Chapter 83: Returning To Kaifeng
The tent was brightly lit. Wei Renpu added another oil lamp, sat down, spread out his brush and ink, and wrote a reply to Li Tao on behalf of Guo Wei.
Xiao Yi pondered and said, “Guo Wuniang asked me to escort her to Kaifeng.”
Wei Renpu remained silent.
“Mister Wei? You don’t object?”
“You tell me, are you hoping I object?” Wei Renpu asked, “Then… what is your reason?”
“There’s danger.”
“The ones in danger are those officials and generals who surrendered too late. Otherwise, if the Lord allows his nephews to accompany you, would the generals not pay attention?” Wei Renpu chuckled softly, “I guarantee that starting tonight, generals of the Southern Army will come to surrender.”
Xiao Yi said, “In that case, Mister Wei agrees to Guo Wuniang accompanying me?”
Wei Renpu did not answer again.
“What were you and Wuniang talking about just now?”
“It’s a matter for young people, I know nothing.”
Wei Renpu’s brush moved like a dragon and snake. In a short while, he finished writing a letter. He did not quickly fold and seal it, but instead pondered and slowly spoke.
“Liu Zhu massacred the Lord’s entire family; his crime is worthy of ten thousand deaths, and the Lord wishes he could devour his flesh… But when the Lord enters Kaifeng, he can actually use the disposition of Liu Zhu. Do you understand the reason for this?”
“I don’t understand.”
Wei Renpu paused, then helplessly, he explained more plainly, “Liu Zhu slaughtered the Guo family. If the Lord retaliates by slaughtering his family, it would be a cycle of vengeance, not the act of a wise ruler. At that time, I will certainly advise the Lord to pardon Liu Zhu’s family to show benevolence and quickly stabilize the situation. Therefore, you must keep Liu Zhu’s family.”
Having said this, he did not continue with his next words.
Guo Wei must have wished to inflict the harshest punishment on Liu Zhu, yet by marching south and conquering the empire, even his personal hatred and grievances were seen by his subordinates as bargaining chips in political struggles and tools to gain a reputation for benevolence.
Revenge and venting one’s anger should rather be left to the children to enjoy their grudges, without any other considerations.
Xiao Yi couldn’t help but feel a touch of melancholy.
Guo Wei initially raised his army to seek revenge, but now, he was considering popular sentiment and benefits, and stabilizing the situation, even though these were still just Wei Renpu’s thoughts.
For an advisor to have such thoughts shows that Guo Wei has the ambition to end these chaotic times.
Comparing the benevolence shown to high officials and nobles with the promise of plundering the common people shows the harshness of the era and Guo Wei’s lack of freedom…
A letter was handed to Xiao Yi.
“Go, and take that box with you.”
Wei Renpu casually gestured, then turned to review the military provisions ledger, clearly still busy.
Xiao Yi put the letter into his robe and picked up the box by the tent flap. Upon opening it, he saw it was Murong Yanchao’s head, which had been preserved with salt and looked lifelike.
Exiting the tent, Guo Xin stood like a walking corpse. Guo Xin was not present.
“Mister Wei agreed, so let Wuniang go with us if she wants.”
“Alright.”
“Let’s go.”
Xiao Yi didn’t know what to say. The two of them walked in silence through the camp, which was filled with a strong atmosphere of celebration.
The Nian Battalion’s quarters were filled with joy.
Hua Nong had already filled out the merit book, and even the extra reward money and compensation for the Nian Battalion had been distributed. Everyone was incredibly happy, some counting their money back and forth, others discussing how to set up their businesses, and others exhaling to wipe down the captured weapons.
Xiao Yi first placed the wooden box on the ground outside to freeze it with snow.
“The Commander is back!”
“Haha, Commander, I heard the camp discussing giving you a mighty nickname. Someone said ‘Flower Spear,’ but that’s not imposing enough. Someone else suggested ‘King of Hell’s Spear,’ I think that’s good.”
“The Nian Battalion really stole the show this time, achieving the first merit.”
“Heh heh, see who isn’t envious of us… San Lang, why do you look upset?”
“He’s tired.” Xiao Yi glanced at Guo Xin and, without dampening everyone’s spirits, smiled faintly, “Are you satisfied with this little bit of merit? The Lord has not yet removed the corrupt officials.”
“The Commander is right,” Zhang Mantun said, “This bit of merit is nothing. A peasant like me just has no knowledge.”
“Brother Tie Ya is indeed from the Grand Tutor’s mansion.”
Hearing this, Tang Jin grinned widely, and for once, he didn’t mock. He egged them on, “Silly donkey got a lot of reward money, let him buy drinks!”
“Yes, Brother Tie Ya, buy us celebratory drinks!”
“Dog barbarian, has your stomach gone sour to come up with such a rotten idea…”
Xiao Yi raised his hand at the opportune moment, stopping everyone’s chatter, “We’ll have the celebration later. Sleep early tonight, wake up for food at Yinshi, and depart at Maoshi.”
He didn’t specifically mention what mission he was undertaking, lest these men become too excited to sleep. He merely privately instructed Old Pan to prepare the captured Southern Army’s armor and to stay and care for the wounded.
Old Pan was not greedy for merit. Not only was he not dissatisfied, but he also saw it as Xiao Yi’s trust in him.
As night fell, many soldiers on the communal bed tossed and turned, and even their snores were less frequent than usual.
Xiao Yi’s gaze swept over. In the faint moonlight, he saw Guo Xin lying face down, his face covered in tears…
Due to the exhaustion from the Battle of Liu Zibei, he slept very soundly.
When Old Pan woke him, Xiao Yi was dreaming of thrusting his spear on the battlefield, but instead of killing Murong Yanchao, he killed Wang Jun.
“Commander, it’s Yinshi.”
“Where is my Imperial Guard armor?”
Old Pan had already prepared it. He added, “Your Wuzhui horse must have been quite tired these past few days. I found a good horse on the battlefield. Commander, would you like to try its pace?”
It was a white horse, and Xiao Yi liked it at first sight.
A tall, magnificent horse, nearly five feet at the shoulder, with a broad and solid back, spirited and untamed. Its coat was like fine snow. Xiao Yi tried it. At first, the horse tried to throw him off, but afterwards, the rider and horse became one, their manes and tails flying.
“A fine horse! Strong legs, full of stamina. The tack is also good; the saddle arch and forehead strap are better than the original ones.”
“The Commander knows good horses. This saddle arch is made of top-quality mulberry wood wrapped in thick cowhide. I secretly snatched it from Yan Kunlunnu’s horse, fearing this white horse would be too conspicuous. When the snow melts, it might be too inconvenient for charging into battle.”
“No matter, we won’t be charging this time; it’s just right for traveling on snow.”
Xiao Yi was very satisfied, not because of the fine horse, but because he said, “Having an elder at home is truly a treasure.”
Old Pan was stunned, rubbed his hands, stepped forward to support him, and said with a smile, “There are many fine horses in the world, but few who can truly appraise them.”
The two looked at each other and smiled.
“Commander, take care.”
“You look after the wounded. If there’s an expansion, prioritize character when selecting people.”
“…”
By the time Xiao Yi rode his horse to the camp gate, he was again dressed as an Imperial Guard Captain, in fine clothes and on a fine steed.
Guo Xin changed into a more fitting set of armor, her face covered, only her still red eyes visible. Her eyes shone astonishingly, as if burning with hatred, showing a delicate yet firm resolve.
She stopped her horse and stood there, followed by two female Shatuo warriors in armor.
Seeing Xiao Yi arrive, she didn’t speak but turned her head.
Soon, others also arrived. Liu Tingrang brought Cui Yanjin and Hai Jin; Li Chongjin and Guo Shouwen each brought two skilled men.
The Nian Battalion, including Guo Xin and Tang Jin, numbered thirty men led by Xiao Yi. Thus, the entire group consisted of forty-three people.
“Wuniang?”
Li Chongjin saw Guo Xin’s back and was stunned. He rode forward, concerned, “Why are you here?”
“Greetings, elder brother.”
“Go back quickly, this is no place for playing!”
Guo Xin did not answer and instead rode her horse to Xiao Yi’s side.
Li Chongjin, through Xiao Yi, shouted, “Do you want to personally kill Liu Zhu? Don’t worry, I will capture that scoundrel and hand him over to you myself. You just need to stay put.”
“I want to go.”
“What if something goes wrong?!”
Xiao Yi saw saliva flying towards him and leaned back to avoid it. He looked and saw Li Chongjin’s dark face filled with excitement and concern.
Guo Xin hid beside him, tugging at the reins, silent.
Li Chongjin became anxious and rode his horse over to persuade her, saying, “You…”
The horses of the two men circled Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi had no choice but to stroke the white horse’s mane to pacify it, lest it become agitated and buck.
“Brother Li, let Wuniang go. Mister Wei has already agreed to this matter.”
“Mister Wei agreed?”
“It should be said that he arranged it.”
“Then, alright, Wuniang, rest assured, I would rather die than let a single hair on your head be harmed!”
“Let’s go.”
The clouds were heavy and snow was falling. The sky at Maoshi was still dark.
The convoy did not take the official road but headed west. This was a small path scouted by Liu Tingrang and other scouts. They traveled west along a tributary of the Bian River, bypassed Chigang, and then turned southeast.
“There are many snow pits and gullies on the small path, so everyone stay close and don’t get separated.”
Upon hearing this, Li Chongjin deliberately rode his horse in front of Guo Xin, silently scouting the way. His broad back and strong physique looked dependable.
Guo Xin, however, silently rode around to Xiao Yi’s back.
They did not see many Southern Army scouts along the way, indicating that the Southern Army generals had lost the will to fight.
After traveling more than ten li, Qingling Ridge appeared ahead. Someone on the ridge rode out, holding a flag and waving it.
Liu Tingrang said, “It’s Wang Chenghui’s contingent from Chan Prefecture. They thought we were the Southern Army and ordered us to surrender, or they would shoot us.”
Hua Nong sent back a flag signal, indicating their identity.
Shortly after, a troop of soldiers emerged from the elm woods behind them, led by the brothers Wang Chenghui and Wang Chengxun.
“It really is Xiao Lang.”
“Da Lang, Er Lang, I hope you are well.”
“We heard you speared Yan Kunlunnu and gained fame with your exceptional martial prowess.”
“It was the army’s overwhelming force that allowed me to claim the head.”
Wang Chengxun asked, “Are you going to take Kaifeng? I envy you for having so many opportunities to earn merit.”
Xiao Yi did not answer directly, only saying, “Opportunities are earned.”
“Why are you bringing a young lady?”
After Wang Chengxun asked, a look of understanding appeared on his face. He raised his hand, signaling Xiao Yi not to answer.
He glanced at Guo Xin, his eyes lit up, and he said directly, “I am familiar with the Southern Army’s outposts and am willing to guide you all.”
Without waiting for anyone else to speak, he mounted his horse with a flourish and took the lead, carrying himself with more airs than usual.
The group continued on their way.
Along the road, Wang Chengxun frequently commented on military strategy and tactics with Xiao Yi, speaking eloquently and with considerable insight. Xiao Yi learned a great deal and listened humbly.
At one point, for some reason, Li Chongjin suddenly became displeased and shouted, “What’s all this noise? Can’t you give us some peace and quiet?”
“Black-faced brute,” Wang Chengxun scoffed, “You know nothing.”
“What are you saying, you effeminate fop?”
Just as Xiao Yi was about to mediate, two female Shatuo warriors rode forward, pushing between them and separating him and Guo Xin to the rear.
Soon, the two men in front stopped arguing, and the convoy fell silent.
Before long, Xiao Yi sent Xi Hou with scouts to monitor the movements of the Southern Army. If anything was amiss, they were to report back to Kaifeng City.
After three hours of travel, the silhouette of Kaifeng City came into view. The city gate remained tightly shut, and the official road was deserted.
“How do we get into the city?”
“Go through the South Gate.”
Xiao Yi had a plan in mind and rode his horse directly south.
Looking up, the gray-blue city walls stood silently on the banks of the Bian River, looking particularly grim in the snow mist.
They had once desperately wanted to escape it. Now, returning, times had changed.
