A moment later, the guard returned, bowing deeply: “Master Pei, Commander Hu says he is busy with military affairs and has no time to see you now. If you truly have a business, please wait. After he finishes his work, he will meet with you.”
Pei You’an frowned slightly, thought for a moment, thanked the guard for his trouble, and stood to one side.
People came and went through the main gate, occasionally glancing at Pei You’an standing there, but no one recognized him. Everyone hurried about with urgent military business.
The two guards secretly observed this handsome young man from time to time. Even now, they found it hard to believe that the renowned, famous minister of the realm could have such a scholarly appearance and was standing so close to them, waiting to be received by Commander Hu. Though dressed in plain clothes, his bearing and humility were unlike anything they had ever seen, filling them with immense respect and a willingness to serve him. After waiting for about the time it takes to burn two incense sticks, seeing him begin to show signs of impatience, they proactively went inside again to inquire before he could speak. This time when they returned, they hung their heads, stammering and unable to speak.
Pei You’an, being exceptionally intelligent, knew the guard must have been scolded.
For ordinary matters, waiting would be no issue, but this concerned the safety of the city. He had already guessed that even if Hu Liangcai had time, he might not be willing to see him, and the previous excuses were merely pretexts. He patted the guard’s arm: “I’m sorry you were reprimanded. I have urgent business that cannot be delayed. I’ll go see him myself. If there is blame, tell them I forced my way in.” He then strode purposefully inside.
Pei You’an knew the layout of the commandant’s residence by heart and went directly to the council hall, pushing open the door. Inside, Hu Liangcai was discussing military deployments with his deputy commanders, lieutenant colonels, majors, and staff officers. Hearing the door open behind him, he turned to see Pei You’an standing in the doorway. Startled, he then frowned: “How did you get in here? Didn’t I just send word for you to wait longer?”
Pei You’an greeted him respectfully: “I apologize for disturbing Commander Hu. As the matter is urgent, I’ve boldly intruded. I request that Commander Hu spare some time. May I have a place to speak? I have something important to tell you.”
Everyone in the hall knew Pei You’an’s name. Apart from Advisor Yang, the rest were seeing him for the first time. Surprised by his sudden appearance, they all turned to look.
Hu Liangcai glanced around, seeing everyone’s astonished expressions and how respectfully Pei You’an was behaving toward him. In front of his subordinates, he felt quite pleased and nodded: “What need is there for secrecy? Speak here. I’m busy!”
“Commander Hu, I’ve heard that you’ve received intelligence about the Hu and Hui peoples conspiring to mobilize a hundred thousand troops to seize Jianmen Pass and invade the interior. May Commander Hu recall history—since ancient times, whenever the Hu people launched major invasions, it was always during spring and summer. Several major battles have followed this pattern. Now, with the land frozen and covered in ice and snow in the Hu territories, where not a blade of grass grows, even if their personnel were fully prepared for battle and unafraid of the cold, how would they travel? What roads could they take? What would their war horses eat? The Hu people’s fighting habits differ from ours—they have no storage facilities, travel light when campaigning, seek speed, sustain themselves through battle, and rely on plundering along the way to supply their armies. Jianmen Pass is distant, and in such a harsh winter, for the Hu people to mobilize a hundred thousand troops to attack Jianmen defies logic. This should not be readily believed. By my reasoning, the Hu people are likely deceiving us into sending our main force to Jianmen, and while our borders are empty, they will launch surprise raids. If our main army goes to Jianmen, I fear we may lose on both fronts.”
Pei You’an looked at everyone.
“But since we’ve received this information, we cannot ignore it. In my humble opinion, the Commander may notify the generals of Yan and Yun to gather intelligence and defend Jianmen, while keeping troops here at the border, deploy defenses around Suye, Ji’nai, and other cities, and be vigilant against Hu cavalry raids. What does Commander think?”
After he finished speaking, the hall fell completely silent. Hu Liangcai looked around, saw that his subordinates were all watching Pei You’an, and said angrily: “Pei You’an, as you just said, these are merely your deductions, yet you dare be so certain and interfere with my plans? I have reliable sources of information that cannot be wrong! If I were to listen to you and keep the main force here, and the Hu people breach Jianmen Pass, who would bear the responsibility then?”
Pei You’an stepped forward: “Commander Hu is correct, which is why I request that you notify the generals of Yan and Yun to dispatch troops for reinforcement, just in case. But the several cities along this border absolutely cannot be left undefended!”
Since his arrival, Hu Liangcai had achieved no significant military merit and felt quite frustrated. He was a calculating man who had secretly sent many spies to the Hu court over the past two years. This intelligence came from one of his trusted spies who had delivered it secretly. After receiving the news, Hu Liangcai immediately sent others to verify it, and they reported that the Hu people had indeed assembled large numbers of troops, with an advance force heading toward Jianmen Pass. He therefore believed it without question.
Jianmen Pass was strategically important—if it were breached, it would be a capital offense resulting in beheading. But if he could repel the Hu people there, it would be a great achievement. Eager for glory, and fearing that the generals of Yan and Yun might learn of the information and steal his opportunity for merit, he prepared to advance quickly, planning to deploy troops the next morning. How could he listen to any dissenting voices now? He sneered: “You need to say no more! You are now just a commoner. Mind your fodder station and nothing else. What qualifies you to meddle in important military affairs? If you don’t withdraw now, don’t blame me for charging you with insubordination and disturbance, and punishing you accordingly!”
Pei You’an and Hu Liangcai stared at each other for a moment. Seeing his cold smile and arrogant expression, Pei You’an cupped his hands in salute and turned to leave. As he walked toward the main gate, a voice called out behind him. Turning his head, he saw the advisor surnamed Yang who had previously visited the fodder station hurrying after him, so he stopped.
Advisor Yang approached, bowed deeply, and said in a low voice: “Master Pei, to be honest, when I first heard the news, I also found it suspicious and advised Commander Hu to reconsider carefully. But Commander Hu didn’t listen and criticized me for being too cautious, insisting his source was reliable. So I didn’t dare to be certain either. Just now, hearing Master Pei’s words, I deeply agree. Although I am now just a mediocre advisor seeking my livelihood, I was once a candidate in the imperial examinations, and my heart’s desire to serve the country has not died. This matter is of great importance, concerning the safety of soldiers and civilians in several cities. Master Pei is a peerless talent whom I have long admired. I believe you will not give up so easily. If there is any way I can be of use to you, please command me. I am willing to serve you in any capacity, even at the cost of my life!”
…
The next day, before the fifth watch, the sky was still pitch black, and the sound of horns spread across the military parade ground outside Suye City. Torches blazed, and before the main gate, the army prepared shields and readied battle instructions. According to the previous deployment plan, only a small force would remain to guard this place, while the rest of the troops, led by numerous deputy commanders and lieutenant colonels, had already been marshaled and were only waiting for the commander-in-chief to arrive, perform the flag ceremony, and then depart for Jianmen.
At the fifth drum, Hu Liangcai was nowhere to be seen. After waiting a while longer, there was still no movement. Many officers and soldiers gradually showed confused expressions.
Seeing that his brother had not arrived on time, Hu Liangyou feared the army’s morale would waver and was about to send someone into the city to investigate when suddenly he saw a group of several hundred mounted men coming from the direction of the city gate. Torches flickered as they galloped toward the main gate. Thinking it was his brother arriving, he was overjoyed and quickly ordered drums to be beaten in welcome. When the group approached, a man rode forward, raising an object high with one arm, shouting: “The commander’s seal is here! All of you, listen to my orders—all troops are to return to camp in order!”
This man was named Li Rui, who had served at the frontier for many years. Formerly a deputy commander, he was sharp-witted and good at warfare and was well-respected by the troops. After Hu Liangcai’s arrival, because Li Rui was an old subordinate of Duke Wei, he had been repeatedly suppressed and demoted to major. For this expedition, he naturally wouldn’t be selected to go along and had only been ordered to lead five hundred men to guard this place.
Hu Liangyou was shocked and furiously stepped forward: “Li Rui, are you rebelling? How dare you falsely transmit the commander’s orders! How did the commander’s seal get into your hands? Where is my brother? Where is he?”
Li Rui shouted “Seize him!” and more than ten men surged forward from behind him, quickly capturing Hu Liangyou and, with a clang, placing military shackles on him. Hu Liangyou struggled fiercely, cursing incessantly.
This turn of events was so sudden that it wasn’t until Hu Liangyou was locked up that the lieutenant commanders behind him came to their senses. They drew their swords and approached, demanding that Li Rui release him. As both sides were at the point of drawing weapons and conflict seemed imminent, another person arrived from the direction of the city gate. A warhorse galloped into the camp, stopping between the two sides.
The newcomer sat high on a powerful black steed, his expression solemn. His gaze swept over the shouting and gesticulating lieutenant commanders, his eyes sharp as lightning. Though dressed in plain clothes, his imposing dignity and authority were overwhelming.
Someone recognized him and exclaimed in surprise: “Pei You’an!”
The others were stunned, frozen in place. The troops nearby stirred slightly, with soldiers whispering to each other, standing on tiptoes and craning their necks to get a better view.
Pei You’an dismounted and, under the gaze of thousands, quickly approached the command platform. Along the steps lined with torches on both sides, he ascended and stood on the high platform, facing the army. After looking around, he raised his voice and proclaimed: “Hu Liangcai has been stripped of the commander’s seal. I, Pei You’an, temporarily assume his position. From commanding officers down to ordinary soldiers, all must obey orders and return to camp immediately to await further instructions!” His voice carried implicit authority, resounding to the farthest corners.
Silence fell over the front of the barracks. Not just ordinary soldiers, but even those loyal to the Hu brothers were momentarily cowed by Pei You’an’s commanding presence, looking at each other in confusion, not daring to rebel.
Although Hu Liangyou was shackled, he refused to submit. With great effort, he broke free from the two soldiers holding him down and shouted harshly: “Pei You’an, you are no longer an official, yet you dare to use borrowed authority to this extent! By what right do you command the army in place of my brother? You are delaying military operations—aren’t you afraid of future accountability from the court? I am a dignified fourth-rank Dragon Might Deputy Commander of the imperial court. What crime have I committed? Today you publicly humiliate me before the troops and put me in shackles. In the future, when you want to remove the shackles from my neck, it won’t be so easy!”
As his words fell, a group of about several hundred loyalists also raised their voices in uproar. Hu Liangyou shook his neck shackles, making a clattering sound.
Pei You’an descended from the high platform, walked up to Hu Liangyou, and smiled: “Deputy Commander Hu if I want to remove your shackles, what difficulty is there?” With the smile still on his lips, he turned and commanded: “Men! Cut off his head and remove the shackles!”
Hu Liangyou had initially felt smug when hearing Pei You’an say he would remove his shackles but never dreamed that Pei You’an would suddenly change his expression and order his head cut off. Seeing Li Rui draw his sword and step forward quickly, he was terrified, struggling desperately, but was forcibly pressed to the ground. Before he could react, a cold flash descended on his head. His neck felt a chill, his head separated from his body, and the shackles fell to the ground with a clatter, splashing blood several zhang high, instantly staining the snow in front of him red.
Li Rui seized the head and shouted: “Hu Liangyou has long violated military discipline and today has disobeyed orders. He has been executed on the spot as a warning to others!”
The loyalists of the Hu brothers, seeing that Pei You’an had truly beheaded Hu Liangyou amid casual conversation, were all shocked. Seeing his smiling gaze turn toward them again, they didn’t dare move an inch, frozen in place. They were quickly disarmed by Li Rui’s men and captured. The remaining officers and soldiers, who had long been dissatisfied with Hu Liangyou’s abuse of his brother’s position, were pleased to see him beheaded. All of them admired the authority of the Pei father and son—how could they not submit? They knelt before Pei You’an, shouting: “We will follow Master Pei’s lead and serve to the death!” The rest of the soldiers also followed suit, roaring in unison, the parade ground filled with passionate fervor.
Pei You’an temporarily took custody of the commander’s seal and immediately appointed Li Rui and others to return to the city with him. He ordered the soldiers to return to camp and await orders, and sent men to quickly deliver messages to the generals of Yan and Yun. He led people back to the city, entering the commandant’s residence for a council. By this time, dawn was just breaking.
Pei You’an remained busy until late in the night, finally completing the preliminary arrangements for various matters, with all officers assigned their duties.
Although he had left Yang Yun at the fodder station, counting tonight, it had been one day and two nights since he had seen Jiafu. Pei You’an was concerned about her and feared she would worry about him. After giving some final instructions, despite everyone’s pleas for him to stay, he left Suye City at the fourth watch. Guided by the reflection of light on snow, he galloped all the way, the cold wind striking his face, breaking countless patches of ice and snow on wild paths. Finally, at dawn, he returned to the fodder station.
While Suye City had already changed to a new day, this remote place that had been his home for a year remained as quiet as ever. The faint dawn cast a peaceful stillness over everything.
Pei You’an gazed at the snow-covered roofs of the low buildings in the distance, feeling an incomparable warmth in his heart. As he rode gradually toward the main gate, he saw a person carrying a bundle in his arm, standing in the snow. It seemed he had traveled through the night and had just arrived not long ago. He appeared to want to knock on the door but hesitated, looking anxiously around. Suddenly hearing the sound of hoofbeats behind him, he turned, recognized Pei You’an, and showed a joyful expression. He ran quickly toward him, but his foot slipped, and he fell to the ground. Ignoring the pain, he continued to get up and run to the road, where he knelt in the middle of the path, kowtowing: “Master Pei, this servant is Cui Yinshui, come to serve Master and Mistress. From now on, this servant belongs to Master and Mistress, ready to be commanded!”
Pei You’an’s expression remained cold as if he hadn’t seen the man at all. His horse didn’t slow down at all and galloped toward Cui Yinshui kneeling in the middle of the road. Just when it seemed he would be trampled, Cui Yinshui didn’t dare move, lying flat and gritting his teeth, waiting to be kicked by the horse. Unexpectedly, the horse leaped over his head and continued directly to the main gate, only stopping there.
Old Ding heard Pei You’an calling at the gate and hurried to open it. Cui Yinshui steadied his frightened soul, scrambled up from the ground, and hurried after him: “Master Pei—”
“You should go back. I do not need your service here.”
Sitting on horseback, without even turning his head, Pei You’an spoke a sentence, then ordered Old Ding to close the gate, and rode inside.