manynovel Chapter 8: Refusing to Attack Song, the World Takes notice.
Chapter 8: Refusing to Attack Song, the World Takes notice.
Inside the Zhao Prince's mansion, Ouyang Ke, dressed in white, was fighting alone against the Three-Headed Flood Dragon Hou Tonghai, the Ghost Gate Dragon King Sha Tongtian, and the Spiritual Wisdom Master. Although these men were first-rate experts, they couldn't gain the slightest advantage against the young Ouyang Ke at this moment.
Yang Kang and Wanyan Honglie sat on either side of each other in the main hall, watching Ouyang Ke compete against the group of experts from the Prince's Mansion.
Things took a strange turn. It seemed that because of his influence, Mei Chaofeng did not come to Zhongdu and infiltrated the Zhao Prince's mansion, but Ouyang Ke was still recruited by Wanyan Honglie as scheduled.
As expected of a descendant of a renowned master, Ouyang Ke, even with the combined efforts of a group of experts including Lingzhi Shangren, Ghost Gate Dragon King Sha Tongtian, Three-Headed Flood Dragon Hou Tonghai, and Liang Ziweng, could only manage a draw against him.
After a long while, seeing that the battle had dragged on without a clear victor, Wanyan Honglie had no choice but to stand up and shout his approval, urging everyone to stop.
"You are all heroes of our time. When we spar, let's stop when we've reached our goal and not let it damage our harmony."
Wanyan Honglie spoke with a dignified yet gentle demeanor, displaying the qualities of a wise and virtuous ruler as envisioned by traditional Confucianism.
"Young Master Ouyang's martial arts skills are indeed extraordinary."
Wanyan Honglie still gave Ouyang Ke a lot of face in his words, after all, he was obviously the most capable fighter among them.
Although Lingzhi Shangren and the others were dissatisfied, they could only harbor resentment in secret and dared not speak. After all, even when they joined forces, they could not defeat the other party.
"Your Highness flatters me. I am but a martial arts practitioner."
"If we're talking about heroes, is there anyone in the world who can compare to the young prince?"
Ouyang Ke nodded slightly, his tone humble but his eyes carrying a hint of provocation as he looked at Yang Kang behind him.
Yang Kang's thoughts were pulled back to reality by a buzzing sound.
All the open and covert attacks in Zhongdu were blocked by Wanyan Honglie.
He seemed to be on vacation, and for several days he was in a daze.
Lately, all I can think about is the great cause in Shandong, and that girl in red I met only once.
Yang Kang's gaze slowly shifted from the distant horizon to the center of the arena, landing on Ouyang Ke.
When his double pupils opened and closed, it was as if the sun and moon were in the sky.
In an instant, Ouyang Ke felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had returned to the time when he was a child and was being stared at by the venomous snakes kept by his uncle.
Fearful and weak, yet unable to move.
Looking straight ahead, it's as if the sun and moon are suspended in the sky.
Ouyang Ke fell silent in an instant, realizing with a start that he was facing the might of heaven and earth all alone.
At that moment, he was drenched in cold sweat and almost knelt down.
Seeing Yang Kang's calm yet frightening gaze, Wanyan Honglie quickly spoke up to warn him.
From childhood to adulthood, he had witnessed countless times the strange appearance of his son when he was brought back from his reverie, and he was only worried that Yang Kang would kill Ouyang Ke at any moment. He quickly spoke up to warn him.
The next moment, the mountain-like pressure vanished.
Ouyang Ke's breathing suddenly stopped, his pupils dilated, and then returned to normal.
His face remained normal, but his back was already soaked with cold sweat.
Such terrifying killing intent, it's no less than my uncle's.
This young prince is indeed quite capable.
It's quite intriguing that someone as young as eighteen possesses such a fierce aura; one wonders if his martial arts skills are also exceptionally high.
"Everyone in the world says that Prince Wanyan Kang of Zhao is the reincarnation of the Hegemon, and indeed the reputation is well-deserved."
"Such power, even the ancient overlord Xiang Yu could not have been more formidable."
Ouyang Ke bowed slightly, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and stepped forward to greet him.
Although his body was slightly bent, his face and eyes remained fixed on Yang Kang. Clearly, while he was bowing, he did not feel the same level of awe as he appeared.
"Famous scholars in the Central Plains have always been said to be proud of kings and nobles even in plain clothes."
"I never imagined that Young Master Ouyang, who hails from the Western Regions, would possess such pride! The successor of Ouyang Feng, the Western Poison, truly lives up to his reputation."
Yang Kang stood up, walked slowly forward, and kept his eyes fixed on Ouyang Ke as he walked, speaking calmly.
Ouyang Ke said.
"These are barbarians from beyond the borders, ignorant of etiquette, and certainly not some arrogant prince in white robes! You flatter me, Your Highness."
He was secretly alert, but on the surface he remained humble and polite.
"My master once said that the most outstanding martial arts masters in the world are none other than the Eastern Heretic, the Western Poison, the Southern Emperor, the Northern Beggar, and the Central Divine."
"Our sect's founder, the Great Divine Wang Chongyang, has long since passed away. Among the martial arts masters of our time, the Eastern Heretic, the Western Poison, the Southern Emperor, and the Northern Beggar are considered the best."
"Among these four, the Eastern Heretic and the Western Poison are equally famous throughout the world, and the Eastern Heretic is even slightly stronger than the other two."
"I wonder if today I may catch a glimpse of the demeanor of the Western Poison Master, and the demeanor of his successor?"
Yang Kang walked onto the arena, stood in front of Ouyang Ke, and said with great interest.
"I have never heard that the young prince is a successor of Wang Chongyang, the Central Divine, or a disciple of the Quanzhen Sect."
"However, if Your Highness is willing to offer guidance, Ouyang Ke would naturally not dare to disobey."
Looking at Yang Kang in front of him, Ouyang Ke felt that terrifying killing intent from before surge up in his heart again.
A flicker of fear crossed his mind, but he still answered in a humble yet assertive manner. He was the successor of the Western Poison Master, and his pride did not allow him to show the slightest fear when facing a boy so much younger than himself.
Yang Kang waved his hand slightly, signaling everyone to step back.
Wanyan Honglie was very interested in determining whether his son or this martial arts hero was stronger.
Of course, he was confident that his son, Wanyan Kang, was invincible, and all he wanted to do was wait and see his son display his power and subdue these heroes of the martial world.
After Yang Kang and Ouyang Ke bowed to each other, Ouyang Ke made the first move, attacking Yang Kang with a move called the Serpent Fist.
Ouyang Ke was dressed in white, with a graceful figure and handsome face. His boxing style was elegant and natural, with a unique charm.
But he was, after all, a man, not a woman. He did not possess Yang Miaozhen's unparalleled skill and artistic conception, nor did he have Yang Miaozhen's beautiful appearance and outstanding temperament.
Yang Kang naturally showed no mercy to him. The overwhelming power of the eighth level of the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill was overwhelming in front of Ouyang Ke and his men.
Despite Ouyang Ke's graceful movements and skillful moves, Yang Kang simply stood in the center of the arena and easily blocked the attacks using only the most basic techniques.
The more Ouyang Ke fought, the more frustrated he became. He saw every move Yang Kang made, but he couldn't withstand any of them.
Unable to dodge or break through, absolute power brings absolute speed, and with the added benefit of the power of double pupils' insight, Ouyang Ke was as powerless as a child in front of Yang Kang.
The moment Yang Kang swung his arm and exchanged a palm strike with Ouyang Ke, all of Ouyang Ke's feints and probing moves came to an abrupt halt.
A terrifying force emanated from Yang Kang's palm, instantly sending Ouyang Ke flying backward and crashing off the stage.
The maids and others from White Camel Mountain who were watching the battle wanted to fly forward to catch it, but they couldn't dissipate the enormous force.
Two maids were knocked backward and flew straight into a house behind them, causing it to collapse.
Amidst the smoke and dust, Ouyang Ke struggled to his feet, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, clearly indicating he was seriously injured.
"Kang'er! Young Master Ouyang is a guest from afar. How could you use such force in a martial arts exchange!"
Wanyan Honglie said in a seemingly reproachful tone, but of course, that was just a show of courtesy he was putting on for Ouyang Ke.
"Young Prince, you are truly unparalleled in the world!"
"I'm convinced!"
After his initial shock, Ouyang Ke quickly calmed down and bowed respectfully.
The Central Plains is indeed a land of outstanding people and resources. The Jurchens have ruled the Central Plains for a long time, and they have even produced such outstanding figures!
Ouyang Ke thought to himself.
"Young Master Ouyang has the demeanor of an ancient scholar; he even brings female companions with him when he travels the world."
"The Central Capital is not like the Western Regions; it has many more rules and regulations!"
"Some hobbies are best suited to different locations!"
Yang Kang glanced at Ouyang Ke indifferently and gave a casual warning.
"The young prince is right!"
Ouyang Ke's heart tightened, and he replied with a hint of embarrassment.
As a seasoned lecher, Ouyang Ke clearly understood Yang Kang's warning.
"Talented people may have some unusual hobbies, but that's nothing special!"
"With Young Master Ouyang's assistance, my son and I will be even more powerful in the future!"
Wanyan Honglie laughed heartily and stepped forward to help Ouyang Ke.
Lingzhi Shangren and others nearby also hurriedly stepped forward to praise Yang Kang and Wanyan Honglie.
"Imperial edict has arrived!"
Just then, Wanyan Yongji sent someone to announce that Yang Kang and Wanyan Honglie were to enter the palace for an audience.
"It seems that my royal grand-uncle has finally agreed to see me."
Several days have passed since Yang Kang returned to Zhongdu. Wanyan Yongji knew that Yang Kang's actions in Shandong had committed a serious offense, but he did not take any action after Yang Kang returned to Zhongdu. Instead, he bestowed various favors upon him, showing that he trusted Yang Kang immensely and was about to give him an important position.
Under these circumstances, even Yang Kang couldn't guess what Wanyan Yongji wanted to do. He could only suppress his doubts and head to the palace with Wanyan Honglie.
Before leaving, a maidservant came to report that Bao Xiruo had been feeling uneasy lately and wanted to go out of the city to worship at a temple.
Wanyan Honglie didn't take it to heart, but simply ordered the skilled warriors Sha Tongtian and Hou Tonghai from his residence to accompany him along with the guards of the Prince's residence.
Yang Kang glanced at the maidservant, seemingly unintentionally, and pondered to himself that Bao Xiruo had been overjoyed since his return, but had suddenly become restless in the evening for some unknown reason.
It seems that his cheap biological father, while not good at anything else, is quite skilled at climbing walls and stealing people.
A short while later, Wanyan Honglie and Yang Kang arrived at the Zhongdu Imperial Palace.
Wanyan Yongji sat high on the throne, with the newly appointed prime minister beside him, and undercurrents quietly unfolded in the court.
Wanyan Gang and other important military and state officials stood on either side.
"Our Great Jin's Little Jin Wuzhu has arrived! Please, have a seat!"
When Wanyan Yongji saw Yang Kang arrive, he immediately called out excitedly.
The fact that everyone offered him a seat but not his father seemed absurd, causing Yang Kang to frown slightly.
Yang Kang said calmly.
"Your Majesty flatters me. I have only rendered some minor service, hardly deserving the title of 'Little Jin Wuzhu.' Besides, with my father above me, how could I possibly take a seat?"
As he spoke, he helped Wanyan Honglie up and pressed him into his seat.
Although Wanyan Honglie was slightly embarrassed, seeing his son act in this way, the fear and apprehension he felt when facing the emperor was replaced by a strong sense of pride and satisfaction.
He just sat there smiling, without saying a word.
For Wanyan Honglie, Bao Xiruo was his life, and so was Yang Kang.
"Look at you, you're so old and still so impatient, you're nowhere near as good as your son."
Wanyan Yongji smiled and waved his hand, then pretended to be displeased and began to berate Wanyan Honglie.
"Kang'er, you're being too modest. That's a common Han Chinese habit, and it's not good."
"You should know that our ancestors followed Emperor Taizu in his campaigns in the south and north. Apart from suffering a slight loss at the hands of Yue Fei in the south, they never suffered a defeat in their entire lives."
"At your age, no one can compare to you in the slightest."
Then, he narrowed his eyes and raised his hand.
The servants immediately brought out a huge sand table.
Wanyan Yongji slowly stood up, walked to the sand table, and pretended to be a leader of a hundred-battle-hardened army, a true monarch.
If Yang Kang hadn't witnessed the true appearance of a great ruler, he would have been completely deceived by this emperor's demeanor at that moment.
Wanyan Yongji walked up to the sand table, his tone turned somber, and he spoke fiercely.
"In the battle against the Mongols, we suffered heavy losses, including many civil and military officials."
"Fortunately, thanks to the blessings of our ancestors, we won this war and drove out the Mongols!"
"However, the Song people and the Mongols sometimes engage in ambiguous and unclear dealings, which is extremely hateful! I have decided to send troops south to conquer the Great Song."
"In this battle, I appoint Wanyan Chenghui as commander-in-chief and Kang'er as vanguard. First, we will conquer the southern kingdoms, unify the world, and then we will settle accounts with the Mongols!"
Yang Kang narrowed his eyes slightly, his double pupils darting around, staring at Wanyan Yongji on the stage, and said without any politeness.
"Did you win?"
"Only the people of the Song Dynasty would consider this a victory. When did the Jurchens start considering this a victory too?"
"Everyone knows the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.' I have heard that Temujin has always had the idea of allying with the Song Dynasty to destroy the Jin Dynasty, but at this time the Song Dynasty's attitude is ambiguous."
"Instead of seeking the Song Dynasty's support in resisting the Mongols, we recklessly start a war, fighting between the north and south, leaving us vulnerable to attacks from both sides."
"I don't understand how Your Majesty could make such a foolish judgment."
Yang Kang suddenly stood up, finding Wanyan Yongji's stupidity unbelievable, and spoke without any mercy.
He didn't have much affection for the Southern Song Dynasty in his previous life, and he has even less to say about feelings for it in this life. The reason he refused was because it was a strategic decision that couldn't be more foolish.
Inside the main hall, everyone's expression changed drastically.
Even Wanyan Honglie held Yang Kang's hand tightly, repeatedly signaling him to stop talking. But Yang Kang ignored him.
On the high platform, beside the sand table, Wanyan Yongji's face was already ashen.
He suddenly realized that this reincarnation of the young tyrant was, after all, still just a child.
Wanyan Yongji's face turned ashen, and he said sternly.
"Wanyan Kang, do you know what you're saying?"
"You are the little prince of my great Jin Kingdom, the outstanding talent of my Wanyan family! You disobey the imperial order and refuse to fight against the Southern Song for us, yet you say these things here."
"Has your heart no longer stood with us Jurchens?"
Looking at the Jurchen emperor in front of him, who had shaved his head and was eager to emulate his ancestors in expanding the territory, Yang Kang finally spoke impatiently.
"The Jurchens? The Jurchens have been in the Central Plains for a hundred years."
"Such actions will only drag the Jin Dynasty and millions of people in the Central Plains into an abyss, and will not yield any results."
"This is a chaotic order; I dare not obey it."
Wanyan Yongji did not expect Yang Kang to be so blunt, showing him no respect whatsoever.
There were insightful people in the court who could see the problems with the Jin Dynasty's strategy of fighting on two fronts, north and south, and attacking the Song Dynasty from the south.
Even Wanyan Gang, who had guarded Zhongdu with Yang Kang a year ago, had doubts in his heart, but no one dared to speak them out as bluntly and ruthlessly as Yang Kang.
Wanyan Yongji said angrily.
"Young Prince Zhao, it seems you've been boasting too much to the ignorant common people. You really believe you have a destiny bestowed upon you!"
"Even if you truly possess the destiny to rule my Great Jin Kingdom, you'll have to wait until you become emperor!"
"Guards, seize Wanyan Kang and take him to the imperial prison to await trial!"
Wanyan Yongji's hands were trembling.
Yang Kang sneered, said nothing, and did not resist, but simply let the soldiers escort him away.
The Jin dynasty was severely weakened by the Mongol-Jin war, and Wanyan Yongji's position was already precarious. At this critical juncture, he dared not do anything to Yang Kang. If he forced Wanyan Honglie and his son to turn against him, it was hard to say how long he could remain emperor.
Although Yang Kang was imprisoned, Wanyan Yongji did not impose a severe punishment on Wanyan Honglie. He simply ordered Wanyan Honglie to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors and await further instructions.
Today's secret meeting and discussion could only end inconclusively.
The people of Zhongdu reacted in various ways upon hearing the news. Some sighed, some shook their heads, but most remained silent. The young King Zhao in the imperial prison was too distant from them, too distant to know what to say.
Inside the prison, Yang Kang sat cross-legged, closing his eyes and regulating his breathing.
Within days, the outside world had erupted in chaos.
And he was nearing the point where he would have no choice but to step out.