That night, Cui Liang was explaining the Tianji Formation from the “Tianxuan Art of War” to Pei Yan, Ning Jianyu, and others. Cui Liang was naturally eloquent, and under his explanation, the complex and varied formations became extremely clear and understandable. Everyone in the tent listened intently, losing track of time. It wasn’t until the faint sound of drums signaling a shift change was heard outside that Cui Liang stopped speaking, and everyone was surprised to realize it was already the Zi hour (11 pm – 1 am).
Pei Yan stood up with a smile and said, “Zi Ming, thank you for your hard work. Tonight has truly been an eye-opening experience for us all.”
Ning Jianyu, unable to contain his curiosity, came over and patted Cui Liang’s left shoulder. “Zi Ming, why don’t we stay up all night talking? There are still a few points I don’t understand and would like to ask for your guidance.”
Xu Jun approached and added, “Why don’t we all join in? I have some questions too.”
Ning Jianyu pretended to kick him, saying, “You just love to join in on the fun. Go away! Zi Ming is mine tonight.”
Cui Liang hurriedly said, “Let’s do it another day. Xiao Ci is still in my tent, and I need to take care of her. If it weren’t for her risking her life to save me last night, I would have died at Yi Han’s hands.”
Xu Jun clicked his tongue and shook his head. “I didn’t expect that little girl to have such a heroic spirit. Not bad at all, much better than those coy young ladies from noble families. She’s truly worthy of being one of our Changfeng Cavalry!”
Pei Yan smiled and said, “I’ll walk Zi Ming back.”
As they neared Cui Liang’s military tent, Cui Liang stopped and said with a smile, “My Lord, please rest early.” Pei Yan looked around and said, “It seems Xiao Ci is asleep. Why don’t you come to my tent instead, Zi Ming?”
“I need to watch over her these two nights. When she was ill with the epidemic, she tested medicines on herself, which damaged her internal organs. She hasn’t fully recovered, and now she’s also wounded by a sword. If her high fever doesn’t subside in the next two days, it could be very dangerous.”
Pei Yan’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly took two steps forward, lifting the tent flap to enter. Cui Liang lit a candle with a “whoosh,” and Pei Yan crouched down, feeling Jiang Ci’s forehead as she slept deeply. “She’s burning up.”
He suddenly felt a slight pain in his heart. Cui Liang wrung out a wet cloth and placed it on Jiang Ci’s forehead. Pei Yan suddenly sat up straight and grasped Jiang Ci’s left wrist, channeling his purest internal energy along her three Yin meridians of the hand. It circulated within her body for several cycles, flowing continuously.
Cui Liang quickly took out acupuncture needles and inserted them into Jiang Ci’s relevant acupoints. Jiang Ci let out a soft “mm” in her sleep but didn’t open her eyes, remaining in deep slumber. When he felt her internal energy stabilize somewhat, Pei Yan released her left wrist and looked at her for a moment before saying, “Thinking back now, last night was truly dangerous.”
“Indeed. If it weren’t for Xiao Ci, I’d be in the underworld by now,” Cui Liang said with a bitter smile, his gaze full of pity as he looked at Jiang Ci. “Sometimes I feel she’s even braver than many men. My Lord, you don’t know, but when we were trying to find a cure for the epidemic, I tried many different formulas. Xiao Ci would be in so much pain after testing the medicines that even Military Doctor Ling and the others couldn’t bear to watch, but she would still turn around and comfort us.”
Hearing this, Pei Yan was stunned into silence. After a long while, he said, “She has changed a lot.”
“Really?” Cui Liang shook his head gently. “I feel that her pure and kind nature has never changed. My Lord, you don’t understand her well enough.”
Pei Yan removed the wet cloth from Jiang Ci’s forehead and dipped it in cool water again. Cui Liang quickly said, “Let me do it.”
Pei Yan remained silent, wrung out the wet cloth, and gently placed it on Jiang Ci’s forehead. Jiang Ci moved slightly and seemed to say something, her voice extremely soft and unclear. Cui Liang didn’t hear it clearly and called out, “Xiao Ci.” But Jiang Ci remained in deep sleep.
Cui Liang looked up and saw an unusual expression on Pei Yan’s face. It seemed to have a hint of sadness he had never seen before, yet also a trace of anger and unwillingness.
“Wu Xia, let’s go back—”
Pei Yan suddenly stood up and left the tent. All the lights in the camp seemed very distant, with only this sentence echoing endlessly in his ears.
The next day, as the Huan army remained behind their defenses and didn’t come out, Pei Yan ordered the Changfeng Guards at noon to summon all the commanders to gather in the main tent. When Ning Jianyu and the others entered the main tent, they were slightly taken aback. They saw Pei Yan sitting solemnly behind the long table, his armor gleaming, with a serious expression. The purple jade commander’s seal was placed on the table.
Pei Yan was usually friendly and easygoing, often discussing military matters with everyone in a jovial manner. Seeing this current situation made everyone feel a bit tense, and they quickly stood at attention according to their military ranks.
When everyone had arrived, Pei Yan said to An Lu, “Go and invite Inspector Wei.”
Wei Zhao entered the tent a moment later. Seeing the situation inside, he paused briefly at the tent entrance. Pei Yan looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly, and said in a calm voice, “Inspector, please be seated.”
A Changfeng Guard brought over a chair, and Wei Zhao gave Pei Yan a slight bow before sitting down with composure.
As Pei Yan was about to speak, his peripheral vision caught sight of the embroidered peach blossom on Wei Zhao’s waist, which stung his eyes. The brief silence made everyone in the tent feel uneasy. Finally, Pei Yan spoke slowly, “From today onwards, the entire army will familiarize themselves with the ‘Tianji Formation.'”
He turned to Cui Liang with a smile and said, “I’ll trouble you with this task, Zi Ming.”
Cui Liang distributed the formation diagrams and annotations he had copied and drawn overnight to all the commanders. Pei Yan said, “This formation will be used for an important battle against the Huan army and will require several days of practice. All commanders are to follow Zi Ming’s orders and lead their troops in mastering the formation.” He paused briefly and continued, “This matter is to be known only to those present in this tent. Anyone who leaks this information will be executed without mercy!”
The commanders bowed and responded in unison, their voices creating a muffled thunder in the tent. Wei Zhao sat in his chair with a calm expression, not saying a word.
After another moment of silence, Pei Yan turned to Cui Liang and said, “Military Advisor.”
“Yes, sir.”
“May I ask the Military Advisor, according to military law, how should we deal with those who violate orders or disobey the Military Advisor’s commands on the battlefield?”
Cui Liang understood in his heart but felt somewhat troubled. Nevertheless, he could only answer, “Disobeying orders and commands on the battlefield is the gravest offense. Anyone who commits such an act shall be executed without mercy.”
“Did you all hear that?” Pei Yan’s voice carried a hint of severity.
The commanders, intimidated by his stern authority, made their armor clank as they knelt on one knee in unison, saying, “We humbly obey!”
A cold smile slowly crept onto Wei Zhao’s lips. He rose, clasping his hands behind his back, and said calmly, “Wei Zhao violated military orders yesterday and accidentally injured several Changfeng Cavalry brothers. I now request the Marquis to deal with me according to military law.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Pei Yan said with a calm expression. “Inspector Wei represents the Emperor’s dignity. My words were not intended to target you, sir.”
Wei Zhao’s gaze slowly swept across everyone in the tent, then fixed deeply on Pei Yan before he strode out of the tent.
Everyone felt that there was something unusual about Pei Yan and Wei Zhao today. Seeing Wei Zhao leave the tent, they all secretly breathed a sigh of relief. However, not even a moment later, Wei Zhao returned to the main tent.
The commanders turned their heads to see Wei Zhao holding the Dragon Coiled Sword with both hands. They quickly knelt again. Pei Yan frowned slightly and reluctantly rose from behind the table. Just as he was about to kneel, Wei Zhao placed the Dragon Coiled Sword next to the purple jade commander’s seal and knelt on one knee before the long table. He said coldly, “Wei Zhao has violated military orders and now temporarily surrenders the Emperor’s sword, requesting the Commander-in-Chief to deal with me according to military law.”
Wei Zhao’s words shocked everyone in the tent except for three people. Wei Zhao was known throughout the land for his arrogance and insolence, relying on imperial favor. Rumors said that he never knelt or bowed even in the presence of the Crown Prince. Over the past few months, people either avoided him or showed him some respect seeing how well he got along with the Marquis. Although they privately praised his exceptional martial arts skills, deep down, they still harbored some contempt and disdain for him. Now, seeing him act in such a manner, their views of him changed.
Pei Yan lowered his head without speaking, slowly sitting back behind the long table. He stared at Wei Zhao for a while, a faint smile appearing on his face, and called out, “Inspector Wei.”
“Present.”
“Inspector Wei violated military orders on the battlefield, which should be dealt with according to military law. However, as you are the Imperial Inspector representing the Emperor’s dignity, your status is noble. Moreover, you are not part of our Changfeng Cavalry and have never served in the military before, so you may not be familiar with military regulations. This is understandable. While a severe punishment can be avoided, a minor disciplinary action cannot be escaped.”
“Wei Zhao willingly accepts the punishment.”
Pei Yan pondered for a moment and said, “If that’s the case, I shall punish Inspector Wei for three days of confinement in your tent, not allowed to take a single step outside.”
Wei Zhao didn’t respond, but suddenly stood up, bowed slightly to Pei Yan, then lifted the Dragon Coiled Sword with both hands and left the tent.
Cui Liang smiled and said, “If any of you have questions about the formation, feel free to ask me.”
The others came back to their senses, and seeing Pei Yan’s expression returned to normal, they gathered around Cui Liang once again.
That day, Jiang Ci was feverish and confused, sleeping for an entire day, too weak to get up. As darkness fell outside the tent, she still hadn’t seen that person’s figure. Lying on her mat, she alternated between silently calling his name in her heart and worrying about him acting rashly on the battlefield. Her heart was in turmoil, rising and falling like tangled threads.
As she was lost in her thoughts, someone lifted the tent flap and entered. The tent was unlit, and Jiang Ci was still a bit dazed. She opened her mouth to call out, “Wu—” Instantly realizing her mistake, she swallowed the rest of the word.
Pei Yan’s smile froze slightly, but he walked closer and lit a candle, saying gently, “Are you feeling better?”
Jiang Ci replied flatly, “A bit better.”
Pei Yan reached out to feel her forehead and frowned, saying, “Why does it seem even hotter than yesterday?”
“It’s not serious. Dr. Cui said I would have a fever for two days,” Jiang Ci said softly. “My Lord is busy with military affairs. I feel guilty that you’ve come to visit personally. Please go back and rest early.”
Pei Yan smiled slightly, “You saved my Military Advisor, which is like saving the entire Changfeng Cavalry. It’s only right that I come to visit.” As he spoke, he wrung out a wet cloth and placed it on Jiang Ci’s forehead.
He asked gently, “Have you eaten anything?”
Jiang Ci, hoping he would leave soon, quickly said, “Yes, I have.”
“What did you eat?”
Jiang Ci hesitated for a moment and said, “Xiao Tian brought me some porridge.”
“Plain porridge?”
“Mm-hmm.”
Pei Yan smiled, “That won’t do. You need something to nourish your qi and blood. I’ve ordered some chicken porridge to be prepared. It will be sent over soon.”
Jiang Ci, unable to raise her hand, quickly shook her head and said, “There’s no need—ah!” As she shook her head, the wet cloth on her forehead slid down, covering her eyes.
Pei Yan quickly removed the wet cloth, but some water had already gotten on Jiang Ci’s eyelashes, causing discomfort. She blinked her eyes rapidly several times.
The fever made her face particularly flushed, and her frantic blinking reminded Pei Yan of the time in the Western Garden of the Marquis’ mansion when medicinal oil had gotten into her eyes. He felt like laughing but couldn’t bring himself to do so. Instead, he wrung out the wet cloth thoroughly and gently wiped away the water droplets from her eyelashes.
Jiang Ci, however, was preoccupied with thoughts of that person, fearing he might come and encounter Pei Yan. She looked at Pei Yan and said softly, “My Lord, I want to sleep now.”
“Go ahead and sleep,” Pei Yan said, taking out a book from behind him and smiling. “Zi Ming is in my tent explaining military tactics to them, and it’s quite noisy. I’ll read a book here for some peace. I won’t disturb you.”
Jiang Ci was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, “But My Lord, I have a habit. I can’t sleep with even the slightest candlelight.”
“Is that so?” Pei Yan waved his right hand, extinguishing the candle. In the darkness, he smiled faintly, “That’s fine. I was planning to practice my qi cultivation anyway. We won’t disturb each other.”
Jiang Ci resigned, decided to be straightforward, and said, “My Lord, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you to leave. I… I need to relieve myself.”
Memories from half a year ago in Qinghe Town suddenly flooded Pei Yan’s mind. After a moment of silence, he said flatly, “Sect Leader Xiao won’t be coming tonight.”
Jiang Ci was startled. Pei Yan let out a light laugh, tinged with bitterness. After laughing, he stood up and said, “Don’t try to deceive me again like before, saying Sect Leader Xiao is trying to assassinate you.” With that, he quickly lifted the tent flap and left.
The next day, Jiang Ci’s fever had subsided somewhat, and she had enough strength to move around. She waited anxiously until nightfall, then left Cui Liang’s military tent and quietly made her way to Wei Zhao’s tent.
Wei Zhao was sitting by the lamp, reading a book. When he saw her enter, he quickly flashed over, carried her to the inner tent, and laid her down on the bamboo couch. He felt her forehead, his fine eyebrows furrowing slightly as he spoke with a reproachful tone, “Your fever hasn’t broken yet. Why are you wandering around?”
Jiang Ci felt a bit wronged and looked at him with her lips pursed, her eyes shimmering slightly. Wei Zhao smiled and said softly, “I can’t leave the tent for these three days.”
Jiang Ci was delighted and said, “Then you won’t have to go to the battlefield?”
Wei Zhao was momentarily speechless. He held her left wrist and infused his true qi. Jiang Ci felt at ease and said softly, “Wu Xia.”
“Mm.”
“A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years.”
Wei Zhao gazed into her eyes, which were as clear as autumn waters and as dark as ink, filled with tenderness and anticipation. His heart warmed, and he replied softly, “Don’t worry.” He then added with a playful smile, “If I were to act impulsively again, and the Young Lord punished me by confining me here for life, what would we do?”
Jiang Ci, understanding the situation, couldn’t help but laugh. “Then I’ll break the military orders too and have him punish me to be confined with you for a lifetime.”
“And if he separates us and confines us for life?” Wei Zhao asked.
Jiang Ci thought for a moment and then said with a smile, “Then we’ll dig a secret tunnel and meet secretly every day.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and Wei Zhao couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
As they laughed, Wei Zhao’s expression suddenly changed. He let go of Jiang Ci’s hand and quickly moved to the outer tent, resuming his seat. Outside, Pei Yan’s calm voice could be heard, “Third Brother.”
“Lord Duke, please come in.” Wei Zhao turned a page of his book with composure.
Pei Yan entered the tent with a smile and shook his head slightly. “Third Brother is still angry with me?”
“Not at all.” Wei Zhao cast a sidelong glance at him, still reclining in his chair and reading. He said casually, “I should be thanking the Duke for sparing my life.”
Pei Yan laughed heartily and sat down. “I should thank Third Brother for cooperating with me in this act. You should know, this ‘Tian Ji Formation’ is crucial for the most important battle. We can’t let those little monkeys realize how formidable it is—”
Wei Zhao interrupted calmly, “There’s no need for the Young Lord to explain. I prefer the peace here and wouldn’t mind being confined a few more days.”
“Is that so? It seems the military camp is even more comfortable than my central army tent,” Pei Yan said with a smile, standing up and heading towards the inner tent. Wei Zhao’s figure flashed and blocked his path.
The two men stared at each other, neither yielding. Pei Yan’s smile remained, while Wei Zhao’s gaze was cold and unyielding. After a moment, both men heard a faint cough from within the inner tent—Jiang Ci, trying hard to stifle it.
Wei Zhao, knowing Pei Yan’s keen hearing would have detected Jiang Ci’s breathing as soon as he entered, smiled at Pei Yan and walked into the inner tent. He found Jiang Ci about to lie down and gently stopped her, saying, “Rest here. Don’t move around.”
Jiang Ci smiled at him gently. “I’d prefer to return to my tent. You and the Duke have matters to discuss. I’ll get better faster if I go back and sleep.”
“Very well.” Wei Zhao helped her to her feet. As Jiang Ci passed by Pei Yan, she didn’t look at him but gave a slight bow. Once she had gone, Wei Zhao turned to Pei Yan with a smile. “Young Lord, please have a seat.”
Pei Yan maintained a smile as he replied, “I won’t disturb Third Brother’s rest. Farewell.”
“Take care, Young Lord,” Wei Zhao said.
To the left was Jiang Ci’s tent, and to the right was the central army tent.
Under the camp’s lights, Jiang Ci’s slender figure gradually disappeared into the distance. Pei Yan stood silently for a moment before turning right towards the central army tent.
Inside the central army tent, Cui Liang continued explaining the Tian Ji Formation to the generals. His voice was clear, “You have all seen whirlpools in flowing water. The ‘Tian Ji Formation’ draws its meaning from the endless flow of water. Each formation is like concentric ripples, cutting off the enemy forces. And within these ripples is the core of the formation, akin to a whirlpool.”
Pei Yan stood at the entrance of the tent, hands clasped behind his back, his lips pressed together as he listened silently.
“Once the power of the whirlpool is formed, it will engulf everything. This immense force generated by the rotation is unstoppable—”