Chapter 70: I Am Not Alone
Xiao Yi and Guo Xin exchanged a glance and could only stop to wait.
After everyone dispersed, Guo Wei looked at them, his gaze softening.
“Why did you fall out with the generals as soon as you joined the army?”
Guo Xin naturally assumed he was being spoken to, and said, “Father Marshal, did General Chen lodge a complaint? Aren’t there dangers on the battlefield…”
“I wasn’t talking about you.”
“Oh.”
Guo Xin breathed a sigh of relief, then suddenly surprised, looked at Xiao Yi and asked, “Was it you? Who could you possibly fall out with?”
Xiao Yi bowed and said, “I have failed to live up to Lord’s high expectations.”
Guo Wei’s eyes were sharp as he looked at Xiao Yi and said, “If a soldier under your command breaks military law, they must be punished. Is it not also breaking military law for you to use private torture and kill someone? Chen Guang Sui said your killing intent is too heavy, and He Fujin also believes you are too sharp and will easily break. According to the two of them, you should resign your military post and train under Wei Renpu.”
“Father Marshal, Xiao Yi he…”
“And you, they say your sharp edges are too pronounced, and you are too eager for merit and advance rashly, so you should also be a clerk.”
“I was just following General Li’s military order…”
Guo Wei swept a glance at him, and Guo Xin’s subsequent words were choked in his throat.
Xiao Yi understood. This was He Fujin and Chen Guang Sui’s response to his unauthorized killing of Xu Sheng, but Guo Wei had not yet issued an order.
“My Lord, your subordinate knows General He and Commander Chen are acting out of goodwill, but the Nian Battalion has just been established and will inevitably need to adjust. Is there any reason to give up after only three days? Your subordinate requests to stay.”
Guo Wei looked at the map without lifting his head and said, “Is military discipline a child’s play? You killed Xu Sheng today out of righteous indignation, but could your subordinates kill you tomorrow for insubordination?”
Xiao Yi’s heart trembled, and he said in a deep voice, “Your subordinate is willing to sign a military order! If the Nian Battalion cannot maintain strict discipline and be able to fight and win, your subordinate is willing to accept military punishment without complaint!”
“The commanding officer wants to drive you away, and you insist on staying?”
Xiao Yi gradually felt that Guo Wei was not actually angry about this and even supported military discipline in his heart. So, he simply and frankly replied, “Military matters are straightforward. What’s the point of Chen Guang Sui being unhappy with me and coming to complain? Why not have a match? Let’s settle the score with fists and feet.”
“Yes!” Guo Xin immediately chimed in, saying, “Such whinging, like a woman! Let them fight, and whoever wins will command the Nian Battalion.”
“Is the Tianxiong Army child’s play?!”
Guo Wei casually berated them and said, “I don’t have the patience to watch you fight like brutes. Establishing yourself in the army relies on more than just personal martial prowess. Considering it’s your first offense and you had merit in the escort mission, I’ll give you a chance to atone for your crimes. After taking Kaifeng, we will reward merit accordingly, and then we’ll see who among you two can win over the troops and has higher merit, and then make a decision. Is that fair?”
Xiao Yi, however, knew that while this seemed fair, it actually favored him.
If he wasn’t transferred now, and after taking Kaifeng, he and Chen Guang Sui would both be promoted, and perhaps there would be nothing left to argue about.
At the same time, Guo Wei was also warning him that merit and winning over the troops were the most important things in the army.
Although not explicitly stated, it contained care and cultivation.
“I respectfully obey My Lord’s command. Your subordinate will surely strive forward.”
“Go, pacify your troops, and let your battle achievements speak for themselves.”
“Yes!”
The two exited the Commander’s Mansion, and Guo Xin couldn’t help but grumble, “Fighting a match would be so satisfying. Father Marshal just has too many rules.”
“It’s easy to defeat Chen Guang Sui in a fight, but it’s hard to make him genuinely accept it, and even harder to make the entire Commander’s department wholeheartedly convinced.”
“Then what should we do?”
“My Lord has made it very clear: battle achievements and strength.”
Xiao Yi looked up at the dark night sky, feeling a brand new challenge.
Fortunately, he knew how to proceed, even if the path was full of thorns.
The two walked out of the Main Hall of the Commander’s Mansion, but encountered a person in the Front Courtyard. He had a distinguished and handsome demeanor, and it was Song Yanwo.
“San Lang.”
“Commander Song?” Guo Xin was startled and blurted out, “You haven’t left yet?”
“I live here.”
“Oh, right, this is your Mansion.”
Although Guo Xin did not intend to be sarcastic, it was indeed offensive.
Song Yanwo was not offended, and smiled to diffuse the awkwardness, saying, “I have a small gathering with some light wine in the warm chamber in the Back Garden. Would you like to have a drink with San Lang and Commander Xiao?”
“Commander Song is too kind.”
Xiao Yi was somewhat surprised that he knew himself, showing he had extensive intelligence.
Guo Xin found it difficult to refuse and could only say, “Let’s go.”
The front courtyard of the Commander’s Mansion was occupied by Guo Wei. Passing through the courtyard gate and into the Back Garden, it was still a scene of tranquility, insulated from the grim atmosphere outside.
Entering a small chamber, it was warm and cozy, with elegant furnishings. Every table and couch showed craftsmanship.
The three were seated according to their status, and a maidservant quietly entered, pouring wine and serving dishes.
“My courtesy name is Zhong Jian. We are all young people, so we can address each other as equals. Do you two have courtesy names?”
“No, I only have a nickname, Yi Ge’er.”
“I don’t either.”
“It doesn’t matter. It is fate to drink with San Lang and Xiao Lang tonight.” Song Yanwo raised his wine cup and said, “I’ll drink first to toast you.”
Guo Xin leaned over to Xiao Yi and whispered, “Is there poison in it?”
Xiao Yi did not answer, raised his cup, and took a sip.
Guo Xin looked embarrassed, held his wine cup and tasted it, praising, “Good wine, it tastes really good, just a little bland.”
“We have military affairs tomorrow. Once we enter Kaifeng, we will drink stronger wine with you, how about it?”
“You’re going to Kaifeng too?”
“Duke Guo is leading a righteous campaign against rebels, so naturally, I will follow.”
Guo Xin asked curiously, “But aren’t you the Emperor’s brother-in-law?”
Song Yanwo said, “The Emperor is being misled by wicked officials. Even I feel indignant for Duke Guo. It is truly a matter of popular sentiment.”
Guo Xin curled his lip, seeming to find the words insincere, and said, “When we charged over, you also destroyed the bridge.”
“The northern army came too quickly.” Song Yanwo gave a wry smile and said, “I had not yet seen Duke Guo’s banner when the cavalry reached the city. Not knowing the truth, how could I dare to open the gates? If I had supplied the Khitans with provisions, I would have a hundred deaths to atone for. I could only destroy the bridge and block the road, observe the situation, and thus preserve the lives of the entire city. This was a last resort, and I beg for your understanding.”
Xiao Yi thought to himself, since Song Yanwo was the Emperor’s brother-in-law and had extensive intelligence, he might know that the Emperor had sent people to assassinate Guo Wei. When he destroyed the bridge, it was merely to observe whether Guo Wei was alive. As it turned out, Li Rong directly attacked Huazhou City, and surrendering proactively became a passive surrender. It was indeed caught off guard.
Thinking of this, he didn’t think his expression had changed at all, but Song Yanwo actually noticed it.
“Does Xiao Lang believe my words?”
Xiao Yi said, “I believe Brother Zhong Jian is genuinely submitting to My Lord, but I don’t know why?”
He meant that he did not believe, at least, the perfunctory words of “the Emperor is misled by wicked officials, and I feel indignant for Duke Guo.”
Song Yanwo retorted, “I heard from San Lang that Xiao Lang is wholeheartedly going north to defect to Duke Guo. Why is that?”
“I was entrusted by Madam Chai and am keeping my promise.”
“Isn’t it because you believe Duke Guo can achieve great things?”
“Yes.” Xiao Yi did not hide anything and said, “What about you, Brother Zhong Jian?”
“The same.” Song Yanwo raised his cup and said, “An Chongrong once said, ‘The Son of Heaven should be the one with strong troops and horses, not by birth.’ Although this statement is inappropriate, if we consider who has the strongest troops and horses in the world, Duke Guo, with his merit in pacifying the three regions, alone can match a hundred thousand soldiers.”
Xiao Yi suddenly became interested in this conversation.
He defected to Guo Wei because of his general understanding of historical events. Others said Guo Wei was strong, but they couldn’t explain why he was strong. For example, Wang Chengxun thought Wang Yin was no weaker than Guo Wei.
Seeing his interest, Song Yanwo spoke eloquently. Towards the end, he held his cup closer and dipped his finger in the wine, drawing a map on the desk.
“The rebellion in the three regions, Heshang, Yongxing, and Fengxiang formed a pincer formation. Coupled with secret communication with the Khitans, once the war was prolonged, they would be trapped between internal and external attacks. Duke Guo, with hastily assembled troops, fought their elite forces, annihilating, intimidating, and appeasing them, defeating them one by one. He pacified the three regions in less than a year. His use of troops was like a skilled butcher carving an ox, entering the gaps with no thickness, moving freely and with ease. In the imperial court, there is no one superior to him. The Great Han state relies on Duke Guo as a pillar. Unfortunately, the Son of Heaven cannot see this point.”
Xiao Yi had known the facts before, but today he understood the reasons. Song Yanwo’s insight was unique, far beyond that of Shi Deyu or Wang Chengxun.
“What’s even more commendable is,” Song Yanwo said, “During the suppression of the rebellion, Guo ordered ‘Do not disturb the common people.’ Among powerful warlords, none have done better than Duke Guo in adhering to these four words.”
With this sentence, Xiao Yi was convinced that Song Yanwo would not betray Guo Wei, and raised his cup.
The two looked at each other and smiled, drinking the wine in their cups.
It was evident that Song Yanwo wanted to get closer to Guo Xin, but chatting with that simpleton was really boring. Gradually, he mostly conversed with Xiao Yi about current affairs.
When Xiao Yi occasionally offered unique insights, Song Yanwo would clap his hands and praise them.
After drinking four or five cups, Xiao Yi suddenly noticed a detail.
The maidservant serving Song Yanwo was very beautiful.
Although the maidservants in the chamber were all good-looking, this one had an exceptional temperament and a dignified posture, standing out even among beauties.
She wore a green tunic and skirt, with her hair styled in a double-ringed immortal bun. On the bun was a pearl-studded hair ornament. No matter how she moved, the ornament did not shake.
Song Yanwo had just dipped his finger in wine, and it was a bit sticky. He gestured, but the maidservant didn’t notice, casting a slightly disdainful glance at Guo Xin.
“Wash your hands.”
Song Yanwo had to remind her.
The maidservant then turned to find a handkerchief and casually placed it on the desk. Song Yanwo said nothing more and used clean water to wet his hands.
In this small gesture, Xiao Yi observed that beneath her skirt, a pair of cloud-top brocade shoes embroidered with lotus patterns were slightly visible, with a round pearl on the tip of the shoe.
Looking at her hands again, her fingers were slender, her nails trimmed round and neat, with a faint pink hue, showing no signs of manual labor.
The next moment, the maidservant seemed to feel Xiao Yi’s gaze and turned her head, looking at him. Her eyes actually held a hint of authority and nobility.
Xiao Yi seemed to understand, and a guess formed in his mind. He stopped drinking and chatting and paid no more attention to her.
During their conversation, a scholarly-dressed aide quietly entered and whispered a few words in Song Yanwo’s ear.
“Adopt those two orphans.”
“Yes.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yi’s heart stirred, and he turned to look at Song Yanwo.
Their eyes met, and Song Yanwo did not hide anything. He said, “Duke Guo promised me not to disturb the common people when he entered the city, and he has kept his promise. Although there were some minor disturbances, it is truly rare in this era. Furthermore, I heard that Xiao Lang dealt with a Captain using military law today?”
“Yes, the Nian Battalion has just been organized, and my military discipline is not strict, causing my subordinate officers to commit murder of two lives. I should apologize to Brother Zhong Jian.”
Song Yanwo asked, “You have just joined the army and are in a low position. Are you not afraid of being ostracized by doing this?”
“Does righteousness have anything to do with seniority or status? If one only learns to cherish the common people after reaching a high position, wouldn’t that be driven by self-interest and mere pretense?”
“Good!”
Song Yanwo did not feel offended. Instead, a spark flashed in his eyes, and he said loudly, “A thousand yes-men are not as good as one honest minister. Xiao Lang’s courage and chivalry deserve another toast!”
“Thank you, Brother Zhong Jian, for not blaming me.”
“My path is not lonely.” Song Yanwo sighed emotionally.
Xiao Yi had been told all night that he was wrong and would be isolated, but this cup of wine brought him some warmth. Of course, Guo Wei’s attitude was his greatest support, and it was a deeper annotation of “My path is not lonely.”
Although he had a good conversation with Song Yanwo, he glanced at the sky and said, “We have to cross the river tomorrow. Brother and I will take our leave now.”
“I’m still not satisfied.” Song Yanwo sighed emotionally, raising his cup and said, “Let’s drink one last cup.”
Xiao Yi picked up the wine pot, but it was empty.
Just as he was about to ask Guo Xin for wine, he heard a clear, feminine voice.
“I will pour wine for Xiao Lang.”
Turning his head, he saw that the dignified maidservant was holding a wine pot and walking gracefully towards them.
She was as bright as the moon. Guo Xin instinctively avoided her gaze, feeling inferior, but Xiao Yi naturally raised his empty cup and let her fill it.
He drank it down in one gulp.
Setting down the cup, he stood up, bowed, and took his leave. Xiao Yi was about to lead Guo Xin away.
Even in the presence of nobility from generations of imperial relatives, he remained neither humble nor arrogant, his demeanor unrestrained…
“Hey, pack these meat dishes to go,” Guo Xin shouted, “For the brothers in the Nian Battalion, they’ll definitely love them.”
Xiao Yi’s steps paused.
He really hadn’t thought of this. He nodded and said, “Pack them.”
“This roasted donkey meat is delicious…”
Outside the warm chamber, a cold wind howled, making one wish to immediately retreat inside.
Stepping out of the Commander’s Mansion, they heard a gruff voice from the side servant’s quarters by the side door.
“Hey, you guys, why aren’t you waiting for me?”
Zhang Mantun ran out from inside, muttering, “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time. The other generals finished their business and left long ago. You guys were lectured, but how long did it take? Isn’t Guo Que’er busy? Huh… smells like wine.”
“Heh heh, not only is there wine, but there’s also meat. Try this roasted donkey meat, it’s fragrant.”
