Chapter 117: Favor and Severity

Xiao Chiye’s loose outer robe was unbuttoned, revealing the collar of his inner shirt undone. When he sat down, he blocked much of the light, still damp from his bath. He wiped his face with a clean handkerchief and felt somewhat more comfortable. Rapping his fingers on the floor three times, he said to Chen Yang, "What is it? Speak while sitting up."

Chen Yang quickly wiped his face clean and lifted his upper body. "When I returned to Libei this time, there were some unexpected developments. I didn’t dare make any decisions on my own and had to report them to you first."

Xiao Chiye picked up Shen Zechuan’s chopsticks as he listened to Chen Yang recount the events. Shen Zechuan had left halfway through the meal to take a bath. Xiao Chiye finished the rice in his bowl without the intention of serving himself more. After a moment, he asked, "How’s Gu Jin’s condition?"

"We sought a doctor after leaving our permanent camp. Gu Jin’s fever subsided on the way here, but the wound on his back is quite severe. Master Ji Gang examined him last night and told Gu Jin to avoid certain foods. He gave him many instructions and said that he would recover in a month or so." Chen Yang paused before adding, "Thankfully, he didn’t sustain any injuries to his eyes or ears."

"Tudalong Banner is part of the daily patrol area of the Eastern Mountain Range’s permanent camp. It used to be a considerable distance away from the Han She Tribe, but Gu Jin’s vanguard actually retreated here." Xiao Chiye swiftly picked up on a lot from Chen Yang’s narration. He commented sharply, "This indicates that the Libei Iron Riders are retreating. Father and Master’s campaign isn’t going smoothly."

The chirping of summer insects penetrated the bamboo blinds, making a racket.

Xiao Chiye gazed at the candlelight for a while before whispering, "Eldest Brother not being able to lead the troops is a heavy blow to the Libei Iron Riders. Father’s timely appearance in the mountains was to swiftly regain the morale of the troops that were on the verge of collapse and to mitigate the impact of the word ‘defeat’. However, he hasn’t personally commanded a battle in almost fifteen years, while Armu has never left the frontlines of the Han She Tribe for even half a step in these fifteen years. Times have changed. Blindly relying on Father isn’t the way to win. I always say that one should never change commanders on the battlefield. Even the best general needs time to gel with his troops. Most of Father’s men have changed over the past fifteen years, and very few can follow him into battle again. The new generation of commanders he now leads are accustomed to Eldest Brother’s style. They need to adjust to each other amidst such a tight military situation, which isn’t an easy task."

When Xiao Fangxu established the Libei Iron Riders, the two words “Iron Riders” were the best explanation of what the Libei army was. Back then, the Libei cavalry could not catch up to the speed of the Border Sands cavalry, so Xiao Fangxu took measures to increase their weight. Not only did he armor the soldiers, but he also armored the horses. Such a force was terrifying when charging straight ahead, like a mountain torrent that could reduce a person to bones in the blink of an eye. The Border Sands’ curved sabers were too slow to draw, and even if they managed to pull them out, they couldn’t penetrate the armor. The ferocious Han She Tribe was unwilling to engage in a protracted battle with the Iron Riders. Their nimble movements were their only remaining advantage. Xiao Fangxu built upon this foundation and constantly increased the weight of the Libei Iron Riders until he forged them into a true “iron wall.”

When Qi Zhuyin led the Eastern Pass garrison across the border, the sound of their hooves was like thunder. But when the Libei Iron Riders crossed, it was not “like thunder,” but actual “thunder.” The sheer weight made people lose the courage to fight just by listening to it, and for as long as five to six years, no one could find any weakness in the Libei Iron Riders.

Yet A'ermu was also a fierce general, and in his constant encounters with the Li Bei Iron Cavalry, he ingeniously exploited their very "weight." If he could make the ferocious Serpent Troop's cavalry swift enough, they would be able to plunder and retreat, disperse and regroup, circle around, then encircle once more, behaving like swarms of flies sipping blood—unable to penetrate the enemy's tough, substantial armor, yet themselves remaining unscathed. Lei Jingzhe's strategy of gathering bandits to harass the Imperial Guards was modeled after the Serpent Troop's tactics against the Li Bei Iron Cavalry, though he lacked both their swift steeds and formidable soldiers.

It was at this juncture that Xiao Jiming took charge of the Northern Frontier Iron Riders. The first decision he faced was whether to maintain the force's formidable weight. In the eyes of the veteran soldiers, he was but a greenhorn, and his refined, modest demeanor was something they, accustomed to Xiao Fangxu's leadership, found hard to tolerate. He made a choice distinct from Xiao Fangxu's – he lightened the Northern Frontier Iron Riders, thinning their "iron wall" but granting them the agility to turn quickly. Thus, the force transformed from a heavy cavalry to a slightly more maneuverable one.

This shift imbued Libei with the quality of "speed," which was the essence of Xiao Jiming's "Iron Horses and Icy Rivers" strategy and the very reason he could traverse two territories in a single night. They could keep pace with the fierce Serpent Clan while continuously refining their formations, making them even more tenacious. The new generation of commanders were all handpicked by Xiao Jiming; they adapted to his style, and had grown accustomed to his receptive nature when it came to advice. Perhaps they respected Xiao Fangxu emotionally, but they might not have been as compatible with him.

Respect alone wins no battles; the awe-inspiring luster of a legendary warrior fades with each clash of wills. Eventually, even the brilliant Northern King would fall from his pedestal, becoming a myth lost in the ebb and flow of time. Should that day come, the legendary Northern Iron Cavalry's glory would fade, transforming them into ununified soldiers, their once concentrated strength becoming a liability.

Qi Zhuyin is the commander who has delved deepest into the intricacies of the Northern Li's Iron Cavalry. Well aware of its reliance on individual commanders, she has made every effort to prevent Qidong from following in the footsteps of the Northern Li's Iron Cavalry since becoming the Grand Marshal of the Five Provinces' Armies. She has consistently focused on establishing the Qidong Generals' Tent, recruiting only those capable of leading troops. Her willingness to delegate power stems from her confidence in her absolute authority. She grants Lu Guangbai such extensive authority because he is capable of handling it. Qi Zhuyin understands what kind of general suits what kind of troop, and in Xiao Chiye's eyes, she is the most suitable candidate for the role of Grand Marshal among their contemporaries.

A skilled warrior might lead an army, but not all warriors possess the charisma to command universal obedience. If one were to rank the four great generals of the land, Qi Zhuyin would undoubtedly claim the top spot. She had long perceived the vulnerability of the Northern Iron Cavalry and had warned Xiao Jiming accordingly.

Xiao Chiye's exclusion was an inevitable situation.

Xiao Chiye rested his hand on his knee, pouring the candle wax into a small porcelain dish. His fingertips touched the scorching liquid, but he relished the searing sensation. Gazing at the flickering flame, he said, "Chen Yang, when I left home at seventeen, I asked my eldest sister-in-law when I would be able to return. Her tears flowed at that question, and she wept alone in her chamber all night. As I mounted my horse with my elder brother, she stuffed my pack with Northern Li's pastries and even concealed a flask of travel wine. She said she didn't know when I'd come back, but they would always wait for me in Northern Li. I was sent to the capital as a hostage because my elder brother won a battle. I despised Shen Wei then, believing it was all due to Zhongbo's defeat. I didn't consider myself superior to my elder brother, but I was equally attached to Hongyanshan and the racetrack. I used to lie on the grass and listen to the voice of the Northern Li land. When I left, I even longed to take its soil with me."

"I stood atop the tallest tower in Qudu, striving to catch a glimpse of the north, but even soaring through the clouds couldn't reveal it to me. It was then that I first realized how distant my return had become. I learned much from my master, but it was in Qudu where those lessons truly sank in. I am an ambitious man, and Qudu was the teacher that taught me to rein in my aspirations. Meeting Lan Zhou was no coincidence; he was the final barrier before my will broke, and also the regained license to my passions and freedom."

Xiao Chiye lifted his finger, tracing an imaginary line in the air.

"I am complete now, with my deficiencies concealed by steel. When I leave Qudu next, I will not stop. Whether it was twenty years ago or ten years ago, Father and Elder Brother made the best choices. Now, it's my turn. The mountains we have climbed may not always be our foes. I acknowledge the excellence of my father and brother, I revere and cherish them, but that is part of 'family,' not part of 'The Northern Steel Riders.' We are wolves apart from the pack; returning doesn't mean kneeling beneath others, but reclaiming our rightful place from their grasp."

Xiao Chiye leaned slightly forward, his gaze as sharp as a blade.

"The Northern Steel Riders cannot afford another defeat. This isn't just about the Xiao family. I understand this, as does Elder Brother and Father. Who should inherit this iron wall? Anyone, as long as they can carry the burden. I'm going back for the Northern Steel Riders, not just for home. Gu Weili, as an experienced general of the North, understands your duties well. He didn't harm Gu Jin's eyes and ears, which was his most merciful warning. Pull yourself together, Chen Yang. Our opponents are all seasoned veterans on the battlefield—there is no such thing as a guaranteed loss. Those seemingly impregnable iron walls are illusions. I want to return, to have a Northern Steel Riders that belongs to me."

Chen Yang's fingers trembled slightly. His knees, bent in a kneel, had gone numb, yet the sensation crept up his spine. Facing this Xiao Chiye, all fear was swept away by his passion.

* * *

When Shen Zechuan emerged, Chen Yang had already left. Xiao Chiye was lying on a Xumi couch by the window, lost in thought. The window remained open, allowing the fragrance of lotuses from the corridor to waft in. Xiao Chiye rested his head on one arm, gazing at the stars from the diagonal angle.

Shen Zechuan extinguished the candle flame and tossed his outer robe onto the chair back. His fingers brushed across Xiao Chiye's cheek, leaving a trail of coolness before igniting a feverish warmth.

Xiao Chiye yearned for Shen Zechuan, desperately, every inch of him longing. After weariness came an unprecedented excitement. Despite days of horseback riding, he couldn't sleep. His eyes held a possessiveness that only they could understand, hardening rapidly under Shen Zechuan's touch.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and there would be countless brief separations in the future. Every moment they spent alone, Xiao Chiye claimed Shen Zechuan, wanting to explore every part of him, leaving his scent behind and being overwhelmed by Shen Zechuan's. Love might have countless expressions, but theirs was now an intense and ardent one.

The Xumi couch was too small for both of them. Xiao Chiye reached out to draw the bamboo curtain, blocking the window. Lan Zhou didn't need moonlight; the vulnerability revealed needed only his gaze.

Shen Zechuan straddled Xiao Chiye, their lips meeting in the dim light. The warmth of their breath intertwined, trailing down their necks, across their chests, and even to their abdomens. Shen Zechuan's neck flushed, and Xiao Chiye perceived it as a silent accolade, just like Shen Zechuan's trembling, both inciting an irresistible passion.

Xiao Chiye was relentless, forcing Shen Zechuan to tilt his head back. He pressed against Xiao Chiye's chest, attempting to halt this intense onslaught. Yet, with tears in his eyes, Shen Zechuan gazed downward, silently urging Xiao Chiye to continue, to be fierce, to be wicked.

It was all acceptable.

Shen Zechuan's eyes conveyed this message clearly.

Xiao Chiye, invigorated, held Shen Zechuan firmly in place. They both panted, neither breaking eye contact. Shen Zechuan's disheveled hair cascaded around his face, while he clutched at Xiao Chiye's clothes during the violent motion, shuddering continuously.

"You need to put on more weight," Xiao Chiye rasped, "Lan Zhou."

Soggy strands of Shen Zechuan's hair clung to his cheeks, leaving him momentarily voiceless. He sighed, reaching out as if to grasp something. But Xiao Chiye took his hand, before gently slowing down after their fervent intimacy.

If only it weren't so deep.

Supported by Xiao Chiye, Shen Zechuan lost himself in the depths, his thoughts scattered by the persistent force. His misty gaze became particularly seductive, his eyes brimming with pleasure, as he was utterly immersed in Xiao Chiye.

"Ce An," Shen Zechuan whispered freely, "Aye."

Xiao Chiye broke out in a sweat.

Shen Zechuan lowered his head and, with the tip of his nose, brushed away the beads of perspiration along Xiao Chiye's temple. He maliciously called out, "Second Brother."

Xiao Chiye abruptly halted. He straightened Shen Zechuan's face and fiercely kissed him amidst his gasps for air. The orderly rhythm became chaotic, and the hidden anxiety was disrupted by those few cries. Xiao Chiye forgot about everything; he needed nothing else but Shen Zechuan.

The bed could not satisfy them, so the bedding was dragged onto the luxurious rug. After an unknown period, the pillows on the rug were soaked. Shen Zechuan narrowed his eyes, exhausted and drenched. Xiao Chiye supported himself on his arms without pulling out. Instead, he leaned down and pressed their foreheads together, panting softly.

"Langzhōu," Xiao Chiye's sweaty forehead rubbed against Shen Zechuan's nape as he mumbled, "Langzhōu."

Shen Zechuan raised his hand and placed it on the crown of Xiao Chiye's head. They were so close, fitting together seamlessly. Shen Zechuan lifted his leg, signaling Xiao Chiye to press down. Xiao Chiye did not lower his body but held him tightly instead.

Unable to catch his breath under Xiao Chiye's embrace, Shen Zechuan kneaded the back of Xiao Chiye's head with varying pressure. He turned his head and blew softly into Xiao Chiye's ear before calling out slowly, "Wolf cub."

Xiao Chiye bit him.

Shen Zechuan chuckled hoarsely. Sensing something flowing beneath them, he said, "It's coming out."

Xiao Chiye then kissed him instead. The two of them entwined intimately, squeezing out even more passion from their movements. Xiao Chiye had the urge to lift his head, causing Shen Zechuan to sigh repeatedly. Xiao Chiye, who had initially wanted to give up due to the intensity, changed his mind upon seeing Shen Zechuan's expression and decided to delve deeper.

Xiao Chiye caressed Shen Zechuan's cheek, sliding two fingers between his lips, leaving Shen Zechuan's tongue nowhere to hide. They drew close, breathing heavily together, taking in each other's expressions. The final moment was not intense but rather a prolonged intimacy.

When it was over, Shen Zechuan could no longer utter a sound. His muffled moans were devoured by Xiao Chiye. Amidst the heat, he held Xiao Chiye's chin, tears streaming down his temples as Xiao Chiye finally pressed down on him, their bodies entwined.

Both of them were exhausted, and Shen Zechuan could barely keep his eyes open. He still held Xiao Chiye's chin, and Xiao Chiye seemed to chuckle before leaning in for a kiss. After a brief exchange of kisses, they fell asleep, still pressing against one another.

Xiao Chiye did not dream.

By the time dawn broke the next day, it was already late. Xiao Chiye had just returned from leading his troops, but no one would scold him. However, he woke up promptly. The passion had chased away any lingering emotions. As he got up, Shen Zechuan stirred awake. Covering him with a blanket, Xiao Chiye kissed him again.

"Affairs of the military," Shen Zechuan muttered drowsily in the dim light, his eyes closed, "Later... I'll go in the afternoon..."

"Postponing the discussion about Chizhou's garrison is fine," Xiao Chiye replied, "I need to settle Lei Jingzhe's matter with Zhou Gui first."

"One hour," Shen Zechuan sighed, "I'll be there in an hour."

Xiao Chiye stroked him and said, "It's the same if we do it tomorrow. There's no rush these few days. Sleep, I'll come back for lunch, and we'll invite your master too."

Shen Zechuan let out a soft "Mm," unsure if he had fully understood. After Xiao Chiye bathed and changed into a new robe, he didn't ask for the room to be cleaned. Instead, he instructed Ding Tao and Gu Jin to stand guard outside the courtyard early and left with Chen Yang and Qiao Tianya first.

* * *

Zhou Gui had already held several rounds of discussions with his advisors in the study before he finally saw Xiao Chiye. He hurried out to greet him and dismissed the others, instructing Kong Ling to serve tea.

Xiao Chiye was not in a particularly amiable mood today. His usual rakish demeanor was gone, and when he entered, the two men did not dare to breathe loudly. He had something on his mind and got straight to the point after taking a seat.

"Lei Jingzhe was allowed to escape to the east. In three days, he should arrive in Dunzhou."

Kong Ling had counted the bandits last night and had already suspected Lei Jingzhe's absence. Hearing this, his concerns were allayed. They were already familiar with Xiao Chiye and no longer as restrained as before. He cleared his throat and said, "Your Lordship must have a plan in mind."

Zhou Gui asked, "Lei Jingzhe is a cunning man. Did Your Lordship release him with the intention of recruiting him?"

"This man is overly astute and will not be content to follow orders," Xiao Chiye replied coldly. "Although we captured most of Lei Jingzhe's troops during this campaign, there are still remnants of his forces in Luoshan. Moreover, even without Lei Jingzhe, there will be other Lei Jingzhes. It will be too difficult to achieve a lasting solution before we establish our own garrison in Cizhou."

Kong Ling recalled Shen Zechuan's words from a few days ago and nodded, saying, "Indeed, just as the Magistrate has said, as long as Zhongbo lacks food, ordinary citizens will continue to turn to banditry. Force alone cannot eliminate the problem."

"Lei Jingzhe lost both his right and left-hand men but managed to escape from my grasp alone. Even if he is skilled at persuasion, he will not be able to clear himself of suspicion among the bandits," Xiao Chiye continued. "I will give him another push, turning him into a spy for the imperial guards, who will be targeted by the bandits in Dun and Duanzhou. With his abilities, he will not sit idly by, and thus, the internal strife among the bandits will leave them with no time to plot against Cizhou."

Upon hearing this, Kong Ling asked, "If Your Lordship is thinking so much about Cizhou, are you planning to return to Libei?"

Xiao Chiye twirled his teacup and said, "Time waits for no one. The Northern War is in constant upheaval, so it's not appropriate for me to remain in Cizhou for long. Besides, Qiqi Zhu has been delaying matters for two months. Once she arrives, it will be difficult for me to leave. After I depart from Cizhou, Lan Zhou will still lend its full support. As I mentioned when I dispatched troops earlier, I will not interfere with the Cizhou garrison, but if the two of you still require the imperial guards, just inform Lan Zhou, and I will arrive within a day."

His words held a subtle message, at least in Kong Ling's ears, hinting at both favor and threat.

By saying that Shen Zechuan should inform him, Xiao Chiye made it clear he wouldn't act solely based on Cizhou's account. Whether or not he would bring his troops back would first depend on Shen Zechuan's decision. However, Shen Zechuan was not someone who could be easily deceived; thus, they couldn't manipulate the imperial guards' deployment through distance alone. There was another layer of meaning behind Xiao Chiye's statement.

Kong Ling felt restless, wiping the sweat off his brow.

If Cizhou dared to do anything to Shen Zechuan, Xiao Chiye would arrive within a day.