The early morning mist had not yet lifted and the forest, lingering by morning dew, looked moist. The occasional cries of partridges made the already deep forest even more terrifying!
In this isolated and anomalous forest there was a path, although it was a shortcut, that connects to the official road. However, very few people knew about it because it was too remote. But now there was a small group of people on this side road, with riders in front and behind guarding a spacious but not too luxurious carriage in the middle.
A rustling sound emitted from the forest ahead, startling a flock of black birds perched on a branch. The Imperial Bodyguards immediately stopped their horses, drew out their blades and gazed warily at the forest ahead.
“Hey, you mongrels, why are you suddenly stopping again? Do you want to kill This Highness 1 ?” A young man of nobility, about seventeen or eighteen years old, slammed open the door of the carriage and, touching his slightly red forehead, shouted angrily with his eyes wide open.
He wore a crown of gold and jade on his head, a cream-colored satin gown, with a vibrant purple belt around his waist, and a pair of gold boots. A rich and powerful young man, however the arrogant and domineering look on his face made people not dare to compliment him.
“Your Highness, there is something strange ahead, I'm afraid there's an ambush,” the head of the Imperial Bodyguards replied reverently.
“Utter rubbish! You have said that ten times already. And when was there really an ambush?” the young man scolded angrily.
“This subordinate deserves to die,” the Imperial Bodyguard said in a panic, accepting his punishment.
“Of course, you deserve to die, if it had been possible This Highness would have beheaded you immediately. Why are we not departing yet?”
“As you command, Your Highness, but it is better to be careful …..” the Imperial Bodyguard mumbled.
“That’s right, Your Highness,” the other Imperial bodyguards also responded in agreement.
“How dare you, do you all want to disobey orders?” The young man was furious. “I order you to depart at once,” the young man spoke threateningly once again.
The young man in front of them, was not only a prince of the current dynasty, but also a potential heir to the throne. The slightest disobedience would incur the scourge of death. Furthermore, their retreat route was also decided by the general. Therefore, the Imperial Bodyguards had no other choice but to spur their horses and move on.
………..
Like electric sparks between rocks the situation suddenly broke out. Several long chains with hooks were thrown out from both sides. ‘Neigh――’, the frightened horse lifted its front hooves and reared. A group of heavily armed Chu Jing soldiers jumped out of the forest and surrounded the group of people.
The Imperial Bodyguards quickly pulled out their weapons and turned their horses around, to firmly guard the carriage in the middle.
“Sons of Bitches, This Highness will cut you all down…….” the young man cursed and stuck his head out. But when he saw the sword fight outside, he immediately became frightened, fell silent and withdrew his head. Then he spoke, trembling with fear, “Pro― Protect the carriage, you must kill them all! This Highness will reward you with a lot of money an― and also beautiful women……..”
‘Clang’ The battle was about to begin, so the Imperial Bodyguards had no time to listen to his nonsense.
The head of the Imperial Bodyguards grabbed the young man by the right shoulder and lifted him up, not caring whether he had offended his superior. He laid the young man on the horse’s back while he fended off the swords all around them and shouted to his companions, “Comrades, kill them――”
The situation was chaotic. The young man was so frightened that his face turned pale as sharp blades swung behind his ears, evoking a strong wind. How could he, who always lived like a prince, not tremble with fear?
Although the martial arts of these Imperial Bodyguards were not weak, the overwhelming difference in numbers quickly put them at a disadvantage.
There was a muffled groan. The Imperial Bodyguard behind the young man was wounded again. Several swords were placed on their necks and it became clear that ―― the rescue mission had failed!
Although captured, the young man was no longer that afraid. He got up and said displeased, “I had nothing to do with it, they insisted on taking me with them. Go back and tell your Emperor of Chu Jing, that I never thought of running away.”
A trace of contempt flashed in the eyes of Chu Jing’s general, then he said with an expressionless face, “Third Prince of Bei Ling, please return to the palace with me.”
The young man who had made his innocence clear breathed a sigh of relief, patted the mud from his body and stood up.
Some people say, 'It is easy to dodge the spear in the open, hard to avoid a stab in the dark 2 .' This is true, especially when everyone has lowered their guard.
A long arrow, from the bushes ten steps away from the crowd, pierced the air and pointed straight at the young man's chest. The situation was so unexpected that by the time everyone came to their senses, the long arrow had already entered the young man's weak chest.
The sound of flesh splitting open was clearly audible. The crimson blood immediately stained the cream-colored clothes. The young man slowly looked in disbelief at the tail of the arrow in his chest and after a few quick gasps, collapsed on the ground…….
Translator Notes
The first official chapter ヾ(⌒▽⌒)ﾉ
I hope you enjoyed reading it! Upcoming week I will post a chapter daily, after that it will unfortunately become less frequent.
Translation Notes
This person is talking in the third person. 明枪易躲，暗箭难防 - Míng qiāng yì duǒ , àn jiàn nán fáng. - It is hard to guard against secret conspiracies.