In a chaotic world, the battlefield thrives,
With slander and deceit, homes and states divide.
Loyal advice ignored, deceitful words abound,
In the face of such treachery, noble hearts are seldom found.
The fox spirit, cunning and sly, played her game,
While wolves and tigers sought to rise to fame.
She willingly tarnished her own reputation,
For earthly pleasures and worldly admiration.
Now, let's return to the story. After receiving the reply letter, San Yi Sheng set off for Xiqi Province. But that's a tale for another time.
Meanwhile, Chong Black Tiger advised Su Hu, "Brother, the important matter is settled. You should prepare quickly for our daughter's journey to the royal court in Chaoge. Any delay might lead to complications. I'll return home, release your son, and report to the imperial court, allowing you to negotiate with the king. We must avoid any further misunderstandings and conflicts." Su Hu replied, "I am grateful for your love and Lord Ji's kindness. How could I risk the downfall of my Su family for the sake of one daughter? Prepare everything immediately, dear brother. Just remember that my son is still imprisoned in your camp. Release him into the city, so that he can reassure his anxious mother. My entire family is deeply grateful for your kindness." Chong Black Tiger assured him, "Brother, don't worry. I'll release your son as soon as I return home. You can rest assured." The two of them expressed their gratitude to each other and left the city.
As they reached Chong Hou Huo's camp, reports arrived, "My lord, Second Young Master has reached the city gates." Hou Huo ordered, "Please bring him in." Chong Black Tiger entered the camp and took a seat. Hou Huo said, "Ji Chang, I both admire and despise your actions. You have kept your forces idle, merely observing the situation. Yesterday, you sent San Yi Sheng with a letter, claiming that Su Hu should send his daughter to the royal court. But there has been no response so far. Since you were captured, I have been sending scouts to gather information daily, and I was deeply worried. Now that you're back, I couldn't be happier. I wonder if Su Hu will truly apologize to the king. Please tell me everything in detail." Ji Chang, with anger like thunder, declared, "Elder brother, consider this: we share the same lineage, stemming from our ancestors through six generations. Brothers may come in different characters, some wise and some foolish. Elder brother, listen to me: Su Hu defied the king's orders, and you led troops to war, resulting in casualties and losses. You held a significant position among the vassals in the imperial court, yet you did not engage in virtuous deeds. Instead, you attracted the king's favor towards cunning advisors, earning the resentment of people everywhere. Is losing an army and generals truly worthwhile? You have disgraced our Chong family. From today on, let us part ways, and I, Black Tiger, will never meet you again! Release Su Gongzi immediately!" Both sides complied, and Su Hu's son was released. He thanked Chong Black Tiger and departed to return to Ji Province.
Chong Black Tiger was furious but had no words to express it. He had no choice but to gather his troops, return to his homeland, and submit a formal apology. Let's leave him for now.
Now, let's focus on Su Quanzhong, who arrived in Ji Province. He met with his parents and felt relieved. Su Hu said, "Ji Chang's letter truly saved our Su family from destruction. I am deeply grateful for his kindness and favor. My son, the bond between ruler and subject is of utmost importance. When the ruler orders the subject to die, he must not hesitate. How can I risk everything for the sake of one daughter? Now, I must send your sister to Chaoge to apologize to the king. You will remain in Ji Province and avoid causing any trouble. I will return soon." Su Quanzhong agreed with his father's orders.
Su Quanzhong returned home and met with his mother. He explained the content of Ji Chang's letter, which advised Su Hu to send his daughter to the royal court. His mother cried bitterly, worried that her daughter lacked the proper etiquette to serve the king and might cause trouble. Su Hu reassured her, saying they had no choice but to comply.
The next day, Su Hu gathered three thousand troops and five hundred officers. They were well-prepared and accompanied by Lady Daji. As they traveled, they passed through towns and crossed rivers and mountains. Along the way, they encountered various landscapes, from serene green paths to lush gardens filled with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers. They traveled for several days and reached Enzhou. The innkeeper, who knew Su Hu's identity, explained, "My lord, this inn has been visited by a fox spirit three years ago, and since then, any guests related to you, my lord, were not allowed to stay here. I suggest that your noble lady stay in our camp to ensure her safety." Su Hu firmly replied, "She is the king's consort, and there's no need to fear any evil spirits. We have booked accommodations in this inn, and we shall not be inconvenienced by such beliefs. Prepare the rooms immediately." The innkeeper arranged the accommodations accordingly.
Su Hu stayed in the main hall while Lady Daji was in a separate inner room with fifty maids attending to her. Three thousand troops encircled the inn from the outside, and five hundred officers were stationed at the entrance. Su Hu couldn't shake off his unease, so he took a leopard tail whip and walked silently to the back rooms. After confirming that everyone was safe, he returned to the main hall. Still, he couldn't completely dispel his worries.
Around the time of the third watch (around midnight), a sudden gust of wind swept through the inn, chilling everyone to the bone. It seemed as if an eerie presence had infiltrated the surroundings. The night turned pitch-black, and a strange and unsettling atmosphere enveloped the inn.
How could it be that this was no ordinary gust of wind? It was as if a fierce beast was roaring, and a dragon was howling. The chilling wind pierced through to the bone, and a malevolent energy enveloped the area, preventing flowers from blossoming and willows from flourishing. It concealed dark forces and evil spirits, hidden within the shadows. The atmosphere was eerie, as if golden lanterns were shrouded in a gloomy mist. In the pitch-black night, something unseen was lurking, its tail swaying, and its presence menacing and fierce, like a fierce tiger or a mighty lion.