Liang Ji bid farewell to Supervisor Fu and left the commandery city. Instead of returning directly to the Left Wing Army camp, he went home first.
Ever since Liang Qiang entered the capital for an audience with the emperor and was appointed Brigadier General, the Liang family had moved to a new residence.
It was a gift from the local gentry.
Having been stationed with the army all this time, this was Liang Ji's first time seeing the new home. He stood outside examining it—though somewhat crude compared to the elegant Liang residence in the capital, its gray walls, high eaves, and layered structure possessed a distinctive charm.
"Who's there—" The main door cracked open, revealing a gatekeeper scrutinizing him. Just as the man began to demand identification, someone pulled him back from behind. "It's the master."
Liang Ji watched two servants rush out—one greeting him with delight, the other with nervous deference. He smiled faintly. With a grand residence came purchased servants, and these new attendants were still unfamiliar with their new master.
Stepping through the gate, Liang Ji found his wife not rolling up her sleeves to do laundry, but sitting beneath the corridor reviewing account books. Two maids stood before her awaiting instructions, while their daughter played on a swing, guarded by a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old maid cautiously calling "Young Miss" from behind.
This scene made Second Master Liang feel as if he had returned to the days before their family fell from grace.
Yet differences remained: his wife's face had grown rougher, her clothing simpler, and their daughter attended by only one dull-witted maid.
Seeing his return, Liang Ji's wife rose, and their daughter leaped from the swing crying "Father!" The maids bowed timidly.
"Father," his daughter clung to Liang Ji's arm, urgently asking, "Are we returning to the capital?"
Liang Ji paused, and his wife explained helplessly beside him: "Everyone knows already."
Liang Ji smiled again, asking his daughter: "Does A-Yuan want to return to the capital?"
His daughter nodded immediately: "Yes, yes, yes! I want to go home."
Did she still not consider this place home? Liang Ji wanted to say something, but seeing his daughter's beaming face, he swallowed his words and simply nodded.
His daughter ran off joyfully, urging her maid: "Quickly, quickly! Bring the gifts I prepared—I need to bid them farewell."
"I'm returning to the capital! I always said my home is in the capital—I'm the young mistress!"
After his wife scolded the girl half-heartedly, she turned to Liang Ji: "You should go now. The third and fourth branch families are waiting for you in the study."
Without changing his official robes, Liang Ji went directly to the study where his brothers and nephews were engaged in animated discussion. Upon his entry, they stopped talking and greeted him with respectful excitement.
"Has everyone decided?" Liang Ji came straight to the point. "Are you willing to return to the capital?"
Was there any doubt? They nodded fervently—some exclaiming "We've longed for this day," others murmuring "Never thought we'd see this day," while some simply covered their faces and wept.
Liang Ji remained unmoved, watching the group: "Life back there may not be easy. Our Liang family is essentially starting over."
However difficult, it would be better than their rustic existence in the Border Commandery. Moreover, Second Master Liang and his son had brilliant prospects—receiving official promotions yearly. When the war concluded, their ranks would surely surpass even Minister Liang's former status.
Was Second Master Liang saying this because he worried they might hinder his promotions and wealth in the capital?
Otherwise, why had he refused and sent away Elder Liang when he came seeking news? Reportedly, his exact words were: "Don't cause trouble in the capital."
After all, Minister Liang had been the primary offender, his reputation ruined. Returning would inevitably draw scorn and shame.
But these family members were merely collateral victims—all innocent.
"Second Master, rest assured," one person said earnestly. "Precisely because the Liang family is starting anew, we want to contribute more.""Exactly, it can't just be you and your son risking your lives in battle," another person quickly chimed in, nodding. "We're family—we should help you too."
Second Master Liang glanced at him. Help? Why hadn't anyone mentioned joining the army to fight on the battlefield earlier? They'd all rather crowd his house doing odd jobs.
The man clearly thought of this too, his face flushing with shame as he averted his eyes. "We're no good at fighting—we'd just be a burden. But returning to the capital is different. We can network with noble families and powerful officials, keep an eye on court movements, and secure your rear."
The others hurriedly nodded in agreement.
Second Master Liang waved a hand, signaling them to say no more.
"Still, be cautious after you return," he advised. "Things aren't like they used to be."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and chorused, "Don't worry, Second Master!"
They left in high spirits. A servant entered to pour tea and saw Liang Ji standing before the desk, seemingly lost in thought, his brow furrowed.
The whole household was jubilant—why did the master seem unhappy?
"I heard the old residence in the capital has been repurchased," the servant said ingratiatingly. "Young Master Qiang is truly remarkable."
Liang Ji was pulled from his thoughts and glanced at the servant. "Happy to return to the capital?"
"Of course, happy!" the servant hurriedly flattered. "It's all thanks to you, Master."
Liang Ji smiled. "Actually, it has nothing to do with me."
Huh? The servant froze. What did that mean? Had he misheard? He was newly purchased and hadn't yet figured out his new master. For a moment, he didn't know how to respond, but luckily someone else entered.
It was the master's personal attendant, Li Fang, said to have been gifted by the benefactor who rescued the master from hard labor. The master valued him extremely, trusted him most, and never went anywhere without him.
Li Fang glanced at the servant, who seized the chance to retreat.
"What is Master thinking about?" Li Fang asked with a smile.
Liang Ji looked at him. "I'm thinking about why my family should return to the capital."
Yes, the servant hadn't misheard—none of this really had anything to do with him. Whether it was taking command of the Left Wing Army, uncovering issues in Sima's ledger at Changping Pass, winning Military Supervisor Fu's trust, or now sending his family to the capital—none of it was his doing.
Li Fang said, "Second Master, you've achieved success and fame now. It's only right for your family to return gloriously to their homeland."
Liang Ji stared at him. "Aren't they being held as hostages?"
Li Fang burst into laughter.
The laugh made Liang Ji stiffen, his face flushing slightly.
"Second Master," Li Fang said, "you're overthinking it. We don't need to go that far with you yet."
His words felt like a slap to Liang Ji's face, which turned completely red.
Liang Ji wanted to retort but found no words, torn between anger and shame. "Then... then why?"
Li Fang didn't answer directly but asked with a faint, mocking smile, "What? Can't bear to part with them, Second Master? If that's the case, just keep them here. They're dispensable anyway."
Dispensable—another slap. Liang Ji's expression shifted rapidly. Having reached his current position, his greatest fear was becoming someone dispensable.
A useless person was trash, to be discarded—and then he'd lose everything.
What did it matter being a pawn? Weren't all the court officials pawns of the emperor? Weren't all living beings pawns of fate?
Everyone was a pawn—it just depended on whether they were useful or not. He had no intention of being a worthless, discarded piece.
"Just joking," Liang Ji said with a slow smile. "Not just my brothers and nephews—my wife and daughter should return to the capital too."Li Fang didn't mind and smiled faintly.
Liang Ji didn't want to continue this topic either—it was all trivial. He asked, "Can Supervisor Fu really get me into the commander's central army? Zhong Changrong controls military authority extremely tightly. He's been watching me especially closely these past six months—this definitely won't be easy. Actually, if we want greater military power, it might be better to let me take this opportunity to compete with the other two generals first."
Li Fang laughed, "Second Master, don't worry. Whether we succeed or not isn't important—what matters is that we make the attempt."
Making the attempt is what matters? Liang Ji didn't understand. Without results, how could it count as making an attempt? How could it be considered good?
......
......
On the desolate hill in the deep night, Xie Yanlai spat out the grass he'd been chewing and turned to look at the soldier beside him.
"Did Supervisor Fu really say that?" he asked.
The soldier was none other than Xiao Shan, who had previously followed Xie Yanlai but was later driven away. When Xie Yanlai returned this time and was appointed Brigadier General, he brought Xiao Shan along when reassigning troops.
"Really," said Xiao Shan, who had gotten his wish and was elated every day. "Supervisor Fu said in front of many people that the military camp was chaotic, with people forming cliques for personal gain, so he needed to adjust personnel and purify the atmosphere. Then he said he wanted Liang Ji to come to the central army as Chief Secretary. As soon as he spoke, Commander Zhong told him to get lost—"
Xie Yanlai spat, "What kind of temper is that? How could he curse like that?"
Xiao Shan widened his eyes, "Young Master, your temper is worse than his! If it were you, you wouldn't just curse—you'd hit people, wouldn't you?"
Xie Yanlai snorted, "Of course I would." Then he frowned, "But can Zhong Changrong compare to me?"
Couldn't he? Wasn't Commander Zhong higher ranked than him? Xiao Shan didn't understand, but still nodded, "Young Master is absolutely right."
Ignoring his flattery, Xie Yanlai frowned while staring into the pitch-black night ahead, "It's obvious Supervisor Fu—or perhaps others—are deliberately trying to provoke him. He shouldn't have lost his temper. What's there to be angry about? He's the commander-in-chief—he should play along verbally while manipulating people as he sees fit."
After muttering to himself for a moment, he pushed off the ground and stood up.
Xiao Shan, confused, hurried to follow.
"Young Master, are we withdrawing troops?" he asked.
Xie Yanlai said, "No withdrawal. You stay here and keep watch. I'm going to see Zhong Changrong."
Xiao Shan acknowledged, patting his chest, "Young Master, don't worry. I'll handle things here. You can go wherever you want to play."
But Xie Yanlai hadn't taken more than a few steps when a soldier emerged from the darkness and blocked his path.
Xiao Shan nearly stepped forward to kick this clueless soldier aside, but the soldier spoke first.
"Ninth Young Master," he asked, "Where are you going?"
Hearing the address "Ninth Young Master," Xiao Shan withdrew his foot. This was Xie Yanlai's attendant, sent by his family. Although Xiao Shan believed he was the Young Master's most trusted person, he decided to give these family servants some face.
Xie Yanlai looked at the soldier and uttered one word: "Scram."
Instead of leaving despite Xiao Shan's meaningful glances and eyebrow raises, the soldier said, "Young Master, you cannot leave your military camp. Third Young Master specifically instructed that you must not act recklessly outside. If you do, he will have you return home."
Hearing this, Xiao Shan understood the situation. Apparently, the Young Master had caused trouble in the capital, been reprimanded by his family, and now family servants were watching to restrain him.
It was that formidable older brother of Ninth Young Master—Third Young Master—who had given the order.
If Third Young Master really made him return, the Young Master might truly have to leave the Border Army.Xie Yanlai stared at the soldier with a faint, mocking smile. "What? Third Brother isn't pretending anymore? No longer playing the role of the indulgent elder brother who never cares what I do?"
The soldier showed no reaction to these words, acting as though he hadn't heard them, and still refused to step aside.
"Xiao Shan," Xie Yanlai called out.
Xiao Shan hurried over. "Young Master, I'm here."
"Deliver an urgent military report to General Zhong," Xie Yanlai said, his gaze fixed on the soldier. "Surely you won't interfere with this?"
The soldier stepped aside and replied respectfully, "Young Master jests. This humble servant only attends to your needs and dares not meddle in military affairs."
...
...
But even after Xie Yanlai wrote the letter and Xiao Shan galloped day and night to reach the commandery city, they were still one step too late.
Zhong Changrong had already reported the matter to the capital via urgent dispatch.
At dusk again, the Empress walked to the front hall. This time, the officials gathered around the Grand Tutor did not withdraw but prepared to bow and offer greetings. However, the Empress dispersed them.
"All of you, leave," she said. "This Empress has matters to discuss with the Grand Tutor."
The Empress's expression was far from pleasant.
What? After only a few days of harmony, is the Empress going to quarrel with the Grand Tutor again? The officials exchanged glances before withdrawing.
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