Jiang Ci followed Physician Ling, busily attending to the increasing number of injured soldiers being brought in. Just as she was caught up in the chaos, someone burst into the tent, shouting, “Physician Ling, hurry to the main tent! General Ning has been injured!”
The tent erupted into a flurry of activity. Both the military doctors and the wounded were momentarily stunned. Jiang Ci was the first to react, tugging at Physician Ling’s sleeve. Realizing the urgency, Physician Ling grabbed his medical kit and rushed outside. Jiang Ci noticed he had dropped some emergency supplies and hurried to catch up with him.
At the entrance of the main tent, a crowd of Longfeng Cavalry soldiers had gathered. Chen An and Tong Min stood guard at the entrance, blocking the way. When they saw Physician Ling rushing over, they opened the tent flap just enough for him to slip inside. Jiang Ci followed closely behind, and Tong Min hesitated for a moment before allowing her in as well, noticing the medical supplies in her hands.
Physician Ling dashed into the inner tent, his voice trembling as he asked, “Where is he hurt? Quickly, clear the way!”
In front of the bed in the inner tent, several people were gathered. Without taking a moment to assess the situation, Physician Ling pushed through, exclaiming, “Clear out! Where is he hurt?!”
As he leaned down to see the person on the bed, he froze. A familiar voice rang in his ears, “Uncle Ling!”
Turning his head, he was momentarily speechless. Pei Yan smiled and said, “Uncle Ling, it’s been a long time.”
Ning Jianyu, with his upper body exposed, sat beside the bed, watching as Cui Liang stitched up Xu Jun’s knife wound at his waist. He remarked, “Uncle Ling, you should scold Xu Jun later. This guy risked his life to bring me back.”
Physician Ling set down his medical kit and leaned in for a closer look. After glancing at Cui Liang, he picked up his kit again and started to leave. Pei Yan quickly stopped him, saying, “Uncle Ling, Jianyu is also injured. Please take a look at him.”
“You have a divine doctor here, and you still want me, this old man, to do the work?” Physician Ling retorted.
Pei Yan, knowing his temperament, smiled but discreetly signaled to Ning Jianyu. Understanding the cue, Ning Jianyu suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!” and fell backward.
Physician Ling shot Pei Yan a glare before stepping over to Ning Jianyu’s side. Noticing the faint bloodstains on his chest, he quickly asked, “Arrow wound?”
Ning Jianyu grunted a couple of times, “Yes, that old man from Boyun Mountain is strong. He must have used all his strength for that arrow. If it weren’t for Ziming giving me this soft armor, I would have been in real trouble.”
Physician Ling gave him a light tap on the head, scolding, “If you don’t take care of your life to marry my daughter, I’ll skin you alive!”
Ning Jianyu chuckled, “Sister Yun doesn’t have me in her heart; she only thinks of our family—” He looked up and saw Pei Yan’s expression, quickly swallowing the rest of his words.
Physician Ling examined Ning Jianyu’s arrow wound carefully. Knowing that the soft armor had protected him, the arrowhead had only penetrated a little over half an inch, causing only a flesh wound, which was not serious. He opened his medical kit, and someone beside him handed over some soft gauze and medicinal alcohol. Looking up, he saw it was Jiang Ci.
Physician Ling smiled, dipping the gauze in the medicinal alcohol and applying it to Ning Jianyu’s chest wound. Ning Jianyu grimaced and suddenly cried out in pain, startling Jiang Ci, who was standing nearby.
Physician Ling was also taken aback. Pei Yan chuckled softly, “If you’re going to act, at least do it properly. That was quite a loud shout.”
Ning Jianyu huffed, “It’s not easy for me to put on this act. The Marquis doesn’t even compliment me.”
Pei Yan’s gaze flicked to Wei Zhao, smiling as she said, “I wonder if Boyun Mountain will fall for it, thinking Jianyu is seriously injured and that the Longfeng Cavalry is leaderless, unable to hold back and launching a full-scale attack.”
Wei Zhao leaned back in his chair, casually trimming his nails with a small knife, not bothering to look up. His tone was relaxed, “Though Boyun Mountain can be a bit violent, he’s not reckless. Just look at the effort he’s put into dealing with the Emperor these past few years; this man is quite cunning. Whether our baiting strategy will succeed is still uncertain.”
Cui Liang applied herbs to Xu Jun’s waist, laughing, “Jianyu performed well in the front lines, Xu Jun saved him well, and the formation of the Longfeng Cavalry brothers is quite impressive. Today, I’ve witnessed the reputation of the Longfeng Cavalry firsthand and am truly convinced.”
Ning Jianyu raised his head, grinning proudly, “Of course! The reputation of our Longfeng Cavalry isn’t just for show; it’s all thanks to the brothers who fight bravely on the battlefield—” His gaze landed on Wei Zhao, who was lazily leaning back, still trimming his nails. The sight of him, exuding a languid charm, reminded Ning Jianyu of the rumors he had heard, and he couldn’t help but show a look of disgust.
Wei Zhao paused his movements, slowly looking up to meet Ning Jianyu’s gaze, the smile on his lips fading. Ning Jianyu let out a barely audible huff and turned to Pei Yan, smiling as he said, “Marquis, remember that bloody battle we had at Qilin Mountain? It was truly exhilarating. If we can take down Boyun Mountain this time—”
Wei Zhao’s grip on the knife turned icy. Seeing that Pei Yan was still looking in his direction, he forced a smile that appeared somewhat stiff.
Jiang Ci stood to the side, clearly noticing the disgust on Ning Jianyu’s face. She suddenly recalled the day she stood on Luofeng Beach, seeing Wei Zhao in blood-stained white, and remembered how the Moonfall clan treated him with reverence like a deity. Her heart ached, and her gaze softened as she looked at Wei Zhao.
When their eyes met, Wei Zhao’s grip on the knife tightened, and the last trace of his smile vanished completely.
Jiang Ci sensed a stubbornness and hurt in his eyes, piercing her heart like a sharp blade, making her feel even sadder. Yet, she continued to look at him gently, shaking her head slightly.
Pei Yan withdrew his gaze from Wei Zhao and looked at Jiang Ci. He hadn’t heard what Ning Jianyu had said, but he casually responded with a few “ohs,” while his hands, which were clasped behind his back, slowly tightened into fists.
“Alright, we’ve managed to save General Xu’s life,” Cui Liang said, straightening up, beads of sweat on his forehead.
Jiang Ci came to her senses, smiled at Wei Zhao, and turned to fetch a basin of clean water. Cui Liang washed his hands, and Physician Ling had already treated Ning Jianyu’s wound. He then looked at Xu Jun’s waist and asked Cui Liang, “Who is your teacher?”
Cui Liang merely smiled and did not answer. Pei Yan quickly changed the subject, addressing Physician Ling, “Uncle Ling, after you go out, please don’t reveal the truth. Just say Jianyu is seriously injured and unconscious.”
Jiang Ci brought over another basin of clean water. Physician Ling washed his hands and coldly said, “I won’t act; I’ll just pretend to be mute.” With that, he strode out of the tent.
Outside, the Longfeng Cavalry soldiers were anxiously waiting. Earlier, hearing their commander’s cry of pain had left them terrified. When they saw Physician Ling emerge from the tent, they rushed over. Physician Ling wore a pained expression, sighed deeply, and shook his head as he hurried away.
Jiang Ci tidied up the supplies and was about to leave the tent when Cui Liang handed her a piece of paper. “Xiao Ci, follow the prescription on this paper to prepare the medicine and bring it over immediately.”
“Okay.” Jiang Ci tucked the prescription into her clothes, turned around, and their eyes met again. Wei Zhao’s expression was blank as he turned away.
Most of the herbs on the prescription were unfamiliar to Jiang Ci, so she had to ask Physician Ling for clarification. After looking over the prescription, Physician Ling remained silent for a long time but patiently taught Jiang Ci how to identify the herbs and reminded her of the precautions while preparing the medicine before he went back to treat the wounded.
Due to Deputy General Xu Jun’s refusal to obey orders, the Longfeng Cavalry suffered heavy casualties, and Commander Ning Jianyu was gravely injured. If it weren’t for the Longfeng Cavalry’s practiced formation and Chen An leading a daring charge, they might not have been able to save these two.
Upon hearing that General Ning was gravely injured and unconscious, the mood in the army was heavy. Yet, a sense of morale emerged, as they vowed to defend the past to the death and fight the Boyun army to the end. Chen An, filled with righteous fury, personally led elite troops to challenge the enemy at the pass, angrily cursing Boyun Mountain for using underhanded tactics and demanding the old thief come out for a decisive battle. However, the Boyun army remained remarkably calm, with no commanders stepping forward to respond.
At the hour of the dog, dark clouds covered the moon, and a strong wind began to rise, signaling an impending storm.
In the Boyun army camp, the tents stretched endlessly. Inside the main tent, Chunyu Li spoke softly, “My lord, according to the stars, this rain may last for three or four days. We need not think about the situation at Xiao Jing River.”
Boyun Mountain closed his eyes, leaning back in his chair, his right hand lightly tapping on the long table. After a long pause, he said softly, “Changhua.”
“Yes,” Chunyu Li replied, slightly bowing.
“What do you think, which play is Ning Jianyu performing today?”
A handsome young man emerged from the inner tent, carrying a basin of water. He knelt gently at Boyun Mountain’s feet, carefully removing his boots and socks, then skillfully soaking his feet in the medicinal water, pressing on various acupoints.
Chunyu Li pondered for a moment and said, “If we count the days, if Pei Yan hasn’t gone to Hexi Prefecture, he should be at Niubi Mountain by now.”
“Hmm, but did he go to Hexi Prefecture or come to Niubi Mountain?”
“Hard to say. Pei Yan is as cunning as a fox, adept at schemes, making it difficult to predict where he is now.” Chunyu Li mused, “If Pei Yan went to Hexi Prefecture, Ning Jianyu would hold his ground, buying time for Pei Yan to win on the western front before coming to support. But if Pei Yan came to Niubi Mountain, he must want to settle things quickly and then return to attack Hexi.”
“Hmm.” Boyun Mountain found the foot massage quite comfortable, letting out a long sigh of relief as he said slowly, “If Pei Yan is here, then Ning Jianyu’s injury today is likely a baiting strategy. But if—”
Chunyu Li, knowing his temperament, quickly interjected, “If Pei Yan doesn’t come here, then Ning Jianyu’s injury presents us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Moreover, Xu Jun is also gravely injured, and the Longfeng Cavalry is led by Chen An, who has always been a bit of a fool, young and impulsive. As long as we employ a little strategy, we need not worry about him falling for it. If we can take Niubi Mountain, we can seize Hexi Prefecture before Huan Jun arrives and also wipe out the forces south of Xiao Jing River.”
Boyun Mountain’s fingers tapped lightly on the table as he fell into deep thought.
The young man lifted Boyun Mountain’s feet from the medicinal water, gently drying them, and remained kneeling on the ground, lowering his head. He slowly opened his mouth and took Boyun Mountain’s toes into his mouth, sucking gently.
Boyun Mountain found the sensation extremely pleasant and patted the young man’s head. Chunyu Li, already aware of his lord’s peculiarities, was not surprised and smiled as he said, “I wonder how much inner strength you used for that arrow today, my lord?”
“Ten percent.”
“It seems that Ning Jianyu’s injury is genuine.”
“Hmm, the only ones who can escape my full-strength arrow are Pei Yan and Yi Han. Even if he wears protective soft armor, he must be seriously injured, unless he has the rumored ‘Golden Thread Armor.’” Boyun Mountain replied.
“The Fish Master’s lineage has long since gone extinct. Whether the ‘Golden Thread Armor’ truly exists is unknown, and the likelihood is slim. Ning Jianyu must be seriously injured.”
Boyun Mountain nodded, “The injury is real, but the question is whether it’s a feigned injury or something else. We need to think carefully.”
Chunyu Li began to understand his thoughts and suggested, “Why not wait and see?”
Boyun Mountain opened his eyes and smiled, “His injury won’t heal anytime soon. Whether it’s a feigned injury or not, he’s anxious, while we are not. As for how to observe and deduce, Changhua is an expert; I need not say more.”
Chunyu Li smiled, “Yes, I understand, my lord. You should rest early; I will take my leave.”
Boyun Mountain chuckled, “Changhua, you’ve been by my side for fifteen years, haven’t you?”
“Yes, Chunyu Li is grateful for your lordship’s favor and has not dared to forget for a moment,” Chunyu Li replied respectfully.
“You are talented and wise, yet you have suffered harm from treacherous people, unable to achieve fame. This is heaven’s will for you to assist me in my army. If we succeed in our great endeavor, Changhua will surely be a prime minister.”
Chunyu Li hurriedly bowed, saying, “I will do everything to repay your lordship’s great kindness.”
Boyun Mountain smiled, “There’s no need for such formalities, Changhua. Go and check on Xu Jun’s injury. This kid fights for his life, and he truly is—”
“Yes.”
Chunyu Li exited the tent, and Boyun Mountain withdrew his left foot from the young man’s mouth. He placed his right hand on the young man’s head, gently stroking his dark hair. The young man appeared somewhat flustered but dared not move.
Boyun Mountain chuckled, and the young man secretly sighed in relief, whispering, “A Liu will attend to your lordship’s rest.”
Boyun Mountain responded with a soft “mm,” and the young man, A Liu, helped him put on cloth shoes as they entered the inner tent together.
A Liu carefully helped him remove his robe and then fetched a tray from the side. Boyun Mountain picked up the ropes and whip from the tray. A Liu struggled to control his trembling body as he knelt beside the bed, slowly removing his clothing.
Inside the tent, the candles burned brightly, illuminating the scars on A Liu’s back, resembling a giant centipede. Upon seeing those scars, Boyun Mountain grew increasingly excited, a hint of bloodlust appearing in his eyes. He raised the whip in his hand, and A Liu let out a pained groan but remained kneeling beside the bed, his fingers tightly gripping his knees, his gaze fixed on the ground. There, a blood-stained silk handkerchief lay quietly in the dust, the jade flower embroidered on it now stained a dark brown.
Blood slowly seeped from A Liu’s back and knees. Boyun Mountain leaned down, lifting A Liu onto the bed, sucking at the crimson blood. The scent of blood reminded him of the thrill of years spent on the battlefield. He bound A Liu’s hands to a wooden post at the foot of the bed, and the sound of the whip echoed again. A Liu’s slender body twisted on the bed, blood trailing down his back. Boyun Mountain’s dark face flushed with a hint of red as he leaned down, tightening his grip on A Liu’s shoulders. A Liu felt intense pain in his shoulders but still turned back to smile shyly. Boyun Mountain was extremely pleased, continuing to suck at the blood and biting down hard on A Liu’s right shoulder, murmuring, “A Liu is the best. Those other kids are useless, only fit to have their skulls cracked.”
A Liu lowered his eyelids, hiding the hatred in his eyes, softly saying, “That’s because they lack the fortune to receive your lordship’s favor.”
Boyun Mountain laughed even more heartily, gasping, “Indeed, you are a fortunate child. Once I conquer this land and subdue your Moonfall clan, I will let you return home, specifically to help me find some clever children, preferably like you.”
A Liu moaned, “A Liu will do everything your lordship says, hoping to share in your lordship’s blessings once your great endeavor is accomplished.”
Inside the tent, Boyun Mountain’s rhythmic snoring soon filled the air. A Liu quietly slipped off the bed, his expression blank as he dressed, his bare feet making no sound as he stepped out of the main tent.
He turned into a small tent not far from the main one. Upon entering, a younger boy rushed over to support him, tears streaming down his face. A Liu coldly glanced at him, saying, “What are you crying for?! Are you still a man?”
The boy felt a heart-wrenching pain but dared not cry any longer. He forced himself to fetch some clean water, took the medicinal alcohol, and carefully cleaned A Liu’s whip wounds on his back, whispering, “Brother A Liu, let’s escape.”
A Liu smiled faintly, his tone calm, “Escape? Where to?”
“Back to Moonfall. Didn’t the Holy Leader lead the clan to drive away the Hua army? We don’t have to worry about being sent back to that beast’s side.” The boy’s words grew more passionate as he looked at A Liu with hope.
A Liu gazed outside the tent, sighed softly, and wrapped his right arm around the boy, gently saying, “A Yuan, just endure a little longer. Brother A Liu will protect you. One day, the Holy Leader will send someone to bring us back.”
A Yuan silently sobbed, leaning against A Liu’s embrace, slowly falling asleep.
Inside the tent, the candlelight flickered as it burned down to the end. A Liu placed A Yuan on the felt mat, gazing at his youthful face. He gently took out a silver bracelet from a nearby cloth pouch, clutching it tightly to his chest. Tears finally streamed down his cheeks as he murmured, “Mother, Sister—”
—