In the long course of history, Yanmen Pass had always been a strategic location.

 

Defending it meant defending the Nation’s Gate. As long as Yanmen Pass remained unbreached, the barbarians could not enter the Central Plains to commit massacres.

 

…

 

Of course, this was somewhat exaggerated. If one truly wanted to enter the Central Plains, they could travel along the Great Wall and enter through any pass.

 

The reason why later generations’ films often mentioned Yanmen Pass was, first, because it was the most perilous terrain, and second, because countless battles had occurred there for more than two thousand years, including many famous ones known both domestically and internationally. Third, the illustrious Northern Border Army and the valiant King of the North spent their lives yearning to return here.

 

They lost and regained it, lost it again, and with Qu Yunmei’s death, the Northern Border Army also vanished into the river of history. Yanmen Pass remained the same, still guarded by brave generals willing to give their lives to defend it.

 

＊

 

Xiao Rong looked out of the carriage. Yanmen County’s terrain was high and mountainous, making it difficult for horse-drawn carriages to move, let alone travel.

 

It was well known that mountainous regions were difficult to develop. Even in modern times, geographical issues couldn’t be resolved quickly. If one truly wanted to vie for control of the Central Plains, they would know that this place couldn’t be their base, they’d have to relocate to the plains. Even so, Qu Yunmei loved this place and wanted to develop himself here.

 

Xiao Rong found it frustrating even to think about it.

 

On Qu Yunmei’s path to dominance, his biggest obstacle wasn’t the legitimate Emperor in the eyes of the people, nor was it the ambitious Chenliu King, who later defeated Qu Yunmei. Nor was it the Dongyang King, who ultimately won by playing the fool. It was Qu Yunmei himself, a stubborn, unheeding, suspicious, militaristic, violent fool who seemed bent on self-destruction.

 

…

 

The carriage was somewhat more refined, but still not great. It only had a cover, and there was no door or curtain in front of Xiao Rong.

 

Jian Qiao observed him quietly. Seeing his displeasure, Jian Qiao actually felt relieved.

 

It seemed that last night’s Master Xiao wasn’t an illusion. He really was this moody. As a capable person, Xiao Rong was entitled to be willful. However, when Jian Qiao thought of their even more capable and willful King, he couldn’t help but worry.

 

He wondered if Master Gao had managed to persuade the King that a little patience would prevent major misfortune. For the sake of their great cause, the King absolutely couldn’t anger Xiao Rong away again.

 

Jian Qiao planned for Gao Xunzhi to handle Qu Yunmei while he himself managed Xiao Rong, believing a dual approach would be more effective. He had no idea that Gao Xunzhi had already failed, and their beloved King, upon hearing that the shaman had been brought to Yanmen County, had decided to come personally to expose him.

 

…

 

Arriving at the main city, Jian Qiao personally assisted Xiao Rong to get off the carriage. To be honest, Jian Qiao’s attitude was too good. It was so good that even Xiao Rong, who bore grudges, felt embarrassed to hold it against him.

 

No wonder he had survived and lived a long life. It was true that good people get good rewards. However, this good person had also embarrassed him greatly. Well, he decided to ignore him for a bit longer.

 

…

 

Xiao Rong got off the carriage expressionlessly, not offering a smile, as his way of punishing Jian Qiao. However, Jian Qiao didn’t care at all. Having gotten him here, who cared about a smile? Xiao Rong’s poor health required everyone to accommodate him, so they walked slowly. As they walked, Jian Qiao introduced the main city to him.

 

It was better than Xiao Rong had imagined. Everything necessary was there, and the people seemed to be living in peace and contentment. The only notable difference was the large number of people carrying weapons, both men and women.

 

Anyone who saw Xiao Rong stared for a moment, but unlike in other cities, they recovered quickly, as if they had already built up an immunity.

 

Xiao Rong noticed this but didn’t mind. He was entirely focused on observing the main city, which, if things went as planned, would be the first place where he implemented his plans.

 

As Xiao Rong observed, Jian Qiao talked. When they passed a tea house, a few children playing nearby were singing a nursery rhyme. Normally, it would have been unrelated, but the content of the rhyme caught Xiao Rong’s attention, and he turned his head.

 

“The flag of Chiyou, from the North, Jupiter shines, but in the East.

“War begins, the general dies, fire descends, life arises.”

 

The somewhat rhymed yet strange nursery rhyme was sung loudly by the children, over and over. Children were like that, singing anything new repeatedly. However, the content was intriguing. Jian Qiao, being barely literate, turned pale after hearing the rhyme. He hadn’t heard this rhyme during his last visit to Yanmen County.

 

He immediately grabbed one of the children, angrily asking, “Who taught you this rhyme?!”

 

Xiao Rong watched them, his gaze shifting between Jian Qiao and the children’s faces.

 

Jian Qiao seemed to know these children. It made sense, as the palace was ahead, and the children playing nearby were likely connected to the Northern Border Army. Xiao Rong didn’t interfere and just watched Jian Qiao question the child. The child was frightened but didn’t cry, only sobbed and mentioned a few nicknames, likely other children.

 

After a long and fruitless interrogation, Xiao Rong glanced around. The other children had run off once Jian Qiao got angry, leaving only one seven or eight-year-old little girl.

 

The little girl stood nervously, as if she wanted to plead but didn’t dare to step forward.

 

The little girl had very good features, but her skin was in poor condition, with pink cheeks showing signs of frostbite. Half of her hair hung loose behind her, while the other half was braided with colorful tassels hanging down from her hat.

 

No one from the Central Plains would dress like this, so she was clearly a child from a different ethnic group.

 

Perhaps because Xiao Rong stared at her for too long, the child noticed and looked up. After seeing Xiao Rong’s face, she was momentarily stunned, then immediately turned and ran away faster than a rabbit.

 

Jian Qiao, realizing he couldn’t get any answers, stood up and apologized to Xiao Rong. “I apologize for the embarrassment, sir. These children are all soldiers’ children and have grown up quite unruly.”

 

Xiao Rong, still looking in the direction the little girl ran, absentmindedly said, “Children wouldn’t know about the Chiyou banner.”

 

Jian Qiao was taken aback and pressed his lips together guiltily.

 

He wasn’t very old. He was the same age as Qu Yunmei, both being twenty-four this year. He was married but had no children yet and had been away fighting for years, so he hadn’t had the chance to become more perceptive.

 

The Chiyou banner referred to a comet that had appeared earlier in the year, slowly streaking across the sky, completing its cycle. On this continent, all comets were commonly referred to as “broom stars.”

 

Each broom star was given a new name, and when these broom stars appeared, people would consult ancient records, interpreting their appearances as omens of military disasters, internal rebellions, or even the Emperor’s death.

 

…

 

The Chiyou banner symbolized military disasters and the death of generals.

 

Astrology was considered superstition, and prophecy was baseless, but people here didn’t know that. The Chiyou banner appeared in the sixth year of Shengde, but Qu Yunmei died four years later, with no real connection between the two. Yet, the people here didn’t know that. As long as those in power linked these events together, the people below would have to believe it.

 

Xiao Rong wasn’t particularly concerned about how the nursery rhyme had spread to Qu Yunmei’s base, he just wanted to know who that little girl was.

 

When he asked Jian Qiao, the latter looked completely confused: “Girl? What girl?”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Forget it.

 

…

 

Having arrived in haste, there wasn’t a house ready for Xiao Rong yet, so Jian Qiao took him to his own home.

 

After settling in, Ah Shu went out to inquire about some things. Whenever they arrived somewhere new, he always gathered information about daily life to ensure Xiao Rong wouldn’t feel inconvenienced.

 

Once Ah Shu left, Xiao Rong sat in a chair, quietly lost in thought. This was the first time he had seen a living person from the Butew tribe.

 

…

 

Butew was a very special ethnic group. No one knew exactly when it emerged, but everyone knew when it disappeared.

 

Other tribes like the Huns, Wusun, Rouran, and Xianbei had also disappeared, but they had merged into the Central Plains’ population, their names vanishing while their bloodlines continued. The Butew tribe, however, had disappeared completely, both tragically and poignantly.

 

The Butew originated from the Buxian Mountains, a vast mountain range. No one had been able to pinpoint exactly where they lived, but it was generally agreed to be around the Xianjing Mountains, which later ceased to be part of China, halting further exploration.

 

Thirty years ago, a great snow storm struck, causing immense suffering for the people on the plains, and even more so for those in the mountains. The Butew tribe, living deep in the mountains, faced imminent extinction. Their chieftain, who was also their queen, decided to lead the entire tribe down the mountain in search of survival.

 

The Butew tribe was a matriarchal society where the queen’s orders were absolute. When they first descended, they numbered over five thousand. This force was enough to alarm the people of the Central Plains but not sufficient to defend themselves. If anyone attacked them, they would be powerless to resist.

 

At that time, the Butew tribe encountered another group: refugees from the Liaodong and Liaoxi regions, seeking to cross Yanmen Pass and find a new life in the south. The two groups nearly clashed, and perhaps they did fight, but eventually, realizing their common goals and lack of malice, their leaders decided to join forces and head south together.

 

These two leaders were Qu Yunmei’s parents.

 

The nearly ten thousand people they gathered became the initial Northern Border Army.

 

The Northern Border Army’s history was very inspirational, representing the spirit of soldiers, and was thus frequently promoted. The Butew tribe, being completely annihilated, was also highlighted for propaganda, their story being elevated and idealized. No one could step forward to claim descent from the Butew tribe anymore.

 

Initially numbering over five thousand, their numbers dwindled to four thousand after the migration. Twenty-three years ago, a fierce battle left them with just over two thousand. Ten years ago, after the bloodbath at Yanmen Pass, only over eight hundred remained.

 

These last eight hundred were all soldiers, and the most steadfast supporters of Qu Yunmei, guarding his back to the end. When Qu Yunmei was captured, only two hundred of them were left.The final two hundred were bound like pigs on the square, with the famous King of the North nailed to the wall of the livestock shed across from them.

 

His leg was chopped off, and the meat was cut off and made into mince. The tyrant laughed loudly and said whoever ate the mince would be released.

 

Qu Yunmei remained silent. He wasn’t dead yet and watched as the tyrant’s men held the bowl and asked each of his tribesmen one by one if they would eat it. Those who refused were immediately killed.

 

Two hundred and eighteen, according to the history books.

 

No one ate, so they all died. By the time the first two hundred and seventeen people had all died, the square looked like a living hell. Even the tyrant’s men couldn’t bear to watch anymore. They pleaded for the last person, a little girl who appeared very young, only knowing that she was still small.

With her entire tribe dead before her eyes, the little girl cried heart-wrenchingly. She wasn’t a soldier, had never been to the battlefield, and couldn’t even say her own name. She was only able to cry. Still the tyrant, driven mad by the stubbornness of the others, didn’t care about the cruelty of killing even her. He waved his hand, instructing his man to ask if she would eat.

 

The man felt pity and didn’t ask. Instead, he directly put the bowl to the girl’s mouth, thinking just a touch would suffice, allowing him to say she had eaten. However, seeing his action, the girl cried and backed away, making it obvious to the tyrant.

 

…

 

After the child died, someone secretly collected her bones and buried her outside the city. Her story was so touching that it spread across the country, and many people reinforced her grave and wrote poems and painted pictures in her honor.

 

Fifteen hundred years later, amidst countless ancient buildings and rain, her tomb still remained and had become a 5A tourist attraction.

 

…

 

The site was called the Tomb of the Butew Girl, and it was because of this tomb that the Butew tribe became famous. Likewise, despite efforts to suppress the reputation of the Northern Border Army and slander the King of the North, they were still remembered.

 

Xiao Rong had visited the site and watched the TV series adaptation. He had even danced in a performance based on this historical story. Classical dance often drew on these famous historical tales, and artworks about the Butew girl were always poignant.

 

To be honest, whether visiting the site or dancing, Xiao Rong hadn’t felt much until he saw that little girl just now. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was the famous Butew girl.

 

Shaking his head, Xiao Rong told himself to stop imagining things. No one knew the child’s name, and he, for the sake of his own life, would never let the Butew tribe meet such an end again.

 

…

 

Just as he was feeling inspired, Xiao Rong was struck by a harsh reality.

 

He looked at Jian Qiao incredulously. “Say that again?!”

 

Jian Qiao was sweating profusely. “The King doesn’t like having strategists with the army. Sir, it would be better for you to stay in Yanmen County.”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

“If I don’t follow the King, who will I present my strategies to? And if I’m not there, who will advise him when he makes mistakes?!”

 

Most importantly, who would stop him from his reckless actions?!

 

Jian Qiao stared at him blankly, thinking but not daring to say, ‘Would your advice even help? You’re not more persuasive than the guards!’

 

Racking his brains, Jian Qiao managed to offer some consolation. “Once you achieve more success and the King sees your worth, perhaps he will change his mind and fulfill your wishes.”

 

Xiao Rong asked, “Is he biased?”

 

Jian Qiao: “!”

 

Xiao Rong squinted. “What bias?”

 

Jian Qiao: Ah, this, this, this.

 

Xiao Rong stepped forward with a smile. “So the King is indeed biased against me?”

 

Just then, a guard called for Jian Qiao, who gratefully took the opportunity to leave. As he ran out, he said, “Sir, please wait a moment! You all, serve the best food and wine to the sir!”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Grinding his teeth, he decided to fill his stomach first since he was indeed hungry.

 

The food here was much better than at the inn. Jian Qiao’s wife even had two jars of wine sent over. Xiao Rong hadn’t intended to drink but his eyes widened when he learned it was called General’s Brew.

 

General’s Brew was famous, known as the first high-proof liquor recorded in history. It was said that Qu Yunmei’s father invented it during a particularly cold period to keep the soldiers warm.

 

Xiao Rong wasn’t sure about the truth of the story but he wanted to try it anyway. Although it was called high-proof, ancient wine was never that strong due to the lack of distillation technology. How strong could it be?

 

Jian Qiao’s wife was very considerate, even offering beautiful women to accompany him, but Xiao Rong waved them away.

 

They weren’t even as good-looking as he was.

 

…

 

He drank cup after cup.

 

Xiao Rong would never admit this was his first time drinking.

 

He used to be a good boy, maintaining his figure and never touching alcohol. Since coming here, he’d felt too miserable to drink. If not for the fame of General’s Brew, he wouldn’t have thought of it.

Yet, after tasting it, he found it quite good, understanding why people could get addicted.

 

Xiao Rong didn’t realize his face had turned red. Pouring himself another drink, he struggled to align the jar’s mouth with the cup, frowning and concentrating hard when suddenly, the main door was thrown open.

 

With a loud bang, it wasn’t the door that made the noise but the jar hitting the ground.

 

Xiao Rong stared blankly at the spilled wine for a long moment before saying, “It’s spilled.”

 

These two words were soft and sorrowful. Standing by the door, Qu Yunmei suspiciously eyed this so-called diviner.

 

He seemed a bit too young.

 

Did he come to the wrong place?

 

Qu Yunmei doubted himself for a second but then became certain that he hadn’t made a mistake. This diviner must be trying to confuse him. Closing the door behind him, Qu Yunmei decided to confront him.

 

Due to Xiao Rong’s flushed face, Qu Yunmei didn’t realize he wasn’t well, but he immediately noticed Xiao Rong’s good looks.

 

Qu Yunmei glanced casually, then glanced again, and yet again.

 

With each step, his gaze swept over Xiao Rong like a scanner.

 

Qu Yunmei: “…”

 

He had never heard of a diviner with such an appearance. Hmph, he must be a spy. He walked up to Xiao Rong and had just started to speak. “I am—”

 

Xiao Rong suddenly widened his eyes and reflexively jumped to the side. “You scared me! When did you come in?!”

 

Qu Yunmei: “…”

 

Xiao Rong frowned. “I’ve never seen you before. Who are you?”

 

Qu Yunmei didn’t respond, unsure if Xiao Rong was drunk.

 

Since Qu Yunmei stayed silent, Xiao Rong had plenty to say. “You look impressive and majestic, just like me.”

 

Qu Yunmei glanced at his own strong, muscular body and then at Xiao Rong’s much smaller frame.

“You must also be here to join the King of the North. Let me warn you, it’s best not to. The King of the North is stubborn, unyielding, distrustful, and brutal, favoring military might over wisdom.”

 

Qu Yunmei simply stared at Xiao Rong, while Jian Qiao, who was eavesdropping outside the window, gaped in shock, thinking he might be joining Xiao Rong on a one-way trip.

 

…

 

After listing these traits, Xiao Rong proudly swayed his head, seemingly in a good mood. Qu Yunmei paused, then smiled. “I see. If the King of North is so unworthy—”

 

Gritting his teeth, he finished, “then why did you come to join him?”

 

Damn spy, say it, and then I’ll kill you!

 

Xiao Rong glanced at him and also smiled. “What’s it to you?”

 

Qu Yunmei: “…”

 

Jian Qiao: “…”

 

My dear, please remarry quickly after my death.

 

Qu Yunmei wasn’t a patient man. He wouldn’t ask repeatedly for an answer before acting. Since he didn’t get an answer the first time, he wouldn’t ask again. He drew his long knife from his back, its blade scraping against the scabbard with a harsh sound. Xiao Rong, covering his ears, was startled by the sight of the gleaming blade.

 

“What are you doing? Just because I didn’t tell you, you’re going to kill me? Fine, I’ll tell you. I came to join him because I had to.”

 

Qu Yunmei paused and immediately asked, “Who sent you?”

 

Xiao Rong responded, “No one sent me. I came on my own.”

 

Qu Yunmei frowned. “Why did you come?”

 

Xiao Rong rolled his eyes as if to say, ’What a stupid question.’

 

“…”

 

“I came to help him, to save him.”

 

Qu Yunmei sneered: “You?”

 

Xiao Rong suddenly stood up. “What’s wrong with that? I understand the world’s affairs and the unpredictability of people’s hearts! As long as I’m here, no one can outsmart the King of the North!”

 

Qu Yunmei said, “But you just insulted him!”

 

Xiao Rong instantly fell silent, staring at Qu Yunmei, his gaze accusing him of being too reasonable, and leaving Qu Yunmei speechless.

 

“…”

 

“I criticize him because I care deeply. What do you know? Have you ever admired someone? Have you grown up hearing their stories? Have you chased after the King of North for three thousand miles? Three thousand miles! Who else in this world is as devoted as I am?!”

 

Xiao Rong glared at Qu Yunmei. After saying this, he swayed a bit, seemingly dizzy, and sat back down, muttering about the King of the North not wanting him, wanting to join the Northern Border Army, and asking where his wine was.

 

Qu Yunmei: “…”

 

He finally realized how undignified it was to argue with a drunkard. Silently, he sheathed his long knife with a swift motion and turned to leave. Before departing, he hesitated, looking at Xiao Rong’s swaying head.

 

Jian Qiao’s heart pounded in his throat, but finally, Qu Yunmei spared Xiao Rong’s pretty head. After stepping outside, he shot a cold glance at Jian Qiao and then angrily said, “This is who you recruited!?”

 

Jian Qiao bowed his head, not daring to argue.

 

“Make him some sobering soup. When he wakes up tomorrow morning, have him come see me!”

 

Jian Qiao nodded miserably, then realized what Qu Yunmei had said, snapping his head up so quickly he almost hurt his neck.

 

What? Sobering soup?

 

Military men usually just slept off their drunkenness. He had never heard of sobering soup before. Jian Qiao stood there, stunned, but then understood that this must be a practice among scholars like Xiao Rong.

 

Never mind.

 

The King didn’t kill him, and that was good.

 

Outside the door, Jian Qiao showed a look of joy and quickly ran off to make sobering soup. Inside, Xiao Rong gradually stopped swaying and stared at the remnants of food on the table, a drop of cold sweat trickling down his temple.

 

Luckily, he managed to cover it up for now.

 

Wasn’t it said that Qu Yunmei would be in Anding City for ten days or half a month?! This is bad, drinking caused trouble!

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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