All the Wolf Cavalry who had come with him dismounted. As Xiao Li walked through their midst, they automatically separated to both sides, placing one hand on their chests, silently and somberly bowing their heads in the cold wind.

The Wolf Cavalry had been personally created by Wei Qishan, but this military force had always been led by Liao Jiang.

Xiao Li had repelled the barbarians for them and defended the northern border, and had even avenged their general.

Henceforth, Xiao Li was the benefactor of their Wolf Cavalry.

–

The heavy snow continued until the hour of the monkey the following day without stopping.

Wei banners had been re-raised at all the border defense camps throughout Mount Yanle. The nearby eaves and tiles and the distant mountain peaks were all covered in a layer of frost-white.

Because the border defense camps were permanent stationed outposts, besides military tents, the camp also had many earth-brick tile houses built with better cold resistance.

After last night’s fierce battle ended, the soldiers were all utterly exhausted. Xiao Li did not lead the righteous army soldiers down the mountain overnight, instead resting in the mountain camp first.

Tao Kui, who had only rushed over from Weizhou with Zhang Huai today, now stood guard outside Xiao Li’s door. He pinched out small crumbs from half a steamed bun he hadn’t finished eating that he’d kept warm in his bosom to feed the sparrows who couldn’t find food in the harsh winter mountains.

Zhang Huai had instructed him that before Xiao Li woke, no one was permitted to come disturb him.

He guarded well, not only turning away several groups of people who came looking for Xiao Li, but after feeding several chirping sparrows perched on bare branches, he also drove away these bothersome birds.

This counterattack had lasted nearly half a month. All those who participated in the battle had not slept well during this time, often sleeping in their clothes while holding their blades, randomly finding places that could shield them from wind and snow to doze, ready at any moment to jump up and fight the raiding barbarians.

The fierce battle that had only ended last night had been deadlocked for two days and a night. Those who weren’t made of iron truly couldn’t have endured it.

Military physicians had come several times, seemingly wanting to take Xiao Li’s pulse, but since Xiao Li had always been a light sleeper, to avoid waking him, they too were blocked outside the door.

This morning, Tao Kui had tiptoed in to check on Xiao Li several times. He was indeed sleeping uneasily. Perhaps in his dreams he was also trapped in these past days of fierce fighting—his brow was always tightly furrowed, revealing a fierce aura.

But just as when Xiao Li had been struck by a poisoned arrow in Jinzhou, Tao Kui carefully searched out that silver-gray cloak that Xiao Li took everywhere but kept extremely well and had barely used, and draped it over him. It was as if he was separated from the outside world by some reassuring barrier—his tightly furrowed brow finally relaxed somewhat, and he fell into deep sleep.

Song Qin and Zheng Hu had participated in battle alongside Xiao Li. These past days they too had been exhausted. By this time, Tao Kui still hadn’t seen them.

Bored, he grabbed some accumulated snow from the steps and began making a snowman. Zhang Huai and a Wei general came over together. Learning that Xiao Li still hadn’t woken, the two lowered their voices to speak under the eaves.

The Wei general seemed very respectful toward Zhang Huai, “Please rest assured, Sir. For the righteous army soldiers who died in battle this time helping our North Wei resist the barbarians, the Wei camp will erect monuments for them all. The compensation funds for settling their families will also be delivered in full later…”

What followed involved military provisions and such, complex matters that Tao Kui couldn’t understand at all. But on the way here, the military advisor had said they wouldn’t let the righteous army soldiers fight this battle for nothing. The content being discussed surely wouldn’t disadvantage them.

No matter what Zhang Huai said, the Wei general humbly agreed to everything. Only at the end did he say, “But we still earnestly request that the Provincial Governor meet the Marquis once more.”

Zhang Huai’s expression was amiable, but his words showed no room for compromise, “The general should know that before our Provincial Governor came to aid Mount Yanle this time, he had already settled all accounts with your Wei clan. Previously when your Wei clan’s young master married, you also so earnestly invited our Provincial Governor to attend the wedding ceremony and personally bid farewell to your Marquis of Shuobian. What was the result?”

Speaking to this point, the corners of his lips curled with a trace of coldness, “You deceived our Provincial Governor into coming alone to the meeting, then imprisoned him, is that it? If we hadn’t rescued the Provincial Governor, and if not for the emergency at Mount Yanle, how did your Wei camp plan to treat our Provincial Governor?”

Wei Ang was deeply ashamed and said, “The Marquis also values Provincial Governor Xiao greatly. Learning that the Provincial Governor had concealed Princess Hanyang’s identity, he was thus so enraged. Forcing Provincial Governor Xiao to stay was also to continue the lord-minister father-son relationship. Who could have expected that the previous matter of having the righteous army guard Mount Yanle would, through an unfortunate series of events, create a rift, leaving no room for reconciliation? The Marquis’s heart is also filled with immense regret. Now that Provincial Governor Xiao has shown such great kindness to the northern border, the Marquis is grateful to Provincial Governor Xiao beyond measure—how could he make things difficult for Provincial Governor Xiao again?”

Tao Kui lowered his head, poking at the snowman he’d just built, somewhat irritably scratching his ear, not knowing whether he should remind them to move farther away to talk.

Just then, the door under the eaves was pulled open from inside.

Xiao Li’s stern brow and eyes still held some weariness from just waking and the fierceness brought down from the battlefield.

Tao Kui had just called out “Provincial Governor” when Zhang Huai and Wei Ang under the eaves also raised their hands in salute toward Xiao Li.

Zhang Huai asked, “Did we wake the Provincial Governor?”

Hearing this, Wei Ang felt even more apologetic and bowed his head.

Xiao Li didn’t respond, his cold brow and eyes looking directly at Wei Ang, “The righteous army’s aid to the northern border was for the common people of the northern border, nothing to do with your Wei camp. Your Marquis and I have nothing good left to discuss.”

Wei Ang hastily said, “General Liao has already passed away, and the Marquis was ambushed by that traitor Pei Song in Luodu…”

Thinking of Wei Qishan’s serious injuries, and how upon learning of Liao Jiang’s death he had coughed up blood and fallen ill, he said mournfully, “The Marquis wishes to see Provincial Governor Xiao this time—he must have words he wants to say to Provincial Governor Xiao. This subordinate earnestly requests the Provincial Governor to go see the Marquis…”

Having said this, he actually lifted his robe, about to kneel before Xiao Li.

Zhang Huai’s hands and eyes were quick—he supported him, shouting, “What is the general doing!”

But Zhang Huai was ultimately a civil official and couldn’t restrain Wei Ang, letting him kneel down like that. He said to Xiao Li with a choked voice, “This subordinate begs you, the Marquis… his health has been deteriorating recently. I fear…”

He couldn’t continue speaking, saying heavily, “If the Provincial Governor does not agree, this subordinate will remain kneeling here.”

Xiao Li fully received Wei Ang’s bow. His brow furrowed. When he raised his hand to help Wei Ang up, he finally said, “General Wei, please rise quickly. I will go see your Marquis.”

Only then did Wei Ang say with deep gratitude, “This subordinate thanks Provincial Governor Xiao.”

–

After Wei Qishan lost the battle at Luodu and suffered serious injuries, then learned of the changes in the northern border, Liao Jiang’s death had almost become the final straw that crushed his spirit.

However, with the northern border currently in a state of panic, he still needed to quickly return to Weizhou to take charge of the overall situation. He led the remaining ten thousand troops from his forces after fighting at Luodu to return. The matter of cooperating with the Liang camp to jointly attack Luodu and fight Pei Song was entrusted to Yuan Fang.

When Xiao Li led the righteous army south and saw him again, it was in Dingzhou.

Northern winds carried snow, clouds congealed for ten thousand miles.

Xiao Li entered the Protectorate General’s Office together with Song Qin, Zheng Hu, and over ten personal guards. Wei Xian came personally to welcome him, saying, “The Marquis has been waiting for Provincial Governor Xiao for a long time.”

Passing through three ornamental gates, servants throughout the residence withdrew to both sides with bowed heads in silence when they saw people. The entire Protectorate General’s Office seemed shrouded in a layer of heavy dark clouds.

After crossing corridors to the inner courtyard, the tiger guard armored soldiers guarding outside only then blocked Song Qin and his group from following.

Zheng Hu let out a dissatisfied cold snort from his nose.

Wei Xian said, “I trouble the generals to first go to the side hall for some tea and refreshments.”

Song Qin beside him said, “Thank you for the kind offer. We’ll just wait for the Provincial Governor right here.”

Anyone with eyes could see they feared a repeat of the previous incident when Xiao Li went alone to the Wei residence and was detained.

Wei Xian said nothing more, only bowed and led Xiao Li inside.

Lifting the door curtain, the rich medicinal smell from within surged out.

Wei Pingzin knelt before the bed in the inner room, attending to Wei Qishan taking his medicine. Wei Ang stepped forward and said, “My lord, Provincial Governor Xiao has arrived.”

Wei Qishan raised his hand to signal Wei Pingzin need not feed him medicine, saying, “You may go.”

Wei Pingzin held the medicine bowl still more than half full, anxiously calling out, “Father…”

He seemed to want to persuade Wei Qishan to take more medicine, but glancing at the outer room beyond the curtain, considering that Xiao Li was just outside, for the sake of face he ultimately didn’t continue to humbly plead. With a gloomy expression, he withdrew.

Shortly after, Wei Xian led Xiao Li in, lifting the curtain.

Wei Qishan instructed, “Offer a seat.”

Wei Xian brought over a huanghuali wood armchair placed against the wall, bowing as he invited Xiao Li to sit.

Xiao Li didn’t decline. After sitting, looking at the northern border’s fierce lord on the sickbed who seemed to have aged ten years all at once, he suddenly gained some understanding of the pain and oppression felt by Wei Ang and the other Wei generals.

The northern border seemed to be declining together with its master’s twilight years.

From these two battles at Mount Yanle and Luodu, the Wolf Cavalry had suffered more than half their losses, and they had lost another great general who guarded the passes. The entire Wei camp had suffered grievous damage.

Worse still, Wei Qishan was afflicted with both injury and illness—his physical condition looked far from good.

Once Wei Qishan had any mishap, even if the entire northern border didn’t immediately collapse into scattered sand, in the current chaotic situation, it probably couldn’t hold out much longer.

Wei Qishan sat leaning against soft pillows. Though his expression was still as stern as before, the weakness of approaching death had greatly diminished the dignity about his person.

After a coughing fit, he said, “That you could come brings this old man great comfort. For the northern border battle, many thanks…”

Xiao Li said, “The righteous army sons charged into battle for the common people of the northern border, nothing to do with the Wei camp.”

Having said this, he raised his head. Though the wildness and indomitability in his eyes were slightly restrained, their sharpness was even greater than before, “What does the Marquis seek from Xiao?”

Having his goodwill rejected so mercilessly, then hearing such distant tone, Wei Qishan’s eyes seemed to show some melancholy and complexity. After coughing and recovering somewhat, he felt under the pillow behind him and withdrew an object, handing it to him, “Keep this item with you from now on.”

The tiger tally that Wei Ang had just recently delivered to him—Xiao Li naturally recognized it.

After defeating the barbarians, he had returned the tiger tally to Wei Ang. With Liao Jiang deceased, presumably Wei Ang had someone deliver it along with the battle report.

Xiao Li didn’t accept it. Seeming to understand why Wei Qishan had called him here this time, he lowered his long eyes halfway and said, “I don’t need it.”

“Having met today, obligations are fulfilled. Let us part here.”

He stood, without the slightest lingering attachment, about to leave.

“You stop right there!” Wei Qishan seemed to suddenly become angry. After shouting that, he supported himself on the bed edge, coughing incessantly. Wei Xian beside him quickly stepped forward to help pat his back to ease his breathing, anxiously calling, “My lord…”

He also helped call out to Xiao Li, “Provincial Governor Xiao!”

Xiao Li stopped with his back turned.

After Wei Qishan recovered somewhat, he said to Wei Xian, “You also go out!”

Wei Xian was clearly worried about his lord, but also understanding his temperament, could only anxiously bow and withdraw.

After the door closed again, Wei Qishan seemed to resign himself to fate, looking at Xiao Li’s back and saying, “Must you make this old man beg you?”

He supported himself on the bed edge with difficulty trying to rise, “Well, then this old man will beg you…”

He was now so thin he was practically just a skeleton—getting out of bed was extremely difficult.

Xiao Li turned and held Wei Qishan down. His jawline was cold and hard, his lips pressed extremely tight, “The Marquis has countless wise ministers and excellent generals under him. You can surely select someone new who can wield this tiger tally. Xiao Li’s nature is wild and idle, his ambitions do not lie here. The Marquis favors me wrongly.”

He released his hand, about to rise.

But Wei Qishan grabbed him. This emaciated man’s grip on his hand at this moment was shockingly strong. He shouted, “The Wolf Cavalry are the foundation of my North Wei. Do you know what you’re refusing?”

Probably due to excessive emotion, he coughed violently for a while before having the strength to continue, “I also don’t need you to assist my unworthy son. Just spare his life and allow him to be a wealthy idle person in the future.”

This meant entrusting the entire northern border to him.

Xiao Li answered “I know,” then immediately stated still the same phrase, “The Marquis should seek someone more capable.”

Having spoken to this point and receiving such a refusal, Wei Qishan’s heart suddenly surged with irrepressible anger. He shouted, “Though her Hanyang’s reputation is now flourishing, it still cannot change the fact that back then, suspecting you, she wanted your life. You were willing to break with this old man for the over two thousand righteous army soldiers who died at Mount Yanle under your command. Now you don’t remember past grudges at all and want to turn and join her Liang camp?”

That Xiao Li had developed a rift with him and concealed Wen Yu’s identity with signs of defecting to the Liang camp—this was still a hurdle Wei Qishan couldn’t get past in his heart.

He seemed to question, “When has this old man ever treated you poorly? That so many of the righteous army died at Mount Yanle was absolutely not this old man’s intention. But her Liang camp truly and actually wanted your life! If you use this matter to say this old man cannot compare to her Hanyang, this old man refuses to accept it!”

Xiao Li said coldly, “If I go, I also won’t join her Liang camp.”

South of the northern border, the two largest forces remaining now were only Wen Yu and Pei Song.

His words meant he would lead the righteous army to establish his own independent force.

This answer made Wei Qishan’s heart feel somewhat better. He said between coughs and gasps, “Now the tripartite division of the realm has become fixed. This old man knows his days are numbered. After I am gone, North Wei will be surrounded by wolves on all sides. Perhaps it cannot hold out much longer either. But leading your subordinates in solitary combat, how much flesh can you carve from Pei Song?”

“After defeating Pei Song, when her Hanyang seeks to unify north and south, if you don’t bow as a minister and instead take up arms against her Liang camp, what name will you have before the world?”

Wei Qishan looked at Xiao Li, his gaze revealing infinite desolation, “You took pity on the common people of my northern border and led the righteous army to help guard Mount Yanle. Now you want to obstinately leave. In the future when my North Wei falls apart, unable to defend the land beneath our feet, when the common people again suffer war’s devastation and displacement, you may lead your forces back and righteously build your Xiao clan’s military force on my North Wei’s remains. But you lost so many soldiers today to save them from fire and flood—was it to watch them perish miserably in future warfare? What does this mean for those soldiers buried at Mount Yanle under your command?”

Xiao Li raised his sharp eyes, his cold tone implicitly mocking, “Is the Marquis trying to blame Xiao for the Wei camp’s future inability to defend the northern border?”

Wei Qishan admitted he had never been so embarrassed in his entire life. His eyes fully revealed dejection and desolation, “This old man is begging you… to take over North Wei.”

Once upon a time, he too had thought that as long as he paved the way for Wei Pingzin and left behind many wise ministers and capable generals, even if he couldn’t hold on, Wei Pingzin could still lead North Wei’s ministers to restore Jin.

But from this southern campaign, he finally clearly realized they couldn’t win.

Whether Pei Song or the Wen clan’s Hanyang, neither was someone Wei Pingzin could handle.

Once he was gone, North Wei would be devoured in an instant without even bone fragments remaining!

Not to mention whether Wei Pingzin’s mother and children and the Wei clan members would still have any way to survive.

Wei Qishan’s breathing was heavy, “For that thirty-five-year obsession, I have already done wrong. I cannot continue erring… letting subordinate generals die in vain.”

This was the best arrangement he could think of for the northern border and the Wei clan after these days of deep consideration, as the former lord of the northern border and as the helmsman of the Wei clan.

Rather than having Wei Pingzin walk this road of no return, dying senselessly in political machinations while the foundation he’d painstakingly built over thirty-plus years completely collapsed overnight, it would be better to select another person and let North Wei “live on” in another form.

Xiao Li remained unmoved, saying, “Since it’s for the sake of subordinate generals, why doesn’t the Marquis return to being a minister of Liang? Hanyang… may not necessarily pursue the matter of the Marquis restoring Jin.”

Wei Qishan shook his head, his eyes revealing the desolation and unwillingness accumulated over thirty-five years, “Thirty-five years ago, this old man retreated for the common people of the northern border, gaining today’s result… living beings suffering devastation, people without means of livelihood—it’s merely that this outcome arrived thirty-five years later. Then what meaning did this old man’s retreat back then have?”

His last phrase—it was unclear whom he was questioning. But in his eyes, there was clearly still ambition that had burned out yet still refused to be extinguished, as well as the bitter suffering from losing his beloved that year through retreat and spending half a lifetime in confusion.

“Until my wife’s death, she resented that I didn’t fight for her. When she took her own life, in her belly was even our daughter who was only months away from being born!” Speaking of this most heart-piercing past event, Wei Qishan’s eyes filled with pain, “Back then I could still say I submitted to the former Liang for so-called righteousness. Now this old man has personally witnessed the Wen clan’s rivers and mountains topple in an instant, knowing that what I submitted to back then was no enlightened ruler. To have this old man submit to the Wen clan again for the people of the northern border—how can this old man be willing? When I go underground, what face will I have to see my wife!”