Many people were lying in ambush on both sides of the valley.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ambushing is a tiresome task.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One must hide.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To hide in advance means hiding for a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One must wait.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Waiting is exhausting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Because it''s an ambush, they naturally can''t cook or light fires. They can only gnaw on dry bread, unable to have a single bite of hot food.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They had started the ambush three days ago.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Their bodies were frozen stiff.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The targets were supposed to arrive two days ago, but for some unknown reason, they were dawdling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They still hadn''t arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was said there was a pregnant woman, but they had factored her into their timing for the ambush.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unfortunately, they hadn''t ounted for a little brat who loved watching sunrises and sunsets, loved looking at the icicles on the grasnd, and demanded clean ces to relieve herself. Her father and brother indulged her without limit, so their journey was several days slower than expected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4


    In any case, it was now the third day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    These people were the elite forces under the Seventh Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Many among them were suicide troops.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It seemed a bit strange to ambush at the first stop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It felt like going all-in right from the start.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But the young master had emphasized the gravity of the situation, insisting they must kill Jiang Changtian and his family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Jiang Wan demonstrated her talent in front of Chu Xi, she confidently stated that he had the aura of a dragon, but someone''s presence was interfering with it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Jiang Wan mentioned that person, Chu Xi wasn''t surprised at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In this world, for someone to look like that, their appearance alone set them apart from ordinary people. Moreover, they were so adept at governing, with the people of Jingzhou thriving under their rule, standing out from the rest of the country. This person would surely be a formidable enemy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In fact, even if Jiang Wan hadn''t said anything, he had his suspicions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Jiang Wan''s words strengthened his resolve.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Trying to ambush Jiang Er''s family in Jingzhou would be like attempting to rob someone''s home—far too difficult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It would be like walking into death''s embrace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They needed to lure Jiang Er out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So, an imperial edict was issued, summoning Magistrate Jiang to the capital to report on his duties.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was typically a necessary step for a promotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Then he decided to send Jiang Er on a journey—to the afterlife.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chu Xi was a decisive person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Seventh Prince was also decisive and willing to follow orders.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As the ultimate victor in his previous life, he naturally wouldn''t hesitate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thus, this all-in ambush was set from the very beginning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chu Xi believed in thoroughly eliminating evil and cutting the grass at its roots. Among the group that had rebelled together years ago, one faction had indeed be the Seventh Prince''s people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was also why when Jiang Wan said he had the dragon''s aura, Chu Xi believed her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Because they had prepared earlier than anyone else.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Why should all princes be equal, yet the Seventh Prince be neglected and exiled?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Why couldn''t he sit on the dragon throne?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The rebellion was a test.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Besides rebelling, the Seventh Prince also had connections with foreign powers, coborating both internally and externally.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was preparing on two fronts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Back then, they had already noticed Jiang Er.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And because of Chu Yi''s death, the Seventh Prince had wanted Jiang Er dead too, but he had restrained himself for the sake of the bigger picture.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now was the perfect opportunity to exact revenge as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But they had been in ambush for three days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even for suicide troops, it was grueling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The winter days were bitterly cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They were exposed to the elements, sleeping rough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And they couldn''t make any noise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Earlier, they had seen a woman on horseback approach from afar, wander around, and then return. She had even traversed back and forth through the gorge, making their hearts race with tension.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They shouldn''t have been discovered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, they were professionals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Their professionalism was evident in how they had even caught birds and released them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Generally, in an ambush, apart from being discovered due to carelessness or making noise, the other way to be found out is if it''s too quiet, which can also be suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Because excessive silence itself is unnatural, viting thews of nature, indicating that someone has disrupted the natural order of the ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So they had prepared birds to release. They were extremely thorough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But who was Qin Luoxia? When she ruled the mountains, even pythons shed their skin and slithered away on their own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3


    As she rode through on her horse, sensing something amiss, she looked up to see a bird flying overhead, emitting a crisp call.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This bird, rather than camouging the ambush, became the very signal that confirmed it to Qin Luoxia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having eaten so many birds, she could tell this one''s flight pattern was unnatural. It was definitely suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Then Qin Luoxia left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They thought this woman might be a scout, but surely they wouldn''t send a woman for such a task.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But subconsciously, they lowered their guard against a female, and since they had even released birds, they couldn''t kill this woman without risking alerting their targets.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Topletely annihte the enemy, this gorge was the perfect burial ground.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So they continued to lie in wait.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ambushes typically involve defeating arger force with a smaller one, catching the enemy off guard and unprepared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But the Seventh Prince was prepared, with manpower, equipment, and money at his disposal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For all these years, the Seventh Prince''s wife had apanied him in living a frugal life. Where had all the money gone? Of course, it had been used to nurture their forces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3


    These men were the elite of the elite.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When setting up the ambush, the Seventh Prince''s son, Chu Xi, had some differing opinions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Seventh Prince had never met Jiang Er face to face and didn''t find him so terrifying. He believed the men he had sent were sufficient, especially with the element of surprise on their side. This wasn''t the first time they had done something like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was ruthless and merciless, leaving no room for error.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Chu Xi had met Jiang Er, and because of Jiang Wan, he was extremely cautious about Jiang Er. He insisted on deploying more manpower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not only did they need to ambush, but they also needed an overwhelming numerical advantage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No survivors could be left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Because Jiang Er was now an imperial official, and the men they had deployed for the ambush could, to some extent, be traced back to the court. They had to be absolutely thorough in their actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Besides, Jiang Wan had said that the Meng family would definitely end their lineage. Meng Shaoxia and his pregnant wife were among the targets. It was perfect—they could kill them all at once.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They had the advantage in numbers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They were well-equipped, regr troops with superior gear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They had chosen the ambush site, giving them the advantage of both timing and terrain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They had to win.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After killing these people, they would return to be served with good wine, good food, and beautiful women.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3


    A vulture flew overhead, circling with outstretched wings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The ambushing suicide troops looked up, inwardly cursing. These flying beasts were always the most sensitive. They surely knew people were about to die and were waiting for a feast. They hade early to wait.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3