The old man in hemp clothing departed.
Wei Shao suddenly remembered.
This elder was likely the Mohist transmitter Wang Baishi whom Gongsun Yang had mentioned to him one night when they encountered each other atop Tan Terrace in Xindu.
Wei Shao was surprised to have unexpectedly met him here.
However, after the initial surprise, he didn’t take Wang Baishi’s parting words to heart.
He never believed in Purple Star Astrology or the concept of Heaven’s Mandate.
From the moment he witnessed his father and brothers die in battle at age twelve, he believed only in self-preservation through strength and awe-inspiring power to make others submit.
Everything else was a mere illusion. Throughout history, many have used claims of divine destiny to create grand reputations and win people’s hearts. How many of them became emperors?
However, since he aspired to rule the world and the situation had developed to this point, he no longer intended to hide his ambitions or continue the charade of being a loyal Han subject while maintaining his position as the hegemon of the North.
Wei Shao stood lost in thought for a moment, then turned and mounted his horse to leave.
Behind him, the people, reluctant to see him go, chased after him. Unable to catch up, they knelt and bowed to bid him farewell.
After getting on the road, Wei Shao galloped towards Jiuli Pass.
This detour and delay meant that he would reach Jiuli Pass tomorrow at the earliest.
Xiao Qiao had likely already passed through and entered Lingbi.
Leiyao and the other attendants were delighted to see their lord unintentionally win people’s hearts. Although his influence hadn’t reached the Huai River yet, his reputation would surely spread in that region henceforth.
Wei Shao, however, felt somewhat anxious. He made no further stops along the way. Early the next day, he returned to the main road. As he approached the vicinity of Xiao, he suddenly saw a military contingent approaching from the opposite direction on the highway, with banners fluttering and dust rising. As they drew closer, he could make out a large “Yang” character written in the center of the wind-blown flags. Recognizing it as Yang Xin’s troops, he spurred his horse forward.
Yang Xin led his troops at the front. Seeing a group of about a dozen riders approaching from the opposite direction without avoiding the main army was highly unusual. Suspecting a trap, he cautiously ordered his troops to halt while he observed with his retinue. As the other party drew near, he saw a young man with a dignified expression at the lead, looking straight at him with an imposing demeanor. As Yang Xin hesitated, about to inquire, he heard someone from behind the young man call out loudly: “Are you Governor Yang Xin of Yangzhou? I am Leiyao, deputy general under the Marquis of Yan from Youzhou. My lord is here!”
Although Yang Xin had previously allied with Wei Shao to catch Xue Tai off guard, he had never personally met the northern lord Wei Shao. He had only heard that Wei Shao was young, in his twenties, and of outstanding appearance. Focusing his gaze, he saw the young man looking at him with a slight smile and nodding in greeting. Overjoyed, Yang Xin dismounted and hurried forward to meet him.
Wei Shao also dismounted, and the two greeted each other on the road. Yang Xin offered a series of compliments, saying he had long heard of the Marquis of Yan’s great reputation and felt honored to finally meet him in person.
Wei Shao said, “I sent someone yesterday to deliver a message to you, Governor. Did you receive it? Has the siege of Xiao been lifted?”
Yang Xin replied, “I received Your Lordship’s message yesterday and only then realized that Xue Tai had bypassed Xiao intending to flood the city. Fortunately, thanks to Your Lordship’s intervention, I was jolted awake as if from a dream. Knowing that Your Lordship was leading troops to assist, it felt like heaven was on our side. How could we sit idly waiting for death? We immediately sallied forth from the city, and Xue Tai was badly defeated, retreating to Lingbi. Thinking of Your Lordship, I came especially to welcome you. Where are your troops? What brings you south?”
After saying this, he looked expectantly behind Wei Shao.
Wei Shao smiled slightly and said, “To be frank with you, Governor, I came south this time for personal matters and did not bring my army. After all, this is your territory. If I had brought troops, wouldn’t that be an offense to you?”
Yang Xin was stunned.
He had been besieged in Xiao City by Xue Tai for many days, unable to break out while Xue Tai couldn’t breach the defenses.
Yesterday, Xue Tai had ordered his soldiers to continue setting up false banners and cooking meals a few miles outside the city to deceive Yang Xin. Yang Xin hadn’t suspected a thing. Suddenly, an arrow shot over the city wall carrying a letter. When soldiers delivered it to Yang Xin, it turned out to be a handwritten note from Wei Shao, sealed with the same fish tally as their previous correspondence.
Only then did Yang Xin realize the gravity of the situation. As he had just told Wei Shao, he knew that if he didn’t break out now and the Anle Dam was indeed destroyed, the entire city would be doomed. Moreover, with Wei Shao’s army coming as reinforcements, their morale was further boosted. He immediately gathered his commanders and relayed the news. Upon hearing this, the soldiers were shocked and cursed Xue Tai’s viciousness, all clamoring to fight.
Seeing that the conditions for a do-or-die battle had formed, Yang Xin took advantage of Xue Tai’s troops being occupied with meal preparation to open the city gates and lead his army in a surprise attack. Caught completely off guard and in a relaxed state, Xue Tai’s forces were thrown into disarray. Fighting while retreating, Xue Tai eventually realized he couldn’t hold out and abandoned Xiao, fleeing with his remaining troops towards Lingbi last night.
Having broken the siege, Yang Xin thought of Wei Shao and hurried to welcome him, only to encounter him halfway there.
Yang Xin looked at Wei Shao, secretly alarmed.
He had genuinely believed that Wei Shao had brought troops south, which was why he intervened in Xue Tai’s affairs. To his surprise, Wei Shao had only these dozen or so men with him. With just this small group, he had resolved Yang Xin’s predicament. Yang Xin thought to himself: Though young, he is already the hegemon of the North, with a reputation spreading across the realm and great potential to contend for the world in the future.
This incident alone demonstrates his courage and strategy, rarely seen in my lifetime and truly admirable. In the current world, though there are many powers, few have the capability and reputation to compete with them for supremacy. Although I control Yangzhou, in terms of both strength and prestige, I am far from comparable to him.
Rather than eventually becoming enemies and being destroyed, it’s better to take advantage of this friendship and support his future ambitions. If he truly overthrows the Han and takes the throne, I would at least have the merit of having supported him, which is better than being his enemy.
Having made up his mind, Yang Xin’s face showed respect as he said reverently, “My lord’s courage is extraordinary, and your wisdom surpasses others. If not for your assistance this time, I would have fallen for Xue Tai’s scheme. I will forever remember this great kindness and virtue! From now on, if you have any orders, please don’t hesitate to instruct me. Yang Xin will wait here for Your Lordship to come south and jointly plan great endeavors!”
How could Wei Shao not understand the implications of Yang Xin’s words? He replied, “If there is glory and wealth to be had, we shall share it.”
Yang Xin was overjoyed. Seeing that the horses of Wei Shao’s party all seemed exhausted from running, he quickly ordered fresh mounts to be brought. He led his steed to Wei Shao and said, “Though this horse can’t be said to travel a thousand li in a day, it is one in a thousand. Since Your Lordship has come from afar, you must have urgent business. If you don’t mind, please use it.”
Wei Shao accepted the horse. As he was worried about Xiao Qiao, he exchanged a few more words before bidding farewell and setting off. Yang Xin saw him off and suddenly remembered something, saying, “Is Your Lordship going to Lingbi? Lingbi is Xue Tai’s territory. In the past half year, a capable person has appeared there, carving out his domain with the people flocking to him. He now has a following of five or six thousand. Even Xue Tai can’t do anything about him. It’s said he was originally just a hunter from the mountains, born with green eyes, but he’s risen rapidly and shouldn’t be underestimated. Early this morning, scouts reported that Xue Tai, after retreating to Lingbi, has gathered his troops to suppress this Green-Eyed One. There will surely be chaos. If Your Lordship passes through, please be cautious.”
It was the first time Wei Shao had heard of this “Green-Eyed One,” but he dismissed him as merely a bandit leader who had claimed some territory. He was unconcerned. However, hearing that Lingbi was in turmoil while Xiao Qiao had gone there made him increasingly anxious. He hastily thanked Yang Xin, bid farewell, and rode off. Without any further stops, he passed through Jiuli Pass before nightfall and entered Lingbi directly.
……
Xiao Qiao had been staying in Lingbi for two days. The affection between the sisters need not be elaborated. Bi Zhi treated her with great respect, not only personally hunting for fresh game for her to eat but also voluntarily sleeping in another room last night so the two sisters could share a bed and talk through the night.
Another day passed, and the night fell again.
Last night, Xiao Qiao didn’t stand on ceremony with Bi Zhi and slept in her sister’s soft embrace, acting coquettishly and seeking cuddles as if they had returned to their maiden days in the boudoir. The two laughed and chatted, free from worries and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Tonight, no matter how thick-skinned she was, Xiao Qiao couldn’t monopolize Da Qiao’s company for another night. In the evening, after chatting idly with Da Qiao for a while, she said she was tired and wanted to return to her room to rest.
How could Da Qiao let her go? She held Xiao Qiao’s hand and said, “It’s alright. I’ve already talked it over with your brother-in-law. Tonight you’ll still sleep with me.”
Xiao Qiao laughed, “That won’t do! If I keep asking to sleep with Elder Sister, even if brother-in-law doesn’t say anything, he might think, ‘This little sister is so inconsiderate, next time I won’t invite her over!'”
Teased like this, Da Qiao’s face flushed slightly. She hurriedly said, “Your brother-in-law really wouldn’t think that way! Recently he’s been quite busy and often says he can’t accompany me as much as before. Now that you’ve finally come, he’s glad that you can spend more time with me! Stay for a few more days this time.”
Xiao Qiao held her hand and smiled, “Elder Sister, I was just joking! I know my brother-in-law is generous. But how can a younger sister monopolize her married elder sister’s company at night? After staying for another day or two, I should head back.”
In just three short days, Da Qiao was truly reluctant to let her leave so soon. But she knew that her little sister was also a married woman, and it wasn’t appropriate to stay away from home for too long. So she didn’t insist further but instead held her hand. At that moment, footsteps were heard outside the door.
Bi Zhi had arrived.
Compared to before, Bi Zhi now seemed completely transformed. His gaze was profound, his steps steady, and his every movement, though not ostentatious, subtly conveyed a noble bearing.
Xiao Qiao smiled and greeted him.
Bi Zhi smiled back and addressed her as “Lady.”
He had always addressed Xiao Qiao this way. Although Xiao Qiao had told him it wasn’t necessary, he didn’t change. Xiao Qiao had no choice but to accept it.
Seeing her husband arrive, Da Qiao went to him and said, “I was just trying to persuade my little sister to stay for a few more days, but I couldn’t convince her.” Her expression showed regret and reluctance.
Bi Zhi held his wife’s arm and lowered his head to comfort her in a low voice. He glanced at Xiao Qiao, his expression seeming to reveal a hint of hesitation as if he wanted to say something but held back.
Xiao Qiao caught this and said, “Does brother-in-law have something to discuss?”
Da Qiao also looked at her husband.
Bi Zhi hesitated briefly, then slowly said, “I came to arrange for the Lady to leave this place as soon as possible.”
Da Qiao was startled. She clung to her husband’s arm and looked up to ask, “Has something happened?”
Bi Zhi comforted her again, helping her sit down before explaining, “It’s nothing major, you two needn’t panic. I just received news that scouts report Xue Tai, after failing to take Xiao and retreating, has led his troops and seems to be heading this way. I suspect he intends to attack us in passing. I already have countermeasures in place. However, considering the Lady’s important status, if a battle breaks out now and something were to go wrong, I wouldn’t be able to face the Marquis of Yan. After careful consideration, I think it’s safest to send the Lady away before Xue Tai arrives.”
Over the past year, Da Qiao had gradually become accustomed to such conflicts and felt genuine trust in her husband. She believed that with him around, there was nothing to fear. Hearing this, she looked at Xiao Qiao with reluctance but didn’t object, knowing in her heart that this was indeed the most prudent course of action.
Xiao Qiao understood even more clearly that Bi Zhi’s considerations were entirely for her safety. She readily agreed, saying, “I’ll follow brother-in-law’s arrangements. I was planning to head north in the next couple of days anyway.”
Bi Zhi looked at her intently and said, “Thank you for your understanding, Lady. Early tomorrow morning, I will personally escort you out of Lingbi by a secret route.”
Xiao Qiao thanked him and then smiled, saying, “I have something to say that I didn’t get a chance to mention earlier. When Xue Tai attacked Yanzhou before, my brother-in-law saved my younger brother outside Juye City, and I’m very grateful. Originally, I shouldn’t have spoken about my brother-in-law’s affairs without his permission. But out of gratitude, I couldn’t help but tell my father a few days ago. Father had always remembered that incident and later regretted not being able to find brother-in-law. When he learned of this, he was surprised and delighted. He asked me to convey a message, saying he remembers your kindness, and your previous connection with our Qiao family is hereby settled. From now on, my brother-in-law is a free man. Father also said that if there’s an opportunity, he hopes to meet you again in the future to express his gratitude in person.”
Bi Zhi and Da Qiao exchanged a glance, both showing joy in their eyes.
Although they had become husband and wife, it was still a private arrangement between them, and Da Qiao couldn’t return to her family, which had always left them with some regret. Now, although they hadn’t received Qiao Yue’s approval, Qiao Ping, as a close elder relative, had spoken in this manner, which was tantamount to giving his recognition.
Bi Zhi said, “Thank you, Lady! I have no way to repay this kindness. Bi Zhi still stands by what he once promised the Lady: if you ever need anything in the future, please don’t hesitate to ask. I dare not forget the words I spoke that day!”