The Later Three Kingdoms: Slaying Deng Ai, and Reviving the Han Dynasty

Upon seeing the banners of the Northern King, Yang Yu realized what had happened. A sudden shock ran through him, and he sighed, saying, "I'm going to die."

When he learned that Chang Heng had robbed Liu Chen of his Shu brocade, he felt uneasy. Although the Liu Han court was corrupt, Liu Chen was the only prince who dared to kill his husband, seize his wife, and take away his land, disregarding his reputation.

This is not the most terrible.

After Liu Chen did this, the emperor didn't even ask about it. Now, a saying circulates in Liu Hanzhong.

The King of the North is fierce; it's better to provoke the Crown Prince than the King of the North.

However, Chang Heng was incredibly audacious and robbed Liu Chen, the King of Beidi, of his Shu brocade.

Yang Yu's entourage had no idea what was happening. The five lackeys hurriedly drew their bows to defend themselves, but their faces were deathly pale, their legs trembling, clearly terrified. When they heard Yang Yu say, "I'm going to die," they were utterly terrified and nearly collapsed to the ground.

The killing intent emanating from the dozen or so riders was sharp as a knife. Seeing Yang Yu's reaction, they revealed a mocking expression, "You dare to rob our king's Shu brocade?"

Yang Yu, being a man of experience, quickly calmed down and put up a stubborn resistance. He bowed to the surrounding cavalry and asked, "Judging from the banners, I guess you are soldiers of the King of the North. I have no acquaintance or connection with the King of the North, so why have you surrounded me?"

"Nonsense. If there was nothing wrong, would we have surrounded you?" the leading cavalryman said proudly.

"Also, I'm telling you, your estate has been surrounded by us. Don't cause any trouble, come with us," he added.

"Yes." Yang Yu's heart trembled, and he no longer harbored any illusions. He respectfully replied and told the coachman to turn the horse around and return to the manor.

More than ten cavalrymen rode around the perimeter, vigilantly watching their surroundings and preventing Yang Yu from escaping.

"What elite troops!" Yang Yu's mind was in turmoil, but he still noticed the cavalry's movements and was amazed.

The South was a war-torn land, and he had seen the elite troops of the South.

These dozen or so cavalrymen were even superior to Huo Yi's elite troops. Perhaps only Huo Yi's personal guards could rival them.

The King of the North!!! He actually has soldiers like this.

The Yang family's manor had been taken over by the Northern King's soldiers. After Yang Yu returned, he was immediately taken to a room.

Yang Yunxian was placed here.

The two brothers exchanged a glance, sighed in unison, and then fell silent.

After a long while, they heard a noise and looked up at the same time.

Liu Chen walked in from outside, followed by Huang Chong and Zhang Sheng.

Five armored soldiers followed, each wielding a long halberd.

Liu Chen and the other two knelt down, while the armored soldier, leaning on his long halberd, put one hand on his hip and looked menacingly at the Yang brothers.

Liu Chen laughed and said, "You are all smart people, you must know why I have come. Tell me the whereabouts of Chang Heng. Otherwise, I will make sure your entire family is wiped out."

He was smiling, but his words were menacing, like a frost-covered blade.

The Yang brothers knew Liu Chen was no ordinary man the moment they saw him. He was imposing in his attire, exceptionally brave and skilled in martial arts, and his attendants Huang Chong and Zhang Sheng were no ordinary men either.

The two people flanking him made Liu Chen's aura even more astonishing. But they hadn't expected that it would be the King of Beidi himself who had come.

Rumor has it that the King of the North is greedy and stingy, yet he actually came all the way to the South for this batch of Shu brocade—this is outrageous! The two brothers exchanged a glance, both feeling shocked and bitter. What merit do we, such lowly people, possess to deserve this?

After a while, Yang Yun bowed to Liu Chen and said respectfully, "Your Majesty is right. We brothers know what happened. Please, Your Majesty, show mercy and give us a quick death."

Liu Chen's smile vanished, replaced by a chilling expression. He said, "You mean you'd rather have your entire family slaughtered than utter a single word?"

"Yes." Yang Yun gritted his teeth and nodded decisively.

Yang Yu's face was deathly pale, and her body swayed as if she would collapse at any moment, but she gritted her teeth and remained resolute.

Liu Chen seemed thoughtful, then asked, "Do you have any family members or relatives being held hostage by Chang Heng?"

The Yang brothers shook their heads in unison.

A glint of light flashed in Liu Chen's eyes as he asked, "So it's out of loyalty and affection?"

"It's about trustworthiness. Chang Heng has treated us brothers extremely well, and we will not betray him," Yang Yu said, shaking his head.

"We brothers were originally nothing, but we have been wealthy for many years because of Chang Heng's support. We have no regrets, so please kill us, Your Majesty," Yang Yun said resolutely.

A strange look appeared in Huang Chong's eyes. He stroked his beard and thought, "No wonder that so far, no information has been revealed about who Chang Heng is or where he comes from. If every one of Chang Heng's subordinates is like them, then it's not surprising."

Zhang Sheng gripped the hilt of his sword, his expression shifting. Since ancient times, loyal ministers and righteous men have been the most moving. In his eyes, the Yang brothers were far more beautiful than any woman. Physical beauty is easy to find, but true righteousness is rare.

"Hahahaha." Liu Chen laughed loudly, his laughter echoing out of the room and audible throughout half the manor.

The eunuchs peered around, while the soldiers remained expressionless, standing guard as if they were wooden or clay sculptures.

"What is Your Majesty laughing at?" Yang Yun asked, frowning, anger flashing between his brows. "What's so funny about us being willing to die for others?"

Yang Yu glared at Liu Chen, feeling offended.

"Insolence." Although Zhang Sheng respected them, he would not tolerate their disrespect towards Liu Chen. His face was grim as he said, "Look at the current situation. I can give you a quick death, or I can cut you in half at the waist."

The Yang brothers, Yun and Yu, immediately deflated like punctured balloons, visibly listless. However, they remained silent, refusing to reveal Chang Heng's whereabouts or identity.

Liu Chen stopped laughing and said, "So-called trust and loyalty are two-way. You and Chang Heng are not ruler and subject. You are companions or friends. You yourself said that Chang Heng has treated you very well, so you are willing to die for him. Do you think he would just watch you die? I can use you to spread the word, lure him to come and save you, and then capture him."

Huang Chong nodded. Now that the Yang brothers were captured, there were many ways to manipulate things. Luring the enemy out of their hole was one of them.

They are very trustworthy.

Yang Yun shook his head and said, "I'm afraid Your Majesty will be disappointed."

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Liu Chen asked curiously.

Yang Yun said, "We made an agreement long ago. If things are exposed, Chang Heng will not come to our rescue; he will only send troops to avenge us."

Yang Yu nodded and said, "Of course Your Majesty is not afraid, but Your Majesty's Shu brocade business and your estates will probably never have peace again."

Liu Chen chuckled and said, "Are you threatening me?"

"I wouldn't dare, I'm just telling the truth." Yang Yun said sincerely, straightened his posture, and bowed to Liu Chen, pressing his forehead to the floor.

Seeing Yang Yun do this, Yang Yu followed suit and did the same.

The brothers certainly didn't want to die, but they also didn't want to reveal Chang Heng's whereabouts; this was their last resort.

Please, Your Majesty the Northern King, be magnanimous and treat us like a fart.

Liu Chen seemed to hear their thoughts and suddenly laughed loudly, "Very well. I will let you go."

The Yang brothers straightened up with a whoosh, as if springs had sprung up, staring at Liu Chen in disbelief.

We're just fighting like cornered beasts, are you really going to let us go like this?

It's child's play.