Thirty-third year of Jingtai, September 13th, six days before the coup – at the foot of Nucang Mountain

At dawn on September 13th, under the early morning light, the court’s first great army arrived at Nucang. This force had departed from Tianshui, consisting of thirty thousand cavalry, commanded by the newly appointed Tianshui Regional Military Commissioner, fourth-rank General Chen Luoshan.

Tianshui, Pingliang, and Yima Pass formed the court’s first line of defense against bandits, with their three garrison forces positioned like horns to surround Nucang. Half an hour later, the commanders from Pingliang and Yima Pass each led twenty thousand troops to arrive and join forces with the Tianshui army. The court’s pressure on enemy territory had deep significance – indeed, by afternoon, the Shenwu artillery carts from Yumen Pass had also arrived. Heavy cannons were normally stationed at the Great Wall for frontier pacification and border defense. Except for the great war in the fourteenth year of Jingtai, this was the first time in nearly thirty years they were used in civil war.

Two hundred fifty-six cannons deployed created an imposing sight, vastly different from the crude “catapults” that hurled stones through the air. The heavy cannons were called “Shenwu Great Cannons,” while the lighter artillery were termed “Whirlwind Cannons” and “Meteor Cannons.” These gun platforms ranged from dozens to hundreds of pounds, all forged by the Imperial Armory. Their manufacturing methods were passed down by Prince Li Cheng of Jiaozhi at the dynasty’s founding and were classified as state secrets, accessible only to high officials. The cannons were loaded from the front with shot and gunpowder, then fired projectiles with tremendous range and explosive force. After bombarding and breaching fortress gates, combined with cavalry charges, they possessed maximum killing power.

From yesterday until tonight, four routes of forces had arrived in total – altogether one hundred twenty thousand troops.

In mid-August, before the Mid-Autumn Festival, Liu Angtian’s rebellion shocked the capital. Thirty thousand troops from the Beijing garrison camp stormed into Beijing, engaging in fierce battle. The emperor arrested countless followers of the Liu faction, and His Majesty’s anger had not yet subsided. Unexpectedly, within three days, he received mysterious intelligence reports claiming that Nucang Mountain possessed the imperial seal and was ready to enthrone a new emperor to challenge Beijing at any moment.

When this news broke, the emperor was shocked and alarmed. Countless spies immediately rushed to the western frontier to investigate whether the reports were true. Military forces throughout the realm stood ready – as soon as confirmation was obtained, they would immediately prepare for the western campaign.

On the night of September 12th, flying pigeons from the Gao family retainers of Marquis Huyong of Anhui transmitted letters through eight relay stations back to Beijing, reporting that the imperial seal along with the Liu family survivors had indeed joined Nucang. The current emperor flew into a rage and immediately issued an edict to campaign against Nucang, swearing to level the mountain stronghold and capture Qin Zhonghai alive.

The forces at the western frontier had already surrounded the mountain – these one hundred twenty thousand troops were merely the vanguard. The true main force departing from the capital had not yet arrived: the six great armies of Shenche, Fengxiang, Xiongfei, Weibian, Ningyuan, and Chilin – two hundred thousand Imperial Guard troops marching through the night had already passed Hulao Pass and would arrive on the evening of September 19th.

This battle involved the ownership of imperial power – truly the nation’s foremost priority. Naturally, the full strength of the country would be mobilized for the campaign. Even the border garrison troops from the Great Wall had been recalled. The military display was the grandest seen in thirty years. If they could not quell the rebellion and completely exterminate this demonic fire in one stroke, the emperor would never rest.

Under the bright moon and quiet sky, camps stretched endlessly at the foot of Nucang Mountain, arranged in orderly rows. Laughter and merriment echoed continuously from the commander’s tent, with the camp slaughtering pigs and sheep like flowing water at a banquet. Several high-ranking generals sat in the tent, engaging in spirited conversation with cheerful expressions. Only one general remained silent, keeping his head down without moving, not even touching his wine cup or dishes, his complexion faintly revealing inner bitterness.

“General Jiang…” came a cold voice with the rolled-tongue accent of official speech, “Do you have any objections to Lord Chen’s arrangements?”

Hearing this, General Jiang raised his head to look at the man speaking. The speaker was surnamed Feng, with the given name Zhi, having a weasel-like face with rat eyes. Feng Zhi drank some wine, wiped the grease from his lips, and repeated his words: “General Jiang, regarding the arrangement for your troops to serve as vanguard, do you ultimately have any objections?”

General Jiang was Jiang Yi, the Shaanxi Regional Commander and younger brother of Grand Tutor Jiang Chong. Among the forces surrounding Nucang, the most formidable was the Jiang faction’s personal army led by Jiang Yi. This reinforcement force was stationed nearby in Shaanxi-Gansu regions, numbering over fifty thousand men, making it one of the main forces in this rebellion-suppressing campaign.

To serve as vanguard in the assault on Nucang meant certain death. Jiang Yi’s face turned iron-blue as he continuously avoided the gaze of Feng Zhi before him. But Feng Zhi showed no mercy, pressing him repeatedly. “General Jiang, don’t keep people at arm’s length. If our Imperial Commissioner Chen hadn’t been wholeheartedly promoting you, how would he let your subordinates fight the first battle? He’s kindly promoting you – don’t be ungrateful.”

Hearing the word “promoting,” Jiang Yi’s face turned blue-purple, truly too angry to speak. The Jiang family had shaken the realm, with the brothers deeply trusted by the emperor and long established as pillars of the state. He had always been the one promoting others – when had anyone ever promoted him? Jiang Yi took a deep breath, suppressing his anger: “I thank Imperial Commissioner General Chen for his kind intentions. With so many heroes here, I dare not take the vanguard position – please give it to you gentlemen instead.” Feng Zhi chuckled coldly: “General Jiang, you mustn’t refuse – military orders are like mountains.”

Mentioning military orders left little room for maneuver. Jiang Yi shook his head: “Brother Feng, there’s no need to say more. Please forgive me, but I cannot agree. If we must assault the stronghold, let us advance simultaneously – no need to distinguish first from last.” Feng Zhi’s expression turned ugly. Before he could respond, they heard a cold laugh: “General, if you have any dissatisfaction, feel free to direct it at me.”

Jiang Yi looked intently at the speaker – a man surnamed Chen, named Luoshan, wearing a general’s insignia. This was the Imperial Commissioner Feng Zhi had mentioned, continuously glancing at him with clear provocative intent.

Mediocrities were everywhere. This Chen Luoshan neither came from the Liu faction nor was recommended by the Jiang faction, but was a lower-ranking military officer promoted by the emperor just seven days earlier. Before coming here, Jiang Yi had never known this person. He restrained his angry gaze, ignoring him, crossed his arms, and said in a deep voice: “Listen well – throughout the realm, except for imperial edicts, the Shaanxi-Gansu forces only follow the Grand Tutor’s command. Your Excellency’s words – please forgive me, but I cannot obey.”

Chen Luoshan slammed his wine cup heavily to the ground and shouted: “General Jiang! The commander of this headquarters is myself – the newly appointed Tianshui Regional Military Commissioner, Imperial Commissioner Chen Luoshan! Speaking thus, aren’t you afraid of insubordination?” His arrogant manner was unprecedented since entering court. In his shock and rage, Jiang Yi’s face turned livid as he stood up, glaring back at Chen Luoshan.

“Sit down! Aren’t you afraid of military law?” Chen Luoshan roared angrily, brandishing the imperial sword, attempting to overwhelm Jiang Yi in one stroke…

Before the imperial sword, Jiang Yi did not submit. The Jiang family had plenty of such sacred trinkets – even the precious sword in his own hand and the dagger at his waist were imperial gifts. He picked up his wine cup and smashed it hard on the ground, saying grimly: “Chen, when my Jiang family dominated the court, you country beggar didn’t know where you were squatting in some brothel. The word ‘fear’ – this Jiang doesn’t know how to write it!”

Chen Luoshan couldn’t swallow this insult and roared repeatedly: “Guards! Arrest him!”

A hundred personal guards in the tent drew their swords, ready to seize him. Jiang Yi’s hand went to his sword hilt. Instantly, behind him came the sound of metal – ten Jiang faction deputy generals drew their swords first. The situation grew tense with both sides at sword-point. Chen Luoshan was furious beyond measure, ordering his men to guard the tent strictly, allowing no one to leave.

Just then, two elderly generals entered the tent. The one on the left was ten feet tall wearing golden armor – Song Gongmai. The one on the right was extremely short in black armor with a white beard – Gao Tianwei. These two patriarchs of the Fuyuan Four Families entered the tent to find both sides glaring with teeth clenched, ready to hack each other to pieces. Song Gongmai said anxiously: “What is this? With great enemies before us, this is when we should join hands and hearts – what are you doing?” Seeing Jiang Yi and Chen Luoshan glaring at each other with blazing anger, Gao Tianwei quickly led his men to stand between the two forces. The two elderly generals each offered comfort and mediation.

After a long while, both sides finally lowered their weapons, though they still refused to speak face-to-face. Song Gongmai placed his hand on Jiang Yi’s shoulder, saying gently: “General Jiang, don’t be angry. Everyone have a drink and call it reconciliation.” Jiang Yi turned his head away, waving his hand and saying quietly: “No thank you. This general is somewhat tired. My lord, please drink as you wish.” With that, he led his subordinates away without looking back.

Feng Zhi called out: “General, you must honor our agreement!”

Seeing Jiang Yi leave without turning back, Gao Tianwei quickly asked: “Why is he so angry?”

Feng Zhi laughed dryly: “Nothing much. We were kind-hearted, giving the vanguard position to the Shaanxi forces to let them claim the top war merit. Who knew this fellow would rely on his brother’s influence and refuse to recognize our good intentions…” Chen Luoshan sneered: “Exactly! Ungrateful when given face! What time is this? Does he think his second brother is of any use?”

Learning the truth, Gao Tianwei’s mouth corners turned down as he exchanged glances with Song Gongmai. Neither elderly general spoke, but both secretly shook their heads.

The place they were about to attack was none other than Nucang’s main stronghold – the most difficult fortress in the realm to assault. The vanguard would be a suicide squad. No wonder there was such an uproar when Chen Luoshan’s group insisted on using others’ subordinates’ lives as cannon fodder.

With the court in great turmoil and Liu Angtian dead, Jiang Chong and Jiang Yi felt the sorrow of the rabbit’s death and the fox’s grief. General Jiang led his subordinates back to their base camp. All the generals looked dejected as they returned to their respective camps to rest, traveling in silence.

Of the three Jiang brothers, the eldest had died early. Jiang Chong was second and Jiang Yi third. Among the three, second brother Jiang Chong had always been the most far-sighted and skilled in strategy, but in terms of battlefield prowess, this third brother Jiang Yi was the most brilliant. He was expert in military formations with well-trained troops, making him one of the renowned generals of the current dynasty. After Qin Baxian’s death, he had guarded the western frontier for decades without major failures. Several months ago, in the fierce battle with Nucang, even under the joint assault of Shajin and Lu Guzhan’s armies, Jiang Yi had been able to calmly command his forces. Though defeated, he avoided collapse, demonstrating his genuine talent and solid skills – far from being a sycophantic courtier or clown.

Jiang Yi sat alone in his tent, warming a pot of wine and drinking by himself. He never imagined that tonight, merely entering the tent for a military meeting, he would be subjected to such humiliation. Thinking of Chen Luoshan’s tyranny and Feng Zhi’s insolence, Jiang Yi angrily struck the table with his fist, tears bursting from his eyes.

After the Liu faction massacre, the emperor’s dragon heart grew suspicious and no longer relied heavily on court veterans. Second brother Jiang Chong had lost his great power, and as Jiang Chong’s brother, naturally he faced criticism at every turn in this campaign. Thinking of his elder brother’s precarious situation and how their wealthy days had suddenly ended, what lay ahead would likely be an extremely difficult and treacherous road. Jiang Yi covered his face with both hands and couldn’t help but weep softly.

“General Jiang, don’t cry. I’ve come to…”

A low voice with an unfamiliar accent came from across the table.

“…have a drink with you.”

There was actually an unexpected guest in the tent! Jiang Yi was greatly startled and quickly lowered his hands to look across the low table. From the opposite side came two flame-like gazes from a pair of distinct black and white eyes.

A large man sat diagonally across from him, one hand resting on the table. His mouth carried a slight smile as he looked sideways with disdain. From his profile, his high nose was particularly striking. Jiang Yi saw this man’s face was covered with stubble, approximately thirty years old, with thick black hair. His eyes didn’t need to glare widely to possess tremendous intimidating power. He couldn’t recall which general in the camp had such a mighty appearance, and stammered: “Your Excellency… who are you?”

The man chuckled and brushed the hair from his forehead, instantly revealing a blood-red character “罪” (criminal). Jiang Yi broke into a cold sweat and hurriedly looked at his left leg, indeed seeing the iron prosthetic limb. Instantly terrified and about to cry out for help, he suddenly felt a chill at his throat – someone had put a blade to it.

Looking back, Jiang Yi saw that behind him crouched a monk with a kind expression, though he didn’t know who it was. Knowing his life hung by a thread, Jiang Yi ignored everything and pushed away the steel blade, desperately lunging toward the tent entrance. Suddenly a gust of wind arrived, and a person entered from outside the tent – a man dressed as a scholar wearing a mask. This was Nucang Mountain’s “Right Phoenix” Tang Shiqian. Jiang Yi’s teeth chattered as he reached for his sword, but another large hand extended and easily took his weapon. The man had an imposing face and giant frame – it was “Qi Chong Saibei” Shajin Shi Gang.

With wolves before and tigers behind, Jiang Yi’s heart grew dark, knowing he couldn’t escape death. His mouth corners formed a bitter smile as he said quietly:

“Heroes, please show mercy and grant me a quick death.” He closed his eyes and shed two lines of sad tears. Well, second brother had harmed the entire Qin family so cruelly – dying at Qin Zhonghai’s hands was better than being sent to serve as cannon fodder by Chen Luoshan. Jiang Yi wept profusely with no desire to live, only waiting for the axe to fall and end his suffering.

But after waiting long, the enemy’s blade never drank his neck’s blood. Jiang Yi opened his eyes to look at his mortal enemy before him and asked quietly: “General, your life has been full of hardships and family misfortune. My Jiang family brothers bear undeniable responsibility. Now you can finally avenge your father and settle our two families’ grudge – why do you hesitate to strike?”

Qin Zhonghai’s domineering gaze swept over him, though his intentions were unclear. Jiang Yi’s heart secretly filled with dread, fearing he would suffer humiliation before death. In his terror, he saw Qin Zhonghai lift the wine pot and pour him a cup, saying faintly: “General Jiang, they say when a man is about to die, his words are kind. Can you tell me – you have a wolf-like nature, yet when drinking alone just now, why did you shed tears?”

Jiang Yi bit his silver teeth and drained the cup, but hot tears flowed from his eyes again.

Qin Zhonghai also raised his hand to drink a cup: “Tears in the eyes – if not from fear, then from unwillingness. General, since you don’t even fear death, could it be you’re hating someone?”

Jiang Yi had long served at court and often heard of Qin Zhonghai’s great reputation. But one was a Jiang faction general and the other a Liu faction hero, and since he had been stationed in the western frontier for years, though the two had crossed swords on the battlefield, tonight was their first face-to-face conversation. Jiang Yi secretly observed the Nucang commander before him, feeling this man was not as rough as rumored, but rather had an unfathomable pressure power in his gaze that made it difficult to breathe.

Seeing Jiang Yi bow his head with eyes downcast, mouth slightly showing melancholy, Qin Zhonghai gestured. Behind him, Zhi Guan lifted the wine pot and poured more wine for Jiang Yi. After a long while, they heard him say quietly: “Though my elder brother is called a treacherous minister by all under heaven, I am merely a military man who takes little interest in political affairs.” Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly: “General Jiang is a capable man – naturally I know this.”

Hearing his enemy praise him, especially compared to Chen Luoshan’s earlier tyranny, made Jiang Yi sigh even more deeply. He said mournfully: “You were once a court general yourself and should know our military men’s aspirations. If we cannot die at home in this life, we hope to serve the country loyally and be wrapped in horse leather… What we military men most fear and hate is worrying about dying…”

Qin Zhonghai sighed and finished: “On the execution ground.”

Jiang Yi nodded vigorously, tears rolling down as he said through gritted teeth: “To die at a strong enemy’s hand is at least to die on the battlefield – though I die, I have no regrets. But to die at the hands of those thieving, dog-stealing third-rate clowns – I’d rather stretch my neck for execution right now!”

Since ancient times, the most enviable fate for generals was that of Guo Ziyi – trusted by his sovereign in life, mourned by the people in death, with seven sons and eight sons-in-law all coming to see him off at his deathbed in supreme honor. This was a first-class general. Slightly worse was someone like Di Qing, who resisted the great Liao with ten thousand arrows piercing his heart. Though he didn’t have the people weeping in unison at his death, he was feared by enemy rulers and ministers in life and mourned by court officials after death – though dead, he remained glorious, counting as second-class.

Even worse was someone like Han dynasty’s Li Ling, who surrendered to the Xiongnu. Emperor Wu exterminated his entire family, and he regarded the Han Son of Heaven as his lifelong mortal enemy, yielding not an inch. Though he died lonely in a foreign land, he had barbarian lovers to accompany him before death and the Xiongnu Khan to weep for him – not too terrible.

First-class brought supreme honor, second-class was magnificent, third-class was lonely but bearable. But truly unbearable, where one couldn’t close their eyes in death, was being killed by one’s own people with no chance for revenge. Before death, the emperor would confiscate your property, all people would curse you, and historians would wield their great brushes to burden you with eternal infamy. To die this way, Northern Song’s Yue Wumu was the representative – dying with eyes that wouldn’t close, full of grief and resentment. Though vindicated centuries later, how could those bones ground to countless fragments know?

Qin Zhonghai said mournfully: “General Jiang, do you now understand my late father’s suffering?”

Qin Baxian had served in military campaigns all his life, yet was abandoned by the state. Jiang Yi’s whole body shook as he closed his eyes and said quietly: “Your father’s death – the Jiang brothers are unforgivably guilty. Grievances have heads and debts have owners. To die at your hands, I can be said to die deservingly. Please strike.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “Good. Seeing that you frankly admit your wrongs, after I kill you, I will no longer seek revenge on your family descendants.”

Jiang Yi choked up: “For this, I thank you greatly.” He knelt on both knees, prostrated by the table, and stretched out his neck, waiting to be beheaded.

Qin Zhonghai took the steel blade from Shajin’s hand and said silently: “General Jiang, after this blade falls, you and I will have no more hatred and will know each other no more. Can you do this?”

Jiang Yi hung his head toward the ground, knowing that after a sharp pain at the back of his neck, his head and body would be separated. For a moment he could only weep softly, trembling all over and unable to answer.

Qin Zhonghai sighed, instantly raising the blade with a light shout as the steel sword struck heavily downward.

Jiang Yi clenched his teeth tightly. In that instant, his mind flashed with visions of the afterworld – all manner of hell punishments and reincarnation concepts became so clear in that moment. The endless delicious foods and beautiful women he’d enjoyed for pleasure in life became so blurred at this moment, like dream mirages, their taste completely forgotten.

With a crack, sharp pain at the back of his neck and blood spraying out, Jiang Yi cried aloud. In his pain and terror, a smell of urine filled the tent – under the gaze of the Nucang heroes, this Shaanxi Regional Commander had lost control of himself.

Jiang Yi didn’t die, nor was his neck broken. He lay prostrate on the ground with dead eyes, staring blankly at the steel blade shattered on the ground. He mumbled to himself, seeming to cry and confess simultaneously, unable to rise for a long time.

Shi Gang crouched over and grasped Jiang Yi’s philtrum, repeatedly pressing with internal energy to gradually restore his strength. Zhi Guan reached out to help him up.

Seeing the Nucang heroes looking at him, Jiang Yi tried to speak but suddenly retched and knelt again, vomiting a pile of filth on the spot. The blue-robed scholar was skilled in medicine and knew he was overly shocked. He took out silver needles and inserted several in his earlobes to calm his heart and spirit, then massaged his chest and abdomen to reduce his nausea.

Shi Gang lifted Jiang Yi in his arms and seated him back at the table. Zhi Guan brewed hot tea and fed him several sips. Jiang Yi had walked from death to life in one journey – his appearance was as if struck by lightning. For a moment he could only bow his head and weep, not knowing what to say.

Just then, personal guards outside the tent called out: “General! What’s wrong?” Jiang Yi coughed and managed to shout: “I… I’m… fine… don’t… disturb…” In his confusion, his speech was unclear and his language ability greatly impaired, somewhat incoherent. Even so, Jiang Yi had always maintained strict military discipline, unlike the likes of An Dao Jing. With those few words of instruction, several personal guards dared not say a word and withdrew. The Nucang group saw his compliance and all nodded slightly.

Jiang Yi stammered, unable to speak clearly. He looked at Qin Zhonghai with tears falling and managed to say: “You… don’t… don’t kill…” After a long while, he was still breathless and unable to speak properly.

Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly and sat before Jiang Yi, saying gently: “General Jiang, you have already died once. From now on, the Qin and Jiang families owe each other nothing and have no more entanglements. As long as you don’t harm our brothers, we Nucang heroes won’t harm your Jiang family’s old and young.”

Jiang Yi wept: “I… thank you…”

Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly: “General, no need to thank me. I kill like hemp with no trace of womanly kindness. That I spare your life tonight has my own purpose.” He raised his cup and lightly touched Jiang Yi’s teacup: “To speak plainly, we infiltrated the court camp to meet with you face-to-face and discuss great plans for the realm.”

Jiang Yi gasped. His mission here was to eliminate Nucang, and with old grudges unresolved and new enmities added, he looked at Qin Zhonghai’s severed leg with confusion, not knowing his intentions.

Qin Zhonghai gestured, and the blue-robed scholar immediately sat over, saying slowly: “General Jiang, let us speak plainly. The court situation is in great chaos and your position is difficult. We want to invite you to join Nucang.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yi felt like thunder crashing in his ears. He opened his mouth wide in shock: “You… are you mad?”

The Jiang faction and Nucang had always been mortal enemies. The two sides had schemed against each other and fought for an entire generation. Seeing the Nucang group’s stern gazes with no hint of jest, he laughed dryly, thinking of his second brother serving as an official at court – if he rebelled, it would certainly implicate him. Jiang Yi took a deep breath, slowly calmed his mind, and shook his head word by word in a slow, deep voice: “Heroes, though I am not talented, I would not place my elder brother in an unrighteous position. If you wish to use my hand to harm my elder brother, please forgive me – I cannot agree.”

The blue-robed scholar sighed: “General Jiang, our intention is not to kill Grand Tutor Jiang. Your brother’s situation has changed – he’s barely surviving day to day. Even without us Nucang heroes killing him, his remaining days are numbered.”

Jiang Yi chuckled coldly. Though second brother Jiang Chong was currently not favored by the emperor, his foundation was deep – after all, he was a veteran minister of the Jingtai court. It would never reach the point of family extermination. He shook his head: “Your words are somewhat alarmist. Though my elder brother cannot influence court politics, he’s more than capable of self-preservation. Who could kill him?”

Suddenly, Shi Gang took out a small paper scroll from his bosom, only the size of a little finger in length and width, but the seal was stamped with fire wax. Jiang Yi was startled – that note was exactly a flying pigeon urgent report from the Jiang faction, appearing to be a personal letter from his second brother. He quickly unrolled the scroll and read it, immediately bursting into tears: “Second brother… second brother wants to entrust everything to me… then he himself…”

The blue-robed scholar said quietly: “General Jiang, those who would kill your brother are definitely not Nucang heroes, nor Emperor Jingtai. Within days, a coup will occur in Beijing and a new emperor will be restored. At that time, your brother, as the number one assistant minister of the Jingtai court, will inevitably face family extermination.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yi’s expression changed dramatically as he trembled: “This… whose conspiracy is this?”

The Nucang heroes exchanged glances and all sighed. Qin Zhonghai said mournfully: “That person has sinister intentions, deliberately seeking to destroy all enemy forces in one stroke. He first used Jiang Chong’s hand to eliminate Liu Jing, then used the emperor’s hand to eliminate the Liu faction. Now Jiang Chong himself is isolated and helpless, barely able to protect himself. General Jiang, if you don’t help me this time, when your brother falls, we’ll all be dead.”

Jiang Yi was unsettled, finally understanding why Qin Zhonghai wanted him to lead his army to join Nucang. He looked back toward the camp and said anxiously: “You want me to join Nucang – this isn’t difficult, but… my fifty thousand troops may not obey. They won’t agree…”

At that time, the court ruled subordinates strictly. Whenever generals went on campaign, their family members were held as hostages. If a great army joined the mountain stronghold, the news would bring disaster to entire families.

Qin Zhonghai lowered his voice: “Don’t panic – we won’t make things difficult for you. We only need you to find ways to delay and slow the situation, preventing the court army from attacking the mountain for seven days. After the Beijing coup, with people’s hearts in turmoil and the realm in chaos, there will be opportunities.”

Jiang Yi was after all Jiang Chong’s brother with a clever mind. With a moment’s thought he understood and immediately said: “You mean… you want to wait until after the Beijing coup to take the opportunity to recruit my fifty thousand troops?”

Qin Zhonghai said faintly: “Not your fifty thousand troops – I want all three hundred thousand of you.”

Jiang Yi was greatly shocked, cold sweat pouring down his body, seeing Qin Zhonghai opening his lion’s mouth to swallow heaven and earth. Zhi Guan and the blue-robed scholar exchanged glances and both nodded slightly. Shi Gang crouched over, staring at Jiang Yi coldly: “You’re not stupid after all – you can guess our intentions.”

Jiang Yi smiled bitterly. When another coup arose in Beijing and old and new emperors alternated, the realm’s military forces would become headless flies. Then those supporting the old emperor and those turning to the new – countless shameless fence-sitters would sway in the wind with who knows how many disgraceful scenes waiting to be performed. Taking advantage of national chaos, Qin Zhonghai could use both inducement and intimidation to seize control of large numbers of troops. By then, Nucang Mountain’s strength wouldn’t just double – they could probably contend with the court as equals.

The blue-robed scholar said faintly: “General Jiang, if the court attacks Nucang Mountain with full force these few days, even if victorious, it will suffer great damage. Then both our sides will be mutually wounded, sitting and waiting for strong enemies to come clean up the remnants. Not only would you die without a burial place, I’m afraid even your nephew the Imperial Scholar would perish together. What would be the point of that?”

Jiang Yi knew this was true. Among these ten armies, only the Jiang faction forces could not be tolerated by Wu Ying. No wonder the Nucang heroes had specially sought him out – they wanted his loyal submission for coordinated internal and external support. He swallowed his saliva, drained the teacup before him in one gulp, and panted: “You… you want me to delay seven days without fighting. This matter has some difficulties. To be honest, my authority is no longer in the command tent, so it’s hard for me to have much say…”

Before he finished speaking, they heard Qin Zhonghai chuckle coldly. He raised his palm toward the sky and lightly tossed something. A seal stone bounced up and down in his palm, and looking at the seal script, it was actually the “Zhengtong Treasure” that had made the emperor red-eyed with fury!

Jiang Yi opened his mouth wide and mumbled: “You… you want to give me the imperial seal?” Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly: “The imperial seal is just a dead stone – only fools would clutch it tightly. What use do we have for such an inauspicious trouble-causing object?”

Jiang Yi was overjoyed beyond expectation. Half the reason for this expedition was for the “Zhengtong Treasure.” What all the generals had on their minds was to recapture the imperial seal for the emperor. As long as they could deliver this item to the command tent, with such unprecedented merit before them, whether to attack Nucang or not would no longer be so important. He nodded slightly: “With the imperial seal, this matter is half accomplished…”

Everyone asked strangely: “Half accomplished?” Jiang Yi pondered for a long while: “To hold back the court forces still has some small difficulties. I wonder if you gentlemen could help?”

The blue-robed scholar said faintly: “As long as it’s within our power, we’ll certainly comply.”

Jiang Yi coughed and said: “Several days ago, a short-bearded man protecting a baby and the imperial seal joined Nucang. This was personally witnessed by two retainers of the Gao family, and now the news has spread. I asked Hu Mei’er, and she also confirmed this matter… Gentlemen, that small baby is Liu Angtian’s young master, isn’t it?”

Everyone’s expressions changed slightly, but no one responded. After a long while, Qin Zhonghai said grimly: “Speak directly.”

Jiang Yi said: “His Majesty suspects Liu Angtian was involved in illegal activities and has long issued orders to arrest the entire Liu family. That eldest son Yunfeng was captured, and several daughters were also imprisoned, but only the youngest one was missed… No body was recovered from the Yongding River either…” Qin Zhonghai’s whole body went cold. He covered his face with his hand and said through gritted teeth: “What… what exactly are you trying to say?”

Jiang Yi said quietly: “The imperial edict from Beijing orders us to capture the remaining Liu family survivors.”

This statement struck like five thunderbolts, leaving everyone speechless. Jiang Yi continued: “Gentlemen, if you want to delay the situation, you must hand over those people – that baby and that man… cough… both of them.”

Seeing Qin Zhonghai grinding his teeth with extremely fierce eyes, he quickly said: “Is this matter difficult?” The blue-robed scholar, Zhi Guan, and Shi Gang exchanged glances, and all three sighed in unison, while Qin Zhonghai remained stunned and speechless.

Zhi Guan, always careful, quickly asked: “By the way, have you figured out that short-bearded man’s identity?”

Jiang Yi shook his head: “We haven’t. Hu Mei’er said she didn’t recognize him. Perhaps it’s Shi Ping, perhaps Huang Ying, perhaps Lu Yun.” Hearing this, everyone felt somewhat reassured – it seemed there was still hope for a solution.

Jiang Yi saw everyone’s faces turn iron-blue and quickly said: “How is it? Can you hand over the people?”

The blue-robed scholar patted Jiang Yi’s shoulder and said quietly: “Give us one day and night. Tomorrow night at this time, we’ll bring three items.” Jiang Yi nodded: “That would be good. You must hurry… These days that bastard Chen Luoshan has been pressing urgently, insisting I send people to attack… Tonight I nearly came to blows with him…”

During Jiang Yi’s rambling, Qin Zhonghai had already turned and left. His movement technique was extremely fast – with just a light touch at the tent entrance, he had already vanished into the darkness. Seeing such movement skills, he truly deserved his reputation as one who could “capture generals among a million troops” – truly a hero among men.

That night, Yan Er’niang and others traveled through the night protecting Lu Yun up the mountain. Before they even passed the memorial archway, Lu Yun had already fainted. Everyone was alarmed and quickly examined his injuries, only to discover that Lu Yun had already taken two kicks from Sa Mau and suffered internal injuries. Combined with days of rushing about and constant terror, he was already haggard and exhausted. At this time, the blue-robed scholar with the best medical skills was still on the road. Everyone found some common injury medicines and fed them to Lu Yun, then sent him to a guest room to rest and recover on his own.

The next morning, September 14th, Lu Yun opened his eyes before dawn. This time upon awakening, he felt quite refreshed and clear-headed. Though he had light injuries, after a good night’s rest, his strength had fully recovered. Looking up, he saw the table surface covered with dripped candle wax, with light and shadows swaying. Though it was morning, the candles still burned. Several types of pastries were also placed on the table – apparently the Nucang people feared he might be hungry during the night and had thoughtfully prepared them. Lu Yun smiled slightly and thought: “Everyone treats me so politely – they’re treating me like an outsider.”

He walked to the table and blew out the candles, then took his outer garment and slowly put it on. Lu Guzhan was his teacher and benefactor, while Qin Zhonghai was a close friend. Lu Yun now had many things on his mind and only wanted to speak with old friends. But it was still early morning and they might not be up yet. He sat in a daze, seeing his bundle and long sword placed on the table, then reached out to take the bundle and untie it.

Opening the bundle, the first thing he saw was that wordless ancient book. This book had been carried from the capital to Nucang, but its origins remained unclear. Lu Yun yawned and casually flipped through it. Suddenly, he saw the pages gleaming with a blue-green phosphorescence, as if some diagrams or characters flashed by. Lu Yun was slightly puzzled and quickly rubbed his eyes to look again, but the phosphorescent light had already disappeared. The pages looked as usual – still like a wordless heavenly book.

At this time, his mind was troubled. Though the book seemed somewhat strange, he had no mood to pay much attention. He was about to stuff the book back and look for silver notes when suddenly a long hair fell from the bundle. Lu Yun picked it up in confusion to examine it – the silk was soft, smooth, and fine. It was Gu Qianxi’s beautiful hair.

Lu Yun gently caressed the hair, tears already forming in his eyes. They had been separated for nearly a month – he wondered if his beloved was safe and sound. He gently kissed the strand of hair, feeling it carried a faint fragrance – Gu Qianxi’s body scent. From Yangzhou to Beijing, from Beijing to Changzhou, their love had been deep. Lu Yun could no longer contain himself. Thinking of all the suffering these days, tears dropped one by one. He lowered his head and wept for a long time, then tore open the pillowcase and wrapped the hair in cloth, treasuring it as he placed it in his waist pouch. Alone and wandering in a foreign land, not knowing when he could return to Beijing, this single strand of hair contained infinite memories.

Lu Yun wiped away his tears and searched through the bundle again, but this time he couldn’t find that square seal. Lu Yun exclaimed in surprise, not knowing where the imperial seal had gone. He stood up and searched repeatedly on the floor, shaking out the cotton quilt to examine it, but after searching for a long time, he saw no trace of the imperial seal.

Lu Yun was full of puzzlement and thought: “Could I have accidentally dropped this thing when I was fighting fiercely with Sa Mau, leaping up and down?” Recalling the situation then, he had clearly been clutching the imperial seal tightly – that’s what had attracted Hu Mei’er, the Gao family general, and others to pursue him. How could it suddenly disappear? The more he thought about it, the more puzzled he became. He wanted to find Yan Er’niang, Xiao Lubu, and others to ask for clarification, so he walked toward the door and was about to push it open.

As soon as his palm touched the door, he heard a whistle sound outside, followed by someone clapping in response – one sound after another, with over ten guard posts responding from all around. Lu Yun’s heart jumped as he thought: “Someone’s giving secret signals? Have external enemies invaded the mountain?” He was somewhat alarmed and was about to rush outside when suddenly someone opened the door and entered, nearly colliding with him face-to-face. That person was short and fat – it was “Golden Turtle” Tao Qing. Though it was still early morning, Tao Qing was dressed in military uniform. Seeing him, he bowed and said: “The Prefect has risen. Did you sleep well last night?”

Seeing an old friend, Lu Yun relaxed somewhat and asked: “Where is General Qin? Has he risen?” Tao Qing bowed in reply: “The General is busy with official duties. Tonight he has specially arranged a welcoming banquet for Lord Lu, where we’ll gather joyfully at the feast.”

Lu Yun heard him speak in a distant, polite manner, full of official rhetoric, and couldn’t help frowning. He grunted and asked again: “What about Master Lu?”

Tao Qing bowed: “Master Lu only slept late last night. He left instructions saying he’ll drink a thousand cups with you tonight at the banquet until thoroughly drunk.”

Lu Yun had only briefly met with Lu Guzhan last night, but was too exhausted at the time for deep conversation. He grunted noncommittally and asked again: “What about the child I brought? Who’s watching him now?”

Tao Qing bowed: “Our eldest sister is very fond of this child and took him back to her room to sleep last night. After Lord Prefect has breakfast in a while, we’ll go see him.” Lu Yun felt somewhat reassured, thinking the imperial seal must be with Yan Er’niang – he needn’t ask too much, lest he appear petty.

While thinking, Tao Qing brought in dishes and bowls from outside – a large pot of thin porridge along with some steamed buns and pickled vegetables. Lu Yun sat down to eat and asked: “Eat together?” Tao Qing agreed and took an empty bowl, also slurping and eating, but kept his head down eating without talking to Lu Yun.

The two ate in silence when suddenly they heard shouting from the extreme distance. The sound was heart-stirring, causing the dishes and bowls to vibrate slightly wherever it passed. Lu Yun put down his chopsticks in alarm: “What… what is that sound?”

Tao Qing said quietly: “Those are our mountain’s instructors Li Tieshan and Hao Zhenxiang training soldiers. The troops are in high spirits, stamping their feet on the ground in unison, which creates this great sound.”

Lu Yun was suspicious – that sound was truly enormous. Without tens of thousands of people shouting in unison, it couldn’t possibly shake cups and dishes. He chewed his steamed bun somewhat tastelessely and asked again: “How many troops does your mountain currently have?”

He asked once, but Tao Qing only looked up to drink porridge without speaking. Lu Yun didn’t relax and asked again. But Tao Qing took a cloth to wipe his mouth corners and said with lowered head: “This humble one doesn’t belong to the military department, so I don’t know the details. I suppose there are several tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands.”

From several tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands – this was quite a large margin of error. Lu Yun guessed that either he didn’t know, or he still had misgivings about his court identity and was unwilling to speak clearly. He didn’t ask further, quickly finished his steamed bun and said: “Trouble Brother Tao – I want to go see the child.”

This time Tao Qing agreed readily. He cleared the dishes and led Lu Yun away.

The two didn’t pass through the main hall but walked along small paths toward the back mountain. As they walked, they suddenly heard a thunderous roar, followed by fierce shouting from the extreme distance below the mountain. Lu Yun quickly peered through the tree groves to steal a look. Taking in the scene below the mountain, he couldn’t help but be greatly shocked.

Though it was still morning with sunlight shining, he saw tens of thousands of heads moving at the mountain’s foot – countless camps and troops. In the center, command flags flew high with sun and moon insignia. The commanding generals were actually imperial commissioners, and the vanguard forces were the great garrison army from Yumen Pass. The Nucang forces defended from the mountainside, with barriers and strategic positions, deploying bows, arrows, and traps, constantly on alert. Though the two sides hadn’t yet engaged in battle, the situation was already extremely urgent.

Lu Yun stood stunned for a long time. When he had climbed the mountain that day, the mountain’s foot had been completely empty. How had it now become surrounded by government troops? Looking into the distance, there seemed to be more troops continuously arriving. His heart was full of shock and alarm: “What’s happening? Why are there so many troops?”

Tao Qing said faintly: “These are our mountain’s soldiers disguised as court forces, engaging in mutual combat training. Lord Prefect needn’t worry.”

Lu Yun saw Tao Qing’s composed demeanor, not panicked at all, as if this were really the case. He glanced again and saw that the cavalry, infantry, and three armies below the mountain had begun forming battle arrays. Carts slowly moved forward in the camp, mounted with four-foot-long hundred-pound cannons – Shenwu cannons appearing in the battle formation. Lu Yun couldn’t help but be shocked and said with a trembling voice: “You’re lying! These are clearly court forces!” His heart felt both terrified and confused, and he quickly said: “Where is General Qin? Where is he?”

Tao Qing coughed and said: “Lord Lu, don’t be suspicious. These cannons were manufactured under our mountain’s military supervision. Master Tang is skilled with machinery, and the Ouyang Yong brothers are expert in casting. The firearms manufactured under our mountain’s supervision have never been inferior to those made in the Western Regions or Southern Seas. My lord might as well witness this shortly. Combined with cavalry and infantry charges, defending the mountain and forming arrays still has remarkable effects.”

Lu Yun heard him speak at length as if it were true, but didn’t know whether it was real or fake. He glanced at the mountain’s foot, still feeling troubled. If these firearms were truly brought by the court to attack the stronghold, then the garrison troops from Yumen and Jiayuguan must have been dispatched. But after the great battle at Shaolin, the court had lost troops and generals with greatly damaged vitality – this should be a time for rest and recovery. How could warfare resume? Moreover, if the court transferred all border defense forces for civil war, weren’t they afraid barbarians might suddenly cause trouble?

Lu Yun couldn’t figure it out. He repeatedly questioned Tao Qing, but this person was full of official talk, only making his belly full of doubts even more bewildering.

Arriving at the back mountain, they saw tile-roofed houses everywhere. Though within the mountain stronghold, the layout still resembled ordinary households. Tao Qing smiled and bowed, saying: “Lord Lu, the child is inside the house. Please go in.”

Lu Yun heard bursts of laughter from one house – Yan Er’niang must be inside. He immediately took three steps as two and hurried into the house. That Tao Qing only remained where he was and didn’t follow.

Just entering the door, he heard someone crying out in pain: “Don’t be stingy – let this old man play with the child, won’t you?” That voice was rough, sounding like a crow’s cry. Lu Yun looked intently and saw the person before him was full-bearded with an extremely fierce appearance – it was “Nine Lives Madman” Chang Xuehen.

Lu Yun had once been imprisoned with Chang Xuehen in a Shandong jail and they had shared hardships. This big-bearded man had always been optimistic and mischievous, without scheming or deep thoughts. His behavior and speech were probably even more rogue and crude than Qin Zhonghai’s. Seeing this person, Lu Yun inexplicably felt joy in his heart.

He turned his head to see several other people in the room. One pretty face showed anger as she pulled Chang Xuehen’s ear – it was Yan Er’niang. There were also three beautiful foreign women surrounding the baby, talking and laughing. Looking at this small baby sleeping peacefully with closed eyes, his head pillowed in a beautiful foreign woman’s arms, the several foreign women chattering and taking turns teasing him – this baby was truly blessed, enjoying the fortune of beauty at such a young age.

Tao Qing knocked on the door from outside and said quietly: “Eldest sister, Lord Lu has come to see the child.”

Before Lu Yun could speak, seeing daddy arrive, all the women crowded around asking: “Is this child yours?” “What’s his name?” “What does he usually eat?” “He doesn’t look like you – is his mother very dark?”

The chattering of women in both foreign and Chinese languages, mixed with Chang Xuehen’s lewd laughter and Yan Er’niang’s angry scolding, immediately flustered Lu Yun. He had wanted to inquire about the military situation below the mountain, but instead became everyone’s target. He stepped back and said hurriedly: “One at a time… you… what do you want to ask?”

A foreign woman’s face reddened slightly as she asked in Chinese: “Everyone loves this child, but we don’t know what to call his pet name…” Lu Yun was about to answer when he suddenly heard Chang Xuehen laugh loudly and speak first: “What to call him? Listen to this old man call him!” He immediately pointed a finger right at the swaddling clothes and said roughly: “Brother! Time to fucking feed!”

The baby had been sleeping peacefully in the foreign woman’s arms when Chang Xuehen poked him for no reason. The child didn’t cry at first, only called out “ah ah” and opened his eyes – apparently truly ready to nurse. Just as he was about to open his little mouth, he suddenly saw a hairy black face lean over with a smile: “Brother, you’re awake! Come, grandpa will teach you to speak. The first word…” Instantly opening his tiger mouth and breathing out: “Fuck.”

The little baby stared blankly at Chang Xuehen, then suddenly his little mouth turned down and he began crying loudly. Yan Er’niang angrily said: “Annoying ghost! Get away!” The foreign women were also very angry, raising fists and palms to strike repeatedly. Chang Xuehen fled with his head covered, dodging frantically and crying pitifully: “I grew up in mountain strongholds – the first word I learned was this ‘fuck’! If you don’t like it, then I’ll start with the second phrase…” He scrambled to the baby’s side and smiled: “Damn…”

Before the word was out, the baby was already crying loudly. The women kept kicking and beating Chang Xuehen, who could only shrink behind Lu Yun. Hearing the baby’s pitiful crying, all the women anxiously tried to comfort him, but nothing worked. Lu Yun saw them clumsily handling the baby, shaking him left and right until his little bones nearly scattered. With the men crude and women rough, Lu Yun smiled bitterly and sighed:

“Come, give me the child.”

A foreign woman quickly handed the baby over. Strangely, when Lu Yun held him in his arms, patted his back, and whispered a few words in his ear, the baby immediately stopped crying. Seeing this, all the foreign women couldn’t help but praise him. Yan Er’niang smiled from the side: “This child is very attached to you. Last night when he couldn’t see you, he cried for a long time before sleeping.”

Lu Yun’s handsome face reddened. He was four or five years younger than Yan Er’niang, so she was like an elder sister to him. He gently coaxed the child and smiled: “This child actually doesn’t cry much and isn’t afraid of strangers – he’s a remarkably well-behaved child.” Hearing the praise, the baby suddenly laughed happily as if he could already understand human speech.

Lu Yun saw several foreign women’s faces full of admiration. These heroic women could learn battlefield skills without instruction, but caring for infants probably couldn’t compare to his abilities as a man. He smiled and said: “You should also learn to hold him. Remember to use light force, support his bottom with your left hand, and don’t press hard on his armpits.” Lu Yun had once followed the army on western campaigns and learned foreign languages from music and dance performers, so he spoke these words in the Hui language.

Hearing him speak fluently in their language, all the foreign women were both surprised and delighted. Seeing Lu Yun’s handsome appearance with short beard, he looked exactly like a fine Hui man. The foreign women naturally whispered among themselves, glancing at Lu Yun from time to time with smiles on their lips.

Ning Ning Han was the youngest but also the cleverest. She understood Chinese and mimicked the manner of Central Plains girls, curtsying politely to Lu Yun: “This elder brother, have you ever lived in the Hui regions?”

Lu Yun saw her charming appearance and smiled in return: “I once visited the Timurid Khanate. I wonder how your country’s minister Abuqir Khan is doing?”

Though they spoke in Chinese, just as Ning Ning Han was about to reply, Chang Xuehen suddenly roared angrily: “Good my ass! Fuck your mother Khan – what bullshit!” He had nothing to do all day and had long developed feelings for several foreign women. Seeing Lu Yun sweeping up all available women like autumn wind scattering leaves, accepting all comers, jealousy exploded in his heart. He immediately grabbed for Ning Ning Han’s jade arm and warned: “Everyone be careful! This old pretty-boy already has a wife – he’s no good! You little girls don’t let him fool you!”

Ning Ning Han ignored him and instead stepped lightly away from Chang Xuehen, still wanting to speak face-to-face with Lu Yun. Chang Xuehen was truly furious and immediately jumped forward, spreading both hands between the two and shouting: “Didn’t you hear? He has a wife!”

Ning Ning Han’s long eyelashes blinked as she sighed: “Hui men following the Quran’s teachings may take four beautiful wives.” She glanced at Lu Yun with a slight blush on her face.

Chang Xuehen angrily said: “Bullshit! This bastard Lu is clearly Chinese! When did he become a Hui barbarian dog?”

Ning Ning Han looked up at Lu Yun and said softly: “He has a beard and looks heroic – like a Hui hero.”

Chang Xuehen grabbed his own messy beard and roared: “My beard is ten times longer than his! Why don’t you consider grandpa a hero?”

Ning Ning Han sighed softly: “A rat’s whiskers are not tiger whiskers – having them or not makes no difference.”

Chang Xuehen was both hateful and sad, suddenly crying loudly: “You’re all bullying me! I hate this!” Lu Yun and Yan Er’niang seeing his crazy behavior couldn’t help but laugh, and the three Hui women also burst into laughter.

Just then, the door opened and someone entered – it was “Fire-Eyed Lion” Jie Tao. As soon as he entered, the three Hui women called in unison: “Brother Jie.” Though the women’s pronunciation varied in purity, the gentle charm in their voices was identical.

Jie Tao clasped his fists and smiled at the women, about to speak when he suddenly saw Chang Xuehen crying to heaven and earth, wildly roaring: “I’ll kill you!” He grabbed Jie Tao and beat him randomly to vent his anger.

After a while, Chang Xuehen left crying loudly. Jie Tao was naturally disheveled with even his turban pulled off. He coughed for a while, laughed dryly twice, and cupped his hands: “Lord Lu, General Qin awaits you at the beacon tower. Please come chat with him.”

Hearing the mountain leader’s command, all the women immediately fell silent. Yan Er’niang sighed very quietly and turned away to play with the child herself.

Seeing Lu Yun’s puzzled expression, Jie Tao immediately explained: “Our Nucang maintains strict military discipline – orders are like mountains. Whenever a leader summons subordinates, they must comply respectfully.”

Lu Yun had once campaigned in the western frontier as Qin Zhonghai’s advisor and was familiar with his methods, so he didn’t mind. He nodded and smiled: “No need for Brother Jie to summon me – I’ll go right away.”

As Lu Yun left with Jie Tao, remembering the besieging army he’d seen earlier, he asked: “Brother Jie, what’s the situation with those troops below the mountain? Why are they surrounding the stronghold…” Before he finished speaking, Jie Tao had already smiled and bowed: “Mr. Lu, General Qin is waiting nearby. I’ll take my leave first.” He didn’t answer Lu Yun’s question at all and had already backed away respectfully.

Lu Yun stood with his mouth agape, not knowing why he’d left so hastily. Just as he was confused, someone suddenly patted his shoulder. Lu Yun was greatly startled and immediately leaned forward, lifting his left leg to kick backward while preparing to roll forward using the kick’s momentum.

Before he could kick out, he heard the person behind him laugh: “Stop, stop, stop – you’ll hurt your old man.”

Hearing that Jianghuai accent, Lu Yun quickly turned around. Indeed, before him stood a man about eight feet tall, arms crossed, smiling at him. Lu Yun was overwhelmed with joy and sorrow, embracing the man and calling: “Zhonghai!”

Qin Zhonghai put his left arm around his brother and punched his shoulder with his right fist, laughing and scolding: “Brother, every time I meet you, you always look unlucky and bedraggled. When will you ever improve?” He took a square seal from his bosom and tossed it to Lu Yun.

Suddenly seeing his old friend, Lu Yun had so much to say that he didn’t care about any gold or jade seals – he caught it casually without even looking.

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Sorry, last night I was curious and stole this jade seal to examine it.”

Lu Yun smiled: “Did you like it?”

Qin Zhonghai scratched his head and face, smiling bitterly: “I can’t read the seal script on it – what do you think?”

Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s unchanged demeanor, Lu Yun’s eyes reddened. Thinking of Liu Angtian’s affair, his heart felt even more bitter and unbearable. Tears immediately rolled down as he sobbed: “Zhonghai, have you… have you heard about the Marquis’s matter?”

Qin Zhonghai nodded gently and grasped Lu Yun’s hand: “I know everything.”

Lu Yun said through gritted teeth: “Things were going fine, but somehow His Majesty suddenly sent people to search for some jade seal, and then the Imperial Guards surrounded the Marquis’s mansion…” Thinking of Wu Dingyuan, his chest felt bitter and he held back tears: “Zhonghai, do you know how the jade seal got to the Marquis’s house?”

Qin Zhonghai’s gaze was compassionate as he remained silently speechless, only patting Lu Yun’s back for comfort.

Lu Yun cried aloud and wept: “It was me… I personally delivered it… That night Yan Ting had someone deliver the thing to me to pass to the Marquis… Zhonghai, I… I’m so afraid Dingyuan is also implicated…”

Qin Zhonghai listened quietly without adding a word of comment, just letting Lu Yun choke and weep. After a while, he finally said:

“Brother, don’t blame yourself – this matter wasn’t your fault.” He patted Lu Yun’s shoulder for comfort and continued: “The whole affair was a conspiracy from the start. You, Dingyuan, and even the Marquis were all just someone else’s chess pieces.” He led Lu Yun shoulder-to-shoulder a few steps toward the mountain edge, pointed at the troops below, and said faintly:

“Even these forces are all chess pieces.”

Lu Yun wiped away his tears, somewhat shocked, not understanding how the troops below connected to this matter. He quickly asked: “Chess pieces? What do you mean?”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Brother Lu, do you remember what I told you in the Dharma Hall?”

Lu Yun’s heart jumped – at that time he’d seen Tianjue’s testament, and Qin Zhonghai had earnestly warned him never to mention it to anyone, or the realm’s mountains and rivers would change hands. He sighed: “I remember.”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “But you later revealed the prophecy anyway, didn’t you?”

Lu Yun had no words to reply and could only nod.

Qin Zhonghai smiled faintly: “You’ve always been clever and well-read, but unfortunately your heart is too soft. Otherwise, you’d certainly be a formidable military advisor. Dingyuan is the same – though worldly and experienced, his foundation isn’t ruthless enough. He loses badly on the word ‘ruthless’ and can’t compete with others. All said and done, it’s up to me.”

Lu Yun didn’t understand and asked strangely: “Compete in what? With whom?”

Qin Zhonghai stopped his speaking and suddenly turned to gaze at the vast mountains and rivers, laughing loudly: “Brother, don’t worry! Whatever happens in the future, leave it all to Old Qin.” His gaze was fierce as he reached toward the troops below and shouted: “Watch me crush them all at once!”

Seeing his confidence, Lu Yun was immediately overjoyed. Qin Zhonghai had always been efficient in his work and was Liu Angtian’s trusted beloved general. If he took charge, there must be wonderful strategies to control the situation. He immediately nodded: “Zhonghai, if there’s anything you need me for, just command.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “Having your word puts me much more at ease.” He took Lu Yun’s hand and smiled: “It’s rare you’ve come to the stronghold – let me show you around. Don’t think about these things anymore.”

Knowing Lu Yun had suffered much terror these days, Qin Zhonghai didn’t want to add to his worries, so he changed the subject and absolutely avoided mentioning the situation below. The two chatted casually as he said: “Brother, do you remember when you last came to Nucang Mountain?”

Lu Yun smiled slightly and said quietly: “During the western frontier peace negotiations.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded and smiled, pointing to a plaza: “Look at those two characters – do you know who wrote them?”

Lu Yun looked where he pointed and saw a massive archway inscribed with the two characters “Nucang.” This wasn’t Lu Yun’s first time climbing Nucang Mountain. Last time he’d come here was during the marriage alliance escort mission. At that time, he’d braved wind and snow to reach the mountain peak searching for Qin Zhonghai, and the archway had collapsed to the ground like ruins. Who would have expected today’s magnificent sight? Reflecting on the past, it truly felt like another lifetime. He gazed at the archway’s bold calligraphy and praised: “These two characters are full of heroic spirit – are they Master Lu’s handiwork?”

Seeing Qin Zhonghai shake his head and smile, he said: “Are they the blue-robed scholar’s masterpiece?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Brother, you’re wrong this time – those two characters were written by me.”

Lu Yun was greatly surprised. Though Qin Zhonghai wasn’t illiterate, he had no literary talent whatsoever. Never mind asking him to write such powerful, large characters – even having him honestly write “Nucang” in proper squares, he’d probably write it as “Pardon Marsh.” He shook his head and smiled: “I don’t believe it – write two characters for me to see.”

Sure enough, Qin Zhonghai picked up a tree branch and stammered, occasionally stealing glances at the archway, apparently wanting to copy it. After a long while, he finally threw the branch to the ground – clearly trying to hide his inadequacy.

Lu Yun smiled: “So who actually wrote those characters?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed dryly: “It really was me who wrote them.”

Seeing Lu Yun’s disbelieving expression, Qin Zhonghai had to cough and say: “I mean my old man’s old man – understand?”

Lu Yun suddenly realized these were Qin Baxian’s personal calligraphy.

Walking to the mountain peak near the beacon tower, Qin Zhonghai picked up a large stone and sat down with Lu Yun. Sitting shoulder to shoulder, Qin Zhonghai looked toward the urn of ashes on the beacon tower and smiled: “Brother, do you know you’re just like my father?”

Hearing this, Lu Yun was naturally surprised: “I’m similar to your father? Do we look alike?”

Qin Zhonghai’s face reddened – if Lu Yun said this and he heard it, he’d certainly laugh loudly. If he didn’t immediately burst out with the five golden words “You’re my seed,” he definitely wouldn’t let it pass. His eyes rolled as he laughed dryly: “Damn, don’t take advantage of me – I mean your temperament, that stubborn foolishness…” He looked toward the horizon and shook his head: “Really too much like my old man.”

Lu Yun didn’t know much about Qin Baxian’s life story, so he didn’t know how to respond, nor whether this was praise or criticism.

He heard Qin Zhonghai continue: “My father was a remarkable hero, but he always lived in confusion. He wanted to rebel but couldn’t let go of court loyalty. His heart hung on family and wife, yet he couldn’t abandon his principles. People like him could only pant in corners their whole lives, unable to break free from their situation.” He glanced sideways at Lu Yun and said quietly: “Brother, you’re a truly passionate person. When I was down and out in the martial world, you were the only one in Beijing who didn’t abandon me. I hope you live peacefully and happily your whole life, never suffering my father’s pain.”

Hearing his sincere prayers for himself, Lu Yun couldn’t help but be moved. He nodded: “Zhonghai, I also hope you can live peacefully and joyfully your whole life.”

Qin Zhonghai smiled bitterly: “What peace can rebels talk about?” His gaze grew dim as he patted Lu Yun’s arm: “If you still want to return to the capital and reunite with Miss Gu, then obediently follow my arrangements these days and don’t think about anything. Understand?”

Lu Yun nodded slightly. Back then, Qin Zhonghai had led troops through the night to avenge him, leading to his later achievements. His good friend had always thought of him without any selfish motives.

Lu Yun smiled: “Zhonghai, that’s a strange thing to say. This is your territory – if I don’t listen to you, who should I listen to?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and stood up: “I’ll be tangled up in official business these days and probably can’t accompany you. If you need anything, just find Tao Qing. In a couple of days, I’ll arrange a heroes’ banquet for you to meet the brothers and have everyone drink together.”

Under the sunlight, the two looked at each other and smiled, just like in the capital days. Lu Yun watched Qin Zhonghai’s departing figure, his heart feeling completely at peace. With this friend who feared neither heaven nor earth supporting him, he felt that no matter what difficulties arose, he could safely overcome them all.