The Road to Glory

Chapter 67: His Unusual Behavior

Zhao Bai was taken aback, glancing at the torrential rain outside before replying, "By my calculations, they should have reached Pingzhou by now. However, with this continuous heavy rain turning the official roads muddy, I expect they'll be delayed by a day or two."

Wen Yu set down her scissors and said, "With Tao County now under our control, we've gained another bargaining chip in our negotiations with Southern Chen. But after this battle, neither Wei Qishan nor Pei Song will remain idle."

She picked up the cup of cold tea at the corner of the table, tilting her wrist to pour it into the nearby potted plant: "When Lord Chen and the others return, summon Li Xun, He Kuan, and the other officials."

On rainy days, even the faint light of dawn appeared gray and gloomy.

Chen Wei and Fan Yuan dismounted from their horses as Xiao Li and Tan Yi stepped forward to greet them, clasping their fists in salute: "Lord Chen, General Fan."

Chen Wei looked at Xiao Li, whose armor was stained with blood, and said with a smile, "I've already sent word to Pingzhou to inform the Princess of our great victory. Young Master Xiao's breakthrough at the southern gate undoubtedly makes him the foremost hero of this battle!"

Xiao Li replied, "It was only because you and General Fan launched feigned attacks at the eastern and western gates, drawing away considerable forces from the southern gate, that I could seize this opportunity. The successful breach of the southern gate was also thanks to Deputy General Tan's excellent coordination."

Tan Yi hadn't expected Xiao Li to include him when claiming credit. Surprised and pleased, yet recalling his previous scheming, he felt a twinge of hidden guilt and hurriedly said, "It was Colonel Xiao's extraordinary bravery that made the difference. I merely performed my duties."

Chen Wei understood Tan Yi's character well - capable in practical matters but overly fond of maneuvering. He had originally assigned Tan Yi as Fan Yuan's deputy precisely because only someone with Fan Yuan's straightforward nature wouldn't mind his petty schemes. The two complemented each other and could achieve great things together.

Hearing Tan Yi's sincere praise for Xiao Li now, Chen Wei was somewhat surprised. He said to Xiao Li, "It seems Young Master Xiao has gotten along quite well with the officers during your time in the army."

Xiao Li responded, "The generals have all shown me great kindness."

Chen Wei smiled and said, "That's good. We all serve the Princess, and being in the army together, we should be as close as brothers."

As Fan Yuan passed by Xiao Li, he clapped him on the shoulder and laughed, "Good lad!"

Tan Yi made an inviting gesture to Chen Wei and Fan Yuan: "All the officials from Tao County's government office have been confined to the prefect's residence, awaiting your disposition."

Fan Yuan said in his rough voice, "Let's go see that cunning old fox Yao Zhengqing! He's been hiding in this stone fortress of Tao County like a turtle in its shell, and we've finally pried him out!"

As Chen Wei stepped into the courtyard, he said, "The Princess intends to recruit this man. He's an old fellow who can't withstand too much hardship - don't make things too difficult for him."

Fan Yuan rubbed his hands together and laughed heartily: "My lord, how can you say that? Do you take me for that kind of person?"

Listening to their cheerful banter fading into the distance, Tan Yi then said somewhat sheepishly to Xiao Li, "Just now... thank you, Brother Xiao."

Xiao Li replied, "General Tan, what is there to thank me for? I merely spoke the truth."

Tan Yi felt even more comforted in his heart but didn't press the matter, saying instead, "To make a friend like you, Brother Xiao, is my great fortune. If you ever face any difficulties in the future, just say the word."

Xiao Li smiled: "Then I thank General Tan in advance."He had always felt an inexplicable barrier between himself and the generals of Pingzhou, but now, that invisible divide seemed to be slowly dissolving.

Xiao Li and Tan Yi tacitly ceased their conversation and strode forward to catch up with Chen Wei and Fan Yuan.

Led by Yao Zhengqing, the officials of Tao County were all tightly bound and forced to kneel in the courtyard. The heavy rain had drenched their clothes and hair, leaving the entire group in a wretched state.

Fan Yuan feigned anger as he addressed the soldiers who had bound them: "What is the meaning of this? Why have you tied them all here in the courtyard to be drenched by rain? They're all soaked through like long-necked pheasants—which one of them is County Governor Yao?"

Upon hearing this mocking remark, Yao Zhengqing immediately cursed: "How dare you act so arrogantly, you insolent brat! I have already sent word to Xinzhou. I fear Prince Anshan of Xinzhou has already dispatched troops to surround Pingzhou! At my age, this old bones has lived long enough. Trading Tao County for your Pingzhou, exchanging this decaying body for the life of that Wen girl—it's still a worthwhile bargain!"

When Xiao Li heard the last sentence, he lifted his gaze to look at Yao Zhengqing. In his eyes, where ferocity had not completely faded, a clear flash of killing intent appeared.

Yao Zhengqing met his gaze and felt his throat tighten.

He didn't know who this young man was, but seeing him standing behind Chen Wei and Fan Yuan with such youthful features, he guessed he must be just a minor officer in the army.

Thinking that after decades in officialdom, he could still be intimidated by the gaze of some unknown junior officer, he immediately felt his dignity had been wounded and continued to glare back fiercely.

Chen Wei and Fan Yuan stood under the eaves. Though their armor had long been soaked through by the rain, compared to Yao Zhengqing and his men whose hair buns had been completely drenched and disheveled, they were far from appearing "wretched."

Looking down at him from his elevated position, Chen Wei said: "County Governor Yao, are you so determined to show loyalty to Prince Anshan that you would willingly sacrifice the entire Tao County?"

Yao Zhengqing, advanced in years, drenched by rain, and overcome with rage, couldn't stop coughing as he spoke: "It was your Pingzhou that betrayed our trust first! Chen Wei, ah, Chen Wei, we both once served as officials of Liang. Let this old man advise you today—do not let blind loyalty cloud your judgment because of that little favor Prince Changlian showed you. What can that young Wen girl accomplish in this era when heroes vie for the empire?"

He said sharply: "This is Heaven's will to destroy the Wen clan, Heaven's will to destroy Great Liang! Otherwise, how could all the men of the Wen clan have been slaughtered by Pei Song?"

These words were truly offensive. Fan Yuan drew his blade and pressed it against Yao Zhengqing's neck: "You old fool! If you dare spout such madness again, I'll kill you!"

But Yao Zhengqing only laughed heartily: "You who gained Prince Changlian's favor naturally never experienced those hardships of official careers. Will you play deaf and dumb, denying that the Great Liang court has rotted to its very core? How many scholars across the land endured ten years of bitter study by cold windows, all for the imperial examinations that promised a direct path to high position? But what does being a third-rank graduate mean? In Luodu City, they're not even fit to hold the shoes of powerful eunuchs! Court officials glut their positions without doing their duties, the emperor is long ill and changes decrees overnight, while maternal relatives call all the shots. How many loyal ministers and capable generals have died unjust deaths? To such a ruler, to such a state—what loyalty remains?"Chen Wei declared, "Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parents, and Teacher—Heaven and Earth are the foundation of life; ancestors are the foundation of kinship; the sovereign and teacher are the foundation of governance. Without Heaven and Earth, there is no life; without ancestors, there is no origin; without sovereign and teacher, there is no order. If any of these three are lacking, peace for humanity is impossible. As subjects, civil officials should die remonstrating, and military officers should die in battle. When treacherous villains surround the ruler, it is our duty to cleanse the court and uphold the state. The Prince and his heir had long been working to eliminate the Party of Ao and relieve the people’s suffering. The Liang Dynasty had clearly begun to revive, but it was the traitor Pei Song who plunged the common folk back into dire straits. Now, driven by your own disloyal ambitions, you slander your former master—do you not feel ashamed, old man?"

Yao Zhengqing’s gray-streaked beard and hair were drenched by the rain, clinging to his face in wet strands. Choking with emotion, he retorted hoarsely, "The Wen Shi’s mandate has expired. I never received the favor of Changlian Wang, so I cannot be a fool like Zhou Jing’an and die for a lost cause. As for Pei Song, that treacherous scoundrel is unworthy of my loyalty. Only the Marquis of Shuobian, Wei Qishan, is a true hero of our time. This old man is willing to serve under his command."

He turned to Chen Wei. "If you release me today, I will pretend your night raid on my Tao County never happened. You value integrity and fear that surrendering to Wei Qishan would tarnish your reputation. I can recommend you and have Marquis Wei personally recruit you. Otherwise, once the Prince of Anshan captures Pingshou and seizes the Wen woman, then turns his forces on Tao County, you will have missed your chance."

Chen Wei looked at Yao Zhengqing and said simply, "The Lady should not have instructed us to spare your lives."

He ordered his subordinates, "Put him in the prison cart and take him back to Pingshou to be dealt with by the Lady."

Fan Yuan, already seething with anger, immediately responded, "Understood! I’ll personally escort this old bastard to the prison cart!"

He dragged Yao Zhengqing toward the cart outside the courtyard. Yao lost a shoe in the struggle, looking utterly disheveled as he shouted hoarsely, "Chen Wei, think carefully! If Changlian Wang and his son were still alive, your actions might secure you a future. But now that the Wen woman may have fallen into the hands of the Prince of Anshan, instead of seeking a way out for yourself, you would rather throw an egg against a stone and court destruction?"

Chen Wei turned to look at Yao, who was already being dragged to the courtyard gate, and said, "I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Governor Yao."

Fan Yuan shoved the old man into the prison cart and spat, "They say you’re a cunning old fox, but I say even with three extra heads, you wouldn’t measure up to a single finger of our Lady! And you claim the Lady has fallen into the hands of that coward, the Prince of Anshan? That old coward is busy fighting Yizhou right now—since when does he have time for you?"

Yao Zhengqing slumped inside the cart, feeling a wave of bewildering uncertainty for the first time. He trembled with disbelief and cried out, "How is that possible? Why would the Prince of Anshan attack Yizhou at a time like this?"

Fan Yuan sneered, "You think Wei Qishan is a saint? If we can raid Tao County by night, what’s to stop Xinzhou from setting its sights on Yizhou?"

Yao suddenly realized something was amiss. His mind raced, and he burst out in furious understanding, "It was you! You deliberately schemed to make Xinzhou and Yizhou go to war!"

No one paid him any attention.

Fan Yuan gave Yao a sweeping glance, his face full of unconcealed contempt. "If I were you, I’d be so ashamed I’d hang myself with my belt right here in this cart. You keep saying the Wen Shi has no one left, that a woman can’t achieve anything—so how does it feel that our Lady just took your Tao County?"

After his initial fury and now faced with such mockery, Yao found himself speechless.

He sat silently in a corner of the prison cart, his gaunt head resting against a wooden post, watching as the Pingshou army entered the city in an orderly manner, moving through the streets and alleys.The junior officer accompanying them was still shouting orders to the soldiers below: "By the lord's command, anyone who dares to oppress the common folk in the city shall be executed on the spot!"

Yao Zhengqing's eyes, clouded with a grayish film, grew even more somber.

All the notable officials of Tao County had been loaded into prison carts.

Chen Wei instructed Fan Yuan: "I still need to remain here to handle various matters. The task of escorting them back to Pingzhou falls to you, Old Fan, and Young Master Xiao."

Fan Yuan replied carelessly, "Understood."

Xiao Li responded, "This general obeys the command."

Chen Wei glanced at Fan Yuan and said, "After all, Yao is getting on in years. Don't push him so hard that he dies on the road."

He then said to Xiao Li, "Young Master Xiao, please keep an eye on him for me during the journey."

Fan Yuan grumbled discontentedly, "I know my limits. It's just that the old fool's mouth is truly irritating. I'll simply keep my distance from him during the escort."

Chen Wei said, "Under his governance, even a small place like Tao County became as secure as an iron fortress. This man indeed has some talent, but he was never properly utilized and has long held grievances against Great Liang. If he is willing to surrender, it will bring more benefits than drawbacks to both Pingzhou and Tao County in the future."

Fan Yuan muttered, "Let's just hope he keeps his mouth shut when he stands before the Princess!"

Chen Wei, however, laughed and asked, "Do you think the Princess would punish him over a few disrespectful remarks?"

Xiao Li, recalling Wen Yu's way of handling matters, felt she would not.

But after a moment's thought, Fan Yuan said, "As long as he doesn't mock or satirize the Prince and the Heir, given the Princess's magnanimity, she probably wouldn't even get angry."

Chen Wei said, "Exactly."

Fan Yuan understood that Chen Wei was reminding him: Yao Zhengqing, that old man, knew what was important and would most likely submit to Wen Yu. He shouldn't offend the man too severely.

Rather frustrated, he said, "I know. It's not like I can really do anything to that old fool, can I?"

Then he waved his hand and said, "Let's go!"

The group set off for Pingzhou in the rain.

Xiao Li rode side by side with Fan Yuan. He remained largely silent throughout the journey, seemingly deep in thought.

Fan Yuan asked, "What's on your mind, Brother Xiao?"

Xiao Li said, "Nothing much. It's just that the Tao County Magistrate mentioned that after Xinzhou received their letter, they would besiege Pingzhou. For now, Xinzhou is temporarily tied up by Yizhou, but if they learn that we've taken Tao County, might they later realize it's a ruse and join forces to attack us?"

Fan Yuan laughed and said, "Leaving aside the fact that neither Yizhou nor Xinzhou has any proof that we were behind the ship hijacking, the mere fact that we've captured Tao County means they can't possibly form an alliance."

Xiao Li pondered Fan Yuan's words but didn't respond immediately.

Seeing that he still hadn't grasped the key point, Fan Yuan explained, "This is the brilliance of the Princess's strategy. Yizhou only rebelled after hearing the rumors of Pei Song's death and seeing the surrounding prefectures conscripting troops to revolt. In such a situation, even if Yizhou fears the reckoning that might follow if Pei Song's army heads south later, they're also afraid that Pei Song won't tolerate them. They have no choice but to see it through to the end, forced to choose between allying with us or Wei Qishan. But after the cargo ship incident, as long as Yizhou attacks Xinzhou, they'll have a letter of submission to present to Pei Song.""Whether the conflict between Yi Province and Xin Province was orchestrated by us is no longer important. With Pingzhou having swallowed Tao County, Xin Province is already at a severe disadvantage. If Yi Province ultimately chooses to submit to Pei Song, Xin Province's situation will become even more dire. Therefore, their only option is to strike first—taking down Yi Province before it formally aligns with Pei Song, while we have just seized Tao County and haven't yet fully consolidated our hold to readily deploy troops—so they can continue to contend with us."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Li tugged on the reins and said, "In that case, the northern defense line of Pingzhou would rely solely on Tao County. This is far from what the Princess initially envisioned."

Fan Yuan replied frankly, "With Pingzhou's limited forces, it's a pipe dream to expect to secure all three strongholds of Tao County, Yi Province, and Xin Province."

Xiao Li's expression shifted. "What do you mean?"

Fan Yuan explained, "Our successful surprise attack to capture Tao County can already be considered a blessing from heaven. The Princess's move was a gamble from the start. If we failed to take Tao County, we could simply retreat to Pingzhou and, after allying with Southern Chen, borrow their troops to assault these three prefectures by force. But by capturing Tao County, we've gained an extra bargaining chip in our future negotiations with Southern Chen."

Xiao Li's grip on the reins tightened, his knuckles turning pale. "Then why... did the Princess ask us to devise a strategy to defend Hundred Blades Pass with just ten thousand troops?"

The question Wen Yu had assigned to Xiao Li to ponder was soon after brought up by Fan Yuan in a gathering of all military officers, asking for their collective input.

It was only then that Xiao Li realized Wen Yu hadn't tasked him alone with finding a solution.

Though he felt a slight disappointment, he understood that dealing with Southern Chen required the entire army's strength.

But Fan Yuan's words now suddenly made Xiao Li see that Wen Yu had never intended to break off the marriage alliance with Southern Chen.

Her goal had remained unchanged all along; it was he who had misinterpreted her intentions out of wishful thinking.

The rain was too heavy for Fan Yuan to clearly see Xiao Li's expression at that moment. He simply answered, "The Central Plains have been in chaos for months, yet Southern Chen has remained dormant without attacking. Firstly, because of the marriage alliance with the Princess—they can, like Wei Qishan, use the pretext of avenging the Wen family to wage war against Pei Song. With the Princess on their side, their claim is more legitimate than Wei Qishan's. Secondly, of course, a direct assault on Hundred Blades Pass would cost them dearly without yielding much gain. For the Princess to secure her terms from Southern Chen, she must intimidate them somewhat. A war game, simulating an attack-and-defense battle without losing a single soldier, is the best way to show Southern Chen the cost of a full-scale assault. She just didn't want it disclosed before a winning strategy was devised."

He looked at Xiao Li. "I've only told you this, Brother Xiao."

Rainwater streamed down Xiao Li's sharply defined jawline. He seemed to smile and said, "So that's how it is."

Fan Yuan found Xiao Li's reaction somewhat odd but couldn't pinpoint why. After puzzling over it for a while, it suddenly struck him: Xiao Li was the Princess's trusted aide, yet she hadn't confided this in him.

Could it be that he felt the Princess no longer valued him?

Fan Yuan thought to himself, "That can't be. The Princess, upon merely hearing that he hadn't found a satisfactory advisor, specifically instructed Li Xun to find time to enlighten him discreetly." Fan Yuan surmised that the Princess might be trying to temper Xiao Li, which is why he had often envied Xiao Li for gaining a mentor without it being openly acknowledged.Worried that his words might lead Xiao Li to misunderstand and cause trouble, he said, "The Princess arranged for Brother Xiao to join the army, likely intending to train him as a commander. For a commander, every battle's deployment concerns the lives of thousands of soldiers. The Princess did not reveal it was a war game, hoping the generals would treat it as a potentially real battle in their strategies."

Xiao Li still wore a faint smile and calmly replied, "The General speaks wisely."

He himself had not considered this aspect initially.

Pingzhou.

"The scouts report that after news of our capture of Tao County spread, Xinzhou also dispatched troops toward Yizhou at dawn."

Zhao Bai stood outside the bamboo curtain, reading official documents one by one to Wen Yu.

Wen Yu had been overusing her eyes recently, causing dryness and pain when reviewing memorials, and she had already summoned a physician for acupuncture and hot compresses.

The physician advised her to rest her eyes, but many important matters required her decisions, so Zhao Bai read the documents aloud for her.

Dressed in a pear-blossom white casual gown with her hair loosely tied, she trimmed pear blossom branches in a celadon vase and said, "As expected."

Zhao Bai picked up another document and continued, "A report delivered an hour ago: The convoy escorting Tao County officials is twenty li from the city. Lord Chen remains in Tao County to handle follow-up matters, while the escort is led by General Fan Yuan and Lieutenant... Xiao."

She still disliked Xiao Li intensely, pausing briefly before uttering his military rank.

Wen Yu's scissors tilted slightly, cutting off the most flourishing pear blossom branch.

Zhao Bai noticed and said, "The main branch is gone. This servant will fetch new ones for you."

Wen Yu gazed at the remaining stub with small buds, gently stroking them, and said, "Leave it. Perhaps this remnant branch will bloom even better."

Zhao Bai didn't understand the meaning.

But Wen Yu's expression remained neutral. Withdrawing her hand, she only said, "Help me change clothes. They should be arriving at the government office soon."

When Wen Yu arrived at the meeting hall in fresh attire, Fan Yuan and the martial generals who had campaigned in Tao County were already waiting. They appeared to have merely changed into dry clothes, their hair completely wet, clearly indicating they had returned in the rain.

Li Xun, He Kuan, and others summoned by Wen Yu were also present. Everyone bowed in greeting upon seeing her.

Wen Yu said to Fan Yuan, "General Fan led the troops in a night assault on Tao County and rushed back through the rain. Exhausted as you are, we shall keep this brief so you may rest sooner."

Fan Yuan replied bluntly, "With Pingzhou's first great victory, if I cannot share the details with my colleagues, I would only lie awake staring at the ceiling."

His words drew laughter from the strategists, and those familiar with him joked, "This fellow has been waiting to boast! The Princess need not pity his fatigue—let him elaborate!"

Wen Yu smiled faintly and consented.

Fan Yuan clasped his fists, turning serious: "Our victory hinged first on Lord Chen's brilliant strategy—feigning attacks on the east and west gates to divert forces from the south gate. When our troops launched the main assault there, Tao County feared ambushes at the north gate and dared not redeploy its defenders, reducing reinforcements to the other three gates."

The strategists stroked their beards, whispering praises for the tactic.Fan Yuan continued, "Secondly, it was due to Commandant Xiao's extraordinary bravery. He led the soldiers up the southern gate tower of Tao County using rope ladders, breached the barbican, and opened the city gates. This allowed our main forces outside the city to enter, surround the prefect's residence, and launch coordinated attacks from both inside and outside on Tao County's defenders at the eastern and western gates, ultimately securing a great victory in this battle."

Upon hearing this, the strategists clicked their tongues in amazement, exclaiming how formidable the younger generation had become.

Those gazes, whether scrutinizing or admiring, converged squarely upon Xiao Li.

Wen Yu also looked at him.

At some point, Wen Yu had developed a habit of unconsciously avoiding looking at Xiao Li in crowded settings, as if fearing that even a brief exchange of glances might reveal something to observant eyes.

Today, it was only because Fan Yuan had mentioned him that she allowed her gaze to rest openly upon him.

But with just one glance, Wen Yu sensed something rather peculiar about Xiao Li.

Author's Note: Reference: "Heaven and Earth are the foundation of life; ancestors are the foundation of kinship; rulers and teachers are the foundation of governance. Without Heaven and Earth, how could life exist? Without ancestors, how could we emerge? Without rulers and teachers, how could there be order? If any of these three is lacking, peace for humanity cannot be achieved." — From "Xunzi"