Chapter 74: The Seven Days of Annihilation (Part 3)
Mrs. Cen spent her girlhood eagerly looking forward to marrying Cen Xiangnan, a man she had known since childhood, and they were inseparable.
From a young age, Cen Xiangnan had a serious and solemn personality, always furrowing his brow.
Cen Xiangnan had once said that he liked elegant and graceful girls. So, she never doubted and learned from a young age how to be a proper and virtuous wife and mistress.
Later, she heard that after Cen Xiangnan returned from the southwest, he was accompanied by a charming girl.
At that moment, she sensed something was wrong, but still held onto a glimmer of hope. After all, she had grown up with Cen Xiangnan and believed he wouldn't let her down.
But when she saw Cen Xiangnan standing side by side with Lin Li, she finally realized she had been mistaken.
There was tenderness and affection in the young man's eyes, but when he looked at her, his gaze was clear.
The woman had a curvaceous figure, was enchanting, and had a mischievous look in her eyes that didn't match her elegance and virtue.
This is the little demon girl of the Southwestern Lin family, just like it is written in traditional stories, this intruder girl always ends up with the righteously determined young man, whereas the young man’s pre-arranged fiancée often ends up disappointedly withdrawing.
When Cen Xiangnan later broke away from his family, the head of the Cen family asked her if she was willing to allow Lin Li to become a concubine, Mrs. Cen thought about it and agreed.
From being a girl, she had always wanted to marry him, striving for this, learning to become a good wife. She wished to be a decent and gentle wife for Cen Xiangnan.
However, it turned out that the day after she finally married Cen Xiangnan, Cen Xiangnan married Lin Li.
She stood behind a pillar and watched as the serious-faced young man, who was rarely seen smiling, happily hugged this woman, and the woman also lowered her head in laughter, reaching up to touch his face, the two of them in joyous unison.
The day that she married Cen Xiangnan was a good day; she, in her wedding dress, married the man of her girlhood dreams.
That day was a warm, spring day, imbued with the charms of spring.
That was a beautiful spring memory that Jiang Rou would never forget in her life.
...
The young girl who used to sleep soundly in her boudoir has finally grown up to be a graceful and mature wife and mother.
Mrs. Cen lowered her eyes and calmly applied medicine to the young man in front of her, her movements skilled and without any shyness.
After all, the young man in front of her, although slightly taller, was not much different from her own sons.
Since he came together with Qiao Wan, Mrs. Cen naturally regarded this tall young man as her son's friend and a younger generation.
Watching the busy woman, Xiu Quan turned his head and quietly twitched his nose, taking a sniff of the lingering scent of medicine in the air and the woman's unique, subtle aroma. Suddenly, he felt a bit nervous and perked up his ears.
With a quick glance, he saw the calm and composed look on the woman's face.
In an instant, he felt relieved and relaxed, letting his ears droop down.
As a half-human, half-dog spirit, he enjoyed being around people.
...
Over there, the skin was still shouting.
Qiao Wan, with no expression on her face, swung a hammer.
Bang -
The skin twisted in anger, laughing slyly, "I won't listen, I won't listen-"
Bang -
The words stopped abruptly, halfway through.
Violence is indeed the most effective method to suppress dissent.
"I will investigate this matter myself," said Qiao Wan coldly.
The skin fell silent completely.
Qiao Wan picked up the iron hammer and turned to leave.
Xiao Boyang quickly stood up, frowning and asking, "Qiao Wan, where are you going?"
Now, outside is surrounded by all kinds of monsters and demons.
Without looking back, Qiao Wan said, "I'm going to Shichun Hall to take a look. Don't call me Qiao Wan anymore."
Only then did Xiao Boyang realize what was happening.
That's right.
Watching her retreating figure, Xiao Boyang felt a little conflicted.
Perhaps he had already become accustomed to the constant arguments with Qiao Wan, forgetting why she had come down the mountain in the first place.
Both sides had just stopped fighting not long ago, and now everyone was busy counting casualties, organizing troops, and preparing for the next wave of battles.
Cen Xiangnan and the young master Cen Qingjia were standing in Shichun Hall, busy with commanding and deployments, visibly clueless about what had just happened in Cold Mountain Yard.
After all, Cold Mountain Yard was in the inner courtyard, and no one would have imagined that Lin Qingzhi could sneak in.
Qiao Wan took a glance and averted her gaze.
The Cen family, as a prominent family guarding Qizawa Province for generations, had a total of four guard teams in the mansion: the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise, collectively known as the Four Spirits, representing the four cardinal directions.
Not long after, a servant hurriedly brought news.
Cen Qingyou and Pei Chunzheng had returned!
Cen Qingyou had not come back since he left, which worried both Cen Xiangnan and Cen Qingjia. Upon hearing the news, Cen Qingjia quickly put down his work and went to see his brother.
When Cen Qingyou and his group returned, they all looked a bit tired, with some bloodstains on their bodies.
During this dangerous time, no one felt like exchanging pleasantries.
Seeing that Cen Qingyou was unharmed, everyone nodded in relief.
"Second Young Master," Qiao Wan approached and bowed.
When Cen Qingyou saw Qiao Wan, he froze.
The young man looked tired, obviously having heard about what happened at Snow Wave Garden and Cold Mountain Yard on the way. He whispered, "Xin Yi, thank you for today. Let's go see my mother later."
So, Qiao Wan and Cen Qingyou returned to Cold Mountain Yard.
Meanwhile, Xiu Quan had already left. He was staying in a separate guest room near Cold Mountain Yard. Mrs. Cen would often assign patients to that room for easy care.
As soon as they entered the gate, Cen Qingyou clearly saw the human skin hanging from the tree. Or rather, it was his estranged younger brother.
However, the young man said nothing and walked into the house.
Cen Qingyou and Mrs. Cen's relationship was not quite like that of a mother and son.
The young man respectfully bowed and sat by the bed, serving some herbal soup.
Mrs. Cen leaned on the bed and asked about the journey.
Cen Qingyou spoke softly, "It's not a big deal, just got back late and mother got injured from exhaustion."
Mrs. Cen shook her head, "This was not your concern to begin with."
The mother and son exchanged a few words. Mrs. Cen rested while Cen Qingyou bowed and left.
Xiao Boyang and Qiao Wan stood outside the house, watching the two inside with some confusion. "Qiao... Lu Wan, do you feel anything between Cen Qingyou and Mrs. Cen?"
Qiao Wan replied, "They don't seem like mother and son."
They were polite, but distant.
Just then, Cen Qingyou walked down the steps and immediately noticed Qiao Wan standing with Xiao Boyang. "Xin Yi."
Qiao Wan bowed.
Cen Qingyou also noticed the human skin hanging from the tree, clearly thinking it was too ostentatious. "Lin Qingzhi is here, we need to first hide this matter from father. Lin Qingzhi might know something about the Lin family and the rebel forces. Let's detain him for now and question him later."
Qiao Wan nodded to show that she understood and quickly ran to the storeroom. She came back with a wooden barrel.
The human skin hanging on the tree suddenly trembled. "You little troublemaker, what are you trying to do?!"
Qiao Wan held the wooden barrel and looked up, calmly replying, "To make a real human skin drum."
Lin Qingzhi remained silent.
...
There was a temporary ceasefire, giving the Cen family a brief break. But if they couldn't find a solution, they would eventually be trapped inside the mansion.
At midnight, Shichun Hall was brightly lit.
A group of people gathered in Shichun Hall to discuss their strategy.
Cen Qingjia, representing Cen Xiangnan, expressed some innocent apologies to the younger generation, including Pei Chunzheng, for involving them in the situation.
Mu Xiaoxiao shook her head and smiled. "The head of the family worries too much. The world of cultivation is always filled with troubles, and who can say for sure what will happen today?"
Mu Xiaoxiao's voice was gentle. "I believe that as long as we unite, we will surely be able to drive away the Lin family!"
The young girl's face showed determination as she said, "Family leader, please take care of yourself and don't overwork."
However, at this critical moment, Cen Xiangnan wasn't in the mood to listen to what Mu Xiaoxiao had to say. He just nodded and furrowed his brow with worry.
When it came to dealing with the Lin family and the rebel forces of the monsters, Cen Xiangnan believed in defending.
Cen Xiangnan's face didn't look very good. "I have already sent someone to ask for help. Within two days, reinforcements will arrive. We just need to hold on for the next two days," he said gravely. "The difficulties the Cen family faces today will surely turn around."
Xiao Boyang, Pei Chunzheng, Mu Xiaoxiao, and Feng Wangyan, since they were not part of the Cen family, did not interfere with Cen Xiangnan's decision.
Especially Feng Wangyan, as long as Mu Xiaoxiao was safe, he didn't care about the life or death of others.
Cen Qingyou didn't quite agree, so he respectfully bowed and expressed his opinion, saying, "One who stays in the battlefield and awaits the enemy will find leisure, while one who rushes into battle from behind will only toil."
Cen Qingyou hesitated, "We should respond to the Lin family's attack accordingly. Father, we have already lost the advantage today, which will inevitably lead to chaos and being forced to react. We will be scattered and exhausted while trying to put out fires everywhere."
Cen Xiangnan remained silent for a moment before speaking, "What do you propose as our current attack strategy? How can the Cen family still launch an attack?"
Cen Qingyou wanted to say more but was stopped by Cen Xiangnan.
Seeing Cen Xiangnan's firm determination, Cen Qingyou, a young man, silently bowed and received instructions for his task.
Before leaving, he paused and said, "If you have the chance, Father, please go to Cold Mountain Yard to see Mother."
Cen Xiangnan looked puzzled, wrinkled his brow, and showed a hint of fatigue and awkwardness. He avoided eye contact and replied, "Once tonight is over, I will go and visit your mother tomorrow."
Truthfully, he couldn't bear to face it.
After years of estrangement, even a man living in a brothel would silently gaze towards Cold Mountain Yard.
The young man's mind was clouded by intense feelings of love. Although Cen Xiangnan often thought of the charming and innocent Lin Li, who was different from anyone else, he gradually shifted his focus to Mrs. Cen.
In the past, the girl who grew up with him and always dreamed of marrying him, the more he looked at her, the more guilty he felt in his heart. It wasn't right to blame her for Lin Li's death.
As people grow older, they become more and more unable to face things, feeling more guilty and unwilling to look. And so they remained in this tense state until now.
Cen Qingyou turned and walked, and as a young maid, Qiao Wan hurried to catch up. Just as they stepped out of the doorway, suddenly, a clear male voice resounded from above.
"From this day forward, not a single person in the Cen residence will be spared!"
Cen Qingyou, Cen Xiangnan, Qiao Wan, and others all had a change in their expressions! The man's voice echoed loudly and dominantly throughout the entire Cen residence!
"But this is the long-standing feud between my Lin family and the Cen family. Considering that the servants and workers of the Cen family are innocent, if anyone wants to leave the Cen family at this moment, we won't kill them! We won't hold them accountable either."
"If there is anyone who is determined to live or die with the Cen family, later, when the Cen family is defeated, they will be killed without mercy!"
The Lin family deliberately spread the message when people's spirits were weary, using a special method so that everyone in the Cen family could hear it.
The news quickly spread throughout the entire Cen family.
The Cen family was thrown into chaos. People's hearts were wavering!
Just when they had narrowly escaped death, the servants were disheartened, realizing that there was no hope for their future.
If they managed to escape this time, what about afterwards?! The Lin family would never spare the Cen family!
But now, things were different.
This was a way to survive!
A way to live!
After all, it was their long-standing feud with the Cen family. It had nothing to do with them, the servants who came to work there!!
They had thought there was no way out, but now, a path forward had opened up wide.
A group of servants looked at each other excitedly, their hearts filled with anticipation.
Cen Qingjia gasped, "Father! What should we do now?!"
Cen Xiangnan had a very serious expression on his face.
The words from the Lin family were disgusting and made everyone feel sick!
Qiao Wan suddenly realized that the Lin family's actions were just like a strategy in a game called "retreat without killing."
Although the words from the Lin family were inspiring, everyone hesitated as they looked at the intimidating ghosts at the door. Even though they were excited, no one dared to be the first to take a risk.
Who could guarantee that these words were true? What if they were lying? What if going out now meant running into those monsters during their feeding time?!
At first, no one dared to move. But after a few seconds, someone with great courage couldn't hold it in any longer. They slapped their thigh and exclaimed, "Either we die by leaving, or we die by staying!! They're trying to trap us no matter what, so what's the difference in dying sooner or later?!"
"Today, I'm willing to take a risk. Who knows, maybe we can find a glimmer of hope."
The big man turned around, raised his arm, and called out, "Anyone who's willing to go, let's all go together!!"
No one dared to go alone, but as a group, it was different.
The servants looked at each other and one by one, gritted their teeth and stood up.
"Me!"
"Take me with you!"
"I don't want to stay in this place anymore, no matter what!"
Cen Xiangnan glanced at the servants outside Shichun Hall and sighed, "My Cen family understands human emotions! If any of you want to leave today, the Cen Mansion will not stop you!"
"Today, you've all been through a lot of hardship." Cen Xiangnan turned to Cen Qingjia and said, "Go, go to the storeroom and prepare money for everyone."
When the head of the Cen family said this, the people seemed hesitant.
The head of the family was kind and just, which made their own actions seem unfair.
But since there was a way out, who would want to let this opportunity slip away?
In the blink of an eye, the crowd split into three groups.
One group wanted to break free, consisting of both men and women supporting each other.
Another group was indecisive.
And there was one group determined to stay and protect the Cen family, mostly made up of elderly servants with white hair.
A old man stepped forward from the crowd.
Qiao Wan recognized him right away, he was from Snow Wave Garden.
Hu Yucheng had a bit of blood splashed on his gray beard. When he heard Cen Xiangnan's words, he silently knelt down.
"Master, this old servant will not go."
At his age, there was no hope for further cultivation, and there was nothing to look forward to outside.
It might be better to stay and defend the Cen residence, there might still be a chance for survival.
Outside the crowd, Qiao Wan stood next to Cen Qingyou and watched as the Lin family's temptation lured the excited crowd. Qiao Wan asked, "Why aren't you stopping them?"
Cen Qingyou also looked at the crowd with a calm and gentle gaze, shook his head, and replied, "Even ants struggle to survive, let alone humans. It's natural for people to want to stay alive. The Cen family does not restrict their path or hinder others' lives."
The young man analyzed methodically, "Furthermore, we still have a tough battle ahead. The Lin family is trying to shake our military's morale by trapping us in the mansion. If we forcibly keep them here, it will only lead to disaster. Both internal and external troubles will arise, posing a great threat."
"It's better to eliminate the worries as soon as possible. Though it may be painful, it's better than stumbling later on. Those who stay will be united and focused on dealing with the Lin family."
"Xin Yi," Cen Qingyou held a Buddhist prayer bead in his hand, turned around, and bowed. "Thank you for saving my mother today."
Cen Qingyou suddenly hesitated, "If you want..."
Qiao Wan immediately understood his meaning and shook her head, "I'm not going."
The young man blushed slightly when he saw Qiao Wan refuse without hesitation.
It seemed like he suspected that Xin Yi was cowardly.
Cen Qingyou quickly apologized, "Sorry, that's not what I meant."
"Just, after all, the Cen family..." Cen Qingyou said subtly, "You don't have to stay here."
Qiao Wan remained silent for a second and confessed, "To tell you the truth, I came to the Cen family for another reason."
"I came to ask Mrs. Cen to help me with a pulse diagnosis."
Cen Qingyou was stunned and confused.
While they were talking, after a while, the other side finally came up with a reason.
The "charge ahead faction" took the lead, with a few strong men supporting each other as they moved forward.
The "hesitation faction," seeing the other side leaving, clenched their teeth and followed closely behind.
Qiao Wan briefly explained her physical condition and didn't mention anything about Kunshan.
Before losing the Nourishing Bead, many people came to Cold Mountain Yard every day seeking medical help for various difficult ailments. Cen Qingyou was already accustomed to such situations.
Moreover, everyone has their own past.
Just like Mrs. Cen, Cen Qingyou had no interest in prying into other people's pasts.
Upon hearing Qiao Wan 's words, Cen Qingyou suddenly realized, "So that's how it is."
"Thank you for finding the Nourishing Bead for my mother. I will discuss the pulse-mending matter with her later."
Qiao Wan scratched her head, feeling a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry to trouble you."
In the flickering firelight, Cen Qingyou glanced at the hesitant ones who didn't follow and at the people with different expressions. The Buddhist bead shook, he sighed, and his face grew serious. "These people will surely undergo changes in the future."
Qiao Wan wanted to say something else when she suddenly sensed a gaze upon her.
She Turned her head and saw a tall and cool-looking young man standing silently in the shadows. Pei Chunzheng looked at the two people under the lamp.
With a cold gaze and few words, he said, "Shichun Hall, we have important matters to discuss."
*
Before the "Hesitant Faction" could rebel, the Cen family fell into chaos.
In the middle of the night, the Lin family and the rebels of the demonic clan launched another surprise attack.
This time, the Cen family suffered heavy losses.
Just as Cen Qingyou had said, the Cen family was constantly on the defensive, rushing around to put out fires.
Among the Four Spirits, the "Xuanwu" suffered a devastating loss, almost wiped out!
The rescued people were hardly recognizable, missing limbs, covered in blood and flesh, wailing in agony.
Everyone felt a chill in their hearts.
Tonight, the Cen family was thoroughly defeated!
Blood and fire filled the surroundings. Qiao Wan hurriedly made her way to Cen Qingyou's side, and saw the young man standing calmly amidst the flames. The black hair against his right shoulder turned slightly red in the firelight, and the beads on his forehead glowed like drops of blood.
Xin Yi turned to look at Cen Qingyou and said, "The Cen family has been defeated."
After the spiritual veins of the Cen family were broken, the sky in the distance appeared slightly red with a hint of blue.
Qiao Wan asked, "What are you planning to do?"
Cen Qingyou shook his head and looked even further away. "I still don't know the strength of the Lin family. My initial plan was to assess their strength first and then make a counterattack. Even if we can't completely turn the tide of the battle, we can at least regain some control."
Cen Qingyou, dressed in a white robe with plum blossom patterns, had a fiery glow on his clothes.
He was always intelligent from a young age, otherwise, Venerable One Miaofa wouldn't have taken him as a direct disciple. Although he had just listened to Cen Xiangnan's words, the young man had his own ideas and was dissatisfied.
Qiao Wan seemed to understand something and paused before asking, "A guerrilla warfare?"
Cen Qingyou turned his head and looked surprised at the young maid behind him.
Qiao Wan said, "Attack when the enemy advances, harass when the enemy halts, strike when the enemy is tired, chase when the enemy retreats?"
Cen Qingyou appeared even more shocked and said, "That is indeed what I had in mind. Xin Yi, how did you know?"
Qiao Wan: "This is indeed our party's strategy."
"People who wanted to leave have already left," Cen Qingyou looked at the dying "Xuanwu" soldiers, a hint of self-blame flickered in his eyes, "If we continue to be passive like this, more people will be sacrificed."
"Now is the time to fight back," Cen Qingyou hesitated for a moment, firmness appeared in his expression as he looked at Qiao Wan.
"Xin Yi, would you be willing to join me?" Cen Qingyou's gaze was serious.
Cen Qingyou had listened to Manager Hu's instructions about what happened in Snow Wave Garden and Cold Mountain Yard. Cen Qingyou thought to himself that Xin Yi was completely different from what he had previously imagined. This ordinary-looking maid had bravery, strategy, and extraordinary courage.
Regardless of anything, he needed Xin Yi.
Fighting alone, he needed her, he needed a sharp sword to help him cut through the darkness ahead!
Seeing the sorry state of the "Xuanwu" battalion, Cen Qingyou, the Second Young Master of the Cen family, was unwilling to passively endure the attacks. In the late night, the two of them huddled together and finally decided to fight back!
Qiao Wan: "Okay, I'll help you."
"What do you need me to do?" Cen Qingyou stated with determination, pressing his lips together. "But first, let mother mend your energy channels."
