Qu Yunmie went down, and although Xiao Rong originally planned to stay in the carriage, he became restless when he remembered what kind of person Yu Shaocheng was.

If Yu Shaocheng were to kill Qu Yunmie with one blow, Xiao Rong felt that his own death would be entirely unjust.

…

He ordered the carriage to stop, jumped out, and hurried after Qu Yunmie.

Yu Shaocheng’s journey hadn’t been smooth. Originally, he had 6,000 troops, but during his defection, he lost several hundred. Then there were deserters who didn’t want to join the Northern Defending Army, further reducing his numbers by a few hundred. Now, fewer than 5,000 troops remained.

These 5,000 men all wore the armor of Nanyong, dusty and weary. Yu Shaocheng knew well what his group must have looked like, so when the scouts reported encountering the Northern Defending Army, he prudently halted a mile away and sent a messenger to report.

Naturally, Qu Yunmie didn’t rush to meet him but, after giving his approval, had Yu Shaocheng come to see him instead.

Yu Shaoxie had already been craning his neck, waiting. When he saw Xiao Rong, he smiled warmly at him.

Xiao Rong: “…”

Feeling conflicted, Xiao Rong turned his head away and continued to stare into the distance.

Soon after, Yu Shaocheng arrived on horseback alone. He reined in his horse tightly two zhang (about 6 meters) away from them, dismounted smoothly, and accurately identified the King of the North. He jogged over and half-kneeled in salute.

“I, Yu Shaocheng, have come to pay my respects to you, my Lord. If you don’t disdain me, I wish to stay with the Northern Defending Army and serve you to the death!”

His kneeling posture was impeccable—a testament to his upbringing in the official ranks of Nanyong. Xiao Rong widened his eyes, scrutinizing Yu Shaocheng’s appearance. When he finished, he paused slightly.

How does he look so normal?!

…

Qu Yunmie had a similar reaction to Xiao Rong, but his surprise stemmed from how Yu Shaocheng didn’t look like a general at all. He thought, ‘Another pretty-face lad like Yuan Baifu? How annoying. Has Nanyong started training even their generals like scholars?’

 

 Though Yu Shaocheng’s appearance wasn’t to his liking, Qu Yunmie appreciated his spirit. Leading troops in a defection from Nanyong was no easy feat. With most of Nanyong’s military might concentrated along the Han River and in Jinling, the fact that Yu Shaocheng had managed to escape with so many men intact spoke volumes about his ability. Moreover, despite the grueling march, Yu Shaocheng’s eyes remained sharp and focused, showing no signs of fatigue—evidence of his remarkable stamina.

On an ancient battlefield without the benefit of martial arts enhancements, the most crucial quality for a general was endurance. Without it, how could one command respect after just a few kills?

Aside from his appearance, Qu Yunmie was quite satisfied with Yu Shaocheng. In fact, looking at him, he felt as if he was seeing his younger self. So, he ordered Yu Shaocheng to rise and immediately appointed him as the leader of his personal guards, responsible for the safety of all the scholars.

Xiao Rong: “…”

First Zhuang Weizhi, now Yu Shaocheng.

Yu Shaocheng had no objections to this arrangement. After all, he was new here, and getting any position was fortunate. Moreover, being the leader of the personal guards was a good role—it kept him close to the King of the North and his brother.

He stood up briskly, responding with a cheerful “Yes” and then flashed a bright smile at Yu Shaoxie.

Yu Shaoxie, slightly embarrassed but also proud, returned an approving glance.

Yu Shaocheng was even happier.

Xiao Rong looked on blankly at this harmonious scene between the brothers. Qu Yunmie, seeing that it was nearing noon, decided to order the army to halt, resupply with forage and dry food, and rest for a while before continuing. As he turned around, he noticed Xiao Rong staring inexplicably at Yu Shaocheng.

Qu Yunmie: “…”

He asked, “Why did you come?”

Xiao Rong, a beat slow, looked at him and said, “I was worried about you, my Lord.”

As well as worried about myself.

Qu Yunmie: “…”

At first, Qu Yunmie found Xiao Rong’s behavior odd, but after hearing this, it felt like a warm breeze had blown through his heart, instantly softening his expression. Before leaving, he even showed some concern for Xiao Rong, saying, “The weather is nice today. It’s good to be outside more, some sunlight will be beneficial to your health.”

Xiao Rong muttered a random “Mm.” Once Qu Yunmie left, he continued to eavesdrop silently on the conversation between the brothers. Yu Shaoxie and Yu Shaocheng hadn’t seen each other in two years, and both missed each other, though they didn’t show it directly. Yu Shaoxie asked if Yu Shaocheng’s journey had been smooth, while Yu Shaocheng inquired about how Yu Shaoxie had been lately.

Xiao Rong immediately perked up his ears, afraid that Yu Shaoxie might say something inappropriate.

However, Yu Shaoxie replied with a smile. “Very well, the Northern Defending Army is a good place. I wouldn’t have you suffer.”

Yu Shaocheng blushed. “What are you saying, brother? As long as I’m with you, I’m already content.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He had a thunderstruck expression. Was this really a conversation between brothers? Was this something he should be listening to?

…

The two exchanged a few more words of concern before Yu Shaocheng mentioned that he needed to go arrange his subordinates. Yu Shaoxie urged him to hurry. After Yu Shaocheng rode off, Yu Shaoxie finally remembered Xiao Rong, who had been standing there the whole time.

He invited Xiao Rong, “Brother Xiao, would you like to return and have a meal together?”

During a march, meal times were irregular, depending on the weather and terrain, but two meals a day were standard. At this time, people typically ate two meals a day, so Xiao Rong’s habit of three meals a day, plus snacks, was rare across the Central Plains.

Fortunately, now that he had found the Northern Defending Army, a little extra food was no issue. Even if he ate seven meals a day, the Northern Defending Army could afford it.

The only person puzzled by this was Gao Xunzhi. Despite preparing all sorts of delicacies for Xiao Rong every day, why did his health not seem to improve at all?

…

Xiao Rong stared at Yu Shaoxie so intensely that it made Yu Shaoxie uncomfortable. Finally, Xiao Rong moved, grabbing Yu Shaoxie’s arm and dragging him back to his carriage.

Under Yu Shaoxie’s confused and slightly anxious gaze, Xiao Rong asked him in utter bewilderment, “Why do you and your brother get along so naturally?”

Yu Shaoxie: “…”

Well, he had worried for nothing.

Yu Shaoxie found the question both amusing and exasperating. “My brother and I grew up together. Blood is thicker than water, so of course, we get along naturally. Why? Are you worried you won’t get along with your brother?”

Xiao Rong stared at him for a moment, then denied. “No.”

Yu Shaoxie: “…”

Your expression says otherwise.

In truth, Yu Shaoxie didn’t know how to explain it to Xiao Rong. Although he left home to study at eleven, he didn’t go far and remained in the Sheyang Lake area. Yu Shaocheng would often bring him things, so they never grew distant. Xiao Rong rarely spoke of his family, but from his tone, it seemed that during his years of study, he hardly ever returned home.

That was understandable, considering how much Xiao Rong knew. He must have studied under many teachers, including some reclusive scholars in the mountains, which explained his remarkable abilities.

After thinking it over, Yu Shaoxie finally offered some advice. “It’s true that after being apart for a long time, family members can grow distant, but the bond between siblings isn’t easily broken by a few years of separation. Judging by your character, I’m sure your younger brother is also a good and dutiful man. You don’t need to worry about how you’ll get along.”

Xiao Rong muttered, “That’s not what I’m worried about.”

Yu Shaoxie smiled and then listened as Xiao Rong finished his thought, “I’m worried that I won’t know how to get along with him.”

Yu Shaoxie: “…”

＊

When the Northern Defending Army reached Jiaocheng, in the area of the Loess Plateau, Ah Shu and his group had already arrived in Xinan.

Zhang Biezhi and the others had removed their armor and disguised themselves as ordinary merchants to cross the Han River. From Huainan, they entered Nanyong and continued the pattern of alternating between riding and taking boats.

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

He got seasick.

This journey had really tested his patience. He wondered why the southern region had so many waterways. No wonder there were rumors in the army about training a navy. Although he hadn’t passed through Chenliu City when he came from Yanmen County and instead traveled south from Guancheng, he could see that Chenliu was also an area with abundant water systems.

How could they live like this in the future? Scholars were so annoying, always pushing the King to move the capital to regions with many rivers. This made it hard to even ride a horse properly and left many people frustrated.

 

…

 

Zhang Biezhi had just turned eighteen this year, and was a part of a local wealthy family in Zhangwu County, though they weren’t part of the aristocracy. Five years ago, when Qu Yunmie led his army to drive out the nomads occupying Zhangwu County and rescued the local populace, the Zhang family was among those saved. In gratitude, Zhang Laogong, the family patriarch, also sought to find a protector for the family and married off his beautiful daughter to Jian Qiao.

It must be said that the older generation had its wisdom. At the time, the entire Northern Defending Army was a group of bachelors, but Zhang Laogong singled out Jian Qiao, who wasn’t the best-looking, nor the most courageous, and was even somewhat timid. Yet, he insisted, against all opposition, on sending both his daughter and son to join the Northern Defending Army.

In his early years, Zhang Biezhi grew up pampered like he was soaking in a honey pot. When he was eight, a great disaster struck, and his family escaped death only by hiding in a cellar. Later, when the nomads tried to govern the land, his father was repeatedly summoned, either to extort money from him or to issue threats. Yet the neighbors, unaware of the truth, thought his father had sided with the nomads.

During that time, Zhang Biezhi didn’t have it easy. Everywhere he went, he faced cold stares. He had a fiery temper and was like a little tyrant, always picking fights and arguing with others. As long as he wasn’t confined indoors, he went out daily to stir up trouble.

Then, the Northern Defending Army arrived, and with them, his new protector. The anger he had accumulated over the years turned him into a troublemaker. Unfortunately, Jian Qiao was his brother-in-law, so he had to rescue him no matter what. What made things worse was that Zhang Biezhi actually had some skills. When it came to fighting, most people couldn’t beat him.

This led to him to become someone who spoke without a filter, bullied the weak, and constantly sought fights without understanding his own limitations.

To sum up: He was a rogue with a somewhat elevated status.

Before interacting with Xiao Rong, Zhang Biezhi didn’t think much of him. Now that Xiao Rong decided to fetch his grandmother, Zhang Biezhi found him incredibly annoying. Why should a mere scholar trouble himself to fetch his family?

Thinking this, he even dared to voice his complaint in front of Ah Shu. Ah Shu, who was usually quiet in public, just listened silently. Sometimes Zhang Biezhi thought Ah Shu was daydreaming and not even paying attention to his grumbling. Though, whenever he thought that, he’d notice Ah Shu’s eyes drifting left. Once he finished speaking, Ah Shu’s eyes would lower quietly.

If Zhang Biezhi had studied psychology, he would have known that Ah Shu was carefully memorizing every word he said, preparing to report them later.

…

When they arrived in Xinan, Ah Shu was eager to return home. Though he hadn’t stayed there long initially, he still remembered the way back. Zhang Biezhi followed him impatiently until they finally reached a small gate. Ah Shu, trying to control his excitement, knocked gently on the door.

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

Was that knock meant for mice to hear?

Looking displeased, he shoved Ah Shu aside and began pounding on the small wooden door, making it shake as if it would collapse at any moment.

This house had been rented by Xiao Rong back then. The rent was reasonable, neither too high nor too low. Inside were two main rooms, one corner room, and a small courtyard.

Afraid that Zhang Biezhi might really destroy the place, Ah Shu quickly squeezed back in. At that moment, the door suddenly opened.

An elderly woman with graying hair, a face full of wrinkles, and a wary expression stuck her head out.

She ignored Ah Shu and looked directly at Zhang Biezhi. “Are you the hooligan who just knocked?”

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

He nearly jumped in anger. “Who are you calling a hooligan?! I’m a good person here to take you to your relatives!”

Little did he know, his words made the old woman’s face change drastically. She quickly waved her hand. “What?! I’m already in my sixties, how could I possibly marry you? Besides, a good woman doesn’t serve two husbands, absolutely not!”

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

He was so mad his face almost turned green. “When did I say I wanted to marry you?! You—”

Ah Shu immediately realized that the old woman was having another episode, and this time it seemed quite serious. Afraid that Zhang Biezhi might act impulsively, he quickly pulled the old woman’s attention to himself. “Old Madam, it’s me, Ah Shu. Do you remember me? Last year, I went on a long journey with our Young Master. He said he’d come back to get you and the Young Master. Old Madam, do you remember that?”

The old woman paused in her retreat. She looked up at Ah Shu, puzzled. “You’re… Ah Shu?”

Ah Shu’s eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly. “That’s right!”

The old woman immediately became emotional and was on the verge of tears. “Ah Shu, why did you come back so late? Thirty years ago, your wife didn’t wait for you and passed away just like that!”

Ah Shu: “…”

Thirty years ago, his father was still a toddler.

Seeing Ah Shu’s constipated expression, Zhang Biezhi finally felt relieved.

So it turns out the old woman was like this with everyone, not just him.

Fortunately, Xiao Yi, who had gone out to buy supplies, returned soon. Seeing a group of people at the door, he initially thought someone was causing trouble. When he spotted Ah Shu, he paused, and his eyes turned red.

After nearly nine months apart, Xiao Yi had grown a bit taller, though not much else had changed. With him around, things became much easier. Though the old woman was quite muddleheaded, at least she listened to her grandson. Upon hearing that Xiao Rong wanted to take them to Chenliu, Xiao Yi began packing without saying a word.

Halfway through packing, he asked Ah Shu how Xiao Rong was doing and if his health had improved.

Ah Shu: “…”

He decided not to answer.

It was also around this time that Ah Shu informed Xiao Yi of the first task Xiao Rong had entrusted to him. After hearing it, Xiao Yi was a bit stunned, but in his heart, Xiao Rong was family. Whatever Xiao Rong wanted to do, Xiao Yi felt he had to make it happen.

Leaving the household affairs to Ah Shu, Xiao Yi pondered for a moment before heading out.

Before leaving, Xiao Rong had given him many instructions. Firstly, he must avoid associating with his former elder brother’s acquaintances to avoid trouble. Secondly, Xiao Rong advised him not to randomly take a teacher. As Xiao Rong’s younger brother, Xiao Yi would inevitably attract attention in the future. If he casually chose an obscure teacher, famous scholars might be reluctant to take him as a student later on. After all, reputation was crucial at this time, and these literary figures liked to compare each other’s status.

Xiao Rong believed he was just being practical, making all the necessary plans for the boy before leaving. He didn’t realize that his attitude had deeply moved Xiao Yi. Not only had Xiao Rong not shirked responsibility, but his words also indicated a commitment to living together in the future. No wonder Xiao Yi was so loyal to him.

Therefore, after Xiao Rong left, Xiao Yi strictly followed his instructions. For the past few months, he had stayed home reading and only went out to attend some literary gatherings. Literary gatherings were meetings of scholars at this time. Xiao Yi had some talent and, being related to the Xiao family, even though he was young, some gatherings were willing to include him.

Arriving at a certain literary gathering, Xiao Yi pressed his lips together, feeling a bit nervous. After a moment, he entered.

…

In just one day, the news of monk Mijing’s return from his pilgrimage to Tianzhu had spread throughout the Xinan scholar community. Upon his return he didn’t go anywhere else, he went directly to the King of the North’s domain. Now, he was living and eating with the King of the North’s Chancellor, and preparing to move to Chenliu with him.

This wasn’t the only big news. According to reliable sources, the King of the North planned to host a grand literary gathering in Chenliu, with a thousand participants. There would be three questions posed, and whoever could answer all three would receive ten thousand gold!

What was the concept of ten thousand gold? Four million large coins, eighty million small coins—enough to elevate someone into the ranks of the aristocracy!

Money could tempt even scholars, and although many were stunned by the amount, they still instinctively scorned the King of the North’s behavior as that of a vulgar upstart, joking that he might kill all the participants after the gathering.

Clearly, this alone wasn’t enough to make them take action. Then the insider sighed and revealed that his brother was in the Northern Defending Army. He claimed that the ten thousand gold had nothing to do with the southern scholars because the King of the North didn’t believe they could answer the questions set by the northern scholars. In the end, the money would likely go to the northerners.

Everyone: “…”

“Outrageous! Him, a crude man, dares to look down on us? Literature has nothing to do with the North or South. Half of us southern scholars originally came from the North!”

Nowadays, people argue heatedly over something as simple as a rice dumpling, let alone a matter concerning the pride of scholars. They immediately criticized the Northern Frontier Lord again, with the central point being this: They could go without the money, but they absolutely had to prove the Northern King wrong and show that he was wrong to look down on them.

Xiao Yi, who had initiated the conversation, quietly left when he saw their righteous indignation. Xinan was one of the largest cities in Nanyong, with many scholars. Between Xinan and the nearby Kuaiji, the two cities hosted almost a third of all literary gatherings in Nanyong, with another third in Jinling. As soon as a spark was lit, the news would quickly spread throughout Xinan and then all of Nanyong.

Xiao Yi felt that the job was done, so he happily went home, ready to hit the road with Ah Shu and the others.

…

Meanwhile, Gao Xunzhi, Yu Shaoxie, and Xiao Rong sat together on the ground, staring at the now-extinguished fire.

Upon hearing the amount of ten thousand gold, Gao Xunzhi nearly bulged his eyes out. “Ten thousand?! Rong, we don’t have that kind of money!”

Xiao Rong poked at the fire with a stick, then rubbed his ear. “I know, but just because we don’t have it now doesn’t mean we won’t in the future. Once this literary gathering starts, it won’t just last a day or two, but ten days to half a month. During that time, the participants, mostly from out of town, will need food, lodging, and they’ll also have to buy pens, ink, paper, and other supplies. All of these cost money and create business opportunities. The aristocratic families will definitely want a share. The Northern King is benevolent, and he won’t compete with the people for profits. As long as they each pitch in a sponsorship fee, the gathering can be handed over to them to organize.”

Yu Shaoxie asked, “What if they refuse?”

Xiao Rong raised an eyebrow. “Then we give it to their rivals. One person might be foolish, but not everyone is. Who would pass up on money?”

Gao Xunzhi was listening in a daze. “Will the sponsorship fees really add up to ten thousand gold?”

Xiao Rong pulled back the stick and shook his head decisively. “Definitely not.”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

Then why did you bring it up?

Seeing Gao Xunzhi’s worried face, Xiao Rong couldn’t help but chuckle. “This is just one way. Once the literary gathering begins, the marketplace can open too. Money needs to circulate, otherwise, it’s just a pile of dead objects hoarded away. What I’m doing is trying to revitalize Chenliu’s popularity and economy. The ten thousand gold is just a gimmick. Don’t worry, Chancellor, no one will actually walk away with it. They may come for the gold, but not everyone will win it. When those who don’t win leave, the gathering would’ve been in vain. So the ten thousand gold isn’t important. The key is to build up Chenliu with things that make these scholars not want to leave once they see them.”

His words left the other two puzzled. As scholars themselves, they couldn’t think of anything that would make them not want to leave.

Xiao Rong didn’t explain further. Instead, he poked the fire again, feeling it was about time. His eyes lit up. “It should be ready to eat.”

He dug out a lump of clay from under the fire, and when he broke it open, a fragrant smell immediately wafted out. Xiao Rong squinted in satisfaction as he took a bite.

He pointed to it and then looked at the others. “Do you think we could sell this at the market? Is fifteen large coins per piece too expensive?”

Yu Shaoxie: “…”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

It’s clear the Northern Defending Army has been too hard on you. Look at how they’ve driven this child; he’s completely fallen into the trap of money!

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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