After another bitter battle, when they finally managed to repel the Xiling army as night fell, even Murong Shen had suffered some minor wounds. The two men stood on the city wall, watching the gradually retreating Xiling army, finally showing tired but happy smiles.

Before their smiles could fade, Nan Hou’s brow furrowed again as he said in a deep voice, “General Murong, rest well tonight. I’ll take responsibility for everything.” Murong Shen was exhausted from days of fighting and was now wounded. If he didn’t rest, he might truly collapse. Murong Shen frowned, glancing at the distant Xiling camp, and said, “I fear the Xiling army will launch a night attack.” In these past two days, the Xiling army’s attacks had become more fierce and urgent. The Wei City garrison, after days of bitter fighting, was approaching its limit of endurance. If the Xiling army launched a few more strong attacks, Wei City might not have been able to hold.

Nan Hou smiled calmly and said, “Don’t worry. Isn’t this Marquis still here to guard? General Murong, please go rest assured.”

Murong Shen understood Nan Hou’s good intentions and nodded, “In that case, I’ll trouble the Marquis.”

Nan Hou nodded, smiling silently.

In the Xiling army’s main tent, Lei Tengfeng examined the wound on his arm while frowning, “I didn’t expect Nan Hou and Murong Shen to be such formidable fighters.” In today’s fierce battle, not only was Murong Shen injured, but Lei Tengfeng also suffered minor wounds in the chaos. However, it was nothing serious.

Lei Zhenting wasn’t surprised at all and said calmly, “Nan Hou was once a famous general of Da Chu, ennobled for his military achievements. In his youth, Murong Shen was one of Mo Liufang’s top fierce generals. With these two working together, given your abilities, taking Wei City won’t be something you can achieve quickly.”

Being spoken to like this by Lei Zhenting, Lei Tengfeng’s face showed a trace of discomfort as he said, “Please instruct me, Father.”

Looking at Lei Tengfeng, Lei Zhenting sighed helplessly. Although he only had Lei Tengfeng as his son, compared to Mo Liufang, he wasn’t as good at teaching his child. Lei Tengfeng wasn’t incompetent, he just wasn’t as exceptional as Mo Xiuyao. But it was precisely this that made people feel more dissatisfied and depressed. Lei Tengfeng also had it difficult – he was about the same age as Mo Xiuyao, but people rarely compared him to Mo Xiuyao. Simply because… he hadn’t earned that right yet.

Lei Zhenting said, “Nan Hou and Murong Shen are now at their limit. As long as you keep up the pressure on the city, you can take Wei City before Mo Xiuyao returns. You needn’t rush about this. However… you want to win over Nan Hou and Murong Shen?”

Lei Tengfeng’s heart skipped a beat as he lowered his head and said, “Son… I just thought these two were rare talents…”

Lei Zhenting smiled bitterly and waved his hand, “Father doesn’t disagree with you recruiting capable people for your use. But… you need to consider what kind of people you’re trying to get. Nan Hou and Murong Shen – you can’t control them.”

Lei Tengfeng raised his eyebrows, showing a trace of defiance. Lei Zhenting said calmly, “These two men can both be called battle-hardened commanders. Murong Shen is proud by nature – to control him, you’d need abilities far superior to his. He was also one of Mo Liufang’s old subordinates, naturally more favorable to the Mo Family Army. Now that he’s returned to the Mo Family Army, he’ll only be more loyal. Moreover, Murong Shen’s only daughter married Cold Huaiyu’s second son, Cold Haoyu. Cold Haoyu is second only to Feng Zhiyao among Mo Xiuyao’s trusted confidants. Under such circumstances, do you think Murong Shen would serve you? As for Nan Hou, he’s even harder to deal with. Although he’s been quiet these years, with little reputation, his youthful pride was no less than Murong Shen’s. Therefore, battlefield betrayal will not happen with them.”

Lei Tengfeng’s uninjured hand clenched tightly. He understood everything his father had said. But hearing it felt like another message entirely: he could not win over Murong Shen and Nan Hou. Hearing his father say this was no different than being called incompetent to his face.

“Son is incompetent, please forgive me, Father,” Lei Tengfeng said in a low voice, lowering his eyes.

Seeing him like this, Lei Zhenting could only sigh. After a while, he said, “This isn’t your fault, don’t think too much about it. The most important thing now is taking Wei City.” Lei Tengfeng composed himself and nodded, “Rest assured, Father, I know what to do.”

Late at night, Wei City stood somewhat lonely on the vast plain. In the darkness, Mo Family Army soldiers stood guard on the city walls, steadfastly protecting this small city. In the darkness, a group of riders silently approached the city walls. Black-clad figures quietly began climbing the walls.

“Whoosh!” An arrow shot out from the darkness, and a black-clad figure climbing the wall groaned and fell. A light flared up on the city wall, and the previously quiet small city instantly became lively again. In moments, the sounds of battle and the smell of blood filled the entire plain.

This night attack continued until dawn approached. The Mo Family Army soldiers, who had been fighting bitterly for days, finally couldn’t hold on. Heavy wooden rams broke open Wei City’s gates. After a fierce battle with heavy losses on both sides, by daybreak, Nan Hou finally ordered the Mo Family Army soldiers to withdraw from Wei City.

Lei Tengfeng, leading troops into the city, watched the Mo Family Army’s dusty retreat and ordered in a cold voice, his eyes flashing, “Pursue them! A reward of ten thousand taels of gold for Nan Hou and Murong Shen’s heads!”

“Your Highness, the King ordered…” A commander beside Lei Tengfeng hesitated, unable to help but advise quietly. Lei Tengfeng’s gaze was sharp as he said coldly, “I am in command now! I will explain to Father later. The Mo Family Army is fleeing in disorder – we should take advantage of our high morale and pursue victory!”

“But…”

Lei Tengfeng said harshly, “Silence! This is my order!”

Left with no choice, the commander could only nod, “Your subordinate accepts the command.”

Lei Tengfeng led from the front, commanding the Xiling army through Wei City to continue pursuing the retreating Mo Family Army. Soon after, Lei Zhenting arrived at Wei City in the rear but didn’t see Lei Tengfeng. His expression darkened as he asked, “Where is the Young Master?”

The commanders below exchanged glances before one stepped forward to report, “Reporting to Your Majesty, the Young Master led troops to pursue Nan Hou and Murong Shen.”

Hearing this, Lei Zhenting’s face changed as he slammed his hand hard on the desk, angry, “Outrageous! I ordered him not to act rashly!” The commander said helplessly, “But the Young Master…”

Lei Zhenting looked at the somewhat helpless commanders below and sighed. Lei Tengfeng was the Zhennan Wang’s heir and the only successor to the Zhennan Wang Manor. These commanders naturally wouldn’t dare disobey his orders, and if he insisted on doing something, they naturally wouldn’t dare to truly stop him. Lei Zhenting, being a genius of his generation, quickly understood the reason for Lei Tengfeng’s sudden impulsiveness – it was still because of his earlier advice. Lei Tengfeng probably hadn’t taken that advice to heart, but instead felt that his father looked down on his abilities.

“Your Majesty, what should we do now?” a commander asked quietly.

Lei Zhenting thought for a moment and said, “Right General, take fifty thousand troops to support the Young Master.” After thinking again, Lei Zhenting added, “If the Young Master is victorious, you needn’t interfere. If he’s fallen into a trap, rescue him.”

The Right General stepped forward and said firmly, “Your subordinate accepts the command!”

At this time, Lei Tengfeng had indeed fallen into a trap. On the narrow mountain path leading to Feihong Pass, Lei Tengfeng’s tens of thousands of troops were trapped, unable to advance or retreat. Murong Shen and Nan Hou stood side by side on a nearby hillside, with Murong Shen coldly smiling as he looked at the furious Lei Tengfeng below. Murong Shen took a bow and arrow from a nearby soldier and aimed at Lei Tengfeng, saying with a smile, “Losing Wei City but killing the Xiling Zhennan Wang’s heir – that counts as an achievement, doesn’t it?” Zhennan Wang Lei Zhenting only had Lei Tengfeng as his son, and Lei Tengfeng’s children had been mostly killed by Prince Ding over a year ago. If Lei Tengfeng died, it would definitely be a fatal blow to Lei Zhenting.

Nan Hou reached out to stop his hand from releasing the arrow, shaking his head, “No, if we kill Lei Tengfeng now, Lei Zhenting will certainly go mad.”

“So what?” Murong Shen raised his eyebrows.

Nan Hou smiled bitterly and said, “Don’t forget there are still over a hundred thousand ordinary citizens in Wei City. Lei Zhenting may not slaughter common people like Northern Rong, but that doesn’t mean he won’t kill.” The pain of losing a son could make Lei Zhenting do anything crazy. Moreover, if they killed Lei Tengfeng now, they would have to face Lei Zhenting directly. They would only be defeated more quickly then.

“What does Nan Hou suggest?” Murong Shen could traverse battlefields, naturally not relying solely on martial prowess. He quickly understood Nan Hou’s intention and smiled, “This mountain path is easy to defend but hard to attack. If we trap Lei Tengfeng here, Lei Zhenting will be hesitant to act, and we can buy a few more days.” Nan Hou stroked his beard and nodded with a smile, “Exactly so.”

“Nan Hou, Murong Shen! Come out and talk!” Lei Tengfeng, trapped on the mountain path and unable to advance or retreat, shouted in a deep voice. He hadn’t expected that when Nan Hou and Murong Shen withdrew from Wei City, they still had strength in reserve. He had rashly brought less than a hundred thousand troops in pursuit and had fallen for these two men’s trap. Rushing into such a narrow mountain path was already a mistake. Having calmed down, Lei Tengfeng deeply regretted his moment of impulse.

Murong Shen laughed loudly and said, “Zhennan Wang’s heir, I didn’t expect we’d meet again so soon.”

Lei Tengfeng looked up at Murong Shen and Nan Hou who held the high ground, and said in a deep voice, “Do as you wish – kill me or mock me!”

Murong Shen snorted disdainfully, looking at Lei Tengfeng with a smile, “How interesting. Zhennan Wang is known for being shrewd and calm, yet he has such a hot-blooded son. Yesterday Zhennan Wang’s heir was asking this general and Nan Hou to surrender to Xiling. Now… would the Zhennan Wang’s heir like to consider surrendering to our Prince Ding Manor?”

Lei Tengfeng’s face alternated between pale and flushed before he finally gritted out, “Murong Shen, you dare humiliate me!”

Nan Hou smiled kindly and said calmly, “Young Master Lei, your words yesterday were no less humiliating to this Marquis and General Murong. Since we all know these things are impossible, why speak of them?” Lei Tengfeng remained silent, and Murong Shen smiled, “Wasn’t that because the Zhennan Wang’s heir was confidently certain he could defeat us? Yet who would have thought, fortunes change – now he finds himself surrounded instead. What a pity… the Xiling Zhennan Wang was a hero all his life, yet bore such an incompetent son.”

These words from Murong Shen made Lei Tengfeng’s face turn pale. Lei Tengfeng’s abilities could hardly be called incompetent. It’s just that in this world there are always greater mountains beyond mountains and better people beyond people, and Lei Tengfeng had grown up in his father’s shadow, one could say being overshadowed into obscurity. Thus, Murong Shen’s casual mockery became a weight he couldn’t bear.

Lei Tengfeng laughed bitterly and said, “General Murong speaks truly. Father has been brilliant all his life… yet has only me, such an incompetent son. I’ve truly lost Father’s face… How can I face our Xiling soldiers after such a defeat…” As he spoke, he raised his sword to his throat.

“This…” Murong Shen was stunned – he never imagined his casual words would drive Lei Tengfeng to thoughts of death. Was the Zhennan Wang’s son so fragile? Cold Haoyu had been called a wastrel, fool, and philanderer countless times since childhood, yet remained lively and energetic.

With a “clang”, Lei Tengfeng’s guard, shocked, quickly drew his sword to block Lei Tengfeng’s blade, crying out, “Young Master, Murong Shen speaks nonsense – why take it to heart? How can you so easily throw away your life? How can you face the King? You are the Zhennan Wang Manor’s only heir!”

Lei Tengfeng froze, staring at the sword in his hand. Drawing his sword for suicide had been a moment of impulse and despair clouding his mind. Now coming to his senses and looking at the sword in his hand, he felt chills run through him.

Seeing Lei Tengfeng was alright, Murong Shen also breathed a sigh of relief and laughed coldly, “This general now knows that the Zhennan Wang’s heir is a coward who runs from failure?” This snapped Lei Tengfeng back to his senses, and he said in a deep voice, “Thank you for the lesson, General Murong. I was momentarily confused. This time I have lost, but… I won’t let it end here. If I leave this place alive, I will certainly remember this grudge!”

Murong Shen looked at Lei Tengfeng’s determined face below and smiled, “This youngster is interesting.”

Nan Hou smiled, “He’s been protected too well by the Zhennan Wang. If he survives this, he should grow considerably.”

Soon after, the Xiling Right General arrived with troops, and naturally, another fierce battle ensued. Although the Mo Family Army troops were exhausted, they used the terrain to their advantage and fought the Xiling army to a standstill, holding the narrow mountain pass for another day and night. The next morning, when Lei Tengfeng, covered in wounds, finally broke through the Mo Family Army’s encirclement to join the Xiling reinforcements and was about to counterattack, the Mo Family Army’s reinforcements also arrived.

The Mo Family Army reinforcements weren’t many – just four or five people. Leading them were Mo Xiuyao in white robes and Ye Li. Mo Xiuyao even had a sleepy Mo Xiaobao sitting on his horse. Following the two were Feng Zhiyao, Yun Ting, and Zhuo Jing. Although there were no reinforcing troops in sight, Lei Tengfeng no longer dared to act rashly.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao and the others, Nan Hou and Murong Shen also breathed sighs of relief, “Greetings, Your Highness. Your subordinates failed to defend the city, please punish us!”

Mo Xiuyao waved his sleeve, a moderate force supporting the two who tried to kneel and beg forgiveness, “You both did your best, no need for self-reproach.” Mo Xiuyao smiled at Lei Tengfeng, who was glaring from across the way, “Young Master Lei, would you prefer to leave on your own or stay and reminisce with me?”

Lei Tengfeng’s eyes flashed his heart in fierce conflict. At this moment, the Xiling army had absolute numerical superiority – if they attacked forcefully, they could certainly destroy Nan Hou and Murong Shen’s forces. But… with Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li appearing here, could they have come without reinforcements? Lei Tengfeng didn’t believe it. But if Mo Xiuyao truly hadn’t brought reinforcements, he would have missed a great opportunity to avenge his earlier shame.

His heart in turmoil, Lei Tengfeng stared at Mo Xiuyao, caught in a dilemma. After a long while, he ultimately didn’t dare to gamble. Sighing, he said in a deep voice, “This prince greets Prince Ding. I didn’t expect Your Highness to arrive so timely.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, “Young Master Lei is too kind. I just happened to be lucky. If I had arrived before you took Wei City, that would have been timely. Young Master… do you now intend to fight with me?”

Lei Tengfeng forced a smile and said, “This prince knows he’s no match for Your Highness. Moreover, both sides are now quite exhausted – why not fight another day?”

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment before finally nodding, “Very well, after you, Young Master.”

Lei Tengfeng’s face darkened slightly as he nodded, “This prince takes his leave.”

Watching Lei Tengfeng withdraw with his army, Murong Shen raised his eyebrows and asked, “How many reinforcements did Your Highness bring?” The current situation was obvious – their forces were no match for Lei Tengfeng’s, yet Lei Tengfeng left at this moment, clearly wary of the reinforcements Prince Ding had brought.

Mo Xiuyao said calmly, “The reinforcements are still a hundred li away. I only brought a few of us.”

“Then Lei Tengfeng…”

“He thought I brought many men, yet I deceived him by saying I hadn’t brought any.” But he truly hadn’t brought any men, so, while being too impulsive as a commander isn’t good, being too cautious is equally problematic. However, Lei Tengfeng’s choosing to leave at this time wasn’t bad. Although Mo Xiuyao hadn’t brought troops, killing Lei Tengfeng in the chaos would still have been simple.

In Wei City, in the Zhennan Wang’s temporary study.

Lei Tengfeng knelt silently alone on the ground. Lei Zhenting focused intently on reading the reports in his hand as if he hadn’t noticed the person kneeling at all. After a long while, when Lei Zhenting had finished reading the thick stack of reports, he finally looked up at Lei Tengfeng and said, “Rise.”

Lei Tengfeng kept his eyes lowered and said, “Son acted rashly, seeking glory recklessly, and almost fell into Prince Ding Manor’s hands. Please punish me, Father.”

“Punish?” Lei Zhenting laughed coldly, “I barely said two words to you and you rushed off to throw away your life – how dare I punish you now?” Hearing Lei Zhenting’s words, Lei Tengfeng felt even more ashamed, “Son knows his error.”

“Bang!” Lei Zhenting slammed his palm hard on the desk, saying angrily, “You know your error! And your way of admitting error is to draw your sword for suicide? Such heroic spirit indeed – I’ve raised such a fine, upright son, I truly cannot compare! Since you’re so unafraid of death, why did you come back?” Lei Zhenting was furious. With a wave of his hand, the sword hanging on the wall flew from its scabbard and fell before Lei Tengfeng. Lei Zhenting said, “Didn’t you want to commit suicide to atone? I’ll give you the chance!”

“Father, son knows his error. Son was momentarily confused, please forgive me.” Lei Tengfeng was truly ashamed and guilty, unable to help his reddening eyes. He knelt and shuffled forward on his knees to Lei Zhenting, hugging his legs as he cried.

Seeing his son, already over thirty, in such a state, Lei Zhenting’s heart softened. He sighed helplessly and said, “Enough, rise.” Only then did Lei Tengfeng look at Lei Zhenting and stand, “Thank you, Father.”

Seeing Lei Tengfeng’s dejected appearance, Lei Zhenting also felt some guilt. He knew his son was quite accomplished – talents like Mo Xiuyao were rare encounters that couldn’t be sought out. But Lei Tengfeng had always demanded much of himself because of his father, yet never received deserved praise. Doing well was expected, because he was Zhennan Wang’s son – a tiger father should not have a dog son. Doing poorly meant losing the Zhennan Wang’s face. Lei Tengfeng wasn’t naturally impulsive – if he hadn’t been driven to the breaking point by the pressure placed on him, he absolutely wouldn’t have acted so rashly these past two days.

“Tengfeng… all these years, Father has wronged you.” Lei Zhenting sighed and said in a deep voice. Lei Tengfeng was startled, staring at Lei Zhenting’s guilty expression, momentarily speechless. He could only stammer, “Father… son…”

Lei Zhenting waved his hand and said, “All these years, others always spoke of how the Zhennan Wang’s son was this or that, but they always forgot you’re already a grown man over thirty. It was Father’s fault too – Father always thought this pressure might be motivation for you to work harder, never considering it might be so difficult for you to bear.”

“Father, it’s son’s inadequacy,” Lei Tengfeng said quietly. “Son is the same age as Prince Ding, yet can’t match even a fraction of his achievements. Son has lost Father’s face.”

Lei Zhenting smiled bitterly, “Mo Xiuyao… Father has never compared you to Mo Xiuyao.”

Lei Tengfeng’s face paled as he said, “Son… is indeed not worthy to be mentioned alongside Prince Ding.”

Lei Zhenting sighed, “Tengfeng, Father has indeed envied Mo Liufang for having such a capable son as Mo Xiuyao. But you must know, that Prince Ding’s achievements and abilities today aren’t merely because he’s a natural genius, but because the hardships he endured exceeded what normal people face. If not for that disaster nineteen years ago, today’s Mo Xiuyao might just be a famous Da Chu general, living freely with high spirits. But Father never wished for you to experience such disasters – do you understand?”

Lei Tengfeng nodded, “Son understands. Father… has always been protecting me.” Before he was twenty, he had truly lived without worries, one could say even more privileged than Xiling’s princes. Mo Xiuyao had fought on battlefields at fourteen or fifteen, been gravely wounded and near death at seventeen or eighteen, struggling to support the vast Prince Ding Manor – he had never experienced any of this. So he had no position to envy Mo Xiuyao’s achievements and abilities. He could only feel ashamed of his inadequacy.

Lei Zhenting sighed, “Perhaps Father’s protection has harmed you. But even so, Father still doesn’t wish for you to experience such pain and torment. Moreover… Tengfeng, Father has never been disappointed in you.”

“Father…” Lei Tengfeng froze.

Lei Zhenting smiled, “You are my son. I think you’ve done very well.”

“Father, son understands.” Lei Tengfeng lowered his eyes, hiding the moisture in them, and said in a deep voice, “Son won’t disappoint Father.”