Chapter 60: Ye Du
In the distance, the city walls were four zhang high, and the stacked gray-blue bricks and stones exuded the austerity of a frontier fortress.
Xiao Yi saw the large banner fluttering on the city wall with the character “Guo” written on it, and he relaxed slightly.
He had been worried that Guo Xin had not sent someone to pick them up due to an accident; seeing this now, at least Ye Du was still under Guo Wei’s control.
Further ahead, refugees were scarce. Occasionally, one could see porters transporting grain and fodder, hurried messengers, and a few daring merchants, but there were more teams apprehending Khitan spies.
The city gate was strictly guarded. The soldiers at the gate were all elite Tianxiong Army soldiers, wearing ochre combat jackets inside and leather lamellar armor outside, holding halberds and sabers at their waists.
Xiao Yi stopped.
Hua Nong asked, “Young Master, what is it?”
“The atmosphere is a bit unusual,” Xiao Yi said. “But it’s precisely because it’s unusual that it’s right. Since Cao Wei has arrived, a purge is inevitable. It’s just…”
Suddenly, several horsemen galloped from a roadside inn outside the city towards them, instantly making everyone tense.
Only when the face of the person in the lead became visible did they see it was Guo Xin.
“You’ve finally arrived!”
Guo Xin tugged on the reins and leaped off his horse, not bothering to lead it, letting the horse run off.
He was not armored, but wore a bulky thick jacket. The circles under his eyes were so dark, it looked like he had been hit hard twice; he resembled a frail young master afraid of the cold.
Rushing forward a few steps, Guo Xin first patted Xiao Yi’s arm forcefully and said, “Well, you look better than I do.”
Then, he grabbed Guo Zongyi and lifted him, pressing his nose into the boy’s armpit and tickling him until he giggled before letting go.
“Hahaha, Zhan Zhao… let me go… quickly… haha…”
“Call me Third Uncle,” Guo Xin said, deliberately ruffling Guo Zongyi’s hair. “You’re on your grandfather’s territory now.”
“You’re so ill-behaved, and you call yourself an uncle.”
Xiao Yi surveyed the men Guo Xin had brought. Zhang Mantun was not among them, so he asked, “Where is Tie Ya?”
Guo Xin pulled him aside and whispered, “Tie Ya and I arrived the afternoon before yesterday and reported everything to Grandfather. Grandfather sent a cavalry troop to escort you, but by yesterday evening, Cao Wei and Chen Guang Sui arrived. Guess what happened?”
“What happened?”
“Cao Wei brought that cavalry troop back and said he had left someone for you, so there was no need to send anyone from Ye Du.”
“The reason?”
“He didn’t tell me. I only found out this morning,” Guo Xin said. “Supervisor Wang Jun suddenly started arresting Khitan spies everywhere, causing widespread panic.”
Xiao Yi seemed to understand, saying, “Commander Guo must be purging those within the army who are close to the Imperial Court. We shouldn’t need to worry about this.”
“It’s no use even if I want to worry. They left Tie Ya at the military camp but sent me back to the city,” Guo Xin pouted and asked, “By the way, Mother and Second Brother haven’t arrived yet. Is something wrong?”
Seeing Guo Xin’s expression, Xiao Yi realized he still knew nothing. He hesitated for a moment and said, “I don’t know either. There are many women and children; it probably won’t be that fast.”
“That’s true.” Guo Xin’s worry disappeared from his eyes. He chuckled twice and said, “It’s mainly the lack of news that worries me. If you say so, I can rest assured… Let’s go inside the city. Come!”
The group passed through the city gate passage and entered Ye Du.
The scene inside the city was completely different from Kaifeng. The streets were wide enough for five horses to ride abreast, and the walls on both sides were tall. However, most residences were low and simple, with few elaborately carved beams and painted buildings.
Most pedestrians had solemn expressions and walked with hurried steps. The shops were mostly blacksmiths, saddle makers, and pharmacies, businesses related to the military.
A squad of soldiers carrying spears and halberds led porters pushing grain carts through the street. The sound of lamellar armor clanking and the short, forceful military horns conveyed an aura of solemnity.
Xiao Yi keenly felt the tension in the city’s atmosphere, yet it was orderly, busy but not chaotic, possessing the discipline and efficiency unique to a place guarded by a strong army.
Jiang Er Niang had never seen such a solemn military town, her face turned pale, and she clutched Hua Nong’s arm.
Hua Nong was both startled and curious, murmuring, “Such a military bearing and atmosphere, Commander Guo is truly a hero.”
He nodded to himself, as if solidifying a certain conviction.
Lu You, Fan Si, and Wei Liang also shed their usual casualness and subconsciously straightened their backs.
Seeing this, Guo Xin couldn’t help but feel proud. He whispered into Xiao Yi’s ear, “When we get to the Commander’s Mansion, I’ll give everyone a scare.”
After saying that, he pointed out the layout of Ye Du, his spirits soaring.
The Tianxiong Army Military Governor’s Mansion was located north of the city. It was not luxurious but had an imposing presence. The mansion walls were high and thick, and the guards at the entrance were all seasoned veterans with gazes as sharp as eagles. Even Guo Xin had to present credentials to enter.
As the side door opened, a middle-aged civil official emerged. He carried himself with composure, his eyes bright.
He nodded to Guo Xin and quickly stepped forward to greet Xiao Yi. He raised his hand in a bow, speaking in a calm yet perfectly clear voice.
“This young general has an extraordinary presence. You must be Captain Xiao, who is escorting the Guo family’s kin. The Lord and the Eldest Young Master are concerned about this matter and wished to personally welcome you at the steps, but military affairs are pressing, and they are unable to disengage. I am Wei Renpu, the Military Governor’s Secretary, with the courtesy name Daoji. By the Lord’s command, I am here to respectfully welcome your arrival.”
Wei Renpu was about forty years old, of medium build, wearing a clean-washed, slightly faded blue robe with lamellar cuffs, covered by a sable fur cloak.
His face was thin, and he had a neatly trimmed short beard on his chin. His demeanor was unhurried; though standing in a place of military importance, he exuded an air of scholarship and steady composure.
“Secretary Wei, you are too kind. I dare not accept. I am merely a junior fulfilling a promise and carrying out my duty.”
“Captain Xiao’s kindness in helping the distressed and saving the endangered, and his loyalty in times of hardship, are deeply appreciated by everyone in the Guo family. Please follow me, this way please.”
Wei Renpu stepped aside to lead the way, his pace neither fast nor slow, allowing them to keep up while also showing his busy schedule and how he valued every moment.
Xiao Yi noticed a few smudges of still-wet ink on his sleeves and a small bronze seal hanging from his belt.
During a lull in entertaining guests, a clerk ran up, whispered something in his ear, and vaguely mentioned “grain and fodder allocation documents.”
Wei Renpu did not stop walking, only quickly instructed, “Copy three duplicates and send them immediately to Generals Wang, He, and Zhao for their signatures. Do not delay.” The process was smooth, not affecting his guidance of the group at all.
They arrived at a corridor entrance, where two kind-looking old wet nurses were already waiting.
Wei Renpu turned to Guo Xin and Guo Zongyi, his expression softening, with a hint of unconcealable pity. His voice also became much gentler.
“Fifth Young Lady, Yi Ge’er, you have been frightened along the way. Please rest assured and go with these two wet nurses to the back garden. Everything will be arranged.”
Guo Xin took a deep breath and turned to Xiao Yi.
Her bright eyes held complex emotions: dependence, reluctance, and a daze of having survived. Finally, she performed a deep curtsy.
“Deputy Commander Xiao, and all you righteous men, your great kindness is beyond words. I will take my leave now.”
“Ah?” Guo Zongyi quickly grabbed Hua Heng’s hand and asked in surprise, “Are we splitting up?”
“Let’s go.”
Guo Xin turned and walked away directly.
The two wet nurses stepped forward, took Guo Zongyi’s hand, and led him towards the back garden.
“Brother…”
Xiao Yi looked and saw the child’s face full of reluctance. Guo Xin had already reached the courtyard gate and suddenly looked back this way. After a moment, her figure disappeared behind the door.
He thought, it’s good. At least when the lie is exposed, she won’t have to face him.
Hua Heng chased a few steps, then stopped and waved, “Ming Yan, farewell.”
“Hua Heng, my name is Guo Zongyi. I’ll come find you to play later.”
“Okay!”
The group then learned that they had escorted Guo Wei’s relatives, and their reactions varied.
Lu You excitedly clenched his fist and waved it over his chest, his excitement impossible to suppress. Fan Si grinned and nudged Wei Liang with his arm. Wei Liang was the most surprised. He glanced at Hua Nong and moved away from Fan Si, scratching his head and chuckling foolishly.
Wu Gouzi chuckled twice and whispered to Hu Deng, “Isn’t this merit no less than Xu Sheng’s?”
Xi Hou made a shushing gesture and looked at Old Pan. The smile on his lips was impossible to suppress. Old Pan did not care about merit, but his eyes also held a smile, happy for everyone.
Hua Nong had clearly guessed it long ago, his expression not changing much. He narrowed his eyes and stared blankly at Wei Renpu. Jiang Er Niang pinched him hard, making him yelp in pain. However, this time, Jiang Er Niang quickly rubbed his arm, appearing very concerned for him.
Hua Guan looked at Guo Xin, her brow furrowed, her eyes full of questioning. Guo Xin returned her gaze with a triumphant smile.
“Detestable.”
“Haha,” Guo Xin laughed. “Secretary Wei, I was just planning to give them a scare when we got to the main hall. Why did you reveal it in advance?”
Wei Renpu chuckled cooperatively and apologized, then led them through a corridor and a courtyard gate to an independent courtyard on the east side of the front mansion.
In the courtyard, several servants in green robes were already waiting with their hands clasped behind their backs.
“These are the Lord’s distinguished guests. Take good care of them,” Wei Renpu instructed. “All provisions and services should be according to the treatment of honored guests; do not show the slightest neglect.”
“Yes.”
After giving instructions, Wei Renpu added, “Captain Xiao, everyone, you must be weary from your journey. Please rest here for a while. Baths and hot food have been prepared to relieve your fatigue. If you require anything, please do not hesitate to ask, and do not be a stranger. The Lord is currently overseeing military affairs at the camp outside the city and cannot leave his post. As soon as he has a moment, he will personally invite you.”
“Secretary Wei is too polite.”
Xiao Yi would have preferred to meet Guo Wei at the military camp, but before he could speak, two men dressed as aides ran to the courtyard gate and bowed to Wei Renpu from a distance.
“San Lang, please entertain Captain Xiao and all the righteous men.”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry, Secretary Wei, you go ahead and be busy.”
“I am swamped with trivial matters and must take my leave. I sincerely hope for your understanding, everyone.”
Wei Renpu then cupped his hands in a bow, not hurried or slow, and turned to leave with a gust of wind. He walked through the courtyard gate, followed closely by the two aides, their movements smooth and fluid.
Despite the brief interaction, the process did not feel rushed; rather, it made one feel that the person was thoroughly considerate.
Hua Nong’s gaze followed Wei Renpu, not moving away for a long time, and he murmured, “Handling important matters with ease, dealing with things smoothly, truly remarkable.”
