Chapter 171: "Didn't Invite Me for the Wedding Wine..."
At the end of midwinter, the allied forces of Liang and Chen captured Jinzhou and continued their northward advance with unstoppable momentum, while Pei Song's army suffered successive defeats.
Several days later, they breached Purple Sun Pass.
The heartland of Great Liang was separated from its northern and southern borders by Purple Sun Pass and An Pass respectively.
Thus, after the battles of Majia Liang and Wayaobao, the Liang-Chen allied forces led by Great Liang's Guardian Princess Han Yang finally dealt Pei Song a heavy blow.
On the day the army entered the pass, withered grass lay flattened on the thin-snow-covered mountains flanking the pass.
Wen Yu stood on the ridge's cliff slope, her white brocade palace robe with golden patterns fluttering slightly in the cold wind, her long hair slightly disheveled by the gusts. Yet the twelve large hairpins in her upswept hair remained perfectly still.
Behind her, two strongmen held up a magnificent canopy, its tassels whipping in the bitter wind. Further back stood Zhao Bai, Tong Que, and over ten other Azure Guard members alongside a hundred elite Liang troops, forming an iron wall in the desolate landscape.
From this vantage point, one could watch the army pouring into the pass like a black torrent, its momentum overwhelming the vast sky.
Someone approached hurriedly from behind, passing through layers of armored guards before stopping ten feet from the canopy, bowing to Wen Yu: "Your subject Zhou Sui pays respects to Your Highness."
Wen Yu turned, looking at the man in blue robes who carried an air of refined detachment. "Rise quickly," she said, then continued: "Since we parted in Yongzhou, seeing Young Lord Zhou again feels like only yesterday has passed. When Pei Song used poisonous rumors to slander me and Liang Camp, it was fortunate that Young Lord Zhou remained calm in crisis, visiting academies throughout the Southern Border to persuade scholars across the land to clear my name. This even forced Pei Song to dispatch Hawk Hounds to assassinate you. Seeing you unharmed brings great comfort to my heart."
Zhou Sui bowed deeply: "Your subject's talents are meager, ashamed that I cannot share Your Highness's burdens in governance. I could only offer my humble efforts with some scholarly spirit. Now with scholars from Songya Academy writing works supporting Your Highness and Great Liang, I dare not claim credit. That Your Highness remembers and worries about me moves me to tears of gratitude. Though I managed to escape with my life from Pei Song's Hawk Hounds, it was entirely thanks to a righteous female warrior who rescued me."
Wen Yu said: "Young Lord Zhou need not be modest. That Great Liang has loyal officials like Minister Zhou before, and pillars like Young Lord Zhou now, is Great Liang's fortune and my own good fortune."
Zhou Sui repeatedly expressed that he didn't deserve such praise.
Knowing his last remark intended to make an introduction, Wen Yu asked: "Where is this female warrior now? Since she saved Young Lord Zhou, I should thank her personally."
Zhou Sui replied: "This female warrior greatly admires Your Highness and wishes to join our Liang Camp army. She accompanied me to Purple Sun Pass and currently awaits outside the military formation."
Somewhat surprised, Wen Yu ordered: "Summon her quickly."
Before long, a woman in Hu attire strode forward. Tall with almond eyes and thick eyebrows, hers was a rather charming appearance, yet the fiery determination in her brow—like hard liquor tempering steel—lent her a heroic vigor.
Just as Zhou Sui began to introduce her: "This is..."
Wen Yu had already called out the woman's name: "Xi Yun?"
Seeing they seemed acquainted, though surprised, Zhou Sui promptly ceased speaking.The woman, upon seeing Wen Yu, momentarily lost her composure before attempting to flash her a radiant smile as she once would have. But then, recalling their changed circumstances, she restrained herself into a subtle curve of her lips and bowed to Wen Yu. "Your subject, Gu Xiyun, pays respects to Your Highness."
Wen Yu stepped forward to personally help the woman up. Her calm eyes held only surprise and deep emotion. "Why have you come?"
Wen Yu and she had once been close friends in their youth, and her elder brother Gu Changfeng had been the closest confidant of Wen Yu's own brother, Wen Heng.
It was only a pity that the Duke of Gu had passed away from illness three years prior.
On the day Luodu City fell, Gu Changfeng, the Guardian General of Great Liang, had died defending the city gates.
Gu Xiyun's eyes were faintly red.
This most noble daughter of Great Liang would never know that three years ago, her brother—unable to propose marriage due to their father's mourning period—had shut himself in his study for over half a month upon learning of her engagement to the heir of King Chen. Nor would she know that when she was escorted out of the city gates by Wen Heng himself, with the Manor Guard protecting her journey south, a young general had watched her departing carriage from the city walls, his gaze piercing with heartache.
She left, and not long after, that young general who had watched her grow up also died at the southern city gate where he had once watched her depart to be married.
In the end, Gu Xiyun looked at Wen Yu and smiled. "My father and brother both gave their lives for Great Liang. Though the Gu family no longer has any sons, if Old General Yuchi, past seventy, could still fight at the Battle of Wayao Fort, then how could I, a daughter of the Gu family—who can wield the domineering spear—remain confined to one corner?"
With that, she clasped her fists and bowed again to Wen Yu. "Your subject, Gu Xiyun, skilled with the domineering spear and golden mace, capable of breaking formations and slaying enemies, now wishes to serve under Your Highness. Will you grant me this honor?"
The mountain wind was too cold, too biting, its sharpness cutting to the bone, stinging Wen Yu's eyes until they reddened. Yet within that faint redness, a fierce, unyielding spirit emerged.
She said, "With such a general, what more could I ask for?"
Below the mountain, the invading army continued to pour into the pass like molten black iron—not swift, but with an unstoppable momentum.
Wen Yu stood at the cliff's edge, her sleeves billowing in the wind, her gentle features now cold and imposing.
The thunderous war drums her mentor had beaten on the walls of Wayao Fort had not only shattered Pei Song's ambition to swallow the Southern Border in one stroke but had also awakened countless dazed former officials and scholars of Great Liang.
Her Great Liang was not yet at its end!
As the cold wind rose once more, she declared, "We will capture Xiangzhou within half a month and reconnect the north-south vital route!"
Goshawks circled in the sky, while thousands of military tents were blanketed in thick snow.
Inside the central military tent, Yuan Fang grinned as he took a sip of hot tea, dispelling the chill from his body. He glanced at the young, stern-faced man in the main seat and sighed. "The Marquis received your latest resignation letter. Distraught, he fell gravely ill."
He seemed puzzled. "Benefactor, the Marquis is a man who values talent. Even when the young master and the county princess acted disrespectfully before, the Marquis punished them severely. Why are you still determined to leave?"
Xiao Li set down a bamboo scroll in his hand. It was unclear what he had experienced recently, but his resolute face showed no emotion, and even the fierceness that once lingered between his brows had vanished. He was like a snow-covered mountain—only desolation remained, making him increasingly inscrutable.He said, "I have failed to live up to the Marquis's esteem. When I first brought my brothers north, it was solely to evade calamity. To repay the Marquis's great kindness, Xiao Li and my subordinates could only fight valiantly against the enemy. Now that the barbarians beyond the pass have ceased their movements and the Pei Army within the borders has been thoroughly expelled, keeping a group of idlers like us must be a burden to the Marquis. Many of my brothers yearn for home and struggle to adapt to the northern climate. I believe it would be best to lead them back to our homeland."
Yuan Fang paced back and forth inside the tent, hands clasped behind his back. Upon hearing this, he spoke with immense urgency and anguish, "Benefactor, what kind of words are these!"
He continued, "You have eliminated numerous barbarian troops that repeatedly harassed the Border Defense Camp at Yanle Mountain, uncovered Pei Song's secret maneuvers along our Northern Border, and executed that traitor Dou Jianliang. Each of these deeds alone warrants great rewards from the Marquis!"
Xiao Li merely replied, "I am unworthy."
Yuan Fang sensed his unwavering resolve and sighed in frustration before sinking into a chair. "I know I cannot persuade you to change your mind, Benefactor. However, the young master's wedding is approaching. Would you at least stay until after the ceremony?"
His expression turned somewhat awkward. "There are already many rumors among the common folk regarding Princess Wanzhen's identity. If you leave at this time, it will inevitably spark further speculation. Given the debt our Wei camp owes you, I hesitate to make this request, but Northern Wei is currently facing difficult times. I must be presumptuous."
After a pause, he added with deep emotion, "The Marquis often speaks of you, saying you resemble his late eldest son. Indeed, there exists a father-son bond between him and you. It is precisely because of this that the young master, in his youthful pride and jealousy, has viewed you with hostility. If you must depart, please bid farewell to the Marquis in person."
After brief consideration, Xiao Li agreed, "I shall accompany the General to Weizhou to attend the young master's wedding."
Yuan Fang seemed to finally relax, clasping his hands in salute to Xiao Li and expressing profuse gratitude before lifting the tent flap to leave.
Once he was gone, Zhang Huai, Song Qin, and Zheng Hu emerged from the inner compartment separated by a curtain.
Zhang Huai watched the still-swaying tent flap with a troubled expression. "Since the Prefect has made the Frontier Marquis aware of your determination to leave, we must prepare for contingencies when we go to Weizhou."
Three days later, Xiao Li accompanied Yuan Fang to Weizhou to attend the wedding ceremony of Wei Pingjin and the former Jin princess.
They had originally planned to stay at the city's guesthouse, but upon learning of their arrival, Wei Qishan promptly sent escorts to bring them to his residence, where he had prepared quarters for them. It seemed he also had matters to discuss with Xiao Li.
Unable to decline, they diverted to the Marquis's estate.
Xiao Li traveled alone this time, not even bringing Song Qin and Zheng Hu, who usually accompanied him to such events.
Along the way, Yuan Fang inquired about this, and Xiao Li frankly stated that since he came to bid farewell, it was inappropriate to bring too many companions. Yuan Fang said no more but appeared sorrowful and subdued throughout the journey.
Upon entering the Marquis's estate, a servant guided them to the guest quarters.
Yuan Fang suddenly asked, "What are your plans after returning to Tongzhou, Benefactor?"
Near the distant courtyard wall stood a persimmon tree, its dark branches blanketed in thick snow. A few bright red persimmons still clung to the leafless twigs, creating a delightful sight.
Xiao Li replied, "I am but an idle wanderer with no great ambitions. After killing Pei Song, living as a country rustic would suffice."Yuan Fang remarked, "My benefactor commands troops with divine skill and governs subordinates with excellence. Wherever you go, you are bound to achieve great things."
As they spoke, they entered a narrow passage flanked by high walls on both sides.
Suddenly, the sound of crossbows being drawn echoed from both ends of the passage and the walls above. Looking up, they saw a dense mass of armored soldiers aiming their crossbows directly at Xiao Li.
The glint of cold steel on the arrowheads pierced through the swirling snow, carrying a chill sharper than the winter storm.
Yuan Fang dared not look back at Xiao Li. Facing away, he spoke with visible shame: "I know I’ve wronged you, Benefactor. But since ancient times, loyalty and righteousness are hard to balance. If there is any misunderstanding or hidden reason behind your sheltering of Princess Han Yang and deceiving the Marquis, you may explain it to me clearly. I will surely plead for you before the Marquis..."
Xiao Li’s expression was one of near-indifferent calm, showing no anger at this treacherous setup. He merely lifted his eyelids slightly and asked, "Wasn’t I invited here for a wedding feast?"
Yuan Fang’s shame deepened, humiliated by his own use of sentiment and obligation to lure Xiao Li into meeting Wei Qishan.
He made a gesture, and the armored soldiers on the walls and blocking both ends of the passage lowered their crossbows.
He said, "The Marquis does wish to see you, Benefactor. Please surrender your weapon to me before the audience."
Xiao Li raised his eyes halfway, unfastened the black iron blade at his waist, and tossed it over.
Yuan Fang caught the sword and handed it to an armored soldier behind him, then gestured for Xiao Li to proceed.
The soldiers blocking the front of the passage had already moved to either side, their swords still drawn, watching Xiao Li with extreme vigilance. They all knew of his numerous feats, his peerless courage—once praised by Wei Qishan’s trusted general Liao Jiang as the God of Tai Sui incarnate—and dared not let their guard down for a moment.
As Xiao Li walked forward without so much as a glance to either side, many of the soldiers’ palms grew sweaty on their sword hilts.
At the rear of the passage, soldiers armed with sharp spears followed at a distance, equally fearful, as if encircling some ferocious beast.
When Xiao Li casually lifted his gaze, even the soldiers stationed ahead nearly stumbled backward in fright.
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