Kill the enemy and get a wife? I'll single-handedly slaughter my way through the Northern Barba

Upon hearing this, Leng Ji took a deep breath and bowed to Prince Li Zhen of Jin.

"In that case, Leng Ji is willing to die for you!"

The task entrusted to him by Prince Li Zhen of Jin was one of life-or-death missions.

Even if it succeeds, it will be extremely difficult for Leng Ji to escape.

Leng Ji was already prepared to die.

Li Zhen nodded slightly, his face kind.

"Rest assured, whether this matter succeeds or fails in the end, your debt to me will be settled."

"If you wish, I can take care of your wife and young child, ensuring they live a life of wealth and peace."

"How hard their lives must have been, living in that desolate valley?"

Leng Ji's pupils contracted slightly, a hint of panic flashing across his face.

He had hidden himself well enough, yet the Prince of Jin still managed to find out where his wife and children were.

Leng Ji concealed his panic and cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness Prince Jin. My wife and children have gold and silver to keep them safe, so there is no need for Your Highness to trouble yourself to take care of them."

"Your Highness's request, I, Leng Ji, will do my utmost, even at the cost of my life!"

Li Zhen looked at Leng Ji's statement with satisfaction and waved his hand with a smile.

"Go ahead and prepare well."

"Do not disappoint my expectations of you."

Leng Ji left quietly. The moment he left the study, his face turned gloomy and ugly, and his clenched fists cracked.

Just as Prince Li Zhen of Jin revealed the whereabouts of his wife and children, Leng Ji was filled with murderous intent.

But Leng Ji knew he couldn't kill Li Zhen.

Even if Li Zhen had no mysterious expert protecting him, he couldn't make a move just to ensure his wife and children's survival.

When he was alone, he was a notorious assassin in the martial arts world.

But having a wife and children gave him a weakness, and Leng Ji could no longer do as he pleased.

He raised his head, gazing at the hazy moonlight of the night, and silently prayed.

Hopefully everything will end soon so he can go home to see his wife and children.

If he were still alive then...

Three days later, at Niujiaoyuan.

A cold wind howled, and rows of neat tombs stood in the southern part of Niujiaoyuan.

The tombstones are engraved with the names, birth and death dates, and other information of the fallen soldiers.

Wang Dahu, Zhang Ergou, Wang Tu, and others scattered paper money, all with sorrowful expressions on their faces.

"Brothers, have a good meal and drinks over there."

"I've sent you the money."

Brother, may you rest in peace!

……

Today is a memorial ceremony for all the soldiers who sacrificed their lives at Elephant Trunk Hill.

After Lin Feng led his confidants to transport the gold and jade retrieved from the Black Dragon Pool back, he participated in the sacrificial ceremony the next day with Prince Jin, Li Ji, Li Ping'an, Lü Zheng, and others.

The snow-white paper banners fluttered in the wind, the white paper dancing like snowflakes, making the cemetery look especially desolate.

The soldiers lined up and carried in three sacrificial animals: pigs, cattle, and sheep, as well as wine, fruit, pastries, and other items.

The offerings were prepared with exceptional solemnity in commemoration of the martyrs.

"Burn incense!"

The master of ceremonies shouted from the side, and then King Li Ji of Zhou took the lead in burning incense and paying respects to the martyrs.

Behind Li Ji were Lin Feng, Li Ping'an, and Lü Zheng.

Next came Shi Chong, Feng Qing, Du Banruo, and others.

They were all there to bid farewell to the fallen soldiers.

Lin Feng inserted the incense sticks into the incense burner, and a cold wind blew, causing the incense sticks to sway.

He gazed at the tombstones of Du Song and others, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

How many people died in the battle?

How many soldiers sacrificed their lives?

Zhenyuan City was finally saved.

He whispered to the endless rows of tombstones, "Rest in peace..."

Shi Chong and Feng Qing had red eyes.

Shi Chong was a man of iron will; he never shed a tear even after suffering such a severe injury.

Now, however, she couldn't help but cover her face and weep, overwhelmed with grief.

Among those commemorating today are Zhang Tie and the righteous soldiers who died in the battle of Jiming City.

After communicating with Bayan Mengke, the remains of Zhang Tie and the rebels have been returned for burial.

Recalling the day Zhang Tie died tragically while covering their breakout, Feng Qing could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her face.

Like Feng Qing, Du Banruo was also weeping bitterly. Dressed in plain clothes, she was already a tearful mess.

Du Song was her only relative in this world. With Du Song's sacrifice, Du Banruo was all alone in this vast world.

If Lin Feng hadn't appeared, Du Banruo truly wouldn't know how she would have survived.

After the incense burning was finished, the master of ceremonies called out again, "Pour libations!"

King Li Ji of Zhou picked up a bronze wine cup, dipped his finger in the wine, and flicked it three times lightly in front of him.

As a prince, offering libations to the fallen soldiers was a gesture of great importance.

Then, King Li Ji of Zhou took out the prayer text and read it aloud to the public.

"Alas! Mount Xiang stands tall, the mournful wind howls. You have died with your weapons in hand, your duty to defend this land has been fulfilled."

"I recall when the barbarian cavalry marched south, their momentum like thunder. Your army from Liaodong rushed to their aid from a thousand miles away, their arrows exhausted and their swords broken, yet they still shouted to kill the enemy."

"You brave soldiers of Zhenyuan, defend your fortifications to the death, hold fast and fight to the last, and stand firm and unyielding."

"You righteous people from the countryside, wielding plows and hoes as weapons, carrying provisions to join the war, though dressed in simple clothes and straw sandals, your integrity soars to the heavens."

"Comrades-in-arms, together they went to the death, their blood staining the frosty forest, their bones buried in the cold valley. This truly is a sight to behold, enough to move heaven and earth to tears!"

"You have ventured deep into the tiger's den, not unaware that you will surely die, but behind you are the elders of Zhenyuan. If you retreat even a step, the entire city will crumble. Therefore, you are willing to sacrifice yourselves for the lives of countless families. Your loyalty and courage can move even the hardest heart."

"The enemy's presence has been quelled, and Zhenyuan is safe and sound. The heroic spirits are not far away; they should return home singing songs of victory. May they rest in peace!"

As King Li Ji of Zhou finished speaking, the crowd behind him followed him in bowing.

"May you enjoy this feast!"

The soldiers brought over braziers, and King Zhou Li Ji, Lin Feng, and others personally burned paper money, paper horses, and other items.

Once the burning is complete, the ceremony to commemorate the fallen heroes is officially over.

"Lin Feng, I must return to the city to prepare for peace talks this afternoon with my elder brother and General Zhang."

"I am too busy to stay any longer, so I will leave this place to you."

Li Ji, with a gentle expression, instructed Lin Feng: "More people will come to pay their respects later."

Lin Feng nodded slightly and bowed to Prince Zhou, Li Ji: "I am grateful to Your Highness Prince Zhou for presiding over the sacrificial ceremony today."

As a prince, Prince Li Ji of Zhou personally presided over the memorial ceremony for the soldiers who died in the battle of Elephant Trunk Mountain, which was already an extraordinary honor.

According to the rites and laws of the Great Qian Dynasty, there were no high-ranking military officers among the fallen soldiers.

It's already quite a grand occasion to have vice generals like Lin Feng, Li Ping'an, and Lü Zheng presiding over it.

Li Ji sighed softly and glanced at the endless rows of tombstones.

"They sacrificed their lives for their country, and it is only right that I, the king, preside over their memorial service."

After seeing off Prince Zhou, Li Ji, they went to a quiet place to chat.

"We're going to negotiate peace this afternoon. His Highness the Prince of Qin wants all three of us to go."

Li Ping'an, with his hands behind his back, said, "I'm afraid a war of words is inevitable."

Lu Zheng crossed his arms and snorted, "The Northern barbarians are cunning and savage. Don't be fooled by their apparent willingness to negotiate peace; they're incredibly arrogant! I reckon it won't be ten days to two weeks before a peace agreement is reached."

Lin Feng's gaze remained fixed on the slender white-clad figure in the distance. He said softly, "Peace negotiations are a matter between the King of Qin and the General. We wouldn't be able to get a word in edgewise, so what's the point?"

Li Ping'an shrugged: "His Highness Prince Qin has his reasons for asking us to come over."

"We'll just go and keep them company; it'll be a good opportunity to see what the princes and generals of the Northern Barbarians are like."

Lu Zheng curled his lip: "What's so interesting about them? Aren't they all just one nose and two mouths?"

"Brother Li, didn't we receive a letter from Liaodong yesterday? What did Duke Li say?"

Upon hearing this, a look of worry appeared on Li Ping'an's face.

"The Liao Dynasty's raids have become increasingly frequent, and it has recently deployed troops to the border."

"Yelü Chu is a madman; he's determined to wage war against Liaodong."

Lin Feng's heart stirred: "Brother Li, what is the relationship between the new ruler of the Liao Dynasty, Yelü Chu, and the Northern Barbarians? I have a feeling that the Liao Dynasty and the Northern Barbarians are cooperating?"

Li Ping'an laughed upon hearing this: "Brother Lin's guess is similar to what my father said. He also suspects that the Liao Kingdom is helping the Northern Barbarians to build momentum."

"However, the Northern Barbarians and the Great Liao Kingdom have always been at odds, and they even had a conflict two years ago over the Burya tribe."

"Logically speaking, the Northern Barbarians and the Liao Dynasty should be on opposite sides."

Li Ping'an couldn't think of any reason why the new Liao emperor, Yelü Chu, would help the Northern Barbarians.

Li Ping'an, Lü Zheng, and the others stayed at the cemetery for another half an hour, helping Lin Feng with some follow-up matters before leaving.

They also have official duties to attend to.

Fewer and fewer people remained, until only a few, such as Lin Feng and Du Banruo, were left.

Du Banruo squatted in front of Du Song's tombstone and carefully wiped it with a white cloth.

"You've been wiping for so long, take a break!" Lin Feng gently pressed Du Banruo's small hand and advised.

Upon hearing this, Du Banruo shook her head, her voice choked with emotion: "Brother Lin, I'm not tired."

Lin Feng forcibly pulled Du Banruo up and cupped her small face in his hands.

Du Banruo's eyes were swollen, so swollen from crying that they looked like walnuts.

"Your arms are shaking, and you still say you're not tired?"

Lin Feng reached out and wiped away the tears from the corners of Du Banruo's eyes.

"If Brother Du knew this from beyond the grave, would he feel at ease?"

"Sweetie, don't torture yourself."

Du Banruo pouted, then couldn't hold back her tears any longer and threw herself into Lin Feng's arms, sobbing.

"Brother Lin, I miss my brother! Waaaaah..."

"Prajna has no relatives left in this world!"