When he got this bad news, Zhang Biezhi was about to go out with his friends to have fun.

Originally, he was still nose-to-nose and eye-to-eye with Chenliu. He disliked the water and the mountains, but when he had settled down completely and his brother-in-law was too busy accomplishing the things Xiao Rong had ordered to care about him, his good days came.

To put it in an inappropriate way, it was as if he was an old peasant from the countryside entering the city for the first time.

 

…. 

 

He had traveled far and wide before. When he went to pick up Xiao Yi and his grandmother, he had also been to Xinan County, a place even more prosperous than Chenliu. At that time, he had a mission to watch over the old woman and the boy to make sure nothing happened to them. As a result, he had no chance to enjoy the delights of Xinan County. As for the pleasures of men, weren’t they always the same?

There were no such establishments in Yanmen County. Perhaps, in places out of Qu Yunmie’s sight, among the lowest-ranking soldiers, there were a few who slipped through the cracks. Poor people were willing to do anything for a few coins, and Qu Yunmie couldn’t control that.

As for the senior generals, those who were always under his watchful eye, Qu Yunmie had made it very clear that he wouldn’t allow them to visit such places, nor would he tolerate them hosting such events in their own homes.

The reason Qu Yunmie had to stress such an extreme rule was because many people indeed engaged in such behavior and even considered it a mark of refined indulgence.

Of course, they wouldn’t go so far as to cross the line in front of guests, but they would invite many women to serve them. In the middle of drinking and socializing, if someone took a liking to one of the women, he could take her away—even if she was someone else’s concubine.

As an older bachelor, Qu Yunmie firmly refused to allow such filth to occur within his army. Outwardly, everyone pretended to have no issue with it, but who knew what they said behind his back

If it were up to Xiao Rong, he probably wouldn’t have been as decisive or firm as Qu Yunmie because he would have considered the opinions of these senior generals. Most of them fought hard in battle with the hopes of being promoted and getting rich, and promotion and wealth meant living like men of high status—and living like a man of high status often meant not treating others like human beings.

In theory, a good ruler should satisfy his subordinates’ every need, but this was just too depraved. It was basically encouraging open exploitation.

Fortunately, this wasn’t a real issue, because Qu Yunmie had already issued the order long ago. When people came to Xiao Rong, hoping he would persuade Qu Yunmie not to be so strict, Xiao Rong could only sigh, shake his head helplessly, and play the role of the understanding good guy.

 

….

 

Most people obeyed Qu Yunmie’s strict orders, knowing that punishments in the army were no joke. However, there were some who deliberately disobeyed, like Zhang Biezhi, the Young Master Zhang.

He wasn’t afraid of getting beaten. After all, no matter what happened, Jian Qiao would always cover for him. Even if Jian Qiao got really angry and personally came to beat him with a stick, his beautiful sister would cry and stop him, preventing him from laying a hand on Zhang Biezhi.

This only made Zhang Biezhi more reckless.

Zhang’s sister wasn’t someone who spoiled her brother. She often tried to persuade him to behave and stop causing trouble. The problem was that Zhang Biezhi never listened to her. In fact, there wasn’t anyone in the world who could make Zhang Biezhi listen.

Zhang’s sister couldn’t, Jian Qiao couldn’t, and even Qu Yunmie couldn’t.

Because of his wild personality, during the infamous large-scale betrayal, even though he had nothing to do with it, being Jian Qiao’s brother-in-law, the other side didn’t even consider trying to win him over and just assumed he was a staunch supporter of Qu Yunmie—Zhang Biezhi found it all quite interesting. He no longer wanted to be controlled by anyone, so he joined the traitors out of a sense of mischief.

His betrayal didn’t catch Qu Yunmie’s attention, as Qu Yunmie was overwhelmed with more pressing matters. However, his betrayal was a huge slap in the face to Jian Qiao. Zhang’s sister had been devastated, crying constantly, and Jian Qiao became deeply upset, not wanting to see her anymore. He didn’t realize that Zhang’s sister had secretly left. No one knew how she, a lone woman, managed to infiltrate the enemy camp. She knelt before Zhang Biezhi and begged him to return with her. She reminded him of their parents, saying that their father hadn’t sent him to the Northern Army to see him turn against his brother-in-law.

This part of history wasn’t recorded. Later generations’ evaluation of Zhang Biezhi described him as a lesser version of Qu Yunmie. He had a small group of followers, partly because he died so young. Becoming the leader of a faction before the age of twenty was something to be praised in any era.

What people didn’t know was that Zhang Biezhi had moments of doubt. His betrayal was motivated by a desire to stir things up, to vent his frustrations, and to prove that he wasn’t dependent on his brother-in-law. When he arrived at the enemy camp, he felt a bit lost. Why was he here? How angry must his sister and brother-in-law be right now?

Having been protected all his life and never having experienced real hardships, this betrayal felt like a game to him. He hadn’t realized the seriousness of the situation until someone lifted the flap of his tent, saw his sister there, and turned pale with rage. They furiously drew a blade and struck her down with a single slash.

 

….

 

No one knew the name of the person who killed Zhang’s sister because he wasn’t recorded in history. The only thing known was that this man had a fiery temper. As soon as he saw Zhang’s sister, he understood why she had come. He thought Zhang Biezhi was going to betray them, so he acted preemptively.

Her death was somewhat absurd.

She died because of a momentary lapse, a misunderstanding, and ultimately, for no meaningful reason.

Zhang’s sister wasn’t the first to die this way, nor would she be the last.

What else happened that day was never recorded in history either. What was recorded was that Zhang Biezhi stayed with the rebel army for a while. When Qu Yunmie launched his attack, Zhang Biezhi quickly left, taking with him the soldiers who didn’t want to face Qu Yunmie head-on. Later, he established himself as an independent force in the Central Plains. He endured a lot of hardships, fighting battles of all sizes almost daily, without a moment of rest. No matter how difficult things became, he never asked anyone for help.

That’s why Xiao Rong had no idea that he was Jian Qiao’s brother-in-law. During the time Zhang Biezhi became famous, he seemed like someone who had sprung out of nowhere. There were no records of his background. He appeared suddenly and dramatically, but when he died, it was in obscurity. He never surrendered, never asked for help, just kept charging forward until, inevitably, he was killed by a flurry of arrows.

A person lives a lifetime full of rights and wrongs. No one goes without mistakes, and no one is right their whole life. The Zhang siblings seemed somewhat foolish, especially Zhang Biezhi, to the point of being beyond saving. However, in a different time, their fates might have been different.

This is the nature of chaotic times. If the elimination rate of people in peaceful times is only five percent, then in times of chaos, that rate is fifty percent. In extreme environments, every flaw is magnified, and every flaw becomes fatal.

 

….

 

Events not recorded in history, Xiao Rong certainly didn’t know about them. His insistence on having Zhang Biezhi follow him wasn’t to give him a chance to not betray Qu Yunmie in the future.

Just like Qu Yunmie didn’t care about Zhang Biezhi’s betrayal, Xiao Rong didn’t care either. The threat posed by Zhang Biezhi didn’t even rate a single star. In history, he had avoided Jian Qiao, clearly unwilling to become an enemy of his. Even if he were willing to become one, Xiao Rong didn’t think he could cause any serious consequences.

After all, how could a low-tier version possibly defeat the premium version?

 

…. 

 

The reason he insisted on taking Zhang Biezhi was because he truly thought Zhang Biezhi would be useful. As for how he would be useful, that would be clear once they reached Jinling.

Once Xiao Rong made a decision, no one could change his mind. Before leaving, Zhang Biezhi was dragged by the neck by his brother-in-law and informed of the bad news.

Zhang Biezhi felt like Xiao Rong was targeting him. “Why do I have to go?!”

The last time he went to Xinan, it had been such a hassle. Why did he have to go again?

Jian Qiao looked at him like he was failing to live up to expectations. “Others want to go but can’t! Mr. Xiao is a person of great ability, and the King values him greatly. This is a good opportunity. Mr. Xiao personally chose you to go—just be happy about it!”

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

He wasn’t happy about it.

The last time he went to bring that old lady to Chenliu, it became an indelible shadow in his life. Xiao Rong was the old lady’s grandson, so he probably wasn’t any better.

Thinking back on the mental torment he endured, Zhang Biezhi rolled his eyes and immediately became upset. “I’m not going! Whoever wants to go, can go ahead!”

Jian Qiao had been busy handling all the big and small matters in Chenliu City, almost becoming the top contractor in the area. Doing those tasks made him furious, and now this troublesome little brother-in-law dared to refuse Xiao Rong’s order.

Jian Qiao immediately stood up, glaring at Zhang Biezhi with an intense look, as if he was about to transform. “Say that again. If you have the guts, say it again.”

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

Was this necessary?! He was just a scholar! Why did everyone listen to him so obediently?!

So annoying! Fine, he’ll go!

….

Zhang Biezhi’s situation was settled, and Jian Qiao hurried to report to Xiao Rong. Zhang Biezhi had a psychological shadow because of Xiao Rong’s grandmother, and Jian Qiao also had a shadow because of Zhang Biezhi. He really hoped someone could discipline Zhang Biezhi and that Zhang Biezhi could earn Xiao Rong’s favor so that he wouldn’t disappoint his father-in-law.

At that moment, Xiao Rong was speaking with Yu Shaoxie. When he heard from Jian Qiao that Zhang Biezhi was packing his bags, Xiao Rong simply said “Oh” and sent him away.

He didn’t understand the complex feelings Jian Qiao had, acting both as a brother-in-law and a father figure. To Xiao Rong, it seemed like a small matter.

Yu Shaoxie, who had spent a long time in the Northern Army, knew a little about some of the unspeakable matters in General Jian’s heart. He couldn’t help but laugh. “Although General Jian hasn’t explicitly said it, the hopeful look on his face is written quite clearly.”

Xiao Rong looked at him. “What’s written?”

Yu Shaoxie held his tea cup and chuckled. “Naturally, he wants Xiao Rong to properly discipline his brother-in-law. That Deputy General Zhang has almost become the troublemaker of their family.”

Xiao Rong said, “I can’t handle this kind of thing.”

Yu Shaoxie asked, “Why downplay yourself, Xiao Rong? You’ve already achieved quite a brilliant military record.”

Xiao Rong raised his eyes, and Yu Shaoxie winked at him teasingly.

Xiao Rong: “…”

He still preferred the old Yu Shaoxie, who used to get shy whenever he saw him. Now, this version of him, who behaved so familiarly, was a bit annoying.

He of course knew who Yu Shaoxie was talking about; he wasn’t stupid. He could also tell how indulgent Qu Yunmie was towards him. Though it was the result of his own hard work, he never expected it to turn out this way.

It was impossible for him not to feel pleased. Qu Yunmie’s change in attitude saved him ten years of effort.

Regardless, that didn’t mean he could accept other people’s teasing. Qu Yunmie was the King of the North, so how could his subordinates casually tease their superior?

His reasoning sounded very righteous, but the real reason was that he didn’t like having it pointed out.

It was just fine when things were unclear and understood without being spoken, especially among adults. Why did it have to be pointed out? Why did it have to be said, making him realize how special he was to Qu Yunmie?

As for why he didn’t like it… he didn’t know. He just didn’t.

Yu Shaoxie saw that Xiao Rong didn’t respond, and he called out to him, puzzled, “Xiao Rong?”

Xiao Rong looked up, his expression calm. “The way people get along still depends on fate. I’m not a deity, I can’t make everyone listen to me.”

Yu Shaoxie paused, then sighed. “Yes, every family has its own troubles. Zhang Biezhi gives General Jian quite a headache, but that’s because General Jian hasn’t seen the pests in other families. You’ll see them when you get to Jinling.”

At this point, he couldn’t help but bring up the past again. “I wish I could go with you. Though my Yu Family has fallen, I’ve met half of the aristocratic families in Jinling, and I’ve heard of the other half. With me accompanying you, at least you’d know who they are.”

Xiao Rong certainly understood this logic, but since he was Yu Shaocheng’s brother, bringing him along would be like causing trouble directly.

Xiao Rong comforted him. “There’s no need to worry, Brother Yu. I’m going to the palace to see His Majesty, not to make friends with these aristocrats. Unless something unexpected happens, I won’t run into them.”

Yu Shaoxie: “…”

What he was afraid of was the unexpected; trouble always seemed to find its way to him.

Still, at this point, discussing it was pointless. Once they arrived, everything would depend on Xiao Rong himself.

 

…

 

The next day, while they were chatting, Huang Yanjiong’s people arrived in the city with two wooden chests.

After sending them off, Xiao Rong stood in front of the two chests and opened them in front of the crowd that had gathered to watch.

The left chest was filled with gold ingots, and the right chest contained various treasures. It was unclear whether Huang Yanjiong was worried about them having questions about Huang Keji’s matter, or if he truly needed the military order for the army, but he had certainly sent a lot.

Of the treasures, jewelry accounted for only thirty percent, and the rest were foreign spices, rare books from the Huang family collection, and two secret formulas.

One for prolonging life and the other for maintaining beauty.

Xiao Rong: “…”

How thoughtful. The former was for the Grand Marshal, and the latter for Empress Dowager Sun.

From this, it was clear that Huang Yanjiong knew the real power was in the hands of the Sun siblings. As for Empress Dowager Sun, although she had no real power, the young Emperor still depended on her heavily. Relying on this, she had significant authority in the imperial harem.

Because of this, she was able to keep a male lover right under everyone’s nose for a long time without anyone noticing.

Ahem, let’s not talk about that for now.

Xiao Rong carefully examined the gold ingots and noticed the Huang family’s seal on them. The jewelry also bore the Huang family’s mark, something that was common among aristocratic families nowadays to show their uniqueness.

With the seal present, Xiao Rong was finally satisfied. He had the items put away, intending to pack his things that evening and leave the next morning for Jinling.

When Xiao Yi found out that Xiao Rong was leaving for the dangerous Jinling, he was very worried but was afraid to hold Xiao Rong back and didn’t dare speak up. However, Chen Sheyu didn’t have such reservations. When she heard that Xiao Rong would be leaving for a while, she began to cry, but she didn’t try to stop him. Instead, she earnestly reminded him to be careful on his journey.

As she spoke, her words became muddled. She started out reminding Xiao Rong, but soon, she was speaking as though she was reminding her late sons. Xiao Rong quietly listened until she finished, then gently coaxed her back to rest.

Xiao Yi helped Chen Sheyu leave, and as Xiao Rong let out a sigh of relief, he saw Ah Shu staring at him with red eyes.

Xiao Rong: “…”

He wasn’t going to die, really.

Ah Shu spoke up. “Lord, I’ll go with you.”

Xiao Rong hesitated. “It’s dangerous…”

Ah Shu immediately shot him a reproachful look, as if to say, didn’t you just say it wasn’t dangerous

Xiao Rong said, “Fine, go pack then.”

Ah Shu nodded, but he didn’t look happy. He walked away with a heavy expression.

Xiao Rong: “…”

Leaning against the doorframe, Xiao Rong watched Ah Shu’s back, then suddenly heard a low voice behind him. “Are you regretting it?”

Xiao Rong crossed his arms, turned around, looking at Qu Yunmie, and arrogantly said, “Your Majesty doesn’t know this, but I’ve never known what it’s like to regret.”

Qu Yunmie nodded knowingly, then asked, “So, you don’t regret when you called me headstrong earlier?”

Xiao Rong: “…”

Why bring that up again?!

His expression faltered again. “Your Majesty, constantly bringing up old grievances isn’t the behavior of a great man.”

Qu Yunmie averted his gaze, as if he hadn’t heard the accusation.

He walked in and looked at Xiao Rong’s bundle, which still hadn’t been properly tied. Inside were a few clothes and some daily necessities; nothing else.

Qu Yunmie furrowed his brows and asked, “What about your sword?”

Xiao Rong instinctively looked at the wall, where the sword hung, perfectly fine. Qu Yunmie followed his gaze and said, “You should take it with you.”

Xiao Rong was confused. “Why take it? It’s not even sharpened. Besides, I can’t bring a sword into the palace. They’ll take it away before I even enter.”

Qu Yunmie knew that Xiao Rong had been to the palace before. He was aware that the palace guards treated people without noble backgrounds like cattle—brutal checks, confiscating everything, and mocking their poverty.

During his year in Nanyong, he spent three months in Lujiang, eight months in Jinling, and the final month on the road, defecting.

He had normal memories of Lujiang, but Jinling made Qu Yunmie furious every single day.

Qu Yunmie was of average education, and he couldn’t express himself with flowery words. He just knew that Jinling Palace was like a huge jar, full of ugly beasts. They were twisted but didn’t realize it, mocking those who were normal. Their harsh, shrill laughter made Qu Yunmie frown whenever he thought of it.

He really didn’t want Xiao Rong to experience what he had been through.

Originally, he had planned to secretly follow Xiao Rong the next day. Xiao Rong was smart, but his martial skills were poor, and his vision was average. If Qu Yunmian truly hid his tracks, Xiao Rong wouldn’t be able to spot him.

This way, Xiao Rong wouldn’t know he was there. However, Xiao Rong was a meticulous planner, and if something went wrong, he wouldn’t think of having someone help him; instead, he’d go off somewhere Qu Yunmie couldn’t find him.

After thinking it through, Qu Yunmie decided to tell Xiao Rong the truth.

Turning around, Qu Yunmie spoke, his words cutting through Xiao Rong’s unknowing gaze. “Tomorrow, I’ll send you out of the city.”

Xiao Rong froze. He was about to refuse when he heard Qu Yunmie continue, “I’ll go with you to the banks of the Han River. After you cross, I’ll stay there and wait for your return.”

Xiao Rong stared at him in shock, opening his mouth to speak, but was quickly interrupted by Qu Yunmie. “I won’t let anyone see me. In battle, I’m an expert at ambushing. I’ve infiltrated camps of tens of thousands without anyone noticing. The people of Jinling won’t spot me either.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He pursed his lips. “The journey will take too long, and Chenliu–”

Qu Yunmie cut him off, “You manage Chenliu. If you don’t come back, what use will I have here alone?”

Xiao Rong stared at him, then paused, instinctively turning his head away, avoiding Qu Yunmie’s intense gaze.

Qu Yunmie hardly ever lied. Every word he spoke came from the heart. He couldn’t say anything particularly moving, but when he spoke earnestly, his gaze made Xiao Rong feel uncomfortable.

It was as if it were a pair of irons, burning him with their heat.

Xiao Rong was starting to soften, but still tried to convince Qu Yunmie.: “The Han River is far from the palace. If something happens, Your Majesty won’t make it in time.”

Qu Yunmie nodded. “At least it’s closer than Chenliu.”

At least there was more of a possibility.

Xiao Rong turned his head back and met Qu Yunmie’s eyes.

He knew why Qu Yunmie wanted to stay on the Han River side; it was his bottom line. He could never agree to let Qu Yunmie cross the river. The King understood himself, which was why he said it.

He understood Xiao Rong, and Xiao Rong understood him. He knew how much tension was hidden behind Qu Yunmie’s calm tone.

Xiao Rong asked, “If I tell Your Majesty not to go, what will happen?”

Qu Yunmie paused for a moment. “Then we will go as planned.”

Xiao Rong had his own bottom line, and so did Qu Yunmie.

Hearing this, Xiao Rong couldn’t help but smile. “Then what can I say? I will return as quickly as I can to meet with Your Majesty.”

When Qu Yunmie heard his agreement, a heavy weight seemed to lift from his heart. He also smiled, and the two exchanged a look, understanding each other without needing more words.

 

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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