Chapter 038: The Link

Wang Bo completely disregarded Chen Xuanli's objection and said slowly, “My female companion and I are going to have an audience with the Emperor. I will naturally explain this matter to His Majesty; I don't need your approval.”

Chen Xuanli sneered a few times and stood his ground, saying, “General An, I think you are making things difficult for me, Chen.”

Didn't he know what kind of woman Wang Bo's companion was?

Nowadays, Chang'an was already buzzing with rumors.

Many people knew that the woman by Wang Bo's side had once single-handedly slaughtered her way through An Lushan's mansion, with hundreds of soldiers unable to stop her—she was a peerless master.

Even if there was some exaggeration, it was clear that this woman's strength was formidable.

Especially after seeing that woman yesterday, Chen Xuanli had once thought of testing her in private, but just as he was about to make a move, she shot him a glare.

That glance was like a sharp spear, piercing through Chen Xuanli's heart.

From that moment, Chen Xuanli knew he was no match for that woman, so he absolutely could not allow such a dangerous woman to approach the imperial palace, to approach the Emperor. This was his duty as a member of the Imperial Guard.

Just then, Qin Liangyu walked out of her room.

Seeing Qin Liangyu, Wang Bo smiled slightly and said, “Perfect timing, let's go see Xuanzong together.”

Qin Liangyu nodded slightly.

Chen Xuanli's expression suddenly changed, almost drawing his sword, his right hand already on the hilt. “General An, I advise you not to make things difficult for me, or don't blame me for being rude.”

These words seemed like a signal; the Imperial Guards around him all turned stern, their killing intent overflowing as they drew their swords.

Qin Liangyu's expression turned cold, and she summoned her weapon, the White Pole Spear, her magical power surging.

She had roamed battlefields for countless years and had never feared any army.

Back then, after the Battle of Guangqu Gate, Yuan Chonghuan was arrested and imprisoned, and Zu Dashou led the Guanning Army to withdraw from Beijing immediately, intending to return to Shanhai Pass. At that time, the Later Jin army had not yet been repelled; Zu Dashou, disregarding the capital's safety, withdrew without authorization, clearly not putting the nation's interests at heart.

At that moment, Qin Liangyu had just arrived with her White Pole Soldiers upon imperial summons, and without time to rest, she immediately threw herself into battle.

The two sides engaged in fierce combat around Yongding Gate. Huang Taiji deployed his most elite iron cavalry, led by the later-famous Dorgon. Although Dorgon was valiant and skilled in battle, he was no match for Qin Liangyu in this fight.

Moreover, the Later Jin army had suffered heavy losses in the battle at Hun River against the White Pole Soldiers; when they saw the Tusi soldiers wielding white poles again, they still trembled with fear and felt a sense of dread.

After this battle, Dorgon was thoroughly defeated and fled. Qin Liangyu once again created a miracle, defeating iron cavalry with ordinary infantry.

After the iron cavalry's defeat, the two sides faced off, and Huang Taiji closed his camp and refused to fight.

But Qin Liangyu would not give Huang Taiji too much breathing room.

That night, taking advantage of a snowstorm, Qin Liangyu led 3,000 White Pole Soldiers in a surprise attack on Huang Taiji's central camp, once again inflicting heavy losses on the arrogant Eight Banner troops.

These two defeats made Huang Taiji realize that this place was not suitable for a prolonged stay. Although the other Ming armies had little combat effectiveness, the White Pole Soldiers were too difficult to deal with.

The victory over the White Pole Soldiers at the Hun River battle had relied mainly on the city's cannons, and even then it was a pyrrhic victory.

Now, facing the White Pole Soldiers deep in Ming territory, with Qin Liangyu in command, Huang Taiji had no certainty of victory. The ambitious Huang Taiji had no choice but to order a retreat and withdraw beyond the passes.

Not to mention Huang Taiji; even Zhang Xianzhong and Li Zicheng had been beaten by Qin Liangyu, ground into the dirt repeatedly.

A mere Chen Xuanli was nothing in front of Qin Liangyu.

Seeing that Qin Liangyu was about to make a move, Chen Xuanli was greatly alarmed and blustered, “General An, do you really intend to defy the imperial decree!!!”

Wang Bo said calmly, “Get lost!”

Chen Xuanli's face turned red; he wanted to draw his sword and give the order for the soldiers to cut Wang Bo to pieces.

But he dared not.

Because at that moment, Qin Liangyu had already locked onto him. Chen Xuanli realized this too: if he gave the order, the first to die might not be someone else, but himself.

Although Chen Xuanli was utterly loyal to the Emperor, he was not willing to gamble with his own life.

For a moment, the standoff continued.

The air was thick with unease and tension. All the Imperial Guards looked at Chen Xuanli, waiting for his command.

Many had already gripped their weapons tightly, ready for Chen Xuanli's order.

Several times Chen Xuanli tried to give the order, but when the words reached his lips, he involuntarily swallowed them back. He really didn't want to risk his life.

Life is only once.

But if he backed down here, and word reached the Emperor's ears, would he, Chen Xuanli, face any good consequences?

At this moment, Chen Xuanli felt as if he were stuck on a wax candle—unable to advance or retreat.

He, Chen Xuanli, had never suffered such torment as he did today.

Wang Bo smiled at Chen Xuanli, then stepped forward toward the gate of the post station. Qin Liangyu, holding her White Pole Spear, followed closely behind.

The two walked boldly through the crowd, and no one dared to stop them. When they reached the gate, Chen Xuanli had already ordered a carriage to be prepared and placed there.

Wang Bo and Qin Liangyu boarded the carriage, and he said slowly, “Let's go.”

Only then did Chen Xuanli come out, cast a deep glance at the carriage, mount his horse, and lead the way.

Not long after they left, a soldier emerged from the post station, mounted a horse, and rode along a small path straight toward the imperial palace.

On the other side, the carriage rolled through the streets of Chang'an, swaying all the way, weaving through the alleys of this ancient imperial capital.

Chen Xuanli rode a tall horse at the front, his mind unsettled, occasionally turning back to glance at the carriage with a grave look.

He had done what needed to be done; now it was up to the palace's reaction.

Before long, the group arrived at the palace gate.

From a distance, Chen Xuanli saw that the guards at the palace gate were three times the usual number, and he couldn't help but feel relieved, knowing his plan had worked.

The Emperor had received the intelligence he had sent and had placed the palace on high alert.

Passing through the palace gate, everyone dismounted. Wang Bo and Qin Liangyu, surrounded by a group of soldiers, proceeded forward toward the hall where the morning court was held.

Wang Bo, holding Bal, looked around and noticed that the palace was heavily guarded, seemingly different from usual, but he was not curious.

With his hearing, Chen Xuanli's little scheme could not escape him.

But Wang Bo didn't care at all. If it really came to a fight, the troops in the palace were nothing and would be of no use.

Just then, a voice suddenly sounded in Wang Bo's mind.

“You... have come...”