On the fifteenth day of the fourth month in the sixth year of Shengde, just a few days before the Grain in Ear festival, the Northern Defending Army finally emerged from the western side of the Taihang Mountains. As soon as they left the rugged highlands, the view before them opened up. There were no more towering mountains to obstruct their sight.

Once they crossed the River, they would be within the borders of Yuzhou, not far from Chenliu City.

Though the distance seemed short on the map, the varying currents of the River made it necessary to find a calm section to cross, which required a detour.

Having come this far, no one feared the final step. So when they saw the Yellow River ahead, most of them breathed a sigh of relief rather than feeling any tension.

The boats had been prepared long in advance. Disassembled and carried by the soldiers, they were reassembled on-site. This was one of the advantages of wooden boats—fewer parts, easy to make, and no delays even if a piece or two went missing.

While they were busy, Xiao Rong peeked out from the carriage to take a look. The wide river shimmered, its murky waters flowing quietly as it had for millennia and would continue to do so for millennia more.

Everything his eyes could see was a gift from the river, covering a vast floodplain that encompassed all the major cities north of the Han River. This was the birthplace of civilization and the original homeland of all people in the Central Plains.

However, opportunities always come with risks. While this land was fertile, it was also dangerous. Flooding was a constant threat, as was the possibility of the river changing course—a disaster as devastating as the great snowstorm thirty years ago. Still, such catastrophes were beyond human control. Fortunately, Xiao Rong knew that no such disaster would occur for the next five hundred years. As for what would happen after that… who could say what Chenliu would look like then?

Reinforcing the dikes, distributing sandbags, and educating the public on disaster preparedness—these were the limits of what Xiao Rong could do. He couldn’t abandon such fertile land because of a few natural disasters, nor could the people leave their homeland and roots because of them. Thankfully, people are resilient. Living in such difficult times, they managed to survive even through war. What else could defeat them?

…

After crossing the Yellow River, the Northern Defending Army entered the region of Guancheng. From here on, their control weakened. Although the land north of the Han River was under the King of the North’s domain, the situation wasn’t black and white. The area between the Han and Yellow Rivers was densely populated and wealthy, yet not fully aligned with the King of the North’s rule, nor were they as disdainful as the people of Nanyong. Their attitude was ambiguous, clearly still in a period of observation.

When the Nanyong court relocated, most of the noble families who followed were from the Changan area or regions further north, like Pingyang, which were more vulnerable to barbarian incursions. The remaining aristocratic families and wealthy clans continued their operations, along with the officials they supported or who profited from the chaos. These three factions alone were enough to challenge the Northern Defending Army, making the situation look quite difficult. Yet just as the plains were both fertile and dangerous, this challenge also came with opportunities for change.

The chaos provided a chance to further destabilize the situation. The dominance of noble families over public life and culture had lasted long enough, and Xiao Rong was fed up with their tendency to hoard everything for themselves, hiding it away until it was buried with them in their coffins, and unwilling to let the common people benefit from it.

＊

As they approached Guancheng, the area became more populated. On the main roads, they often saw travelers carrying large bundles. The timid ones would avoid them with pale faces, while the bolder ones would approach and ask if there was another war.

Upon learning that the King of the North was relocating his capital, most people hesitated. They feared that the move signaled war but were also enticed by the safety the King of the North’s presence would bring. However, upon hearing that the Buddhist monk Mijing was also part of the entourage, their hesitation vanished, and they immediately packed up their families to join the migrating crowd.

Qu Yunmie was speechless.

Before they left the highlands, Qu Yunmie rarely encountered such situations, but after crossing the river, they became a daily occurrence. Xiao Rong, seeing Qu Yunmie’s frustrated expression, suppressed his laughter and said gently, “This is the power of a reputation for benevolence. Without shedding a drop of blood or saying a single word, people flock to us at the mere mention of his name. Not just the monk, but have you heard of King Dongyang, He Tingzhi? His palace houses two thousand guests, and every day new scholars come to seek his patronage. It seems King Dongyang will never lack manpower in his lifetime.”

As for how many of those two thousand guests were merely freeloaders, there was no need to mention that to Qu Yunmie.

Qu Yunmie looked at Xiao Rong with displeasure.

Why did Xiao Rong always praise others in front of him? First, it was the monk, praised to the skies, then Sun Renluan received high praise as well. Later, even that scoundrel Huang Yanjing was lauded. Now, it was even more absurd—he was comparing him to He Tingzhi, a sycophant!

Everyone knew that He Tingzhi had secured his title through flattery. Although he was the great-grandson of He Kui, the founding Emperor of the He family, his grandfather had committed a crime and was exiled to Cangwu County. He Kui showed no mercy, branding them as criminals for generations. He Tingzhi, in his early years, did all sorts of work to survive and eventually attracted the attention of an old Taoist because of his talent for sweet-talking. He accepted the Taoist as his Master but never truly became a monk, merely changing his name from He Ting to He Tingzhi.

The old Taoist laid the groundwork for him, and he continued to climb the ranks through flattery, advancing from Cangwu County to Jinling. Had the Yong court not relocated, he would likely have flattered his way to Changan. When the court moved south, many criticized the Emperor for running away, but He Tingzhi righteously defended him, claiming the Emperor had no choice and that all subjects should obey him. This flattery pleased Emperor Guangjia, who immediately removed He Tingzhi’s criminal status and granted him a Marquis title. When Emperor Guangjia was on his deathbed, he refused to see anyone else but loved talking to He Tingzhi. Sun Renluan, seeing that He Tingzhi was good for nothing but flattery, allowed his comings and goings but promptly dismissed him after the Emperor’s death, pacifying him with the title of King Dongyang.

Although the title sounded grand, the court had already fragmented the territories of the various kings. Unlike before, when kings ruled over regions like Yan, Han, or Zhao, the new titles like King Dongyang, King Runan, or King Linhai came with tiny territories, often just a single, small city.

Seventeen years ago, during the reign of Emperor Tai Ning, numerous lords had risen in rebellion, with eleven lords declaring their withdrawal of support for the emperor all at once. This was something unimaginable in the past.

From this, it was clear what kind of status Sun Renluan held in Qu Yunmie’s heart. He gave the former a legitimate kingship, while the latter received only a perfunctory title.

Xiao Rong was astonished to hear Qu Yunmie express his disdain for He Tingzhi. It surprised him to learn that Qu Yunmie, who was already acquainted with Huang Yanjing, had also met He Tingzhi. It turned out that ten years ago, all these individuals had been present at the Southern Yong Imperial Palace.

This realization made him feel it was quite strange that fate’s gears had bound them all together so early.

Thinking this way, Xiao Rong couldn’t help but ask, “My lord, do you know Han Liangru?”

Qu Yunmie paused slightly and looked at Xiao Rong with suspicion. “Who is that?”

Was he another person stronger than him?

Xiao Rong thought, ‘It seemed that Qu Yunmie did not know him.’

Qu Yunmie had indirectly caused Sun Renluan’s death, and directly killed the young emperor. In turn, Huang Yanjing had killed Qu Yunmie, and He Tingzhi had forced Huang Yanjing to his death.

This intricate drama of intrigue and power wasn’t yet over. Although He Tingzhi appeared to have won, ascending to the throne and reigning for ten years, no one expected that for the last five years, he had become a puppet, his every action controlled by a Taoist named Han Liangru.

Han Liangru controlled He Tingzhi’s every move and, after five years, forced him to abdicate, not for himself but for his own son. Thus, the Yong Dynasty ceased to exist, and the Han family rose to the throne. After accomplishing this, Han Liangru left Jinling and was said to have lived for over two hundred years before becoming an immortal.

Setting aside the mythical aspects of the story, Han Liangru’s victory was undeniable. If the Han family’s records were correct, Han Liangru should’ve been in his teens at that time and might have already started causing trouble somewhere.

This man was a Taoist, but he had a son and frequently changed between religious and secular life, as if becoming a Taoist was just a way to change his identity. If He Tingzhi hadn’t been mentioned today, Xiao Rong might not have recalled him for a while. Now knowing that Qu Yunmie had been aware of these power struggles early on made Xiao Rong think.

Could it be that Han Liangru had also begun to set his own grand scheme in motion?

It wasn’t until Qu Yunmie called him a few times that Xiao Rong snapped out of his thoughts.

He asked Qu Yunmie, “What did you say, my lord?”

Qu Yunmie: “… What made you so lost in thought? Are you still thinking about Han Liangru? I need to ask, in your opinion, who is more valiant, myself or Han Liangru?”

Xiao Rong suddenly recalled a saying: Who is more admirable, I or Master Xu from the northern city?

…

You really know how to ask a question. Why don’t you ask who is smarter between you and Han Liangru!

Xiao Rong’s mouth twitched and he said, “Han Liangru was a remarkable figure I heard about during my travels. Although I have never met him, I know that he cannot be compared to you.”

Qu Yunmie’s expression improved slightly, and Xiao Rong seized the opportunity to continue to advise him. “As for bravery, no one in this world can compare to you. Compared to you, everyone else is weak. In that case, you should display magnanimity, be more courteous to those weaker than you, and they will be more grateful.”

When Xiao Rong said this, he wore a respectful expression and even blinked at Qu Yunmie. If Qu Yunmie hadn’t been so stubborn, he might have been deceived.

…

Just as he was about to be deceived, he had a sudden realization. Xiao Rong’s implication was that everyone in the world was weak compared to him, which meant he should be courteous to everyone. Why should he? He was the King of the North. Why should he be courteous to everyone?

Qu Yunmie’s face darkened immediately. “Are you suggesting I should emulate He Tingzhi?”

Xiao Rong quickly explained, “Being courteous isn’t about flattery. It’s about adhering to the principles of hospitality. I heard from the Chancellor that you used to do quite well in this regard.”

Qu Yunmie sneered, “Yes, when I adhered to the principles of hospitality, I found that there are indeed many petty people in this world. The closer they are, the more disrespectful they are, and the farther they are, the more resentful they become. If I showed them even a bit more courtesy, they would climb all over me. If I were even more courteous, the Northern Defending Army would have been surrendered to others!”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He always said I was bragging, but when you exaggerate, even eight horses couldn’t catch up with me!

He tried to stay calm and said, “My Lord, are you referring to the Governor of Jinning? His suggestion was indeed poor, but he was just someone seeking fame and recognition. No matter what, he couldn’t force you to do something you didn’t want to do. If you disliked his proposal, you could just dismiss him. Wasn’t it enough that you had already lost so much? After Governor of Jinning’s death, there were still a few scholars who came to you because of their admiration. Haven’t you suffered enough?”

Qu Yunmie replied, “If what you mean by suffering is seeking revenge, then I haven’t suffered enough. These petty people brought slanders to me to test my limits. Why should I maintain the principles of hospitality towards such hypocrites? If they come, I’ll kill them.”

Xiao Rong’s expression changed slightly, and he stared at Qu Yunmie in silence.

In history, he had died due to the principle of revenge, and now, not knowing his own fate, he spoke so boldly.

If he had known that not only he but also an entire army and family would be wiped out, would he have dared to speak so recklessly?

Whether he dared or not was uncertain, but Xiao Rong didn’t know if he dared. What if he was the type to knowingly bump into a wall?

Xiao Rong had listed many of Qu Yunmie’s faults, but he had never mentioned this one. It wasn’t because he forgot, but because he knew it was Qu Yunmie’s most fatal flaw. Since he didn’t know how to handle it yet, he had always avoided mentioning it to avoid touching on his worst nightmares.

He feared that Qu Yunmie, acting impulsively, would lead to the ruin of himself, Xiao Rong, and those Xiao Rong had already come to know.

Even so, avoiding the issue wouldn’t make it go away. Qu Yunmie’s character was such that he would have to face it sooner or later.

Xiao Rong’s gaze was like nails, which made Qu Yunmie realize he was truly angry. Regardless, Qu Yunmie was not the type to back down. He calmly looked back, and after a moment of silence, Xiao Rong said, “Rotten wood cannot be carved.”

Qu Yunmie was momentarily stunned, his face instantly darkening. “What did you say?”

Xiao Rong’s speech sped up immediately. “I said rotten wood cannot be carved! Acting on a moment of passion is what a fool would do. You repeatedly claim you want to be a worthy King of the North. Is this what a King should do? Someone who cannot tolerate a speck of dust will not tolerate the world and everything in it! No one is perfect, everyone has flaws. Do you intend to kill everyone in the world? If so, you might as well kill me first!”

Qu Yunmie: “…”

His face showed disbelief. “You are being unreasonable! I just can’t tolerate petty people!”

Xiao Rong was even angrier. “Who decides who is petty and who is noble? Is someone deemed petty simply because you dislike them? If one person’s preference leads to a bloody purge, do you know what that’s called? It’s called unjust slaughter!”

Qu Yunmie was also furious. “Yes, that’s how I am. Have you forgotten? I remember you said from the start that I—am cruel and bloodthirsty!!”

Xiao Rong laughed angrily. “Good, good, good. So you’re cruel and bloodthirsty. I just wanted you to be a bit more courteous to others in the future, and you use those four words to shut me up. The Governor of Jinning only proposed an impractical idea, and you personally decapitated him. Now, if I contradict you, will I not even get to keep my body intact? How do you plan to deal with me—slice me into pieces or turn me into minced meat?”

Qu Yunmie’s forehead bulged with veins as he shouted, “Xiao Rong, don’t push your luck!!!”

Xiao Rong shouted even louder. “How am I pushing my luck?! According to your standards, this is the outcome I deserve! Am I considered a petty person? Is what I’m doing seeking fame and recognition? My life is on the line here. Why should a single wrong word cost me my head!!”

Outside the carriage, a crowd stared in shock, including Gao Xunzhi, who even stretched his head out. The more he listened, the more he felt something was wrong. He wanted to go down and intervene but was stopped by Mijing, who told him not to.

The voices inside were growing louder, and Mijing could hear them clearly even inside his carriage. He felt that the King of the North didn’t seem like someone who would lash out, and he wanted to see how the argument would develop.

Gao Xunzhi knew Qu Yunmie well enough to realize that as long as he was still talking, it meant things weren’t too dire.

Gao Xunzhi pressed his ear to the window in worry but noticed something was off when the noise suddenly stopped.

Gao Xunzhi: “!!!”

Please don’t harm Xiao Rong!

He quickly stopped the team and ran over, his heart racing as he reached the carriage. He pulled aside the curtain and then his pupils contracted.

Inside, there was no bloody scene, only a distressing one.

Xiao Rong, with a pale face, was leaning against his straw pillow, clutching his chest, unable to speak. Qu Yunmie was helplessly watching him. He knelt beside Xiao Rong, intending to touch him, but Xiao Rong slapped his hand away.

In that moment, Qu Yunmie’s expression was like a dog that had made a mistake, wanting to get close but being abandoned.

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

He furrowed his brows, not having time to ponder why Qu Yunmie had such an expression. He immediately turned and called for a doctor.

The doctor checked Xiao Rong’s pulse and felt that Xiao Rong was a stumbling block in his medical path. How could someone with so many ailments still be alive? This must be some sort of legend.

The doctor didn’t understand and found it impossible. He ended up giving standard excuses like a surge of emotions, congenital weakness, and the need for rest, which made Qu Yunmie frown. From what he heard, the doctor had already repeated himself three or four times.

At that time, they were on a military road with no nearby villages or inns unlike in Yanmen County, where Xiao Rong could rest properly. Qu Yunmie picked Xiao Rong up and ran outside with large strides.

Xiao Rong, feeling unwell, was surprised when picked up. It was a princess carry, and as he had always been the one carrying others he never imagined he would be carried himself.

While he often held his dance partner like this during practice, it was quite strenuous and left his arms sore.

……

Qu Yunmie held him as if carrying a leaf, and Xiao Rong stared blankly at his chin. After a while, he remembered to ask a question.

Just where on the official road was Qu Yunmie taking him?!

Not long after, he found the answer.

Arriving among the Butuwu people, Qu Yunmie anxiously placed him in front of a middle-aged woman and said, “Old Wu, see what’s wrong with him!”

The middle-aged woman, carrying a bundle, set it down and then squatted to pinch Xiao Rong’s arms and shoulders, then supported his head and examined his eyes.

Xiao Rong: “…”

What is she doing?

He sat on the grass, bewildered, as the middle-aged woman stood up and whispered something in Butuwu to the people behind her. After a while, she turned and ordered, “Turn him over.”

Xiao Rong was startled and, before he could say anything, Qu Yunmie obediently straightened and flattened his legs, pressing him down to lie on the ground.

Xiao Rong exclaimed, “Wait! What are you doing? I’m fine now, I’m okay!”

Qu Yunmie remained unmoved and told him, “Endure it.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

Endure what?!

Soon, with a look of terror, Xiao Rong watched as the Butuwu woman approached with a round stick. She knelt beside him and, like rolling dough, rolled him from top to bottom.

Her method wasn’t merely rolling, it was a mix of scraping and massaging, which was particularly painful the first time.

……

Xiao Rong cried out in pain, but no one came to his aid. Even Gao Xunzhi only watched silently. Yu Shaoxie also got down and exchanged a few words with him.

Yu Shaoxie consoled him, “It’s like this the first time.”

Gao Xunzhi reassured, “But once you get through this, it will be fine.”

Yu Shaoxie said, “Speaking of which, when I had a cough, it was the Chancellor who arranged for this tribe’s apprentice to help me. After just three sessions, I was completely cured.”

Gao Xunzhi remarked, “Yes, but Xiao Rong’s condition is much worse than yours. He might need several sessions.”

Once this was said, Gao Xunzhi and Yu Shaoxie both gave a slight start, the two of them looked at each other, then looked sympathetically at Xiao Rong over there who was already almost voiceless.

Sigh, hang in there!

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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