Watchmen surrounded the room. Though she said nothing, her actions made her stance clear. If a fight broke out, the Night Watchmen would not sit idly by. Naturally, if they were to intervene, they would first help Jiang Chen teach the Northern Yan men a lesson before separating the two sides. As for the consequences, those would be dealt with later. Since Northern Yan had kidnapped an innocent woman for no reason, they would have no moral ground to stand on in any dispute.

Xiao Tong glanced at the formation outside and said to Jiang Chen, "I have no interest in fighting here. After all, I am a representative envoy of Northern Yan; I cannot lower my status."

"In that case, let us meet at Mount Qiwu. When the time comes, we shall settle all debts and grievances. I, Jiang Chen, will see this through to the end!"

With tensions high, they agreed to meet at Mount Qiwu. This time, Jiang Chen would not avoid the conflict, for his status had changed—he now represented the entirety of Great Qian.

"Very well. Let’s go." Xiao Tong led his four warriors out of the tavern with an arrogant swagger.

Jiang Chen turned to Shen Xueying and said, "This was a forced situation; I had to rescue Geng Ji and Ji Bei. If your Night Watchmen are still willing to listen to me, you should investigate this man, Ji Bei, as much as possible. He is dangerous."

Shen Xueying was deeply annoyed by Jiang Chen’s prison break, but after her initial outburst, she had calmed down. The current situation had broken the previous shackles, and the entire game had suddenly come to life. She admitted that even if they had kept Ji Bei imprisoned, they likely would have learned nothing. It was better to use this opportunity to let the tiger return to the mountains, which might actually help the Night Watchmen in their investigation. The same applied to Geng Ji; using Lan Hui as a hostage had been counterproductive, unlike Jiang Chen’s simple and direct method. However, Shen Xueying would never admit this, lest the authority of the Night Watchmen be shaken.

"What do you plan to do next?"

Jiang Chen looked at Han Yuyang and said, "I suspect Qishan cannot actually provide two thousand warhorses to Northern Yan. We must go to Qishan first to discuss a strategy."

"Then I can only wish you luck. There are many urgent matters to handle in the capital. Before you leave, I can disclose one piece of vital information that might be of use to you." Shen Xueying pulled Jiang Chen aside and lowered her voice: "By rule, I cannot disclose this, but I consider you one of the Night Watchmen, so this does not fully count as breaking the rules."

"According to our recent investigations, we have learned that behind the Xuan Yan Prefecture, there is a likely connection to the powerful clans of the Northern Frontier, especially the Shen family!"