Chapter 237

Chapter 226: Magnanimity

The scorching sun blazed down, baking the iron-clad riders on the training ground with its intense heat.

The creak of the Heroic Bow's string sent shivers down one's spine, followed swiftly by three consecutive arrows piercing their targets with a resounding thud across the training grounds. Xiao Chiye released his arm and nocked another arrow.

"Master's new blades have arrived," Chen Yang said, standing by Xiao Chiye's side and holding his quiver. "Wu Ziyu and I inspected them this morning – they're all finely forged by the skilled craftsmen of the Great Border Army."

Xiao Chiye raised his arm, fixated on the target, and fired a shot that struck bullseye with a resounding "bang."

Chen Yang handed over the arrows, waiting for Xiao Chiye to exhaust his quiver before presenting a handkerchief. Xiao Chiye wiped the sweat from his brow under the blazing sun and asked, "Has he arrived?"

Chen Yang turned around and gazed at the camp gate, saying, "It should be time."

It was noon, and the snow that had melted in Sha Er Camp flowed through the ditches, with the ground radiating heat waves. Beyond the camp gates stretched an endless expanse of withered yellow grasslands. Gu Jin leaned against the camp wall, witnessing the billowing sand rising on the horizon.

"Camp is opening," the soldier on the side called out, "General Guo is about to enter the encampment!"

As the camp gates slowly rose, Guo Weili had already raced his ironclad cavalry to the entrance. He pulled off his helmet while reining in his horse, running a hand through his drenched hair, awaiting the construction of a bridge across the trench that lay before the camp.

Guo Weili's falcons circled hesitantly above the camp, unwilling to proceed. The falconry within the camp stirred with commotion as Moding, the fierce falcon, perched atop the watchtower, fixated on the newcomers.

The atmosphere within the camp shifted. The imperial guards, who had been lounging against the walls for shade, stood up, their expressions varied as they gazed at the open gate. Gu Jin remained still, locking eyes with Guo Weili; neither of them budged.

It was well-known that there was no love lost between Guo Weili and Xiao Chiye. The incident in which Guo Weili framed Gu Jin in Tudalun's banner was a thorn between them, exacerbated by multiple clashes with the imperial guards in Sand Camp Three. Tensions were high, yet to everyone's surprise, Xiao Jiming's transfer order placed Guo Weili under Xiao Chiye's command.

Wu Ziyu emerged from his tent, standing at a distance to avoid getting entangled in the drama.

Now serving under Xiao Chiye, Guo Weili's fate on the battlefield was entirely in Xiao Chiye's hands. As Gu Jin was Xiao Chiye's personal guard, the betrayal could not simply be swept under the rug. No one knew if Xiao Chiye would make life difficult for Guo Weili or remove him from the main combat force. Neither outcome boded well for the newly reconstructed Second Camp.

As the bridge lowered into place, Guo Weili rode across and led his troops into Sand Second Camp. Gu Jin descended the steps, stopping halfway as he watched them enter.

Xiao Chiye did not turn around. He reloaded the arrow he had retrieved, focusing intently on the target.

Bang!

Guo Weili heard the sound of the arrow hitting its mark. With one arm cradling his helmet, he saw the Tyrant Bow gleam in the sunlight. After a moment, he dismounted.

Chen Yang approached with his men to greet them. Guo Weili handed over his identification, and Chen Yang examined it before looking up and saying, "Your original unit cannot be used anymore. They will be disbanded here and must register at the tent on the east side. They will be reassigned to fill vacancies."

"Prince Hason visited the other day," Guo Weili said. "The eastern wall of the Third Encampment has completely collapsed. You should find an opportunity to report this to the Grand Commander. The area needs military artisans for repairs."

"Did Hason bring ballistae?" Chen Yang tucked the ledger under his arm. Upon receiving Guo Weili's nod, he called out to the guards on the other side. "Fetch Meng Rui and have him bring the military artisans here." Chen Yang then turned back to Guo Weili. "I'll immediately arrange for the artisans to repair the wall in the Third Encampment. You can report the military affairs to Second Master first."

With the tip of his tongue against his half-missing canine tooth, Guo Weili turned to face Xiao Chiye. Xiao Chiye ignored him, seemingly engrossed with the Overlord Bow as he shot through the target.

The weather in the North this year had been unusually hot. It was only mid-March, but the battleground felt like it was already April or May. Guo Weili stood there without removing his armor, drenched in sweat. His undershirt was so soaked that it could be wrung out, sticking to his body and causing discomfort with the heat.

Guo Weili wiped his face and suddenly bellowed, "Guo Weili of the Third Encampment reporting military affairs to Second Master!"

Xiao Chiye stopped shooting, leaving the final arrow unshot.

"Four days ago, Hason launched a surprise attack on the Third Encampment. The right flank cavalry was defeated, and the eastern side of the Third Encampment suffered severe losses," Guo Weili said as he stepped back. "That is all I have to convey from Left General."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.

Even if Xiao Chiye wanted to make things difficult for Guo Weili, he would take it. He had nothing to say, as long as he could—

Before Guo Weili could finish his thought, an arrow whizzed past his ear, its sharp edge clearly felt. The arrow embedded itself in a pillar a few steps away. Had Guo Weili moved too quickly, that arrow would have pierced his skull.

Damn it!

Gu Weili turned abruptly, his expression dark as he said, "If Second Master wants to kill me, just give me a quick death!"

Xiao Chiye held the Overlord Bow, his face cold as he said, "You know I want to kill you? Gu Weili, last year when Gu Jin escorted military supplies to the battlefield and was ambushed near Tudalun's flag, he crossed the swamp and returned to the permanent camp. You protected the internal patrol team and without any investigation, had him beaten and stripped of his rank, framing him for colluding with the Bashan cavalry. Should I kill you for all these?"

Gu Jin took the shackles and walked down the steps.

Everyone knew that Gu Weili had framed Gu Jin for Xiao Jiming, but Xiao Chiye had given a legitimate reason to deal with him.

Gu Weili threw off his helmet and said, "Yes, it was me. Do what you want to—"

Gu Jin came up from behind and grabbed Gu Weili's collar, knocking him to the ground with a punch while Gu Weili turned his head.

The blow was too forceful, and Gu Weili felt his remaining half-tooth wobbling. He spat out the blood in his mouth and cursed, "F*ck!"

Before Gu Weili could get up, Gu Jin kicked him in the chest. Gu Weili rolled away, his face covered in sand. He wiped the sand off his face fiercely. Gu Jin pulled him up and bent his elbow to knock him down again.

Gu Weili felt as if his cheek was about to shatter, but he did not retaliate at all. He allowed Gu Jin to beat him until his mouth was filled with the taste of blood.

"This is what you owe me," Gu Jin waited until Guo Weili was gasping on the ground before removing the restraints on his arms. He threw them aside with a clatter, regulating his slightly disordered breath. "Now your debt is settled."

Not only was Guo Weili stunned, but Wu Ziyu, who stood at a distance, was also taken aback.

Guo Weili propped himself up on his arms, spat out the blood in his mouth, and stumbled to his feet. Chen Yang tossed him his helmet, but he still felt dazed.

Was that it?

He had almost beaten Gu Jin to death.

Gu Jin took a few steps back and said, "Our personal vendetta today is now settled. If there's anything else, let's discuss it openly. You're Second Master's soldier, and I'm his guard. From now on, when we leave the Second Camp, we'll be brothers with our backs against each other. Once this battle is over, we'll part ways."

None of the scenarios that everyone had imagined played out. The Northern Army's morale was low this year, and Gu Jin was Xiao Chiye's personal guard. He wouldn't let Xiao Chiye lose the hearts of the Third Camp soldiers over this matter. Xiao Chiye had given Gu Jin the authority to deal with it as he pleased, and Gu Jin was willing to resolve it this way because he was a true man who didn't engage in underhanded or despicable tactics.

Guo Weili had expected to either die or be injured today. However, he hadn't anticipated Gu Jin's magnanimity. Standing before Gu Jin made him feel a head shorter. He wiped the bruises on his face, feeling both reluctant and admiring.

A true man could bear shame and humiliation.

Guo Weili usually drank boldly and fought fiercely, considering himself a man among men. He rarely admitted defeat easily. Despite the humiliation Gu Jin had suffered at Tudalun, he was able to resolve the awkwardness between them today. This not only spared Guo Weili punishment but also rallied the hearts of the Third Camp for Xiao Chiye. Gu Jin represented Xiao Chiye's dignity. Whether in public or private, Guo Weili acknowledged Gu Jin's superiority.

Xiao Chiye raised his arm to block Meng, and as he stood in the wind, he recalled Father's parting words. Gu Jin had gone this far just to ensure Xiao Chiye's smoother journey; he was telling everyone on the battlefield:

Second Master is not someone who cannot tolerate others.

* * *

As night fell, Guo Weili sat by the campfire, toasting his rations. Bruises mottled his face. Wu Ziyu sat opposite him with his bowl of food, glancing at him but saying nothing.

"There's food in the camp," Wu Ziyu snatched Guo Weili's rations away. "Why go fetch it when you can just squat here and gnaw on these?"

Guo Weili, with one hand now free, balled it into a fist as if to hide his embarrassment. He snapped impatiently, "What the hell do you care? Mind your own business!"

"Are you just too embarrassed to ask?" Wu Ziyu took two bites of his food. "Gu Jin has already taken care of it."

Guo Weili picked up some firewood and fanned the flames.

The Imperial Guards were having a grand old time on the other side. These soldiers were still as uncouth as ever.

After a moment of silence, Guo Weili said, "Did Second Master kill the Scorpion from Duanzhou at Tea Stone Pit?"

"Wu Ziyu retorted with a hand gesture, "It's still about quality over quantity."

Guo Weili scoffed and said, "The main force must be the Imperial Guards, right?"

"Wtf, how many Imperial Guards were there?" Wu Ziyu had never been close to Guo Weili. He had endured enough of Guo Weili's taunts in the past, so now he shot back, "Speak logically. What can't Second Master do? He took back Sand Third Camp. Back then, it was your nemesis, Huo Helu, that he chopped down. Now, he's killed the Duanzhou scorpion. After the Gu Jin incident, Second Master still trusted you. That's magnanimity. Don't always be ungrateful."

Guo Weili poked at the campfire, sending sparks flying. He lifted his smoky stick and pointed at Wu Ziyu.

Wu Ziyu wasn't afraid of Guo Weili. In the past, as part of the escort team, he was shorter and had no chance to fight on the battlefield, which had made him feel like a subordinate. But times had changed. He had taken back Duanzhou, even if it was through Xiao Chiye's ruse. Nevertheless, he had conquered it, regardless of the number of men used.

"We haven't won any significant battles this year. You've met up with Hason, and we've been doing worse than the First Camp's border garrison," Wu Ziyu put down his chopsticks. "Could you have defeated the scorpion? No, you couldn't. Could Zhao Hui? No, either. So isn't it better to follow Second Master?"

"I'm already following Second Master, aren't I?" Guo Weili was hot-tempered and spoke sharply. "What else do you want me to do? Chase after Second Master's ass? Damn, how did the Iron Riders avoid Iron Hammer?"

"Brilliant," Wu Ziyu gave him a thumbs-up. "Guess for yourself, then."

Guo Weili watched Wu Ziyu leave. When Wu Ziyu had almost vanished into the night, Guo Weili suddenly stood up and cursed, "My supplies!"

But Wu Ziyu was long gone.

Xiao Chiye was examining the new saber by candlelight. The elongated and slender weapon would require the Northern Iron Riders to adapt. He was arranging formations in the second camp, repeatedly pondering over what he had obtained in the Tea Stone Pit.

Chen Yang and Gu Jin entered the tent. Xiao Chiye caught a whiff of milk.

"Your Highness, Lord Protector's letter arrived with the supplies," Chen Yang said, placing the letter from Zhuo Zhou on the small table beside Xiao Chiye. "The embryonic form of the equestrian field in Luoshan is taking shape. The horse route in Zhongbo is being built too quickly. It will be completed by the end of April."

Shen Zechuan had literally thrown money at the problem; of course, progress would be rapid.

Thinking of this, Xiao Chiye recalled Qudou. He sheathed his saber and, in the midst of sipping his milk tea, opened Shen Zechuan's letter with one hand.

"One Master lamp is in Hezhou…" Xiao Chiye hesitated for a moment before looking at Gu Jin. "Why would One Master lamp go to Hezhou?"

Gu Jin had a new robe draped over his arm. Upon hearing this, he pondered for a while before shaking his head. "Why would One Master lamp go to Hezhou? Your Highness, the master entered the monastic life in Hezhou when he was young. In recent years, he has only been willing to wander around our vicinity in Liubei."

"That is rather odd," Xiao Chiye said, inexplicably displeased. "I couldn't find him even if I dug three feet into the ground, but how did Yan Heru manage to get a hold of him?"

Chen Yang collected the empty bowl and commented, "Well, Yan Heru is a coward who fears death. With Zhongbo in such chaos last year, he must have sought the master's protection…"

Chen Yang's voice faded away, and the tent fell silent for a moment.

Xiao Chiye had been searching for Master One Lantern since last June. If Yan Heru had already known of the master's whereabouts, why did he keep quiet all this time instead of revealing it earlier?

"I've been at the Second Encampment these past few days," Xiao Chiye folded the letter. "Gu Jin will ride south tonight to wait for His Excellency in Duanzhou. If the master arrives safely, you can return. If he doesn't…."

Xiao Chiye's eyes were dark.

* * *

Yan Heru sneezed repeatedly, holding a handkerchief to his nose and rubbing it red. He leaned over his chair to watch Yao Wenyu write and said, "Mr. Yuanzhuo's calligraphy is like a soaring eagle chasing a hare. It's not just strong…."

Yan Heru praised him lavishly, then smiled at Yao Wenyu in the end.

"Sir, do you want some sunflower seeds? It's rather boring sitting here. When will His Excellency finish his paperwork? Is he always this busy? You must take care of yourself. It wouldn't be good if your health suffered. But Master One Lantern is on his way. Judging by the time, he should arrive in a few days. When he does, we'll have him take a look at your leg. I'm sure you'll be able to walk again."

Yao Wenyu ruined a stroke, but he didn't show any anger. He only looked regretfully at the paper.

Yan Heru probed Yao Wenyu's expression and leaned against the table edge. "Sir, don't you hate Xue Yanqing for causing you such calamity? He's a wicked man. Why don't you team up with me to set a trap for him? We can kill him in the chaos and hang his corpse in Qudu for days to alleviate your hatred!"

Yao Wenyu furrowed his brow slightly, put down his pen, and said, "Such an act would harm one's moral virtue."

Yan Heru revealed an understanding expression and replied, "Scholars like you place great importance on this. People like us who engage in business don't bother with such notions. Not seeking revenge when you have a grudge is foolishness. The more harshly you retaliate, the more satisfaction it brings."

Yao Wenyu sensed that Yan Heru was hinting at something and was about to speak as he rolled up his sleeves.

But Yan Heru raised his index finger and quietly made a "shh" sound.

The room fell silent, making the footsteps in the courtyard particularly distinct. It seemed that Shen Zechuan, who had been in the main hall, had gone out, standing under the eaves to listen to someone reporting to him.

Qiao Tianya, who had been standing aside, changed his expression upon hearing the news and repeated, "Overturned?"

"Yes, overturned!" The Jin Yi Wei messenger wiped his sweat. "My Lord, the carriage got stuck outside of Tea State, and before Luo Mu could send someone to meet them, the carriage had already flipped!"

Fei Sheng stepped closer and asked anxiously, "What about the Master?"

Inside the room, Yan Heru covered his mouth, his eyes rolling around as he said regretfully to Yao Wenyu, "Heaven can attest that this has nothing to do with me. I've been here, right in front of you and My Lord."

His deer-like eyes appeared harmless, but malice flickered within them.

"Well, that's it now."