Chapter 101: Whereabouts
Xiao Li remained unmoved, the wound on his back tearing as he tensed. His face grew even paler, yet not a trace of emotion showed. He was as cold and unyielding as a weathered boulder that had endured millennia of wind and rain on a cliff.
In his urgency, Zhang Huai had no choice but to press down on Xiao Li’s shoulder, halting his attempt to rise.
Xiao Li, still afflicted by lingering poison and having gone days without proper nourishment, was visibly frail. Yet when he spoke, the chill and authority in his voice remained undeniable: “Step aside.”
Zhang Huai pleaded earnestly, “Benefactor, you’ve only just narrowly escaped death. Whatever deep-seated hatred you carry, now is not the time for rash action. The best course is to recover fully and plan carefully.”
That day, though Xiao Li had told him to leave, Zhang Huai had not obeyed. Instead, he secretly followed Xiao Li outside the city and witnessed him engage in combat with a group of men.
To avoid detection, Zhang Huai kept his distance, not daring to approach too closely. Seeing that the assailants were exceptionally skilled—unlike ordinary soldiers or bandits, but more like specially trained death warriors—he sensed imminent danger.
Fearing Xiao Li would be overpowered, Zhang Huai hurried back to Jincheng. At the city gate, he noticed a top-priority wanted notice for a deserter. He lied to the guards, claiming he had seen the fugitive outside the city, and led a squad of soldiers toward Xiao Li’s location.
As Zhang Huai had anticipated, the soldiers, upon spotting the group outside Jincheng, moved to apprehend them. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Li managed to escape.
With the soldiers preoccupied in pursuing the scattered foes, Zhang Huai slipped away unnoticed. Having familiarized himself with the terrain around Jincheng over the past few days, he deduced that Xiao Li would also know the area well. After mapping out the most likely escape route, Zhang Huai went ahead to wait at the anticipated destination.
Before long, Xiao Li indeed arrived, having abandoned his horse and forded the river. Shocked by Xiao Li’s severe injuries, Zhang Huai was further taken aback when Xiao Li showed only a flicker of surprise at his presence before regaining composure.
As they prepared to flee, Xiao Li—bleeding profusely and on the verge of collapse—methodically bandaged his wounds, discarded his outer robe into the river, and erased all traces of his arrival before agreeing to leave with Zhang Huai.
Along the way, Xiao Li repeatedly cut his own forearm with a knife, then tightly wrapped the wounds with strips torn from his clothing to prevent blood trails from leading pursuers to them. Only then did Zhang Huai realize Xiao Li had been drugged with a sleeping draught and was relying on bloodletting and pain to stay conscious.
However, before they could reach their intended refuge, Xiao Li collapsed on the road, vomiting black blood. When Zhang Huai removed his clothing, he saw the dark bruising spreading from the arrow wound on his back. A chill ran through Zhang Huai; he feared Xiao Li would not survive.
Unskilled in martial arts and struggling with Xiao Li’s large stature, Zhang Huai could not move him from the roadside. Fortunately, during their flight, Xiao Li had revealed the hiding place of A Niu and Doctor Tao. Carrying the medical kit Xiao Li had refused to abandon despite his injuries, Zhang Huai first sought out the doctor and A Niu.
After examining the medicine Zhang Huai brought, Doctor Tao confirmed his story and promptly sent A Niu with him to retrieve Xiao Li. Together, they carried him back.
Following acupuncture and herbal treatment from Doctor Tao, Xiao Li remained delirious with high fever for several days, only awakening now.
Hurried footsteps sounded outside the door—A Niu had returned with Doctor Tao.Doctor Tao's injuries were mostly superficial whip wounds. With the medicine Xiao Li had retrieved for him and several days of rest, his spirits appeared much improved. Upon entering, he immediately said, "You're finally awake. Let this old man check your pulse again."
A Niu stood behind him like a small mountain, his eyes fixed on Xiao Li like a puppy's, full of eager anticipation.
After a moment, Doctor Tao withdrew his hand from taking the pulse, his already wrinkled brow furrowing even deeper. "The poison affecting this young man is potent," he said. "While not instantly fatal, had he been brought back even a moment later, not even the greatest immortal could have saved him."
Zhang Huai anxiously asked, "Old sir, how is my benefactor now? Can this poison be completely cured?"
Doctor Tao sighed with emotion. "His fate is strong. Relying on his robust constitution, he has managed to escape death's door twice. The remaining poison should clear with two more doses of medicine, but after such suffering, he needs proper care and recuperation."
Xiao Li, who had remained silent since Doctor Tao and A Niu entered, suddenly spoke up. "Please prepare two more doses of medicine for me. I must leave this place by tomorrow at the latest."
Before Doctor Tao could voice his objections, Zhang Huai rejected the idea first. "That won't do. Benefactor, your poison injury hasn't healed yet. You mustn't endure the hardships of travel again. Rest and recovery should come first."
Doctor Tao nodded in agreement, his aged face full of remorse. "The young scholar is right. This young man suffered this calamity because he went to the city to fetch medicine for this old man. You have saved A Niu and me multiple times. We grandfather and grandson have no way to repay you except to serve you like oxen and horses."
As he spoke, he pulled A Niu over and was about to kneel before Xiao Li.
Unable to rise easily due to his injuries and poison, Xiao Li couldn't stop them in time and could only exclaim, "Old sir, what are you doing? Get up quickly. You've saved me twice when I was at death's door. Please don't humble me like this."
Zhang Huai said, "Benefactor, you saw when you entered the city that there were wanted notices for Brother A Niu at the city gate. Brother A Niu has the mind of a child, and Elder Tao is advanced in years. If they don't go with you, it's only a matter of time before the Jinzhou authorities capture them. Though I don't know what matter requires you to depart so urgently, traveling while still injured and poisoned is clearly unwise. Please rest for two days first, and we can decide after your condition improves."
Xiao Li met his gaze and fell silent.
Only after A Niu and Doctor Tao went to the kitchen to prepare the medicine, leaving only Xiao Li and Zhang Huai in the dilapidated room, did he speak again. "I saved you once, and now you've saved me. We're even. There's no need to call me benefactor anymore, nor to follow me."
With no intact tables or chairs in the room, Zhang Huai simply sat boldly on the doorstep, rolling up his wide Confucian robe sleeves to cool off. Lightly twirling three copper coins between his fingers, he smiled and said, "Benefactor has forgotten - I decided to follow you because of a divination result. Hearing from Elder Tao that you've escaped death twice only strengthens my belief that you are the chosen one of destiny."
Xiao Li silently gazed at the ceiling beams covered in cobwebs and dust, snorting coldly. "I've never believed in heaven, much less in fate."
Zhang Huai put away his copper coins, still smiling. "I half believe in divination, and half believe my own eyes. Benefactor is no ordinary person trapped in a small pond. Though untalented, my only strengths are my tongue and the knowledge in my belly. If you would deign to employ me, it would be my greatest honor."His words were less self-deprecation and more sheer arrogance.
After a brief silence in the room, Xiao Li's cold voice rang out: "Fine. Handle a matter for me."
Three days later, at the Jinzhou Military Camp.
Under the scorching sun, two young generals wielding weapons fought fiercely on the training ground, their movements so evenly matched that sparks flew when spear and blade crossed.
After another dozen exchanges, both weapons came to a halt pointed at each other's throats.
The two shared a smile, tossed their weapons to the soldiers below, and retreated to the shade to drink tea and escape the heat.
Pei Yuan remarked: "Your Han Family Spear Technique truly deserves its reputation as the foremost military style. In earlier years, the Wen Shi faction favored the Gu family, and their Gu Family Spear Technique was mystified throughout the court. Yet during the Fengyang battle, didn't Gu Changfeng still fall defeated by General Ouyang?"
The General Ouyang he referred to was a fierce commander under Pei Song's command.
Han Qi's smile faded slightly. He held the teacup but didn't drink, stating: "Indeed, it was nothing extraordinary."
Pei Yuan patted his shoulder: "The Wen Shi faction has committed countless acts of distorting truth. Once our lord clears Old General Han's name, those wronged souls may finally rest in peace."
Han Qi drained his cup in one gulp: "Tell our lord this: as long as I, Han Qi, draw breath, the Wen Shi remnants and their Old Chen allies shall never cross into Jinzhou."
Before being formally named by Pei Song, Pei Yuan had been the tenth Hawk Hound promoted from the death warriors, hence he was still addressed as Pei Ten according to Hawk Hound tradition. Han Qi, being long acquainted with him, used this familiar address.
Pei Yuan showed satisfaction at this declaration, his face breaking into a smile. But before he could respond, Han Qi's aide came rushing in: "General! Terrible news! Deputy General Li was ambushed and killed en route to Tongzhou for surrender negotiations!"
Both Pei Yuan and Han Qi's expressions shifted dramatically.
At the Jinzhou-Tongzhou border, Xiao Li severed the Jinzhou deputy general's head, wrapped it in black cloth, and tossed it to Zhang Huai.
Standing amid a field of corpses, Zhang Huai retched while instinctively catching the object. Realizing the damp, sticky contents of the black bundle, his face turned sallow, nausea intensifying as he hurriedly passed it to A Niu while vomiting.
A Niu showed no fear of bloodshed, carrying the bundle as if it were any ordinary object.
The arrow wound on Xiao Li's shoulder hadn't fully healed, his pallid complexion rendering him even more detached.
After washing bloodstains from his hands in the river, he told Zhang Huai: "Take A Niu and Doctor Tao to Pingdeng County in Tongzhou. With your wit and this proof of loyalty, securing refuge there shouldn't be difficult."
His earlier task for Zhang Huai had been to gather intelligence about Jinzhou's military movements.
Zhang Huai's previous suspicions were correct - Xiao Li had come to Jinzhou intending to kill Han Qi, intending to use his head as tribute to seek alliance in Tongzhou.
Unexpectedly, the envoy sent to negotiate surrenders in Tongzhou wasn't Han Qi, but his deputy general.
Having laid an ambush in advance, when boulders tumbled down the mountainside, the Jinzhou troops fell into disarray, scrambling roadside only to impale themselves on hidden bamboo spikes.
Amid the chaos, Xiao Li fatally shot the deputy general and his guards from concealment. The surviving soldiers, mistaking the attack for resistance from Tongzhou rebels, scattered like startled birds upon their commander's death.Within Tongzhou's borders, aside from the main prefectural city of Tongcheng which had clearly surrendered to Pei Song, the other sixteen counties were either governed by Greenwood bandits or led by rebel peasants. Only one or two counties with popular magistrates remained under official administration, yet maintained intricate connections with Wei Qishan's faction.
Jinzhou's ambition to annex Tongzhou had been thwarted. Whether Han Qi or another general commanded Jinzhou, they would inevitably teach Tongzhou's counties a lesson first. However, with the impending war against the allied forces of Liang, Chen, and Wei, any military campaign against Tongzhou would be more show than substance—a warning shot across the bow.
Thus, the most likely targets for punitive expeditions would be either the largest bandit-controlled county or the officially administered county backed by Wei Qishan.
The Pingdeng County chosen by Xiao Li for Zhang Huai and A Niu was an inconspicuous rebel county led by farmers who operated with Greenwood bandit flair. Their deep-seated hatred for the government ensured Zhang Huai's group would be warmly received when they secretly arrived with the head of Jinzhou's deputy general.
By the time Jinzhou finished dealing with the strongest official or bandit-controlled county, they could quickly seize the opportunity to strengthen themselves.
After washing his face in the river, Zhang Huai regained his composure. His quick mind soon grasped Xiao Li's intention. "What about you, benefactor?" he asked.
Xiao Li slung his Miao blade over his shoulder. "I'll find you after settling personal matters."
Pingzhou.
The study was dimly lit. Wen Yu couldn't remember how long it had been since she last slept. After processing stack after stack of official documents, though her throbbing temples pulsed with dizzying pain, she showed no intention of resting.
"Tong Que, are there more memorials?" She set down her brush with one hand while massaging her temple with the other. The whites of her eyes were bloodshot, her unnatural calm making those approaching her hold their breath.
Tong Que had never seen Wen Yu like this. Though she maintained her usual demeanor and poured all her energy into official duties, Tong Que felt Wen Yu's state was no different from madness.
Watching her mistress, Tong Que opened her mouth to speak but tears fell first, sobs catching in her throat. "Your Highness... don't push yourself like this. Please rest!"
Wen Yu seemed puzzled by this, calmly explaining, "I am resting. I've just had trouble sleeping these past two days. The calming tea hasn't been effective—have the palace physician increase the dosage."
These words only deepened Tong Que's sorrow. Before she could offer more comfort, a maid's announcement came from outside: "Your Highness, Lord Li Xun requests an audience."
Maintaining her temple-massaging posture, Wen Yu called out, "Admit him."
Moments later, Li Xun hurried into the study and immediately knelt without a word, on the verge of tears before Wen Yu. "This subject... begs Your Highness to rescind your decree."
Author's Note: Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated nutrient solutions between 2024-06-13 01:53:07~2024-06-15 23:58:44~
Special thanks to Deep Well for the fire arrow!Thank you to the little angels who irrigated with nutrient solution: Tianyue Jiangbai 55 bottles; Duannu Lan 28 bottles; Tasuoxing Cao 22 bottles; Wang Xiaomu the Great Talent 16 bottles; Zhongshi Zizai, Qingfeng Chanming, Yiban Chunxiu, Xiao Zhao, [Langxuan Gezhu] 10 bottles; Lu Manman 6 bottles; Yueguang Luo Zai Zuoshou Shang 4 bottles; Chen Yubai, Career Success Third Miss, Qing Ni Chi Shengcai, Dasheng's Mother is Stone, 49660318 2 bottles; Mu Jun., Stella, Mu Zi Shuoshu, Qian Shan Duxing, kfpy_L, Gai Ge Ming Ba, Taiyang Nuanyangyang 1 bottle;
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