At the yin hour, the night was at its darkest. The fires in Shicheng had been extinguished, and the great river still sounded with tides, stretching across the divide between north and south.

The Wei army camp north of the river was quiet as a crouching tiger. Though silent, it secretly watched everything, waiting for the right moment to pounce across the river and devour the Great Liang people whole.

In the great tent, Gu Juhan sat in armor with sword at his side in the main seat. The generals below him all had gleaming eyes, sleeping on their weapons and waiting for dawn, ready to coordinate with Jiang Yong inside and outside to capture Shicheng.

This night, hearts were restless.

Suddenly a scout came to report from outside the tent. Guo Man was impatient by nature and couldn’t contain himself first, immediately standing up and urgently asking the scout: “How is it! Is there news of the Liang army coming out to fight?”

The scout was gasping for breath, his expression evasive, stammering the whole time. Guo Man couldn’t stand the anxiety and roared angrily: “What are you panicking about? Damn it, speak!”

The scout swallowed and looked at Guo Man, then at Gu Juhan seated above, lowering his head fearfully: “Shicheng has failed. That Qi Jingchen was prepared early on. He’s captured our people now, and news from the city can no longer get out – and moreover, he also…”

The news so far was already extremely bad, but seeing this scout hesitating, there seemed to be even worse news hidden behind.

Gu Juhan’s face was dark as water as he asked in a low voice: “And he also what?”

His voice wasn’t loud but contained威压. The scout lowered his head even more, steeling himself to answer: “And… and he also killed Jiang Yong, personally cut off his head and hung it above the city gates…”

At these words everyone was shocked and immediately cried out in alarm. Even Gu Juhan was caught off guard, his face inevitably changing as he asked: “Is this news reliable? He killed Jiang Yong?”

The scout answered decisively: “Absolutely true!”

Gu Juhan fell silent, sinking into deep thought.

The scout withdrew. Guo Man was both shocked and angry, saying indignantly: “What is wrong with these Great Liang people! How dare that Qi Jingchen, a mere yellow-mouthed child, kill Jiang Yong! A fourth-rank military officer from below can be killed just like that? And isn’t he a civil official? How could he pull off such a thing!”

Guo Man spoke incoherently, and others also discussed heatedly. Listening to the generals’ discussions, Gu Juhan frowned tightly, his heart heavy.

That Jiang Yong was a crucially important chess piece they had planted in Shicheng. For this southern campaign, Gu Juhan had placed heavy bets on him, thinking that even if the Privy Council people caught evidence of his treason, they couldn’t do anything to him immediately. After all, he was a high-ranking military officer and Han Shouye’s confidant, with considerable prestige in Great Liang. But he hadn’t expected Qi Jingchen would dare kill him, and hang his head openly above the city gates.

Was he demonstrating against him?

He killed Jiang Yong – wasn’t he afraid of the Liang Emperor’s punishment? Wasn’t he afraid of offending the Han family? Even relying on his clan, wasn’t this Qi Jingchen acting too arrogantly!

What should he do now? He had thought tonight they could break the deadlock and open hostilities, but with Jiang Yong dead, Shicheng would be under Qi Jingchen’s control. He had previously issued seven consecutive orders forbidding battle – how would he now engage in direct confrontation? If he continued to avoid battle, then…

Just as Gu Juhan was hesitating, he saw a servant from the Duke’s mansion outside the tent bringing him a letter, saying it was written by his father personally and he must read it carefully.

Gu Juhan didn’t dare delay and immediately opened the letter. The generals thought this was a brilliant strategy sent by the old Duke and were delighted, but unexpectedly they saw young General Gu’s already unclear expression become even more gloomy after reading.

The generals’ hearts grew uneasy. They saw murderous intent fully revealed in Gu Juhan’s eyes as he crumpled the old Duke’s letter in his hand. After a long silence, he seemed to suddenly understand something, abruptly rising and walking out of the tent. The generals, not understanding, all rose to follow, and saw young General Gu raise his eyes toward the direction across the river, his eyes seeming to show shock and suspicion.

Liu Shaotang stood closest to Gu Juhan and vaguely heard him mutter: “Qi Jingchen, could it be you…”

On the mountain slope across the river, Qi Ying was also standing with hands behind his back, gazing north.

The great river was vast, the sky dome high and distant. The two most brilliantly talented men of the age were confronting each other across the river without either knowing, and this confrontation would subsequently engulf the struggles of two countries, continuing for a full ten years.

When Peijian climbed the mountain slope, it was at the darkest hour of night. He saw his superior gazing north just as on the first day he came to Shicheng, so remembering how he had been coldly received when he disturbed his superior last time, this time he learned his lesson and remained silent, quietly retreating to the side to wait.

While waiting, he began secretly wondering why Master Qi had called him here alone.

After Jiang Yong’s death tonight, Master Qi had worked with Master Xu to begin purging Gao Wei spies within the city, capturing many people at once and causing great panic. Later investigation revealed shockingly that those captured ranged from generals in the command tent to kitchen servants – all were Gao Wei spies, leaving people dumbfounded. Seeing this scene, Peijian was shocked first by how deeply Gao Wei had penetrated Shicheng, and second by the Privy Council’s all-seeing abilities. His heart remained unsettled all night.

Later, the blue-robed boy beside Master Qi came to find him, asking him to meet with Master Qi at the mountain slope at the yin hour.

After witnessing tonight’s scenes, Peijian found it hard not to feel awe toward Qi Ying. Hearing that he was calling a mere junior commander for a private night conversation made him panic, and he couldn’t help reflecting on whether he had ever said or done anything resembling spy behavior that aroused suspicion. He deeply feared Master Qi had misunderstood his loyal devotion to Great Liang and might mistakenly kill him too, cutting off his head to hang at the city gates alongside General Jiang…

Just as Peijian was thinking wildly, he suddenly heard his superior say: “Could Commander Pei step forward and speak?”

Peijian was startled and jolted with fright, quickly responding and respectfully stepping forward to stand two paces behind Qi Ying, head bowed waiting for orders.

Qi Ying didn’t turn around, still looking toward the Wei army’s camp north of the river, asking Peijian conversationally: “When the two countries fought last year, did the Commander ever cross hands with that General Gu across the river?”

Peijian hadn’t expected Qi Ying to ask about this and was quite surprised, then honestly answered: “Replying to you, sir, this humble officer was a Shicheng defender. When Wei forces attacked the city last year, I went out to battle with the army.”

Qi Ying acknowledged this, pondering for a moment before asking: “I’ve heard people call Gu Juhan a military star descended from heaven. What does the Commander think?”

Hearing this, Peijian felt even more fearful.

He didn’t know his superior’s purpose in asking this, nor could he fathom Qi Ying’s temperament, unsure for the moment how to answer.

If he praised Gu Juhan, as a Liang army general he would inevitably seem weak and incompetent. But if he let him disparage Gu Juhan, that would really be lying. That young General Gu used troops like ghosts and gods, and his martial arts were also very strong, repeatedly defeating the Liang army. He was indeed a first-class general of the age, probably even surpassing his father, Duke Yanguo of Northern Wei.

After considering for a long while, Peijian still told the truth: “General Gu is naturally gifted as a commander, truly with wisdom and courage beyond ordinary people.”

Qi Ying nodded and asked: “Does Great Liang have any military officers who could contend with him?”

Hearing this, Peijian thought in a big circle, calculating from General Han downward, but didn’t find any military general who could be compared with Gu Juhan. It wasn’t that Great Liang had no one – it was truly that this young General Gu was exceptionally gifted and too good at warfare.

Steeling himself, he again honestly answered with gritted teeth: “In this humble officer’s shallow opinion, our dynasty… probably has no one who can compare with young General Gu.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he vaguely heard Qi Ying chuckle softly, joy and anger indiscernible, and immediately broke out in cold sweat. Then he heard his superior ask: “Gu Juhan is only twenty-three this year. If he leads troops for thirty more years, wouldn’t Jiankang already be in his grasp?”

Peijian was greatly alarmed upon hearing this, knowing deeply he had misspoken. He quickly bowed with cupped fists, asking for punishment: “This humble officer misspoke. Please punish me, superior!”

Qi Ying was silent for a long time, seeming to sigh. The great river’s tidal sounds rolled, making his voice seem even deeper.

He said: “Victory and defeat in the world are never tied to one thing or one person. The Commander is frank – our dynasty indeed has no excellent generals like Gu Juhan, but the struggle between two countries lies not only on the battlefield, but more in the boundless court beyond the battlefield.”

The court was a muddy swamp, a guillotine that killed people, sometimes even more dangerous than the battlefield where swords and blades were blind.

Great Liang had struggles between aristocratic families, while Gao Wei had discord between generals and ministers – both were chronic diseases that damaged sinew and bone.

Now in Gao Wei, Empress Zou was favored and Emperor Wei elevated the Zou clan, already causing Duke Yanguo’s dissatisfaction. The enmity between the two families ran deep. Imperial Uncle Zou Qian was ambitious and would never be content to be constrained by the old Duke, but now with the two countries struggling, Emperor Wei needed someone to lead troops in war and naturally had to rely on the Gu family. If Gu Juhan took Shicheng today, the Gu family would certainly receive unlimited honor and reach their peak – how would the Zou clan position themselves then?

Those who didn’t want to fight this war were definitely not limited to Great Liang – within Gao Wei there were also opportunities to exploit.

Now Gu Juhan had stationed troops north of the river for months, but was constrained by the Privy Council’s orders forbidding battle and couldn’t deploy. This was an excellent opportunity Zou Qian could use. He could easily slander the Gu family to Emperor Wei, saying they had intentions of commanding troops for self-aggrandizement. With military power in the Gu family’s hands, Emperor Wei would inevitably be suspicious. When several parties balanced each other, without Great Liang taking action, Gu Juhan would naturally also withdraw troops.

Even if he didn’t want to retreat, he would have to retreat.

What Qi Ying needed to do was simply guide Zou Qian at the right moment. That new noble of Great Wei had ambition but lacked righteousness – he would definitely become a stumbling block to the Gu family’s southward advance, and simultaneously become Great Liang’s blessing. Perhaps at this moment he was already taking action in Shangjing, thousands of li from here, and Gu Juhan might have already received news from his father advising him to return to court.

If everything went as Qi Ying predicted, then this military threat to Great Liang could be easily resolved.

The river wind was cold and harsh, blowing Qi Ying’s sleeves. His eyes held a cold color. Though he had purged Shicheng tonight and his month-plus negotiations with Zou Qian had begun showing results, there was no joy at all between his brows and eyes, still shrouded in deep worry.

He knew that this time repelling the Wei army relied on scheming and balancing tactics, but conspiracies might preserve Great Liang’s temporary peace but ultimately weren’t a long-term solution. Gu Juhan was a naturally gifted commander – perhaps for decades to come Great Liang couldn’t produce anyone who could contend with him. So how long could he, Qi Ying, rely on the dangerous and varied phenomena of the court to delay him?

He didn’t know.

At this time, however, Peijian heard his superior sigh deeply and say: “Commander Pei, the Privy Council can do many things, but when two countries war there will ultimately be a day for the battlefield, and then neither conspiracies nor open schemes will be effective. Great Liang ultimately needs a gifted commander – even if unable to win, at least unable to lose.”

He turned around, his phoenix eyes seeming to carry mountains and rivers for thousands of li, asking in a deep voice: “After five years, can the Commander take on this responsibility?”

Before coming to Nanling Commandery, Qi Ying had already heard Peijian’s name. The Privy Council had eyes everywhere and knew everything concerning military and political affairs. He knew this young general was born into a humble family, had served with distinction for ten years, but was constrained by his birth and hadn’t emerged prominently, remaining just a junior commander to this day.

But he was brave and good at war, also upright in nature – talented enough for great responsibility. Tonight when confronting Jiang Yong, among all the military officers in the hall, only he had seen the situation clearly and dared to oppose Jiang Yong directly.

He might be malleable talent.

Peijian had served in the army for nearly ten years, accustomed to hearing war drums and horses neighing on battlefields, yet never had his heart surged like this moment. His chest filled with heroic passion, naturally possessing the mettle to stand with sword drawn for the people of Jiangzuo. Hearing this, he cupped his fists and solemnly answered: “This humble officer lacks talent and may not have the courage for northern expedition, but has the ability to defend what we have. As long as I, Peijian, remain at the border for one day, I won’t let that Gu Juhan cross the Yangtze by half a step.”

His words rang out clearly, also showing loyal heart and righteous courage that resounded powerfully.

Qi Ying looked at him for a moment. Though his face showed no particular expression, his eyes held approval. He nodded, thought again, then said to Peijian: “In a few days I’ll transfer another general here to guard Shicheng, also from General Han’s faction. He may treat you unfairly due to Jiang Yong’s matter – I hope you can be more tolerant.”

Though Qi Ying only said half, Peijian understood: By killing Jiang Yong tonight, Qi Ying had moved against General Han’s faction, which would certainly invite the General’s displeasure. To appease Han Shouye, he would have to elevate another of Han Shouye’s disciples to fill Jiang Yong’s position. This newly arrived general would definitely know Peijian had previously tried hard to stop Jiang Yong from going to war, and might transfer his anger to him. His days ahead wouldn’t be easy.

Though Peijian was young, he was very intelligent. He could see Qi Ying intended to cultivate him, and having him endure now was more like guidance. Grateful in his heart, he said seriously: “Superior, rest assured. This humble officer will definitely be loyal to duty and won’t compete with the general.”

Seeing he understood his meaning, Qi Ying’s eyes showed satisfaction, then continued: “The Commander is wise and presumably already understands the reasoning behind the Privy Council’s orders forbidding war. After that general is transferred, if he still has intentions of war, I’ll trouble the Commander to persuade him.”

His superior being so polite made Peijian feel at a loss. He steadied himself and answered: “This humble officer will definitely do everything possible. As long as Wei troops don’t retreat for one day, Shicheng won’t open for one day.”

Qi Ying nodded, revealing a faint smile in his phoenix eyes. Just then dawn was approaching, night gradually receding, with faint fish-belly white appearing at the horizon.

Peijian heard him ask: “What day is it today?”

Peijian was stunned, counted on his fingers, and answered: “It should be the nineteenth of the second month.”

Qi Ying acknowledged this, then asked: “Does Commander Pei have brothers and sisters at home?”

Peijian was stunned again, not expecting his superior to suddenly ask about this. After pausing, he answered: “Yes, this humble officer is the eldest son. There are five younger ones at home.”

Qi Ying nodded, was silent for a while, then asked: “Any younger sisters?”

Peijian didn’t understand why, nodded, and answered: “Yes.”

“How old?”

“My second sister is fifteen, fourth sister is twelve.”

As soon as he said “twelve,” he saw his superior raise his eyebrows, then ask: “On your fourth sister’s birthday, what kind of birthday gifts does she usually like?”

Peijian scratched his head and answered: “My family is poor. My younger brothers and sisters’ birthdays are all celebrated simply. Usually… just eating soup noodles.”

After he finished, he saw his superior nod, but apparently didn’t gain anything from his answer. His brow furrowed slightly, his expression thoughtful.

Peijian didn’t know what he was thinking then, only vaguely felt that his superior’s expression was quite gentle.

Author’s Note: Tomorrow Wenwen will be back~

Let’s have a prize guessing game: What birthday gift would a straight man give? (He gave two gifts, you just need to guess the key one correctly)

Angels who answer correctly will receive exquisite (?) red envelopes. Deadline is before the chapter about gift-giving is published, prizes awarded after publication [Definitely not empty promises! I’ve already written the gift-giving chapter!]