Chapter 566
The West Gate was finally open.
“Come! Let us see the Second Lord off and wish him success!” Ye Cheng said with a smile. His subordinates all followed and wished Liu Pan a successful career.
“Hmph!” Liu Pan snorted coldly and left the city with his heavy cavalry.
Ye Cheng continued to smile until the heavy cavalry left. Then his expression turned into one filled with disdain. “Second Lord? Hmph! He is just like the Young Lord. I would spit if I don’t need to give you face!”
This was to be expected as the eldest, Liu Qi, was already exiled. Nobody dared to talk to him with the Kuai Family and the Cai Family around. That was why the future heir was Liu Zong.
Meanwhile, Liu Pan’s guard could not help but give his suggestion. “General. We should have just arrested that guy and give him to the Lord!
“Arresting him is easy but taking his life is not so easy.” Liu Pan shook his head. He himself wanted Ye Cheng dead but the problem was that Ye Cheng was backed by the Ye Family and the Huang Family.
“Let’s go. We can discuss other things after we catch that King of Shu!”
“Yes!” Liu Pan and his subordinates then split up as they chased Liu Mang.
“Milord. The forest is right in front of us.” Jia Xu said to Liu Mang.
“Yes. After we arrived at that mountain in the forest, we will immediately leave Jingzhou!” Liu Mang nodded.
“They want to enter the forest?” Liu Pan looked at the hot air balloon and frowned. “We must enter the forest and catch them!” Liu Pan said while gnashing his teeth.
It was hard for cavalries to travel in a forest. On top of that, the ground was soft, making it even harder for heavy cavalries. If it wasn’t because of Ye Cheng, they would have already overtaken the hot air balloon.
“Milord. The hot air balloon can’t fly for much longer.” Jia Xu suddenly said to Liu Mang.
“It can’t fly anymore?” Liu Mang took a look and saw that the fire was growing smaller. The hot air balloon was only a simple model. Being able to fly out of Xiangyang was already good enough.
“Then let us land here.” Fortunately they have already reached the forest. Although they could not go over the hills like Liu Mang had preferred, they could still use the mountain range to stop their enemy.
“Yes.” Jia Xu nodded and slowly put out the flames, allowing the hot air balloon to slowly descend.
“Burn it.” Liu Mang ordered. Since they could not take the hot air balloon with them, Liu Mang decided to burn the hot air balloon. He did not want Jingzhou to obtain it.
“We cannot stay long. Let’s go!” Liu Mang and the others ran deeper into the forest after burning the hot air balloon.
“General! They have entered the forest!” A scout informed Liu Pan.
“Damn it! Are we really unable to catch them?” Liu Pan cursed ruthlessly. He then found out that Liu Mang was heading towards a small mountain. Although the mountain was lush with trees, it was not separated by much from the other mountains.
“Haha! The Heavens is on my side! King of Shu, Liu Mang Liu Hanyang! The Heavens want you dead!” Liu Pan laughed loudly and then gave his order. “Men! Charge ahead and surround that mountain!”
“Yes!” Several thousand of his heavy cavalry quickly surrounded the mountain.
“Damn it! We have taken a wrong turn!” Liu Mang said in realization when they arrived at a dead end. “This is your fault!” Liu Mang glanced at Jia Xu as he originally wanted to take a different route
However, Jia Xu believed that the distance was too far while this route would allow them to escape faster. Jia Xu also never expected to arrive at a dead end.
Had it been any other mountain, there would be many directions they could escape to. At that time, Liu Pan would not be able to surround the mountain without a hundred thousand men. However, this mountain was unfortunately too small, allowing Liu Pan to surround them.
“King of Shu, Liu Mang Liu Hanyang! I know you can hear me!” Liu Pan shouted. In order to ensure that Liu Mang could actually hear him, he had his men repeat after him.
“I know you do not recognize me. So allow me to introduce myself. I am Liu Pan. My father is Liu Biao!”
“Liu Biao’s son?” Liu Mang was confused. Since when did Liu Biao have another son?
“Milord. He might be an adopted son or a nephew.” Jia Xu said. “At Wancheng, Zhang Xiu once said that it was a pity he could not ask for pointers regarding the spear from Liu Biao’s nephew that is named Pan.”
“Zhang Xiu wanted to ask for advice?” Liu Mang furrowed his brows. Zhang Xiu was someone who could advance to the Peak of Refinement. If Zhang Xiu wanted to ask for advice it would mean that Liu Pan was at the same level or better.
“I heard that Liu Pan went to the border. It seems like he was called back by Liu Biao.” Liu Mang could tell that this heavy cavalry was an elite unit. This meant that Liu Biao has another powerful trump card. At the very least, there were nobody at Yangtze River and Nan’an that could oppose Liu Biao. As Liu Biao did not choose to use any of his other troops at Xiangyang City, it showed that he no longer trusted the Kuai Family and the Cai Family.
“Your Highness! I have heard of your reputation at the border. I have thought of asking for advice. I never expect to meet you on the battlefield instead. Today, I do not care if you are the King of Shu or a false king. Come out and surrender. I will not kill you. I will send you back to my uncle.” Liu Pan shouted.
Liu Mang sneered. What’s the difference between killing him and sending him to Liu Biao? In fact, his death at Liu Biao’s hands might be even more tragic.
“Your Highness. Are you not coming out?” Liu Pan’s voice echoed again. His voice brimming with confidence that he has full control of the situation. “I will give Your Highness an hour! After that, I will burn the mountain!”
“You said you are called Liu Pan? If you want to catch me, why don’t you come up the mountain? This mountain is so small that it should be easy to catch me. Or could it be that you are afraid?” Liu Mang could not help but provoke.
“You want me to let go of my advantage with the cavalry and enter the forest to play hide and seek with you? Do you think I am a fool? Time is growing short. If Your Highness still refuses to come out, you will be the first King to be burned to death on a mountain!”
Based on his reply, Liu Mang found out that Liu Pan was not easy to deal with. He initially thought of ambushing Liu Pan after they entered the forest but it seems like this would not be possible.
“Milord. Let us charge our way out!” Guan Hai suggested.
“No.” Liu Mang shook his head. It was impossible to charge their way out. Besides that, they also had the severely injured Zhou Cang and Jia Xu with them. They could maybe outrun the cavalry in the forest but once they arrive at the plains, they would be caught easily.
Even someone at the Peak Refinement stage would not be able to stop a charging heavy cavalry.
“Then what do we do? We can’t just wait for our deaths here.” Guan Hai shouted. “If we try to cut our way through, we still have a chance of surviving! However, if we stay here, none of us would able to escape when they burn the mountain. Milord. It is better if we cover your retreat!”
“Milord. Do not worry about me.” Zhou Cang said. “I will be satisfied if Milord just brings me good food and wine on the anniversary of my death.”
“Milord. I also do not have much to say. I am old but this old bones can still exert a bit. I just hope Milord can take care of the Jia Family.” Jia Xu also thought of risking his life.
“What are you guys saying? We have managed to escape from Xiangyang! We will also be able to escape this!” Liu Mang shouted. However, he himself clearly understood the situation they were in. There were no rivers on this mountain so if there was a fire, they would really be unable to escape.
“Also, what can I accomplish if you all die here? I already said we share riches and die together in the Urban Army! Do you want me to break my oath?”
“This subordinate doesn’t dare!”
Liu Mang then looked at the sky. “Wenhe. The one Liu Biao wants is me. Wait for me to leave and then you guys quickly get off this mountain! After that, wait until it gets dark before leaving the forest!”
“Milord! You must not do this!” Guan Hai immediately objected. If he sacrifices his Lord to live, Guan Hai would become a person of low character.
“Milord. Are you thinking of going out and having us report back to Yangzhou?” Jia Xu was calmer and could analyze things. What Liu Mang wanted was for the others to escape and inform the people at Yangzhou. With Yangzhou threatening them, Liu Biao would not be able to kill Liu Mang so quickly.
“Milord. You are thinking too much.” Jia Xu objected as well. “Besides the fact that Liu Pan have already seen all of us here and would not let us escape, did you actually think you can survive after going back to Xiangyang?” The fact that Liu Biao got cuckold was now already public knowledge. If it was still a secret, Liu Mang had a chance to live but now that it was public knowledge, Liu Biao would have no choice but to kill Liu Mang or he would definitely become a world class joke.
“Then avenge me.” Liu Mang said indifferently. “I believe that you, Jia Xu, will survive. So live and avenge me! Even if I am absent from Yangzhou, we still have my father-in-law.” Liu Mang did not have a sense of identity that he was the Lord of Yangzhou. After all, everything was given to him by Lu Bu.
“Jia Xu Jia Wenhe. Remember that you owe me your life! So you must dedicate yourself fully in Yangzhou! Support my father-in-law in claiming the world!”
Jia Xu did not know how to reply to this. He was an opportunist, not a faithful official. He only thought of benefits and Liu Mang never blamed him. This kind of people were plentiful during chaotic times.
“I believe that with so many talents such as you, Xu Shu and Chen Gong, you would be able to pacify the land.” Liu Mang tried to get Jia Xu loyal with feelings. He believed that if he did not do so, Jia Xu would quickly disappear after returning to Yangzhou. He might even become an enemy.
“Promise me!” Liu Mang stared unwaveringly.
“I…” Jia Xu did not know if he should make this promise but he felt killing intent.
Liu Mang already placed his hand on the hilt of his sword as he looked at Jia Xu indifferently. If Jia Xu does not make this promise, he was prepared to have Jia Xu die together with him. He would not allow Yangzhou to have such a problematic enemy.
“I…” Jia Xu hesitated. He was not a self-sacrificing person. It was in his nature to avoid harm while pursuing benefits. That was why he was willing to work for Liu Mang but not Lu Bu. Based on Jia Xu’s evaluation, Lu Bu was an idiot who would have gotten himself killed. If it weren’t for Chen Gong, Lu Bu would have already died a long time ago. Asking Jia Xu to assist such an idiot was too much.
Besides that, Lu Bu was temperamental and might kill Jia Xu in anger. That was why even Chen Gong, who never offended anyone, once thought of betraying Lu Bu.
Seeing Jia Xu’s hesitation, Liu Mang steeled himself to kill Jia Xu. All he could do after that was apologize to Jia Xu.
Right at this moment, there was sound of movement in the bushes.
“Who’s there!” Guan Hai immediately shouted.
“Someone’s there?” Liu Mang also took out his sword. “Is Liu Pan so untrustworthy that he even sent someone?” If that was the case, then all that’s left is to kill as much as they could.
“No. This sound came from the other side. Even if Liu Pan was quick, he could not send someone to the back that quickly.”
“Come out!” Liu Mang shouted and Guan Hai leapt forward. Immediately after, there were sounds of fighting.
“Wah! Xi Mi Wei Sa!” A voice shouted. His words could not be understood. Liu Mang and the others also rushed over in fear that Guan Hai was at a disadvantage. Once they arrived, they saw that there were four other people besides Guan Hai. These four people wore plume clothes that only covered half their body. They obviously weren’t Liu Pan’s men.
“These are the mountain barbarians?” Liu Mang asked.
“Xi Mi Wei Sa!” One of the barbarians shouted and ran towards Liu Mang.
“Protect the Lord!” Zhou Cang shouted as he struggled to stand. Jia Xu also moved in front of Liu Mang. Liu Mang jumped from surprise while the Guan Hai ignored the other three enemies in front of him to go after the one running towards Liu Mang. He was fast enough to catch up to the barbarian and kill him.
“Hm?” Liu Mang noticed that that the one running towards him was laughing. An enemy would be showing a wrathful expression. Although Liu Mang did not know them, he knew how people would normally act when their territory is intruded.
“Stop!” Liu Mang shouted when he finally realized that the barbarian was not here to kill him.
Guan Hai heard Liu Mang’s words but he was unable to stop his attack. So, Liu Mang had to block the attack with his sword. After a loud clash, Liu Mang’s sword fell to the ground. His thenar webspace cracked.
“Milord! Are you alright?” Guan Hai asked worriedly.
“I am alright.” Liu Mang’s reassured despite his bleeding hands. As the difference in strength between him and Guan Hai was too large, he ended up sustaining injuries.
Guan Hai did not know why Liu Mang stopped his sword but he still moved to protect Liu Mang.
“Everyone stop!” Liu Mang shook his head, making Guan Hai lower his sword. With this, the other barbarians also dropped their hostility.
“Han person. Xiangyang City. Princess.” The barbarian explained. Seeing that Liu Mang could not understand, he wiped away the markings on his face.
“Hu Zi?” Liu Mang furrowed his brows.
The barbarian nodded. Liu Mang was now certain that this barbarian was an acquaintance. He was the barbarian that entered the city to look for his princess.
Liu Mang even remembered that he was almost killed by this barbarian but it was also because of this barbarian that Liu Mang managed to obtain Kuai Ran’s friendship.
“Why are you here?” Liu Mang asked. He remembered that they had left after he chased away the barbarian princess. They were barbarian from the Wuxi county while this was still Xiangyang territory. They seemed to have been waiting here for a while.
“The princess is worried about you. So Hu Zi is here to protect you.” The barbarian named Hu Zi explained.
“Worried about me? Protect me?” Liu Mang smiled bitterly as he shook his head. The barbarian princess initially wanted to stay by his side but Liu Mang chased her away because of his fierce wives. Liu Mang even remembered her telling him not to regret it.
The barbarian explained that after he and the princess returned to the tribe, she had him, the strongest fighter within the tribe, defeat her father. After that, the princess became the Queen. Even then, she still had Liu Mang in her mind so she dispatched people to protect Liu Mang. Hu Zi accompanied them as he was one of the people who understood the Han language. Naturally, they could not approach Xiangyang City so they waited on this mountain range and approached Liu Mang when they found out he left Xiangyang City.
“You said you came from the mountain range?” The expert, Jia Xu, already found an escape path from the barbarian’s words.
“Yes.” The barbarian nodded.
“Haha! Milord, we are saved!” Jia Xu laughed excitedly.
Liu Mang also understood. These barbarians came after they saw Liu Mang enter the mountain. If they could approach him after the place was surrounded by Liu Pan it would also mean that there is a way out.
“Quick. Bring us out of here.” Jia Xu said to the barbarian. However, the barbarian remain unmoved.
“Do you not understand my words?” Jia Xu felt anxious. Liu Pan was going to burn down the mountain soon. If they do not escape, they would all be burned to death here.
“You. Shut up.” The barbarian pointed at Jia Xu as he continued to look at Liu Mang.
“What do you want?” Liu Mang could tell that the barbarian has a condition.
“Want you. Go back. Get married.” The barbarian replied.
“Get married?” Liu Mang was stunned? Get married to their princess QIan Yu?
“Marry the princess. Refuse, stay here.” The barbarian threatened.
“Alright, alright. Get married.” Jia Xu sold Liu Mang out immediately without his consent. His priority was getting off the mountain since he did not want to die.
“Alright your head!” Liu Mang shouted as he slapped Jia Xu’s forehead. “You are Hu Zi right?”
“Yes.” The barbarian replied. “Princess calls Hu Zi. Hu Zi is Hu Zi.”
The barbarian’s words simply confused Liu Mang but Liu Mang paid it no mind. A name is just for identification. “Then Hu Zi must know that getting married is not one person’s matter. It involves two people. Only if two people love each other can they get married.” Liu Mang explained.
Hu Zi nodded. Just as Liu Mang wanted to sigh in relief, Hu Zi’s next words caused Liu Mang to be taken aback.
“The princess likes you. Go back. Get married.”
“I…” Liu Mang was starting to have the urge to kill. Who said he had to marry the princess simply because she likes him?
“Fine then. But do you know that Han men can only have three wives? I already have three wives. If your princess wants to marry me, she can only become a concubine. Do you know what a concubine is? It is like a servant with no status!” Liu Mang explained. “Do you want your princess to become a servant?” Liu Mang asked, hoping for Hu Zi to give up.
“The princess marry you. You become princess’ wife.” Hu Zi retorted.
“Alright. I cannot communicate with you at all.” Liu Mang gave up communicating.
“I am not leaving. I will just die here.” Liu Mang declared. He refused to prostitute himself just to live.
“Milord. Is the barbarian princess ugly?” Jia Xu asked.
“Haven’t you seen her before? Don’t you know whether she is ugly or not?” Liu Mang replied in a bad mood. The barbarian princess was as beautiful as his three wives. In fact, the barbarian princess had a mixed blood beauty.
“Is it because she is not a virgin?” JIa Xu asked.
“Of course not. Would the brothel be able to sell her otherwise?” Liu Mang replied. The barbarian princess was expensive because of this.
“Then Milord is afraid of your wives!”
“Who said? This is called being loyal to my wives!” Liu Mang would definitely not admit that he was afraid of his wives.
“Then why does Milord refuse this free gift? Is it because Milord is impotent?” Jia Xu continued.
“You are the one that is impotent!” Liu Mang replied angrily. Nobody likes being called impotent. “Fine. I will admit. If I take her, I will get kicked out of the house!” Liu Mang cried bitterly. Everyone loves beauties, especially Liu Mang. However, if he takes the barbarian princess home with him, he will no longer be able to share a bed with his wives.
“Milord. You are not afraid of death but you are afraid of this?” Jia Xu mocked. “Regardless, Milord should make this promise first. What happens next can be discussed later. After all, you already took in Xiao Cui. Also, if Milord doesn’t leave this place, Zhou Cang and Guan Hai will not leave as well.”
“Fine.” Liu Mang finally agreed. He could not allow Zhou Cang and Guan Hai to die with him. “Let us get out of here first.”
Liu Mang then went towards Hu Zi. “Let us get out first.”
“Get married.”
“Alright, alright. I will get married.”
“Come! Return, Wuxi.” Hu Zi said and then turned back to his companions. “Xi Zi Wa Si! Xi Zi Shen Wa.”
“Xi Zi Wa Si! Xi Zi Shen Wa.” The other three repeated and nodded back. They then started to lead the way.
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There is no proper translation for barbarian speak.