The Liang army formation below the city tower had not yet fully withdrawn when the Jinzhou city gates suddenly opened wide. Han Qi personally led troops charging out, shouting loudly: “Where do you Great Liang remnants think you’re going!”

At the very rear of the Liang army formation were infantry. The Pei army, relying on their cavalry being at the forefront, charged forward first to cut off the retreat route of the Liang army’s rear infantry, then had Pei army infantry charging out from within the city gates surround and kill them.

Fan Yuan led the various divisions walking at the front. Upon hearing the sounds of slaughter from behind, he looked back and saw the tail-end infantry being bitten by the Pei army. Knowing the Pei army’s move must be a ploy, he shouted: “Full-speed retreat—do not become entangled in battle!”

He also assigned a mounted archery unit to go support the surrounded infantry. While the cavalrymen ran back, they began drawing their bows on horseback to shoot at the Pei army pursuing from behind, successfully using a rain of arrows to momentarily block the Pei army infantry that were relentlessly pursuing.

The surrounded Liang army infantry formation seized the opportunity to devour the Pei army that was tenaciously holding on but had been cut off from reinforcements.

However, the Pei army’s cavalry units also quickly flanked from both sides, raising their sabers and bending down to slash at the legs of the Liang army mounted archers’ horses.

Han Qi, under the cover of light cavalry, successfully broke through the Great Liang cavalry unit that was separating the Pei army pursuit forces. His long spear swept horizontally on horseback, knocking aside the Liang army soldiers blocking his path all the way. He charged straight toward Fan Yuan, shouting provocatively: “Liang traitor, do you dare battle with your Grandfather Han!”

Fan Yuan was directing the main army in retreat. Hearing this, he looked back and saw a young commander from the Pei army charging straight toward him, using the momentum of man and horse to knock down and send flying countless soldiers.

He originally had no intention of becoming entangled in battle, but since the opponent had already broken through heavy encirclement to charge before him, there was no reason to retreat. He immediately took up his weapon, spurred his horse forward to meet him, and spat: “Ignorant child! Coming to deliver your own life!”

The two men’s war horses charged past each other. Their long weapons clashed, creating a sharp, ear-piercing sound. Soon they turned their horses’ heads around to continue fighting together.

After several exchanges, both roughly assessed each other’s strength. Han Qi shouted to Fan Yuan from horseback: “Despite your martial skills, Emperor Shaojing was on the throne for so many years—how are you only an unknown nobody? This kind of corrupt Liang court is actually worth your loyalty?”

Fan Yuan apparently saw something from his spear techniques. His hostility was no longer as intense as before. He angled his long saber diagonally behind his horse’s back, examining Han Qi and asking: “You know the Han family spear techniques—are you a descendant of the Han family?”

Han Qi sneered: “My father was the very Han Zongye who, just for seeking one word of mercy for Grand General Qin Yi back in the day, was labeled as part of the rebel faction by Emperor Mingcheng and thrown into prison together!”

Fan Yuan said: “Before the Princess went to Prince Chen’s court, she continuously ordered people to investigate this old case of General Qin Yi. For all the ministers who suffered injustice in this case, the Princess has been searching through case files from all quarters to verify the truth. In the future, after recapturing Luodu and obtaining the complete case files from the Ministry of Justice to clarify the truth, she will certainly give an accounting to those ministers who were wrongly accused back then! But one matter is one matter—if you all persist in your obstinacy and continue following Pei Song in causing trouble and bringing chaos to this realm, the Princess will certainly not spare you!”

Han Qi mocked: “Your Princess is indeed skilled at buying people’s hearts and also very good at spouting lies and reversing right and wrong. Speaking of bringing chaos to this realm, who can compare to her Wen clan? People have already been persecuted to death by her Wen clan—what use is it to shed crocodile tears and overturn verdicts? Or rather, is this so-called case reversal just her method of deceiving the world to gain reputation?”

Speaking to this point, Han Qi was probably consumed by hatred. He fiercely spurred his horse’s belly and once again raised his spear to strike down viciously. That young face was reddened somewhat by the scorching sun. The hair at his forehead flew with the dust-laden wind. In his eyes burst forth hatred and fury accumulated over who knows how many years.

Fan Yuan blocked with his long saber’s handle, shouting: “Emperor Mingcheng was indeed muddled in his later years and made many grave errors. During Emperor Shaojing’s reign, court politics were constantly controlled by the empress’s relatives, which also aggravated the court’s chronic ailments. But what does all this have to do with Prince Changlian’s line? During their lifetimes, Prince Changlian and his son devoted themselves diligently to governance for the people, struggling to prop up this tottering edifice. For descendants of wrongly accused ministers from back then, as many as could be found were all provided for. Even before Pei Song’s rebellion, they had already compiled case files for many wrongly accused ministers, just waiting to topple the Ao faction and ascend the throne before announcing it to the world, clearing these ministers’ names of injustice. Since you all followed Pei Song in conquering Luodu, haven’t you seen these case files?”

Hearing Fan Yuan’s words, Han Qi was briefly stunned. But he quickly withdrew his weapon and continued attacking fiercely while mocking: “Who doesn’t know that you Liang ministers all follow your Princess in being able to spout any lie from your mouths, deceiving ignorant common people into continuing to support your Wen clan? Do you really think this general will believe your ghost stories?”

Fan Yuan, while responding to Han Qi’s attacks, said: “If this old man’s words are false, can the case files compiled in Luodu’s Ministry of Justice archives also be false?”

Han Qi’s final thrust was once again blocked by his long saber’s handle. After forcefully sweeping it aside, he forced Han Qi and his horse to retreat two steps. Fan Yuan spat on the ground: “You all are fools, but the common people of this entire realm won’t be fools! Who treats them well—the common people of the realm know in their hearts!”

Just as his words fell, a wild goose-feathered arrow shot over from behind Fan Yuan’s back. He was completely unprepared. The arrow directly pierced through the armor on his back. Blood quickly seeped out at the arrow shaft.

Fan Yuan turned his head and saw Dou Jianliang leading the Chen army rushing over. The Liang army soldiers below still didn’t know Dou Jianliang had already betrayed them, thinking he was reinforcements. Fan Yuan was also entangled by Han Qi. For a moment, unprepared, he actually gave him this opportunity for a sneak attack.

Seeing his arrow hit Fan Yuan, Dou Jianliang was overjoyed. He shouted from horseback: “Surround and kill the Liang army!”

Fan Yuan was so angry that veins bulged at his temples. After spitting the two words “despicable” at Han Qi, he directly swung his saber backward, cutting off most of the arrow shaft, leaving only a short stub. He spurred his horse to retreat, shouting: “Don’t panic—listen to my orders! Iron shield formation advance! Archer formation release arrows!”

Han Qi was also quite shocked by Dou Jianliang’s sudden arrow. After Fan Yuan shouted those two words at him, an enormous sense of humiliation immediately rose in his heart.

Fan Yuan returned to the military formation while injured to take charge of the overall situation. Han Qi then didn’t move. The cavalry vice-commander who rushed over afterward still wanted to spur his horse in pursuit but was blocked by his horizontal spear.

That vice-commander was newly appointed and very puzzled, turning his head to ask: “General?”

Han Qi’s face was livid: “This Han Qi is not someone who wins without martial honor!”

The vice-commander still wanted to say something: “But…”

Han Qi coldly swept his gaze over. The vice-commander finally cut off his words.

Fan Yuan, bearing his injury, rode his horse in a circle around the military formation, shouting to have the soldiers below form up to resist the enemy. Dou Jianliang’s backstabbing ultimately didn’t cause too great a loss to the army.

But during Fan Yuan’s rush back, somehow his form swayed. In the end, he actually fell directly from horseback. Several personal guards nearby cried out “General” in alarm and rushed forward.

Han Qi was far away. Seeing this scene, he also frowned and looked over. He only saw that when Fan Yuan was lifted up by personal guards, his face was dark, clearly in a poisoned state.

Han Qi’s expression immediately became even uglier.

When two armies engage in battle, cunning schemes and extraordinary tactics can be used.

But when two generals engage in combat, no underhanded tricks should be used.

With Fan Yuan’s fall, the Liang army’s military morale that had finally stabilized scattered again at once. The Chen army immediately tore open a gap in the shield wall.

Dou Jianliang led the cavalry unit charging over at the forefront. Seeing Fan Yuan poisoned and fallen from his horse, his spirits were greatly lifted. He shouted loudly: “Whoever captures alive the Liang army commander Fan Yuan shall be rewarded with one hundred taels of gold!”

The Chen army below immediately pounced like hyenas smelling blood.

Several commanders under Fan Yuan were still loudly shouting to reorganize the army to resist the enemy, but the soldiers had witnessed with their own eyes their commander falling from his horse. With the Chen army also tearing through the shield soldier formation, military morale had scattered too severely. They simply couldn’t withstand the Chen army’s attacks.

The Chen army that had been blocked at the rear by the Liang army’s mounted archery unit earlier now also caught up. Just as they were about to rush forward together to thoroughly rout the Liang army, they were stopped by flag signals from Han Qi’s personal guards at his side.

The vice-commander, watching this scene, couldn’t help but say: “General, if we let Fan Yuan and the Liang army escape, how will we account to the Chief Minister later?”

If they could kill Fan Yuan this time and thoroughly scatter this frontline Liang army, even though the Liang camp still had territory of three provinces and one commandery in the Southern Border, in a short time they certainly would no longer have the strength for northern campaigns. They might even struggle to defend if attacked.

After they unified the Southern Border and borrowed the terrain advantage of Bairen Pass, they could directly block Southern Chen outside the pass.

At that time, the only major enemy remaining would be Wei Qishan in the Northern Border. As long as they conquered the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun in the Northern Border, the entire Central Plains would all belong to Pei Song.

Such a favorable situation—the vice-commander even feared Dou Jianliang would kill Fan Yuan and claim the primary merit. Yet Han Qi was blocking them from participating in this battle. In his anxiety, the vice-commander inevitably felt some resentment in his heart.

Han Qi said coldly: “If the Chief Minister blames us, this general alone will bear it. That Dou Jianliang relying on poisoned arrows to wound people and throw the Liang army’s morale into chaos—this general simply disdains it! Within one hour, the Jinzhou army shall not participate in this chaotic battle!”

The vice-commander knew he had some of a military general’s temperament, but the battlefield was not a place to discuss temperament and integrity. He continued advising: “General, you mustn’t act on impulse…”

Han Qi turned his face sideways, staring coldly at that vice-commander: “Are you afraid that this Liang army force of less than twenty thousand, whose morale has already scattered, still can’t be severely damaged by Southern Chen?”

The vice-commander could only tactfully remind: “What if that Dou Jianliang beheads Fan Yuan…”

“His troops have all been destroyed in battle—so what if we give him this primary merit?”

This statement from Han Qi directly stumped the vice-commander. The vice-commander’s expression changed as sudden enlightenment dawned.

Dou Jianliang was forced to rebel by Yu Wenjing’s scheme. If he had troops, he would be a fanged tiger. Even if Pei Song kept such a person by his side, he wouldn’t feel at ease. Better to use the Great Liang army to let his troops suffer heavy losses. Thus, two birds with one stone.

–

The Chen army led by Dou Jianliang had strong momentum, pursuing Fan Yuan all the way and killing countless Liang camp soldiers.

But the Liang commanders also led soldiers to desperately hold them back, causing Dou Jianliang to be unable to catch up with Fan Yuan, who had been placed on horseback by personal guards and fled down a small path.

In his anxiety, Dou Jianliang saw Han Qi leading the Jinzhou Pei army watching from the sidelines while his own Chen army had already suffered countless deaths and injuries. He gradually understood their Pei camp was planning to have him and the Liang army mutually destroy each other.

Dou Jianliang cursed inwardly, but currently he had already been put on the fire with no way back. He made up his mind—once he took Fan Yuan’s head, he would go claim merit from Pei Song. He absolutely couldn’t truly let his army fold here.

He immediately ordered his subordinate commanders not to truly pursue the Liang army relentlessly anymore—just make a show of having exerted effort. He separately assigned a unit of direct troops to follow him in taking the small path to pursue Fan Yuan.

Passing through a mountain path, boulders suddenly rolled down from the mountains on both sides. There were also heaven-shaking battle cries from the Liang army—there were actually ambush troops here.

Dou Jianliang was greatly alarmed. He hadn’t brought many troops. He hurriedly rode his horse to dodge the falling rocks and retreat.

Among the two thousand troops Li Xun brought, there were no capable military generals. They absolutely didn’t dare risk pursuing Dou Jianliang. Seeing they had temporarily scared him off, after blocking that mountain path with stones and chopped trees as thick as bowls, they hurriedly withdrew to pursue Fan Yuan.

Dou Jianliang ran for a stretch of road. Not seeing the Great Liang ambush troops catch up, he was puzzled. Turning back, he saw the mountain path was blocked by scattered rocks and felled trees. He immediately understood the earlier battle cries were just a bluff.

Having let the battle merit about to be in hand slip away like this, Dou Jianliang angrily whipped the branches of the blocking broken wood severely, saying hatefully: “Return!”

–

The group rode their horses back to the earlier battlefield, but no trace of the Liang army remained. In the vast wilderness, only the Pei and Chen armies remained in standoff.

Seeing this situation, Dou Jianliang’s eyelid couldn’t help but jump. After riding his horse back to his own formation, he asked the leading commander: “Where’s the Liang army?”

That commander said in a low voice: “You ordered us not to fight the Liang army to the death. The Liang army indeed had no heart for entangled battle. The Jinzhou Pei army watched from the sidelines. This subordinate led men to pursue and block the Liang army all the way. After chasing for two miles, we still let the Liang army escape…”

Dou Jianliang immediately felt the veins at his temples twitching. With a sweep of his hand, he whipped that commander’s face, cursing: “Idiot!”

He had ordered them not to use ten-tenths of their strength to fight the Liang army, but he also couldn’t let the Liang army escape where the Pei army wasn’t present! If the Liang army escaped right under the Pei army’s noses, he would have plenty to say when facing Pei Song.

But the current situation was that he hadn’t been able to bring back Fan Yuan’s head, and these stupid subordinate commanders below, after pursuing the Liang army far away on their own, had let the Liang army escape where the Pei army couldn’t see.

Dou Jianliang had already witnessed the methods of the strategists around Pei Song. With just these two points, in the future, they would inevitably make a big issue of it.

The only thing not too terrible was that he still had these ten-thousand-plus troops in his hands. Pei Song would still have some wariness of him and wouldn’t make things too difficult.

Dou Jianliang wasn’t without thoughts of simply establishing his own faction, but as a Chen army that had betrayed the Liang camp, trying to establish a foothold in Liang territory—no matter where he went, he’d probably be attacked by everyone.

Not to mention the Liang camp’s retaliation after they recovered, even Pei Song’s pursuit, he couldn’t withstand.

Currently, the only path he could take was still to do as Pei Song wished—first submit to his Pei camp.

After Dou Jianliang finished whipping, having vented some of the anger in his heart, he walked toward the front of the Pei army formation and said to Han Qi: “I want to see Chief Minister Pei.”

Han Qi glanced at him. Without a word, he directly made a gesture to withdraw troops and walked back.

This was undisguised contempt.

After Han Qi rode his horse past, Dou Jianliang’s expression completely turned ugly. His teeth were clenched tightly, his expression gloomy and resentful as if he wanted to devour someone.

The accompanying commanders carefully called to him. Dou Jianliang, gritting his teeth, hatefully spat out two words: “Follow.”

–

Arriving below the Jincheng city tower, Pei Song actually led a group of commanders personally coming out to welcome him: “General Dou’s prowess—I’ve heard of it long ago. Today, that Pei can have General Dou join under my command is Pei’s great fortune.”

In his heart, Dou Jianliang was so angry his teeth itched, but on his face he still put on a smile, hurriedly clasping his fists saying he didn’t dare, then said: “Dou originally intended to bring that Liang commander Fan Yuan’s head to see the Chief Minister. Unfortunately, on the road I encountered an ambush from Liang camp reinforcements. I still let that scoundrel Fan Yuan escape. However, he’s already been struck by a poisoned arrow. Even if the poison can’t take his life immediately, he will certainly be severely damaged.”

Pei Song heard the implied meaning in his words. He glanced at Han Qi, then continued smiling and asking: “How is it only the General alone went to pursue the enemy?”

Dou Jianliang maintained his clasped-fists posture. After sweeping a glance at Han Qi, seeming very conflicted, he said tactfully: “General Han and my subordinate commanders were together restraining the Liang army’s main force.”

His words were clever. He wasn’t accusing Han Qi of watching from the sidelines, but in the matter of letting the Liang army escape, he had also dragged Han Qi into the water.

Thinking of the poisoned arrow Dou Jianliang mentioned, Pei Song roughly understood the reason for their discord. Not showing it on his face, he called Han Qi’s name and asked: “You were personally present—how did you still let the Liang army escape by severing its tail?”

Han Qi was quite unyielding. Without a word in his own defense, he only stepped forward with clasped fists saying: “It was this subordinate’s dereliction of duty. This subordinate is willing to accept punishment. From Jinzhou to Xinzhou, there are still several hundred miles. The Liang army only has Wayao Fortress as a temporary rest stop along the way. This subordinate will lead troops there to thoroughly rout the Liang army.”

But Pei Song said: “Since you know you were derelict in duty, go receive twenty military rod strikes and reflect. This Chief Minister will personally accompany General Dou to pursue the enemy.”

At these words, both Han Qi and Dou Jianliang were stunned.

Pei Song’s hand behind his back—between his fingers, he was pressing down battle intent while minutely rubbing them together.

Regardless of whether the Great Liang reinforcements in Dou Jianliang’s mouth were Xiao Li or not, he would force this person out.

–

The news that Dou Jianliang had defected to Pei Song, the Liang army commander Fan Yuan was injured and fled in defeat, and the entire Southern Border frontline Liang army was being pursued by Pei and Chen armies as they retreated toward Xinzhou only reached Xiao Li’s ears on the second day.

At that time, he was in Yuan Fang’s room asking him about the circumstances of that day’s events. After the scout finished reporting the news, Yuan Fang, in his grief, smashed his medicine bowl and pounded the bed, crying in sorrow: “Old Fan and Old Li were also caught in the trap of that dog traitor Pei Song and that Southern Chen traitor slave!”

With this, the Southern Border alliance was thoroughly shattered.

The Wei army was already destroyed, the Chen army had already rebelled. Only the remaining Liang army had also suffered severe damage this time. Whether they could escape back to Xinzhou under the siege of Pei and Chen pursuit forces was still uncertain.

After pondering for a moment, Xiao Li said: “General Yuan, Tongzhou is not a place for a long stay. Pei Song already has no threats in the Southern Border. He’ll probably soon discover the Pei army garrison in Tong City has been eliminated by me, and will also see through that there’s long been no volunteer army and bandit forces fighting in Tongzhou. Before the Pei army repairs the old Great Wall within Jinzhou territory, I’ll send people to escort the General back to the Northern Border.”

How could Yuan Fang not know that once Pei Song discovered Tongzhou had twisted into a unified force, he would certainly send troops to attack Tongzhou?

Previously, their Liang, Chen, and Wei three-way regular armies had formed an alliance in the Southern Border to suppress the Pei army. How could the volunteer army in Tongzhou territory, whose weapons and armor were not yet fully equipped, speak of resisting Pei Song’s offensive?

He immediately said: “Brother Xiao has courage and strategies—you’re a hero among men. You also have life-saving grace toward me. Why not bring the Tongzhou brothers along with me to the Northern Border? The Marquis has always valued talent. He will certainly put Brother Xiao to important use, allowing Brother Xiao to display your grand aspirations.”

Xiao Li didn’t immediately respond, seeming to ponder. Yuan Fang then continued persuading: “Tongzhou’s city defenses are not strong. The several major armories in the Southern Border have been occupied by the Liang and Pei armies, monopolizing military equipment support. If Pei Song’s main army attacks, it will certainly be a fight to the death!”

Xiao Li thought for a moment and said: “When Tongzhou’s seventeen counties each governed themselves, ordinary common people were already unable to bear the warfare and relocated with their entire households. Those who remained were mostly those who rose in rebellion or became bandits. Bringing the brothers to leave Tongzhou, Xiao isn’t afraid ordinary common people will suffer Pei Song’s displaced anger. It’s just that if the Liang army is truly defeated by Pei Song, and Pei Song sends full forces to the Northern Border, I fear it will be disadvantageous to the Marquis.”

He raised his head: “Moreover, Commander Fan of the Liang camp has some friendship with Xiao. Xiao also cannot just watch him die from his injuries under the Pei and Chen armies’ pursuit. Xiao has a presumptuous request—could the General take Xiao’s other brothers to the Northern Border first? Xiao wishes to go assist Commander Fan somewhat.”

Yuan Fang, after all, had served as an official in the same court with Fan Yuan, Li Xun, and others. Although previously there wasn’t much interaction, during these days of alliance, they had also genuinely developed some friendship. Hearing that Xiao Li actually wanted to send troops to help Fan Yuan, on one hand he was curious about exactly what friendship he had with Fan Yuan, and on the other hand felt this youth’s ability to establish relations with Fan Yuan truly meant he wasn’t an unknown person. Presumably it was just that he himself knew very little about the Southern Border, which was why he didn’t know his reputation.

But more than that, he felt admiration. After all, Pei Song on the entire Southern Border battlefield was already in a position of certain victory. Sending troops to help the Liang army now would absolutely be a one-way trip.

Yuan Fang, valuing talent, immediately advised: “Yuan knows Brother Xiao is a man of loyalty. But Pei Song’s main army rolling southward is already an unstoppable force. If Brother Xiao leads people there now, it will only be throwing away your life in vain. Better to preserve your strength. In the future, avenging Commander Fan won’t be too late!”

Xiao Li said: “The Liang camp’s transfer point for transporting grain to the frontline Liang army is at Wayao Fortress. This place’s city defenses can temporarily block the Pei army somewhat. If the Liang army wants to buy time for the main force to retreat back to Xinzhou, they will certainly leave some troops here to defend to the death. If Xiao leads people there, as long as we help the Liang army delay more time, that will suffice.”

Seeing Xiao Li was so familiar with the Liang camp’s grain transport routes, Yuan Fang was both shocked and puzzled in his heart. But seeing his confident manner, his earlier worries lessened considerably.

Moreover, what Xiao Li said earlier wasn’t wrong either. If the Southern Border’s Liang army wasn’t thoroughly defeated and could still restrain Pei Song somewhat, it would be more beneficial to their Northern Border battle situation.

After sighing, Yuan Fang said: “Since Brother Xiao’s mind is already made up, Yuan only hopes Brother Xiao’s journey goes smoothly.”

Xiao Li then nodded toward Yuan Fang in thanks.

When he said he wanted Yuan Fang to help bring his subordinate brothers to the Northern Border, it actually also meant entrusting those people to Yuan Fang.

If he met with misfortune on this trip to assist Fan Yuan, those brothers who had risked their lives following him could also pursue a proper future.

–

After Xiao Li returned to the main tent, he first urgently called Zhang Huai, Song Qin, Zheng Hu, and other direct subordinates to tell them of this matter. Zhang Huai was the first to object: “I don’t agree!”

Xiao Li had no intention of excessive explanation, only saying: “My mind is made up.”

Zhang Huai said angrily: “I know the Provincial Lord is a person of deep loyalty. But in Jinzhou, the Liang camp wounded you with a poisoned arrow. No matter how much loyalty there was, it should have been severed clean in that arrow! We follow the Provincial Lord seeking prominence because we want to follow the Provincial Lord in achieving great accomplishments, not to have the Provincial Lord disregard his own life like this!”

Hearing this, Song Qin and Zheng Hu were both shocked. They only knew Xiao Li had suffered an arrow wound in Jinzhou and seemed to have stayed in the Liang camp before, but as to why he left the Liang camp, Xiao Li had never mentioned it, so they also hadn’t asked.

At this moment, hearing Zhang Huai say that the poisoned arrow that nearly took Xiao Li’s life was the Liang camp’s doing, they immediately felt it wasn’t worth it for him.

“What? The arrow wound on Second Brother’s body that left a chronic ailment was a gift from the Liang camp people?” Zheng Hu was the most unable to contain himself. He immediately became upset: “Second Brother, this time I’m with the Military Advisor. Pei Song was already a tough nut to crack. Now with an additional Southern Chen dog by his side—if we bring all of Tongzhou’s troops over, it still won’t be enough for them to wipe out in one go!”

Song Qin also said: “Second Brother, this matter should be reconsidered carefully.”

Xiao Li said: “The person who wounded me with the poisoned arrow is the person who wounded me with the poisoned arrow. Commander Fan is Commander Fan. I’m making this decision having nothing to do with the Liang camp. Pei Song has the enmity of killing my mother with me. I’ve long been irreconcilable with him. As for Tongzhou’s tens of thousands of brothers, I’ve already entrusted them to General Yuan to take them to the Northern Border under Wei Qishan’s command to seek a future.”

He glanced at Zhang Huai, Song Qin, Zheng Hu, and the others, then calmly issued an order: “You all go along too.”

How could Zheng Hu hear such words? He immediately slapped the table and stood up: “Second Brother, what kind of talk is this! If it’s to avenge Mother, then what reason does this old man have not to go together!”

Song Qin didn’t immediately speak, but he knew well that Xiao Li wasn’t someone who would act impulsively.

Having escaped from Yongzhou and lain low in patience until now, how could he suddenly not want to endure anymore?

Zhang Huai was probably quite angry at Xiao Li. After rubbing his forehead, he said: “Even if the Provincial Lord wants revenge, after going under Wei Qishan’s command, there will be plenty of opportunities.”

Xiao Li, with both hands supporting himself on the table spread with maps, raised his eyes and asked: “Do you all truly think I’m making this decision out of impulse?”

He reached out to point on the map at the barbarian tribes beyond the Northern Border: “Autumn has long arrived. In another month or two, the barbarian tribes beyond the passes will certainly enter the passes to raid. At that time, Wei Qishan will need to divide forces to guard the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. If the south has no troops to restrain him and Pei Song attacks Wei Qishan with full force, under attack from front and rear, how long can Wei Qishan hold out?”

“After Pei Song unifies Liang territory, when we face him again, that will truly be trying to smash a rock with an egg.”

At these words, everyone in the tent fell silent.

Xiao Li continued: “As long as the Liang camp still has remaining strength in the Southern Border to restrain Pei Song, Tongzhou will have an additional layer of protection. Even without forming an alliance with them, we’ll be in a mutually supportive position with the Liang camp, preventing Pei Song from daring to attack either side with full force. In the future, we also won’t need to act entirely according to Wei Qishan’s wishes.”

Hearing this point, Zhang Huai’s expression couldn’t help but change. He stared at the map and thought seriously.

Indeed, as Xiao Li said, the Southern Border’s Liang army still having strength to deal with Pei Song was safer for their Tongzhou.

Otherwise, unable to resist Pei Song’s full-force attack, if they relocated the entire province to the Northern Border, that would be handing all initiative to Wei Qishan.

Commanding a region as allies versus going to seek refuge as subjects—even a fool wouldn’t choose the latter.

Zhang Huai looked at the map again and again, frowning: “I still feel this method is too risky…”

Xiao Li said: “That’s why I made two preparations. If I can’t return, you all follow Yuan Fang to the Northern Border. With this life-saving grace, he won’t treat you poorly either.”

Only then did everyone in the room understand Xiao Li’s painstaking efforts. Zhang Huai, feeling ashamed for having misunderstood Xiao Li earlier, yet also deeply moved in his heart, stood up and solemnly bowed to Xiao Li: “To encounter a worthy lord like the Provincial Lord is Huai’s fortune. Huai is ashamed of his earlier words. Since the Provincial Lord’s determination is absolute, Huai requests to go along!”

Song Qin and Zheng Hu both said in unison: “I’ll go too!”

Other direct subordinates in the tent also successively shouted “Provincial Lord” or “Second Brother,” clamoring to go along.

Xiao Li put away the map, saying: “Old Tiger, come with me. Zhang Huai, you and Elder Brother take the brothers together to the Northern Border.”

As he spoke, he patted Song Qin’s shoulder: “I’ve entrusted all the brothers to General Yuan, but I’ll only be at ease if you all go along.”

Song Qin’s words that he still wanted to say were all blocked by this statement.

Zheng Hu knew Song Qin was worried about the danger of this journey. Patting his chest in guarantee: “Don’t worry, Elder Brother. With me here, I’ll definitely protect Second Brother’s safety!”

Zhang Huai knew that no matter what more he said, he couldn’t change Xiao Li’s decision. He simply asked: “How many troops does the Provincial Lord plan to bring?”

Xiao Li said: “Just to help the Liang army block the Pei and Chen armies somewhat at Wayao Fortress—three thousand troops are enough. Recruit volunteers from among the soldiers willing to go with me. There must be no forced conscription.”

Zhang Huai clasped his hands: “Huai understands. Huai will give orders immediately.”

Zheng Hu laughed: “Second Brother, you can set your heart at ease. I’m afraid all the army’s soldiers will be willing to go with you to fight that dog traitor Pei Song. There’ll only be too many people squeezing in—where would forced conscription be needed!”

The group spoke as they walked out of the main tent. Zhang Huai had already transmitted the military order. The entire camp was packing their belongings.

Tao Kui, who had been guarding outside the tent, saw personal guards bringing horses for Xiao Li and Zheng Hu and immediately stepped forward: “Where is the Provincial Lord going? Ah Niu wants to go too!”

Doctor Tao had taught him for who knows how long before finally getting him to change his form of address for Xiao Li.

Xiao Li said: “You follow your grandfather in protecting that General Yuan to the Northern Border. Protect them well.”

Tao Kui didn’t know how far the Northern Border was from here. He still looked at Xiao Li eagerly, clearly still wanting to go along, but felt that Xiao Li had already assigned him other duties, and refusing wouldn’t be good.

Zheng Hu laughed heartily at him, patting his shoulder: “Silly boy, this time let your Tiger Brother have it. Next time, we’ll compete fairly!”

Only then did Tao Kui’s mood improve somewhat, muttering: “You said it…”

Personal guards ran over to report that Zhang Huai’s side had finished mustering the troops. Xiao Li nodded, tied his arm guards, mounted his horse, and said to Song Qin and the various direct subordinate commanders: “Going to the Northern Border is entrusted to all you brothers. I’m off!”

–

Wayao Fortress.

After Li Xun brought the poison-arrow-struck Fan Yuan to rendezvous with the retreating Liang army main force, facing the two-sided encirclement and pursuit by Pei Song and Dou Jianliang, they only reached Wayao Fortress after several times severing their tail to survive.

The group hurriedly entered the city. When Li Xun saw Li Yao, on one hand he felt he finally had a pillar of support, but on the other hand feared Li Yao would also fall into Pei Song’s hands. In urgent grief he said: “Lord Ling, why have you come down from the mountain at this time?”

After speaking, as if talking to himself: “Quickly, quickly—you follow Commander Fan together, first go back to Xinzhou with the main army. Xinzhou has precipitous mountain terrain as a barrier. Pei Song won’t be able to attack through for a while. This subject will lead men here to buy more time…”

These consecutive days of danger and bad news had kept the string in Li Xun’s mind taut. He had become somewhat muddled, only fearing that if he collapsed, military morale would scatter even more. That’s why he’d been forcing himself to hold on. At this moment, he hadn’t even noticed that the old Daoist following Li Yao had already walked directly to Fan Yuan, who was being carried on a stretcher by soldiers. Disregarding that the person was still unconscious, he pried open his eyelids to look, then pinched open his jaw to examine his tongue coating.

Seeing Li Xun’s group in such a sorry state, Li Yao knew the situation must be worse than what the messenger he’d sent had reported to him. He said: “Zhongqing, don’t be anxious. Slowly tell this old man.”

Li Xun was also a man over fifty, but having encountered so many unexpected developments, not even knowing whether he could get Fan Yuan and the Liang army main force back to Xinzhou alive, when he heard Li Yao call his courtesy name and speak in an elder’s tone, his eyes suddenly heated up. In grief and tears, he said: “Lord Ling! Dou Jianliang has defected to Pei Song! He also wounded Commander Fan with a poisoned arrow. We are incompetent—the Princess’s strategic arrangement in the Southern Border has been ruined in our hands!”