Gao Xunzhi was genuinely puzzled.

 

He carefully asked, “I understand that relocating the capital is indeed imperative, but why is Rong in such a hurry?”

 

In Gao Xunzhi’s view, departing immediately seemed too rushed. It would be better to wait until after the autumn campaign against the Xianbei, then spend the winter and the New Year preparing, and discuss the relocation the following spring.

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Not urgent?

 

When he first arrived, he thought he could relax for over two years, but getting sick repeatedly was a wake-up call.

 

Qu Yunmie’s downfall didn’t happen overnight. During his two years of glory, others were plotting and preparing. Only he and the naive Northern Army thought that after defeating the Xianbei, the world would be at peace with no more troubles.

 

Take the Chiyou banner, for example; they still didn’t know who spread the nursery rhyme. Yes, the mastermind now seemed clear—it was the Qingfeng Sect. They were indeed fond of spreading supernatural tales, but one thing shouldn’t be forgotten.

 

The Qingfeng Sect didn’t seek power for themselves. They always chose a proxy and supported that person to rise to power.

 

…

 

The origins of the Qingfeng Sect were untraceable. It emerged roughly two hundred years ago as a branch of Taoism, gaining fame amidst chaos.

 

Taoism is unique in that it doesn’t seek happiness in the afterlife but benefits during one’s lifetime, hoping for immortality.

 

The Qingfeng Sect, derived from Taoism, initially had a simpler pursuit: not immortality, just a longer life.

 

…

 

Being born in an era with an average lifespan of just over thirty was tragic. War and exhaustion were unavoidable, but seeing a doctor when sick offered some hope. Initially, the Qingfeng Sect was a group of Taoists claiming to cure illnesses. How they did it was unclear, but soon their mission shifted to purifying the air.

 

This ‘air’ wasn’t social mores but an energy they believed everyone had. Good people had clear air, bad people had turbid air. Excess turbid air would cause chaos, and those with a lot of it were considered disastrous stars who would contaminate the clear air, causing illness and death.

 

The solution? Simple—kill those with turbid air.

 

This simple and brutal method resonated with the deepest, unspeakable desires of the oppressed masses—they wanted to kill those who looked down on and oppressed them.

 

Thus, Qingfeng Sect followers were ruthless. Believing the leader’s words, they would view people with turbid air as demons, stopping at nothing to kill them.

 

Merely by speaking a few words or pointing someone out, the leader would have many followers willing to fight, and during chaotic times, everyone wanted a piece of power. Naturally, the Qingfeng Sect leader rebelled, using followers to seize territory.

 

However, rebellion required ample resources. Facing truly vicious warlords, the leader wasn’t even fit to serve them tea.

 

So, he died.

 

…

 

The next leader learned from his predecessor, continued the rebellion, and died too.

 

…

 

After four leaders died, they finally realized that most of their followers were illiterate commoners, lacking the skills for political maneuvering. Thus, they turned to alliances.

 

Since then, the Qingfeng Sect split into three factions.

 

The first returned to the original mission of curing illnesses, though still using dubious methods like giving talismans to drink.

 

The second became an assassin alliance, believing in killing those with turbid air but choosing assassination over rebellion. They had grown somewhat influential, having killed several notable figures.

 

The third, the most populous, discreet, and insidious, focused on alliances. They provided manpower and sometimes advice, while allies supplied money, status, and protection.

 

When people mention the Qingfeng Sect today, they mostly refer to this third faction. The first two combined have fewer than a thousand members, while the third has followers worldwide.

 

Xiao Rong wanted to bring the Buddhist son to counter the Qingfeng Sect’s influence, hoping to prevent a group of people who believed in killing to cure from settling in his area.

 

…

As for who they collaborated with… The Chiyou banner nursery rhyme was famous in history, spread by Huang Yanjiong, Qu Yunmie’s enemy. He would exploit anything harmful to Qu Yunmie, but this alone didn’t confirm his collaboration with the Qingfeng Sect.

 

It was troubling.

 

Xiao Rong sighed. Everyone knew that the loudest bird gets shot. Qu Yunmie’s high-profile actions—defying military orders, killing officials, proclaiming himself king, and neglecting his princely duties—all drew attention. The legitimate South Yung, with the young emperor, couldn’t be moved easily, so all eyes were on Qu Yunmie.

 

Even without a single strand of hair, Xiao Rong could guess that Qu Yunmie’s hidden enemies could fill a mahjong table.

 

 …

 

Seeing Xiao Rong’s troubled face, Gao Xunzhi was taken aback and sighed. “I understand.”

 

Xiao Rong: “?”

 

He looked up in confusion.

 

Understand what? I was just lost in thought, I haven’t said anything yet.

 

Gao Xunzhi stood up, smiling kindly at Xiao Rong. “Even without you saying it, I can guess your intention. In that case, I will do my best. Rong, rest well. I’m off.”

 

Xiao Rong said, “Wait—”

 

He reached out, but Gao Xunzhi walked quickly away, fitting for a Chancellor who traveled with the army.

 

Xiao Rong didn’t understand what just happened, but it didn’t matter. Gao Xunzhi agreed with him, instead of refusing. Xiao Rong was tired, his neck inexplicably sore. He went back to bed.

…

 

Xiao Rong slept for just an hour before waking up hungry.

 

Ah Shu immediately brought prepared food.

 

Xiao Rong waved, “No need, I’ll eat downstairs.”

 

Seated at the table, Xiao Rong devoured the food. He hadn’t eaten the biscuit Zhuang Weizhi gave him, nor the dry rations from Jian Qiao. Finally seeing proper food brought tears to his eyes.

 

Ah Shu, five years younger than Xiao Rong, watched him eating with a kind smile. “I knew the Master hadn’t eaten anything. No wonder they say he’s delicate.”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

He put down his chopsticks, annoyed. “Who? Who says I’m delicate? Is it Qu Yunmie?”

 

Ah Shu was startled. “No, it’s those we met before. Why would you think the King said it?”

 

Xiao Rong was speechless.

 

He didn’t know either, he just reflexively thought so. Hmm… not his fault. Qu Yunmie was biased against him.

 

Bias.

 

Thinking of this word, Xiao Rong angrily stabbed his food with chopsticks. He would remember Jian Qiao’s words forever.

 

Ah Shu cautiously asked, “Master, are you angry?”

 

Xiao Rong paused, removed the chopsticks, and calmly said, “No, why would I be angry at irrelevant people? Don’t worry, your Master doesn’t hold grudges.”

 

Ah Shu: “…”

 

Just hearing this, he felt wronged for his Master.

 

After a moment of silence, Ah Shu said, “Master, I actually think… the King is quite good.”

 

Xiao Rong looked at Ah Shu incredulously. “Why do you say that?”

 

Ah Shu responded matter-of-factly, “Because he saved you. Last night, if he hadn’t visited you, it might not have been discovered that you were kidnapped. He also immediately decided to send troops to retrieve you, showing he values you.”

 

Xiao Rong was stunned. Qu Yunmie hadn’t told him this.

 

To Ah Shu, Qu Yunmie saving Xiao Rong made him a benefactor of the Xiao family. However, thinking about Xiao Rong’s attitude towards his benefactor, Ah Shu wanted to say a few good words for Qu Yunmie as a form of repayment.

 

Ah Shu continued, “When you were asleep, the King visited you again and left guards outside, saying they’re to protect you. You now have the same treatment as Chancellor Gao.”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

He remained silent, frowning slightly. Ah Shu blinked, adding, “Master, isn’t there a saying about repaying a drop of kindness with a spring?”

 

Xiao Rong replied flatly, “That’s ‘repay a drop of kindness with a spring.'”

 

Ah Shu said, “Exactly, and saving a life should be repaid even more.”

 

Xiao Rong said, “What more can I do? I’ve dedicated myself to his cause, and I’m busy every day and night for him. If I give any more, I might as well offer myself.”

 

This made Ah Shu blush. He quickly said, “Master, you’re speaking carelessly again.”

 

Xiao Rong turned away, ignoring him.

 

Ah Shu scratched his head, unsure how to express his thoughts.

 

“Master runs tirelessly for the Northern Army, I see it. You said you would only be loyal to the Northern King. Now that we’re here, we won’t leave. Whether Linchuan or Xinan, I’ll follow you forever. But…

 

“I don’t understand why you don’t see this place as your future home.”

 

Xiao Rong looked at Ah Shu’s clear, puzzled eyes, and felt speechless for the first time.

＊

Meanwhile, under the candlelight, Gao Xunzhi and Qu Yunmie sat silently drinking in the King’s chambers.

 

Their Northern Army was a huge makeshift force, far from other powers and political centers. No one wanted to go to the trouble of sending singers or dancers to them. Even if they were sent, they wouldn’t make it into the palace. Qu Yunmie hated such decadent music, it reminded him of attending a banquet at the Southern Yong palace in his teens.

 

This scene, which appeared somewhat desolate, was quite pleasant for Gao Xunzhi and Qu Yunmie. Life had its ups and downs; having tasted the bitterness of mud, any wine they drank, no matter what kind, would have a hint of that earthy sweetness.

 

Qu Yunmie could hold his liquor well, but the true master was Gao Xunzhi.

…

Having spent so many years in the Northern Army, Gao Xunzhi could outdrink everyone, thanks to his scholarly status.

 

After taking another sip, Gao Xunzhi put down his cup and looked at Qu Yunmie with a smile. “I heard the King sent a few guards after Xiao Rong?”

 

Qu Yunmie lowered his eyes and drank silently. After a slow sip, he replied, “Yes.”

 

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

 

He held back and asked, “Why is the King treating Xiao Rong so well?”

 

Qu Yunmie finally lifted his eyes, looking puzzled at him. “Huh?”

 

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

 

If it weren’t for you being my closest brother-in-arms…

 

After a pause, he said, “Xiao Rong should be the type of person the King dislikes the most. When I first heard General Jian describe his character, I knew the King would drive him away. To my surprise, not only did the King not drive him away, but he also listened to his advice, and even mobilized three thousand heavy cavalry, and rode through the night to save him. Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover.”

 

Qu Yunmie: “…”

 

He defended himself, “I was chasing Li Xiuheng.”

 

Gao Xunzhi replied quietly, “You didn’t need three thousand heavy cavalry for that.”

 

There are several types of cavalry, and heavy cavalry is the most expensive and strongest type. Equipping one heavy cavalry soldier could feed a twenty-man squad. The Northern Army only had seven thousand heavy cavalry in total.

 

Qu Yunmie had dispatched almost half of his elite forces, claiming to pursue Li Xiuheng. Who would believe that? A few years ago, when Li Xiuheng appeared, Qu Yunmie chased him alone for three days and nights. When he couldn’t find him, in a fit of rage, he single-handedly killed everyone in a fortress built by the Huns, and brought back some decent weapons to Yanmen Pass.

 

…

Qu Yunmie didn’t speak because he was also pondering why he did that. It was an instinctive act. His decisions were based on intuition, not military texts, so he always made quick and unquestionable decisions.

 

This time, his intuition told him to bring heavy cavalry because Xiao Rong wasn’t like him—tough and resilient, having survived many wounds. Xiao Rong’s health was poor, and he was still ill.

 

Oh, so that’s the reason.

 

Qu Yunmie pursed his lips slightly, deciding not to share this reason, feeling it would be embarrassing and not in line with his usual powerful and domineering image.

 

Seeing Qu Yunmie not answering, Gao Xunzhi didn’t press further and continued, “Xiao Rong is a person who should be completely out of the King’s favor—”

 

Qu Yunmie suddenly interrupted, “Who says?”

 

Gao Xunzhi was stunned, blinking. “The King doesn’t like fragile people.”

 

Qu Yunmie replied calmly, “Xiao Rong isn’t fragile, he’s just in poor health.”

 

Gao Xunzhi said, “But the King doesn’t like people in poor health.”

 

Qu Yunmie replied, “That’s a misconception. I never said that. I dislike people who, despite being strong and healthy, pretend to be weak like the gentry.”

 

Gao Xunzhi was completely stunned.

 

Alright so you just won’t admit it, huh?

 

He got a bit angry and continued, “Xiao Rong has a strong personality. He has often clashed with the King.”

 

Qu Yunmie lowered his eyes. “But his intentions were good, and he apologized to me.”

 

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

 

An apology made you forgive him??? You’ve never been so forgiving before. The ghosts of all those who died by your sword must be just my imagination???

 

“Also, what about his love for money? Xiao Rong suggested trading coal in the future. Didn’t the king dislike the profit-driven nature of merchants the most?”

 

Qu Yunmie was silent for a moment and then said, “But he’s profiting for me.”

 

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

 

He hadn’t expected that answer. Gao Xunzhi was dumbfounded, and his voice involuntarily rose, “And what about his strange abilities? The King doesn’t mind at all?!”

 

Qu Yunmie wanted to say he didn’t know any sorcery, but recalling Xiao Rong’s reminder, he paused and nodded, “If it’s real skill, I don’t mind.”

 

Gao Xunzhi: “… …”

 

He gave up.

 

There was one last point about his looks, but Gao Xunzhi decided not to ask. This stubborn mule would never admit he had ever disliked someone like Xiao Rong.

 

Gao Xunzhi felt like spitting blood.

 

Swallowing his frustration, Gao Xunzhi kept his composure, rubbing his forehead. He said, “Alright then, even if the King doesn’t mind Xiao Rong’s personality, he’s a scholar. To be the only scholar who stays by the King’s side and gets along well with him, doesn’t the King wonder why?”

 

Qu Yunmie’s intuition kicked in, sensing a trap in this question. He looked up at Gao Xunzhi, appearing calm but he was secretly nervous.

 

After thinking, he gave a conservative answer, “Because he’s wise.”

 

Gao Xunzhi sneered, “There are many wise people, but few who get along with the King. Yanmen Pass is too far from the heartland, and people like Xiao Rong, who follow the King so steadfastly, are rare. That’s why today, the King has only one Xiao Rong by his side.”

 

Qu Yunmie understood but still insisted, “I don’t need unfaithful people.”

 

Gao Xunzhi asked, “What if Xiao Rong leaves one day?”

 

Qu Yunmie’s gaze sharpened at him. After a moment, he lowered his head calmly, “If he leaves, then he leaves. Nothing more to say.”

 

Gao Xunzhi shook his head. “My King, that’s not how it works. Before, you were a young general, a commander known for annihilating enemies. Now you are the King of the North. You expelled the barbarians, brought peace North of the Han River, and countless people see you as their hope. Xiao Rong does, and so do I. Xiao Rong, despite his illness, traveled three thousand miles to see you, seeking a wise and ambitious King of the North.

 

“If one day, he realizes you’re not the king he expected, that you’re not on the path he envisioned, will he still follow you so faithfully?”

 

Qu Yunmie remembered the words Xiao Rong said to him under the cold moon at Yanmen Pass. Even so, he replied to Gao Xunzhi with the four words Xiao Rong had taught him initially: “People are unpredictable.”

 

Gao Xunzhi sighed. “Yes, there will be many more like Xiao Rong in the future. They may not earn the King’s favor as he does, but their aspirations and thoughts will be similar. The King is in a position of power and cannot step down. We need more people like Xiao Rong and need to consider their wishes.”

 

The old soldiers in the Northern Army were fewer and fewer. Walking among the troops, Gao Xunzhi rarely saw familiar faces. The Northern Army was no longer what it was in his youth, but Qu Yunmie seemed stubbornly determined to maintain the simplicity it had when his father and brother were alive.

 

Talking about it made Gao Xunzhi sad. He didn’t understand why Qu Yunmie insisted on staying at Yanmen Pass. Their ancestral home wasn’t there, and memories of two brutal battles had long overshadowed any joyful ones.

 

At this point, Qu Yunmie looked up and, like when he was a child, softly asked a question. “If not at Yanmen Pass, where can I and the soldiers go?”

 

Gao Xunzhi paused, then took a sip of wine. When he looked up again, he wore his usual warm smile. “Let the scholars discuss it. As long as we’re together, it doesn’t matter where we go.”

 

Qu Yunmie fiddled with his wine cup. After a while, he shook his head. “We’ll discuss it later.”

＊

After being brought back, Li Xiuheng was brutally beaten. When he abandoned the pass and fled, leaving others to fight for their lives, those who survived hated him deeply.

 

Jian Qiao was one of them. His parents died in that war, and he wished he could kill Li Xiuheng himself.

 

Yet, he wouldn’t do it. Killing him was the King’s right. After all, the King had even deeper grudges against Li Xiuheng.

 

After sleeping and eating well, Xiao Rong also went to see Li Xiuheng once. He wanted to find out who Qingfeng Sect was working with, but unfortunately, Li Xiuheng was useless. He had only met the Sect Leader once and knew nothing about their inner workings. According to him, Qingfeng Sect had promised him twenty thousand troops and supplies if he succeeded.

 

Twenty thousand. That’s almost a small warlord’s army. Qingfeng Sect was wealthy but not foolish enough to make such a costly promise. Xiao Rong knew it was a lie, but Li Xiuheng believed it.

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

No wonder he was tricked by the court for little benefits back then.

 

Seeing no valuable information could be obtained from Li Xiuheng, Xiao Rong left. Once he was gone, the soldiers resumed beating Li Xiuheng.

 

Outside, Xiao Rong ran into Qu Yunmie.

 

Xiao Rong asked, “Has the King come to see Li Xiuheng?”

 

Qu Yunmie glanced at the prison door, from which screams were coming. He didn’t respond but asked Xiao Rong, “I heard you have a younger brother?”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

The topic had shifted too quickly.

 

After a moment, he nodded. “I have a younger brother and an elderly grandmother.”

 

Qu Yunmie asked, “Why not bring them here?”

 

Xiao Rong was even more puzzled. Showing concern for his family in front of the prison—was this some new form of workplace care?

 

After a moment of consideration, he answered, “My younger brother is young, and my grandmother is old. Yanmen County is remote and dangerous. I am worried about their safety—”

 

Before he could finish, Qu Yunmie suddenly turned and walked away.

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

He watched Qu Yunmie leave in silence.

 

Inside, he was seething with anger.

This is called concern? Care? Qu dog thief, go to hell!

Edited by: Antiope

 

Support translation: