Chapter 196 - The Elderly Man

The next morning, after breakfast, Xiao Chiye donned his heavy armor and prepared to head for the Northern Plain Hunting Grounds. Shen Zechuan had been sleeping little these past few days but finally got a good night's rest the previous evening. Standing under the eaves to see him off, he still looked somewhat sluggish.

The snow had stopped that day, and the sunlight illuminated the courtyard, making it sparkle. Xiao Chiye held his horse, Měng, and turned back to speak with Shen Zechuan, only to see him standing by the door looking sleepy and unhappy.

"When will you be back?" Shen Zechuan asked.

Xiao Chiye removed Měng's leg restraints. The horse immediately tried to leap at Shen Zechuan, but Xiao Chiye held it back and said, "I'll try to be back as soon as possible. If there's anything, have someone call me."

Shen Zechuan was also bathed in the bright sunlight. Avoiding the glare, he squinted his affectionate eyes and called out, "Ah—Ye."

Xiao Chiye pretended to kiss this mischievous person, startling Shen Zechuan. Taking advantage of his height, Xiao Chiye raised his arm to prop himself against the door frame and pulled Shen Zechuan back when he tried to retreat. The door curtain fell over the back of Shen Zechuan's head, but Xiao Chiye was too lazy to remove it.

Shen Zechuan received a kiss.

Chen Yang was preoccupied with the arrangements for the escort mission he was about to embark on at the Bo Border Camp and did not pay attention to what was happening there. Gu Jin noticed the curtain flutter and then saw the person disappear. He took off his gloves and said, "My Lord and His Highness..."

Gu Jin could not find the right words and could only look at Chen Yang, gesturing with his eyes.

Chen Yang understood that Gu Jin was startled by Shen Zechuan's late-night meeting the previous night. He closed his book and turned to look as well, observing for a moment before saying, "After His Highness, the Master fought hard on the battlefield, it seems he's unscathed now. But one worries that just like the scar on his back, there might still be emotional wounds healing... It's good to be as inseparable as glue and resin."

Since that night, many had wanted to take care of Xiao Chiye. They tried their best to avoid the heavy snow and watched him with caution, treating him as if he had lost all strength and become a fragile vase. Shen Zechuan, on the other hand, offered no verbal comfort to Xiao Chiye but expressed his reliance through his gaze, as if the world would turn cold and medicine bitter the moment he stepped away from Xiao Chiye even half a step. Behind this extreme dependence, Shen Zechuan conveyed another meaning: Xiao Chiye was incredibly strong.

Xiao Chiye didn't need to be handled like porcelain; he was iron, steel, and also Shen Zechuan's Mount Hongyan.

Xiao Chiye responded in kind.

* * *

Before the meeting, Shen Zechuan asked Fei Sheng to summon Gao Zhongxiong. Gao Zhongxiong waited for Shen Zechuan in front of the study. When Shen Zechuan arrived, he excused Gao Zhongxiong from paying his respects and said, "I had your measurements taken last night. Your winter clothing will be delivered to your residence in a few days. It's cold now, so do you have enough charcoal for heating?"

Gao Zhongxiong had previously served under Han Jin. Knowing that he wouldn't be favored by Shen Zechuan when he came to Cizhou, he took the low road. Only with Yao Wenyu's strong recommendation did he manage to secure a position in the government office. However, Shen Zechuan rarely conversed with him, which made Gao Zhongxiong somewhat anxious.

When nervous, Gao Zhongxiong would sweat profusely and stutter – a residual effect of the ridicule he had endured in Dancheng. He wiped his sweat and nearly touched his chest with his chin as he whispered, "Your Excellency is most considerate. Your Excellency, Your Excellency..."

All the advisors were already in place inside the study. Kong Ling stood by the eaves, waiting for Shen Zechuan to enter. Knowing that he was not an articulate speaker, Gao Zhongxiong grew even more anxious, drenched in sweat as he struggled to finish his words.

Recalling how Gao Zhongxiong had stood in the pouring rain a year ago, denouncing the eunuch faction with great vigor, Shen Zechuan listened attentively and said, "You're not married yet, and your monthly stipend from the government office isn't sufficient. If you need anything, just let the estate know."

Gao Zhongxiong had originally assumed that Shen Zechuan held him in contempt and only refrained from speaking out due to the inconvenience it would cause for Yao Wenyu. However, upon witnessing Shen Zechuan's unexpectedly genial demeanor today, his heart was suddenly flooded with tumultuous emotions, causing him to stammer with a choked voice, "I have been graced by Lord Prefect's profound favor, holding a post within the yamen where my monthly stipend is consistently dispensed. How could I possibly take anything more from the mansion?"

Shen Zechuan grew even more amiable as he said, "You are also a respected scholar in my household. It's not fitting for you to continue belittling yourself like this."

Gao Zhongxiong wiped away his tears with a mix of emotions. Shen Zechuan was not only willing to employ him but also showed him respect. As the saying goes, a scholar would sacrifice for one who understands him; Gao Zhongxiong genuinely wished to follow Shen Zechuan. Just as he was about to express his gratitude, Shen Zechuan raised his hand to silence him, gesturing for him to follow and join him in the study.

* * *

For this military campaign of Chizhou against Fanzhou, the initial plan was to borrow troops. However, Shen Zechuan, observing that the Wing King had long accumulated grievances among the people and that Fanzhou was internally weak, decided against seeking assistance from the Lini North Cavalry. Instead, he appointed Yin Chang, the commander of Chizhou's garrison, to lead the mission.

Yin Chang, before the Zhongbo defeat, was a general in the garrison army of Ci Prefecture. After the commander-in-chief's death, he was promoted by Zhou Gui. Before Shen Zechuan arrived in Ci Prefecture, Yin Chang had been a mere commander with no troops under his command.

This man, about the same age as Ji Gang, was a lover of alcohol, sporting a thick beard. His greatest aversion in life was bathing, which made him appear particularly untidy – a trait that aligned him with Qiao Tianya. Before Qiao Tianya gave up drinking, they often enjoyed binges together.

Kong Ling showed hesitation and said, "Yin Chang is already advanced in years and has been away from the battlefield for many years. It might be challenging for him to take on such a mission."

Surprisingly, Zhou Gui didn't concur this time. He responded, "An experienced general has his own advantages. Since Lord Governor is willing to send him, he will surely give his all."

"Besides Yin Chang," Shen Zechuan said unexpectedly, "Fei Sheng will also accompany the troops on this expedition to Fan Prefecture."

Yao Wenyu's wide sleeves billowed, revealing a cat nestled beneath them. Covering it with his hand, he said, "Now that the roads are open, military provisions can be supplied from both Chizhou and Tazhou, reaching Fanzhou in just one day."

"Indeed," Shen Zechuan placed his fan across his knee, looking at the assembly. "Time is of the essence. We must seize Fan and Deng states without delay. This battle must be swift."

The men beneath him nodded in agreement, then began whispering among themselves, discussing how to fill the administrative gaps in Fan and Deng states.

* * *

Yin Chang was ordered to march, accompanied by Fei Sheng and forty of the Imperial Guards.

Fei Sheng only met Yin Chang moments before their departure. The commander-in-chief had hair whiter than Ji Gang's, was of moderate height, and had a red, bulbous nose. Bowing before Yin Chang on horseback, Fei Sheng found the commander still seemed half-asleep as he mumbled, "Rise."

Fei Sheng, having sought advice from Qiao Tianya, brought fine wine to honor Yin Chang. The old general sniffed the wine, exclaimed "Excellent!" in a voice so loud it startled Fei Sheng's horse.

Seeing Yin Chang eager to drink, Fei Sheng quickly held up his hand, smiling apologetically. "General Yin, please hold off. This wine is potent. It wouldn't be wise to get drunk on the journey. When we return victorious, I'll treat you to a feast!"

Yin Chang, smelling like he was starving for the wine, gulped down several sips while Fei Sheng spoke. His body relaxed, his nose reddened even more. He puffed out hot air, slapped Fei Sheng's shoulder heavily, and bellowed, "Don't worry, boy. I've roamed Zhongbo for over a decade; I could navigate blindfolded! This wine sharpens the mind, perfect for the road!"

Estimating Yin Chang's age, Fei Sheng privately wondered if he should leave immediately if this wasn't a mission to Fanzhou – how could such an old man be a capable warrior? Despite his thoughts, he jestingly replied, "Very well, I'll follow your command on this journey." Offering to lead Yin Chang's horse, he asked, "Shall I help you mount?"

Yin Chang tied the wineskin to his waist and patted it, grinning at Fei Sheng. "Watch closely, I'll do this myself—"

"Ah," Fei Sheng quickly caught Yin Chang's foot slipping from the saddle. He supported the elder, urging, "Hold on tight!"

With Yin Chang in his arms, Fei Sheng noticed the old man's strong, sturdy legs. He helped him onto the horse, thinking that perhaps this elder had some hidden capabilities and might actually be capable. However, before long, Yin Chang began to nod off on the horse, nearly falling off several times. It was only with Fei Sheng's constant reminders and assistance that he remained upright.

Zizhou wasn't far from Fanzhou, just a two-day journey. Throughout the trip, Fei Sheng walked on pins and needles, fearing that their commander might fall from his horse before they even reached their destination. Despite some close calls, they safely arrived and set up camp. Expecting Yin Chang to start planning the city assault, Fei Sheng waited outside the tent. To his surprise, the elder went straight to sleep as soon as he entered, snoring loudly and remaining unresponsive to any disturbances.

From outside the tent, Fei Sheng observed the Zizhou garrison troops, all new recruits. Yin Chang hadn't arranged for night patrols, and the soldiers were scattered about like untrained novices, lacking any semblance of discipline or cohesion.

Damn it all to hell.

Fei Sheng spat in frustration, already contemplating writing to Shen Zechuan. The task of patrolling the night fell solely on the Jin Yi Wei, so he guarded the camp until dawn, his eyes bloodshot as he forced a smile upon seeing Yin Chang emerge from his tent, looking well-rested despite the freezing cold.

"Well-rested, Elder Yin?" Fei Sheng rubbed his hands and feet for warmth. "When do you think we should launch our attack?"

Yin Chang sat down and poured himself some wine from his leather flask, taking only two small sips before saying, "No rush, no rush."

Fei Sheng had been given orders for a swift and decisive victory. He countered, "These past few days have been calm with no wind or snow. If we don't seize the opportunity now, it may become more difficult later."

Yin Chang sipped his wine, gazing in the direction of Fan Zhou, his beard quivering as he spoke, "Why are you in such a hurry? I don't think the time is ripe yet."

Fei Sheng suspected that the old man was merely avoiding battle. Yin Chang's name was nowhere to be found in the Jinyiwei's records. When Fei Sheng was transcribing documents, he had gone through the files of Ci Zhou, and before Yin Chang's military defeat, he had no notable accomplishments. His promotion to Commander was solely due to the fact that all the other Ci Zhou defense army commanders had perished, coupled with the benevolent Zhou Gui, who promoted him based on seniority.

Even after becoming Commander, Yin Chang barely made an impact. While Zhou Gui and Kong Ling were tending to the land, he was drinking; when the bandits led by Lei Changming repeatedly harassed Ci Zhou, he was still drinking. Even when the Ci Zhou defense army was rebuilt, he seemed like mere decoration, never actually contributing.

This time, Shen Zechuan assigned Yin Chang to battle because Ci Zhou truly lacked capable leaders and because Fan Zhou was relatively easy to conquer. The Ci Zhou defense army needed an opportunity to stand on its own, and this was a perfect chance. No extraordinary general was required, just someone who could naturally seize control.

Fei Sheng weighed these thoughts as he watched Yin Chang across from him, removing his boots and picking his feet. He wanted to say something but couldn't bring himself to speak due to the old man's foot odor. Hastily rising, he saluted Yin Chang and retreated to catch some fresh air.

Hyrigu remained at the Northern Plain training ground, while Shen Zechuan left the Scorpion there. Initially, they didn't get along well with the Ci Zhou defense army, often receiving scoldings. It was only through the Jinyiwei's intervention that a physical confrontation was avoided.

Having just finished cleaning himself, Hyrigu, despite the freezing weather, had taken a bath without a shirt on. As he walked back from the well, he noticed the camp gates wide open.

A wave of dark, oppressive armor approached, trampling the mud beneath the thin snow, splattering Hyrigu as they passed. He muttered an oath under his breath, wiped his face, and saw the leading horse turn around, staring directly at him.

Hyrigu recognized Langtao Xuejin. He raised the wooden basin in his hand and honestly greeted, "Hello, Second Master."

Xiao Chiye was clad in heavy armor, not even his eyes visible. His towering figure on the horse exuded an intimidating presence, forcing Hyrigu to crane his neck just to look at him as Lang Tao Xue Jin drew closer.

"Husband said he wants to keep me," Hyrigu said, still wearing his cloth shoes. He surveyed the wary Northern Liang cavalry around him before looking back at Xiao Chiye. "…I think he's right."

"I'll give you a horse today," Xiao Chiye's voice was low. "Bring your men to the training ground."

Hyrigu knew what Xiao Chiye was planning. He had been training with the Northern Liang cavalry here for the past few days. He set down the wooden basin, pulled on his shoes properly, and said, "I can also bring my hammer… Let me show you our new formation."

Lang Tao Xue Jin snorted hot breaths as the armored steed advanced once more, forcing Hyrigu to retreat.

Xiao Chiye asked, "A new formation?"

Hyrigu took a step back and immediately confessed. "I learned it from an old man," he pointed at his own nose, "a red-nosed old man."