Chapter 472: Chapter 456: Killing Intent
When Fang Chuning came to West State, he didn’t bring much. Now, as he was leaving, his departure was clean and decisive. The carriage outside the mansion had already been prepared, and Fang Chuning bade farewell to Xie Jue.
During his time in West State, Fang Chuning had worn Xie Jue’s clothing. Now that he was leaving, he wore the attire he had arrived in—a snow-white cloud brocade robe, cinched with a gold belt inlaid with gemstones—low-key yet luxurious, just the right amount of elegance. He looked like a nobleman from the Capital City’s rich and opulent circles. Xie Jue escorted him to the courtyard.
"The wind and snow are heavy; don’t see me off." After stepping through the Moon Gate, Fang Chuning noticed that the cord on Xie Jue’s cloak had come loose. By habit, he reached out to fix it, but restrained himself and pulled his hand back. "Ting Feng, I’m leaving now."
"Alright!"
Xie Jue watched his departing figure. He stood there silently, even as Fang Chuning disappeared into the snow. Fang Chuning truly hadn’t said another unnecessary word to him.
Aning had ultimately become disappointed in him!
In life, eight or nine out of ten moments are unsatisfactory. Xie Jue had long come to terms with this. Both wanting and having would only make him greedy. Greed leads to mistakes. Once he made a mistake, the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry and Zhixu would face a calamity from which they could never recover.
Fang Lingjun looked into the carriage, shocked to see Xiaoqi tied up tightly like a prisoner. What was going on? Wasn’t he Ayu’s younger brother? Why had her elder brother caught him?
Xiaoqi’s mouth was stuffed with a white silk cloth. His eyes were red as he anxiously looked to Fang Lingjun for help. Fang Lingjun had briefly met him once in the Feng Yu Courtyard and was confused. She lifted the curtain and asked Fang Chuning, who was riding casually beside the carriage, "Brother, why have you abducted Xiaoqi?"
"Mm mm..." Xiaoqi struggled. Fang Chuning’s expression remained indifferent as he glanced down at them. "Junjun, leave him be."
"Oh..." Fang Lingjun didn’t understand but obediently shrugged at Xiaoqi.
Fang Chuning held the Token from the City Lord Mansion, and Zhang Meng recognized him. Therefore, they didn’t inspect the carriage and easily let it pass. Once out of the city, the carriage sped forward. Fang Chuning rode inside with them, while his mount followed closely behind the carriage. No sooner had he gotten into the carriage than Xiaoqi kicked him. Fang Chuning knocked lightly on his leg. "You lack proper manners."
He removed the white silk cloth gagging Xiaoqi. Xiaoqi spoke furiously, "Brother, I don’t want to return to the Capital City."
"You don’t have a choice!"
"This is kidnapping!"
"Why are you calling him brother? He’s my brother!" Fang Lingjun and Fang Chuning sat to the side, warily watching Xiaoqi. "Brother, who is he?"
Grinding his teeth, Xiaoqi exclaimed, "I’m your father’s illegitimate son from outside. I’ve come to fight with you for your brother!"
"What!" Fang Lingjun was so furious she nearly jumped up, only to be pressed back down by Fang Chuning. Fang Lingjun pointed at Xiaoqi. "He says it’s true? Is it true or not?"
Fang Chuning rubbed his temples. Xiaoqi, seeing his weary expression, felt a bit of regret. "Brother, are you alright?"
"Don’t call him brother. That’s my brother!" Fang Lingjun grabbed the white silk cloth, intending to gag Xiaoqi again, but was stopped by Fang Chuning. "He’s Uncle Yuwen’s eldest son, Yuwen Xuan, courtesy name Mianmian, a year younger than you, and also your younger brother."
Fang Lingjun, "..."
When Fang Chuning’s intensely oppressive gaze bore into him, Xiaoqi suppressed his anger and obediently greeted her, "Hello, sister."
"Hello, younger brother!" Fang Lingjun looked curiously at Xiaoqi. "Brother, then why did you tie him up?"
Fang Chuning was about to reply when his expression abruptly darkened. He grabbed Xiaoqi by the collar. "You told Fengyu, didn’t you?"
"I didn’t!" Xiaoqi shook his head frantically. "What’s going on?"
Fang Chuning curled his fingers and whistled sharply. His black steed, Treading Snow, galloped toward him. Fang Chuning gripped his sword, lifted the curtain, and leapt onto the horse’s back. Behind them, a cloud of dust surged as Xie Xun led a company of personal soldiers, charging rapidly forward. They quickly encircled the group. The warhorses neighed; blades flared in the sunlight, shooting threads of cold radiance in all directions. The carriage, ultimately no match for the warhorses, slowed as Zhuifeng raised its hooves and neighed, attempting to catch up with Treading Snow, but was firmly reined in by Xie Xun.
Fang Chuning gripped the reins in one hand and his longsword in the other, scanning the faces around him. Among the soldiers encircling him, there were many familiar faces—men who had once served under his command.
"Xie Zhixu, are you here to see me off?" Fang Chuning spoke with calm composure, his demeanor light even in the tense and sword-ready atmosphere.
"Brother Fang, aside from Fang Lingjun, is there another person in your carriage?" Xie Xun said. "He’s Fengyu’s younger brother—I must take him back."
"I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed!" Fang Chuning drew his longsword out in a sweep. "If you can’t kill me, you won’t be taking him."