05. The Battle for the Beauty 1

Ma Zifeng's heart and eyes were filled with the shadow of Nie Linzhi. Before he went to the city wall, he went straight to the governor mansion and ordered the hall to be decorated for his marriage to Nie Linzhi.

He wasn't a saint, he had a lot of women and he never married the woman he fancy like this, but she was different. Ma Zifeng had actually seen Nie Linzhi before. It was almost a decade ago, back in the capital city when he attended his second brother's marriage. He was lost in the in-law house and ended up in a quiet courtyard, probably one of the sons' quarters.

There he saw a girl with her elegant gown and fancy accessories, she was playing archery. He was a young master in a warlord household, he practiced martial arts since he could walk and he knew for sure a practice bow was quite heavy, but she shot the arrow with ease.

Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, the sunlight cast upon her skin and with each successful shot her smile got brighter. If anyone ever asked him who his first love was, he would answer it was her in a heartbeat. He was disappointed when he found out she was the queen's selection to be her youngest niece in-law. He subconsciously projected Nie Linzhi in every woman he had ever since.

After arranging the city defense and entrusted important things such as city head guard and squad captain to his cronies, he headed back to the mansion and ignored everything to wander around Nie Linzhi.

He ordered people to bring silks and jewels to please her, made sure she was well fed and well cloth, and multiplied the guard in front of the door until the evening came and it's time for their wedding.

Ma Zifeng waited patiently for the auspicious moment and ordered people to escort her out for their wedding ceremony, but at this time an urgent report came saying the spies had discovered an army marching towards the city with full speed. It seemed like Han Junjie's men would force their way in.

He wanted the beauty but his glory also mattered, Ma Zifeng hesitantly went back into the room. Even if she was expressionless, it didn't diminish his bride's beauty. "That stupid man is such a killjoy! I'll have to kill him before we can have our wedding ceremony. You wait here."

With that he took a rope out, tied her hands and feet, then finally carried her to the bed. He lay her down and while gagging her mouth he secured both roped to another rope in the bed poles.

Nie Linzhi didn't waste her energy to scream or struggle, just sending death threats and curses through her eyes.

He pressed their foreheads together, and despite the girl's struggle, Ma Zifeng whispered comfortingly; "A Lin, I will win the battle and marry you with glory."

Nie Linzhi ought to pray for his death, but she was afraid he would live longer so she shut her heart and watched as he left the room.

She sighed and stared at the ceiling, it was the second time Nie Linzhi put on a wedding gown and both for a marriage she was forced to consent to. No matter who won the battle, she would be in danger. If Han Junjie won, she must explained about Feng Xinian and ultimately talk about Zhang Siyuan. If Ma Zifeng won, she would be branded as plundered woman and carried the infamy as the reason for Han Junjie's loss and add another enmity with the Hans. When will these men of spears stop harming innocent women along the way?!

Ma Zifeng gave a clear instruction to the guards and finally went to the city. He selected skilled generals, got on his horse, and led the general after their flag was set up. Soldiers were stationed at the city gate, imposingly majestic, waiting for the enemy to arrive.

During Han Junjie's march, spies frequently reported that the Hanli Governor was said to be assassinated by Ma Zifeng, but the guy blamed it on them. The changes of city defense, personnel of the city guards, and every move Ma Zifeng made was known by Han Junjie.

"Send a few female soldiers to guard her, and bring this to her. Don't let her run around." His grandmother sent him the jade pendant from the bride to him, it should be enough to convince her to wait.

"Yes, My Lord."

When the march was several miles away and saw the city in the distance, the two armies encountered each other.

Han Junjie looked across from the distance. At the head of the formation was Ma Zifeng, sitting high on his horse, holding a machete, and underneath his armor was a blazing red wedding gown. Four warriors lined up on each of his sides.

Ma Zifeng could feel Han Junjie's eyes, he rushed out and shouted provocatively at him, his posture extremely arrogant.

No words could get into Han Junjie, he was just annoyed by the conspicuous red dangling there. He took the Silver Hand Bow from Han Ji, a signature crossbow from the Han army. Setting the arrow, took aim, filled the crossbow in full strength, and fired three arrows at Ma Zifeng.

The speed of the arrows was unfathomable, it created an air breaking sounds and illusion as if a spiritual snake was attacking him. Ma Zifeng was unprepared and shocked, he had no time to dodge the arrows and one arrow greaze his cheek while the other two landed on his flagpoles.

The strength of the double arrow was undeniable as the thick wood broke immediately, dropping the flag facing the ground and nailing fears among the soldiers.

Any fight isn't won just by strength and strategies, a mental attack is also crucial.

Han Junjie's grandfather, the late duke, was a hereditary warlord, and due to his handsome appearance no one believed his combat ability at first. One day the king hosted a banquet and after tired of dancing and singing, he impulsively proposed an archery game.

Long story short, grandpa Han proved himself, gained the respect of the people and married the youngest daughter of the king which was Han Junjie's grandmother.

The Chens soldiers were in cold sweat, they didn't know or care about the history, all they knew was their momentum was short and they could only glance one another in complete silence. On the other hand, the Han army was shouting "Han! Han! Han!" with so much pride and a deafening voice.

Ma Zifeng was so angry but the cold sweat on his back was evidence of his fear. The flagpole was broken and his family flag laid flat on the ground, hurting his prestige. He sat up straight and urged his horse to come out, loudly challenging Han Junjie.

"My Lord, please let me redeem myself."

Han Junjie's silence was the cue for Han Ji to charge forward.

"Hey, Ma Zifeng! Beat me first and you can talk about other things later!"

The called man snorted and signaled one of his cronies to move forward.

It was supposed to be a chance to counterattack, yet after a few blows Ma Zifeng's general was beheaded. The cousin from that general charged and met the same fate as his brother.

"Han! Han! Han!"

Han army was bathing in pride while Ma Zifeng shot a hateful glare at them.

The deputy generals led by Ma Zifeng were all Chen Xiang's men, in just two days Chen Xiang's power was taken away and the man was so arrogant that anytime the seasoned military officers spoke their minds, he threatened them with military law left and right. They were already uncertain about this battle, now that Han Junjie had fired a powerful crossbow to build momentum, their flag fell on the ground, and two of their generals beheaded.. the rest of them had no intention of joining the battle.

In the midst of Chen's hesitation and refusal, Han Ji charged forward to Ma Zifeng single handedly.

Han Ji was strong, brave, and accomplished. Beheading two mere minions couldn't quench the thirst of revenge because he had failed to protect a woman.

The Chens backed down and the two of them immediately faced each other.

Han Ji slashed down with his big sword while Ma Zifeng held his attack with his machete.

The opponent's momentum and tall physique made his every attack more powerful than it already was. Ma Zifeng's hand was heavy and barely could counterattack. He knew matter of factly, he would be lost if the fight continued. He jabbed Han Ji's horse with a hidden weapon on his shoes, and turned around and ordered to retreat to the city.

The formation was in chaos and in Chens' last effort to get back to the city, Han Junjie ordered the drums to be beaten in pursuit and chased the enemy to the city.

Not caring of the soldiers lagging behind, Ma Zifeng had shut the city gate resulting in the Chens foot soldier to be overtaken by the Han army.