Liang Ji bid farewell to Supervisor Fu and left the commandery city. Instead of returning directly to the Left Wing Army’s station, he first went home.

Since Liang Qiang had gone to the capital for an audience and been appointed Guerrilla General, the Liang family had moved to a new residence.

It was a gift from the local gentry.

Liang Ji had been in the military all this time; this was his first time seeing the new home. He stood outside examining it. Though somewhat crude compared to the Liang family’s exquisite mansion in the capital, the gray walls, high eaves, and multi-storied building had their distinctive charm.

“Who goes there?” The gate opened a crack as the gatekeeper scrutinized him. Just as he was about to challenge the visitor, someone pulled him back from behind. “It’s the master.”

Liang Ji watched as two servants ran out, one delighted and one anxious to welcome him. He smiled to himself. With the large house came new servants, and these new servants weren’t yet familiar with their new master.

Liang Ji stepped through the gate. This time, his wife wasn’t rolling up her sleeves to do laundry, but was sitting in the corridor reviewing account books, with two maids standing before her awaiting instructions. Their daughter was on a swing, with a fourteen or fifteen-year-old maidservant carefully calling “Young Miss” and protecting her from behind.

This scene made Second Master Liang feel as if he had returned to the time before his family’s disgrace.

But things were still different. His wife’s features had coarsened, her clothing was simpler, and their daughter had only one wooden-mannered maidservant.

Seeing him return, his wife stood up. Their daughter jumped off the swing, calling “Father,” while the maidservants timidly bowed.

“Father.” His daughter hugged Liang Ji’s arm and urgently asked, “Are we going back to the capital?”

Liang Ji was taken aback. His wife said helplessly from the side, “Everyone knows.”

Liang Ji smiled again and asked his daughter, “Does A-Yuan want to go back to the capital?”

His daughter immediately nodded: “Yes, yes, yes, I want to go home.”

In her heart, this place was never home. Liang Ji wanted to say something, but looking at his daughter’s smiling face, he swallowed his words and just nodded.

His daughter ran off happily, urging her maidservant, “Quick, quick, quick, pack the gifts I’ve prepared. I need to say goodbye to them.”

“I’m going back to the capital! I always said my home is in the capital. I’m the eldest young miss.”

His wife helplessly scolded her a few times, then looked at Liang Ji: “You should go now. The people from the third and fourth branches are waiting for you in the study.”

Liang Ji went directly to the study without changing his official robes. There, his brothers and nephews were engaged in a heated discussion. Seeing Liang Ji enter, they stopped talking and greeted him respectfully and excitedly.

“Has everyone decided?” Liang Ji asked bluntly. “Are you willing to return to the capital?”

Did he even need to ask? Everyone nodded enthusiastically. Some said, “We’ve been waiting for this day.” Others said, “Never thought this day would come.” Some simply covered their faces and wept.

Liang Ji wasn’t particularly moved. He looked at them all: “Life back there might not be easy. Our Liang family is essentially starting over.”

No matter how difficult it might be, it would be better than in the border commandery countryside. Besides, the careers of Second Master Liang and his son were flourishing, with promotions every year. Once the war ended, they would surely have higher ranks than Liang Siqing had in the past.

Second Master Liang’s words reflected his concern that they might go to the capital and impede his career advancement, right?

Otherwise, why had Second Master Liang rejected and sent away the eldest Liang when he came after hearing the news? Reportedly, his exact words were not to go to the capital and cause trouble.

Liang Siqing was, after all, the principal offender, with a tarnished reputation. After returning, he would certainly be pointed at and gossiped about—too shameful.

But they, as family members, were only implicated. They were innocent.

“Second Master, rest assured,” one person said sincerely. “Precisely because the Liang family is starting over, we want to contribute more.”

“That’s right, it can’t just be you, father and son, risking your lives in battle,” another quickly nodded. “We’re one family and should help you.”

Second Master Liang glanced at him. Help? Why hadn’t anyone offered to enlist and fight alongside them before? They preferred to crowd into his house and do odd jobs.

That person thought of this too; his face showed shame, and his eyes avoided contact. “We’re not suitable for fighting. Going would only be a burden for you. But returning to the capital is different. We can establish connections with noble families, keep an eye on court movements, and secure your rear.”

The others quickly nodded in agreement.

Second Master Liang waved his hand to indicate they didn’t need to say more.

“Be cautious after returning,” he advised. “Things aren’t like before.”

Everyone let out a sigh of relief and said in unison, “Second Master, don’t worry!”

They left in high spirits. A servant came in to pour tea and saw Liang Ji standing before the desk, seemingly lost in thought with furrowed brows.

Everyone in the household was joyful—why did the master look unhappy?

“I heard the original mansions in the capital have been bought back,” the servant said ingratiatingly. “Young Master A-Qiang is truly impressive.”

Liang Ji’s thoughts were interrupted. He glanced at the servant and asked, “Are you happy about returning to the capital?”

“Of course I’m happy,” the servant quickly flattered. “It’s all thanks to the master.”

Liang Ji smiled faintly: “Actually, it has nothing to do with me.”

Huh? The servant was stunned. What did that mean? Had he misheard? He was a newly purchased servant who hadn’t yet figured out his new master’s ways. For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond, but fortunately, someone walked in.

It was the master’s attendant, Li Fang. Reportedly, he was a gift from the benefactor who had pulled the master out of hard labor. The master valued him highly and trusted him the most, never going anywhere without him.

Li Fang glanced at the servant, who promptly took the opportunity to withdraw.

“What is the master thinking about?” he asked with a smile.

Liang Ji looked at him and said, “I’m wondering why they want my family to return to the capital.”

Yes, the servant hadn’t misheard his words. Nothing had anything to do with him—taking control of the Left Wing Army, spotting the problems in the Changping Pass Military Official’s accounts to win Supervisor Fu’s trust, and now having his family go to the capital—none of it had anything to do with him.

Li Fang said, “Second Master has achieved fame and success now. It’s appropriate for your family to return to their hometown in glory.”

Liang Ji looked at him: “Aren’t they being taken as hostages?”

Li Fang laughed heartily.

His laughter made Liang Ji freeze, his face reddening slightly.

“Second Master,” Li Fang said, “you’re overthinking. They don’t need to go that far with you.”

His words felt like a slap across Liang Ji’s face, which fully reddened now.

Liang Ji tried to speak but had nothing to say, feeling both angry and ashamed: “Then, then why bother?”

Li Fang didn’t answer, but asked with a half-smile: “What? Is Second Master reluctant to part with them? If you’re reluctant, forget it. Keep them here—they’re dispensable anyway.”

Disposable—this was another slap to the face. Liang Ji’s expression fluctuated. Now that he had reached his current position, his greatest fear was becoming dispensable.

Useless people were waste, meant to be discarded, and then he would have nothing left.

What was wrong with being a chess piece? Weren’t all the court officials the Emperor’s chess pieces? Weren’t all living beings chess pieces of destiny?

Everyone was a chess piece; it just depended on whether one was useful or not. He certainly didn’t want to be a useless, discarded piece.

“Just joking,” Liang Ji smiled slowly. “Not just my brothers and nephews, but my wife and daughter should also return to the capital.”

Li Fang didn’t seem to care, giving a faint smile.

Liang Ji didn’t want to continue this topic either; these were trivial matters. He asked, “Can Supervisor Fu get me into the Commander-in-Chief’s central army? Zhong Changrong guards his command authority very tightly and has been watching me closely these past six months. This definitely won’t be easy. If I want greater military authority, wouldn’t it be better to use this opportunity to contend with the other two generals first?”

Li Fang smiled: “Don’t worry, Second Master. It doesn’t matter whether it succeeds. What matters is that the attempt is made.”

Just attempting is good enough? Liang Ji didn’t understand. Without results, what was the point of the attempt? How was that good?

…

…

On a desolate hill at night, Xie Yanlai spat out the grass he had been chewing and turned to look at the soldier beside him.

“Did Supervisor Fu say that?” he asked.

The soldier was none other than Xiaoshan, who had once followed Xie Yanlai before being dismissed. When Xie Yanlai returned and was appointed Guerrilla General, he brought Xiaoshan along when recruiting troops.

“It’s true,” Xiaoshan was elated, his wish fulfilled, smiling brightly every day. “Supervisor Fu said in front of many people that the military camp was chaotic, with factionalism and favoritism, so he needed to reorganize personnel and rectify the atmosphere. Then he said he wanted Liang Ji to come to the central army as Director. As soon as he spoke, Commander Zhong told him to get lost—”

Xie Yanlai spat: “What kind of temper is that, cursing at people?”

Xiaoshan widened his eyes: “Young Master, your temper is even worse than his. If it were you, you wouldn’t just curse—you’d be hitting people, wouldn’t you?”

Xie Yanlai snorted: “Of course I would.” Then he frowned, “How can Zhong Changrong compare to me?”

He can’t? Isn’t Commander Zhong higher-ranked? Xiaoshan was confused but still nodded: “Young Master is right.”

Xie Yanlai ignored his flattery and frowned, looking into the pitch-black night ahead: “It’s very clear that Supervisor Fu, or perhaps others, are trying to provoke him. He shouldn’t have lost his temper. What is there to be angry about? He’s the Commander-in-Chief. He should smile outwardly while manipulating people as he pleases behind the scenes.”

He muttered a few more words, then kicked the ground and stood up.

Xiaoshan, confused, hurried to follow.

“Young Master, are we withdrawing the troops?” he asked.

Xie Yanlai said, “No, you stay here and keep watch. I’m going to see Zhong Changrong.”

Xiaoshan acknowledged with an “Oh,” patting his chest: “Young Master, rest assured. I’ve got this. You go wherever you want to play.”

But Xie Yanlai didn’t get far before a soldier stepped out of the darkness and blocked his path.

Xiaoshan almost went forward to kick away this blind soldier, but the soldier spoke first.

“Ninth Young Master,” he asked, “where are you going?”

Hearing the address “Ninth Young Master,” Xiaoshan held back his foot. This was Xie Yanlai’s attendant, sent from his family. Although he considered himself the young master’s most trusted person, he would still give these people some face.

Xie Yanlai looked at the soldier and spat out a single word: “Scram.”

The soldier didn’t move despite Xiaoshan’s winking and gesturing. Instead, he said: “Young Master, you cannot leave your military camp. The Third Young Master instructed that you must not act recklessly outside. If you do, he will make you return home.”

Hearing this, Xiaoshan understood the situation. The young master had caused trouble in the capital and was reprimanded by his family. Then his family had servants watch and restrain him.

It was the Ninth Young Master’s formidable brother, the Third Young Master, who had given the order.

If the Third Young Master made him go back, the young master might truly have to leave the border army.

Xie Yanlai stared at the soldier, with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile: “What? Is Third Brother dropping his act? No longer the good brother who doesn’t care what I do?”

The soldier did not react to these words, as if he hadn’t heard them, and still wouldn’t move aside.

“Xiaoshan,” Xie Yanlai called.

Xiaoshan quickly jumped over: “Young Master, I’m here.”

“Send an urgent military report to General Zhong,” Xie Yanlai said, his gaze fixed on the soldier. “Surely you can’t interfere with that as well?”

The soldier moved aside and respectfully said: “Young Master is joking. This humble servant only attends to the Young Master and wouldn’t dare meddle in important military matters.”

…

…

But though Xie Yanlai wrote a letter and Xiaoshan rode through the night, taking a day and a night to rush to the commandery city, he was still one step too late.

Zhong Changrong had already sent an urgent report about this matter to the capital.

At another dusk, the Empress walked to the front hall. This time, the officials surrounding the Imperial Tutor didn’t withdraw but prepared to bow and greet her. However, the Empress dispersed them.

“Everyone withdraw,” she said. “I have something to discuss with the Imperial Tutor.”

The Empress’s expression was not particularly pleasant.

What? After just a few days of harmony, was the Empress going to argue with the Imperial Tutor again? The officials exchanged glances and withdrew.