Qiao Chu

As Chu Zhao set off in the morning light, a team of Couriers arrived at Yunzhong Commandery bathed in the same dawn glow.

Compared to when they had parted from Chu Zhao, they appeared rougher and more weathered. Even the usually arrogant A Jiu looked unwell; though he still rode at the forefront, he couldn't conceal his exhaustion.

"We Couriers still fall short compared to real soldiers when it comes to endurance on the road," Zhang Gu said hoarsely, pointing ahead at Deputy General Zhong.

Deputy General Zhong traveled almost without rest day and night, changing horses but not men, thus reaching Yunzhong Commandery in half the usual time—pushing these Couriers to the brink of collapse.

"So don't think you're truly immune to hardship. You might manage once or twice, but in the long run, it's grueling work."

Perhaps because their mission was nearly complete, Zhang Gu grew reflective and continued lecturing A Jiu.

"After this assignment, go apologize properly to your relative and return to the Imperial Guard Camp."

He studied A Jiu—this youth who stood out unmistakably from the rest.

Indeed, he was different.

The lad had only joined their Courier Soldier Camp a month ago. Rumor had it he had connections and was originally assigned to the Imperial Guard Camp, but his rebellious nature angered his relative, leading to his punishment in the Courier Soldier Camp to suffer.

When he first arrived, they disliked this "young master soldier" type and deliberately made trouble for him—soaking his bed, spilling his meals. True to his defiant reputation, A Jiu never swallowed insults, fighting back tit-for-tat for half a month until they exhausted themselves.

Yet one thing earned their respect: the kid retaliated in kind—if you hit him, he hit back; if you doused him, he doused you—fierce and relentless, but he never resorted to underhanded tactics. He neither reported them to superiors nor to his family—whose influence was clearly substantial. Once, they witnessed even the haughty Captain Zhu of the Courier Soldier Camp saluting A Jiu.

"A Jiu, your family background is extraordinary," they had bluntly asked him back then. "Why didn't you take revenge when we bullied you?"

The youth laughed heartily: "With my family's great power, bullying you lot would be a waste. Powerful backgrounds are meant for confronting formidable foes."

This logic was unheard of, leaving Zhang Gu stunned.

But from then on, their relationship improved. Eating, living, and training together, aside from his lavish spending, A Jiu seemed no different from them.

Especially after this mission, they had truly become comrades-in-arms. True brothers naturally give sincere advice for each other's sake.

Hearing Zhang Gu's words, A Jiu chuckled: "Brother Zhang, you're just scared. It's because of me you got stuck with this tough job."

Logically, this mission shouldn't have fallen to their squad. It was likely A Jiu's relative wanting to teach him a lesson through hardship. Zhang Gu spat: "For you it's a tough job—what is it to us—"

A Jiu reached out and tightened Zhang Gu's loose scarf, smirking: "—Brother Zhang, your snot is dripping."

The other Couriers burst into laughter. Zhang Gu wiped his nose, grumbling: "This is an exception! It's not like we always travel with Border Commandery troops."

Another Courier asked curiously: "A Jiu, what exactly did you do wrong?"

A Jiu smiled: "My offense is both minor and major."

"What was it?" "Did you kill someone?" "Set a fire?" "Abduct a civilian woman?"

The Couriers clamored with questions.A Jiu wore an arrogant expression. "Forget the rest—with my looks, would I need to force myself on any woman? They’d cling to me on their own, wouldn’t they?"

Zhang Gu hummed in acknowledgment. "Like that Miss Chu, for instance?"

A Jiu’s face stiffened instantly. The couriers burst into laughter, recalling that Miss Chu with amusement. To this day, they remained baffled, unsure of what had truly happened—or what was real and what was fabricated.

"What was the real reason, then?" Zhang Gu asked.

A Jiu smiled faintly, this time without evasion. "Because she was disobedient."

Disobedient? The couriers exchanged puzzled glances. How could that be a fault?

"Disobedience is a grave offense," A Jiu said, resting his hands behind his neck. "Enough about me. Look, you just mentioned Miss Chu—Deputy General Zhong has sharp ears and is glancing over."

The couriers hurriedly looked up and indeed saw Deputy General Zhong approaching them from ahead.

"Gentlemen, we’ve arrived at Yunzhong Commandery," he said. "I’ll be returning to Great Green Mountain now."

Chu Ling, the Garrison General, was stationed at Great Green Mountain by orders and usually resided in the fortress there, only coming to the commandery city when summoned.

The couriers hastily saluted, watching as Deputy General Zhong’s scarred face broke into a fearsome smile.

Deputy General Zhong said amiably, "I must thank you all for your help with my young lady’s matter. I’ll report to the General, and we’ll prepare some humble gifts—I hope you won’t find them unworthy."

Zhang Gu quickly protested, "We don’t deserve it—we failed to take good care of Miss Chu. Please, let’s just consider the matter as if it never happened."

Deputy General Zhong nodded in satisfaction, his smile growing even more genial. "Once your duties are done, if you have time, feel free to visit us at Great Green Mountain."

No need for that, Zhang Gu thought, shaking his head but then nodding hurriedly. After a few polite exchanges, Deputy General Zhong finally walked away—though not before casting a few extra glances at A Jiu.

A Jiu paid no mind. Meeting the deputy general’s gaze, he stared back defiantly.

That brat, Deputy General Zhong’s scar twitched, but he said nothing as he led his men away.

Watching the cavalry unit gallop off into the distance, Zhang Gu breathed a sigh of relief. The matter was finally over.

"I’ll go submit my report," he told the couriers. "The rest of you, feel free to look around. A Jiu, since it’s your first time in Yunzhong Commandery, take the chance to broaden your horizons."

The couriers laughed and tugged at A Jiu. "That’s right—the commandery city is quite lively."

A Jiu waved them off. "No rush to explore the streets. Let’s save it for tomorrow. Right now, I need some sleep."

The couriers roared with laughter. "A Jiu, even you get tired?" "So you were just putting on a brave face."

Amid the laughter, Zhang Gu promptly arranged for a familiar courier nicknamed Old Hei to take A Jiu to rest. A Jiu, as generous as ever, handed Old Hei a pouch of coins, insisting on the finest food and the most comfortable bed.

"You’re much more likable than Old Zhang, kid," Old Hei guffawed, pocketing the money and eagerly leading A Jiu away.

…

…

Not long after, in a barracks room, a table laden with wine and dishes stood untouched. Old Hei lay slumped over the table, fast asleep, a wine jug still clutched in his hand.

His uniform had been stripped off. A Jiu, standing nearby, swiftly changed into it, then dragged the unconscious man onto the bed and covered him with a blanket. Patting the waist token he’d taken, A Jiu wrapped a scarf around his face and pulled his cap low. He stepped out, closing the door from the inside, and scanned his surroundings. Though this was an unfamiliar place he’d never visited, a mental map unfolded clearly in his mind—transforming into vivid lines that revealed every interconnected path.

He lowered his head and strode away briskly.

Soon, he vanished into the ceaseless flow of people and horses within the military camp.

…

…Dusk settled, draping layers of mountains in shadow, making them loom larger in sight as they silently watched a troop of cavalry galloping at the foot. The soldiers traversed rugged mountain paths until an endless plain unfolded before them, where a towering city stood—this was Daqingshan Pass, the final fortress west of Great Xia.

Luocheng.

Its name meant "the city where the sun sets."

Situated on the frontier, adjacent to the formidable Western Liang, it was fraught with peril yet brimming with trade opportunities. For over a decade, Chu Ling had been stationed here, his prestige resonating across Western Liang. He eradicated bandits and horse thieves, transforming the city into a place where lost items were returned and doors left unbolted at night. Merchants and travelers flocked from all directions, bringing bustling prosperity.

In the night, Luocheng resembled a river of stars.

At the heart of this stellar expanse stood the residence of the Garrison General. In his brightly lit study, Chu Ling gazed intently at a sand table, his eyes sharp and focused.

The massive sand table occupied more than half of the study, depicting cities, mountains, and rivers with vivid realism.

Chu Ling reached out and planted a small flag atop a mountain range, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

He said, "This route is now open and safe for common folk and merchants alike."